ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
Nelnet, Inc. (the “Company”) is an education services company focused primarily on providing fee-based processing services and quality education-related products and services in four core areas: asset management and finance, loan servicing, payment processing, and enrollment services (education planning). These products and services help students and families plan, prepare, and pay for their education and make the administrative and financial processes more efficient for schools and financial organizations. In addition, the Company earns interest income on a portfolio of federally insured student loans. Substantially all revenue from external customers is earned, and all long-lived assets are located, in the United States.
The Company was formed as a Nebraska corporation in 1977 to service federal student loans for two local banks. The Company built on this initial foundation as a servicer to become a leading originator, holder, and servicer of federal student loans, principally consisting of loans originated under the FFEL Program (a detailed description of the FFEL Program is included in Appendix A to the Company's 2011 Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2012 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")).
On March 30, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (the “Reconciliation Act of 2010”). Effective July 1, 2010, this law prohibits new loan originations under the FFEL Program and requires that all new federal loan originations be made through the Federal Direct Loan Program. This law does not alter or affect the terms and conditions of existing FFELP loans.
As a result of the Reconciliation Act of 2010, the Company no longer originates new FFELP loans. However, a significant portion of the Company's income continues to be derived from its existing FFELP student loan portfolio and other FFELP service offerings. Interest income on the Company's existing FFELP loan portfolio, as well as fee-based revenue from FFELP guaranty and third-party servicing, will decline over time as the Company's and the Company's third-party lender clients' FFELP loan portfolios are paid down. As of December 31, 2012, the Company has a $24.8 billion student loan portfolio that will amortize over the next approximately 20 years.
To reduce its reliance on interest income on student loans, the Company has significantly diversified and increased its fee-based education-related services. In addition, the Company believes there will be opportunities to purchase additional FFELP loan portfolios from current FFELP participants looking to adjust their FFELP businesses, which will generate incremental earnings and cash flow. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company purchased $3.9 billion (par value) of FFELP loans.
Customers
The Company serves several different groups of customers, including:
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Students and families
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Colleges and universities, specifically financial aid, business, and admissions offices
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Private, faith-based, and other K-12 schools
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Lenders, servicers, and state agencies in education finance
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Government entities
An increase in the size of the education market generally increases the demand for the Company's products and services. As shown in the chart below, total student enrollment is projected to continue to grow for many years. An increasing number of students are pursuing a higher education, often with the help of financial aid by the federal government, for whom the Company services loans. In addition, as the education market continues to grow, often with budget and funding concerns, schools at all levels have an increasing need to become more efficient, offer consistent and quality services, and recruit and retain students.
(1)
Source: Digest of Education Statistics 2011, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, June 2012, NCES 2012-001
Operating Segments
The Company operates as four distinct operating segments with several different brands. The Company's operating segments offer a broad range of services designed to simplify education planning and financing for students and families and the administrative and financial processes for schools and financial institutions. The Company's operating segments are:
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Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing
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Referred to as Nelnet Diversified Solutions (“NDS”)
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Focuses on student loan servicing, student loan servicing-related technology solutions, and outsourcing services for guaranty agencies and other entities
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Includes the brands Nelnet Loan Servicing, Firstmark Services, Nelnet Guarantor Solutions, 5280 Solutions, Responsible Repay, and CampusGuard
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Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce
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Commonly known as Nelnet Business Solutions (“NBS”)
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Focuses on tuition payment plans and online payment processing
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Includes the brand FACTS Management
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Enrollment Services
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Commonly called Nelnet Enrollment Solutions (“NES”)
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Focuses on education planning and enrollment-related services, including inquiry generation and management
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Includes the brands CUnet, Peterson's, EssayEdge, and Sparkroom
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Asset Generation and Management
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Includes the acquisition and management of the Company's student loan assets
Segment Operating Results
The Company's operating segments are defined by the products and services they offer or the types of customers they serve, and they reflect the manner in which financial information is currently evaluated by management. The Company includes separate financial information about its operating segments, including revenues, net income or loss, and total assets for each of the Company's segments, for the last three fiscal years in note 14 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Fee-Based Operating Segments
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing
The primary service offerings of this operating segment include:
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Servicing FFELP loans
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Originating and servicing non-federally insured student loans
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Servicing federally-owned student loans for the Department of Education
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Servicing and outsourcing services for FFELP guaranty agencies, including FFELP guaranty collection services
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Providing student loan servicing software and other information technology products and services
As of December 31, 2012, the Company serviced $97.5 billion of student loans for 5.7 million borrowers. See Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing Operating Segment - Results of Operations - Student Loan Servicing Volumes" for additional information related to the Company's servicing volume.
The elimination of new FFELP originations in July 2010 will cause the FFELP-related revenue streams in this operating segment to decline as FFELP loan portfolios are paid down. A description of each service offering follows.
Servicing FFELP loans
The Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing operating segment provides for the servicing of the Company's student loan portfolio and the portfolios of third parties. The loan servicing activities include loan conversion activities, application processing, borrower updates, payment processing, due diligence procedures, funds management reconciliations, and claim processing. These activities are performed internally for the Company's portfolio in addition to generating external fee revenue when performed for third-party clients.
The Company's student loan servicing division uses proprietary systems to manage the servicing process. These systems provide for automated compliance with most of the federal student loan regulations adopted under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the “Higher Education Act”).
The Company serviced FFELP loans on behalf of approximately 50 third-party servicing customers as of December 31, 2012. The Company's FFELP servicing customers include national and regional banks, credit unions, and various state and non-profit secondary markets. The majority of the Company's external FFELP loan servicing activities are performed under “life of loan” contracts. Life of loan contract servicing essentially provides that as long as the loan exists, the Company shall be the sole servicer of that loan; however, the agreement may contain “deconversion” provisions where, for a fee, the lender may move the loan to another servicer.
Originating and servicing non-federally insured student loans
The Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing operating segment provides origination and servicing activities for non-federally insured loans. Although similar in terms of activities and functions as FFELP servicing (i.e., disbursement processing, application processing, payment processing, statement distribution, and reporting), non-federally insured loan servicing activities are not required to comply with provisions of the Higher Education Act and may be more customized to individual client requirements. The Company serviced non-federally insured loans on behalf of approximately 20 third-party servicing customers as of December 31, 2012.
Servicing federally-owned student loans for the Department of Education
In June 2009, the Company was one of four private sector companies awarded a student loan servicing contract by the Department of Education to provide additional servicing capacity for loans owned by the Department. These loans include Federal Direct Loan Program loans originated directly by the Department and FFEL Program loans purchased by the Department. The Company earns a monthly fee from the Department for each unique borrower who has loans owned by the Department and serviced by the Company. In September 2009, the Department began assigning purchased FFELP loans to the four servicers. Beginning with the second year of servicing in June 2010, the Department began allocating new loan volume among the four servicers based on five performance metrics.
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Three metrics measure the satisfaction among separate customer groups, including borrowers, financial aid personnel at postsecondary schools participating in the federal student loan program, and Federal Student Aid and other federal agency personnel or contractors who work with the servicers.
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Two performance metrics measure the success of default prevention efforts as reflected by the percentage of borrowers and percentage of dollars in each servicer's portfolio that go into default.
Pursuant to the contract terms related to annual volume allocation of new loans, the maximum any servicer can be awarded is 40 percent of new borrowers in that contract year. Based on the most recent survey results, the Company was ranked first out of the four private sector companies and will be allocated 30 percent of new loan volume originated by the Department during the period from August 15, 2012 through August 14, 2013 (the fourth year of the servicing contract). The Department projects it will originate new loans for 3.6 million borrowers in total during the fourth year of this contract, which is currently being allocated to the four servicers. The Company is focused on maintaining its current first place ranking out of the four servicers established by the Department and will continue to search for areas that could be improved in order to do so.
The servicing contract with the Department spans five years (through June 2014), with one five-year renewal at the option of the Department. Although the Company currently anticipates that the Department will exercise its option to renew the servicing contract for five years at the end of the current term in 2014, there can be no assurance of such renewal.
Servicing and outsourcing services for FFELP guaranty agencies, including FFELP guaranty collection services
The Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing operating segment provides servicing support for guaranty agencies, which are the organizations that serve as the intermediary between the U.S. federal government and FFELP lenders, and are responsible for paying the claims made on defaulted loans. The Department has designated approximately 30 guarantors that have been formed as either state agencies or non-profit corporations that provide FFELP guaranty services in one or more states. Approximately half of these guarantors contract externally for operational or technology services. The services provided by the Company include providing software and data center services, borrower and loan updates, default aversion tracking services, claim processing services, and post-default collection services. A significant portion of guaranty servicing revenue earned by the Company relates to rehabilitating delinquent loans (collection services).
The Company's three guaranty servicing customers include Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, College Assist (which is the Colorado state-designated guarantor of FFELP student loans), and the National Student Loan Program.
Providing student loan servicing software and other information technology products and services
The Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing operating segment provides student loan servicing software, which is used internally by the Company and licensed to third-party student loan holders and servicers. These software systems have been adapted so that they can be offered as hosted servicing software solutions that can be used by third-parties to service various types of student loans, including Private, Federal Direct Loan Program, and FFEL Program loans. The Company earns a monthly fee from its remote hosting customers for each unique borrower on the Company's platform, with a minimum monthly charge for most contracts. As of December 31, 2012, 6.9 million borrowers were hosted on the Company's hosted servicing software solution platforms. In addition, this operating segment has historically provided information technology products and services, with core areas of business in educational loan software solutions, technical consulting services, enterprise content management solutions, and outsourcing and back office support services. However, the elimination of new loan originations under the FFEL Program has reduced theses service offerings over the past few years.
Competition
The Company's scalable servicing platform allows it to provide compliant, efficient, and reliable service at a low cost, giving the Company a competitive advantage over others in the industry for all of this segment's services, which are discussed below.
Loan servicing
The principal competitor for existing and prospective FFELP and non-federally insured student loan servicing business is SLM Corporation, the parent company of Sallie Mae. Sallie Mae is the largest for-profit provider of servicing functions, as well as one of the largest service providers of non-federally insured student loans. In contrast to its competitors, the Company has segmented its non-federally insured loan servicing on a distinct platform, created specifically to meet the needs of non-federally insured student loan borrowers, their families, the schools they attend, and the lenders who serve them. This ensures access to specialized teams with a dedicated focus on servicing these assets.
With the elimination of new loan originations under the FFEL Program, four servicers (referred to as Title IV Additional Servicers, or "TIVAS"), including the Company, were named by the Department as servicers of federally owned loans. The three competitors for gaining future servicing volume from the Department are Great Lakes Educational Loan Services Inc. (“Great Lakes”), Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (“PHEAA”), and Sallie Mae.
In addition, non-profit organizations were authorized in 2012 to begin servicing loans for up to 100,000 borrower accounts on behalf of the Department. As of December 31, 2012, there are 13 non-profit organizations servicing loans on behalf of the Department. The ability of the non-profit organizations to retain or increase their borrower accounts will depend on their ability to maintain compliance and meet performance requirements under their agreement with the Department. The non-profit organizations will have their performance measured by the Department using the same performance metrics as described previously for the four private sector companies awarded a servicing contract in June 2009. If a non-profit organization servicing score is equal to or higher than that of the lowest score for each of the four incumbent Federal Direct Loan Program servicers for each of the five performance metrics, the non-profit organization will be allowed to compete with the TIVAS for a percentage of new borrowers for the next allocation year. The Company currently licenses its hosted servicing software to four of the awarded non-profit organizations. PHEAA is the only other TIVAS servicer offering a hosted Federal Direct Loan Program servicing solution to non-profit organization servicers.
Guaranty servicing
With the elimination of new loan originations under the FFEL Program, services provided to guaranty agencies will continue for agencies' existing portfolios; however, no new portfolios will be created. The Company currently anticipates continuing to serve its existing guaranty customers as their portfolios pay down, but does not expect to increase the number of its guaranty servicing customers.
Software and technology
The Company is one of the leaders in the education loan software processing industry. Many lenders in the FFEL Program utilize the Company's software either directly or indirectly. Management believes the Company's competitors in this segment are much smaller than the Company and do not have the depth of knowledge or products offered by the Company. The Company's primary method of competition in this segment is based on its depth of knowledge, experience, and product offerings in the education loan industry. In addition, the Company believes the investments it has made to scale its systems and to create a secure infrastructure to support the Department of Education volume and requirements increases its presence and attraction as a long-term partner in the remote servicing market.
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce
The Company's Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce operating segment provides products and services to help students and families manage the payment of education costs at all levels (K-12 and higher education). It also provides innovative education-focused technologies, services, and support solutions to help schools with the everyday challenges of collecting and processing commerce data. See Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce Operating Segment - Results of Operations" for a discussion of the seasonality of the business in this operating segment.
K-12
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the K-12 market consists of nearly 22,500 private and faith-based education institutions with over 50 students enrolled in 2009, the most current data available. In the K-12 market, the Company offers tuition management services, as well as assistance with financial needs assessment and donor management.
The Company is the market leader, having actively managed tuition payment plans in place at over 4,800 K-12 educational institutions. Tuition management services include payment plan administration, incidental billing, accounts receivable management, and record keeping. K-12 educational institutions contract with the Company to administer deferred payment plans that allow the responsible party to make monthly payments over 6 to 12 months. The Company collects a fee from either the institution or the payer as an administration fee.
The Company's financial needs assessment service, which serves over 3,600 schools and dioceses, helps K-12 schools evaluate and determine the amount of grants and financial aid to disburse to the families it serves. The Company's donor services allow schools to assess and deliver strategic fundraising solutions using the latest technology.
Higher Education
The higher education market consists of nearly 4,400 colleges and universities. The Company offers two principal products to the higher education market: actively managed tuition payment plans, and campus commerce technologies and payment processing.
The Company has actively managed tuition payment plans in place at approximately 650 colleges and universities. Higher education institutions contract with the Company to administer payment plans that allow the student and family to make monthly payments on either a semester or annual basis. The Company collects a fee from the student or family as an administration fee.
The Company's suite of campus commerce solutions provides services that allow for families' electronic billing and payment of campus charges. Campus commerce includes cashiering for face-to-face transactions, campus-wide commerce management, and refunds management, among others. The Company earns revenue for e-billing, hosting/maintenance, credit card convenience fees, and e-payment transaction fees, which are powered by the Company's QuikPAY system, a secure payment processing engine.
QuikPAY, a campus commerce product, is sold as a subscription service to colleges and universities. QuikPAY processes payments through the appropriate channels in the banking or credit card networks to make deposits into the client's bank account. It can be further deployed to other departments around campus as requested (e.g., application fees, alumni giving, parking, events, etc.). Approximately 240 colleges and universities, representing over 380 campuses, use the QuikPAY system.
Competition
The Company is the largest provider of tuition management services to the private and faith-based K-12 market in the United States. Competitors include financial institutions, tuition management providers, financial needs assessment providers, accounting firms, and a myriad of software companies.
In the higher education market, the Company targets business offices at colleges and universities. In this market, the primary competition is limited to three campus commerce and tuition payment providers, as well as solutions developed in-house by colleges and universities.
The Company's principal competitive advantages are (i) the customer service it provides to institutions, (ii) the information management tools provided with the Company's service, and (iii) the Company's ability to interface with the institution clients. The Company believes its clients select products primarily on technological superiority and feature functionality, but price and service also impact the selection process.
Enrollment Services
The Enrollment Services operating segment offers products and services that are focused on helping colleges recruit and retain students and helping students plan and prepare for life after high school and/or military service. The following are the primary products and services the Company offers as part of the Enrollment Services segment:
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Inquiry Generation - Inquiry generation services include delivering qualified inquiries or clicks to third-party customers, primarily higher education institutions.
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Inquiry Management (Agency) - Agency services include managing the marketing activities for third-party customers, primarily higher education institutions, in order to provide qualified inquiries or clicks.
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Inquiry Management (Software) - Software services include the licensing of software to third-party customers, primarily higher education institutions. This software is also used internally by the Company. The inquiry management software has been adapted so that it can be offered as a hosted software solution that can be used by third parties to manage and obtain qualified inquiries or clicks.
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Digital Marketing - Digital marketing services include interactive services to connect students to colleges and universities and are sold primarily based on subscriptions. Digital marketing services also include editing services for admission essays.
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Content Solutions - Content solutions includes test preparation study guides, school directories and databases, career exploration guides, on-line courses, scholarship search and selection data, career planning, and on-line information about colleges and universities. Content solutions also includes providing list marketing services to help higher education institutions and businesses reach the middle school, high school, college bound high school, college, and young adult market places.
The Company delivers products and services in this segment through four primary customer channels: higher education, corporate and government, K-12, and direct-to-consumer. Many of the Company's products in this segment are electronically transmitted or distributed online or in other digital media; however, products such as test preparation study guides, school directories, and career exploration guides are also distributed as printed materials.
Significantly all inquiry generation and management revenue (which makes up approximately 80 percent of total revenue included in this segment) is generated from for-profit schools. Ongoing regulatory uncertainty regarding recruitment and marketing to potential students in the for-profit college industry has caused schools to decrease spending on marketing efforts and has negatively impacted the operating results of this segment.
Competition
In this segment, the primary areas in which the Company competes are: inquiry generation and management, test preparation study guides, and on-line courses. Several large competitors exist in the areas of inquiry generation and test preparation, but the Company does not believe any one competitor has a dominant position in all of the product and service areas offered by the Company.
The Company competes through various methods, including price, brand awareness, depth of product and service selection, and customer service. The Company is a “one stop shop” for the education seeking family looking for career assessment, test preparation, and college information. The Company also offers its institutional clients a range of services unrivaled in the education industry.
Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment
The Asset Generation and Management operating segment includes the acquisition, management, and ownership of the Company's student loan assets, which was historically the Company's largest product and service offering. As of December 31, 2012, the Company's student loan portfolio was $24.8 billion. The Company generates a substantial portion of its earnings from the spread, referred to as the Company's student loan spread, between the yield it receives on its student loan portfolio and the associated costs to finance such portfolio. See Part II, Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment - Student Loan Spread Analysis,” for further details related to the student loan spread. The student loan assets are held in a series of education lending subsidiaries and associated securitization trusts designed specifically for this purpose. In addition to the student loan spread earned on its portfolio, all costs and activity associated with managing the portfolio, such as servicing of the assets and debt maintenance, are included in this segment.
Student loans consist of federally insured student loans and non-federally insured student loans. Federally insured student loans were made under the FFEL Program. The Company's portfolio of federally insured student loans is subject to minimal credit risk as these loans are guaranteed by the Department at levels ranging from 97 percent to 100 percent. Substantially all of the Company's loan portfolio (99.9 percent as of December 31, 2012) is federally insured. The Company's portfolio of non-federally insured loans is subject to credit risk similar to other consumer loan assets.
The Higher Education Act regulates every aspect of the federally insured student loan program, including certain communications with borrowers, loan originations, and default aversion. Failure to service a student loan properly could jeopardize the guarantee on federal student loans. In the case of death, disability, or bankruptcy of the borrower, the guarantee covers 100 percent of the loan's principal and accrued interest.
FFELP loans are guaranteed by state agencies or non-profit companies designated as guarantors, with the Department providing reinsurance to the guarantor. Guarantors are responsible for performing certain functions necessary to ensure the program's soundness and accountability. Generally, the guarantor is responsible for ensuring that loans are serviced in compliance with the requirements of the Higher Education Act. When a borrower defaults on a FFELP loan, the Company submits a claim to the guarantor who provides reimbursements of principal and accrued interest, subject to the applicable risk share percentage.
Origination and Acquisition
The Reconciliation Act of 2010 resulted in the Company discontinuing originations of new FFELP loans effective July 1, 2010. However, the Company believes there will be opportunities to continue to purchase FFELP loan portfolios from current FFELP participants looking to adjust their FFELP businesses. For example, during 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company purchased $3.9 billion, $2.8 billion, and $3.4 billion, respectively, of FFELP student loans from various third-parties. The Company's competition for the purchase of student loan portfolios and residuals includes large banks, hedge funds, and other student loan finance companies.
Future Cash Flow From Portfolio
The majority of the Company's portfolio of student loans is funded in asset-backed securitizations that are structured to substantially match the maturity of the funded assets, thereby minimizing liquidity risk. In addition, due to the difference between the yield the Company receives on the loans and cost of financing within these transactions, the Company has created a portfolio that will generate earnings and significant cash flow over the life of these transactions. Based on cash flow models developed to reflect management's current estimate of, among other factors, prepayments, defaults, deferment, forbearance, and interest rates, as of December 31, 2012, the Company currently expects future undiscounted cash flows from its portfolio of student loans funded in asset-backed securitizations to be approximately $1.97 billion. The forecasted cash flow does not include cash flows that the Company expects to receive related to loans funded through the Department's conduit facility and other warehouse facilities or loans acquired subsequent to December 31, 2012. See Part II, Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources,” for further details related to the estimated future cash flow from the Company's portfolio.
Interest Rate Risk Management
Because the Company generates a significant portion of its earnings from its student loan spread, the interest rate sensitivity of the Company's balance sheet is very important to its operations. The current and future interest rate environment can and will affect the Company's interest income and net income. The effects on the Company's results of operations as a result of the changing interest rate environments are further outlined in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment - Student Loan Spread Analysis" and Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk.”
Intellectual Property
The Company owns numerous trademarks and service marks (“Marks”) to identify its various products and services. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had 76 registered Marks. The Company actively asserts its rights to these Marks when it believes infringement may exist. The Company believes its Marks have developed and continue to develop strong brand-name recognition in the industry and the consumer marketplace. Each of the Marks has, upon registration, an indefinite duration so long as the Company continues to use the Mark on or in connection with such goods or services as the Mark identifies. In order to protect the indefinite duration, the Company makes filings to continue registration of the Marks. The Company owns one patent application that has been published, but has not yet been issued, and has also actively asserted its rights thereunder in situations where the Company believes its claims may be infringed upon. The Company owns many copyright protected works, including its various computer system codes and displays, Web sites, books and other publications, and marketing collateral. The Company also has trade secret rights to many of its processes and strategies and its software product designs. The Company's software products are protected by both registered and common law copyrights, as well as strict confidentiality and ownership provisions placed in license agreements, which restrict the ability to copy, distribute, or improperly disclose the software products. The Company also has adopted internal procedures designed to protect the Company's intellectual property.
The Company seeks federal and/or state protection of intellectual property when deemed appropriate, including patent, trademark/service mark, and copyright. The decision whether to seek such protection may depend on the perceived value of the intellectual property, the likelihood of securing protection, the cost of securing and maintaining that protection, and the potential for infringement. The Company's employees are trained in the fundamentals of intellectual property, intellectual property protection, and infringement issues. The Company's employees are also required to sign agreements requiring, among other things, confidentiality of trade secrets, assignment of inventions, and non-solicitation of other employees post-termination. Consultants, suppliers, and other business partners are also required to sign nondisclosure agreements to protect the Company's proprietary rights.
Employees
As of December 31, 2012, the Company had approximately 2,500 employees. None of the Company's employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. The Company is not involved in any material disputes with any of its employees, and the Company believes that relations with its employees are good.
Available Information
Copies of the Company's annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to such reports are available on the Company's Web site free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with or furnished to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors and other interested parties can access these reports and the Company's proxy statements at http://www.nelnet.com. The Company routinely posts important information for investors on its Web site. The SEC maintains an Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains periodic and other reports such as annual, quarterly, and current reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, respectively, as well as proxy and information statements regarding the Company and other companies that file electronically with the SEC.
The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to directors, officers, and employees, including the Company's principal executive officer and its principal financial and accounting officer, and has posted such Code of Conduct on its Web site. Amendments to and waivers granted with respect to the Company's Code of Conduct relating to its executive officers and directors which are required to be disclosed pursuant to applicable securities laws and stock exchange rules and regulations will also be posted on its Web site. The Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines, Audit Committee Charter, Compensation Committee Charter, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter, and the Risk and Finance Committee Charter are also posted on its Web site.
Information on the Company's Web site is not incorporated by reference into this report and should not be considered part of this report.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
We operate our business in a highly competitive and regulated environment. We are subject to risks including, but not limited to, market, liquidity, credit, regulatory, technology, operational, security, and other business risks such as reputation damage related to negative publicity and dependencies on key personnel, customers, vendors, and systems. This section highlights specific risks that could affect us. Although this section attempts to highlight key risk factors, other risks may emerge at any time and we cannot predict all risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our financial performance. These risk factors should be read in conjunction with the other information included in this report.
Student Loan Portfolio
Our student loan portfolio is subject to certain risks related to interest rates, our ability to manage the risks related to interest rates, prepayment, and credit risk, each of which could reduce the expected cash flows and earnings on our portfolio.
Interest rate risk - basis and repricing risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk in the form of basis risk and repricing risk because the interest rate characteristics of our student loan assets do not match the interest rate characteristics of the funding for those assets.
We fund the majority of our student loan assets with one-month or three-month LIBOR indexed floating rate securities. In addition, the interest rates on some of our debt are set via a “dutch auction” or through a periodic remarketing. Meanwhile, the interest earned on our student loan assets is indexed to one-month LIBOR and Treasury bill rates. The different interest rate characteristics of our loan assets and our liabilities funding these assets results in basis risk. We also face repricing risk due to the timing of the interest rate resets on our liabilities, which may occur as infrequently as once a quarter, in contrast to the timing of the interest rate resets on our assets, which generally occur daily. In a declining interest rate environment, this may cause our student loan spread to compress, while in a rising interest rate environment, it may cause the spread to increase.
As of December 31, 2012, we had $23.9 billion and $1.1 billion of FFELP loans indexed to the one-month LIBOR and the three-month Treasury bill rate, respectively, both of which reset daily, and $16.5 billion of debt indexed to three-month LIBOR, which resets quarterly, and $5.0 billion of debt indexed to one-month LIBOR, which resets monthly. While these indices are all short term in nature with rate movements that are highly correlated over a longer period of time, there have been points in recent history related to the U.S. and European debt crisis that have caused volatility to be high and correlation to be reduced. There can be no
assurance that the indices' historically high level of correlation will not be disrupted in the future due to capital market dislocations or other factors not within our control. In such circumstances, our earnings could be adversely affected, possibly to a material extent.
We have entered into basis swaps to hedge our basis and repricing risk. For these derivatives, we receive three-month LIBOR set discretely in advance and pay one-month LIBOR plus or minus a spread as defined in the agreements (the 1:3 Basis Swaps).
Interest rate risk - loss of floor income
We are exposed to interest rate risk because of the interest rate characteristics of certain of our student loan assets and the interest rate characteristics of the related funding of those assets.
FFELP loans originated prior to April 1, 2006 generally earn interest at the higher of a floating rate based on the Special Allowance Payment ("SAP") formula set by the Department and the borrower rate, which is fixed over a period of time. The SAP formula is based on an applicable indice plus a fixed spread that is dependent upon when the loan was originated, the loan's repayment status, and funding sources for the loan. We generally finance our student loan portfolio with variable rate debt. In low and/or declining interest rate environments, when the fixed borrower rate is higher than the rate produced by the SAP formula, our student loans earn at a fixed rate while the interest on the variable rate debt typically continues to decline. In these interest rate environments, we may earn additional spread income that we refer to as floor income.
Depending on the type of loan and when it was originated, the borrower rate is either fixed to term or is reset to an annual rate each July 1. As a result, for loans where the borrower rate is fixed to term, we may earn floor income for an extended period of time, which we refer to as fixed rate floor income, and for those loans where the borrower rate is reset annually on July 1, we may earn floor income to the next reset date, which we refer to as variable rate floor income. Lenders are required to rebate fixed rate floor income and variable rate floor income to the Department for all new FFELP loans originated on or after April 1, 2006.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, we earned $145.3 million of fixed rate floor income, net of $19.3 million of settlements paid related to derivatives used to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. Absent the use of derivative instruments, a rise in interest rates will reduce the amount of floor income received and this will have an impact on earnings due to interest margin compression caused by increased financing costs until such time as the federally insured loans earn interest at a variable rate in accordance with their SAP formulas. In higher interest rate environments, where the interest rate rises above the borrower rate and fixed rate loans effectively convert to variable rate loans, the impact of the rate fluctuations is reduced.
Interest rate risk - use of derivatives
We utilize derivative instruments to manage interest rate sensitivity. Our derivative instruments are intended as economic hedges but do not qualify for hedge accounting; consequently, the change in fair value, called the “mark-to-market,” of these derivative instruments is included in our operating results. Changes or shifts in the forward yield curve can and have significantly impacted the valuation of our derivatives. Accordingly, changes or shifts in the forward yield curve will impact our financial position and results of operations.
Developing an effective strategy for dealing with movements in interest rates is complex, and no strategy can completely insulate us from risks associated with such fluctuations. Although we believe our derivative instruments are highly effective, because many of our derivatives are not balance guaranteed to a particular pool of student loans, we are subject to prepayment risk that could result in being under or over hedged, which could result in material losses. In addition, our interest rate risk management activities could expose us to substantial mark-to-market losses if interest rates move in a materially different way than was expected based on the environment when the derivatives were entered into. As a result, we cannot offer any assurance that our economic hedging activities will effectively manage our interest rate sensitivity or have the desired beneficial impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
By using derivative instruments, we are exposed to credit and market risk.
We attempt to manage credit and market risks associated with interest rates by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken and by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by our risk committee. As of December 31, 2012, all of our derivative counterparties had investment grade credit ratings. We also have a policy of requiring that all derivative contracts be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement.
When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive (an asset on our balance sheet), this generally indicates that the counterparty owes us if the derivative was settled. If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk with such counterparty is equal to the extent of the fair value gain in the derivative less any collateral held by us. If we were unable to collect from a counterparty, we would have a loss equal to the amount the derivative is recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2012, the fair value of our derivatives, which had a positive fair value in our favor (an asset on our balance sheet), was $97.4 million, of which $82.8 million related to the fair value of our cross-currency interest rate swaps. As of December 31, 2012, our trustee held $20.0 million of collateral from the counterparty on the cross-currency interest rate swaps.
When the fair value of a derivative instrument is negative (a liability on our balance sheet), we would owe the counterparty if the derivative was settled and, therefore, have no immediate credit risk. If the negative fair value of derivatives with a counterparty exceeds a specified threshold, we may have to make a collateral deposit with the counterparty. The threshold at which we may be required to post collateral is dependent upon our unsecured credit rating. Based on our current unsecured credit ratings (Standard & Poor's: BBB- (stable outlook) and Moody's: Ba1 (stable outlook)), we have substantially collateralized our corporate derivative liability position with our counterparties. As such, any downgrades from the current ratings would not result in additional collateral requirements of a material nature. In addition, no counterparty has the right to terminate its contracts in the event of downgrades from the current ratings. However, some long dated derivative contracts have mutual optional termination provisions that can be exercised in 2016, 2017, 2021, and 2022. As of December 31, 2012, the fair value of derivatives with early termination provisions was a positive $1.4 million (an asset on our balance sheet).
Interest rate movements have an impact on the amount of collateral we are required to deposit with our derivative instrument counterparties. Based on the interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2012 (for both the floor income and hybrid debt hedges), if the forward interest rate curve was one basis point lower for the remaining duration of these derivatives, we would have been required to post $1.4 million in additional collateral. In addition, if the forward basis curve between 1-month and 3-month LIBOR experienced a one basis point reduction in spread for the remaining duration of our 1:3 Basis Swap derivatives (in which we pay 1-month LIBOR and receive 3-month LIBOR), we would have been required to post $8.2 million in additional collateral.
With our current derivative portfolio, we do not currently anticipate a near term movement in interest rates having a material impact on our capital or liquidity profile, nor expect future movements in interest rates to have a material impact on our ability to meet potential collateral deposit requirements with our counterparties. Due to the existing low interest rate environment, our exposure to downward movements in interest rates on our interest rate swaps is limited. In addition, the historical high correlation between 1-month and 3-month LIBOR limits our exposure to interest rate movements on the 1:3 Basis Swaps.
However, if interest rates move materially and negatively impact the fair value of our derivative portfolio or if we enter into additional derivatives in which the fair value of such derivatives become negative, we could be required to deposit a significant amount of collateral with our derivative instrument counterparties. The collateral deposits, if significant, could negatively impact our liquidity and capital resources. As of December 31, 2012, the fair value of our derivatives, which had a negative fair value (a liability on our balance sheet), was $70.9 million and we had $63.1 million posted as collateral with derivative counterparties.
Our cross-currency interest rate swaps are derivatives entered into as a result of certain asset-backed security financings. These derivatives are entered into at the trust level with the counterparty. Trust related derivatives do not contain credit contingent features related to our or our trust's credit ratings. As such, there are no collateral requirements and as a result the impact of changes to foreign currency rates has no impact on the amount of collateral we would be required to deposit with the counterparty on these derivatives.
Prepayment risk
Higher rates of prepayments of student loans, including consolidation by the Department through the Federal Direct Loan Program, would reduce our interest income.
Pursuant to the Higher Education Act, borrowers may prepay loans made under the FFEL Program at any time without penalty. Prepayments may result from consolidation of student loans by the Department as part of the Federal Direct Loan Program, which historically tends to occur more frequently in low interest rate environments, from borrower defaults, which will result in the receipt of a guaranty payment, and from voluntary full or partial prepayments, among other things.
On October 25, 2011, the White House issued an Executive Order allowing a short-term consolidation initiative to eligible student loan borrowers beginning in January 2012 and ending June 30, 2012. This initiative allowed student loan borrowers with at least one FFELP loan and at least one federal student loan owned by the Department to convert the FFELP loans to the Federal Direct Loan Program, at which time all of the converted loans, as well as the borrower's existing Direct Loans, would be considered a
Special Direct Consolidation Loan. During 2012, we lost $936.4 million of FFELP loans as a result of this initiative. If this short-term initiative is deemed to be beneficial to the Federal Government and the Department, a similar consolidation program could be initiated that could further increase prepayments and reduce interest income.
The rate of prepayments of student loans may be influenced by a variety of economic, social, political, and other factors affecting borrowers, including interest rates, federal budgetary pressures, and the availability of alternative financing. Our profits could be adversely affected by higher prepayments, which reduce the balance of loans outstanding and, therefore, the amount of interest income we receive.
Credit risk
Future losses due to defaults on loans held by us, or loans sold to unaffiliated third parties which we are obligated to repurchase in the event of certain delinquencies, present credit risk which could adversely affect our earnings.
The vast majority (99.9 percent) of our student loan portfolio is federally guaranteed. The allowance for loan losses from the federally insured loan portfolio is based on periodic evaluations of our loan portfolios, considering loans in repayment versus those in nonpaying status, delinquency status, trends in defaults in the portfolio based on Company and industry data, past experience, trends in student loan claims rejected for payment by guarantors, changes to federal student loan programs, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors. The federal government currently guarantees 97 percent of the principal and interest on federally insured student loans disbursed on and after July 1, 2006 (and 98 percent for those loans disbursed prior to July 1, 2006), which limits our loss exposure on the outstanding balance of our federally insured portfolio. Student loans disbursed prior to October 1, 1993 are fully insured for both principal and interest.
Our non-federally insured loans are unsecured, with neither a government nor a private insurance guarantee. Accordingly, we bear the full risk of loss on these loans if the borrower and co-borrower, if applicable, default. In determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on the non-federally insured loans, we consider several factors, including: loans in repayment versus those in a nonpaying status, delinquency status, type of program, trends in defaults in the portfolio based on Company and industry data, past experience, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors. We place a non-federally insured loan on nonaccrual status when the collection of principal and interest is 30 days past due, and charge off the loan when the collection of principal and interest is 120 days past due.
The evaluation of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be subject to significant changes. As of December 31, 2012, our allowance for loan losses was $51.9 million. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized a provision for loan losses of $21.5 million. The provision for loan losses reflects the activity for the applicable period and provides an allowance at a level that management believes is appropriate to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. However, future defaults can be higher than anticipated due to a variety of factors, such as downturns in the economy, regulatory or operational changes, and other unforeseen future trends. Recent general economic and employment conditions have led to higher rates of student loan defaults. If actual performance is worse than currently estimated, it would materially affect our estimate of the allowance for loan losses and the related provision for loan losses in our statements of income.
We have participated interests in non-federally insured loans to unaffiliated third parties. As of December 31, 2012, we had $107.7 million (par value) of loans participated under these agreements that have been accounted for as loan sales. Accordingly, the participation interests sold are not included on our consolidated balance sheet. Under the terms of the servicing agreements, our servicing operations are obligated to repurchase loans subject to the participation interests when such loans become 60 or 90 days delinquent. In addition, we have sold a portfolio of non-federally insured loans in which we have retained the credit risk and will pay cash to purchase back any loans which become 60 days delinquent. As of December 31, 2012, the outstanding balance of loans related to this loan sale was $72.8 million (par value). As of December 31, 2012, we had a reserve related to these servicing and credit risk obligations of $16.1 million included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The evaluation of the reserve related to these loans is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that may be subject to changes. If actual performance is worse than estimated, it would negatively affect our results of operations.
Liquidity and Funding
We fund student loans in FFELP warehouse facilities. The current maturities of these facilities do not match the maturity of the related funded assets. Therefore, we will need to modify and/or find alternative funding related to the student loan collateral in these facilities prior to their expiration. If we cannot find any funding alternatives, we would lose our collateral, including the student loan assets and cash advances, related to these facilities.
The majority of our portfolio of student loans is funded with asset-backed securitizations that are structured to substantially match the maturity of the funded assets, and there are minimal liquidity issues related to these facilities. We also have student loans funded in FFELP warehouse facilities. The current maturities of these facilities do not match the maturity of the related funded assets. Therefore, we will need to modify and/or find alternative funding related to the student loan collateral in these facilities prior to their expiration.
As of December 31, 2012, we maintained three FFELP warehouse facilities as described in note 4 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this report. In addition, the Company entered into a fourth warehouse facility on January 16, 2013. These facilities have revolving financing structures supported by 364-day liquidity provisions, which expire in 2013 and 2014. In the event we are unable to renew the liquidity provisions, the facilities would become a term facility at a stepped-up cost, with no additional student loans being eligible for financing, and we would be required to refinance the existing loans in the facilities by their final maturity dates in 2015 and 2016. The FFELP warehouse facilities also contain financial covenants relating to levels of our consolidated net worth, ratio of adjusted EBITDA to corporate debt interest, and unencumbered cash. Any noncompliance with these covenants could result in a requirement for the immediate repayment of any outstanding borrowings under the facilities. As of December 31, 2012, $1.6 billion was outstanding under the warehouse facilities and $126.3 million was advanced as equity support.
If we are unable to obtain cost-effective funding alternatives for the loans in the FFELP warehouse facilities prior to the facilities' maturities, our cost of funds could increase, adversely affecting our results of operations. If we cannot find any funding alternatives, we would lose our collateral, including the student loan assets and cash advances, related to these facilities.
We are exposed to mark-to-formula collateral support risk on our FFELP warehouse facilities.
Some of our warehouse facilities provide formula based advance rates based on market conditions, which require equity support to be posted to the facilities. Other warehouse facilities have static advance rates that require initial equity for loan funding, but do not require increased equity based on market movements. As of December 31, 2012, $126.3 million was advanced as equity support under these facilities. Should a significant change in the valuation of loans result in additional required equity funding support for the warehouse facilities greater than what we can provide, the warehouse facilities could be subject to an event of default resulting in termination of the facilities and an acceleration of the repayment provisions. If we cannot find any funding alternatives, we would lose our collateral, including the student loan assets and cash advances, related to these facilities. A default on the FFELP warehouse facilities would result in an event of default on our $250.0 million unsecured line of credit that would result in the outstanding balance on the line of credit becoming immediately due and payable.
Operations
Risks associated with our operations, as further discussed below, include those related to our information technology systems and security and privacy breaches, our ability to manage performance related to regulatory requirements, and the importance of maintaining scale by retaining existing customers and attracting new business opportunities.
A failure in or breach of one of our operational or information systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors could disrupt our businesses. These types of failures or breaches, including but not limited to cyber attacks, could result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information which could damage our reputation, increase costs, and jeopardize existing business contracts or result in regulatory penalties.
As a loan servicer, hosted loan servicing software provider, and payment processor for the federal government, financial institutions, and the education industry that serves millions of customers through the Internet and other distribution channels across the U.S., we depend on our ability to process, secure, record, and monitor a large number of customer transactions and confidential information on a continuous basis.
Information security risks have significantly increased in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies to support and process customer transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, activists, and other external parties. Our operations rely on the secure processing, transmission, and storage of confidential information in our computer systems and networks. Our business segments rely on our digital technologies, computer and email systems, software, and networks to conduct their operations. In addition, to access our products and services, our customers may use personal smartphones, tablet PC's, and other mobile devices that are beyond our control systems. Although we believe we have robust information security procedures and controls, our technologies, systems, networks, and our customers' devices may become the target of cyber attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss, or destruction of Company or customer confidential, proprietary, and other information, or otherwise disrupt the Company's or our customers' business operations. A
cyber attack or information security breach of this nature could significantly affect our ability to retain strategic business customers, which could lead to increased costs to retain customers or result in regulatory penalties or a material loss of future revenue.
Third parties with which we do business or that facilitate our business activities, including financial intermediaries, data centers, data storage locations, collection services, distribution centers, or other vendors that provide services or security solutions for our operations, could also be sources of operational and information security risk to us, including from breakdowns or failures of their own systems or capacity constraints.
Although to date we have not experienced a material loss relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer such losses in the future or a current threat remains undetected at this time. Our risk and exposure to these matters remains heightened because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats, the size and scale of our servicing contracts and our contract with the federal government.
As a result, cyber security and the continued development and enhancement of our training, controls, processes, and practices designed to protect and monitor our systems, computers, software, data, and networks from attack, damage, or unauthorized access remain a priority for the Company and each of our business segments. Additionally, we maintain technology and telecommunication, professional services, media, network security, privacy, injury, and liability insurance coverage to offset costs that may be incurred as a result of a cyber attack or information security breach.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities.
Additionally, we must continually and cost-effectively maintain and improve our information technology systems and infrastructure in order to successfully deliver competitive products and services to our customers. The widespread adoption of new technologies and market demands could require substantial expenditures to enhance system infrastructure and existing products and services. If we fail to enhance and scale our systems and operational infrastructure or products and services, our operating segments may lose their competitive advantage and this could adversely affect financial and operating results.
We also face the risk of business disruption if system outages occur as a result of changes in infrastructure, introduction of new software or software enhancements, relocation of infrastructure, or failure to perform required services, which could have a material impact upon our reputation and our ability to retain customers. Although we have business continuity management plans, a major physical disaster or other calamity that causes significant damage to or the loss of our information systems or business operations for a sustained period of time could adversely affect our business, cash flows, and ability to retain customers.
We must satisfy certain requirements necessary to maintain the federal guarantees of our federally insured loans, and we may incur penalties or lose our guarantees if we fail to meet these requirements.
As of December 31, 2012 we serviced $26.6 billion of FFELP loans that maintained a federal guarantee, of which $21.2 billion and $5.4 billion were owned by the Company and third-party entities, respectively.
We must meet various requirements in order to maintain the federal guarantee on our federally insured loans. The federal guarantee on our federally insured loans is conditional based on our compliance with origination, servicing, and collection policies set by the Department and guaranty agencies. Federally insured loans that are not originated, disbursed, or serviced in accordance with the Department's and guaranty agency regulations may risk partial or complete loss of the guarantee. If we experience a high rate of servicing deficiencies (including any deficiencies resulting from the conversion of loans from one servicing platform to another, errors in the loan origination process, establishment of the borrower's repayment status, and due diligence or claim filing processes), it could result in the loan guarantee being revoked or denied. In most cases we have the opportunity to cure these deficiencies by following a prescribed cure process which usually involves obtaining the borrower's reaffirmation of the debt. However, not all deficiencies can be cured.
We are allowed three years from the date of the loan rejection to cure most loan rejections. If a cure cannot be achieved during this three year period, insurance is permanently revoked, although we maintain our right to collect the loan proceeds from the borrower. In cases where we purchase loans that were serviced previously by another servicing institution and we identify a serving deficiency by the prior servicer, we may, based on the terms of the purchase agreement, have the ability to recourse the rejected loans back to the previous lender.
A guaranty agency may also assess an interest penalty upon claim payment if the deficiency does not result in a loan rejection. These interest penalties are not subject to cure provisions and are typically related to isolated instances of due diligence deficiencies. Additionally, we may become ineligible for special allowance interest benefits from the time of the first deficiency leading to the loan rejection through the date that the loan is cured.
Failure to comply with federal and guarantor regulations may result in penalties, a loss of special allowance interest benefits, or a loss of the federal guarantee.
Our largest fee-based customer, the Department of Education, allocates Federal Direct Loan Program servicing volume based on our and our competitors' performance metrics. Failure to be ranked above our competitors will lead to lower loan volume allocations and could lower our ability to renew the Department contract in 2014 and retain hosted servicing software clients who also service Federal Direct Loan Program loans.
In June 2009, we were one of four private sector companies awarded a student loan servicing contract by the Department of Education to provide additional servicing capacity for loans owned by the Department. The contract spans five years (through June 2014), with one five-year renewal at the option of the Department. In September 2009, the Department began assigning purchased FFELP loans to the four servicers. Beginning with the second year of servicing in June 2010, the Department began allocating new loan volume originated under the Federal Direct Loan Program among the four servicers based on five performance metrics.
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Three metrics measure the satisfaction among separate customer groups, including borrowers, financial aid personnel at postsecondary schools participating in the federal student loan program, and Federal Student Aid and other federal agency personnel or contractors who work with the servicers.
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Two performance metrics measure the success of default prevention efforts as reflected by the percentage of borrowers and percentage of dollars in each servicer's portfolio that go into default.
Based on the most recent survey results, the Company was ranked first out of the four private sector companies and will be allocated 30 percent of new loan volume originated by the Department during the period from August 15, 2012 through August 14, 2013 (the fourth year of the servicing contract). The Department projects it will originate new loans for 3.6 million borrowers in total during the fourth year of this contract, which is currently being allocated to the four servicers.
As of December 31, 2012, the Company was servicing $68.8 billion of loans for 3.9 million borrowers under this contract. During 2012, the Company earned $69.5 million in revenue under this contract.
Although the Company currently anticipates the Department will exercise its option to renew the servicing contract for five years at the end of the current term in 2014, there can be no assurance of such renewal or the terms of such renewal. Upon the expiration of the Department contract, any renewal to provide loan servicing to the Department could be subject to a bidding process in which we may not be successful. Not obtaining a renewal of a loan servicing contract upon its expiration would result in a significant reduction in revenue and we would have to make significant changes to our operations, which may result in the recording of special charges, such as workforce reduction costs, charges relating to consolidating excess facilities, and impairments of assets.
Additionally, the Company offers a hosted servicing solution that can be used by third-party clients to service various types of student loans, including Federal Direct Loan Program loans. As of December 31, 2012, the Company licenses its hosted servicing software to four non-profit organizations. Not obtaining a renewal of the Department's loan servicing contract could put at risk the long-term viability of the hosted servicing software solution agreements.
Management believes it is important to provide exceptional customer service at a reasonable price in order to increase the Company's servicing volume and renew the Department contract; therefore, the Company has focused and will continue to focus heavily on customer service-related projects, efficiencies, security, and technology development to maintain its first place ranking in future years of the contract.
Our ability to continue to grow and maintain our contracts with commercial businesses and government agencies is partly dependent on our ability to maintain compliance with various laws, regulations, and industry standards applicable to those contracts.
We are subject to various laws, regulations, and industry standards related to our commercial and government contracts. In most cases, these contracts are subject to termination rights, audits, and investigations. If we are found in noncompliance with the contract provisions or applicable laws, regulations, or standards, or the contracted party exercises its termination or other rights
for that or other reasons, our reputation could be negatively affected, and our ability to compete for new contracts or maintain existing contracts could diminish. If this were to occur, our results of operations from existing contracts and future opportunities for new contracts could be negatively affected.
Regulatory and Legal
Federal and state laws and regulations can restrict our business, and noncompliance with these laws and regulations could result in penalties, litigation, reputation damage, and a loss of customers.
Our operating segments and customers are heavily regulated by federal and state government regulatory agencies. The laws and regulations enforced by these agencies are proposed or enacted to protect consumers and the financial industry as a whole, not necessarily the Company, our operating segments, or our shareholders. We have procedures and controls in place to monitor compliance with numerous federal and state laws and regulations and believe we are in compliance with such laws and regulations. However, because these laws and regulations are complex, differ between jurisdictions and are often subject to interpretation, or because of a result of unintended errors, we may, from time to time, inadvertently violate these laws and regulations. Compliance with these laws and regulations is expensive and requires the time and attention of management. These costs divert capital and focus away from efforts intended to grow our business. If we do not successfully comply with laws, regulations, or policies, we could incur fines or penalties, lose existing or new customer contracts, or suffer damage to our reputation. Changes in these laws and regulations can significantly alter our business environment, limit business operations, and increase costs of doing business, and we cannot predict the impact such changes would have on our profitability. The use of Executive Order provisions from the Executive Branch of the Federal Government has created new regulations that have impacted our Company. The use of Executive Order provisions to define regulations creates additional uncertainty and risks within the education and student loan industry.
Our Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing and Asset Generation and Management operating segments are subject to the Higher Education Act and various consumer protection and privacy regulations. These operating segments take necessary steps to evaluate, monitor, and comply with these regulations. However, the Department or other regulating agencies could, based on regulatory interpretation, determine we are not compliant. Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to a loss of the guarantee on our federally insured loans, increased servicing costs to cure such loans, or suspension or termination of our rights to participate as a servicer.
Certain provisions of the Higher Education Act that became effective July 1, 2011 have impacted our Enrollment Services operating segment in connection with services it provides to for-profit schools. To be eligible to participate in federal student aid programs, the Higher Education Act requires educational institutions, including for-profit schools, to enter into a program participation agreement with the Department. This agreement includes a number of requirements with which an institution must comply to be granted initial and continuing eligibility to participate in the federal student aid program. The regulations impose strict liability on educational institutions for misrepresentations made by entities, like us, who contract with these institutions to provide marketing services. As a result, our school customers have demanded and, in limited circumstances, we have acquiesced to be subject to increased limitations of liability in our contracts and, in some cases, to indemnify our customers for actions by our third-party inquiry generation vendors. Significantly all inquiry generation and management revenue (which makes up approximately 80 percent of total revenue included in the Enrollment Services operating segment) is generated from for-profit schools. The regulations discussed above may subject us to greater risk of liability and may increase our cost of compliance with these regulations or limit our ability to serve for-profit schools. In addition, the regulations could negatively impact enrollment at for-profit schools, which could adversely affect revenue.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) represents a comprehensive overhaul of the financial services industry within the United States, and established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”). The CFPB has broad authority with respect to the businesses in which we engage. It has authority to write regulations under federal consumer financial protection laws, and enforce those laws. The CFPB is authorized to prevent “unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices” through its supervisory enforcement and regulatory authority. It is authorized to collect fines and provide consumer restitution in the event of violations, engage in consumer financial education, request data, and promote the availability of financial services to underserved consumers and communities. In addition, the CFPB maintains an online complaint system that allows consumers to log complaints with respect to the products we offer. The system could inform future agency decisions with respect to regulatory, enforcement, or examination focus. There continues to be uncertainty as to how the CFPB's strategies and priorities will impact our businesses and our results of operations going forward. Actions by the CFPB could result in requirements to alter our services causing them to be less attractive or effective and impair our ability to offer them profitably. Should the CFPB change regulations adopted in the past by other regulators, or modify past regulatory guidance, our compliance costs and litigation exposure could increase. Our litigation exposure could also increase if the CFPB exercises its authority to limit or ban pre-dispute arbitration clauses. Recent reports released by the CFPB have clearly communicated their focus to protect student loan borrowers. This additional focus and regulatory oversight will most likely increase operating costs and could limit revenue opportunities.
The Dodd-Frank Act also provides the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC") and the SEC with substantial authority to regulate over-the-counter derivatives transactions, and includes provisions that require derivatives transactions to be executed through an exchange or central clearinghouse. The Dodd-Frank Act could also affect future student loan portfolio asset-backed securities transactions. The regulations require issuers of asset-backed securities or persons who organize and initiate asset-backed securities transactions to retain a portion of the underlying assets' credit risk, disclose and report requirements for each tranche of asset-backed securities, including new loan-level data requirements, and disclose requirements relating to the representations, warranties, and enforcement mechanisms available to investors. Although we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these processes and regulations, they may increase our costs and cash collateral margin requirements and affect the terms of future asset-backed securities transactions and derivatives used to manage financial risks related to interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate volatility.
The Reconciliation Act of 2010 prohibits new loan originations under the FFEL Program and requires all new federal loan originations be made through the Federal Direct Loan Program. As a result of this legislation, interest income on our existing FFELP loan portfolio, as well as fee-based revenue from guaranty and third-party FFELP servicing and FFELP loan servicing software licensing and consulting fees will decline over time as our and our third-party lender clients' FFELP loan portfolios are paid down.
The Reconciliation Act of 2010 prohibits new loan originations under the FFEL Program and requires that all new federal loan originations be made through the Federal Direct Loan Program. The law did not alter or affect the terms and conditions of existing FFELP loans.
As a result of the Reconciliation Act of 2010, interest income on our existing FFELP loan portfolio, as well as fee-based revenue from guaranty and third-party FFELP servicing and FFELP loan servicing software licensing and consulting fees related to the FFEL Program, will decline over time as our and our third-party lender clients' FFELP loan portfolios are paid down. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 we recognized approximately $344 million, $367 million, and $377 million, respectively, of interest income on our FFELP loan portfolio, approximately $96 million, $91 million, and $101 million, respectively, in guaranty and third-party FFELP servicing revenue, and approximately $6 million, $7 million, and $8 million, respectively, in FFELP loan servicing software licensing and consulting fees related to the FFEL Program.
If the Company is unable to grow or develop new revenue streams, the Company's consolidated revenue and operating margin will decrease as a result of the decline in FFELP loan volume outstanding.
Exposure related to certain tax issues could decrease our net income.
We are subject to federal and state income tax laws and regulations. Income tax regulations are often complex and require interpretation. The nexus standards and the sourcing of receipts from intangible personal property and services have been the subject of state audits and litigation with state taxing authorities and tax policy debates by various state legislatures. As the U.S. Congress and U.S. Supreme Court have not provided clear guidance in this regard, conflicting state laws and court decisions create tremendous uncertainty and expense for taxpayers conducting interstate commerce. Changes in income tax regulations could negatively impact our results of operations. If states enact legislation, alter apportionment methodologies, or aggressively apply the income tax nexus standards, we may become subject to additional state taxes.
From time to time, we engage in transactions in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. Examples of such transactions include asset and business acquisitions and dispositions, financing transactions, apportionment, nexus standards, and income recognition. Significant judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences of these transactions. We prepare and file tax returns based on the interpretation of tax laws and regulations. In the normal course of business, our tax returns are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in future tax and interest assessments by these taxing authorities. In accordance with authoritative accounting guidance, we establish reserves for tax contingencies related to deductions and credits that we may be unable to sustain. Differences between the reserves for tax contingencies and the amounts ultimately owed are recorded in the period they become known. Adjustments to our reserves could have a material effect on our financial statements.
The costs and effects of litigation, investigations, or similar matters, or adverse facts and developments related thereto, could materially affect our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
We may be involved from time to time in a variety of lawsuits, investigations, or similar matters arising out of our business operations. Our insurance may not cover all claims that may be asserted against us, and any claims asserted against us, regardless of merit or eventual outcome, may harm our reputation. If the ultimate judgments or settlements in any litigation or investigation
significantly exceed our insurance coverage, they could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for any particular period.
Principal Shareholder and Related Party Transactions
Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer beneficially owns 67.7 percent of the voting rights of our shareholders and has day to day control over all matters at our Company.
Michael S. Dunlap, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and a principal shareholder, beneficially owns 67.7 percent of the voting rights of our shareholders. In addition, Mr. Dunlap, Stephen F. Butterfield, our Vice Chairman, and Angela L. Muhleisen, Mr. Dunlap's sister, beneficially own stock that in the aggregate has 82.8 percent of the voting rights of our shareholders. Accordingly, each member of the Board of Directors and each member of management has been elected or effectively appointed by Mr. Dunlap and can be removed by Mr. Dunlap. As a result, Mr. Dunlap, as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and controlling shareholder, has day to day control over all matters at our Company and has the ability to take actions that benefit him and Ms. Muhleisen but may not benefit other minority shareholders, and may otherwise exercise his control in a manner with which other minority shareholders may not agree or which they may not consider to be in their best interests.
We have entered into contractual arrangements with Union Bank & Trust Company (“Union Bank”). Union Bank and the Company have common ownership. The transactions with Union Bank present conflicts of interest and pose risks to our shareholders that the terms may not be as favorable to us as we could receive from unrelated third parties.
Union Bank is controlled by Farmers & Merchants Investment Inc. ("F&M"), which owns 81.4 percent of Union Bank's common stock and 15.4 percent of Union Bank's non-voting preferred stock. Michael S. Dunlap, a significant shareholder, as well as our Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, and a member of our Board of Directors, along with his spouse and children, owns or controls a total of 40.2 percent of the stock of F&M, and Mr. Dunlap's sister, Angela L. Muhleisen, along with her husband and children, owns or controls 38.6 percent of F&M stock. Mr. Dunlap serves as a Director and Chairman of F&M. Ms. Muhleisen serves as Director and President of F&M and as a Director, Chairperson, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank. Union Bank is deemed to have beneficial ownership of various shares of Nelnet it holds because it serves in a capacity of trustee or account manager and may share voting and/or investment power with respect to such shares. As of December 31, 2012, Union Bank was deemed to beneficially own 11.7 percent of the voting rights of our common stock. As of December 31, 2012, Mr. Dunlap and Ms. Muhleisen beneficially owned 67.7 percent and 12.8 percent, respectively, of the voting rights of our outstanding common stock.
We have entered into certain contractual arrangements with Union Bank, including loan purchases, loan servicing, loan participations, banking services, 529 Plan Administration services, lease arrangements, and various other investment and advisory services. The net aggregate impact on our consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 related to the transactions with Union Bank was income of $11.9 million, $9.4 million, and $8.2 million, respectively. See note 19 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this report for additional information related to the transactions between us and Union Bank.
Transactions between Union Bank and us are generally based on available market information for comparable assets, products, and services and are extensively negotiated. In addition, all related party transactions between Union Bank and us are approved by both the Union Bank Board of Directors and our Board of Directors. Furthermore, Union Bank is subject to regulatory oversight and review by the FDIC, the Federal Reserve, and the State of Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance. The FDIC and the State of Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance regularly review Union Bank's transactions with affiliates. The regulatory standard applied to the bank falls under Regulation W, which places restrictions on certain “covered” transactions with affiliates.
We intend to maintain our relationship with Union Bank, which our management believes provides certain benefits to us. Those benefits include Union Bank's knowledge of and experience in the FFELP industry, its willingness to provide services, and at times liquidity and capital resources, on an expedient basis, and the proximity of Union Bank to our corporate headquarters located in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The majority of the transactions and arrangements with Union Bank are not offered to unrelated third parties or subject to competitive bids. Accordingly, these transactions and arrangements not only present conflicts of interest, but also pose the risk to our shareholders that the terms of such transactions and arrangements may not be as favorable to us as we could receive from unrelated third parties. Moreover, we may have and/or may enter into contracts and business transactions with related parties that benefit Mr. Dunlap and his sister, as well as other related parties, that may not benefit us and/or our minority shareholders.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
The Company has no unresolved comments from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding its periodic or current reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The following table lists the principal facilities for office space owned or leased by the Company as of December 31, 2012. The Company owns the building in Lincoln, Nebraska where its principal office is located. The building is subject to a lien securing the outstanding mortgage debt on the property.
The square footage amounts above exclude a total of approximately 27,000 square feet of owned office space in Lincoln, Nebraska, and 17,000 square feet of leased office space in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, that the Company leases to third parties. Also excluded from the table above is 62,000 square feet of leased office space in Indianapolis, Indiana where Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing operations were previously conducted. On December 31, 2012, the Company entered into a lease termination agreement with the landlord of the property in Indiana, which terminated the lease effective January 31, 2013. Also excluded from the table above is approximately 18,000 square feet of space leased in Jacksonville, Florida where a data center was previously housed; the lease will expire in September 2013. The Company leases other office facilities located throughout the United States. These properties are leased on terms and for durations that are reflective of commercial standards in the communities where these properties are located. The Company believes that its respective properties are generally adequate to meet its long term business goals. The Company's principal office is located at 121 South 13th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
General
The Company is subject to various claims, lawsuits, and proceedings that arise in the normal course of business. These matters principally consist of claims by student loan borrowers disputing the manner in which their student loans have been processed and disputes with other business entities. In addition, from time to time, the Company receives information and document requests from state or federal regulators concerning its business practices. The Company cooperates with these inquiries and responds to the requests. While the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of any inquiry or investigation, the Company believes its activities have materially complied with applicable law, including the Higher Education Act, the rules and regulations adopted by the Department of Education thereunder, and the Department's guidance regarding those rules and regulations. Other than as specifically discussed below, on the basis of present information, anticipated insurance coverage, and advice received from counsel, it is the opinion of the Company's management that the disposition or ultimate determination of these claims, lawsuits, and proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial position, or results of operations.
Bais Yaakov of Spring Valley v. Peterson's Nelnet, LLC
On January 4, 2011, a complaint against Peterson's Nelnet, LLC (“Peterson's”), a subsidiary of the Company, was filed in the U.S. federal District Court for the District of New Jersey (the “District Court”). The complaint alleges that Peterson's sent six advertising faxes to the named plaintiff in 2008-2009 that were not the result of express invitation or permission granted by the plaintiff and did not include certain opt out language. The complaint also alleges that such faxes violated the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (the “TCPA”), purportedly entitling the plaintiff to $500 per violation, trebled for willful violations for each of the six faxes. The complaint further alleges that Peterson's had sent putative class members more than 10,000 faxes that violated the
TCPA, amounting to more than $5 million in statutory penalty damages and more than $15 million if trebled for willful violations. The complaint seeks to establish a class action. As of the filing date of this report, the District Court has not established or recognized any class.
On April 14, 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which has jurisdiction over the District Court, issued an order in an unrelated TCPA case which remanded that case to the District Court to determine whether the statutory provisions of the TCPA limit whether or to what extent a TCPA claim can be heard as a class action in federal court where applicable state law would impose limitations on a class action if the claim were brought in state court. The resolution of this issue may affect whether the claim against Peterson's can be pursued as a class action, and in light of the ruling, Peterson's requested and received the District Court's permission to file a renewed motion to dismiss the complaint. Peterson's filed that motion on May 29, 2012, and on October 17, 2012, the District Court denied the motion. On November 7, 2012, Peterson's filed a motion for reconsideration of the District Court's order, or in the alternative, to certify the District Court's order for interlocutory appeal. On February 21, 2013, the District Court denied Peterson's motion for reconsideration, but granted the motion to certify its order for interlocutory appeal. Accordingly, Peterson's intends to submit a Petition for Permission to Appeal with the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, and intends to continue to contest the suit vigorously.
Due to the preliminary stage of this matter and the uncertainty and risks inherent in class determination and the overall litigation process, the Company believes that a meaningful estimate of a reasonably possible loss, if any, or range of reasonably possible losses, if any, cannot currently be made.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II.
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The Company's Class A common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NNI,” while its Class B common stock is not publicly traded. As of January 31, 2013, there were 35,032,426 and 11,495,377 shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock outstanding, respectively. The number of holders of record of the Company's Class A common stock and Class B common stock as of January 31, 2013 was 893 and 22, respectively. The record holders of the Class B common stock are Michael S. Dunlap and Stephen F. Butterfield, an entity controlled by them, various members of their families, and various estate planning trusts established by them. Because many shares of the Company's Class A common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of shareholders, the Company is unable to estimate the total number of beneficial owners represented by these record holders. The following table sets forth the high and low intraday sales prices for the Company's Class A common stock for each full quarterly period in 2012 and 2011. The 2011 prices have been revised to conform to the current year presentation of high and low intraday (not closing) sales prices.
Dividends of $0.07, $0.10, $0.10, and $0.10 per share on the Company's Class A and Class B common stock were paid on March 15, 2011, June 15, 2011, September 15, 2011, and December 15, 2011, respectively, to all holders of record as of March 1, 2011, June 1, 2011, September 1, 2011, and December 1, 2011, respectively.
Dividends of $0.10 per share on the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock were paid on March 15, 2012, June 15, 2012, and September 15, 2012, to all holders of record as of March 1, 2012, June 1, 2012, and September 1, 2012, respectively. A dividend of $1.10 per share on the Company's Class A and Class B common stock was paid on November 27, 2012 to all holders of record as of November 19, 2012. This dividend consisted of a regular quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share and a special cash dividend of $1.00 per share.
The Company currently plans to continue making regular quarterly dividend payments, subject to future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, and other factors. In addition, the payment of dividends is subject to the terms of the Company's outstanding junior subordinated hybrid securities, which generally provide that if the Company defers interest payments on those securities it cannot pay dividends on its capital stock.
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the change in the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company's Class A common stock to that of the cumulative return of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P Financials Index. The graph assumes that the value of an investment in the Company's Class A common stock and each index was $100 on December 31, 2007 and that all dividends, if applicable, were reinvested. The performance shown in the graph represents past performance and should not be considered an indication of future performance.
The preceding information under the caption “Performance Graph” shall be deemed to be “furnished” but not “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Stock Repurchases
The following table summarizes the repurchases of Class A common stock during the fourth quarter of 2012 by the Company or any “affiliated purchaser” of the Company, as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(a)
The total number of shares includes: (i) shares purchased pursuant to the stock repurchase program discussed in footnote (b) below; and (ii) shares owned and tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted shares. Shares of Class A common stock purchased pursuant to the stock repurchase program included 480 shares, 1,351 shares, and 10,212 shares in October, November, and December 2012, respectively, that had been issued to the Company’s 401(k) plan and allocated to employee participant accounts pursuant to the plan’s provisions for Company matching contributions in shares of Company stock, and were purchased by the Company from the plan pursuant to employee participant instructions to dispose of such shares. Shares of Class A common stock tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations included 905 shares, 314 shares, and 579 shares in October, November, and December 2012, respectively. Unless otherwise indicated, shares owned and tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations were purchased at the closing price of the Company’s shares on the date of vesting.
(b)
On May 9, 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a stock repurchase program to repurchase up to a total of five million shares of the Company's Class A common stock during the three-year period ending May 24, 2015. Certain share repurchases included in the table above were made pursuant to a trading plan adopted by the Company in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Equity Compensation Plans
For information regarding the securities authorized for issuance under the Company's equity compensation plans, see Part III, Item 12 of this report.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected financial and other operating information of the Company. The selected financial data in the table is derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, the related notes, and “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this report.
(a)
Tangible Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity, a non-GAAP measure, equals "Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity" less "goodwill" and "intangible assets, net." Management believes presenting tangible equity and tangible book value per common share are useful measures of evaluating the strength of the Company's capital position. These measures may be calculated differently by other companies.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010. All dollars are in thousands, except per share amounts, unless otherwise noted.)
The following discussion and analysis provides information that the Company’s management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the consolidated results of operations and financial condition of the Company. The discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report. This discussion and analysis also contains forward-looking statements and should also be read in conjunction with the disclosures and information contained in "Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements" and Item 1A "Risk Factors" included in this report.
OVERVIEW
The Company is an education services company focused primarily on providing fee-based processing services and quality education-related products and services in four core areas: asset management and finance, loan servicing, payment processing, and enrollment services (education planning). These products and services help students and families plan, prepare, and pay for their education and make the administrative and financial processes more efficient for schools and financial organizations. In addition, the Company earns interest income on a portfolio of federally insured student loans.
A summary of consolidated results and financial and operational highlights is provided below.
•
Continued strong earnings. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company's net income, excluding derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, was $207.4 million, or $4.38 per share, compared to $215.4 million, or $4.47 per share, for 2011. GAAP net income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $178.0 million, or $3.76 per share, compared with GAAP net income for 2011, which was $204.3 million, or $4.24 per share. Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments were an expense of $29.4 million after tax, or $0.62 per share, during 2012, compared with an expense of $11.1 million after tax, or $0.23 per share, for 2011. (a)
The decrease in net income in 2012 compared to 2011 was expected as the Company's student loan portfolio runs off due to Congress' elimination of new loan originations under the FFEL Program in 2010. The decrease was partially offset by the growth of the Company's fee-based businesses.
•
An increase in revenue from fee-based businesses (excluding intersegment servicing revenue) to $402.1 million, or 7.5%, for 2012 as compared to $373.9 million in 2011.
•
Purchased $3.9 billion (par value) of student loans from third parties during 2012, including $3.0 billion during the fourth quarter.
•
Repurchased 806,023 shares of Class A common stock for $22.8 million ($28.30 per share) during 2012, including 746,459 shares repurchased in the fourth quarter of 2012.
•
Repurchased $136.1 million of debt for a gain totaling $4.0 million during 2012, including $114.4 million of debt repurchased during the fourth quarter for a gain of $3.0 million.
•
Paid cash dividends totaling $1.40 per share in 2012, which includes a special fourth quarter 2012 cash dividend of $1.00 per share.
•
An increase in book value per share to $25.00, or 10.5%, from December 31, 2011.
•
Strong liquidity represented by $149.3 million of cash and investments as of December 31, 2012 and $299.3 million of net cash provided by operating activities during 2012.
(a)
The Company provides non-GAAP information that reflects specific items management believes to be important in the evaluation of its financial position and performance. "Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments" include (i) the unrealized gains and losses that are caused by changes in fair values of derivatives which do not qualify for "hedge treatment" under GAAP; and (ii) the foreign currency transaction gains or losses caused by the re-measurement of the Company's Euro-denominated bonds to U.S. dollars. The Company believes these point-in-time estimates of asset and liability values related to these financial instruments that are subject to interest and currency rate fluctuations affect the period-to-period comparability of the results of operations.
The Company earns fee-based revenue through the following operating segments:
•
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing ("LGS") - referred to as Nelnet Diversified Solutions ("NDS")
•
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce ("TPP&CC") - referred to as Nelnet Business Solutions ("NBS")
•
Enrollment Services - commonly called Nelnet Enrollment Solutions ("NES")
In addition, the Company earns net interest income on its FFELP student loan portfolio in its Asset Generation and Management ("AGM") operating segment. This segment is expected to generate a stable net interest margin and significant amounts of cash as the FFELP portfolio amortizes. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had a $24.8 billion student loan portfolio that will amortize over the next approximately 20 years. The Company actively seeks to acquire FFELP loan portfolios to leverage its servicing scale and expertise to generate incremental earnings and cash flow.
The information below provides the operating results for each reportable operating segment for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 (dollars in millions).
(a)
Total revenue includes "net interest income after provision for loan losses" and "total other income" from the Company's segment statements of income, excluding the impact from changes in fair values of derivatives and foreign currency transaction adjustments, which was an expense of $51.8 million, income of $7.6 million, and income of $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Net income excludes changes in fair values of derivatives and foreign currency transaction adjustments, net of tax, which was an expense of $32.1 million, income of $4.7 million, and income of $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
(b)
Computed as income before income taxes, excluding restructuring and impairment charges, divided by total revenue.
A summary of the results and financial highlights for each reportable operating segment for the year ended December 31, 2012 and a summary of the Company's liquidity and capital resources follows. See "Results of Operations" for each reportable operating segment and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" under this Item 7 for additional detail.
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing
•
An increase in government servicing revenue due to increased volume from the Department.
•
An increase in guaranty collection revenue due to an increase in defaulted loan volume.
•
An increase in software services revenue as a result of the Company beginning to provide hosted student loan servicing to a significant customer in October 2011.
•
An increase in operating expenses due to incurring additional costs related to the government servicing contract and the hosted servicing software product.
•
Achieved the first place ranking in the most recent annual survey results related to the servicing contract with the Department, which led to a larger allocation of loan volume to the Company for the fourth year of this contract (the period from August 15, 2012 through August 14, 2013). The Company is allocated 30 percent of new loan volume originated by the Department, up from 16 percent the prior two years.
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce
•
An increase in revenue as a result of an increase in the number of managed tuition payment plans and campus commerce customers.
•
A compression in margin due to an increase in amortization of intangible assets and continued investment in new products and services to meet customer needs and expand product and service offerings.
Enrollment Services
•
Continued decrease in inquiry generation and inquiry management (agency) revenue due to the effects from regulatory uncertainty regarding recruiting and marketing to potential students in the for-profit college industry, which has caused schools to decrease spending on marketing efforts.
•
Recorded a charge of $2.8 million related to the impairment of student list costs.
Asset Generation and Management
•
The acquisition of $3.9 billion (par value) of FFELP student loans during 2012.
•
The loss of $936.4 million of FFELP student loans during 2012 as a result of the Department's special direct consolidation loan initiative, the student loan borrower application period for which expired June 30, 2012.
•
Continued recognition of significant fixed rate floor income due to historically low interest rates.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
•
As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $149.3 million of cash and investments.
•
For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company generated $299.3 million in net cash provided by operating activities.
•
Forecasted future undiscounted cash flows from the Company's FFELP student loan portfolio remain strong and are estimated to be approximately $1.97 billion as of December 31, 2012.
•
On February 17, 2012, the Company entered into a new $250.0 million unsecured line of credit that has a maturity date of February 17, 2016. As of December 31, 2012, $195.0 million was available for borrowing under this line of credit.
•
The Company will continue to use its strong liquidity position to capitalize on market opportunities, including FFELP student loan acquisitions; strategic acquisitions and investments, including ongoing investments in its core business areas of asset management and finance, loan servicing, payment processing, and enrollment services (education planning); and capital management initiatives, including stock repurchases, debt repurchases, and dividend distributions.
Income Taxes
•
The Company's effective tax rate was 35.0 percent for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to 36.5 percent in 2011. During 2012, state tax laws were enacted that reduced the Company's income tax expense by $3.4 million. The Company currently expects the effective tax rate in 2013 will be 36.0 percent to 38.0 percent.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The components of the Company's consolidated financial statements are summarized below.
The Company’s operating results are primarily driven by the performance of its existing portfolio and the revenues generated by its fee-based businesses and the costs to provide such services. The performance of the Company’s portfolio is driven by net interest income (which includes financing costs) and losses related to credit quality of the assets, along with the cost to administer and service the assets and related debt.
The Company operates as four distinct operating segments. The Company's operating segments include:
•
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing
•
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce
•
Enrollment Services
•
Asset Generation and Management
See Item 1, "Business - Overview" for further discussion on the components of each segment. In addition, the operating results of each of the Company's reportable operating segments, including a reconciliation of the segment operating results to the consolidated results of operations, are included in note 14 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this report. Since the Company monitors and assesses its operations and results based on these segments, the discussion following the consolidated results of operations is presented on a segment basis. As further discussed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, in 2012 the Company changed its operating segment income measurement from "base net income" to GAAP net income. Prior period segment operating results have been restated to conform to the current period presentation.
Consolidated Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses (net of settlements on derivatives)
(a)
The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. Management has structured the majority of the Company’s derivative transactions with the intent that each is economically effective; however, the Company’s derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting. Derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company’s net interest income.
Net interest income after provision for loan losses, net of settlements on derivatives, includes the following items:
(a)
The Company generates a significant portion of its earnings from the spread, referred to as its student loan spread, between the yield the Company receives on its student loan portfolio and the cost of funding these loans. Because the Company generates a significant portion of its earnings from its student loan spread, the interest rate sensitivity of the Company’s balance sheet is important to its operations. The current and future interest rate environment can and will affect the Company’s net interest income. The effects of changing interest rate environments are further outlined in Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk.”
Variable student loan spread is also impacted by the amortization/accretion of loan premiums and discounts, including capitalized costs of origination, the 1.05% per year consolidation loan rebate fee paid to the Department, and yield adjustments from borrower benefit programs. See "Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment - Results of Operations" in this Item 7 below for additional information.
(b)
The Company has a portfolio of student loans that are earning interest at a fixed borrower rate which exceeds the statutorily defined variable lender rate, generating fixed rate floor income. See Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk” for additional information.
(c)
Investment interest income includes income from unrestricted interest-earning deposits and investments and funds in the Company’s special purpose entities which are utilized for its asset-backed securitizations. Investment interest increased in 2012 compared to 2011 due to an increase in the average investment balance, and decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 due to lower interest rates and a decrease in average cash held.
(d)
Corporate debt interest expense includes interest expense incurred on the Company's 5.125% Senior Notes, which matured in 2010 (the “Senior Notes”), Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities, and its unsecured and secured lines of credit. The decrease in corporate debt interest expense is due to the Company using cash generated by operations and proceeds from securitization transactions to pay down corporate debt. The average outstanding corporate debt during 2010, 2011, and 2012 was approximately $881.8 million, $249.5 million, and $183.5 million, respectively.
(e)
The provision for loan losses represents the periodic expense of maintaining an allowance sufficient to absorb losses inherent in the Company's portfolio of loans. See "Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment - Summary and Comparison of Operating Results" in this Item 7 below for additional information.
Consolidated Other Income
The Company also earns fees and generates revenue from other sources as summarized below.
(a)
Student loan and guaranty servicing revenue consists of revenue generated by the Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing operating segment. See "Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing Operating Segment - Results of Operations" in this Item 7 below for additional information.
(b)
Tuition payment processing and campus commerce revenue consists of revenue generated by the Company's Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce operating segment. See "Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce - Results of Operations" in this Item 7 below for additional information.
(c)
Enrollment services revenue consists of revenue generated by the Company's Enrollment Services operating segment. See “Enrollment Services Operating Segment - Results of Operations” in this Item 7 below for additional information.
(d)
The following table summarizes the components of "other income."
(1)
Borrower late fee income is earned by the education lending subsidiaries (in the Asset Generation and Management operating segment) and is recognized when payments are collected from the borrower.
(2)
During 2011, the Company began to provide investment advisory services under various arrangements and earns annual fees of 25 basis points on the outstanding balance of investments and up to 50 percent of the gains from the sale of securities for which it provides advisory services. As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the outstanding balance of investments subject to these arrangements was $669.3 million and $394.2 million, respectively.
(e) The Company periodically engages in selling loans and repurchasing its debt. Depending on market conditions, the Company generally realizes gains on such transactions. “Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases” includes the following:
(f)
The change in “derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments” is the result of the change in the fair value of the Company’s derivative portfolio and transaction gains/losses resulting from the re-measurement of the Company’s Euro-denominated bonds to U.S. dollars. These changes are summarized below. Valuations of derivative instruments vary based upon many factors, including changes in interest rates, credit risk, foreign currency fluctuations, and other market factors. As a result, net gains and losses on derivatives and hedging activities may vary significantly from period to period.
(g)
As discussed in footnote (a) to the "Consolidated Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses (net of settlements on derivatives)" table above, derivative settlements should be evaluated with the Company's net interest income.
Consolidated Operating Expenses
Operating expenses includes indirect costs incurred to acquire student loans; costs incurred to manage and administer the Company's student loan portfolio and its financing transactions; costs incurred to service the Company's student loan portfolio and the portfolios of third parties; collection costs related to rehabilitation revenue; the cost to provide enrollment services; costs incurred to provide tuition payment processing and campus commerce products and services to third parties; the depreciation and amortization of capital assets and intangible assets; investments in products, services, and technology to meet customer needs and support continued revenue growth; and other general and administrative expenses. Operating expenses also includes impairment charges related to the impairment of goodwill and certain intangible assets. Operating expenses in 2010 includes employee termination benefits and lease termination costs related to restructuring activities and a litigation settlement charge.
As shown below, operating expenses, excluding direct costs to provide enrollment services, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, restructuring charges, a litigation settlement, and collection costs related to loan rehabilitation revenue increased $24.1 million (8.8%) for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to 2011, and increased $7.8 million (2.9%) for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 2010.
(a)
The Company incurred impairments of certain intangible assets (2012 and 2010) and goodwill (2010) recorded at the Enrollment Services operating segment.
(b)
The Company entered into a settlement agreement during 2010 to settle all claims associated with the "qui tam" action brought by Jon H. Oberg. As a result of the settlement, the Company recorded a $55.0 million pre-tax charge.
(c)
The Company incurred collection costs directly related to revenue earned from rehabilitation loans. These costs are included in "other" under the operating expense section of the consolidated statements of income and are shown separately in the above table for comparability purposes for the periods shown.
The increase in operating expenses over the last two years was due to the addition of resources and incurring other expenses to (i) support the growth in loan and guaranty servicing revenue and improve survey results related to the government servicing contract; (ii) support the hosted servicing software product; (iii) implement and comply with the Department's special direct consolidation loan initiative; and (iv) support the increase in the number of managed tuition payment plans and campus commerce customers.
Consolidated Income Taxes
The Company's effective tax rate was 35.0 percent and 36.5 percent for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The effective tax rate during 2012 decreased compared to 2011 due to various state changes and changes in the Company's gross unrecognized tax benefits liability. During 2012, state tax laws were enacted that reduced the Company's income tax expense by $3.4 million. The Company currently expects the effective tax rate in 2013 will be 36 percent to 38 percent.
The Company's effective tax rate was 36.5 percent and 37.5 percent for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The effective tax rate during 2011 decreased compared to 2010 due to a decrease in the Company's valuation allowance, state incentive tax credits, and an overall reduction of the Company's state effective tax rate.
STUDENT LOAN AND GUARANTY SERVICING OPERATING SEGMENT - RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Student Loan Servicing Volumes (dollars in millions)
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue
(a)
FFELP servicing revenue decreased due to third-party customers' FFELP portfolios decreasing in size due to run off.
(b)
Government servicing revenue increased due to the increase in the number of borrowers serviced.
(c)
The Company earns revenue from rehabilitating defaulted FFELP loan assets on behalf of FFELP guaranty agencies. This revenue has increased based on an increase in defaulted loan volume. However, over time, this FFELP-related revenue source will decrease as FFELP portfolios continue to run off.
(d)
FFELP guaranty servicing revenue will continue to decrease as FFELP portfolios run off and guaranty volume decreases.
(e)
In October 2011, the Company began providing hosted student loan servicing to a significant customer, which resulted in an increase in software services revenue. The contract with this customer expires in December 2013, at which time the Company expects the number of remote hosted borrowers and related revenue to significantly decrease. However, a portion of these borrowers will transfer to a full-service borrower under the Department's servicing contract. During 2012, $14.7 million in software services revenue was earned from this customer.
The increase in remote hosted servicing revenue compared to prior periods was offset by a reduction in other software services revenue due to a decrease in the number of other products and services provided to external customers as a result of legislative changes in the student loan industry.
Intersegment servicing revenue. Intersegment servicing revenue includes servicing revenue earned for the Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing operating segment as a result of servicing loans for the Asset Generation and Management operating segment.
Operating expenses. Excluding restructure expense and collection costs related to guaranty collection revenue, 2012 operating expenses increased $22.5 million (13.6%) in 2012 compared with 2011 and increased $11.3 million (7.3%) in 2011 compared to 2010. These increases were due to incurring additional costs related to:
•
Supporting the increase in government servicing volume.
•
Supporting initiatives to improve performance metrics under the government servicing contract.
•
Preparing for and supporting additional volume that was added to the Company's servicing platforms related to the hosted servicing software solution.
There is potential for continued compression of operating margin in this operating segment as a result of the government servicing portfolio growing as a percentage of the Company’s total servicing portfolio.
TUITION PAYMENT PROCESSING AND CAMPUS COMMERCE OPERATING SEGMENT - RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This segment of the Company’s business is subject to seasonal fluctuations which correspond, or are related to, the traditional school year. Tuition management revenue is recognized over the course of the academic term, but the peak operational activities take place in summer and early fall. Revenue associated with providing electronic commerce subscription services is recognized over the service period, with the highest revenue months being July through September and December and January. The Company’s operating expenses do not follow the seasonality of the revenues. This is primarily due to generally fixed year-round personnel costs and seasonal marketing costs. Based on the timing of revenue recognition and when expenses are incurred, revenue and pre-tax operating margin are higher in the first quarter and lower in the second quarter.
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
Tuition payment processing and campus commerce revenue. Tuition payment processing and campus commerce revenue has been increasing year over year as a result of an increase in the number of managed tuition payment plans as well as an increase in campus commerce customers.
Operating expenses. Operating expenses increased year over year as a result of incurring additional costs to support the increase in the number of managed tuition payment plans and campus commerce customers. In addition, the Company continues to invest in new products and services to meet customer needs and expand product and service offerings. The amount and types of investments made by the Company impacts operating expenses and operating margin from period to period. The operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 includes $6.3 million, $5.0 million, and $5.8 million, respectively, of amortization expense related to intangible assets. Excluding amortization expense of intangible assets, the before tax operating margin for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was 28.7%, 29.9%, and 27.2%, respectively.
ENROLLMENT SERVICES OPERATING SEGMENT - RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
Enrollment services revenue, cost to provide enrollment services, and gross profit
(a)
Inquiry generation revenue decreased $6.9 million (28.1%) and $2.7 million (9.8%) and inquiry management (agency) revenue decreased $5.9 million (7.5%) and $5.3 million (6.4%) for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, compared to 2011 and 2010, respectively, due to a decrease in client activity.
Revenues from these services have been affected by the ongoing regulatory uncertainty regarding recruiting and marketing to potential students in the for-profit college industry, which has caused schools to decrease spending on marketing efforts. The Company is focused on increasing revenue and gross margin from 2012 operating results by increasing quality inquiries and volume.
(b)
Inquiry management (software) revenue increased $0.9 million (34.6%) and $1.0 million (62.1%) for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, compared to 2011 and 2010, respectively, due to an increase in client activity and the number of clients. The Company believes it will continue to see continued growth in software revenue as existing customers expand their use of the software and new customers and service offerings are added.
(c)
Digital marketing revenue increased $0.4 million (8.9%) and decreased $0.4 million (8.1%) for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, compared to 2011 and 2010, respectively. Revenue increased in 2012 due to the Company's investment in on-line college and university product offerings and decreased in 2011 due to decreased sales of essay editing services.
(d)
Content solutions revenue decreased $1.1 million (5.5%) and $2.0 million (9.3%) for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, compared to 2011 and 2010, respectively, as a result of a decrease in list marketing services and a decrease in the size of a contract with a significant government customer. The Company expects continued decreases in content solutions revenue as list marketing revenue continues to decrease.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, includes $1.7 million, $2.7 million, and $6.6 million, respectively, of amortization expense related to student list costs and $4.1 million, $3.7 million, and $8.4 million, respectively, of amortization expense of intangible assets. In 2010, the Company accelerated the amortization of student list costs to better reflect the pattern in which the economic benefit of this asset is used to generate revenue. As of December 31, 2012, all Enrollment Services' intangible assets are fully amortized.
Impairment expense. In 2012, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $2.8 million related to student list costs. In addition, in 2010, as a result of the annual goodwill impairment test, the Company recorded impairment charges at two reporting units included in the Enrollment Services operating segment. These charges consisted of $23.9 million related to its inquiry generation and management business and $2.7 million related to its list marketing business.
Operating expenses. Excluding the cost to provide enrollment services, depreciation and amortization, and impairment expense, operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 decreased $3.9 million (10.2%) and increased $0.1 million, respectively, compared to 2011 and 2010, respectively. The decrease in operating expenses in 2012 was due to cost saving measures made by the Company in reaction to the ongoing decline in revenue in this segment. Operating expenses in 2011 were flat compared to 2010 due to a reduction in facilities costs, offset by investment in new products and services to meet customer needs and expand service offerings.
ASSET GENERATION AND MANAGEMENT OPERATING SEGMENT - RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Student Loan Portfolio
As of December 31, 2012, the Company has a $24.8 billion student loan portfolio that will amortize over the next approximately 20 years. For a summary of the Company's student loan portfolio as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, see note 3 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Loan Activity
The following table sets forth the activity of loans classified as “held for investment”:
(a)
As a result of legislation effective July 1, 2010, all new federal loan originations are made by the Department of Education through the Federal Direct Loan Program and the Company no longer originates FFELP loans. However, the Company believes there will continue to be opportunities to purchase FFELP loan portfolios from current FFELP participants looking to adjust their FFELP businesses.
(b)
On October 25, 2011, the White House and the Department announced a short-term special direct consolidation loan initiative to eligible student loan borrowers, with a borrower application period beginning in January 2012 and ending June 30, 2012. The Department's initiative allowed student loan borrowers with at least one FFELP loan and at least one federal student loan owned by the Department to convert the FFELP loans to the Federal Direct Loan Program. As a result of this initiative, the amount of loans lost to external parties has increased compared to prior periods. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company lost FFELP loans of $936.4 million as a result of this initiative.
(c)
During 2010, the Company sold $2.1 billion of student loans to the Department under a program that provided liquidity to student loan lenders. Loans sold during 2012 and 2011 related to delinquent loans funded in the Department's conduit program and were sold as required by the provisions of that facility.
Allowance for Loan Losses, Loan Repurchase Obligations, and Loan Delinquencies
The provision for loan losses represents the periodic expense of maintaining an allowance sufficient to absorb losses, net of recoveries, inherent in the portfolio of student loans.
In addition, the Company’s servicing operations are obligated to repurchase certain non-federally insured loans subject to participation interests in the event such loans become 60 or 90 days delinquent, and the Company has also retained credit risk related to certain non-federally insured loans sold and will pay cash to purchase back any of these loans which become 60 days delinquent. The Company’s estimate related to its obligation to repurchase these loans is included in “other liabilities” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Delinquencies have the potential to adversely impact the Company’s earnings through increased servicing and collection costs and account charge-offs.
For a summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses and accrual related to the Company's loan repurchase obligations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, and a summary of the Company's federally insured student loan delinquency amounts as of December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, see note 3 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.
The delinquency trends in the Company's portfolio of federally insured loans were higher in 2012 as compared to 2011 and 2010, due to the sustained downturn in the economy and delinquent loans that were acquired in 2012. The increased delinquencies resulted in an increase in the provision for loan losses on federally insured loans.
The Company's non-federally insured loan portfolio has decreased since 2008 as a result of loan sales, runoff, and the Company no longer originating non-federally insured loans. The amortization of the non-federally insured student loan portfolio has resulted in provision expense being less than charge-offs during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.
Student Loan Spread Analysis
The following table analyzes the student loan spread on the Company’s portfolio of student loans, which represents the spread between the yield earned on student loan assets and the costs of the liabilities and derivative instruments used to fund the assets.
A trend analysis of the Company's core and variable student loan spreads is summarized below.
(a)
Prior to April 1, 2012, the interest earned on the majority of the Company's FFELP student loan assets was indexed to the three-month commercial paper rate. As allowed by legislation, effective April 1, 2012, the Company elected to change the index on which the Special Allowance Payments are calculated for FFELP loans from the commercial paper rate to the one-month LIBOR rate. The Company funds the majority of its assets with three-month LIBOR indexed floating rate securities. The relationship between the indices in which the Company earns interest on its loans and funds such loans has a significant impact on student loan spread. This table (the right axis) shows the difference between the Company's liability base rate and the one-month LIBOR (Q2 2012 - Q4 2012) or commercial paper rate indices (Q1 2010 - Q1 2012) by quarter.
Variable student loan spread decreased during the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the prior years as a result of the widening of the Asset/Liability Base Rate spread as reflected in the previous table.
The primary difference between variable student loan spread and core student loan spread is fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives. A summary of fixed rate floor income and its contribution to core student loan spread follows:
(a)
Includes settlement payments on derivatives used to hedge student loans earning fixed rate floor income.
The high levels of fixed rate floor income earned during 2012, 2011, and 2010 are due to historically low interest rates. If interest rates remain low, the Company anticipates continuing to earn significant fixed rate floor income in future periods. See Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk,” which provides additional detail on the Company’s portfolio earning fixed rate floor income and the derivatives used by the Company to hedge these loans.
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
Net interest income after provision for loan losses (net of settlements on derivatives).
(a)
Variable interest income, net of settlements on derivatives, decreased in 2012 compared to 2011 as a result of a decrease in the average student loan portfolio of $0.4 billion (1.5%). This decrease is partially offset by the increase in the yield earned on student loans, net of derivative settlements (2.66% in 2012 and 2.63% in 2011).
Variable interest income, net of settlements on derivatives, decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 as a result of a decrease in the average student loan portfolio of $1.2 billion (4.6%) and a decrease in yield earned on student loans, net of derivative settlements (2.63% in 2011 and 2.67% in 2010).
(b)
Consolidation rebate fees increased year over year due to an increase in the average consolidation loan portfolio.
(c)
The amortization of loan premiums and deferred origination costs, net of discount accretion, decreased in 2012 and 2011 compared to prior periods as a result of the ongoing purchase of loans at a discount, which reduced the net costs being amortized/accreted.
(d)
Interest on bonds and notes payable increased in 2012 compared to 2011 as a result of an increase in cost of funds from 0.84% in 2011 to 0.98% in 2012. This increase is partially offset by a decrease in average debt outstanding of $0.3 billion (1.3%). Interest on bonds and notes payable decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 due to a decrease in the average debt outstanding of $1.1 billion (4.3%).
(e)
During July 2011, the Company recorded a discount on bonds and notes payable assumed as a result of the purchase of the residual interest on $1.9 billion of student loans and related debt. In addition, the Company recorded a discount related to asset-backed securities issued in 2012. The bonds and notes payable discount is being accreted using the effective interest method over the lives of the bonds and notes payable.
(f)
The high levels of fixed rate floor income earned during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are due to historically low interest rates.
(g)
The provision for loan losses on federally insured loans increased year over year due to an increase in delinquent loans.
(h)
The non-federally insured loan provision decreased year over year due to a decrease in the dollar amount of the portfolio, as well as a decrease in charge-offs.
(i)
The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. Management has structured the majority of the Company’s derivative transactions with the intent that each is economically effective; however, the Company’s derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting. Derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company’s net interest income.
Other income. The following table summarizes the components of “other income.”
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases. A summary of gains from the sale of loans and debt repurchases follows:
(a)
Included in the gain on sale of loans for the year ended December 31, 2010 is a gain of $33.8 million resulting from the sale of $2.1 billion of student loans to the Department under a program that provided liquidity to student loan lenders.
(b)
During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company repurchased asset-backed securities of $134.7 million, $12.3 million, and $690.8 million, respectively.
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net. The Company maintains an overall interest rate risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. Derivative instruments primarily used by the Company to manage interest rate risk include interest rate swaps and basis swaps. Management has structured the majority of the Company's derivative transactions with the intent that each is economically effective. However, the Company's derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, and the stand-alone derivatives must be marked-to-market, the adjustments for which are included in “derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net” in the statements of income.
In addition, the Company has Euro-denominated bonds of which the principal and accrued interests are re-measured at each reporting period to U.S. dollars. Changes in the principal and accrued interest amounts as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations are included in “derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net.” In connection with the issuance of the Euro-denominated bonds, the Company has entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps which do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. The re-measurement of the Euro-denominated bonds generally correlates with the change in fair value of the cross-currency interest rate swaps. However, the Company will experience unrealized gains or losses related to the cross-currency interest rate swaps if the two underlying indices (and related forward curve) do not move in parallel.
The gains and/or losses included in “derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net” in the Company's statements of income are primarily caused by interest rate and currency exchange rate volatility, as well as the volume and terms of derivatives not receiving hedge treatment.
Included in the table of operating results above is additional information which reflects the operating results of this segment excluding the unrealized gains and losses from the Company's derivative portfolio and the foreign currency transaction adjustments. The Company believes these point-in-time estimates of asset and liability values related to these financial instruments that are subject to interest and currency rate fluctuations affect the period-to-period comparability of the results of operations.
Salaries and benefits. Salaries and benefits have decreased year over year due to a reduction of employees as a result of prior year restructuring initiatives and continued focus by the Company on managing costs.
Other expenses. Other expenses increased during the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to 2011 due to an increase in third party servicing fees related to a significant amount of recent loan purchases being serviced at third parties.
Other expenses increased during the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 2010 due to a $2.5 million expense recorded by the Company related to its obligation to repurchase non-federally insured loans. Excluding this expense, other expenses decreased as a result of the continued focus by the Company on managing costs.
Intersegment expenses, net. Intersegment expenses primarily include fees paid to the Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing operating segment for the servicing of the Company’s student loan portfolio.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company’s fee generating businesses are non-capital intensive and all produce positive operating cash flows. As such, a minimal amount of debt and equity capital is allocated to the fee-based segments and any liquidity or capital needs are satisfied using cash flow from operations. Therefore, the Liquidity and Capital Resources discussion is concentrated on the Company’s liquidity and capital needs to meet existing debt obligations in the Asset Generation and Management operating segment.
The Company may issue equity and debt securities in the future in order to improve capital, increase liquidity, refinance upcoming maturities, or provide for general corporate purposes. Moreover, the Company may from time-to-time repurchase certain amounts of its outstanding secured and unsecured debt securities, including debt securities which the Company may issue in the future, for cash and/or through exchanges for other securities. Such repurchases or exchanges may be made in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Any such repurchases or exchanges will depend on prevailing market conditions, the Company’s liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, compliance with securities laws, and other factors. The amounts involved in any such transactions may be material.
The Company has historically utilized operating cash flow, secured financing transactions (which include warehouse facilities, asset-backed securitizations, and liquidity programs offered by the Department), operating lines of credit, and other borrowing arrangements to fund its Asset Generation and Management operations and student loan acquisitions. In addition, the Company has used operating cash flow, borrowings on its unsecured line of credit, and unsecured debt offerings to fund corporate activities, business acquisitions, and repurchases of common stock. The Company has also used its common stock to partially fund certain business acquisitions.
Sources of Liquidity Currently Available
As of December 31, 2012, the Company had cash and investments of $149.3 million and has $195.0 million available to borrow on its unsecured line of credit. In addition, the Company has historically generated positive cash flow from operations. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company had net cash flow from operating activities of $299.3 million, $310.9 million, and $194.9 million, respectively.
As part of the Company’s issuance of asset-backed securitizations in 2008 and 2012, the Company purchased the Class B subordinated notes of $76.5 million (par value) and $27.6 million (par value), respectively. These notes are not included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. In addition, the Company has repurchased certain of its own asset-backed securities (bonds and notes payable). For accounting purposes, these repurchased notes are effectively retired and are not included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. However, as of December 31, 2012, $51.5 million of these securities are legally outstanding at the trust level and the Company could sell these notes to third parties or redeem the notes at par as cash is generated by the trust estate. Upon a sale of the class B subordinated notes or repurchased notes to third parties, the Company would obtain cash proceeds equal to the market value of the notes on the date of such sale.
The Company will continue to use its strong liquidity position to capitalize on market opportunities, including FFELP student loan acquisitions; strategic acquisitions and investments, including continued investments in its core business areas of asset management and finance, loan servicing, payment processing, and enrollment services (education planning); and capital management initiatives, including stock repurchases, debt repurchases, and dividend distributions.
Liquidity Needs and Sources of Liquidity Available to Satisfy Debt Obligations Secured by Student Loan Assets and Related Collateral
The Company had the following debt obligations outstanding that are secured by student loan assets and related collateral:
Bonds and notes issued in asset-backed securitizations
The majority of the Company’s portfolio of student loans is funded in asset-backed securitizations that are structured to substantially match the maturity of the funded assets, thereby minimizing liquidity risk. In addition, due to (i) the difference between the yield the Company receives on the loans and cost of financing within these transactions, and (ii) the servicing and administration fees the Company earns from these transactions, the Company has created a portfolio that will generate earnings and significant cash flow over the life of these transactions.
As of December 31, 2012, based on cash flow models developed to reflect management’s current estimate of, among other factors, prepayments, defaults, deferment, forbearance, and interest rates, the Company currently expects future undiscounted cash flows from its portfolio to be approximately $1.97 billion as detailed below. The $1.97 billion includes approximately $434.4 million (as of December 31, 2012) of overcollateralization included in the asset-backed securitizations. These excess net asset positions are reflected variously in the following balances on the consolidated balance sheet: "student loans receivable," "restricted cash and investments," and "accrued interest receivable."
The forecasted cash flow presented below includes all loans funded in asset-backed securitizations as of December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $22.0 billion of loans included in asset-backed securitizations, which represented 88 percent of its total FFELP student loan portfolio. The forecasted cash flow does not include cash flows that the Company expects to receive related to loans funded through the Department of Education’s Conduit Program and other warehouse facilities or loans acquired subsequent to December 31, 2012.
(a)
The Company uses various assumptions, including prepayments and future interest rates, when preparing its cash flow forecast. These assumptions are further discussed below.
Prepayments: The primary variable in establishing a life of loan estimate is the level and timing of prepayments. Prepayment rates equal the amount of loans that prepay annually as a percentage of the beginning of period balance, net of scheduled principal payments. A number of factors can affect estimated prepayment rates, including the level of consolidation activity and default rates. Should any of these factors change, management may revise its assumptions, which in turn would impact the projected future cash flow. The Company’s cash flow forecast above assumes prepayment rates that are generally consistent with those utilized in the Company’s recent asset-backed securities transactions. If management used a prepayment rate assumption two times greater than what was used to forecast the cash flow, the cash flow forecast would be reduced by approximately $290 million to $350 million.
Interest rates: The Company funds the majority of its student loans with three-month LIBOR indexed floating rate securities. Meanwhile, the interest earned on the Company’s student loan assets is indexed primarily to a one-month LIBOR rate. The different interest rate characteristics of the Company’s loan assets and liabilities funding these assets result in basis risk. The Company’s cash flow forecast assumes three-month LIBOR will exceed one-month LIBOR by 12 basis points for the life of the portfolio, which approximates the historical relationship between these indices. If the forecast is computed assuming a spread of 24 basis points between three-month and one-month LIBOR for the life of the portfolio, the cash flow forecast would be reduced by approximately $50 million to $90 million.
The Company uses the current forward interest rate yield curve to forecast cash flows. A change in the forward interest rate curve would impact the future cash flows generated from the portfolio. An increase in future interest rates will reduce the amount of fixed rate floor income the Company is currently receiving. The Company attempts to mitigate the impact of a rise in short-term rates by hedging interest rate risks. As of December 31, 2012, the net fair value of the Company’s interest rate derivatives used to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income was a liability of $45.9 million. See Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk."
FFELP Warehouse Facilities
The Company funds a portion of its FFELP loan acquisitions using its FFELP warehouse facilities. Student loan warehousing allows the Company to buy and manage student loans prior to transferring them into more permanent financing arrangements. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had three FFELP warehouse facilities with an aggregate maximum financing amount available of $1.8 billion, of which $1.6 billion was outstanding and $0.2 billion was available for additional funding. Two of the warehouse facilities provide for formula-based advance rates, depending on FFELP loan type, up to a maximum of the principal and interest of loans financed. One FFELP warehouse facility has static advance rates that requires initial equity for loan funding, but does not require increased equity based in market movements. As of December 31, 2012, the company had $126.3 million advanced as equity support on these facilities. For further discussion of the Company's FFELP warehouse facilities outstanding at December 31, 2012, see note 4 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.
On January 16, 2013, the Company entered into a fourth FFELP warehouse facility which has a maximum financing amount of $500.0 million, liquidity provisions that expire on January 14, 2014, and a final maturity date of January 17, 2016.
Upon termination or expiration of the warehouse facilities, the Company would expect to access the securitization market, obtain replacement warehouse facilities, use operating cash, rely on sale of assets, or transfer collateral to satisfy any remaining obligations.
Department of Education Conduit
In May 2009, the Department implemented a program under which it financed eligible FFELP Stafford and PLUS loans in a conduit vehicle established to provide funding for student lenders (the "Conduit Program"). The Conduit Program accepted eligible loans through July 1, 2010. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $1.3 billion borrowed under the facility and $49.5 million advanced as equity support in the Conduit Program. On February 28, 2013, all student loans funded in the Conduit Program were refinanced in an asset-backed securitization and the Company's FFELP warehouse facilities. After these transactions, no loans will remain financed under the Conduit Program.
Other Uses of Liquidity
Effective July 1, 2010, the Reconciliation Act of 2010 prohibits new loan originations under the FFEL Program and requires that all new federal loan originations be made through the Federal Direct Loan Program. As a result, the Company no longer originates new FFELP loans. The Company believes there will continue to be opportunities to purchase FFELP loan portfolios from current FFELP participants looking to adjust their FFELP businesses. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company purchased $3.9 billion (par value), $2.8 billion, (par value), and $3.4 billion (par value) of FFELP student loans.
The Company plans to fund additional FFELP student loan acquisitions from third parties using its Union Bank participation agreement (as described below); using its FFELP warehouse facilities (as described above); and continuing to access the asset-backed securities market.
Union Bank Participation Agreement
The Company maintains an agreement with Union Bank, as trustee for various grantor trusts, under which Union Bank has agreed to purchase from the Company participation interests in student loans (the "FFELP Participation Agreement"). As of December 31, 2012, $453.0 million of loans were subject to outstanding participation interests held by Union Bank, as trustee, under this agreement. The agreement automatically renews annually and is terminable by either party upon five business days notice. This agreement provides beneficiaries of Union Bank’s grantor trusts with access to investments in interests in student loans, while providing liquidity to the Company. The Company can participate loans to Union Bank to the extent of availability under the grantor trusts, up to $750 million or an amount in excess of $750 million if mutually agreed to by both parties. Loans participated under this agreement have been accounted for by the Company as loan sales. Accordingly, the participation interests sold are not included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Asset-backed securities transactions
Depending on market conditions, the Company anticipates continuing to access the asset-backed securities market. Asset-backed securities transactions would be used to refinance student loans included in the FFELP warehouse facilities and/or existing asset-backed security transactions. The FFELP warehouse facilities have advance rates that are less than par. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had approximately $126.3 million advanced in the FFELP warehouse facilities. Depending on the terms of asset-backed security transactions, refinancing loans included in these facilities could produce positive cash flow to the Company by reducing required advance rates and are contemplated by management when making student loan financing decisions.
Although the Company has more recently demonstrated its ability to access the asset-backed securities market and expects asset-backed securities transactions to remain a primary source of funding over the long term, the Company also expects its pricing to be less favorable than prior to the credit market dislocation that began in August 2007.
Liquidity Impact Related to Hedging Activities
The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage interest rate sensitivity. By using derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to market risk which could impact its liquidity. When the fair value of a derivative instrument is negative (a liability in the Company's balance sheet), it would owe the counterparty if the derivative was settled. If the negative fair value of derivatives with a counterparty exceeds a specified threshold, the Company may have to make a collateral deposit with the counterparty. The threshold at which the Company may be required to post collateral is dependent upon its unsecured credit rating. Based on the Company's current unsecured credit ratings (Standard & Poor's: BBB- (stable outlook) and Moody's: Ba1 (stable outlook)), the Company has substantially collateralized its corporate derivative liability position with counterparties. As such, any downgrades from the current ratings would not result in additional collateral requirements of a material nature. In addition, no counterparty has the right to terminate its contracts in the event of downgrades from the current rating. However, some long-dated derivative contracts have mutual optional termination provisions that can be exercised in 2016, 2017, 2021, and 2022. As of December 31, 2012, the fair value of derivatives with early termination provisions was a positive $1.4 million (an asset in the Company's balance sheet).
Based on the derivative portfolio outstanding as of December 31, 2012, the Company does not currently anticipate any movement in interest rates having a material impact on its capital or liquidity profile, nor does the Company expect that any movement in interest rates would have a material impact on its ability to meet potential collateral deposits with its counterparties. However, if interest rates move materially and negatively impact the fair value of the Company's derivative portfolio or if the Company enters into additional derivatives for which the fair value becomes negative, the Company could be required to deposit additional collateral with its derivative instrument counterparties. The collateral deposits, if significant, could negatively impact the Company's liquidity and capital resources. As of December 31, 2012, the fair value of the Company's derivatives, which had a negative fair value (a liability in the Company's balance sheet), was $70.9 million, and the Company had $63.1 million posted as collateral with derivative counterparties.
Other Debt Facilities
The Company has a $250.0 million unsecured line of credit with a maturity date of February 17, 2016. As of December 31, 2012, the unsecured line of credit had an outstanding balance of $55.0 million and $195.0 million was available for future use. Upon the maturity date in 2016 there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain this line of credit, increase the amount outstanding under the line, or find alternative funding if necessary.
In September 2006, the Company issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities ("Hybrid Securities") that have a final maturity of September 15, 2061. The Hybrid Securities are unsecured obligations of the Company. As of December 31, 2012, $99.2 million of Hybrid Securities were outstanding.
For further discussion of these unsecured debt obligations of the Company, see note 4 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Debt Repurchases
Due to the Company's positive liquidity position and opportunities in the capital markets, the Company has repurchased debt over the last several years. Gains recorded by the Company from the purchase of debt are included in "gain on the sale of loans and debt repurchases" on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. A summary of debt repurchases follows:
Stock Repurchases
The Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program to repurchase up to a total of five million shares of the Company's Class A common stock during the three-year period ending May 24, 2015. Shares may be repurchased from time to time depending on various factors, including share prices and other potential uses of liquidity.
Shares repurchased by the Company during 2012, 2011, and 2010 are shown in the table below.
Subsequent to December 31, 2012 (through February 26, 2013), the Company has repurchased 153,908 shares for $4.7 million ($30.50 per share). These share repurchases were made pursuant to a trading plan adopted by the Company in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of February 26, 2013, approximately 4,093,000 shares remain authorized for purchase under the Company's repurchase program.
Dividends
Dividends of $0.10 per share on the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock were paid on March 15, 2012, June 15, 2012, and September 15, 2012, respectively. On November 27, 2012, the Company paid a cash dividend of $1.10 per share, consisting of a regular quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share and a special cash dividend of $1.00 per share.
The Company's Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2013 cash dividend on the Company's Class A and Class B common stock of $0.10 per share. The dividend will be paid on March 15, 2013, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2013.
The Company currently plans to continue making regular quarterly dividend payments, subject to future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, and other factors. In addition, the payment of dividends is subject to the terms of the Company’s outstanding Hybrid Securities, which generally provide that if the Company defers interest payments on those securities it cannot pay dividends on its capital stock.
Contractual Obligations
The Company’s contractual obligations were as follows:
(a)
Amounts exclude interest as substantially all bonds and notes payable carry variable rates of interest.
(b)
The Company is committed under noncancelable operating leases for certain office space and equipment. Operating lease obligations are presented net of approximately $0.9 million in sublease arrangements.
As of December 31, 2012, the Company had a reserve of $16.5 million for uncertain income tax positions (including the federal benefit received from state positions). This obligation is not included in the above table as the timing and resolution of the income tax positions cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
As of December 31, 2012, the Company had participated a cumulative amount of $107.7 million (par value) of non-federally insured loans to third parties. Loans participated under these agreements have been accounted for by the Company as loan sales. Accordingly, the participation interests sold are not included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Per the terms of the servicing agreements, the Company’s servicing operations are obligated to repurchase loans subject to the participation interests in the event such loans become 60 or 90 days delinquent. In addition, on January 13, 2011, the Company sold a portfolio of non-federally insured loans for proceeds of $91.3 million (100% par value). The Company retained credit risk related to this portfolio and will pay cash to purchase back any loans which become 60 days delinquent. As of December 31, 2012, the outstanding balance of loans related to this loan sale was $72.8 million (par value). As of December 31, 2012, the Company has $16.1 million accrued related to these repurchase obligations which is included in "other liabilities" in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. These obligations are not included in the above table.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods. The Company bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under varying assumptions or conditions. Note 2 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this report includes a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, particularly as they relate to accounting policies that management believes are most "critical" - that is, they are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and they require management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Management has identified the following critical accounting policies that are discussed in more detail below: allowance for loan losses, revenue recognition, impairment assessments related to goodwill and intangible assets, income taxes, and accounting for derivatives.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable losses on student loans. This evaluation process is subject to numerous estimates and judgments. The Company evaluates the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses on its federally insured loan portfolio separately from its non-federally insured loan portfolio.
The allowance for the federally insured loan portfolio is based on periodic evaluations of the Company’s loan portfolios considering loans in repayment versus those in a nonpaying status, delinquency status, trends in defaults in the portfolio based on Company and industry data, past experience, trends in student loan claims rejected for payment by guarantors, changes to federal student loan programs, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors. Should any of these factors change, the estimates made by management would also change, which in turn would impact the level of the Company’s future provision for loan losses.
In determining the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses on the non-federally insured loans, the Company considers several factors including: loans in repayment versus those in a nonpaying status, delinquency status, type of program, trends in defaults in the portfolio based on Company and industry data, past experience, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors. Should any of these factors change, the estimates made by management would also change, which in turn would impact the level of the Company’s future provision for loan losses. The Company places a non-federally insured loan on nonaccrual status when the collection of principal and interest is 30 days past due and charges off the loan and accrued interest when the collection of principal and interest is 120 days past due.
The allowance for federally insured and non-federally insured loans and the repurchase obligation related to loans sold are maintained at a level management believes is appropriate to provide for estimated probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolios. This evaluation is inherently subjective because it requires estimates that may be susceptible to significant changes.
Revenue Recognition
Student loan income - The Company recognizes student loan income as earned, net of amortization/accretion of loan premiums and discounts and deferred origination costs. Loan income is recognized based upon the expected yield of the loan after giving effect to borrower utilization of incentives such as principal reductions for timely payments (“borrower benefits”) and other yield adjustments. The estimate of the borrower benefits discount is dependent on the estimate of the number of borrowers who will eventually qualify for these benefits. For competitive and liquidity purposes, the Company frequently changed the borrower benefit programs in both amount and qualification factors. These programmatic changes must be reflected in the estimate of the borrower benefit discount. Loan premiums/discounts, deferred origination costs, and borrower benefits are included in the carrying value of the student loan on the consolidated balance sheet and are amortized over the estimated life of the loan. The most sensitive estimate related to the amortization/accretion of loan premiums/discounts, deferred origination costs, and borrower benefits is the estimate of the constant prepayment rate (“CPR”). CPR is a variable in the life of loan estimate that measures the rate at which loans in a portfolio pay before their stated maturity. The CPR is directly correlated to the average life of the portfolio. CPR equals the percentage of loans that prepay annually as a percentage of the beginning of period balance, net of scheduled principal payments. A number of factors can affect the CPR estimate, including the level of consolidation activity and default rates. Should any of these factors change, the estimates made by management would also change, which in turn would impact the amount of loan premium/discount and deferred origination cost amortization recognized by the Company in a particular period.
The Company also earns revenue from its service and product offerings in its fee-based operating segments, including Loan and Guaranty Servicing, Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce, and Enrollment Services revenue. The revenue recognition policy for these services and products can be found in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Fees associated with the majority of the services included in the fee-based operating segments are recognized in the period services are rendered and earned under service arrangements with clients where service fees are fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company’s service fees are determined based on written price quotations or service agreements having stipulated terms and conditions that do not require management to make any significant judgments or assumptions regarding any potential uncertainties.
The Company assesses collectability of revenues and its allowance for doubtful accounts based on a number of factors, including past transaction history with the customer and the credit-worthiness of the customer. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established to record accounts receivable at estimated net realizable value. If the Company determines that collection of revenues is not reasonably assured at or prior to delivery of the Company’s services, revenue is recognized upon the receipt of cash.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Impairment Assessments
The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually (as of November 30) and whenever triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate its carrying value may not be recoverable.
In 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued new accounting guidance to simplify how an entity tests for goodwill impairment by allowing entities to first assess certain qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of certain events or circumstances would lead to a determination that it would be more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, instead of first performing a fair value analysis for each reporting unit. Entities that conclude, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount are not required to perform the two-step impairment test. For the 2012 annual review of goodwill, the Company assessed qualitative factors and concluded it was not more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting units were less than their carrying amount. As such, the Company was not required to perform the two-step impairment test.
The new accounting guidance includes examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider in evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance, and entity specific events. The examples of events and circumstances are not intended to be all-inclusive, and an entity may identify other relevant events or circumstances to consider in determining whether to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test. None of the individual examples of events and circumstances are intended to represent standalone events or circumstances that necessarily would require an entity to perform the first step of the goodwill impairment test.
In reaching its conclusion about whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company also considered the extent to which an adverse event or circumstance, if any, affected the reporting unit's fair value. The Company placed more weight on the events and circumstances that most affect a reporting unit's fair value or the carrying amount of its net assets. The Company also considered positive and mitigating events and circumstances. In addition, the Company compared recent fair value calculations of reporting units, when available, to the carrying amount of the reporting units in deciding whether the first step of the impairment test was necessary.
The Company makes judgments about the recoverability of purchased intangible assets annually and whenever triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate that an other than temporary impairment may exist. In addition, each quarter, the Company evaluates the estimated remaining useful lives of purchased intangible assets and whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining periods of amortization. Recoverability of these assets is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the future undiscounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate. If the asset is considered to be impaired, the amount of any impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the impaired asset.
The Company's evaluation of whether the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount and assumptions and estimates about future values and remaining useful lives of the Company’s intangible and other long-lived assets are complex and subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in the Company’s business strategy and internal forecasts. Although the Company believes the historical assumptions and estimates used are reasonable and appropriate, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the reported financial results.
Income Taxes
The Company is subject to the income tax laws of the U.S. and its states and municipalities in which the Company operates. These tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the relevant government taxing authorities. In establishing a provision for income tax expense, the Company must make judgments and interpretations about the application of these inherently complex tax laws. The Company must also make estimates about when in the future certain items will affect taxable income in the various tax jurisdictions. Disputes over interpretations of the tax laws may be subject to review/adjudication by the court systems of the various tax jurisdictions or may be settled with the taxing authority upon examination or audit. The Company reviews these balances quarterly and as new information becomes available, the balances are adjusted, as appropriate.
Derivative Accounting
The Company records derivative instruments at fair value on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability. The Company determines the fair value for its derivative contracts using either (i) pricing models that consider current market conditions and the contractual terms of the derivative contract or (ii) counterparty valuations. These factors include interest rates, time value, forward interest rate curve, and volatility factors, as well as foreign exchange rates. Pricing models and their underlying assumptions impact the amount and timing of unrealized gains and losses recognized, and the use of different pricing models or assumptions could produce different financial results. Management has structured the majority of the Company’s derivative transactions with the intent that each is economically effective. However, the Company’s derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are reported in current period earnings.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ISSUED, BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE
Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
In December 2011, the FASB issued accounting guidance on disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The guidance requires entities to disclose both gross and net information about instruments and transactions that are offset in the balance sheet, as well as instruments and transactions that are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. In January 2013, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the scope of the disclosures to apply only to derivatives, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities lending and securities borrowing transactions. This guidance is effective January 1, 2013, with retrospective application required. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our financial statements.
Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
In February 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance on the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance requires an entity to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income if the amount is reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, a cross reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about the reclassification amounts is required. This guidance is effective January 1, 2013. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our financial statements.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
(All dollars are in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Interest Rate Risk
The Company’s primary market risk exposure arises from fluctuations in its borrowing and lending rates, the spread between which could impact the Company due to shifts in market interest rates.
The following table sets forth the Company’s loan assets and debt instruments by rate characteristics:
Loans originated prior to April 1, 2006 generally earn interest at the higher of a floating rate based on the Special Allowance Payment formula set by the Department and the borrower rate, which is fixed over a period of time. The SAP formula is based on an applicable indice plus a fixed spread that is dependent upon when the loan was originated, the loan’s repayment status, and funding sources for the loan. The Company generally finances its student loan portfolio with variable rate debt. In low and/or declining interest rate environments, when the fixed borrower rate is higher than the rate produced by the SAP formula, the Company’s student loans earn at a fixed rate while the interest on the variable rate debt typically continues to decline. In these interest rate environments, the Company may earn additional spread income that it refers to as floor income.
Depending on the type of loan and when it was originated, the borrower rate is either fixed to term or is reset to an annual rate each July 1. As a result, for loans where the borrower rate is fixed to term, the Company may earn floor income for an extended period of time, which the Company refers to as fixed rate floor income, and for those loans where the borrower rate is reset annually on July 1, the Company may earn floor income to the next reset date, which the Company refers to as variable rate floor income. Lenders are required to rebate fixed rate floor income and variable rate floor income to the Department for all new FFELP loans first originated on or after April 1, 2006.
No variable-rate floor income was earned by the Company during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010. A summary of fixed rate floor income earned by the Company during these years follows.
(a)
Includes settlement payments on derivatives used to hedge student loans earning fixed rate floor income.
The high levels of fixed rate floor income earned during 2012, 2011, and 2010 are due to historically low interest rates. If interest rates remain low, the Company anticipates continuing to earn significant fixed rate floor income in future periods.
Absent the use of derivative instruments, a rise in interest rates may reduce the amount of floor income received and this may have an impact on earnings due to interest margin compression caused by increasing financing costs, until such time as the federally insured loans earn interest at a variable rate in accordance with their special allowance payment formulas. In higher interest rate environments, where the interest rate rises above the borrower rate and fixed rate loans effectively become variable rate loans, the impact of the rate fluctuations is reduced.
The following graph depicts fixed rate floor income for a borrower with a fixed rate of 6.75% and a SAP rate of 2.64%:
The following table shows the Company’s student loan assets that are earning fixed rate floor income as of December 31, 2012:
(a)
The estimated variable conversion rate is the estimated short-term interest rate at which loans would convert to a variable rate. As of December 31, 2012, the weighted average estimated variable conversion rate was 1.82%. As of December 31, 2012, the short-term interest rate was 21 basis points.
The following table summarizes the outstanding derivative instruments as of December 31, 2012 used by the Company to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income.
(a)
For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR.
The Company is also exposed to interest rate risk in the form of basis risk and repricing risk because the interest rate characteristics of the Company’s assets do not match the interest rate characteristics of the funding for those assets. The following table presents the Company’s FFELP student loan assets and related funding arranged by underlying indices as of December 31, 2012:
(a)
Prior to April 1, 2012, the interest earned on the majority of the Company's FFELP student loan assets was indexed to the three-month commercial paper rate index. As allowed by recent legislation, effective April 1, 2012, the Company elected to change the index on which the Special Allowance Payments are calculated for FFELP loans from the commercial paper rate to the one-month LIBOR rate.
(b)
The Company has certain basis swaps outstanding in which the Company receives three-month LIBOR and pays one-month LIBOR plus or minus a spread as defined in the agreements (the "1:3 Basis Swaps"). The Company entered into these derivative instruments to better match the interest rate characteristics on its student loan assets and the debt funding such assets. The following table summarizes these derivatives as of December 31, 2012:
(1)This derivative has a forward effective start date in 2015.
(2)This derivative has a forward effective start date in 2020.
(3)
The weighted average rate paid by the Company on the 1:3 Basis Swaps as of December 31, 2012 was one-month LIBOR plus 3.3 basis points.
(c)
The Company has Euro-denominated notes that reprice on the EURIBOR index. The Company has entered into derivative instruments (cross-currency interest rate swaps) that convert the EURIBOR index to three-month LIBOR. As a result, these notes are reflected in the three-month LIBOR category in the above table. See “Foreign Currency Exchange Risk” below.
(d)
The interest rates on certain of the Company's asset-backed securities are set and periodically reset via a "dutch auction" (“Auction Rate Securities”) or through remarketing utilizing remarketing agents (“Variable Rate Demand Notes”). As of December 31, 2012, the Company was sponsor for $750.7 million of Auction Rate Securities and $219.2 million of Variable Rate Demand Notes.
Since February 2008, problems in the auction rate securities market as a whole has led to failures of the auctions pursuant to which the Company's Auction Rate Securities' interest rates are set. As a result, the Auction Rate Securities generally pay interest to the holder at a maximum rate as defined by the indenture. While these rates will vary, they will generally be based on a spread to LIBOR or Treasury Securities, or the Net Loan Rate as defined in the financing documents.
For Variable Rate Demand Notes, the remarketing agents set the price, which is then offered to investors. If there are insufficient potential bid orders to purchase all of the notes offered for sale, the Variable Rate Demand Notes will generally pay interest to the holder at a rate as defined in the indenture.
(e)
Asset-backed commercial paper consists of $1.2 billion funded in the Company’s warehouse facilities and $1.3 billion funded through the Department’s Conduit Program. Funding for the Conduit Program is provided by the capital markets at a cost based on market rates.
(f)
Assets include restricted cash and investments and other assets. Debt outstanding includes other debt obligations secured by student loan assets and related collateral.
Sensitivity Analysis
The following tables summarize the effect on the Company’s earnings, based upon a sensitivity analysis performed by the Company assuming hypothetical increases in interest rates of 100 basis points and 300 basis points while funding spreads remain constant. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was performed assuming the funding indice increases 10 basis points and 30 basis points while holding the asset indice constant, if the funding indice is different than the asset indice. The sensitivity analysis was performed on the Company’s variable rate assets (including loans earning fixed rate floor income) and liabilities. The analysis includes the effects of the Company’s interest rate and basis swaps in existence during these periods.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
During 2006, the Company completed separate debt offerings of student loan asset-backed securities that included 420.5 million and 352.7 million Euro-denominated notes with interest rates based on a spread to the EURIBOR index. As a result of this transaction, the Company is exposed to market risk related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and Euro. The principal and accrued interest on these notes is re-measured at each reporting period and recorded in the Company’s balance sheet in U.S. dollars based on the foreign currency exchange rate on that date. Changes in the principal and accrued interest amounts as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations are included in the “derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
The Company entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps in connection with the issuance of the Euro Notes. Under the terms of these derivative instrument agreements, the Company receives from a counterparty a spread to the EURIBOR indice based on notional amounts of €420.5 million and €352.7 million and pays a spread to the LIBOR indice based on notional amounts of $500.0 million and $450.0 million, respectively. In addition, under the terms of these agreements, all principal payments on the Euro Notes will effectively be paid at the exchange rate in effect between the U.S. dollar and Euro as of the issuance of the notes. The Company did not qualify these derivative instruments as hedges under authoritative accounting guidance; consequently, the change in fair value is included in the Company’s operating results.
The following table summarizes the financial statement impact as a result of the remeasurement of the Euro Notes and change in the fair value of the related derivative instruments. These amounts are included in “derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
The re-measurement of the Euro-denominated bonds generally correlates with the change in fair value of the cross-currency interest rate swaps. However, the Company will experience unrealized gains or losses related to the cross-currency interest rate swaps if the two underlying indices (and related forward curve) do not move in parallel. Management intends to hold the cross-currency interest rate swaps through the maturity of the Euro-denominated bonds.
Financial Statement Impact - Derivatives and Foreign Currency Transaction Adjustments
The following table summarizes all of the components of “derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net” included in the consolidated statements of income.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Reference is made to the consolidated financial statements listed under the heading “(a) 1. Consolidated Financial Statements” of Item 15 of this report, which consolidated financial statements are incorporated into this report by reference in response to this Item 8.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under supervision and with the participation of certain members of the Company’s management, including the chief executive and chief financial officers, the Company completed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in SEC Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on this evaluation, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the chief executive and chief financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) for the Company. The Company's internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company's management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Management maintains a comprehensive system of controls intended to ensure that transactions are executed in accordance with management's authorization, assets are safeguarded, and financial records are reliable. Management also takes steps to ensure that information and communication flows are effective and to monitor performance, including performance of internal control procedures.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 based on the criteria for effective internal control described in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2012, the Company's internal control over financial reporting is effective.
The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been audited by KPMG LLP, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included herein, which expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Internal Controls
The Company's management, including the chief executive and chief financial officers, understands that the disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting are subject to certain limitations, including the exercise of judgment in designing, implementing, and evaluating the controls and procedures, the assumptions used in identifying the likelihood of future events, and the inability to eliminate misconduct completely. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of a control system must be considered relative to their costs. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
As a result, there can be no assurance that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all errors or fraud or ensure that all material information will be made known to management in a timely fashion. By their nature, the Company's or any system of disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls over financial reporting, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management's control objectives.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Nelnet, Inc.:
We have audited Nelnet, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Nelnet, Inc.'s (the Company) management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Nelnet, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Nelnet, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, and our report dated February 28, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Lincoln, Nebraska
February 28, 2013
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
During the fourth quarter of 2012, no information was required to be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K, but not reported.
PART III.
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information as to the directors, executive officers, corporate governance, and Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance of the Company set forth under the captions “PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS - Nominees,” “EXECUTIVE OFFICERS,” “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE,” and “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS - Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on Schedule 14A with the SEC, no later than 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year, relating to the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to be held on May 23, 2013 (the “Proxy Statement”), is incorporated into this report by reference.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information set forth under the captions “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE” and “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated into this report by reference.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information set forth under the caption “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS - Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated into this report by reference. There are no arrangements known to the Company, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in the control of the Company.
The following table summarizes information about compensation plans under which equity securities are authorized for issuance.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
(1)
Includes 2,420,935, 132,834, and 594,218 shares of Class A Common Stock remaining available for future issuance under the Nelnet, Inc. Restricted Stock Plan, Nelnet, Inc. Directors Stock Compensation Plan, and Nelnet, Inc. Employee Share Purchase Plan, respectively.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information set forth under the captions “CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS,” “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE - Board Composition and Director Independence,” and “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE - Board Committees” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated into this report by reference.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information set forth under the caption “PROPOSAL 2 - RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM - Independent Accountant Fees and Services” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated into this report by reference.
PART IV.
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
1. Consolidated Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statements of Nelnet, Inc. and its subsidiaries and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon are included in Item 8 above:
2. Financial Statement Schedules
All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
3. Exhibits
The exhibits listed in the accompanying index to exhibits are filed, furnished, or incorporated by reference as part of this report.
(b)
Exhibits
Exhibit Index
Exhibit No.
Description
3.1
Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Nelnet, Inc., and Articles of Amendment thereto, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report for the period ended September 30, 2006, filed on Form 10-Q and incorporated by reference herein.
3.2
Articles of Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Nelnet, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s quarterly report for the period ended June 30, 2007, filed on Form 10-Q.
3.3
Sixth Amended and Restated Bylaws of Nelnet, Inc., as amended as of March 18, 2011. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on March 24, 2011.
4.1
Form of Class A Common Stock Certificate of Nelnet, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Form S-1 Registration Statement.
4.2
Certain instruments, including indentures of trust, defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the registrant and its consolidated subsidiaries, none of which instruments authorizes a total amount of indebtedness thereunder in excess of 10 percent of the total assets of the registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, are omitted from this Exhibit Index pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. Many of such instruments have been previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the registrant hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Commission upon request.
4.3
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2003, by and among Nelnet, Inc. and the shareholders of Nelnet, Inc. signatory thereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to the registrant’s Form S-1 Registration Statement.
Exhibit Index
101.LAB**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
* Filed herewith
** Furnished herewith
+ Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement contemplated by Item 15(a)(3) on Form 10-K.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dated:
February 28, 2013
NELNET, INC
By:
/s/ MICHAEL S. DUNLAP
Name: Michael S. Dunlap
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principle Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Nelnet, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nelnet, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nelnet, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Nelnet, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 28, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Lincoln, Nebraska
February 28, 2013
Supplemental disclosures of assets and liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities are contained in note 2.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash operating, investing, and financing activities regarding the Company's acquisition of student loans are contained in note 3.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
1.
Description of Business
Nelnet, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Nelnet” or the “Company”) is an education services company focused primarily on providing fee-based processing services and quality education-related products and services in four core areas: asset management and finance, loan servicing, payment processing, and enrollment services (education planning). These products and services help students and families plan, prepare, and pay for their education and make the administrative and financial processes more efficient for schools and financial organizations. In addition, the Company earns net interest income on a portfolio of federally insured student loans. Substantially all revenue from external customers is earned, and all long lived assets are located, in the United States.
The Company was formed as a Nebraska corporation in 1977 to service federal student loans for two local banks. The Company built on this initial foundation as a servicer to become a leading originator, holder, and servicer of federal student loans, principally consisting of loans originated under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (“FFELP” or “FFEL Program”) of the U.S. Department of Education (the “Department”).
To reduce its reliance on interest income on student loans, the Company has significantly diversified and increased its fee-based education-related services. On March 30, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (the "Reconciliation Act of 2010”). Effective July 1, 2010, this law prohibits new loan originations under the FFEL Program and requires that all new federal loan originations be made through the Federal Direct Loan Program. The new law does not alter or affect the terms and conditions of existing FFELP loans. As a result of this legislation, the Company no longer originates new FFELP loans. However, the Company believes there will be opportunities to purchase FFELP loan portfolios from current FFELP participants looking to adjust their FFELP businesses. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company purchased $3.9 billion (par value) of FFELP loans.
The Company operates as four distinct operating segments. The Company's operating segments include:
• Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing
• Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce
• Enrollment Services
• Asset Generation and Management
A description of each operating segment is included below. In addition, see note 14 for additional information on the Company's segment reporting.
Fee-Based Operating Segments
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing
The following are the primary products and services the Company offers as part of its Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing operating segment:
•
Servicing FFELP loans
•
Originating and servicing non-federally insured student loans
•
Servicing federally-owned student loans for the Department of Education
•
Servicing and outsourcing services for FFELP guaranty agencies, including FFELP guaranty collection services
•
Providing student loan servicing software and other information technology products and services
The Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing operating segment provides for the servicing of the Company's student loan portfolio and the portfolios of third parties. The loan servicing activities include loan origination activities, loan conversion activities, application processing, borrower updates, payment processing, due diligence procedures, funds management reconciliations, and claim processing. These activities are performed internally for the Company's portfolio in addition to generating external fee revenue when performed for third-party clients.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
In June 2009, the Company was one of four private sector companies awarded a student loan servicing contract by the Department of Education to provide additional servicing capacity for loans owned by the Department. In September 2009, the Company began servicing loans under this contract. The contract spans five years (through June 2014), with one five-year renewal at the option of the Department.
This operating segment also provides servicing activities for guaranty agencies, which are the organizations that serve as the intermediary between the U.S. federal government and FFELP lenders, and are responsible for paying the claims made on defaulted loans. The services provided by the Company include providing software and data center services, borrower and loan updates, default aversion tracking services, claim processing services, and post-default collection services.
This operating segment also provides student loan servicing software, which is used internally by the Company and licensed to third-party student loan holders and servicers. These software systems have been adapted so that they can be offered as hosted servicing software solutions that can be used by third parties to service various types of student loans, including Private, Federal Direct Loan Program, and FFEL Program loans.
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce
The Company's Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce operating segment provides products and services to help students and families manage the payment of education costs at all levels (K-12 and higher education). It also provides innovative education-focused technologies, services, and support solutions to help schools with the everyday challenges of collecting and processing commerce data.
In the K-12 market, the Company offers actively managed tuition payment plans and billing services as well as assistance with financial needs assessment and donor management. The Company offers two principal products to the higher education market: actively managed tuition payment plans and campus commerce technologies and payment processing.
Enrollment Services
The Enrollment Services operating segment offers products and services that are focused on helping colleges recruit and retain students and helping students plan and prepare for life after high school and/or military service. The following are the primary products and services the Company offers as part of the Enrollment Services segment:
•
Inquiry Generation - Inquiry generation services include delivering qualified inquiries or clicks to third-party customers, primarily higher education institutions.
•
Inquiry Management (Agency) - Agency services include managing the marketing activities for third-party customers, primarily higher education institutions, in order to provide qualified inquiries or clicks.
•
Inquiry Management (Software) - Software services include the licensing of software to third-party customers, primarily higher education institutions. This software is also used internally by the Company. The inquiry management software has been adapted so that it can be offered as a hosted software solution that can be used by third parties to manage and obtain qualified inquiries or clicks.
•
Digital Marketing - Digital marketing services include interactive services to connect students to colleges and universities and are sold primarily based on subscriptions. Digital marketing services also include editing services for admission essays.
•
Content Solutions - Content solutions includes test preparation study guides, school directories and databases, career exploration guides, on-line courses, scholarship search and selection data, career planning, and on-line information about colleges and universities. Content solutions also includes providing list marketing services to help higher education institutions and businesses reach the middle school, high school, college bound high school, college, and young adult market places.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment
The Company's Asset Generation and Management operating segment includes the acquisition, management, and ownership of the Company's student loan assets, which has historically been the Company's largest product and service offering. Student loan assets included in this segment are loans originated under the FFEL Program, including the Stafford Loan Program, the PLUS Loan program, and loans that consolidate certain borrower obligations (“Consolidation”). The Company generates a substantial portion of its earnings from the spread, referred to as the Company's student loan spread, between the yield it receives on its student loan portfolio and the associated costs to finance such portfolio. The student loan assets are held in a series of education lending subsidiaries and associated securitization trusts designed specifically for this purpose. In addition to the student loan spread earned on its portfolio, all costs and activity associated with managing the portfolio, such as servicing of the assets and debt maintenance, are included in this segment.
2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nelnet, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including its education lending subsidiaries for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company's education lending subsidiaries (or Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs")) are engaged in the securitization of education finance assets. These education lending subsidiaries hold beneficial interests in eligible loans, subject to creditors with specific interests. The liabilities of the Company's education lending subsidiaries are not the direct obligations of Nelnet, Inc. or any of its other subsidiaries. Each education lending subsidiary is structured to be bankruptcy remote, meaning that they should not be consolidated in the event of bankruptcy of the parent company or any other subsidiary. The Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary of its education lending subsidiaries (VIEs). The primary beneficiary is the entity which has both: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company is the servicer of the securitized assets held in its education lending subsidiaries and owns the residual interest of the securitization trusts. As a result, for accounting purposes, the transfers of student loans to the eligible lender trusts do not qualify as sales. Accordingly, all the financial activities and related assets and liabilities, including debt, of the securitizations are reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements as summarized below.
Noncontrolling Interest
Noncontrolling interest reflects the proportionate share of membership interest (equity) and net income attributable to the holders of minority membership interests in Whitetail Rock Capital Management, LLC ("WRCM"), a subsidiary of the Company that issued minority membership interests on January 1, 2012.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make a number of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, reported amounts of revenues and expenses, and other disclosures. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Student Loans Receivable
Student loans consist of federally insured student loans and non-federally insured student loans. If the Company has the ability and intent to hold loans for the foreseeable future, such loans are held for investment and carried at amortized cost. Amortized cost includes the unamortized premium or discount and capitalized origination costs and fees, all of which are amortized to interest income. Loans which are held-for-investment also have an allowance for loan loss as needed. Any loans the Company has the ability and intent to sell are classified as held for sale and are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Loans which are held for sale do not have the associated premium or discount and origination costs and fees amortized into interest income and there is also no related allowance for loan losses. There were no loans classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Federally insured loans may be made under the FFEL Program by certain lenders as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the “Higher Education Act”). These loans, including related accrued interest, are guaranteed at their maximum level permitted under the Higher Education Act by an authorized guaranty agency, which has a contract of reinsurance with the Department of Education. The terms of the loans, which vary on an individual basis, generally provide for repayment in monthly installments of principal and interest. Generally, Stafford and PLUS loans have repayment periods between five and ten years. Consolidation loans have repayment periods of twelve to thirty years. FFELP loans do not require repayment while the borrower is in-school and during the grace period immediately upon leaving school. The borrower may also be granted a deferment or forbearance for a period of time based on need, during which time the borrower is not considered to be in repayment. Interest continues to accrue on loans in the in-school, deferment, and forbearance period. Interest rates on loans may be fixed or variable, dependent upon type, terms of loan agreements, and date of origination. For FFELP loans, the education lending subsidiaries have entered into trust agreements in which unrelated financial institutions serve as the eligible lender trustees. As eligible lender trustees, the financial institutions act as the eligible lender in acquiring certain eligible student loans as an accommodation to the subsidiaries, which hold beneficial interests in the student loan assets as the beneficiaries of such trusts.
Substantially all FFELP loan principal and related accrued interest is guaranteed as defined by the Higher Education Act. These guarantees are made subject to the performance of certain loan servicing procedures stipulated by applicable regulations. If these due diligence procedures are not met, affected student loans may not be covered by the guarantees should the borrower default. Such student loans are subject to “cure” procedures and reinstatement of the guarantee under certain circumstances.
Student loans receivable also includes non-federally insured loans. The terms of the non-federally insured loans, which vary on an individual basis, generally provide for repayment in monthly installments of principal and interest over a period of up to 30 years. The non-federally insured loans are not covered by guarantee or collateral should the borrower default.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of probable losses on student loans. The provision for loan losses reflects the activity for the applicable period and provides an allowance at a level that the Company's management believes is appropriate to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on its federally insured loan portfolio separately from its non-federally insured loan portfolio. These evaluation processes are subject to numerous judgments and uncertainties.
The allowance for the federally insured loan portfolio is based on periodic evaluations of the Company's loan portfolios considering loans in repayment versus those in a nonpaying status, delinquency status, trends in defaults in the portfolio based on Company and industry data, past experience, trends in student loan claims rejected for payment by guarantors, changes to federal student loan programs, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors. The federal government guarantees 97 percent of the principal of and the interest on federally insured student loans disbursed on and after July 1, 2006 (and 98 percent for those loans disbursed prior to July 1, 2006), which limits the Company's loss exposure on the outstanding balance of the Company's federally insured portfolio. Student loans disbursed prior to October 1, 1993 are fully insured.
In determining the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses on the non-federally insured loans, the Company considers several factors including: loans in repayment versus those in a nonpaying status, delinquency status, type of program, trends in defaults in the portfolio based on Company and industry data, past experience, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors. The Company places a non-federally insured loan on nonaccrual status when the collection of principal and interest is 30 days past due and charges off the loan when the collection of principal and interest is 120 days past due. Recoveries, if any, are reflected as a recovery through the allowance for loan losses.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Management has determined that each of the federally insured loan portfolio and the non-federally insured loan portfolio meets the definition of a portfolio segment, which is defined as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic method for determining its allowance for credit losses. Accordingly, the portfolio segment basis disclosures are presented in note 3 for each of these portfolios. The Company does not disaggregate its portfolio segment student loan portfolios into classes of financing receivables. In addition, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company does not have any impaired loans as defined in the Receivables Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all investments with maturities when purchased of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Investments
The Company's available-for-sale investment portfolio consists of student loan asset-backed securities and equity and debt securities. These securities are carried at fair value, with the temporary changes in fair value, net of taxes, carried as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The amortized cost of debt securities in this category (including the student loan asset-backed securities) is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are amortized using the effective interest rate method. Other-than-temporary impairment is evaluated by considering several factors, including the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the security (considering factors such as adverse conditions specific to the security and ratings agency actions), and the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment to allow for an anticipated recovery in fair value. The entire fair value loss on a security that has experienced an other-than-temporary impairment is recorded in earnings if the Company intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before the expected recovery of the loss. However, if the impairment is other-than-temporary, and either of those two conditions does not exist, the portion of the impairment related to credit losses is recorded in earnings and the impairment related to other factors is recorded in other comprehensive income.
Securities classified as trading are accounted for at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in "other income" in the consolidated statements of income.
Securities that the Company has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are accounted for at amortized cost unless the security is determined to have an other-than-temporary impairment. In that case, it is accounted for in the same manner as described above for available-for-sale investments.
When an investment is sold the cost basis is determined through specific identification of the security sold.
Restricted Cash and Investments
Restricted cash primarily includes amounts for student loan securitizations and other secured borrowings. This cash must be used to make payments related to trust obligations. Amounts on deposit in these accounts are primarily the result of timing differences between when principal and interest is collected on the trust assets and when principal and interest is paid on trust liabilities. Restricted cash also includes collateral deposits with derivative counterparties.
Cash balances that the Company's indentured trusts deposit in guaranteed investment contracts that are held for the related note holders are classified as restricted investments. The Company has classified these investments as held-to-maturity and accounts for them at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Restricted Cash - Due to Customers
As a servicer of student loans, the Company collects student loan remittances and subsequently disburses these remittances to the appropriate lending entities. In addition, as part of the Company's Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce operating segment, the Company collects tuition payments and subsequently remits these payments to the appropriate schools. Cash collected for customers and the related liability are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are presented at their net realizable values, which includes allowances for doubtful accounts. Allowance estimates are based upon individual customer experience, as well as the age of receivables and likelihood of collection.
Goodwill
The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually (in the fourth quarter) and whenever triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate its carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested for impairment using a fair value approach at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is the operating segment, or a business one level below that operating segment if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. However, components are aggregated as a single reporting unit if they have similar economic characteristics.
In September 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for testing goodwill for impairment. The guidance provides an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that is more likely than not (more than 50%) that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity elects to perform a qualitative assessment and determines that an impairment is more likely than not, the entity is then required to perform the existing two-step quantitative impairment test (described below), otherwise no further analysis is required. An entity also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the two-step quantitative impairment test.
If the Company elects to not perform a qualitative assessment or if the Company determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then the Company performs a two-step impairment test on goodwill. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is considered not impaired and the Company is not required to perform further testing. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then the Company must perform the second step of the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then the Company would record an impairment loss equal to the difference.
Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and determination of appropriate market comparables. Actual future results may differ from those estimates.
See note 9 which provides information regarding the Company's annual goodwill impairment review for 2010, 2011, and 2012.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated lives. Such assets are amortized using a method of amortization that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset is consumed or otherwise used up. If that pattern cannot be reliably determined, the Company uses a straight-line amortization method.
The Company evaluates the estimated remaining useful lives of purchased intangible assets and whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining periods of amortization.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and major improvements, including leasehold improvements, are capitalized. Gains and losses from the sale of property and equipment are included in determining net income. The Company uses accelerated and straight-line methods for recording depreciation and amortization. Accelerated methods are used for certain equipment and software when this method is believed to provide a better matching of income and expenses. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their useful life or the related lease period.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews its long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. The Company uses estimates to determine the fair value of long-lived assets. Such estimates are generally based on estimated future cash flows or cost savings associated with particular assets and are discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. The estimates of future cash flows associated with assets are generally prepared using a cost savings method, a lost income method, or an excess return method, as appropriate. In utilizing such methods, management must make certain assumptions about the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and other economic benefits from the assets, the remaining economic useful life of the assets, and general economic factors concerning the selection of an appropriate discount rate. The Company may also use replacement cost or market comparison approaches to estimating fair value if such methods are determined to be more appropriate.
Assumptions and estimates about future values and remaining useful lives of the Company's intangible and other long-lived assets are complex and subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in the Company's business strategy and internal forecasts. Although the Company believes the historical assumptions and estimates used are reasonable and appropriate, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the reported financial results.
Other Assets
Other assets are recorded at cost or amortized cost and consist primarily of debt issuance costs, certain investments, and other miscellaneous assets. Debt issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company uses estimates of fair value in applying various accounting standards for its financial statements.
Fair value is defined as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing and able market participants. In general, the Company's policy in estimating fair values is to first look at observable market prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets, where available. When these are not available, other inputs are used to model fair value such as prices of similar instruments, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, default rates, and credit spreads, relying first on observable data from active markets. Depending on current market conditions, additional adjustments to fair value may be based on factors such as liquidity, credit, and bid/offer spreads. Transaction costs are not included in the determination of fair value. When possible, the Company seeks to validate the model's output to market transactions. Depending on the availability of observable inputs and prices, different valuation models could produce materially different fair value estimates. The values presented may not represent future fair values and may not be realizable. Additionally, there may be inherent weaknesses in any calculation technique, and changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the results of current or future values.
The Company categorizes its fair value estimates based on a hierarchical framework associated with three levels of price transparency utilized in measuring financial instruments at fair value. Classification is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value of the instrument. The three levels include:
•
Level 1: Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. The types of financial instruments included in Level 1 are highly liquid instruments with quoted prices.
•
Level 2: Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose primary value drivers are observable.
•
Level 3: Instruments whose primary value drivers are unobservable. Inputs are developed based on the best information available; however, significant judgment is required by management in developing the inputs.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
The Company's accounting policy is to recognize transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period.
Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company's various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available for identical or similar instruments, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.
Revenue Recognition
Loan interest income - Loan interest is paid by the Department or the borrower, depending on the status of the loan at the time of the accrual. In addition, the Department makes quarterly interest subsidy payments on certain qualified FFELP loans until the student is required under the provisions of the Higher Education Act to begin repayment. Borrower repayment of FFELP loans normally begins within six months after completion of the loan holder's course of study, leaving school, or ceasing to carry at least one-half the normal full-time academic load, as determined by the educational institution. Borrower repayment of PLUS and Consolidation loans normally begins within 60 days from the date of loan disbursement. Borrower repayment of non-federally insured loans typically begins six months following a borrower's graduation from a qualified institution and the interest is either paid by the borrower or capitalized annually or at repayment.
The Department provides a special allowance to lenders participating in the FFEL Program. The special allowance is accrued based upon the fiscal quarter average rate of 13-week Treasury Bill auctions (for loans originated prior to January 1, 2000) or the fiscal quarter average rate of daily one-month LIBOR rates (for loans originated on and after January 1, 2000) relative to the yield of the student loan.
The Company recognizes student loan income as earned, net of amortization of loan premiums and deferred origination costs and the accretion of loan discounts. Loan income is recognized based upon the expected yield of the loan after giving effect to borrower utilization of incentives such as timely payments (“borrower benefits”) and other yield adjustments. Loan premiums or discounts, deferred origination costs, and borrower benefits are amortized/accreted over the estimated life of the loan, which includes an estimate of prepayment speeds. The Company periodically evaluates the assumptions used to estimate the life of the loans and prepayment speeds.
The Company also pays the Department an annual 105 basis point rebate fee on Consolidation loans. These rebate fees are netted against loan interest income.
Student loan and guaranty servicing revenue - Student loan and guaranty servicing revenue consists of the following items:
•
Loan and guaranty servicing fees - Loan servicing fees are determined according to individual agreements with customers and are calculated based on the dollar value of loans, number of loans, or number of borrowers serviced for each customer. Guaranty servicing fees, generally, are calculated based on the number of loans serviced, volume of loans serviced, or amounts collected. Revenue is recognized when earned pursuant to applicable agreements, and when ultimate collection is assured.
•
Software services revenue - Software services revenue is determined from individual agreements with customers and includes license and maintenance fees associated with student loan software products. Computer and software consulting and remote hosting revenues are recognized over the period in which services are provided to customers.
Tuition payment processing and campus commerce revenue - Tuition payment processing and campus commerce revenue includes actively managed tuition payment solutions and online payment processing. Fees for these services are recognized over the period in which services are provided to customers.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Enrollment Services Revenue - Enrollment services revenue primarily consists of the following items:
•
Inquiry Generation and Management (Agency) - Inquiry generation and management revenue is derived primarily from fees which are earned through the delivery of qualified inquiries or clicks. The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is deemed to have occurred at the time a qualified inquiry or click is delivered to the customer, provided that no significant obligations remain. From time to time, the Company may agree to credit certain inquiries or clicks if they fail to meet the contractual or other guidelines of a particular client. The Company has established a sales reserve based on historical experience. To date, such credits have been immaterial and within management’s expectations.
For a portion of its inquiry generation and management revenue, the Company has agreements with providers of online media or traffic (“inquiry generation vendors”) used in the generation of inquiries or clicks. The Company receives a fee from its customers and pays a fee to the inquiry generation vendors either on a cost per inquiry, cost per click, or cost per number of impressions basis. The Company is the primary obligor in the transaction. As a result, the fees paid by the Company’s customers are recognized as revenue and the fees paid to its inquiry generation vendors are included in “cost to provide enrollment services” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
•
Inquiry Management (Software) - Inquiry management software revenue is determined from individual agreements with customers and includes license and maintenance fees associated with inquiry management software products. Remote hosting revenues are recognized over the period in which services are provided to customers.
•
Digital Marketing - Digital marketing services include interactive services to connect students to colleges and universities and are sold primarily based on subscriptions. Revenues from sales of subscription services are recognized ratably over the term of the contract as earned. Subscription revenues received or receivable in advance of the delivery of services are included in deferred revenue. Digital marketing services also include editing services for admission essays. Fees for these services are recognized over the period in which services are provided to customers.
•
Content Solutions - Content solutions includes test preparation study guides, school directories and databases, career exploration guides, on-line courses, scholarship search and selection data, career planning, and on-line information about colleges and universities. Several of these services are sold based on subscriptions. Revenues from sales of subscription services are recognized ratably over the term of the contract as earned. Subscription revenues received or receivable in advance of the delivery of services is included in deferred revenue. Revenue from the sale of print products is generally earned and recognized, net of estimated returns, upon shipment or delivery. All other services are recognized over the period in which services are provided to customers. Content solutions also includes providing list marketing services to help higher education institutions and businesses reach the middle school, high school, college bound high school, college, and young adult market places. Revenue from the sale of lists is generally earned and recognized, net of estimated returns, upon delivery.
Other income - Other income includes realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments and borrower late fee income, which is earned by the education lending subsidiaries and is recognized when payments are collected from the borrower. Other income also includes investment advisory income, which is recognized as these services are provided to customers.
Interest Expense
Interest expense is based upon contractual interest rates adjusted for the amortization of debt issuance costs and the accretion of discounts. The amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of discounts are recognized using the effective interest method.
Transfer of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities
The Company accounts for loan sales and debt repurchases in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance. If a transfer of loans qualifies as a sale, the Company derecognizes the loan and recognizes a gain or loss as the difference between the carrying basis of the loan sold and the compensation received. The Company repurchases its outstanding debt in the open market and records a gain or loss on the early extinguishment of debt based upon the difference between the carrying cost of the debt and the amount paid to the third party. The Company recognizes the results of a transfer of loans and the extinguishment of debt based upon the settlement date of the transaction.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Derivative Accounting
The Company records derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. The Company determines the fair value for its derivative contracts using either (i) pricing models that consider current market conditions and the contractual terms of the derivative contract or (ii) counterparty valuations. The Company does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivative instruments that are recognized at fair value and executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement. The factors that impact the fair value of the Company's derivatives include interest rates, time value, forward interest rate curve, and volatility factors, as well as foreign exchange rates. Pricing models and their underlying assumptions impact the amount and timing of unrealized gains and losses recognized, and the use of different pricing models or assumptions could produce different financial results. Management has structured all of the Company's derivative transactions with the intent that each is economically effective; however, the Company's derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting. As a result, the change in fair value of derivative instruments are reported in current period earnings. Changes or shifts in the forward yield curve and fluctuations in currency rates can significantly impact the valuation of the Company’s derivatives. Accordingly, changes or shifts to the forward yield curve and fluctuations in currency rates will impact the financial position and results of operations of the Company. Any proceeds received or payments made by the Company to terminate a derivative in advance of its expiration date, or to amend the terms of an existing derivative, are included in the Company's consolidated statements of income and are accounted for as a change in fair value of such derivative. The changes in fair value on derivative instruments, as well as the settlement payments made on such derivatives, are included in “derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net” on the consolidated statements of income.
Foreign Currency
During 2006, the Company issued Euro-denominated bonds, which are included in “bonds and notes payable” on the consolidated balance sheets. Transaction gains and losses resulting from exchange rate changes when re-measuring these bonds to U.S. dollars at the balance sheet date are included in “derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net” on the consolidated statements of income.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Income tax expense includes deferred tax expense, which represents the net change in the deferred tax asset or liability balance during the year, plus any change made in the valuation allowance, and current tax expense, which represents the amount of tax currently payable to or receivable from a tax authority plus amounts for expected tax deficiencies (including both tax and interest).
Compensation Expense for Stock Based Awards
The Company has a restricted stock plan that is intended to provide incentives to attract, retain, and motivate employees in order to achieve long term growth and profitability objectives. The restricted stock plan provides for the grant to eligible employees of awards of restricted shares of Class A common stock. The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined on the grant date based on the Company's stock price and is amortized to compensation cost over the related vesting periods which range up to ten years. For those awards with only service conditions that have graded vesting schedules, the Company recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Stock Repurchases
In accordance with laws in the state in which the Company is incorporated, all shares repurchased by the Company are legally retired upon acquisition by the Company.
3. Student Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses
Student loans receivable consisted of the following:
Loan Acquisition
On July 8, 2011, the Company purchased the residual interest in $1.9 billion of securitized federally insured consolidation loans. The Company acquired the ownership interest in GCO SLIMS Trust I (the "SLIMS Trust") giving the Company rights to the residual interest in GCO Education Loan Funding Trust-I (the "GCO Trust"). The GCO Trust includes federally insured consolidation loans funded to term with $1.9 billion of notes payable that carry interest rates on a spread to LIBOR or are set and periodically reset via a "dutch auction."
On July 8, 2011, the SLIMS Trust included $46.2 million of notes payable that carry a fixed interest rate of 5.72%. All excess interest earned from the GCO Trust must be used to pay the interest and principal on the notes payable in the SLIMS Trust until the SLIMS notes are paid in full. In December 2012, these notes were paid in full.
The Company has consolidated these trusts on its consolidated balance sheet because management has determined the Company is the primary beneficiary of the trusts. Upon acquisition, the Company recorded all assets and liabilities of the trusts at fair value, resulting in the recognition of a student loan fair value discount of $153.9 million and a bonds and notes payable fair value discount of $174.9 million. These discounts will be accreted using the effective interest method over the lives of the underlying assets and liabilities. All other assets acquired and liabilities assumed (restricted cash, accrued interest receivable/payable, and other assets/liabilities) were recorded at cost which approximates fair value.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses represents the periodic expense of maintaining an allowance sufficient to absorb losses, net of recoveries, inherent in the portfolio of student loans. Activity in the allowance for loan losses is shown below.
Repurchase Obligations
As of December 31, 2012, the Company had participated a cumulative amount of $107.7 million (par value) of non-federally insured loans to third parties. Loans participated under these agreements have been accounted for by the Company as loan sales. Accordingly, the participation interests sold are not included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Per the terms of the servicing agreements, the Company’s servicing operations are obligated to repurchase loans subject to the participation interests in the event such loans become 60 or 90 days delinquent.
In addition, on January 13, 2011, the Company sold a portfolio of non-federally insured loans for proceeds of $91.3 million (100% of par value). The Company retained credit risk related to this portfolio and will pay cash to purchase back any loans which become 60 days delinquent. As of December 31, 2012, the balance of this portfolio was $72.8 million (par value).
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
The Company’s estimate related to its obligation to repurchase these loans is included in “other liabilities” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The activity related to this accrual is detailed below.
(a)
As discussed previously, on January 13, 2011, the Company sold a portfolio of loans and retained all credit risk related to this portfolio. These loans were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2010 and the loans were carried at fair value. Upon sale, the Company established a repurchase obligation associated with those loans that are estimated to become 60 days delinquent.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Student Loan Status and Delinquencies
Delinquencies have the potential to adversely impact the Company’s earnings through increased servicing and collection costs and account charge-offs. The percent of non-federally insured loans that are delinquent 31 days or greater as of December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 is 28.6 percent, 28.6 percent, and 22.4 percent, respectively. The table below shows the Company’s federally insured student loan delinquency amounts on loans held for investment.
(a)
Loans for borrowers who still may be attending school or engaging in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on the loans, e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation for law students.
(b)
Loans for borrowers who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors, according to a schedule approved by the servicer consistent with the established loan program servicing procedures and policies.
(c)
The period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due and relate to repayment loans, that is, receivables not charged off, and not in school, grace, deferment, or forbearance.
(d)
A portion of loans included in loans delinquent 271 days or greater includes loans in claim status, which are loans that have gone into default and have been submitted to the guaranty agency.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
(e)
Rehabilitated loans are student loans that have previously defaulted, but for which the borrower has made a specified number of on-time payments. Although rehabilitated loans benefit from the same guarantees as other FFELP student loans, rehabilitation loans have generally experienced re-default rates that are higher than default rates for FFELP student loans that have not previously defaulted. The Company has purchased a significant amount of rehabilitated loans during 2012. Upon purchase, these loans are recorded at fair value, which generally approximates the federal government guarantee rate. As such, there is minimal credit risk related to the Company's rehabilitated federally insured loans.
4. Bonds and Notes Payable
The following tables summarize the Company’s outstanding debt obligations by type of instrument:
(a)
Issued in asset-backed securitizations
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Secured Financing Transactions
The Company has historically relied upon secured financing vehicles as its most significant source of funding for student loans. The net cash flow the Company receives from the securitized student loans generally represents the excess amounts, if any, generated by the underlying student loans over the amounts required to be paid to the bondholders, after deducting servicing fees and any other expenses relating to the securitizations. The Company’s rights to cash flow from securitized student loans are subordinate to bondholder interests and may fail to generate any cash flow beyond what is due to bondholders. The Company’s secured financing vehicles during the periods presented above include loan warehouse facilities, asset-backed securitizations, and the government’s Conduit Program (as described below).
The majority of the bonds and notes payable are primarily secured by the student loans receivable, related accrued interest, and by the amounts on deposit in the accounts established under the respective bond resolutions or financing agreements. Certain variable rate bonds and notes are secured by a letter of credit and reimbursement agreement issued by a third-party liquidity provider.
FFELP warehouse facilities
The Company funds a portion of its FFELP loan acquisitions using its FFELP warehouse facilities. Student loan warehousing allows the Company to buy and manage student loans prior to transferring them into more permanent financing arrangements.
As of December 31, 2012, the Company had three FFELP warehouse facilities as summarized below.
Each FFELP warehouse facility is supported by 364-day liquidity provisions, which are subject to the respective expiration date shown in the previous table. In the event the Company is unable to renew the liquidity provisions by such date, the facility would become a term facility at a stepped-up cost, with no additional student loans being eligible for financing, and the Company would be required to refinance the existing loans in the facility by the facility's final maturity date. The NHELP-I and NFSLW-I warehouse facilities provide for formula-based advance rates, depending on FFELP loan type, up to a maximum of the principal and interest of loans financed as shown in the table above. The advance rates for collateral may increase or decrease based on market conditions, but they are subject to minimums as disclosed above. The NHELP-II warehouse facility has static advance rates that requires initial equity for loan funding, but does not require increased equity based on market movements.
The FFELP warehouse facilities contain financial covenants relating to levels of the Company’s consolidated net worth, ratio of recourse indebtedness to adjusted EBITDA, and unencumbered cash. Any noncompliance with these covenants could result in a requirement for the immediate repayment of any outstanding borrowings under the facilities.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Asset-backed securitizations
The following table summarizes the asset-backed securities transactions issued in 2011 and 2012.
(a)
Total original principal amount excludes the Class B subordinated tranche that was retained at issuance totaling $7.6 million, $10.0 million, and $10.0 million for the 2012-1, 2012-2, and 2012-3 securitizations, respectively. These notes are not included in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. If the Company sells these notes to third parties, the Company would obtain cash proceeds equal to the market value of the notes on the date of such sale. Upon sale, these notes would be shown as “bonds and notes payable” in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The Company believes the market value of such notes is currently less than par value. Any excess of the par value over the market value on the date of sale would be recognized by the Company as interest expense over the life of the bonds.
2013 Transaction
On December 19, 2012, the Company purchased an interest in a portfolio of FFELP student loans from a third-party. The seller of the loan portfolio had the rights to a call option to purchase the loans back from the Company at any time before the earliest of (i) April 15, 2013; or (ii) funding the student loan portfolio in an asset-backed securities transaction. In addition, as part of the purchase agreement, upon completion of an asset-backed securities transaction, the seller of the loan portfolio will receive a portion of the residual cash flow from the securitization. As of December 31, 2012, the amount paid for the acquired interest in the portfolio of FFELP student loans subject to this arrangement was $444.1 million and was included in “student loans receivable” on the consolidated balance sheet. On January 31, 2013, the Company completed an asset-backed securities transaction of $437.5 million which securitized all loans subject to the purchase agreement. For accounting purposes, the transfer of student loans to the eligible lender trust for this securitization does not qualify as a sale, as the trust continues to be under the effective control of the Company. Accordingly, all the financial activities and related assets and liabilities, including debt, of the lender trust for the securitization will be reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Subsequent to the completion of the asset-backed securitization, the Company purchased the residual cash flow interest of the third party seller of the loans.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Auction Rate Securities
The interest rates on certain of the Company's asset-backed securities are set and periodically reset via a "dutch auction" ("Auction Rate Securities") or through a remarketing utilizing remarketing agents ("Variable Rate Demand Notes"). As of December 31, 2012, the Company is currently sponsored on $750.7 million of Auction Rate Securities and $219.2 million of Variable Rate Demand Notes.
Since February 2008, problems in the auction rate securities market as a whole has led to failures of the auctions pursuant to which the Company's Auction Rate Securities' interest rates are set. As a result, the Auction Rate Securities generally pay interest to the holder at a maximum rate as defined by the indenture. While these rates will vary, they will generally be based on a spread to LIBOR or Treasury Securities. Based on the relative levels of these indices as of December 31, 2012, the rates expected to be paid by the Company range from 91-day T-Bill plus 125 basis points, on the low end, to LIBOR plus 250 basis points, on the high end. These maximum rates are subject to increase if the credit ratings on the bonds are downgraded.
For Variable Rate Demand Notes, the remarketing agents set the price, which is then offered to investors. If there are insufficient potential bid orders to purchase all of the notes offered for sale, the Company could be subject to interest costs substantially above the anticipated and historical rates paid on these types of securities. The maximum rate for Variable Rate Demand Notes is based on a spread to certain indices as defined in the underlying documents, with the highest to the Company being Prime plus 200 basis points.
Department of Education’s Conduit Program
In May 2009, the U.S. Department of Education implemented a program under which it finances eligible FFELP Stafford and PLUS loans in a conduit vehicle established to provide funding for student lenders (the "Conduit Program"). The Conduit Program accepted eligible loans through July 1, 2010. Funding for the Conduit Program is provided by the capital markets at a cost based on market rates, with the Company being advanced 97 percent of the student loan face amount. Excess amounts needed to fund the remaining 3 percent of the student loan balances were contributed by the Company. The Conduit Program expires on January 19, 2014. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had $1.3 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively, borrowed under the facility and $49.5 million and $84.7 million advanced as equity support in the facility.
Unsecured Line of Credit
As of December 31, 2011, the Company had a $750.0 million unsecured line of credit with a maturity date of May 8, 2012. As of December 31, 2011, there was $64.4 million outstanding on this line. On February 17, 2012, the Company entered into a new $250.0 million unsecured line of credit. In conjunction with entering into this new agreement, the outstanding balance on the $750.0 million unsecured line of credit of $64.4 million was paid off in full and the agreement was terminated. As of December 31, 2012, $55.0 million was outstanding on the new unsecured line of credit and $195.0 million was available for future use. The $250.0 million line of credit has a maturity date of February 17, 2016.
The new line of credit agreement contains certain financial covenants that, if not met, lead to an event of default under the agreement. The covenants include maintaining:
•
A minimum consolidated net worth
•
A minimum adjusted EBITDA to corporate debt interest (over the last four rolling quarters)
•
A limitation on recourse indebtedness
•
A limitation on the percentage of non-federally insured loans in the Company’s portfolio
As of December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all of these requirements. Many of these covenants are duplicated in the Company’s other lending facilities, including its FFELP warehouse facilities.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
The Company’s new operating line of credit does not have any covenants related to unsecured debt ratings. However, changes in the Company’s ratings (as well as the amounts the Company borrows) have modest implications on the pricing level at which the Company obtains funding.
A default on the Company’s FFELP warehouse facilities would result in an event of default on the Company’s new unsecured line of credit that would result in the outstanding balance on the line of credit becoming immediately due and payable.
Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities
On September 27, 2006, the Company issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities ("Hybrid Securities"). The Hybrid Securities are unsecured obligations of the Company. The interest rate on the Hybrid Securities from the date they were issued through September 28, 2011 was 7.40%, payable semi-annually. Beginning September 29, 2011 through September 29, 2036, the "scheduled maturity date," the interest rate on the Hybrid Securities is equal to three-month LIBOR plus 3.375%, payable quarterly, which was 3.68% at December 31, 2012. The principal amount of the Hybrid Securities will become due on the scheduled maturity date only to the extent that prior to such date the Company has received proceeds from the sale of certain qualifying capital securities (as defined in the Hybrid Securities' indenture). If any amount is not paid on the scheduled maturity date, it will remain outstanding and bear interest at a floating rate as defined in the indenture, payable monthly. On September 15, 2061, the Company must pay any remaining principal and interest on the Hybrid Securities in full whether or not the Company has sold qualifying capital securities. At the Company's option, the Hybrid Securities are redeemable in whole or in part, any time on or after September 29, 2011, at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, provided in the case of a redemption in part that the principal amount outstanding after such redemption is at least $50.0 million.
Other Borrowings
On April 12, 2012, the Company entered into a $50.0 million line of credit, which is collateralized by asset-backed security investments. The line of credit has a maturity date of April 11, 2014 and has covenants and cross default provisions similar to those under the Company's unsecured line of credit discussed below. As of December 31, 2012, $50.0 million was outstanding on this line of credit.
On October 13, 2006, the Company purchased a building in which its corporate headquarters is located. In connection with the acquisition of the building, the Company assumed the outstanding note on the property. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the outstanding balance on the note was $4.6 million and $4.7 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, bonds and notes payable includes $8.3 million and $8.9 million, respectively, of notes due to a third-party. The Company used the proceeds from these notes to invest in non-federally insured student loan assets via a participation agreement.
As discussed in note 3, on July 8, 2011, the Company acquired the ownership interest in the SLIMS Trust which included $46.2 million of notes payable that carried a fixed interest rate of 5.72%. As of December 31, 2011, $29.5 million of debt was outstanding on this facility. In December 2012, these notes were paid in full.
One of the Company's education lending subsidiaries has irrevocably escrowed funds to make the remaining principal and interest payments on previously issued bonds and notes. Accordingly, neither these obligations nor the escrowed funds are included on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the accreted defeased debt that remained outstanding was $42.7 million and $39.7 million, respectively.
Debt Covenants
Certain bond resolutions contain, among other requirements, covenants relating to restrictions on additional indebtedness, limits as to direct and indirect administrative expenses, and maintaining certain financial ratios. Management believes the Company is in compliance with all covenants of the bond indentures and related credit agreements as of December 31, 2012.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Maturity Schedule
Bonds and notes outstanding as of December 31, 2012 are due in varying amounts as shown below.
Generally, the Company's secured financing instruments bearing interest at variable rates can be redeemed on any interest payment date at par plus accrued interest. Subject to certain provisions, all bonds and notes are subject to redemption prior to maturity at the option of certain education lending subsidiaries.
5. Gain on Sale of Loans and Debt Repurchases
“Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income is composed of the following items:
(a)
During 2010, the Company sold $2.1 billion (par value) of loans to the Department under a program established to provide liquidity to student loan lenders and recognized a gain of $33.8 million.
(b)
The activity included in "Gain from debt repurchases" is detailed below:
6. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk in the form of basis risk and repricing risk because the interest rate characteristics of the Company's assets do not match the interest rate characteristics of the funding for those assets. The Company has adopted a policy of periodically reviewing the mismatch related to the interest rate characteristics of its assets and liabilities together with the Company's outlook as to current and future market conditions. Based on those factors, the Company uses derivative instruments as part of its overall risk management strategy. Derivative instruments used as part of the Company's interest rate risk management strategy currently include basis swaps and interest rate swaps.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Basis Swaps
Prior to April 1, 2012, the interest earned on the majority of the Company's FFELP student loan assets was indexed to the three-month commercial paper index. As allowed by legislation, effective April 1, 2012, the Company elected to change the index on which the Special Allowance Payments ("SAP") are calculated for the majority of the Company's FFELP loans from the commercial paper rate to the one-month LIBOR rate. Meanwhile, the Company funds the majority of its assets with three-month LIBOR indexed floating rate securities. The different interest rate characteristics of the Company's loan assets and liabilities funding these assets results in basis risk.
The Company also faces repricing risk due to the timing of the interest rate resets on its liabilities, which may occur as infrequently as once a quarter, in contrast to the timing of the interest rate resets on its assets, which generally occur daily. In a declining interest rate environment, this may cause the Company's student loan spread to compress, while in a rising rate environment, it may cause the spread to increase.
As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $23.9 billion and $1.1 billion of FFELP loans indexed to the one-month LIBOR rate and the three-month treasury bill rate, respectively, both of which reset daily, and $16.5 billion of debt indexed to three-month LIBOR, which resets quarterly, and $5.0 billion of debt indexed to one-month LIBOR, which resets monthly.
The Company has used derivative instruments to hedge its basis risk and repricing risk. The Company has entered into basis swaps in which the Company receives three-month LIBOR set discretely in advance and pays one-month LIBOR plus or minus a spread as defined in the agreements (the 1:3 Basis Swaps).
The following table summarizes the Company’s 1:3 Basis Swaps outstanding:
(a)This derivative has a forward effective start date in 2015.
(b)This derivative has a forward effective start date in 2020.
(c)
The weighted average rate paid by the Company on the 1:3 Basis Swaps as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, was one-month LIBOR plus 3.3 basis points and one-month LIBOR plus 1.2 basis points, respectively.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges
FFELP loans originated prior to April 1, 2006 generally earn interest at the higher of a floating rate based on the SAP formula set by the Department and the borrower rate, which is fixed over a period of time. The SAP formula is based on an applicable indice plus a fixed spread that is dependent upon when the loan was originated, the loan's repayment status, and funding sources for the loan. The Company generally finances its student loan portfolio with variable rate debt. In low and/or declining interest rate environments, when the fixed borrower rate is higher than the rate produced by the SAP formula, the Company's student loans earn at a fixed rate while the interest on the variable rate debt typically continues to decline. In these interest rate environments, the Company may earn additional spread income that it refers to as floor income.
Depending on the type of loan and when it was originated, the borrower rate is either fixed to term or is reset to an annual rate each July 1. As a result, for loans where the borrower rate is fixed to term, the Company may earn floor income for an extended period of time, which the Company refers to as fixed rate floor income, and for those loans where the borrower rate is reset annually on July 1, the Company may earn floor income to the next reset date, which the Company refers to as variable rate floor income. Lenders are required to rebate fixed rate floor income and variable rate floor income to the Department for all FFELP loans first originated on or after April 1, 2006.
Absent the use of derivative instruments, a rise in interest rates may reduce the amount of floor income received and this may have an impact on earnings due to interest margin compression caused by increasing financing costs, until such time as the federally insured loans earn interest at a variable rate in accordance with their SAP formulas. In higher interest rate environments, where the interest rate rises above the borrower rate and fixed rate loans effectively become variable rate loans, the impact of the rate fluctuations is reduced.
As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had $11.3 billion and $10.9 billion, respectively, of student loan assets that were earning fixed rate floor income of which the weighted average estimated variable conversion rate for these loans, which is the estimated short-term interest rate at which loans would convert to a variable rate, was 1.82% and 1.79%, respectively.
The following tables summarize the outstanding derivative instruments used by the Company to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income.
(a)
For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Interest rate swaps - unsecured debt hedges
As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had $99.2 million and $100.7 million, respectively, of unsecured Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities debt outstanding. The interest rate on the Hybrid Securities through September 29, 2036 is equal to three-month LIBOR plus 3.375%, payable quarterly. As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had the following derivatives outstanding that are used to effectively convert the variable interest rate on the Hybrid Securities to a fixed rate of 7.66%.
(a)
For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
During 2006, the Company completed separate debt offerings of student loan asset-backed securities that included €420.5 million and €352.7 million Euro Notes with interest rates based on a spread to the EURIBOR index. As a result of these transactions, the Company is exposed to market risk related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and Euro. The principal and accrued interest on these notes are re-measured at each reporting period and recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in U.S. dollars based on the foreign currency exchange rate on that date. Changes in the principal and accrued interest amounts as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
The Company entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps in connection with the issuance of the Euro Notes. Under the terms of these derivative instrument agreements, the Company receives from a counterparty a spread to the EURIBOR indice based on notional amounts of €420.5 million and €352.7 million and pays a spread to the LIBOR indice based on notional amounts of $500.0 million and $450.0 million, respectively. In addition, under the terms of these agreements, all principal payments on the Euro Notes will effectively be paid at the exchange rate in effect between the U.S. dollar and Euro as of the issuance of the notes.
The following table shows the income statement impact as a result of the re-measurement of the Euro Notes and the change in the fair value of the related derivative instruments. These items are included in the Company's consolidated statements of income.
(a)
The financial statement impact of the above items is included in "Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net" in the Company's consolidated statements of income.
The re-measurement of the Euro-denominated bonds generally correlates with the change in fair value of the cross-currency interest rate swaps. However, the Company will experience unrealized gains or losses related to the cross-currency interest rate swaps if the two underlying indices (and related forward curve) do not move in parallel. Management currently intends to hold the cross-currency interest rate swaps through the maturity of the Euro-denominated bonds.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives
The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s derivatives as reflected on the consolidated balance sheet.
The following table summarizes the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income.
Derivative Instruments - Credit and Market Risk
By using derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to credit and market risk.
The Company manages credit and market risks associated with interest rates by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken and by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by the Company's risk committee. As of December 31, 2012, all of the Company's derivative counterparties had investment grade credit ratings. The Company also has a policy of requiring that all derivative contracts be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Credit Risk
When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive (an asset in the Company's consolidated balance sheet), this generally indicates that the counterparty would owe the Company if the derivative was settled. If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk with such counterparty is equal to the extent of the fair value gain in the derivative less any collateral held by the Company. If the Company was unable to collect from a counterparty, it would have a loss equal to the amount the derivative is recorded in the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2012, the trustee for certain of the Company's asset-backed securities transactions held $20.0 million of collateral from the counterparty on the cross-currency interest rate swaps.
The Company considers counterparties' credit risk when determining the fair value of derivative positions on its exposure net of collateral. However, the Company does not use the collateral to offset fair value amounts recognized in the financial statements for derivative instruments.
Market Risk
When the fair value of a derivative instrument is negative (a liability in the Company's consolidated balance sheet), the Company would owe the counterparty if the derivative was settled and, therefore, has no immediate credit risk. If the negative fair value of derivatives with a counterparty exceeds a specified threshold, the Company may have to make a collateral deposit with the counterparty. The threshold at which the Company may be required to post collateral is dependent upon the Company's unsecured credit rating. At the Company's current unsecured credit rating (Standard & Poor's: BBB- (stable outlook) and Moody's: Ba1 (stable outlook)), the Company has substantially collateralized its corporate derivative liability position with its counterparties. As such, any downgrades from the current ratings would not result in additional collateral requirements of a material nature. In addition, no counterparty has the right to terminate its contracts in the event of downgrades from the current rating. However, some long-dated derivative contracts have mutual optional termination provisions that can be exercised in 2016, 2017, 2021, and 2022. As of December 31, 2012, the fair value of derivatives with early termination provisions was a positive $1.4 million (an asset in the Company's consolidated balance sheet). As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $63.1 million posted as collateral to derivative counterparties, which is included in “restricted cash and investments” in the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
Interest rate movements have an impact on the amount of collateral the Company is required to deposit with its derivative instrument counterparties. With the Company's current derivative portfolio, the Company does not currently anticipate near term movement in interest rates having a material impact on its capital or liquidity profile, nor expects future movements in interest rates to have a material impact on its ability to meet potential collateral deposits with its counterparties. Due to the existing low interest rate environment, the Company's exposure to downward movements in interest rates on its interest rate swaps is limited. In addition, the historical high correlation between one-month and three-month LIBOR limits the Company's exposure to interest rate movements on the 1:3 Basis Swaps.
The Company's cross-currency interest rate swaps are derivatives entered into as a result of certain asset-backed security financings. These derivatives are entered into at the securitization trust level with the counterparty. Trust related derivatives do not contain credit contingent features related to the Company or the trust's credit ratings. As such, there are no collateral requirements and as a result the impact of changes to foreign currency rates has no impact on the amount of collateral the Company would be required to deposit with the counterparty on these derivatives.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
7. Investments
A summary of the Company's investments and restricted investments follows:
(a)
The Company transferred the majority of its investments from trading to available-for-sale on January 1, 2012 to reflect management's intention regarding such securities.
(b)
Restricted investments are included in "restricted cash and investments" in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The Company's restricted investments include cash balances that the Company's indentured securitization trusts deposit in guaranteed investment contracts that are held for the related note holders. These investments are classified as held-to-maturity and the Company accounts for them at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
On May 1, 2012, the majority of the Company's guaranteed investment contracts were terminated. The sales of these investments were at par and had no income statement impact. The proceeds from the sale of these investments were used to purchase permitted investments as specified by each underlying student loan asset-backed securitization trust indenture. The new investments remain as assets within their respective trust estates and continue to be classified as "restricted cash and investments" in the consolidated balance sheet.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
The following table summarizes the amount included in "other income" in the consolidated statements of income related to the Company's investments classified as available-for-sale and trading.
As of December 31, 2012, the stated maturities of the Company's student loan asset-backed securities and debt securities classified as available-for-sale are shown in the following table:
As of December 31, 2012, the stated maturities of the Company's restricted investments, which are classified as held-to-maturity, are shown in the following table.
8. Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of the following:
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
The Company recorded amortization expense on its intangible assets of $19.0 million, $17.1 million, and $22.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The Company will continue to amortize intangible assets over their remaining useful lives. As of December 31, 2012, the Company estimates it will record amortization expense as follows:
On June 30, 2011, the Company purchased contracts with more than 370 K-12 schools to provide tuition payment plan services. The initial consideration paid by the Company was $6.9 million in cash. The initial purchase price was subject to adjustment based on customer retention. During 2011 and 2012, the Company received a total of $0.8 million as an adjustment to the purchase price. Substantially all of the purchase price was allocated to a customer relationship intangible asset that is being amortized over three years.
On January 8, 2010, the Company purchased certain assets of a software company that constituted a business combination. The initial consideration paid by the Company was $3.0 million in cash. In addition to the initial purchase price, additional payments are to be made by the Company based on certain operating results as defined in the purchase agreement. On February 1, 2011 and March 1, 2012, the Company made additional payments of $1.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively. The final contingency payment is due in March 2013 and as of December 31, 2012 is estimated by the Company to be $1.4 million. The estimated contingency payment is included in "other liabilities" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. Substantially all of the purchase price was allocated to a computer software intangible asset that was amortized over three years and was fully amortized as of December 31, 2012. There was no excess purchase price over net assets acquired (goodwill) recognized as a results of this acquisition.
9. Goodwill
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment was as follows:
(a)
As a result of the Reconciliation Act of 2010, the Company no longer originates new (first disbursement) FFELP loans and net interest income of the Company's existing FFELP loan portfolio will decline over time as the Company's portfolio pays down. As a result, as this revenue stream winds down, goodwill impairment will be triggered for the Asset Generation and Management reporting unit due to the passage of time and depletion of projected cash flows stemming from its FFELP student loan portfolio. Other than the Asset Generation and Management reporting unit, management believes the elimination of new FFELP loan originations will not have an adverse impact on the fair value of the Company's other reporting units.
The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually. This annual review is completed by the Company as of November 30 of each year and whenever triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate its carrying value may not be recoverable.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
2010 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test
As a result of the 2010 annual goodwill impairment test, the Company recorded impairment charges at two reporting units included in the Enrollment Services operating segment. These charges consisted of $23.9 million related to its inquiry generation and management business and $2.7 million related to its list marketing business. After recording these charges, no goodwill remained at these two reporting units. These charges are included in “impairment expense” in the Company's consolidated statements of income.
The Company determined legislation and related public scrutiny at for-profit schools may negatively affect enrollments at these schools which could impact future revenue, operating margins, and cash flows related to the Company's inquiry generation and management business. In addition, the Company's list marketing business continued to be negatively affected by the economic recession and deterioration of the direct-to-consumer market.
With the exception of these two reporting units, as of November 30, 2010, the fair value of each of the Company's reporting units significantly exceeded the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit and the Company was not required to perform further testing for impairment.
2011 and 2012 Annual Goodwill Impairment Test
For the 2011 and 2012 annual review of goodwill, the Company assessed qualitative factors and concluded it was not more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting units were less than their carrying amount. As such, the Company was not required to perform the two-step impairment test and determined there was no impairment of goodwill.
10. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 related to property and equipment was $12.9 million, $9.9 million, and $8.9 million, respectively.
11. Shareholders’ Equity
Classes of Common Stock
The Company's common stock is divided into two classes. The Class B common stock has ten votes per share and the Class A common stock has one vote per share. Each Class B share is convertible at any time at the holder's option into one Class A share. With the exception of the voting rights and the conversion feature, the Class A and Class B shares are identical in terms of other rights, including dividend and liquidation rights.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Stock Repurchases
The Company has a stock repurchase program that expires on May 24, 2015 in which it can repurchase up to five million shares of its Class A common stock on the open market, through private transactions, or otherwise. As of December 31, 2012, 4.2 million shares may still be purchased under the Company's stock repurchase program. Shares repurchased by the Company during 2012, 2011, and 2010 are shown in the table below.
Contingent Consideration - infiNET Integrated Solutions, Inc. (“infiNET”)
In 2004, the Company purchased 50% of the stock of infiNET and, in 2006, purchased the remaining 50% of infiNET’s stock. infiNET provides software for customer-focused electronic transactions, information sharing, and electronic account and bill presentment for colleges and universities. Consideration for the purchase of the remaining 50% of the stock of infiNET included 95,380 restricted shares of the Company’s Class A common stock that were subject to stock price guaranty provisions. On February 28, 2011, the Company paid $5.9 million in cash to satisfy this obligation. This payment was recorded by the Company as a reduction to additional paid-in capital.
12. Earnings per Common Share
Presented below is a summary of the components used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share. The Company applies the two-class method of computing earnings per share, which requires the calculation of separate earnings per share amounts for unvested share-based awards and for common stock. Unvested share-based awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered securities which participate in undistributed earnings with common stock. Earnings per share attributable to common stock and a reconciliation of weighted average shares outstanding are shown in the table below.
There were no shares that were antidilutive and not included in average shares outstanding for the diluted earnings per share calculation.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
13. Income Taxes
The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and Canada. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company's tax positions and determining the provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain.
As required by the Income Taxes Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, the Company recognizes in the consolidated financial statements only those tax positions determined to be more likely than not of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the positions. It further requires that a change in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions be recognized in earnings in the period of such change.
As of December 31, 2012, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding the federal benefit received from state positions) was $29.6 million which is included in “other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheet. Of this total, $16.5 million (net of the federal benefit on state issues) represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective tax rate in future periods. The Company currently anticipates uncertain tax positions will decrease by $10.3 million prior to December 31, 2013 as a result of a lapse of applicable statute of limitations, settlements, correspondence with examining authorities, and recognition or measurement considerations with federal and state jurisdictions; however, actual developments in this area could differ from those currently expected. Of the $10.3 million anticipated decrease, $4.5 million, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits follows:
All of the reductions due to the lapse of statute of limitations and for prior year tax positions shown above impacted the effective tax rate.
The Company's policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on uncertain tax positions as part of interest expense and other expense, respectively. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, $5.1 million and $2.4 million in accrued interest and penalties, respectively, were included in “other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognized interest expense related to uncertain tax positions of $2.7 million, $0.7 million, and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 respectively. No penalties were accrued for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010. The impact of timing differences and tax attributes are considered when calculating interest and penalty accruals associated with the unrecognized tax benefits.
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return in the U.S. and the Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in various state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years prior to 2008. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. state/local income tax examinations by tax authorities prior to 2004. As of December 31, 2012, the Company has significant tax uncertainties that remain unsettled in the following jurisdictions:
U.S. Federal 2008 through 2010
California 2004 through 2009
Illinois 2009 and 2010
Maine 2008 through 2010
Texas 2007 through 2009
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
The provision for income taxes consists of the following components:
The differences between the income tax provision computed at the statutory federal corporate tax rate and the financial statement provision for income taxes are shown below:
During 2012, state tax laws were enacted that reduced the Company's income tax expense by $3.4 million which resulted in a lower effective tax rate in 2012.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities include the following:
The Company has performed an evaluation of the recoverability of deferred tax assets. In assessing the realizability of the Company's deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the period in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected taxable income, carry back opportunities, and tax planning strategies in making the assessment of the amount of the valuation allowance. With the exception of a portion of the Company's state net operating loss, it is management's opinion that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized and should not be reduced by a valuation allowance. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable; however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carry forward period are reduced.
As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, current income taxes receivable of $0.7 million and $5.6 million, respectively, are included in "other assets" in the consolidated balance sheets.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
14. Segment Reporting
The Company earns fee-based revenue through its Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing, Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce, and Enrollment Services operating segments. In addition, the Company earns interest income on its student loan portfolio in its Asset Generation and Management operating segment. The Company’s operating segments are defined by the products and services they offer and the types of customers they serve, and they reflect the manner in which financial information is currently evaluated by management. See note 1, "Description of Business," for a description of each operating segment.
The management reporting process measures the performance of the Company’s operating segments based on the management structure of the Company, as well as the methodology used by management to evaluate performance and allocate resources. Executive management (the "chief operating decision maker") evaluates the performance of the Company’s operating segments based on their profitability. Prior to 2012, management measured the profitability of the Company’s operating segments based on “base net income.” The Company's "base net income" was not a defined term within U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and was not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. However, “base net income,” which consisted of GAAP net income excluding the derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, amortization of intangible assets, compensation related to business combinations, and variable rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives, was the primary financial performance measure used by management to develop the Company’s financial plans, track results, and establish corporate performance targets and incentive compensation. Unlike financial accounting, there is no comprehensive, authoritative guidance for management reporting. Accordingly, information regarding the Company’s operating segments was historically provided based on “base net income.” Due to the decrease in the number and dollar amount of differences between "base net income" and GAAP net income, during the first quarter of 2012, executive management discontinued utilizing "base net income" and began to evaluate the performance and profitability of the Company's operating segments based on financial results prepared in conformity with GAAP. As such, the Company has changed its operating segment income measurement from "base net income" to GAAP net income. Prior period segment operating results have been restated to conform to the current period presentation.
The accounting policies of the Company’s operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Intersegment revenues are charged by a segment that provides a product or service to another segment. Intersegment revenues and expenses are included within each segment consistent with the income statement presentation provided to management. Income taxes are allocated based on 38% of income (loss) before taxes for each individual operating segment. The difference between the consolidated income tax expense and the sum of taxes calculated for each operating segment is included in income taxes in Corporate Activity and Overhead.
Corporate Activity and Overhead
Corporate Activity and Overhead includes the following items:
•
The operating results of WRCM, the Company's SEC-registered investment advisory subsidiary
•
Income earned on certain investment activities
•
Interest expense incurred on unsecured debt transactions
•
Other product and service offerings that are not considered operating segments
Corporate Activities and Overhead also includes certain corporate activities and overhead functions related to executive management, human resources, accounting, legal, occupancy, and marketing. These costs are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
15. Legal Proceedings
Bais Yaakov of Spring Valley v. Peterson's Nelnet, LLC
On January 4, 2011, a complaint against Peterson's Nelnet, LLC (“Peterson's”), a subsidiary of the Company, was filed in the U.S. federal District Court for the District of New Jersey (the “District Court”). The complaint alleges that Peterson's sent six advertising faxes to the named plaintiff in 2008-2009 that were not the result of express invitation or permission granted by the plaintiff and did not include certain opt out language. The complaint also alleges that such faxes violated the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (the “TCPA”), purportedly entitling the plaintiff to $500 per violation, trebled for willful violations for each of the six faxes. The complaint further alleges that Peterson's had sent putative class members more than 10,000 faxes that violated the TCPA, amounting to more than $5 million in statutory penalty damages and more than $15 million if trebled for willful violations. The complaint seeks to establish a class action. As of the filing date of this report, the District Court has not established or recognized any class.
On April 14, 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which has jurisdiction over the District Court, issued an order in an unrelated TCPA case which remanded that case to the District Court to determine whether the statutory provisions of the TCPA limit whether or to what extent a TCPA claim can be heard as a class action in federal court where applicable state law would impose limitations on a class action if the claim were brought in state court. The resolution of this issue may affect whether the claim against Peterson's can be pursued as a class action, and in light of the ruling, Peterson's requested and received the District Court's permission to file a renewed motion to dismiss the complaint. Peterson's filed that motion on May 29, 2012, and on October 17, 2012, the District Court denied the motion. On November 7, 2012, Peterson's filed a motion for reconsideration of the District Court's order, or in the alternative, to certify the District Court's order for interlocutory appeal. On February 21, 2013, the District Court denied Peterson's motion for reconsideration, but granted the motion to certify its order for interlocutory appeal. Accordingly, Peterson's intends to submit a Petition for Permission to Appeal with the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, and intends to continue to contest the suit vigorously.
Due to the preliminary stage of this matter and the uncertainty and risks inherent in class determination and the overall litigation process, the Company believes that a meaningful estimate of a reasonably possible loss, if any, or range of reasonably possible losses, if any, cannot currently be made.
Oberg Litigation
During 2010, the Company entered into a settlement agreement to settle all claims associated with a "qui tam" action brought by an individual on behalf of the United States of America. As a result of the settlement, the Company recorded a $55.0 million pre-tax charge during the third quarter of 2010, and paid that amount on November 3, 2010. The Company believed it had strong defenses related to this litigation, but entered into the settlement agreement in order to eliminate the uncertainty, distraction, and expense of a trial.
16. Operating Leases
The Company is committed under noncancelable operating leases for office space and equipment. Total rental expense incurred by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $8.1 million, $8.2 million, and $9.3 million, respectively. Minimum future rentals, as of December 31, 2012, under noncancelable operating leases are shown below:
Future rental commitments for leases in the table above have been reduced by minimum non-cancelable sublease rentals aggregating approximately $0.9 million as of December 31, 2012.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
17. Defined Contribution Benefit Plan
The Company has a 401(k) savings plan that covers substantially all of its employees. Employees may contribute up to 100 percent of their pre-tax salary, subject to IRS limitations. The Company matches up to 100 percent on the first 3 percent of contributions and 50 percent on the next 2 percent. The Company made contributions to the plan of $3.6 million, $3.4 million, and $3.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
18. Stock Based Compensation Plans
Restricted Stock Plan
The following table summarizes restricted stock activity:
As of December 31, 2012, there was $4.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost included in “additional paid-in capital” on the consolidated balance sheet related to restricted stock, which is expected to be recognized as compensation expense as shown in the table below.
For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company recognized compensation expense of $2.2 million, $1.3 million, and $1.5 million, respectively, related to shares issued under the restricted stock plan which is included in "salaries and benefits" on the consolidated statements of income.
Employee Share Purchase Plan
The Company has an employee share purchase plan pursuant to which employees are entitled to purchase common stock from payroll deductions at a 15 percent discount from market value. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company recognized compensation expense of approximately $114,000, $137,000, and $141,000, respectively, in connection with issuing 21,766 shares, 29,989 shares, and 31,729 shares, respectively, under this plan.
Non-employee Directors Compensation Plan
The Company has a compensation plan for non-employee directors pursuant to which non-employee directors can elect to receive their annual retainer fees in the form of cash or Class A common stock. If a nonemployee director elects to receive Class A common stock, the number of shares of Class A common stock that are awarded is equal to the amount of the annual retainer fee otherwise payable in cash divided by 85 percent of the fair market value of a share of Class A common stock on the date the fee is payable. Non-employee directors who choose to receive Class A common stock may also elect to defer receipt of the Class A common stock until termination of their service on the board of directors.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company recognized approximately $688,000, $641,000, and $585,000, respectively, of expense related to this plan. The following table provides the number of shares awarded under this plan for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.
As of December 31, 2012, a cumulative amount of 123,271 shares have been deferred by directors and will be issued upon their termination from the board of directors. These shares are included in the Company's weighted average shares outstanding calculation.
19.
Related Parties
Transactions with Union Bank and Trust Company
Union Bank and Trust Company ("Union Bank") is controlled by Farmers & Merchants Investment Inc. (“F&M”) which owns a majority of Union Bank's common stock and a minority share of Union Bank's non-voting preferred stock. Michael S. Dunlap, along with his spouse and children, owns or controls a significant portion of the stock of F&M, while Mr. Dunlap's sister, Angela L. Muhleisen, along with her husband and children, also owns or controls a significant portion of F&M stock. Mr. Dunlap serves as a Director and Chairman of F&M. Ms. Muhleisen serves as Director and President of F&M and as a Director, Chairperson, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank. Union Bank is deemed to have beneficial ownership of various shares of the Company because it serves in a capacity of trustee or account manager and may share voting and/or investment power with respect to such shares. Mr. Dunlap and Ms. Muhleisen beneficially own a significant percent of the voting rights of the Company's outstanding common stock.
The Company has entered into certain contractual arrangements with Union Bank. These transactions are summarized below.
Loan Purchases
During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company purchased FFELP student loans from Union Bank of $0.3 million (par value), $0.1 million (par value), and $989.2 million (par value), respectively. No discount or premium was paid for loans purchased during these years.
Loan Servicing
The Company serviced $445.8 million, $496.3 million, and $530.0 million of loans for Union Bank as of December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Servicing revenue earned by the Company from servicing loans for Union Bank was $1.7 million, $1.9 million, and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 accounts receivable includes $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, due from Union Bank for loan servicing.
Funding - Participation Agreement
The Company maintains an agreement with Union Bank, as trustee for various grantor trusts, under which Union Bank has agreed to purchase from the Company participation interests in student loans (the “FFELP Participation Agreement”). The Company uses this facility as a source to fund FFELP student loans. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, $453.0 million and $509.2 million, respectively, of loans were subject to outstanding participation interests held by Union Bank, as trustee, under this agreement. The agreement automatically renews annually and is terminable by either party upon five business days notice. This agreement provides beneficiaries of Union Bank's grantor trusts with access to investments in interests in student loans, while providing liquidity to the Company on a short-term basis. The Company can participate loans to Union Bank to the extent of availability under the grantor trusts, up to $750 million or an amount in excess of $750 million if mutually agreed to by both parties. Loans participated
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
under this agreement have been accounted for by the Company as loan sales. Accordingly, the participation interests sold are not included on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Operating Cash Accounts
The majority of the Company's cash operating accounts are maintained at Union Bank. The Company also participates in the Short term Federal Investment Trust (“STFIT”) of the Student Loan Trust Division of Union Bank, which is included in “cash and cash equivalents - held at a related party” and “restricted cash - due to customers” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had $111.8 million and $119.5 million, respectively, invested in the STFIT or deposited at Union Bank in operating accounts, of which $53.3 million and $84.2 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, represented cash collected for customers. Interest income earned by the Company on the amounts invested in the STFIT for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, was $0.2 million, $0.2 million, and $1.1 million, respectively.
529 Plan Administration Services
The Company provides certain 529 Plan administration services to certain college savings plans (the “College Savings Plans”) through a contract with Union Bank, as the program manager. Union Bank is entitled to a fee as program manager pursuant to its program management agreement with the College Savings Plans. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company has received fees of $1.7 million, $2.3 million, and $5.7 million, respectively, from Union Bank related to the administration services provided to the College Savings Plans.
Lease Arrangements
Union Bank leases approximately 4,000 square feet in the Company's corporate headquarters building. Union Bank paid the Company approximately $74,000, $73,000, and $71,000 for commercial rent and storage income during 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The lease agreement expires on June 30, 2018.
On October 31, 2011, the Company entered into a lease agreement with Union Bank under which the Company leases office space of approximately 1,300 square feet for $25,000 per year, plus an additional monthly charge for each associate the Company assigns to the space. The initial term of the lease expired on November 30, 2012, and the lease agreement provides for automatic renewals each year. The Company paid Union Bank approximately $43,000 and $4,000 during 2012 and 2011, respectively, in accordance with the lease agreement.
Other Fees Paid to Union Bank
During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company paid Union Bank approximately $36,000, $64,000, and $358,000, respectively, in administrative services; approximately $92,000, $104,000, and $120,000, respectively, in commissions; and approximately $187,000, $185,000, and $177,000, respectively, in cash management fees.
Other Fees Received from Union Bank
During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, Union Bank paid the Company approximately $152,000, $144,000, and $112,000, respectively, under an employee sharing arrangement and approximately $31,000, $25,000, and $52,000, respectively, for health and productivity services.
401(k) Plan Administer
Union Bank administers the Company's 401(k) defined contribution plan. Fees paid to Union Bank to administer the plan are paid by the plan participants and were approximately $305,000, $270,000, and $239,000 during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
Investment Services
Union Bank has established various trusts whereby Union Bank serves as trustee for the purpose of purchasing, holding, managing, and selling investments in student loan asset-backed securities. On May 9, 2011, WRCM, an SEC-registered investment advisor and a subsidiary of the Company, entered into a management agreement with Union Bank, effective as of May 1, 2011, under
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
which WRCM performs various advisory and management services on behalf of Union Bank with respect to investments in securities by the trusts, including identifying securities for purchase or sale by the trusts. The agreement provides that Union Bank will pay to WRCM annual fees of 25 basis points on the outstanding balance of the investments in the trusts. As of December 31, 2012, the outstanding balance of investments in the trusts was $590.4 million. In addition, Union Bank will pay additional fees to WRCM of up to 50 percent of the gains from the sale of securities from the trusts. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company earned $8.4 million and $5.1 million, respectively, of fees under this agreement.
On January 20, 2012, WRCM entered into a management agreement with Union Bank under which it was designated to serve as investment advisor with respect to the assets within several trusts established by Michael S. Dunlap. Union Bank serves as trustee for the trusts. Per the terms of this agreement, Union Bank pays WRCM five basis points of the aggregate value of the assets of the trusts as of the last day of each calendar quarter. Mr. Dunlap contributed a total of 3,375,000 shares of the Company's Class B common stock to the trusts upon the establishment thereof. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company earned approximately $44,000 of fees under this agreement.
On February 9, 2012, WRCM established a private investment fund ("SLABS Fund-I") for the primary purpose of purchasing, selling, investing, and trading, directly or indirectly, in student loan asset-backed securities, and to engage in financial transactions related thereto. As of the date SLABS Fund-I was established, the total amount invested in SLABS Fund-I was $48.9 million, and Mr. Dunlap, Union Financial Services, Inc. (a corporation which is owned 50 percent by Mr. Dunlap and 50 percent by Stephen F. Butterfield, a member of the Board of Directors of the Company), Jeffrey R. Noordhoek (an executive officer of the Company), F&M, Ms. Muhleisen and her spouse, and WRCM had investments in SLABS Fund-I in the amounts of $2.5 million, $1.0 million, $1.0 million, $2.0 million, $2.6 million, and $0.1 million, respectively. Based upon the current level of holdings by non-affiliated limited partners, the management agreement for SLABS Fund-I provides non-affiliated limited partners the ability to remove WRCM as manager of SLABS Fund-I without cause.
On October 12, 2012, WRCM established another private investment fund ("SLABS Fund-II"). No executive officers or affiliates of the Company invested in SLABS Fund-II.
WRCM earns 50 basis points (annually) from SLABS Fund-I and SLABS Fund-II on the outstanding balance of the investments in these funds, of which WRCM pays approximately 50 percent of such amount to Union Bank as custodian. As of December 31, 2012, the outstanding balance of investments in SLABS Fund-I and SLABS Fund-II was $78.9 million. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company paid Union Bank $0.1 million as custodian.
20. Fair Value
The following tables present the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. There were no transfers into or out of level 1, level 2, or level 3 for the year ended December 31, 2012.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
(a)
Investments represent investments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Level 1 investments are measured based upon quoted prices and include investments traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, and corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, U.S. government bonds, and U.S. Treasury securities that trade in active markets. Level 2 investments include student loan asset-backed securities. The fair value for the student loan asset-backed securities is determined using indicative quotes from broker dealers or an income approach valuation technique (present value using the discount rate adjustment technique) that considers, among other things, rates currently observed in publicly traded debt markets for debt of similar terms issued by companies with comparable credit risk.
(b)
All derivatives are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of derivative financial instruments is determined using a market approach in which derivative pricing models use the stated terms of the contracts and observable yield curves, forward foreign currency exchange rates, and volatilities from active markets.
When determining the fair value of derivatives, the Company takes into account counterparty credit risk for positions where it is exposed to the counterparty on a net basis by assessing exposure net of collateral held. The net exposures for each counterparty are adjusted based on market information available for the specific counterparty.
The Company measures certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2012, these adjustments to fair value resulted from the write-down to fair value of goodwill and certain long-lived assets.
Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment and whenever triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate its carrying value may not be recoverable. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recognized an impairment charge (fair value adjustment) related to goodwill of $26.6 million. After recognizing this charge, the carrying value of goodwill was $117.1 million.
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized an impairment charge (fair value adjustment) related to student list costs of $2.8 million, which was the full carrying amount of this long-lived asset.
The primary value drivers to estimate the fair value of goodwill and student list costs are unobservable. As such, these items are level 3 assets within the fair value hierarchy.
The following table summarizes the fair values of all of the Company’s financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets:
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis are previously discussed. The remaining financial assets and liabilities were estimated using the following methods and assumptions:
Student Loans Receivable
If the Company has the ability and intent to hold loans for the foreseeable future, such loans are held for investment and carried at amortized cost. Fair values for student loan receivables were determined by modeling loan cash flows using stated terms of the assets and internally-developed assumptions to determine aggregate portfolio yield, net present value, and average life. The significant assumptions used to project cash flows are prepayment speeds, default rates, cost of funds, required return on equity, and future interest rate and indice relationships. A number of significant inputs into the models are internally derived and not observable to market participants.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, Restricted Cash - Due to Customers, Restricted Investments, Accrued Interest Receivable/Payable and Due to Customers
The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the variable rate of interest and/or the short maturities of these instruments.
Bonds and Notes Payable
Bonds and notes payable are accounted for at cost in the financial statements except when denominated in a foreign currency. Foreign currency-denominated borrowings are re-measured at current spot rates in the financial statements. The fair value of bonds and notes payable was determined from quotes from broker dealers or through standard bond pricing models using the stated terms of the borrowings, observable yield curves, and market credit spreads. Fair value adjustments for unsecured corporate debt are made based on indicative quotes from observable trades.
Limitations
The fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information and information about the financial instruments. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Therefore, the calculated fair value estimates in many instances cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, may not be realizable in a current sale of the instrument. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
21. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
22. Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements
The following represents the condensed balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and condensed statements of income and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012 for Nelnet, Inc.
The Company is limited in the amount of funds that can be transferred to it by its subsidiaries through intercompany loans, advances, or cash dividends. These limitations relate to the restrictions by trust indentures under the education lending subsidiaries debt financing arrangements. The amounts of cash and investments restricted in the respective reserve accounts of the education lending subsidiaries are shown on the consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash and investments.
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)