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Watchlist
Account
Nelnet
NNI
#3224
Rank
$4.59 B
Marketcap
๐บ๐ธ
United States
Country
$128.15
Share price
-0.63%
Change (1 day)
16.08%
Change (1 year)
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Net Assets
Annual Reports (10-K)
Nelnet
Quarterly Reports (10-Q)
Financial Year FY2014 Q3
Nelnet - 10-Q quarterly report FY2014 Q3
Text size:
Small
Medium
Large
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended
September 30, 2014
or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
to
.
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 001-31924
NELNET, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
NEBRASKA
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
84-0748903
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
121 SOUTH 13TH STREET
SUITE 100
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA
(Address of principal executive offices)
68508
(Zip Code)
(402) 458-2370
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ]
Non-accelerated filer [ ] Smaller reporting company [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes[ ] No[X]
As of
October 31, 2014
, there were
34,772,102
and
11,486,932
shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding, respectively (excluding 11,317,364 shares of Class A Common Stock held by wholly owned subsidiaries).
NELNET, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
September 30, 2014
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements
2
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
26
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
49
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
54
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
54
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
54
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
55
Item 6.
Exhibits
56
Signatures
57
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)
As of
As of
September 30, 2014
December 31, 2013
Assets:
Student loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $51,968 and $55,122, respectively)
$
28,701,344
25,907,589
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents - not held at a related party
32,610
8,537
Cash and cash equivalents - held at a related party
41,969
54,730
Total cash and cash equivalents
74,579
63,267
Investments
147,780
192,040
Restricted cash and investments
867,507
735,123
Restricted cash - due to customers
72,836
167,576
Accrued interest receivable
352,205
314,553
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,842 and $3,845, respectively)
59,510
56,072
Goodwill
126,200
117,118
Intangible assets, net
42,876
6,132
Property and equipment, net
44,647
33,829
Other assets
141,156
115,043
Fair value of derivative instruments
68,009
62,507
Total assets
$
30,698,649
27,770,849
Liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable
$
28,737,456
25,955,289
Accrued interest payable
25,221
21,725
Other liabilities
190,765
164,300
Due to customers
72,836
167,576
Fair value of derivative instruments
14,814
17,969
Total liabilities
29,041,092
26,326,859
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding
—
—
Common stock:
Class A, $0.01 par value. Authorized 600,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 34,796,723 shares and 34,881,338 shares, respectively
348
349
Class B, convertible, $0.01 par value. Authorized 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 11,486,932 shares and 11,495,377 shares, respectively
115
115
Additional paid-in capital
18,150
24,887
Retained earnings
1,633,577
1,413,492
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings
5,099
4,819
Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity
1,657,289
1,443,662
Noncontrolling interest
268
328
Total equity
1,657,557
1,443,990
Total liabilities and equity
$
30,698,649
27,770,849
Supplemental information - assets and liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities:
Student loans receivable
$
28,831,931
26,020,629
Restricted cash and investments
863,960
732,771
Fair value of derivative instruments
(3,427
)
36,834
Other assets
351,516
313,748
Bonds and notes payable
(29,084,859
)
(26,244,222
)
Other liabilities
(340,630
)
(303,142
)
Net assets of consolidated variable interest entities
$
618,491
556,618
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)
Three months
Nine months
ended September 30,
ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Interest income:
Loan interest
$
187,862
158,675
520,224
472,277
Investment interest
1,562
1,562
5,023
4,662
Total interest income
189,424
160,237
525,247
476,939
Interest expense:
Interest on bonds and notes payable
71,937
55,315
201,176
171,800
Net interest income
117,487
104,922
324,071
305,139
Less provision for loan losses
2,000
5,000
6,000
15,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
115,487
99,922
318,071
290,139
Other income:
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue
52,659
64,582
183,876
180,261
Tuition payment processing and campus commerce revenue
26,399
19,927
73,468
61,694
Enrollment services revenue
22,936
22,563
65,092
76,343
Other income
7,650
8,613
41,096
30,317
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases
—
2,138
57
10,900
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net
24,203
(16,648
)
21,508
24,612
Total other income
133,847
101,175
385,097
384,127
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits
61,098
48,712
167,470
144,049
Cost to provide enrollment services
14,178
14,668
41,964
51,097
Depreciation and amortization
5,493
4,340
15,490
13,037
Other
36,676
39,887
112,680
109,193
Total operating expenses
117,445
107,607
337,604
317,376
Income before income taxes
131,889
93,490
365,564
356,890
Income tax expense
46,513
30,444
130,202
123,637
Net income
85,376
63,046
235,362
233,253
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
157
216
1,363
1,101
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
$
85,219
62,830
233,999
232,152
Earnings per common share:
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders -
basic and diluted
$
1.84
1.35
5.03
4.98
Weighted average common shares outstanding -
basic and diluted
46,432,680
46,496,612
46,496,309
46,593,241
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three months
Nine months
ended September 30,
ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Net income
$
85,376
63,046
235,362
233,253
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, net
(738
)
5,689
8,763
6,875
Less reclassification adjustment for gains recognized in net income, net of losses
(8
)
(730
)
(8,319
)
(2,246
)
Income tax effect
276
(1,834
)
(164
)
(1,720
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
(470
)
3,125
280
2,909
Comprehensive income
84,906
66,171
235,642
236,162
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
157
216
1,363
1,101
Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
$
84,749
65,955
234,279
235,061
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)
Nelnet, Inc. Shareholders
Preferred stock shares
Common stock shares
Preferred stock
Class A common stock
Class B common stock
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings
Noncontrolling interest
Total equity
Class A
Class B
Balance as of June 30, 2013
—
34,988,110
11,495,377
$
—
350
115
27,004
1,289,416
2,597
113
1,319,595
Net income
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
62,830
—
216
63,046
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,125
—
3,125
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(279
)
(279
)
Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.10 per share
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(4,637
)
—
—
(4,637
)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures
—
(745
)
—
—
—
—
264
—
—
—
264
Compensation expense for stock based awards
—
—
—
—
—
—
824
—
—
—
824
Repurchase of common stock
—
(111,220
)
—
—
(1
)
—
(4,024
)
—
—
—
(4,025
)
Balance as of September 30, 2013
—
34,876,145
11,495,377
$
—
349
115
24,068
1,347,609
5,722
50
1,377,913
Balance as of June 30, 2014
—
34,859,786
11,491,932
$
—
349
115
20,721
1,552,988
5,569
386
1,580,128
Net income
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
85,219
—
157
85,376
Other comprehensive loss
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(470
)
—
(470
)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(275
)
(275
)
Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.10 per share
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(4,630
)
—
—
(4,630
)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures
—
28,729
—
—
—
—
213
—
—
—
213
Compensation expense for stock based awards
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,248
—
—
—
1,248
Repurchase of common stock
—
(96,792
)
—
—
(1
)
—
(4,032
)
—
—
—
(4,033
)
Conversion of common stock
—
5,000
(5,000
)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Balance as of September 30, 2014
—
34,796,723
11,486,932
$
—
348
115
18,150
1,633,577
5,099
268
1,657,557
Balance as of December 31, 2012
—
35,116,913
11,495,377
$
—
351
115
32,540
1,129,389
2,813
5
1,165,213
Issuance of noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
5
5
Net income
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
232,152
—
1,101
233,253
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,909
—
2,909
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,061
)
(1,061
)
Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.30 per share
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(13,932
)
—
—
(13,932
)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures
—
149,608
—
—
2
—
2,231
—
—
—
2,233
Compensation expense for stock based awards
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,308
—
—
—
2,308
Repurchase of common stock
—
(390,376
)
—
—
(4
)
—
(13,011
)
—
—
—
(13,015
)
Balance as of September 30, 2013
—
34,876,145
11,495,377
$
—
349
115
24,068
1,347,609
5,722
50
1,377,913
Balance as of December 31, 2013
—
34,881,338
11,495,377
$
—
349
115
24,887
1,413,492
4,819
328
1,443,990
Issuance of noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
201
201
Net income
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
233,999
—
1,363
235,362
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
280
—
280
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,624
)
(1,624
)
Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.30 per share
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(13,914
)
—
—
(13,914
)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures
—
234,236
—
—
2
—
3,339
—
—
—
3,341
Compensation expense for stock based awards
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,258
—
—
—
3,258
Repurchase of common stock
—
(327,296
)
—
—
(3
)
—
(13,334
)
—
—
—
(13,337
)
Conversion of common stock
—
8,445
(8,445
)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Balance as of September 30, 2014
—
34,796,723
11,486,932
$
—
348
115
18,150
1,633,577
5,099
268
1,657,557
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
Nine months
ended September 30,
2014
2013
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
$
233,999
232,152
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
1,363
1,101
Net income
235,362
233,253
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisitions:
Depreciation and amortization, including debt discounts and student loan premiums and deferred origination costs
78,318
58,330
Student loan discount accretion
(32,393
)
(26,333
)
Provision for loan losses
6,000
15,000
Derivative market value adjustment
431
(73,743
)
Foreign currency transaction adjustment
(39,216
)
25,902
Payment for interest rate swap option
(9,087
)
—
Payments to terminate and/or amend derivative instruments, net of proceeds
—
(6,469
)
Gain on sale of loans
—
(34
)
Gain from debt repurchases
(57
)
(10,866
)
Gain from sales of available-for-sale securities, net
(8,319
)
(2,246
)
Purchases of student loans - held for sale
—
(28,480
)
Purchases of trading securities, net
(3,380
)
—
Deferred income tax expense
21,391
13,279
Non-cash compensation expense
3,364
2,513
Other non-cash items
5,638
44
Decrease in accrued interest receivable
4,303
4,168
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable
(1,884
)
687
Decrease (increase) in other assets
2,723
(2,445
)
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable
2,314
(552
)
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities
(2,441
)
598
Net cash provided by operating activities
263,067
202,606
Cash flows from investing activities, net of acquisitions:
Purchases of student loans and student loan residual interests
(3,211,153
)
(1,696,253
)
Purchase of student loans from a related party
(175
)
(466,941
)
Net proceeds from student loan repayments, claims, capitalized interest, participations, and other
2,721,886
2,269,253
Proceeds from sale of student loans
8
11,287
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
(143,695
)
(196,657
)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities
200,098
52,733
Purchases of other investments, net
(35,454
)
(8,316
)
Repayments of notes and other receivables
11,006
—
Purchases of property and equipment, net
(21,691
)
(11,720
)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash and investments, net
(32,720
)
140,536
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(45,583
)
—
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(557,473
)
93,922
Cash flows from financing activities, net of borrowings assumed:
Payments on bonds and notes payable
(3,013,378
)
(4,159,079
)
Proceeds from issuance of bonds and notes payable
3,362,227
3,888,772
Payments of debt issuance costs
(14,933
)
(13,295
)
Dividends paid
(13,914
)
(13,932
)
Repurchases of common stock
(13,337
)
(13,015
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
476
437
Issuance of noncontrolling interest
201
5
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
(1,624
)
(1,061
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
305,718
(311,168
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
11,312
(14,640
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
63,267
66,031
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
74,579
51,391
Cash disbursements made for:
Interest
$
155,962
148,482
Income taxes, net of refunds
$
118,866
114,744
Noncash activity:
Investing activity - student loans and other assets acquired
$
2,571,997
—
Financing activity - borrowings and other liabilities assumed in acquisition of student loans
$
2,444,874
—
Supplemental disclosures of noncash operating and investing activities regarding a business combination are contained in note 6.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
6
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
(unaudited)
1. Basis of Financial Reporting
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Nelnet, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of
September 30, 2014
and for the
three and nine
months ended
September 30, 2014 and 2013
have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2013
and, in the opinion of the Company’s management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations for the interim periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Operating results for the
three and nine
months ended
September 30, 2014
are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending
December 31, 2014
. The unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2013
(the "2013 Annual Report").
2. Student Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses
Student loans receivable consisted of the following:
As of
As of
September 30, 2014
December 31, 2013
Federally insured loans
Stafford and other
$
6,218,910
6,686,626
Consolidation
22,632,689
19,363,577
Total
28,851,599
26,050,203
Non-federally insured loans
77,623
71,103
28,929,222
26,121,306
Loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs (a)
(175,910
)
(158,595
)
Allowance for loan losses – federally insured loans
(39,470
)
(43,440
)
Allowance for loan losses – non-federally insured loans
(12,498
)
(11,682
)
$
28,701,344
25,907,589
(a)
For loans purchased where there is evidence of credit deterioration since the origination of the loan, the Company records a credit discount, separate from the allowance for loan losses, which is non-accretable to interest income. Remaining discounts and premiums for purchased loans are recognized in interest income over the remaining estimated lives of the loans. The Company continues to evaluate credit losses associated with purchased loans based on current information and changes in expectations to determine the need for any additional allowance for loan losses. As of
September 30, 2014
and
December 31, 2013
, "loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs" included
$28.8 million
and
$20.2 million
, respectively, of non-accretable discount associated with purchased loans of
$8.4 billion
and
$4.4 billion
, respectively.
Student Loan Residual Interests
On April 25, 2014, the Company acquired the ownership interest in three Federal Family Education Loan Program ("FFEL Program" or "FFELP") student loan securitization trusts giving the Company rights to the residual interest in a total of
$2.6 billion
of securitized federally insured loans and related assets. The three trusts include loans funded to term with
$2.6 billion
(par value) of notes payable that carry interest rates on a spread to LIBOR or are set and periodically reset via a "dutch auction".
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 discount of
$68.7 million
and a notes payable discount of
$163.7 million
. These discounts will be accreted using the effective interest method over the lives of the underlying assets and liabilities. All other assets
7
acquired and liabilities assumed (restricted cash, accrued interest receivable/payable, and other assets/liabilities) were recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
Activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses represents the periodic expense of maintaining an allowance appropriate to absorb losses, net of recoveries, inherent in the portfolio of student loans. Activity in the allowance for loan losses is shown below.
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Balance at beginning of period
$
52,467
51,611
55,122
51,902
Provision for loan losses:
Federally insured loans
2,000
5,000
7,000
16,000
Non-federally insured loans
—
—
(1,000
)
(1,000
)
Total provision for loan losses
2,000
5,000
6,000
15,000
Charge-offs:
Federally insured loans
(3,521
)
(3,142
)
(11,290
)
(12,472
)
Non-federally insured loans
(623
)
(906
)
(1,642
)
(2,270
)
Total charge-offs
(4,144
)
(4,048
)
(12,932
)
(14,742
)
Recoveries - non-federally insured loans
279
363
989
1,173
Purchase (sale) of federally insured loans, net
70
700
320
(1,243
)
Transfer from repurchase obligation related to non-federally insured loans repurchased, net
1,296
571
2,469
2,107
Balance at end of period
$
51,968
54,197
51,968
54,197
Allocation of the allowance for loan losses:
Federally insured loans
$
39,470
42,406
39,470
42,406
Non-federally insured loans
12,498
11,791
12,498
11,791
Total allowance for loan losses
$
51,968
54,197
51,968
54,197
Repurchase Obligations
As of September 30, 2014
, the Company had participated a cumulative amount of
$103.6 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 in 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 days
or
90 days
delinquent.
In addition, in 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 September 30, 2014
, the balance of this portfolio was
$57.0 million
(par value).
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.
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Beginning balance
$
14,827
14,594
16,143
16,130
Loans repurchased
(1,296
)
(571
)
(2,612
)
(2,107
)
Ending balance
$
13,531
14,023
13,531
14,023
8
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 were delinquent 31 days or greater as of
September 30, 2014
,
December 31, 2013
, and
September 30, 2013
was
11.7 percent
,
12.7 percent
, and
13.4 percent
, respectively. The table below shows the Company’s federally insured student loan delinquency amounts.
As of September 30, 2014
As of December 31, 2013
As of September 30, 2013
Federally insured loans:
Loans in-school/grace/deferment
$
3,072,318
$
2,872,505
$
3,039,819
Loans in forbearance
3,505,103
3,370,025
3,396,748
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current
18,672,178
83.8
%
16,337,922
82.5
%
15,236,060
83.1
%
Loans delinquent 31-60 days
990,696
4.5
967,318
4.9
851,397
4.6
Loans delinquent 61-90 days
569,879
2.6
550,333
2.8
480,285
2.6
Loans delinquent 91-120 days
452,463
2.0
390,791
2.0
372,697
2.0
Loans delinquent 121-270 days
1,183,616
5.3
1,117,936
5.6
978,234
5.3
Loans delinquent 271 days or greater
405,346
1.8
443,373
2.2
437,337
2.4
Total loans in repayment
22,274,178
100.0
%
19,807,673
100.0
%
18,356,010
100.0
%
Total federally insured loans
$
28,851,599
$
26,050,203
$
24,792,577
9
3. Bonds and Notes Payable
The following tables summarize the Company’s outstanding debt obligations by type of instrument:
As of September 30, 2014
Carrying
amount
Interest rate
range
Final maturity
Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in asset-backed securitizations:
Bonds and notes based on indices
$
26,639,879
0.24% - 6.90%
5/25/18 - 8/26/52
Bonds and notes based on auction or remarketing
1,557,875
0.07% - 2.11%
5/1/28 - 11/26/46
Total variable-rate bonds and notes
28,197,754
FFELP warehouse facilities
787,042
0.16% - 0.25%
1/17/16 - 6/11/17
Unsecured line of credit
—
—
6/30/19
Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities
96,457
3.61%
9/15/61
Other borrowings
63,504
1.66% - 5.10%
11/14/14 - 12/31/18
29,144,757
Discount on bonds and notes payable
(407,301
)
Total
$
28,737,456
As of December 31, 2013
Carrying
amount
Interest rate
range
Final maturity
Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in asset-backed securitizations:
Bonds and notes based on indices
$
23,479,893
0.25% - 6.90%
5/25/18 - 8/26/52
Bonds and notes based on auction or remarketing
1,134,250
0.07% - 2.17%
5/1/28 - 11/26/46
Total variable-rate bonds and notes
24,614,143
FFELP warehouse facilities
1,396,344
0.17% - 0.25%
1/17/16 - 6/12/16
Unsecured line of credit
45,000
1.67%
3/28/18
Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities
96,457
3.62%
9/15/61
Other borrowings
61,401
1.67% - 5.10%
4/11/14 - 11/11/15
26,213,345
Discount on bonds and notes payable
(258,056
)
Total
$
25,955,289
10
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
September 30, 2014
, the Company had three FFELP warehouse facilities as summarized below.
NHELP-III
NHELP-II (a)
NFSLW-I (b)
Total
Maximum financing amount
$
750,000
500,000
500,000
1,750,000
Amount outstanding
438,265
40,433
308,344
787,042
Amount available
$
311,735
459,567
191,656
962,958
Expiration of liquidity provisions
February 5, 2015
December 17, 2014
June 11, 2015
Final maturity date
January 17, 2016
December 17, 2016
June 11, 2017
Maximum advance rates
92.2 - 95.0%
84.5 - 94.5%
92.0 - 98.0%
Minimum advance rates
92.2 - 95.0%
84.5 - 94.5%
84.0 - 90.0%
Advanced as equity support
$
26,264
4,195
14,778
45,237
(a)
On September 30, 2014, the Company amended the agreement for this warehouse facility to change the expiration date for the liquidity provisions to December 17, 2014, and change the maturity date to December 17, 2016.
(b)
On April 15, 2014, the Company amended the agreement for this warehouse facility to change the expiration date for the liquidity provisions to
June 11, 2015
, and change the maturity date to
June 11, 2017
.
11
Asset-backed Securitizations
The following table summarizes the asset-backed securitization transactions completed during the
nine
months ended
September 30, 2014
.
2014-1
2014-2
2014-3
2014-4
2014-5
2014-6 (a)
Total
Class A-1 notes
Class A-2 notes
Class A-3 notes
2014-2 total
Class A-1 notes
Class A-2 notes
2014-4 total
Date securities issued
2/6/14
3/12/14
3/12/14
3/12/14
3/12/14
4/30/14
5/23/14
5/23/14
5/23/14
6/18/14
7/31/14
Total original principal amount
$
458,500
509,000
719,800
384,500
603,000
565,000
$
3,239,800
Class A senior notes:
Total original principal amount
$
445,000
191,000
222,000
84,000
497,000
700,700
267,500
107,500
375,000
587,000
565,000
3,169,700
Bond discount
—
—
—
(535
)
(535
)
—
—
—
—
—
(3,124
)
(3,659
)
Issue price
$
445,000
191,000
222,000
83,465
496,465
700,700
267,500
107,500
375,000
587,000
561,876
3,166,041
Cost of funds (1-month LIBOR plus:)
0.57
%
0.28
%
0.60
%
0.85
%
0.58
%
0.54
%
0.95
%
0.55
%
0.65
%
Final maturity date
9/25/41
6/25/21
3/25/30
7/27/37
6/25/41
11/27/34
11/25/43
7/25/41
11/25/47
Class B subordinated notes:
Total original principal amount
$
13,500
12,000
19,100
9,500
16,000
70,100
Bond discount
(1,132
)
(1,046
)
(1,467
)
(1,138
)
(1,232
)
(6,015
)
Issue price
$
12,368
10,954
17,633
8,362
14,768
64,085
Cost of funds (1-month LIBOR plus:)
1.50
%
1.50
%
1.50
%
1.50
%
1.50
%
Final maturity date
10/25/47
6/25/41
10/25/50
9/25/51
5/25/49
(a)
Total original principal amount excludes the Class B subordinated notes of
$8.3 million
that were retained at issuance. As of September 30, 2014, the Company has a total of
$64.6 million
(par value) of its own Class B subordinated notes remaining from prior completed asset-backed securitizations that 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.
Unsecured Line of Credit
On June 30, 2014, the Company's unsecured line of credit was amended to increase the line of credit from
$275.0 million
to
$350.0 million
and extend the maturity date from March 28, 2018 to
June 30, 2019
. In addition, the amendment revised certain covenants related to maintenance of a minimum consolidated net worth, limitations on recourse indebtedness and liens, and a limitation on the amount of non-federally insured student loans in the Company’s portfolio. As of
September 30, 2014
, the
$350.0 million
unsecured line of credit had
no
amount outstanding and
$350.0 million
was available for future use.
Other Borrowings
On October 31, 2014, the Company amended its existing
$50.0 million
line of credit, which is collateralized by asset-backed security investments, to increase the borrowing capacity to
$75.0 million
and extend the maturity date to
October 31, 2016
. The renewed line of credit has covenants and cross default provisions similar to those under the Company's unsecured line of credit.
12
Debt Repurchases
The Company repurchased
$2.5 million
(par value) and
$15.4 million
(par value) of its own asset-backed debt securities during the three months ended
September 30, 2014
and
2013
, respectively, and recognized
no
gain on such purchases for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and gains of
$2.1 million
for the same period in 2013. During the
nine
months ended
September 30, 2014
and
2013
, the Company repurchased
$4.0 million
(par value) and
$84.7 million
(par value), respectively, of its own asset-backed debt securities and recognized gains on such purchases of approximately
$57,000
and
$10.9 million
, respectively.
4. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments primarily to manage interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk. Derivative instruments used as part of the Company's risk management strategy are further described in note 6 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 2013 Annual Report. A tabular presentation of such derivatives outstanding as of
September 30, 2014
and
December 31, 2013
is presented below.
Basis Swaps
The following table summarizes the Company’s basis swaps outstanding as of
September 30, 2014
and
December 31, 2013
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").
Maturity
Notional amount
2021
$
250,000
2022
1,900,000
2023
3,650,000
2024
250,000
2026
800,000
2028
100,000
2036
700,000
2039
(a)
150,000
2040
(b)
200,000
$
8,000,000
(c)
(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
September 30, 2014
and
December 31, 2013
was
one-month LIBOR
plus
3.5
basis points.
Interest Rate Swaps – Floor Income Hedges
The following table summarizes the outstanding derivative instruments used by the Company to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income.
As of September 30, 2014
As of December 31, 2013
Maturity
Notional amount
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)
Notional amount
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)
2014
$
—
—
%
$
1,750,000
0.71
%
2015
1,100,000
0.89
1,100,000
0.89
2016
750,000
0.85
750,000
0.85
2017
1,250,000
0.86
1,250,000
0.86
$
3,100,000
0.87
%
$
4,850,000
0.81
%
(a)
For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR.
13
On August 20, 2014, the Company paid
$9.1 million
for an interest rate swap option to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. The interest rate swap option gives the Company the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a
$250 million
notional interest rate swap in which the Company would pay a fixed amount of
3.30%
and receive discrete one-month LIBOR. If the interest rate swap option is exercised, the swap would become effective in 2019 and mature in 2024. The Company recorded this derivative instrument at fair value and will record the change in fair value of the instrument on the consolidated statement of income.
Interest Rate Swaps – Unsecured Debt Hedges
The Company had the following derivatives outstanding as of
September 30, 2014
and
December 31, 2013
that are used to effectively convert the variable interest rate on a portion of the Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities ("Hybrid Securities") to a fixed rate.
Maturity
Notional amount
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)
2036
$
25,000
4.28
%
(a)
For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
In 2006, the Company issued
€352.7 million
of student loan asset-backed Euro Notes (the "Euro Notes") with an interest rate based on a spread to the EURIBOR index. As a result of the Euro Notes, 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.
The Company entered into a cross-currency interest rate swap in connection with the issuance of the Euro Notes. Under the terms of the cross-currency interest rate swap, the Company receives from the counterparty a spread to the EURIBOR index based on a notional amount of
€352.7 million
and pays a spread to the LIBOR index based on a notional amount of
$450.0 million
. In addition, under the terms of this agreement, 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 instrument.
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013 (b)
2014
2013 (b)
Re-measurement of Euro Notes
$
37,418
(39,974
)
39,216
(25,902
)
Change in fair value of cross-currency interest rate swaps
(37,224
)
39,074
(40,261
)
18,978
Total impact to consolidated statements of income - income (expense) (a)
$
194
(900
)
(1,045
)
(6,924
)
(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.
(b)
The 2013 operating results include the re-measurement of an additional
€420.5 million
of student loan asset-backed Euro notes and the change in fair value of a related cross-currency interest rate swap entered into in connection with the issuance of such notes. In November 2013, the principal amount outstanding on the notes was changed to U.S. dollars and the cross-currency interest swap was terminated.
The re-measurement of the Euro-denominated bonds generally correlates with the change in fair value of the corresponding cross-currency interest rate swap. However, the Company will experience unrealized gains or losses related to the cross-currency interest rate swap if the two underlying indices (and related forward curve) do not move in parallel.
14
Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives
The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s derivatives as reflected in the consolidated balance sheets:
Fair value of asset derivatives
Fair value of liability derivatives
As of
As of
As of
As of
September 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
September 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
1:3 basis swaps
$
50,965
18,490
—
—
Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges
8,804
7,183
6,297
15,849
Interest rate swap option - floor income hedge
8,240
—
—
—
Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges
—
—
5,090
2,120
Cross-currency interest rate swap
—
36,834
3,427
—
Total
$
68,009
62,507
14,814
17,969
During the nine months ended
September 30, 2013
, the Company terminated certain derivatives for gross proceeds and payments of
$2.7 million
and
$9.2 million
, respectively. There were
no
derivative terminations during the first nine months of 2014.
Offsetting of Derivative Assets/Liabilities
The Company records derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. Certain of the Company's derivative instruments are subject to right of offset provisions with counterparties. The following tables include the gross amounts related to the Company's derivative portfolio recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, reconciled to the net amount when excluding derivatives subject to enforceable master netting arrangements and cash collateral received/pledged:
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets
Derivative assets
Gross amounts of recognized assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets
Derivatives subject to enforceable master netting arrangement
Cash collateral received
Net asset (liability)
Balance as of September 30, 2014
$
68,009
(11,387
)
—
56,622
Balance as of December 31, 2013
62,507
(15,437
)
(15,959
)
31,111
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets
Derivative liabilities
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheets
Derivatives subject to enforceable master netting arrangement
Cash collateral pledged (received)
Net asset (liability)
Balance as of September 30, 2014
$
(14,814
)
11,387
(22,422
)
(25,849
)
Balance as of December 31, 2013
(17,969
)
15,437
3,630
1,098
15
The following table summarizes the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income.
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Settlements:
1:3 basis swaps
$
808
781
2,547
2,474
Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges
(5,421
)
(7,178
)
(19,345
)
(24,017
)
Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges
(259
)
(256
)
(767
)
(1,413
)
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
38
(35
)
288
(273
)
Total settlements - expense
(4,834
)
(6,688
)
(17,277
)
(23,229
)
Change in fair value:
1:3 basis swaps
19,455
(2,161
)
32,475
9,402
Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges
10,628
(9,599
)
11,173
33,231
Interest rate swap option - floor income hedge
(847
)
—
(847
)
—
Interest rate swaps - hybrid debt hedges
(393
)
2,700
(2,971
)
11,790
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
(37,224
)
39,074
(40,261
)
18,978
Other
—
—
—
342
Total change in fair value - income (expense)
(8,381
)
30,014
(431
)
73,743
Re-measurement of Euro Notes (foreign currency transaction adjustment) - income (expense)
37,418
(39,974
)
39,216
(25,902
)
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net - income (expense)
$
24,203
(16,648
)
21,508
24,612
5. Investments
A summary of the Company's investments and restricted investments follows:
As of September 30, 2014
As of December 31, 2013
Amortized cost
Gross unrealized gains
Gross unrealized losses (a)
Fair value
Amortized cost
Gross unrealized gains
Gross unrealized losses
Fair value
Investments:
Available-for-sale investments:
Student loan asset-backed and other debt securities (b)
$
123,898
6,309
(153
)
130,054
171,931
7,111
(1,241
)
177,801
Equity securities
1,478
1,959
(21
)
3,416
1,502
1,783
(3
)
3,282
Total available-for-sale investments
$
125,376
8,268
(174
)
133,470
173,433
8,894
(1,244
)
181,083
Trading investments:
Student loan asset-backed securities
5,370
10,957
Equity securities
8,940
—
Total trading investments
14,310
10,957
Total available-for-sale and trading investments
$
147,780
192,040
Restricted Investments (c):
Guaranteed investment contracts - held-to-maturity
$
8,205
7,285
(a)
As of
September 30, 2014
, the Company considered the decline in market value of its available-for-sale investments to be temporary in nature and did not consider any of its investments other-than-temporarily impaired.
(b)
As of
September 30, 2014
, the stated maturities of the majority of the Company's student loan asset-backed and other debt securities classified as available-for-sale were greater than 10 years.
(c)
Restricted investments are included in "restricted cash and investments" in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
16
The amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income related to the realized gains and losses on available-for-sale-securities is summarized below.
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income - income (expense):
2014
2013
2014
2013
Other income
$
8
730
8,319
2,246
Income tax expense
(3
)
(270
)
(3,078
)
(831
)
Net
$
5
460
5,241
1,415
6. Business Combination
The Company uses the acquisition method in accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, the financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the completion of the acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. All contingent consideration is measured at fair value on the acquisition date and included in the consideration transferred in the acquisition. Contingent consideration classified as a liability is remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved, and changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.
Wilcomp Software, L.P. (d.b.a. RenWeb School Management Software) (“RenWeb”)
On
June 3, 2014
, the Company purchased
100 percent
of the ownership interests of RenWeb. RenWeb provides school information systems for private and faith-based schools that help schools automate administrative processes such as admissions, scheduling, student billing, attendance, and grade book management. The combination of RenWeb’s school administration software and the Company’s tuition management and financial needs assessment services are expected to significantly increase the value of the Company’s offerings in this area, allowing the Company to deliver a comprehensive suite of solutions to schools.
The initial consideration paid by the Company for RenWeb was
$44.0 million
. In addition to the initial purchase price, additional payments are to be paid by the Company to the former owners of RenWeb based on certain operating results and other performance measures of RenWeb as defined in the purchase agreement. The contingent payments, if any, are payable when earned and the potential undiscounted amount of all future payments that the Company could be required to make under the contingent consideration arrangement is between
$0
and
$4.0 million
. Such payments, if any, will be paid no later than January 2017. As of the acquisition date, the Company accrued
$2.3 million
as additional consideration, which represented the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement. From the acquisition date through September 30, 2014, there has been no change in the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date.
Cash and cash equivalents
$
326
Accounts receivable
961
Property and equipment
105
Other assets
22
Intangible assets
37,188
Excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill)
9,082
Other liabilities
(1,341
)
Net assets acquired
$
46,343
The
$37.2 million
of acquired intangible assets on the date of acquisition had a weighted-average useful life of approximately
18 years
. The intangible assets that made up this amount included customer relationships of
$25.5 million
(
20
-year useful life), trade name of
$6.4 million
(
20
-year useful life), computer software of
$4.9 million
(
5
-year useful life), and non-competition agreements of
$0.4 million
(
10
-year useful life).
The
$9.1 million
of goodwill was assigned to the Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce operating segment and is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The amount allocated to goodwill was primarily attributable to anticipated synergies as discussed previously.
The proforma impacts of the acquisition on the Company's historical results prior to the acquisition were not material.
17
7. Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of the following:
Weighted average remaining useful life as of September 30, 2014 (months)
As of September 30, 2014
As of December 31, 2013
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer relationships (net of accumulated amortization of $22,866 and $19,821, respectively)
207
$
28,612
6,132
Computer software (net of accumulated amortization of $1,210 and $0, respectively)
44
7,656
—
Trade names (net of accumulated amortization of $156 and $0, respectively)
236
6,266
—
Covenants not to compete (net of accumulated amortization of $12 and $0, respectively)
116
342
—
Total - amortizable intangible assets
181
$
42,876
6,132
The Company recorded amortization expense on its intangible assets of
$2.0 million
and
$0.8 million
during the three months ended
September 30, 2014 and 2013
, respectively, and
$4.4 million
and
$2.5 million
during the
nine
months ended
September 30, 2014 and 2013
, respectively. The Company will continue to amortize intangible assets over their remaining useful lives.
As of September 30, 2014
the Company estimates it will record amortization expense as follows:
2014 (Q4)
$
1,984
2015
8,695
2016
5,349
2017
3,862
2018
3,533
2019 and thereafter
19,453
$
42,876
8. Goodwill
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment was as follows:
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce
Enrollment Services
Asset Generation and Management
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2013
$
8,596
58,086
8,553
41,883
117,118
Goodwill acquired during the period
—
9,082
—
—
9,082
Balance as of September 30, 2014
$
8,596
67,168
8,553
41,883
126,200
18
9. 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 in computing both basic and diluted earnings per share, which requires the calculation of separate earnings per share amounts for common stock and unvested share based awards. Unvested share-based awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered securities which participate in undistributed earnings with common stock.
Three months ended September 30,
2014
2013
Common shareholders
Unvested restricted stock shareholders
Total
Common shareholders
Unvested restricted stock shareholders
Total
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
$
84,330
889
85,219
62,277
553
62,830
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted
45,948,255
484,425
46,432,680
46,086,743
409,869
46,496,612
Earnings per share - basic and diluted
$
1.84
1.84
1.84
1.35
1.35
1.35
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
Common shareholders
Unvested restricted stock shareholders
Total
Common shareholders
Unvested restricted stock shareholders
Total
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
$
231,725
2,274
233,999
230,141
2,011
232,152
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted
46,044,429
451,880
46,496,309
46,189,200
404,041
46,593,241
Earnings per share - basic and diluted
$
5.03
5.03
5.03
4.98
4.98
4.98
Unvested restricted stock awards are the Company's only potential common shares and, accordingly, there were no awards that were antidilutive and not included in average shares outstanding for the diluted earnings per share calculation.
19
10. Segment Reporting
See note 1 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 2013 Annual Report for a description of the Company's operating segments. The following tables include the results of each of the Company's operating segments reconciled to the consolidated financial statements.
Three months ended September 30, 2014
Fee-Based
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce
Enrollment
Services
Total Fee-
Based
Asset
Generation and
Management
Corporate
Activity
and
Overhead
Eliminations
Total
Total interest income
$
5
2
—
7
187,949
1,814
(346
)
189,424
Interest expense
—
—
—
—
71,037
1,246
(346
)
71,937
Net interest income
5
2
—
7
116,912
568
—
117,487
Less provision for loan losses
—
—
—
—
2,000
—
—
2,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
5
2
—
7
114,912
568
—
115,487
Other income:
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue
52,659
—
—
52,659
—
—
—
52,659
Intersegment servicing revenue
13,432
—
—
13,432
—
—
(13,432
)
—
Tuition payment processing and campus commerce revenue
—
26,399
—
26,399
—
—
—
26,399
Enrollment services revenue
—
—
22,936
22,936
—
—
—
22,936
Other income
—
—
—
—
4,294
3,356
—
7,650
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net
—
—
—
—
29,430
(393
)
—
29,037
Derivative settlements, net
—
—
—
—
(4,575
)
(259
)
—
(4,834
)
Total other income
66,091
26,399
22,936
115,426
29,149
2,704
(13,432
)
133,847
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits
37,062
13,288
4,474
54,824
565
5,709
—
61,098
Cost to provide enrollment services
—
—
14,178
14,178
—
—
—
14,178
Depreciation and amortization
2,558
2,396
41
4,995
—
498
—
5,493
Other
15,028
3,312
1,624
19,964
8,636
8,076
—
36,676
Intersegment expenses, net
906
1,481
761
3,148
13,611
(3,327
)
(13,432
)
—
Total operating expenses
55,554
20,477
21,078
97,109
22,812
10,956
(13,432
)
117,445
Income (loss) before income taxes and corporate overhead allocation
10,542
5,924
1,858
18,324
121,249
(7,684
)
—
131,889
Corporate overhead allocation
(2,567
)
(856
)
(855
)
(4,278
)
(1,026
)
5,304
—
—
Income (loss) before income taxes
7,975
5,068
1,003
14,046
120,223
(2,380
)
—
131,889
Income tax (expense) benefit
(3,030
)
(1,926
)
(381
)
(5,337
)
(45,684
)
4,508
—
(46,513
)
Net income
4,945
3,142
622
8,709
74,539
2,128
—
85,376
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
—
157
—
157
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
$
4,945
3,142
622
8,709
74,539
1,971
—
85,219
20
Three months ended September 30, 2013
Fee-Based
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce
Enrollment
Services
Total Fee-
Based
Asset
Generation and
Management
Corporate
Activity
and
Overhead
Eliminations
Total
Total interest income
$
10
—
—
10
158,793
2,201
(767
)
160,237
Interest expense
—
—
—
—
56,100
(18
)
(767
)
55,315
Net interest income
10
—
—
10
102,693
2,219
—
104,922
Less provision for loan losses
—
—
—
—
5,000
—
—
5,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
10
—
—
10
97,693
2,219
—
99,922
Other income:
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue
64,582
—
—
64,582
—
—
—
64,582
Intersegment servicing revenue
13,519
—
—
13,519
—
—
(13,519
)
—
Tuition payment processing and campus commerce revenue
—
19,927
—
19,927
—
—
—
19,927
Enrollment services revenue
—
—
22,563
22,563
—
—
—
22,563
Other income
—
—
—
—
3,981
4,632
—
8,613
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases
—
—
—
—
2,138
—
—
2,138
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net
—
—
—
—
(12,660
)
2,700
—
(9,960
)
Derivative settlements, net
—
—
—
—
(6,432
)
(256
)
—
(6,688
)
Total other income
78,101
19,927
22,563
120,591
(12,973
)
7,076
(13,519
)
101,175
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits
29,719
9,229
4,491
43,439
555
4,718
—
48,712
Cost to provide enrollment services
—
—
14,668
14,668
—
—
—
14,668
Depreciation and amortization
2,677
1,117
57
3,851
—
489
—
4,340
Other
19,752
1,908
1,556
23,216
7,939
8,732
—
39,887
Intersegment expenses, net
1,457
1,431
1,139
4,027
13,705
(4,213
)
(13,519
)
—
Total operating expenses
53,605
13,685
21,911
89,201
22,199
9,726
(13,519
)
107,607
Income (loss) before income taxes and corporate overhead allocation
24,506
6,242
652
31,400
62,521
(431
)
—
93,490
Corporate overhead allocation
(1,822
)
(607
)
(607
)
(3,036
)
(1,302
)
4,338
—
—
Income before income taxes
22,684
5,635
45
28,364
61,219
3,907
—
93,490
Income tax (expense) benefit
(8,620
)
(2,141
)
(17
)
(10,778
)
(23,263
)
3,597
—
(30,444
)
Net income
14,064
3,494
28
17,586
37,956
7,504
—
63,046
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
—
216
—
216
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
$
14,064
3,494
28
17,586
37,956
7,288
—
62,830
21
Nine months ended September 30, 2014
Fee-Based
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce
Enrollment
Services
Total Fee-
Based
Asset
Generation and
Management
Corporate
Activity
and
Overhead
Eliminations
Total
Total interest income
$
25
5
—
30
520,514
6,508
(1,805
)
525,247
Interest expense
—
—
—
—
198,449
4,532
(1,805
)
201,176
Net interest income
25
5
—
30
322,065
1,976
—
324,071
Less provision for loan losses
—
—
—
—
6,000
—
—
6,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
25
5
—
30
316,065
1,976
—
318,071
Other income:
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue
183,876
—
—
183,876
—
—
—
183,876
Intersegment servicing revenue
41,453
—
—
41,453
—
—
(41,453
)
—
Tuition payment processing and campus commerce revenue
—
73,468
—
73,468
—
—
—
73,468
Enrollment services revenue
—
—
65,092
65,092
—
—
—
65,092
Other income
—
—
—
—
12,954
28,142
—
41,096
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases
—
—
—
—
57
—
—
57
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net
—
—
—
—
41,755
(2,970
)
—
38,785
Derivative settlements, net
—
—
—
—
(16,510
)
(767
)
—
(17,277
)
Total other income
225,329
73,468
65,092
363,889
38,256
24,405
(41,453
)
385,097
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits
102,462
34,427
12,986
149,875
1,744
15,851
—
167,470
Cost to provide enrollment services
—
—
41,964
41,964
—
—
—
41,964
Depreciation and amortization
8,166
5,669
129
13,964
—
1,526
—
15,490
Other
53,295
8,915
4,917
67,127
24,627
20,926
—
112,680
Intersegment expenses, net
3,113
4,305
2,711
10,129
41,950
(10,626
)
(41,453
)
—
Total operating expenses
167,036
53,316
62,707
283,059
68,321
27,677
(41,453
)
337,604
Income (loss) before income taxes and corporate overhead allocation
58,318
20,157
2,385
80,860
286,000
(1,296
)
—
365,564
Corporate overhead allocation
(6,487
)
(2,163
)
(2,162
)
(10,812
)
(3,604
)
14,416
—
—
Income before income taxes
51,831
17,994
223
70,048
282,396
13,120
—
365,564
Income tax (expense) benefit
(19,695
)
(6,837
)
(85
)
(26,617
)
(107,309
)
3,724
—
(130,202
)
Net income
32,136
11,157
138
43,431
175,087
16,844
—
235,362
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
—
1,363
—
1,363
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
$
32,136
11,157
138
43,431
175,087
15,481
—
233,999
22
Nine months ended September 30, 2013
Fee-Based
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce
Enrollment
Services
Total Fee-
Based
Asset
Generation and
Management
Corporate
Activity
and
Overhead
Eliminations
Total
Total interest income
$
29
—
—
29
472,622
6,708
(2,420
)
476,939
Interest expense
—
—
—
—
170,502
3,718
(2,420
)
171,800
Net interest income
29
—
—
29
302,120
2,990
—
305,139
Less provision for loan losses
—
—
—
—
15,000
—
—
15,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
29
—
—
29
287,120
2,990
—
290,139
Other income:
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue
180,261
—
—
180,261
—
—
—
180,261
Intersegment servicing revenue
42,375
—
—
42,375
—
—
(42,375
)
—
Tuition payment processing and campus commerce revenue
—
61,694
—
61,694
—
—
—
61,694
Enrollment services revenue
—
—
76,343
76,343
—
—
—
76,343
Other income
—
—
—
—
11,207
19,110
—
30,317
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases
—
—
—
—
10,900
—
—
10,900
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net
—
—
—
—
35,711
12,130
—
47,841
Derivative settlements, net
—
—
—
—
(21,816
)
(1,413
)
—
(23,229
)
Total other income
222,636
61,694
76,343
360,673
36,002
29,827
(42,375
)
384,127
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits
86,254
28,015
15,067
129,336
1,709
13,004
—
144,049
Cost to provide enrollment services
—
—
51,097
51,097
—
—
—
51,097
Depreciation and amortization
8,197
3,387
179
11,763
—
1,274
—
13,037
Other
56,173
6,387
4,450
67,010
23,375
18,808
—
109,193
Intersegment expenses, net
3,243
4,350
3,418
11,011
42,955
(11,591
)
(42,375
)
—
Total operating expenses
153,867
42,139
74,211
270,217
68,039
21,495
(42,375
)
317,376
Income before income taxes and corporate overhead allocation
68,798
19,555
2,132
90,485
255,083
11,322
—
356,890
Corporate overhead allocation
(4,332
)
(1,443
)
(1,443
)
(7,218
)
(3,095
)
10,313
—
—
Income before income taxes
64,466
18,112
689
83,267
251,988
21,635
—
356,890
Income tax (expense) benefit
(24,498
)
(6,882
)
(261
)
(31,641
)
(95,755
)
3,759
—
(123,637
)
Net income
39,968
11,230
428
51,626
156,233
25,394
—
233,253
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
—
1,101
—
1,101
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
$
39,968
11,230
428
51,626
156,233
24,293
—
232,152
11. Major Customer
The Company is one of four private sector companies awarded a student loan servicing contract by the Department of Education (the "Department") in June 2009 to provide additional servicing capacity for loans owned by the Department, with new loan volume currently being allocated among the four servicers based on certain performance metrics established by the Department. The servicing contract was originally scheduled to expire in June 2014. Effective as of June 17, 2014, the Department extended the servicing contract for an additional five years through June 16, 2019. Revenue earned by the Company's Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing operating segment related to this contract was
$31.2 million
and
$26.0 million
for the three months ended
September 30, 2014 and 2013
, respectively, and
$92.1 million
and
$68.4 million
for the
nine
months ended
September 30, 2014 and 2013
, respectively.
12. Related Party Transactions
The Company has entered into certain contractual arrangements with related parties as described in note 19 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 2013 Annual Report. The following provides an update for a related party transaction that occurred during the first nine months of
2014
.
On January 1, 2014, the Company subparticipated the Company's participation interest in a loan receivable from an unrelated third party to Union Bank and Trust Company ("Union Bank"), an entity under common control with the Company. As of
September 30, 2014
, the participated portion of the loan was
$2.2 million
, with an obligation to fund an additional
$0.9 million
. As part of this agreement, Union Bank will pay the Company monthly servicing fees equal to
40 basis points
on the participated portion of the outstanding principal balance of the loan.
23
13. 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
nine
months ended
September 30, 2014
.
As of September 30, 2014
As of December 31, 2013
Level 1
Level 2
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Total
Assets:
Investments:
Student loan asset-backed securities
$
—
143,955
143,955
—
188,279
188,279
Equity securities
3,416
—
3,416
3,282
—
3,282
Debt securities
409
—
409
479
—
479
Total investments
3,825
143,955
147,780
3,761
188,279
192,040
Fair value of derivative instruments
—
68,009
68,009
—
62,507
62,507
Total assets
$
3,825
211,964
215,789
3,761
250,786
254,547
Liabilities:
Fair value of derivative instruments
$
—
14,814
14,814
—
17,969
17,969
Total liabilities
$
—
14,814
14,814
—
17,969
17,969
The following table summarizes the fair values of all of the Company’s financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets:
As of September 30, 2014
Fair value
Carrying value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial assets:
Student loans receivable
$
29,975,188
28,701,344
—
—
29,975,188
Cash and cash equivalents
74,579
74,579
74,579
—
—
Investments
147,780
147,780
3,825
143,955
—
Restricted cash
859,302
859,302
859,302
—
—
Restricted cash – due to customers
72,836
72,836
72,836
—
—
Restricted investments
8,205
8,205
8,205
—
—
Accrued interest receivable
352,205
352,205
—
352,205
—
Derivative instruments
68,009
68,009
—
68,009
—
Financial liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable
28,738,353
28,737,456
—
28,738,353
—
Accrued interest payable
25,221
25,221
—
25,221
—
Due to customers
72,836
72,836
72,836
—
—
Derivative instruments
14,814
14,814
—
14,814
—
As of December 31, 2013
Fair value
Carrying value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial assets:
Student loans receivable
$
26,641,383
25,907,589
—
—
26,641,383
Cash and cash equivalents
63,267
63,267
63,267
—
—
Investments
192,040
192,040
3,761
188,279
—
Restricted cash
727,838
727,838
727,838
—
—
Restricted cash – due to customers
167,576
167,576
167,576
—
—
Restricted investments
7,285
7,285
7,285
—
—
Accrued interest receivable
314,553
314,553
—
314,553
—
Derivative instruments
62,507
62,507
—
62,507
—
Financial liabilities:
Bonds and notes payable
25,577,250
25,955,289
—
25,577,250
—
Accrued interest payable
21,725
21,725
—
21,725
—
Due to customers
167,576
167,576
167,576
—
—
Derivative instruments
17,969
17,969
—
17,969
—
The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and liabilities are described in note 20 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 2013 Annual Report.
24
14. Legal Proceedings
General
The Company is subject to various legal proceedings that arise in the normal course of business, including the legal proceedings discussed below. These matters frequently involve claims by student loan borrowers disputing the manner in which their student loans have been serviced or the accuracy of reports to credit bureaus, claims by student loan borrowers or other consumers alleging that state or Federal consumer protection laws have been violated in the process of collecting loans or conducting other business activities, and disputes with other business entities. From time to time, lawsuits may be brought as, or subsequently amended to assert claims in the form of, putative class action cases.
In evaluating each of its legal proceedings, the Company considers many factors that involve significant risks and uncertainties inherent in the overall litigation process, including (i) the amount of damages and the nature of any other relief sought in the proceeding, if specified; (ii) whether the proceeding is at an early stage; (iii) the impact of discovery; (iv) whether novel or unsettled legal theories are at issue; (v) the outcome of pending motions or appeals; (vi) whether there are significant factual issues to be resolved; (vii) whether class action status is sought and the Company's views of the likelihood of a class being certified by the court and the ultimate size of the class; (viii) the jurisdiction in which the proceeding is pending; (ix) the Company's views of the merits of the claims and of the strength of the Company's defenses; and (x) the progress of any negotiations with opposing parties. In assessing whether a legal proceeding may be material, the Company considers these and other quantitative and qualitative factors, including whether disclosure of the proceeding might be important to a reader of the Company's financial statements in light of all of the information about the Company that is available to the reader.
Actions Requesting Certifications of Classes
Proceedings or complaints that involve or ask for certifications of classes generally expand the scope of legal defense costs, as well as alleged potential claim amounts. The Company is currently subject to legal proceedings in which the plaintiffs have made allegations that one or more putative classes should be certified by the applicable court. With respect to the three proceedings specifically discussed below, it is significant to note that, no putative class has actually been certified in any of these proceedings, the Company's position is that class certification would be inappropriate in each such proceeding, the Company has entered into agreements in principle to resolve two of the pending matters for immaterial amounts through a court-approved class-wide settlement, and the Company has been granted a motion for a summary judgment dismissing the case and intends to vigorously contest the appeal and class certification in the remaining matter.
The Company has accrued an immaterial amount related to the legal proceedings described below. However, due to the uncertainty and risks inherent in class determination and the overall litigation process, the Company believes that a meaningful estimate of its exposure to any reasonably possible losses or range of reasonably possible losses, in excess of the amount accrued, cannot currently be made.
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 Nelnet, Inc. ("Nelnet"), was filed in the U.S. Federal District Court for the District of New Jersey (the “New Jersey 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. On September 13, 2013, the named plaintiff filed a motion for class certification, and on October 7, 2013, Peterson's filed a motion to dismiss the named plaintiff's motion for class certification.
As of the filing date of this report, the New Jersey District Court has not established, recognized, or certified a class.
On January 23, 2014, Peterson's and the named plaintiff reached an agreement in principle whereby Peterson's would, without admitting any wrongdoing or liability, settle all claims in the lawsuit, including potential class action claims, for payment of an immaterial amount. The settlement agreement in principle is subject to finalization and court approval.
Than Zaw v. Nelnet, Inc.
On January 18, 2013, a Third Amended Complaint was served on Nelnet in connection with a lawsuit by Than Zaw against Nelnet (erroneously referred to in the lawsuit as Nelnet Business Solutions, Inc.) in the Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County. The case has since been moved to the U.S. Federal District Court for the Northern District of California (the “California District Court”). The lawsuit was originally instituted on December 30, 2010, and alleges that Nelnet violated the
25
California Fair Debt Collection Practices Act in its interactions with the plaintiff, a California resident. The plaintiff's Third Amended Complaint added additional allegations claiming that Nelnet violated Section 632 of the California Penal Code by allegedly recording one or more telephone calls to the plaintiff without the plaintiff's consent, and sought
$5,000
in statutory damages per alleged violation. The Third Amended Complaint further alleged that Nelnet improperly recorded telephone calls to other California residents without such persons' consent, and sought to establish a class action with respect to the California Section 632 claim.
As of the filing date of this report, the California District Court has not established, recognized, or certified a class.
On October 16, 2013, Nelnet and the named plaintiff reached an agreement in principle whereby Nelnet would, without admitting any wrongdoing or liability, settle all claims in the lawsuit, including potential class action claims, for payment of an immaterial amount. The settlement agreement in principle is subject to finalization and court approval.
Grant Keating v. Peterson's Nelnet, LLC et al
On August 6, 2012, an Amended Complaint was served on Peterson's, CUnet, LLC (“CUnet”), a subsidiary of Nelnet, and on Nelnet (collectively, the "Keating Defendants"), in connection with a lawsuit by Grant Keating in the U.S. Federal District Court for the Northern District of Ohio (the “Ohio District Court”). The lawsuit was originally instituted on August 24, 2011, and alleges that the Keating Defendants sent an advertising text message to the named plaintiff in June 2011 using an automatic telephone dialing system, and without the plaintiff's express consent. The complaint also alleges that this text message violated the TCPA, purportedly entitling the plaintiff to
$500
, trebled for a willful violation. The complaint further alleges that the Keating Defendants sent putative class members similar text messages using an automatic telephone dialing system, without such purported class members' consent. The complaint seeks to establish a class action. On August 29, 2013, the Keating Defendants filed motions for summary judgment, and the named plaintiff filed a motion for class certification. On May 12, 2014, the Ohio District Court granted the Keating Defendants' motion for summary judgment, dismissing the case. On September 8, 2014, the named plaintiff filed an appeal brief with the Circuit Court of Appeals and on October 22, 2014, two Keating Defendants filed a responsive brief.
As of the filing date of this report, the Ohio District Court has not established, recognized, or certified a class.
The Keating Defendants intend to continue to defend themselves vigorously in this lawsuit.
ITEM 2. 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
three and nine
months ended
September 30, 2014
and
2013
. 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 should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the 2013 Annual Report.
Forward-looking and cautionary statements
This report contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on management's current expectations as of the date of this document. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's plans and expectations for future financial condition, results of operations or economic performance, or that address management's plans and objectives for future operations, and statements that assume or are dependent upon future events, are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “future,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “assume,” “forecast,” “will,” and similar expressions, as well as statements in future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by management in light of management's experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments, and other factors that management believes are appropriate under the circumstances. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results and performance to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the risks and uncertainties set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the 2013 Annual Report and elsewhere in this report, and include such risks and uncertainties as:
•
student loan portfolio risks such as interest rate basis and repricing risk resulting from the fact that the interest rate characteristics of the student loan assets do not match the interest rate characteristics of the funding for those assets, the risk of loss of floor income on certain student loans originated under the FFEL Program, risks related to the use of derivatives to manage exposure to interest rate fluctuations, uncertainties regarding the expected benefits from recently
26
purchased securitized and unsecuritized FFELP student loans, and risks from changes in levels of student loan prepayment or default rates;
•
financing and liquidity risks, including risks of changes in the general interest rate environment and in the securitization and other financing markets for student loans, which may increase the costs or limit the availability of financings necessary to purchase, refinance, or continue to hold student loans;
•
risks from changes in the educational credit and services markets resulting from changes in applicable laws, regulations, and government programs and budgets, such as the expected decline over time in FFELP loan interest income and fee-based revenues due to the discontinuation of new FFELP loan originations in 2010 and potential government initiatives or legislative proposals to consolidate existing FFELP loans to the Federal Direct Loan Program or otherwise allow FFELP loans to be refinanced with Federal Direct Loan Program loans, risks related to reduced government payments to guaranty agencies to rehabilitate defaulted FFELP loans and services in support of those activities, risks related to the Company's ability to maintain or increase volumes under the Company's loan servicing contract with the Department, which accounted for 23 percent of the Company's fee-based revenue in 2013 and for which the loan allocation metrics were modified effective September 1, 2014, and risks related to the Company's ability to comply with agreements with third-party customers for the servicing of FFELP and Federal Direct Loan Program loans;
•
risks related to a breach of or failure in the Company's operational or information systems or infrastructure, or those of third-party vendors;
•
uncertainties inherent in forecasting future cash flows from student loan assets and related asset-backed securitizations; and
•
risks and uncertainties associated with litigation matters and with maintaining compliance with the extensive regulatory requirements applicable to the Company's businesses, and uncertainties inherent in the estimates and assumptions about future events that management is required to make in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements.
All forward-looking statements contained in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements and are made only as of the date of this document. Although the Company may from time to time voluntarily update or revise its prior forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in the Company's expectations, the Company disclaims any commitment to do so except as required by securities laws.
27
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 net interest income on a portfolio of federally insured student loans.
A reconciliation of the Company's GAAP net income to net income, excluding derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, is provided below.
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
$
85,219
62,830
233,999
232,152
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net of tax
(18,003
)
6,175
(24,047
)
(29,661
)
Net income, excluding derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments (a)
$
67,216
69,005
209,952
202,491
Earnings per share:
GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
$
1.84
1.35
5.03
4.98
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net of tax
(0.39
)
0.13
(0.51
)
(0.63
)
Net income, excluding derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments (a)
$
1.45
1.48
4.52
4.35
(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. Accordingly, the Company provides operating results excluding these items for comparability purposes.
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
September 30, 2014
, the Company had a
$28.7 billion
student loan portfolio that will amortize over the next approximately 25 years. The Company actively seeks to acquire additional FFELP loan portfolios to leverage its servicing scale and expertise to generate incremental earnings and cash flow.
In addition, the Company earns fee-based revenue through the following reportable 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")
For the three months ended
September 30, 2014
, the Company experienced strong performance from its student loan portfolio, which offset the expected decrease in net income from the Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing operating segment.
28
The information below provides the operating results for each reportable operating segment for the
three and nine
months ended
September 30, 2014 and 2013
(dollars in millions).
(a)
Revenue includes intersegment revenue of $13.4 million and $13.5 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2014 and 2013
, respectively, and $41.5 million and $42.4 million for the
nine
months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, earned by LGS as a result of servicing loans for AGM.
(b)
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 income of $29.4 million and an expense of $12.7 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2014
and 2013, respectively, and income of $41.8 million and $35.7 million for the
nine
months ended
September 30, 2014 and 2013
, respectively. Net income excludes changes in fair values of derivatives and foreign currency transaction adjustments, net of tax, which was income of $18.2 million and an expense of $7.8 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2014
and 2013, respectively, and income of $25.9 million and $22.1 million for the
nine
months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(c)
Computed as income before income taxes divided by total revenue.
Student Loan and Guaranty Servicing
•
As of
September 30, 2014
, the Company was servicing $158.7 billion in FFELP, private, and government owned student loans, as compared with $135.0 billion of loans as of
September 30, 2013
.
•
Federal budget provisions that became effective July 1, 2014 reduced payments by the Department to guaranty agencies for assisting student loan borrowers with the rehabilitation of defaulted loans under FFELP, and rehabilitation collection revenue has been negatively impacted by these provisions. Rehabilitation collection revenue recognized by the Company was $4.4 million and $13.7 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2014
and 2013, respectively.
•
Revenue from the Department servicing contract increased to $31.2 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2014
, compared to $26.0 million for the same period in
2013
. As of
September 30, 2014
, the Company was servicing $130.8 billion of loans for 5.8 million borrowers under this contract.
•
The Department exercised its option to extend the servicing contract an additional five years through June 2019. During the third quarter of 2014, the Department notified the four private sector servicers of several modifications to the servicing contract. These modifications became effective as of September 1, 2014 and included a revised pricing structure and loan allocation metrics and evaluation periods discussed further below.
•
Before tax operating margin was 12.1% and 29.0% for the three months ended
September 30, 2014
and
2013
, respectively. Operating margin decreased as a result of the implementation of previously announced federal budget reductions for guaranty agencies revenue. In addition, as the volume of loans serviced under the Department servicing contract continues to grow and loans serviced under the legacy commercial programs continue to run off, the Company expects operating margins to tighten accordingly.
29
Tuition Payment Processing and Campus Commerce
•
Revenue increased in the three months ended
September 30, 2014
compared to the same period in
2013
due to the acquisition of RenWeb in the second quarter of 2014 and due to increases in the number of managed tuition payment plans, campus commerce customer transaction volume, and new school customers.
•
Excluding the amortization of intangibles, before tax operating margin was 26.7% and 32.3% for the three months ended
September 30, 2014 and 2013
, respectively. The decrease in margin is primarily due to a change in the mix of products and services provided as a result of recent acquisitions.
Asset Generation and Management
•
The Company acquired $5.6 billion of student loans during the first
nine
months of
2014
, including $0.4 billion during the third quarter. The average loan portfolio balance for the three months ended
September 30, 2014
and 2013 was $29.3 billion and $24.5 billion, respectively.
•
Forecasted future cash flows from the Company's FFELP student loan portfolio financed in asset-backed securitization transactions are estimated to be approximately
$2.39 billion
as of
September 30, 2014
.
•
Core student loan spread was 1.53% for the three months ended
September 30, 2014
, compared to 1.46% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 1.57% for the three months ended
September 30, 2013
. The year over year decrease in student loan spread was the result of recent acquisitions of consolidation loans, which have lower margins but longer terms. The increase in student loan spread for the three months ended
September 30, 2014
compared to the three months ended
June 30, 2014
, was due to an increase in fixed rate floor income. Due to recent loan acquisitions, the Company is earning fixed rate floor income on a larger portfolio.
•
Due to historically low interest rates, the Company continues to earn significant fixed rate floor income. During the three months ended
September 30, 2014
and 2013, the Company earned $49.2 million and $37.8 million, respectively, of fixed rate floor income (net of $5.4 million and $7.2 million of derivative settlements, respectively, used to hedge such loans). As of
September 30, 2014
, the Company was earning fixed rate floor income on $13.1 billion of student loans.
•
The provision for loan losses on the Company’s federally insured loans was $2.0 million and $5.0 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2014
and 2013, respectively. As the Company’s overall student loan portfolio continues to season with the length of time that loans are in active repayment, credit performance continues to improve.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
•
As of
September 30, 2014
, the Company had cash and investments of
$222.4 million
.
•
For the
nine
months ended
September 30, 2014
, the Company generated
$263.1 million
in net cash provided by operating activities.
•
The Company has a $350.0 million unsecured line of credit with a maturity date of June 30, 2019. As of
September 30, 2014
, no amounts were outstanding and $350.0 million was available for future use.
•
During the three months ended
September 30, 2014
, the Company repurchased a total of
96,792
shares of Class A common stock for
$4.0 million
(
$41.67
per share).
•
The Company intends to use its liquidity position to capitalize on market opportunities, including FFELP student loan acquisitions; strategic acquisitions and investments in its core business areas of loan financing, loan servicing, payment processing, and enrollment services; and capital management initiatives, including stock repurchases, debt repurchases, and dividend distributions.
30
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Analysis of the Company's operating results for the three and
nine
months ended
September 30, 2014
compared to the same periods in 2013 is 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 as described previously. For a reconciliation of the segment operating results to the consolidated results of operations, see note 10 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of 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.
31
Three months
Nine months
ended September 30,
ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Additional information
Loan interest
$
187,862
158,675
520,224
472,277
Increase is due to an increase in the average student loan portfolio balance, gross fixed rate floor income, and student loan discount accretion (net), partially offset by an increase in consolidation rebate fees.
Investment interest
1,562
1,562
5,023
4,662
Includes income from unrestricted interest-earning deposits and investments and funds in asset-backed securitizations.
Total interest income
189,424
160,237
525,247
476,939
Interest expense
71,937
55,315
201,176
171,800
Increase due to an increase in average debt outstanding and an increase in the Company's cost of funds.
Net interest income
117,487
104,922
324,071
305,139
See table below for additional analysis.
Less provision for loan losses
2,000
5,000
6,000
15,000
Represents the periodic expense of maintaining an allowance appropriate to absorb losses inherent in the portfolio of student loans. See AGM operating segment - results of operations.
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
115,487
99,922
318,071
290,139
Other income:
LGS revenue
52,659
64,582
183,876
180,261
See LGS operating segment - results of operations.
TPP&CC revenue
26,399
19,927
73,468
61,694
See TPP&CC operating segment - results of operations.
NES revenue
22,936
22,563
65,092
76,343
See NES operating segment - results of operations.
Other income
7,650
8,613
41,096
30,317
See table below for the components of "other income."
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases
—
2,138
57
10,900
Gains are primarily from the repurchase of the Company's own asset-backed debt securities. Due to improvements in the capital markets, the opportunities for the Company to repurchase debt at less than par are becoming more limited.
Derivative settlements, net
(4,834
)
(6,688
)
(17,277
)
(23,229
)
The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. Derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company's net interest income. See table below for additional analysis.
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net
29,037
(9,960
)
38,785
47,841
Includes (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.
Total other income
133,847
101,175
385,097
384,127
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits
61,098
48,712
167,470
144,049
Increase is due to additional personnel to support increased LGS servicing volume and TPP&CC revenue, partially offset by expense reductions at NES.
Cost to provide enrollment services
14,178
14,668
41,964
51,097
See NES operating segment - results of operations.
Depreciation and amortization
5,493
4,340
15,490
13,037
Increase is due to additional expense from the amortization of intangible assets. Intangible amortization expense was $2.0 million, $0.8 million, $4.4 million, and $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Other
36,676
39,887
112,680
109,193
Total operating expenses
117,445
107,607
337,604
317,376
Income before income taxes
131,889
93,490
365,564
356,890
Income tax expense
46,513
30,444
130,202
123,637
The effective tax rate was 35.3% and 32.5% in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 35.75% and 34.75% in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. During the third quarter of 2013, income tax expense was reduced $4.1 million due to the resolution of certain tax positions.
Net income
85,376
63,046
235,362
233,253
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
157
216
1,363
1,101
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
$
85,219
62,830
233,999
232,152
Additional information:
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
$
85,219
62,830
233,999
232,152
The Company provides non-GAAP information that reflects specific items management believes to be important in the evaluation of its operating results. The Company believes the point-in-time estimates of asset and liability values related to its derivatives and Euro-denominated bonds that are subject to interest and currency rate fluctuations affect the period-to-period comparability of the results of operations. These items are excluded here for comparability purposes.
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments
(29,037
)
9,960
(38,785
)
(47,841
)
Tax effect
11,034
(3,785
)
14,738
18,180
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments
$
67,216
69,005
209,952
202,491
32
The following table summarizes the components of "net interest income" and "derivative settlements, net."
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Additional information
Variable student loan interest margin, net of settlements on derivatives
$
63,390
59,100
176,413
172,797
Represents the yield the Company receives on its student loan portfolio less the cost of funding these loans. Variable student loan spread is also impacted by the amortization/accretion of loan premiums and discounts, the 1.05% per year consolidation loan rebate fee paid to the Department, and yield adjustments from borrower benefit programs. See AGM operating segment - results of operations.
Fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives
49,206
37,810
130,657
109,582
The Company has a portfolio of student loans that are earning interest at a fixed borrower rate which exceeds the statutorily defined variable lender rates, generating fixed rate floor income. See Item 3, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk" for additional information.
Investment interest
1,562
1,562
5,023
4,662
Non-portfolio related derivative settlements
(259
)
(256
)
(767
)
(1,413
)
Corporate debt interest expense
(1,246
)
18
(4,532
)
(3,718
)
Includes interest expense on the Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities and unsecured and secured lines of credit. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company reversed $1.3 million of interest expense related to the resolution of certain tax positions.
Net interest income (net of settlements on derivatives)
$
112,653
98,234
306,794
281,910
The following table summarizes the components of "other income."
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Borrower late fee income
$
3,676
2,927
10,920
9,665
Investment advisory fees (a)
1,815
2,352
14,043
11,516
Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments, net
(267
)
1,154
9,024
2,150
Other
2,426
2,180
7,109
6,986
Other income
$
7,650
8,613
41,096
30,317
(a)
Whitetail Rock Capital Management, LLC ("WRCM"), the Company's SEC-registered investment advisory subsidiary, earns annual fees of up to 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. Due to improvements in the capital markets, the opportunities to earn performance fees on the sale of securities are becoming more limited. As of
September 30, 2014
, WRCM was managing an investment portfolio of $906.1 million for third-party entities.
33
STUDENT LOAN AND GUARANTY SERVICING OPERATING SEGMENT – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Student Loan Servicing Volumes (dollars in millions)
Company owned
$23,727
$22,650
$21,237
$20,820
$20,629
$20,715
$21,397
$21,192
$21,110
$20,511
% of total
38.6%
29.8%
21.8%
18.5%
17.7%
15.3%
15.5%
14.3%
14.1%
12.9%
Number of servicing borrowers:
Government servicing:
2,804,502
3,036,534
3,892,929
4,261,637
4,396,341
5,145,901
5,305,498
5,438,933
5,465,395
5,824,743
FFELP servicing:
1,912,748
1,799,484
1,626,146
1,586,312
1,529,203
1,507,452
1,462,122
1,426,435
1,390,541
1,404,619
Private servicing:
155,947
164,554
173,948
170,224
173,588
178,935
195,580
191,606
186,863
200,095
Total:
4,873,197
5,000,572
5,693,023
6,018,173
6,099,132
6,832,288
6,963,200
7,056,974
7,042,799
7,429,457
Number of remote hosted borrowers:
545,456
9,566,296
6,912,204
5,001,695
3,218,896
1,986,866
1,915,203
1,796,287
1,735,594
1,677,547
Modification of Government Servicing Contract
As previously reported, the Company is one of four private sector companies awarded a student loan servicing contract by the Department in June 2009 to provide additional servicing capacity for loans owned by the Department, with new loan volume currently being allocated among the four servicers based on certain performance metrics established by the Department. Under the servicing contract, 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. The amount paid per each unique borrower is dependent on the status of the borrower (such as in school or in repayment). The servicing contract was originally scheduled to expire in June 2014. Effective as of June 17, 2014, the Department extended the servicing contract with the Company for an additional five years through June 16, 2019. Effective as of September 1, 2014, the Department modified the loan allocation metrics and pricing under the loan servicing contract.
The modification provided that certain amounts to be paid under the servicing contract as determined by borrower status changed effective September 1, 2014. Based on the Company’s current portfolio of borrowers, the Company does not expect the initial weighted average revenue earned per unique borrower to be significantly different under the revised pricing structure than under the pre-modification pricing structure.
34
In addition, the modification provided that the Department will begin allocating new loan volume among the four servicers based on the following performance metrics:
•
Two metrics will measure the satisfaction among separate customer groups, including borrowers (35 percent) and Federal Student Aid personnel who work with the servicers (5 percent).
•
Three metrics will measure the success of keeping borrowers in an on-time repayment status and helping borrowers avoid default as reflected by the percentage of borrowers in current repayment status (30 percent), percentage of borrowers more than 90 days but less than 271 days delinquent (15 percent), and percentage of borrowers over 270 days and less than 361 days delinquent (15 percent).
The allocation of ongoing volume will be determined twice each year based on the performance of each servicer in relation to the other servicers. Quarterly results will be compiled for each servicer. The average of the September and December quarter end results will be used to allocate volume for the period from March 1 to August 31, and the average of the March and June quarter end results will be used to allocate volume for the period from September 1 to February month end, of each year.
Based on the pre-modification performance metrics, the Company was ranked second out of the four Department servicers for the fifth year of the servicing contract and will be allocated 26 percent of new loan volume originated by the Department during the period from August 15, 2014 to February 28, 2015. The Department projects it will originate new loans for 3.1 million borrowers during this period.
The Department also has contracts with seven not-for-profit entities to service student loans. These entities have operated under separate pricing and performance metrics, but beginning October 1, 2014, the changes discussed above will also be extended to the not-for-profit entities so that all Department servicers will operate under common pricing and performance metrics. While previously these entities have only serviced existing loans, they will also begin to receive a total of 25 percent of new borrower accounts in early 2015. This will decrease new allocation volume for the Company.
The Company will continue to enhance its servicing processes, procedures, and expense structure to provide the best service possible to borrowers, compete for greater allocation under the new metrics, and be extremely efficient.
35
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
Additional information
2014
2013
2014
2013
Net interest income
$
5
10
25
29
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue
52,659
64,582
183,876
180,261
See table below for additional analysis.
Intersegment servicing revenue
13,432
13,519
41,453
42,375
Represents revenue earned by the LGS operating segment as a result of servicing loans for the AGM operating segment.
Total other income
66,091
78,101
225,329
222,636
Salaries and benefits
37,062
29,719
102,462
86,254
Increase due to additional personnel to support the increase in volume under the Department servicing contract.
Depreciation and amortization
2,558
2,677
8,166
8,197
Other expenses
15,028
19,752
53,295
56,173
Decrease due to a reduction in guaranty collection costs incurred related to rehabilitating defaulted FFELP loans on behalf of guaranty agencies. Collection costs were $2.2 million, $5.7 million, $14.3 million, and $16.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Intersegment expenses, net
906
1,457
3,113
3,243
Total operating expenses
55,554
53,605
167,036
153,867
Income before income taxes and corporate overhead allocation
10,542
24,506
58,318
68,798
Corporate overhead allocation
(2,567
)
(1,822
)
(6,487
)
(4,332
)
Income before income taxes
7,975
22,684
51,831
64,466
Income tax expense
(3,030
)
(8,620
)
(19,695
)
(24,498
)
Net income
$
4,945
14,064
32,136
39,968
Before tax operating margin
12.1
%
29.0
%
23.0
%
29.0
%
This segment experienced a reduction in operating margin as a result of the implementation of previously announced federal budget reductions for guaranty agencies revenue. In addition, as the volume of loans serviced under the Department servicing contract continues to grow and loans serviced under the legacy commercial programs continue to run off, the Company expects operating margins to tighten accordingly.
36
The following table summarizes the components of "Loan and guaranty servicing revenue."
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
Additional information
2014
2013
2014
2013
Government servicing
$
31,196
25,963
92,071
68,425
Increase due to an increase in the number of borrowers serviced under the Department servicing contract.
FFELP servicing
3,301
4,688
9,833
16,210
Decrease will continue as third-party customers’ FFELP portfolios run off.
Private servicing
2,708
2,410
7,754
7,067
FFELP guaranty servicing
2,745
3,027
8,804
9,220
Revenue from guaranty servicing will decrease going forward as FFELP portfolios run off and guaranty volume decreases.
FFELP guaranty collection
7,109
18,639
45,429
54,299
The Company earns revenue from getting defaulted FFELP loan assets current on behalf of guaranty agencies. Over time, this FFELP-related revenue source will decrease as FFELP portfolios continue to run off. Also, recent federal budget provisions that became effective July 1, 2014 have reduced payments by the Department to guaranty agencies for assisting student loan borrowers with the rehabilitation of defaulted loans under FFELP. Rehabilitation collection revenue recognized by the Company for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $4.4 million, $13.7 million, $35.1 million, and $39.4 million, respectively. The Company anticipates this revenue will continue to be negatively impacted as a result of these federal budget provisions.
Software services
4,750
9,389
17,494
23,861
A contract with a significant remote hosted customer expired in December 2013. Revenue earned from this customer for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $2.2 million and $6.8 million, respectively. In addition, software services revenue decreased due to a decrease in the number of borrowers from other remote hosted customers.
Other
850
466
2,491
1,179
Loan and guaranty servicing revenue
$
52,659
64,582
183,876
180,261
37
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. Higher amounts of revenue are typically recognized during the first quarter due to fees related to grant and aid applications. 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 as compared to the remainder of the year.
On June 3, 2014, the Company purchased RenWeb. The results of operations of RenWeb are reported in the Company's consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. RenWeb's revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 was $14 million.
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
Additional information
2014
2013
2014
2013
Net interest income
$
2
—
5
—
Tuition payment processing and campus commerce revenue
26,399
19,927
73,468
61,694
In addition to the acquisition of RenWeb referred to above, the remaining increase was due to an increase in the number of managed tuition payment plans, campus commerce customer transaction volume, and new school customers.
Salaries and benefits
13,288
9,229
34,427
28,015
In addition to the acquisition of RenWeb referred to above, the remaining increase was due to additional personnel to support the increase in payment plans and continued system maintenance and enhancements.
Depreciation and amortization
2,396
1,117
5,669
3,387
Increase due to the additional amortization of intangibles from the purchase of RenWeb described above. Amortization of intangible assets for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $2.0 million, $0.8 million, $4.4 million, and $2.5 million, respectively.
Other expenses
3,312
1,908
8,915
6,387
In addition to the acquisition of RenWeb referred to above, the remaining increase was due to additional expenses to support the increase in payment plans and continued system maintenance and enhancements.
Intersegment expenses, net
1,481
1,431
4,305
4,350
Total operating expenses
20,477
13,685
53,316
42,139
Income before income taxes and corporate overhead allocation
5,924
6,242
20,157
19,555
Corporate overhead allocation
(856
)
(607
)
(2,163
)
(1,443
)
Income before income taxes
5,068
5,635
17,994
18,112
Income tax expense
(1,926
)
(2,141
)
(6,837
)
(6,882
)
Net income
$
3,142
3,494
11,157
11,230
Before tax operating margin
19.2
%
28.3
%
24.5
%
29.4
%
Excluding the amortization of intangibles, before tax operating margin was 26.7%, 32.3%, 30.5%, and 33.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The decrease in margin is primarily due to a change in the mix of products and services provided as a result of recent acquisitions.
38
ENROLLMENT SERVICES OPERATING SEGMENT – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
Additional information
2014
2013
2014
2013
Enrollment services revenue
$
22,936
22,563
65,092
76,343
See table below for additional analysis.
Salaries and benefits
4,474
4,491
12,986
15,067
Decrease due to cost saving measures initiated by the Company in reaction to the ongoing decline in revenue.
Cost to provide enrollment services
14,178
14,668
41,964
51,097
See table below for additional analysis.
Depreciation and amortization
41
57
129
179
Other expenses
1,624
1,556
4,917
4,450
Intersegment expenses, net
761
1,139
2,711
3,418
Total operating expenses
21,078
21,911
62,707
74,211
Income before income taxes and corporate overhead allocation
1,858
652
2,385
2,132
Corporate overhead allocation
(855
)
(607
)
(2,162
)
(1,443
)
Income before income taxes
1,003
45
223
689
Income tax expense
(381
)
(17
)
(85
)
(261
)
Net income
$
622
28
138
428
Before tax operating margin
4.4
%
0.2
%
0.3
%
0.9
%
The following tables summarize the components of "Enrollment services revenue" and "Cost to provide enrollment services."
Inquiry management (marketing) (a)
Inquiry management (software)
Inquiry generation (b)
Digital marketing
Content solutions (c)
Total
Three months ended September 30, 2014
Enrollment services revenue
$
13,934
821
1,023
1,071
6,087
22,936
Cost to provide enrollment services
12,391
—
755
63
969
14,178
Gross profit
$
1,543
821
268
1,008
5,118
8,758
Gross profit %
11.1%
26.2%
Three months ended September 30, 2013
Enrollment services revenue
$
13,386
988
3,186
1,016
3,987
22,563
Cost to provide enrollment services
11,750
—
2,183
53
682
14,668
Gross profit
$
1,636
988
1,003
963
3,305
7,895
Gross profit %
12.2%
31.5%
Nine months ended September 30, 2014
Enrollment services revenue
$
39,978
2,835
6,382
3,047
12,850
65,092
Cost to provide enrollment services
35,320
—
4,186
198
2,260
41,964
Gross profit
$
4,658
2,835
2,196
2,849
10,590
23,128
Gross profit %
11.7%
34.4%
Nine months ended September 30, 2013
Enrollment services revenue
$
46,953
2,997
11,492
3,014
11,887
76,343
Cost to provide enrollment services
41,602
—
7,412
170
1,913
51,097
Gross profit
$
5,351
2,997
4,080
2,844
9,974
25,246
Gross profit %
11.4%
35.5%
(a)
Inquiry management (marketing) revenue
increased
$
0.5 million
(
4.1%
) and decreased
$7.0 million
(
14.9%
) for the
three and nine
months ended
September 30, 2014
compared to the same
periods
in
2013
, respectively. Revenue from this service has 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.
(b)
Inquiry generation revenue
decreased
$
2.2 million
(
67.9%
) and
$5.1 million
(
44.5%
) for the
three and nine
months ended
September 30, 2014
compared to the same
periods
in
2013
, respectively. Effective August 29, 2014, the Company stopped providing inquiry generation services. The impact to net income as a result of shutting down the inquiry generation services is immaterial.
(c)
Content solutions revenue increased $2.1 million (52.6%) and $1.0 million (8.1%) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013, respectively, due to the recognition of a $1.1 million gain on the sale of an investment during the third quarter of 2014.
39
ASSET GENERATION AND MANAGEMENT OPERATING SEGMENT – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Student Loan Portfolio
As of
September 30, 2014
, the Company had a
$28.7 billion
student loan portfolio that will amortize over the next approximately 25 years. For a summary of the Company’s student loan portfolio as of
September 30, 2014
and
December 31, 2013
, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Loan Activity
The following table sets forth the activity of loans:
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Beginning balance
$
29,579,785
24,718,368
26,121,306
24,995,880
Loan acquisitions
367,816
1,053,972
5,555,714
2,200,756
Repayments, claims, capitalized interest, participations, and other
(730,654
)
(750,422
)
(2,104,724
)
(1,896,771
)
Consolidation loans lost to external parties
(287,723
)
(134,578
)
(643,066
)
(400,874
)
Loans sold
(2
)
—
(8
)
(11,651
)
Ending balance
$
28,929,222
24,887,340
28,929,222
24,887,340
Allowance for Loan Losses, Loan Repurchase Obligations, and Loan Delinquencies
The Company maintains an allowance appropriate to absorb losses, net of recoveries, inherent in the portfolio of student loans, which results in periodic expense provisions for loan losses. 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. Further, 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
three and nine
months ended
September 30, 2014 and 2013
, and a summary of the Company's student loan delinquency amounts as of
September 30, 2014
,
December 31, 2013
, and
September 30, 2013
, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
The Company's provision for loan losses and charge-offs of federally insured loans has decreased during the first
nine
months of 2014 as compared to 2013. The Company’s primary driver for loan growth has been acquiring student loan portfolios. The Company records loans acquired net of any credit exposure through a credit discount, separate from the allowance for loan losses. This credit discount is non-accretable to interest income. The Company continues to evaluate credit losses associated with purchased loans based on current information and changes in expectations to determine the need for any additional allowance for loan losses. The recent purchases of large loan portfolios have resulted in an increase in the non-accretable discount balance, but no additional allowance for loan losses associated with these recent loan portfolios has been necessary. In addition, as the Company’s overall student loan portfolio continues to season with the length of time that loans are in active repayment, credit performance continues to improve.
40
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.
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30,
2014
June 30,
2014
September 30,
2013
September 30,
2014
September 30,
2013
Variable student loan yield, gross
2.58
%
2.54
%
2.58
%
2.55
%
2.57
%
Consolidation rebate fees
(0.83
)
(0.82
)
(0.76
)
(0.82
)
(0.77
)
Discount accretion, net of premium and deferred origination costs amortization
0.05
0.06
0.02
0.05
0.03
Variable student loan yield, net
1.80
1.78
1.84
1.78
1.83
Student loan cost of funds - interest expense
(0.95
)
(0.95
)
(0.89
)
(0.94
)
(0.90
)
Student loan cost of funds - derivative settlements
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
Variable student loan spread
0.86
0.84
0.96
0.85
0.94
Fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives
0.67
0.62
0.61
0.63
0.59
Core student loan spread
1.53
%
1.46
%
1.57
%
1.48
%
1.53
%
Average balance of student loans
$
29,328,743
28,163,626
24,491,516
27,802,474
24,690,493
Average balance of debt outstanding
29,485,652
28,229,140
24,470,096
27,860,552
24,707,389
A trend analysis of the Company's core and variable student loan spreads is summarized below.
(a)
The interest earned on a large portion of the Company's FFELP student loan assets
is indexed 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 rate by quarter.
Variable student loan spread decreased during the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2014
as compared to the same periods in 2013 as a result of recent acquisitions of consolidation loans, which have lower margins but longer terms.
41
The primary difference between variable student loan spread and core student loan spread is fixed rate floor income. A summary of fixed rate floor income and its contribution to core student loan spread follows:
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30, 2014
June 30,
2014
September 30, 2013
September 30, 2014
September 30, 2013
Fixed rate floor income, gross
$
54,627
50,581
44,988
150,002
133,599
Derivative settlements (a)
(5,421
)
(6,974
)
(7,178
)
(19,345
)
(24,017
)
Fixed rate floor income, net
$
49,206
43,607
37,810
130,657
109,582
Fixed rate floor income contribution to spread, net
0.67
%
0.62
%
0.61
%
0.63
%
0.59
%
(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
2014
and
2013
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 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market 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.
Fixed rate floor income has increased during 2014 due to recent purchases of loans earning fixed rate floor income. In addition, as derivative instruments used to hedge student loans earning fixed rate floor income continue to expire, the Company is paying less in derivative settlements.
42
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
Additional information
2014
2013
2014
2013
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
$
114,912
97,693
316,065
287,120
See table below for additional analysis.
Other income
4,294
3,981
12,954
11,207
The primary component of other income is borrower late fees, which were $3.7 million, $2.9 million, $10.9 million, and $9.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases
—
2,138
57
10,900
Gains are primarily from the Company repurchasing its own asset-backed debt securities. Due to improvements in the capital markets, the opportunities for the Company to repurchase debt at less than par are becoming more limited.
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net
29,430
(12,660
)
41,755
35,711
Includes (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.
Derivative settlements, net
(4,575
)
(6,432
)
(16,510
)
(21,816
)
The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. Derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company's net interest income as reflected in the table below.
Total other income
29,149
(12,973
)
38,256
36,002
Salaries and benefits
565
555
1,744
1,709
Other expenses
8,636
7,939
24,627
23,375
Increase due to higher third party servicing fees related to a significant amount of recent loan purchases being serviced at third parties.
Intersegment expenses, net
13,611
13,705
41,950
42,955
Amount includes fees paid to the LGS operating segment for the servicing of the Company’s student loan portfolio.
Total operating expenses
22,812
22,199
68,321
68,039
Income before income taxes and corporate overhead allocation
121,249
62,521
286,000
255,083
Corporate overhead allocation
(1,026
)
(1,302
)
(3,604
)
(3,095
)
Income before income taxes
120,223
61,219
282,396
251,988
Income tax expense
(45,684
)
(23,263
)
(107,309
)
(95,755
)
Net income
$
74,539
37,956
175,087
156,233
Additional information:
Net income
$
74,539
37,956
175,087
156,233
The Company provides non-GAAP information that reflects specific items management believes to be important in the evaluation of its operating results. The Company believes the point-in-time estimates of asset and liability values related to its derivatives and Euro-denominated bonds that are subject to interest and currency rate fluctuations affect the period-to-period comparability of the results of operations. These items are excluded here for comparability purposes.
Derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments, net
(29,430
)
12,660
(41,755
)
(35,711
)
Tax effect
11,183
(4,811
)
15,867
13,570
Net income, excluding derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments
$
56,292
45,805
149,199
134,092
43
The following table summarizes the components of "net interest income after provision for loan losses" and "derivative settlements, net."
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
Additional information
2014
2013
2014
2013
Variable interest income, net of settlements on derivatives
$
191,717
159,917
532,260
477,391
Increase due to an increase in the average student loan portfolio.
Consolidation rebate fees
(61,293
)
(46,886
)
(170,487
)
(141,423
)
Increase due to an increase in the average consolidation loan balance.
Discount accretion, net of premium and deferred origination costs amortization
3,657
1,402
11,284
4,910
Increase due to the Company's purchase of loans at a net discount over the last several years.
Interest on bonds and notes payable
(70,691
)
(55,333
)
(196,644
)
(168,081
)
Increase due to an increase in the average debt outstanding and an increase in the Company's cost of funds.
Variable student loan interest margin, net of settlements on derivatives
63,390
59,100
176,413
172,797
Fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives
49,206
37,810
130,657
109,582
The high levels of fixed rate floor income earned are due to historically low interest rates. Fixed rate floor income has increased year over year due to recent purchases of loans earning fixed rate floor income.
Investment interest
87
118
290
345
Intercompany interest
(346
)
(767
)
(1,805
)
(2,420
)
Provision for loan losses - federally insured
(2,000
)
(5,000
)
(7,000
)
(16,000
)
Recovery of loan losses - non-federally insured
—
—
1,000
1,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses (net of settlements on derivatives)
$
110,337
91,261
299,555
265,304
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.
Sources of Liquidity Currently Available
As of
September 30, 2014
, the Company had cash and investments of $
222.4 million
. In addition, the Company has historically generated positive cash flow from operations. For the
nine
months ended
September 30, 2014
and the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company's net cash provided by operating activities was
$263.1 million
and $387.2 million, respectively.
In addition, the Company has an unsecured line of credit that matures on June 30, 2019. As of
September 30, 2014
,
nothing
was outstanding on the unsecured line of credit and
$350.0 million
was available for future use.
As part of the Company’s asset-backed securitizations, the Company has purchased certain of the Class B subordinated note tranches. In addition, the Company has repurchased certain of its own asset-backed securities (bonds and notes payable) in the secondary market. For accounting purposes, these notes are effectively retired and are not included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. However, 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 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. As of
September 30, 2014
, the Company holds $100.1 million (par value) of its own asset-backed securities that are not included in the consolidated financial statements.
44
The Company intends to use its 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; and capital management initiatives, including stock repurchases, debt repurchases, and dividend distributions.
Cash Flows
During the
nine
months ended
September 30, 2014
, the Company generated
$263.1 million
from operating activities, compared to
$202.6 million
for the same period in 2013. The increase in cash provided by operating activities reflects changes in the adjustments to net income for non-cash depreciation and amortization and non-cash fair value adjustments for derivatives. These factors were offset by non-cash foreign currency transaction adjustments related to the Company's Euro denominated bonds payable and the purchase of student loans held for sale during 2013. Accrued interest on loans purchased is included in cash flows from operating activities in the respective period. Net purchased accrued interest was $48.8 million and $28.2 million for the
nine
months ended
September 30, 2014
and 2013, respectively.
The primary items included in the statement of cash flows for investing activities are the purchase and repayment of student loans. The primary items included in financing activities are the proceeds from the issuance of and payments on bonds and notes payable used to fund student loans. Cash used in investing activities and cash provided by financing activities for the
nine
months ended
September 30, 2014
was
$0.6 billion
and
$0.3 billion
, respectively. Investing and financing activities are further addressed in the discussion that follows.
Liquidity Needs and Sources of Liquidity Available to Satisfy Debt Obligations Secured by Student Loan Assets and Related Collateral
The following table shows the Company's debt obligations outstanding that are secured by student loan assets and related collateral.
As of September 30, 2014
Carrying
amount
Final maturity
Bonds and notes issued in asset-backed securitizations
$
28,197,754
5/25/18 - 8/26/52
FFELP warehouse facilities
787,042
1/17/16 - 6/11/17
Other borrowings
63,504
11/14/14 - 12/31/18
$
29,048,300
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
September 30, 2014
, 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
$2.39 billion
as detailed below. The
$2.39 billion
includes approximately
$616.3 million
(as of
September 30, 2014
) of overcollateralization included in the asset-backed securitizations. These excess net asset positions are reflected variously in the following balances in 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
September 30, 2014
. As of
September 30, 2014
, the Company had
$28.0 billion
of loans included in asset-backed securitizations, which represented
97.1 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 in its warehouse facilities as of
September 30, 2014
or loans acquired subsequent to
September 30, 2014
.
45
FFELP Asset-backed Securitization Cash Flow Forecast
$2.39 billion
(dollars below in millions)
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 securitization 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
$260 million
to
$320 million
.
Interest rates
: The Company funds a large portion 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
$140 million
to
$180 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
September 30, 2014
, the net fair value of the Company’s interest rate derivatives used to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income was a net
asset
of
$2.5 million
. See Item 3, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Interest Rate Risk."
46
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
September 30, 2014
, the Company had three FFELP warehouse facilities with an aggregate maximum financing amount available of
$1.75 billion
, of which
$787.0 million
was outstanding, and $963.0 million was available for future use. Of the three facilities, one facility provides for formula-based advance rates, depending on FFELP loan type, up to a maximum of the principal and interest of loans financed. The advance rate for collateral may increase or decrease based on market conditions. The other two FFELP 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
September 30, 2014
, the Company had $45.2 million advanced as equity support on its FFELP warehouse facilities. For further discussion of the Company's FFELP warehouse facilities outstanding at
September 30, 2014
, see note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Upon termination or expiration of the warehouse facilities, the Company would expect to access the securitization market, obtain replacement warehouse facilities, use operating cash, consider the sale of assets, or transfer collateral to satisfy any remaining obligations.
Other Uses of Liquidity
Effective July 1, 2010, no new loan originations can be made under the FFEL Program and all new federal loan originations must be made through the Federal Direct Loan Program. As a result, the Company no longer originates new FFELP loans, but continues to acquire FFELP loan portfolios from third parties and believes additional loan purchase opportunities exist.
The Company plans to fund future FFELP student loan acquisitions using current cash and investments; using its Union Bank participation agreement (as described below); using its FFELP warehouse facilities (as described above); and continuing to access the asset-backed securitization 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. As of
September 30, 2014
,
$549.0 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 in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Asset-backed Securitization Transactions
During the first three quarters of 2014, the Company completed six asset-backed securitizations totaling $3.2 billion. Depending on market conditions, the Company anticipates continuing to access the asset-backed securitization market. Asset-backed securitization transactions would be used to refinance student loans included in the FFELP warehouse facilities, including additional purchased FFELP loans, and/or existing asset-backed securitizations.
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. Based on the derivative portfolio outstanding as of
September 30, 2014
, 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
September 30, 2014
, the fair value of the Company's derivatives which had a negative fair value (a liability in the Company's balance sheet), was
$14.8 million
.
47
Other Debt Facilities
As previously discussed, the Company has a
$350.0 million
unsecured line of credit with a maturity date of June 30, 2019. As of
September 30, 2014
,
nothing
was outstanding on the unsecured line of credit and
$350.0 million
was available for future use.
The Company has issued Hybrid Securities that have a final maturity of September 15, 2061. The Hybrid Securities are unsecured obligations of the Company. As of
September 30, 2014
,
$96.5 million
of Hybrid Securities were outstanding.
Debt Repurchases
Due to the Company's positive liquidity position and opportunities in the capital markets, the Company has repurchased its own debt over the last several years, and may continue to do so in the future. Gains recorded by the Company from the repurchase of debt are included in "gain on sale of loans and debt repurchases" on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. For the
nine
months ended
September 30, 2014
, the Company recognized a gain of approximately
$57,000
from the repurchase of
$4.0 million
(par value) of its own asset-backed debt securities.
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 the first nine months of 2014 are shown below. For additional information on stock repurchases during the third quarter of 2014, see "Stock Repurchases" under Part II, Item 2 of this report.
Total shares repurchased
Purchase price (in thousands)
Average price of shares repurchased (per share)
Quarter ended March 31, 2014
20,564
$
869
$
42.27
Quarter ended June 30, 2014
209,940
8,435
40.18
Quarter ended September 30, 2014
96,792
4,033
41.67
Total
327,296
$
13,337
$
40.75
As of
September 30, 2014
, 3,572,465 shares remain authorized for repurchase under the Company's stock repurchase program.
Dividends
On September 15, 2014, the Company paid a third quarter 2014 cash dividend on the Company's Class A and Class B common stock of $0.10 per share. In addition, the Company's Board of Directors has declared a fourth quarter 2014 cash dividend on the Company's outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock of $0.10 per share. The fourth quarter cash dividend will be paid on December 15, 2014, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 1, 2014.
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.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In January 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance regarding the accounting for investments by a reporting entity in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for the low-income housing tax credit. The Company has relatively small investments in affordable housing projects that qualify for the low-income housing tax credit, and currently accounts for these investments using the equity method. The Company plans to continue using the equity method to account for these investments, thus the adoption of this standard will not have an impact on its financial position or results of operations.
48
In May 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance regarding the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This guidance will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance once it becomes effective on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted, and the standard allows the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the impact this standard will have on its ongoing financial reporting, and has not yet selected a method of transition.
ITEM 3. 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 interest rate characteristics:
As of September 30, 2014
As of December 31, 2013
Dollars
Percent
Dollars
Percent
Fixed-rate loan assets
$
13,060,286
45.1
%
$
11,090,583
42.5
%
Variable-rate loan assets
15,868,936
54.9
15,030,723
57.5
Total
$
28,929,222
100.0
%
$
26,121,306
100.0
%
Fixed-rate debt instruments
$
—
—
%
$
—
—
%
Variable-rate debt instruments
29,144,757
100.0
26,213,345
100.0
Total
$
29,144,757
100.0
%
$
26,213,345
100.0
%
FFELP loans originated prior to April 1, 2006 generally earn interest at the higher of the borrower rate, which is fixed over a period of time, or a floating rate based on the Special Allowance Payments ("SAP") formula set by the Department. The SAP rate is based on an applicable index plus a fixed spread that depends on loan type, origination date, and repayment status. The Company generally finances its student loan portfolio with variable rate debt. In low and/or certain declining interest rate environments, when the fixed borrower rate is higher than the SAP rate, these student loans earn at a fixed rate while the interest on the variable rate debt typically continues to reflect the low and/or declining interest rates. 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. All FFELP loans first originated on or after April 1, 2006 effectively earn at the SAP rate, since lenders are required to rebate fixed rate floor income and variable rate floor income for those loans to the Department.
No variable-rate floor income was earned by the Company during 2013 and 2014. A summary of fixed rate floor income earned by the Company follows.
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2014
2013
2014
2013
Fixed rate floor income, gross
$
54,627
44,988
150,002
133,599
Derivative settlements (a)
(5,421
)
(7,178
)
(19,345
)
(24,017
)
Fixed rate floor income, net
$
49,206
37,810
130,657
109,582
(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
2014
and
2013
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.
49
Fixed rate floor income has increased during 2014 due to recent purchases of loans earning fixed rate floor income. In addition, as derivative instruments used to hedge student loans earning fixed rate floor income continue to expire, the Company is paying less in derivative settlements.
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.
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 were earning fixed rate floor income as of
September 30, 2014
.
Borrower/
Estimated
Fixed
lender
variable
interest
weighted
conversion
Loan
rate range
average yield
rate (a)
balance
< 3.0%
2.88%
0.24%
$
1,903,488
3.0 - 3.49%
3.20%
0.56%
2,381,809
3.5 - 3.99%
3.65%
1.01%
2,338,828
4.0 - 4.49%
4.20%
1.56%
1,789,966
4.5 - 4.99%
4.72%
2.08%
1,109,361
5.0 - 5.49%
5.22%
2.58%
695,994
5.5 - 5.99%
5.67%
3.03%
401,272
6.0 - 6.49%
6.18%
3.54%
469,818
6.5 - 6.99%
6.71%
4.07%
448,273
7.0 - 7.49%
7.17%
4.53%
186,016
7.5 - 7.99%
7.71%
5.07%
324,296
8.0 - 8.99%
8.18%
5.54%
724,664
> 9.0%
9.04%
6.40%
286,501
$
13,060,286
(a)
The estimated variable conversion rate is the estimated short-term interest rate at which loans would convert to a variable rate. As of
September 30, 2014
, the weighted average estimated variable conversion rate was
1.84%
and the short-term interest rate was
16
basis points.
50
The following table summarizes the outstanding derivative instruments as of
September 30, 2014
used by the Company to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income.
Maturity
Notional amount
Weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)
2015
$
1,100,000
0.89
2016
750,000
0.85
2017
1,250,000
0.86
$
3,100,000
0.87
%
(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 for those assets arranged by underlying indices as of
September 30, 2014
:
Index
Frequency of variable resets
Assets
Debt outstanding that funded student loan assets
1 month LIBOR (a)
Daily
$
27,889,243
—
3 month Treasury bill
Daily
962,356
—
3 month LIBOR (a) (b)
Quarterly
—
17,079,902
1 month LIBOR
Monthly
—
9,998,242
Auction-rate or remarketing (c)
Varies
—
1,557,875
Asset-backed commercial paper (d)
Varies
—
348,777
Other (e)
196,701
63,504
$
29,048,300
29,048,300
(a)
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
September 30, 2014
:
Maturity
Notional amount
2021
$
250,000
2022
1,900,000
2023
3,650,000
2024
250,000
2026
800,000
2028
100,000
2036
700,000
2039
(1)
150,000
2040
(2)
200,000
$
8,000,000
(3)
(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
September 30, 2014
was
one-month LIBOR
plus
3.5
basis points.
(b)
The Company has Euro-denominated notes that reprice on the EURIBOR index. The Company has entered into a derivative instrument (cross-currency interest rate swap) that converts 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.”
51
(c)
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
September 30, 2014
, the Company was sponsor for
$1.3 billion
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 have 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.
(d)
The interest rates on certain of the Company's warehouse facilities are indexed to asset-backed commercial paper rates.
(e)
Assets include restricted cash and investments and other assets. Debt outstanding includes other debt obligations secured by student loan assets and related collateral.
52
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 index increases 10 basis points and 30 basis points while holding the asset index constant, if the funding index is different than the asset index. 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.
Interest rates
Asset and funding index mismatches
Change from increase of 100 basis points
Change from increase of 300 basis points
Increase of 10 basis points
Increase of 30 basis points
Dollars
Percent
Dollars
Percent
Dollars
Percent
Dollars
Percent
Three months ended September 30, 2014
Effect on earnings:
Decrease in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlements
$
(22,349
)
(16.9
)%
$
(40,712
)
(30.9
)%
$
(4,448
)
(3.4
)%
$
(13,345
)
(10.1
)%
Impact of derivative settlements
8,669
6.5
26,009
19.8
1,928
1.5
5,785
4.4
Increase (decrease) in net income before taxes
$
(13,680
)
(10.4
)%
$
(14,703
)
(11.1
)%
$
(2,520
)
(1.9
)%
$
(7,560
)
(5.7
)%
Increase (decrease) in basic and diluted earnings per share
$
(0.18
)
$
(0.20
)
$
(0.03
)
$
(0.10
)
Three months ended September 30, 2013
Effect on earnings:
Decrease in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlements
$
(17,720
)
(19.1
)%
$
(31,517
)
(33.7
)%
$
(4,021
)
(4.3
)%
$
(12,063
)
(12.9
)%
Impact of derivative settlements
13,495
14.4
40,484
43.3
1,755
1.9
5,266
5.6
Increase (decrease) in net income before taxes
$
(4,225
)
(4.7
)%
$
8,967
9.6
%
$
(2,266
)
(2.4
)%
$
(6,797
)
(7.3
)%
Increase (decrease) in basic and diluted earnings per share
$
(0.06
)
$
0.12
$
(0.03
)
$
(0.09
)
Nine months ended September 30, 2014
Effect on earnings:
Decrease in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlements
$
(59,536
)
(16.3
)%
$
(104,486
)
(28.6
)%
$
(12,904
)
(3.5
)%
$
(38,714
)
(10.6
)%
Impact of derivative settlements
32,453
8.9
97,360
26.7
5,721
1.5
17,166
4.7
Increase (decrease) in net income before taxes
$
(27,083
)
(7.4
)%
$
(7,126
)
(1.9
)%
$
(7,183
)
(2.0
)%
$
(21,548
)
(5.9
)%
Increase (decrease) in basic and diluted earnings per share
$
(0.36
)
$
(0.10
)
$
(0.09
)
$
(0.29
)
Nine months ended September 30, 2013
Effect on earnings:
Decrease in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlements
$
(51,406
)
(14.4
)%
$
(89,558
)
(25.1
)%
$
(12,648
)
(3.6
)%
$
(37,943
)
(10.7
)%
Impact of derivative settlements
47,899
13.4
143,696
40.3
4,945
1.4
14,836
4.2
Increase (decrease) in net income before taxes
$
(3,507
)
(1.0
)%
$
54,138
15.2
%
$
(7,703
)
(2.2
)%
$
(23,107
)
(6.5
)%
Increase (decrease) in basic and diluted earnings per share
$
(0.05
)
$
0.72
$
(0.10
)
$
(0.31
)
53
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
The Company has issued
€352.7 million
Euro Notes with interest rates based on a spread to the EURIBOR index. As a result, the Company is exposed to the market risk related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and Euro. The Company has entered into a cross-currency interest rate swap in connection with the issuance of the Euro Notes. See note 4 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information, including a summary of the terms of this derivative instrument agreement and the related financial statement impact.
Financial Statement Impact – Derivatives and Foreign Currency Transaction Adjustments
For a table summarizing the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income, including the components of "derivative market value and foreign currency adjustments and derivative settlements, net" included in the consolidated statements of income, see note 4 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
ITEM 4. 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.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to Note 14 -
Legal Proceedings
, of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes from the risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 in response to Item 1A of Part I of such Form 10-K, except as set forth below.
The CFPB is currently reviewing the Company, as well as other participants in the student loan servicing industry, which could result in material fines, penalties, and other adverse regulatory actions.
As previously described in the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) represents a comprehensive overhaul of the regulatory framework for the financial services industry within the United States, and established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”), which has broad authority to regulate a wide range of consumer financial products and services. On December 3, 2013, the CFPB issued a rule that allows them to supervise the largest nonbank student loan servicers. Under the rule, Nelnet and the other large student loan servicers will be examined periodically by the CFPB to ensure compliance with federal consumer protection laws, including the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act concerning unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices.
The CFPB is currently conducting its initial supervisory examination of the large nonbank student loan servicers, including the Company. If the CFPB were to determine the Company is not in compliance, it is possible that this could result in material adverse consequences, including, without limitation, settlements, fines, penalties, adverse regulatory actions, changes in our
54
business practices, or other actions. However, we are unable to estimate at this time any potential financial or other impact that could result from the CFPB’s examination, in the event that any adverse regulatory actions occur.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Stock Repurchases
The following table summarizes the repurchases of Class A common stock during the
third
quarter of
2014
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.
Period
Total number of shares purchased (a)
Average price paid per share
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs (b)
Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (b)
July 1 - July 31, 2014
50,468
$
40.78
49,967
3,617,850
August 1 - August 31, 2014
6,085
40.99
6,085
3,611,765
September 1 - September 30, 2014
40,239
42.88
39,300
3,572,465
Total
96,792
$
41.67
95,352
(a)
The total number of shares includes: (i) shares repurchased 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 tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations included 501 shares, 0 shares, and 939 shares in July, August, and September 2014, 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.
Working capital and dividend restrictions/limitations
The Company’s credit facilities, including its revolving line of credit which is available through June 30, 2019, impose restrictions with respect to the Company’s minimum consolidated net worth, the ratio of the Company’s adjusted EBITDA to corporate debt interest, the indebtedness of the Company's subsidiaries, and the ratio of non-FFELP loans to all loans in the Company's portfolio. In addition, trust indentures and other financing agreements governing debt issued by the Company's education lending subsidiaries may have general limitations on the amounts of funds that can be transferred to the Company by its subsidiaries through cash dividends.
The supplemental indenture for the Company’s Hybrid Securities issued in September 2006 provides that so long as any Hybrid Securities remain outstanding, if the Company gives notice of its election to defer interest payments but the related deferral period has not yet commenced or a deferral period is continuing, then the Company will not, and will not permit any of its subsidiaries to:
•
declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment regarding, any of the Company’s capital stock.
•
except as required in connection with the repayment of principal, and except for any partial payments of deferred interest that may be made through the alternative payment mechanism described in the Hybrid Securities indenture, make any payment of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on, or repay, repurchase, or redeem any of the Company’s debt securities that rank
pari passu
with or junior to the Hybrid Securities.
•
make any guarantee payments regarding any guarantee by the Company of the subordinated debt securities of any of the Company’s subsidiaries if the guarantee ranks
pari passu
with or junior in interest to the Hybrid Securities.
55
In addition, if any deferral period lasts longer than one year, the limitation on the Company’s ability to redeem or repurchase any of its securities that rank
pari passu
with or junior in interest to the Hybrid Securities will continue until the first anniversary of the date on which all deferred interest has been paid or canceled.
If the Company is involved in a business combination where immediately after its consummation more than 50% of the surviving entity’s voting stock is owned by the shareholders of the other party to the business combination, then the immediately preceding sentence will not apply to any deferral period that is terminated on the next interest payment date following the date of consummation of the business combination.
However, at any time, including during a deferral period, the Company will be permitted to:
•
pay dividends or distributions in additional shares of the Company’s capital stock.
•
declare or pay a dividend in connection with the implementation of a shareholders’ rights plan, or issue stock under such a plan, or redeem or repurchase any rights distributed pursuant to such a plan.
•
purchase common stock for issuance pursuant to any employee benefit plans.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
10.1
Modification of Contract dated effective as of September 1, 2014 for Student Loan Servicing Contract between the United States Department of Education and Nelnet Servicing, LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 2, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference.
31.1*
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey R. Noordhoek.
31.2*
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Chief Financial Officer James D. Kruger.
32**
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
*
Filed herewith
** Furnished herewith
56
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
NELNET, INC.
Date:
November 6, 2014
By:
/s/ JEFFREY R. NOORDHOEK
Name:
Jeffrey R. Noordhoek
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
Principal Executive Officer
By:
/s/ JAMES D. KRUGER
Name:
James D. Kruger
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
57