EX-99.1 5 exhibit991.htm EX-99.1 Exhibit 99.1



    
Exhibit 99.1

FORWARD-LOOKING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

This Current Report on Form 8-K contains “forward-looking” statements and information based on management’s current expectations as of the date of this report. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs, opinions or expectations and statements that assume or are dependent upon future events, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those reflected in such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the risks and uncertainties set forth in Item 1A “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 19, 2014 (the “2013 Form 10-K”), and subsequent filings with the SEC; increases in financing costs; limits on liquidity; increases in costs associated with compliance with laws and regulations; changes in accounting standards and the impact of related changes in significant accounting estimates; any adverse outcomes in any significant litigation to which we are a party; credit risk associated with our exposure to third parties, including counterparties to our derivative transactions; and changes in the terms of student loans and the educational credit marketplace (including changes resulting from new laws and the implementation of existing laws). We could also be affected by, among other things: changes in our funding costs and availability; reductions to our credit ratings or the credit ratings of the United States of America; failures of our operating systems or infrastructure, including those of third-party vendors; damage to our reputation; failures to successfully implement cost-cutting and restructuring initiatives and adverse effects of such initiatives on our business; risks associated with restructuring initiatives, including our recently completed separation into two, distinct publicly-traded companies; changes in the demand for educational financing or in financing preferences of lenders, educational institutions, students and their families; changes in law and regulations with respect to the student lending business and financial institutions generally; increased competition from banks and other consumer lenders; the creditworthiness of our customers; changes in the general interest rate environment, including the rate relationships among relevant money-market instruments and those of our earning assets versus our funding arrangements; changes in general economic conditions; our ability to successfully effectuate any acquisitions and other strategic initiatives; and changes in the demand for debt management services. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements also requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions, including estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates or assumptions may prove to be incorrect. All forward-looking statements contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K are qualified by these cautionary statements and are made only as of the date of this report. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to conform such statements to actual results or changes in our expectations.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

On April 30, 2014, we completed our plan to separate into two distinct publicly-traded entities—an education loan management, servicing and asset recovery business, Navient Corporation (“Navient”), and a consumer banking business, SLM Corporation. The separation of Navient from SLM Corporation was preceded by an internal corporate reorganization, which was the first step to separate the education loan management, servicing and asset recovery business from the consumer banking business.  As a result of a holding company merger under Section 251(g) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), which is referred to herein as the “SLM Merger,” all of the shares of then existing SLM Corporation’s common stock were converted, on a 1-to-1 basis, into shares of common stock of New BLC Corporation, a newly formed company that was a subsidiary of then existing SLM Corporation, and, pursuant to the SLM Merger, New BLC Corporation replaced then existing SLM Corporation as the publicly-traded registrant and changed its name to SLM Corporation. As part of the internal corporate reorganization, the assets and liabilities associated with the education loan management, servicing and asset recovery business were transferred to Navient, and those assets and liabilities associated with the consumer banking business remained with or were transferred to the newly constituted SLM Corporation.  Immediately after the internal corporate reorganization, SLM Corporation owned all of the issued and outstanding shares of Navient common stock, which it distributed to the stockholders of then existing SLM Corporation on April 30, 2014.  The internal reorganization and the distribution are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “Spin-Off” and SLM Corporation as it existed prior to completion of the Spin-Off is sometimes referred to herein as “Old SLM.”  SLM Corporation as it now exists after the Spin-Off is referred to herein as “Sallie Mae,” the “Company,” “SLM,” “we,” “our” or “us.” Upon completion of the internal reorganization, Old SLM became a limited liability company wholly-owned by Navient and changed its name to Navient, LLC.  For further information regarding the Spin-Off, risk factors of Sallie Mae related to the Spin-Off and the business to be conducted by Sallie Mae after the Spin-Off, please see our 2013 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 19, 2014 and our Form 8-K filed with the SEC on

1



December 20, 2013. For further information regarding Navient, risk factors of Navient related to the Spin-Off and the business to be conducted by Navient after the Spin-Off, please see the registration statement on Form 10, as amended, filed by Navient with the SEC on April 10, 2014 and declared effective on April 14, 2014, which can be accessed through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov/edgar.
    
Due to the relative significance of Navient to Old SLM, among other factors, for financial reporting purposes Navient is treated as the “accounting spinnor” and therefore is the “accounting successor” to Old SLM, notwithstanding the legal form of separation and distribution described above. As a result, the historical financial statements of Old SLM have become the historical financial statements of Navient. Since Navient is the “accounting successor” to Old SLM, the financial information of Sallie Mae, as a stand-alone consumer banking business, contained herein is comprised solely of carve-out financial statements representing only those operations, assets, liabilities and equity of Sallie Mae on a stand-alone basis.

The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Old SLM for the three months ended March 31, 2014 will contain consolidated financial information of Old SLM prior to the Spin-Off, which will include the financial results of the education loan management, servicing and asset recovery business (i.e., Navient). As a result, this Current Report on Form 8-K provides pro forma unaudited condensed consolidated financial information of stand-alone Sallie Mae and its subsidiaries for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as adjusted to give effect to the Spin-Off of Navient. Additionally, this Current Report on Form 8-K contains historical carve-out audited financial statements of Sallie Mae and its subsidiaries on a stand-alone basis for each of the three years ended December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, as adjusted for the effects of the Spin-Off. Sallie Mae’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2014 and Sallie Mae’s future financial reports to be filed with the SEC will be prepared on the same stand-alone basis as the historical audited financial statements contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings ascribed to such terms in our 2013 Form 10-K.
Sallie Mae Pro Forma Financial Information (Unaudited)
    
In connection with the Spin-Off, Sallie Mae has provided, for informational purposes only, carved out unaudited condensed consolidated financial information of Sallie Mae as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014, which has been adjusted pro forma for the effects of the Spin-Off. These carve-out pro forma financial statements, along with the additional selected financial information provided herein, are unaudited and represent only those operations, assets, liabilities and equity that form Sallie Mae on a stand-alone basis.
    
The stand-alone Sallie Mae pro forma unaudited financial information is comprised of financial information relating to Sallie Mae Bank, Upromise and the private education loan origination functions. Also included are certain general corporate overhead expenses allocated to Sallie Mae.
    
The stand-alone Sallie Mae pro forma unaudited financial information has then been adjusted to give effect to the Spin-Off of Navient by way of a share distribution. The unaudited balance sheet of Sallie Mae as of March 31, 2014 is adjusted pro forma for the effects of the Spin-Off as if it had been completed at March 31, 2014. The unaudited condensed consolidated income statement of Sallie Mae for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is adjusted pro forma for the effects of the Spin-Off as if it had been completed on January 1, 2014. The stand-alone Sallie Mae financial information has further been adjusted pro forma for the effects of the Spin-Off by reflecting that the Spin-Off has been accounted for as a distribution by means of a tax-free distribution of the shares of common stock of Navient, on a 1-to-1 basis, to the holders of shares of Old SLM's common stock on April 22, 2014, which was the means by which the actual separation of the education loan management business was effected. The Spin-Off also accounts for (i) the transfer of certain assets and liabilities that were historically operated by the education loan management, servicing and asset recovery business (Navient) and that were transferred to Sallie Mae, (ii) Sallie Mae’s anticipated post-separation capital structure and (iii) the impact of, and transactions contemplated by, certain agreements entered into by Sallie Mae in connection with the Spin-Off.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Sallie Mae adjusted pro forma for the effects of the Spin-Off do not give effect to future estimated annual cost increases after the Spin-Off, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
personnel required to operate as a stand-alone public company;
possible changes in compensation with respect to new and existing positions;
the level of assistance required from professional service providers; and

2



the amount of capital expenditures for information technology infrastructure investments associated with being a stand-alone public company.

In addition, prior to the Spin-Off, Sallie Mae Bank sold loans to affiliates for two reasons: (i) to fund the loans to term through the issuance of an asset-backed securitization; and (ii) to enable the affiliates to manage loans that were granted forbearance or were 90 days or more past due. As a result of these past practices, Sallie Mae Bank’s historical credit results do not reflect charge-offs or recoveries. The following results, pro forma for the effects of the Spin-Off, have not been adjusted to reflect what the delinquencies, charge-offs and recoveries would have been, had Sallie Mae Bank not sold these loans to its affiliates. After the Spin-Off, Sallie Mae Bank’s results will reflect delinquencies and related charge-offs/recoveries as it is contemplated that it will retain loans throughout the life of the account and will charge off loans at 120 days past due.
    
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Sallie Mae adjusted pro forma for the effects of the Spin-Off have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and related carve-out conventions. Subsequent to the Spin-Off, the column titled “Stand-alone Sallie Mae” in the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Income Statement reflects the historical financial results of Sallie Mae that will be disclosed in future filings.
    
The pro forma adjustments are based on estimates, accounting judgments and currently available information and assumptions that management believes are reasonable. The unaudited financial information of Sallie Mae adjusted pro forma for the effects of the Spin-Off has been prepared for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the financial position (had the Spin-Off actually occurred on March 31, 2014, for purposes of the pro forma balance sheet) or results of operations (had the Spin-Off actually occurred on January 1, 2014, for purposes of the pro forma income statement), nor is such unaudited pro forma financial information necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. A number of factors may affect the results.

For additional information on the preparation of the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements of Navient and the structure and accounting of the Spin-Off, please see the registration statement on Form 10 of Navient Corporation, filed with the SEC on April 10, 2014 and declared effective on April 14, 2014, which can be accessed through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov/edgar.
    
    





























3




Below is the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet for Sallie Mae pro forma for the effects of the Spin-Off for March 31, 2014. This assumes that the Spin-Off occurred on March 31, 2014, for purposes of this presentation.
Sallie Mae
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
as of March 31, 2014
(In millions)
 
 
Stand-alone
Sallie Mae
(1)  
 
Separation
Adjustments
 
Pro Forma
Sallie Mae
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and investments
 
$
1,384

 
$
493

(a)
$
1,877

Private Education Loans (net of allowance for losses of $72)
 
7,209

 

 
7,209

FFELP Loans (net of allowance for losses of $6)
 
1,395

 

 
1,395

Other interest-earning assets
 
4

 

 
4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest-earning assets
 
9,992

 
493

 
10,485

Other assets
 
508

 
289

(b)
797

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
10,500

 
$
782

 
$
11,282

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Liabilities and Equity
 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits
 
$
8,716

 
$

 
$
8,716

Other liabilities
 
550

 
306

(b)
856

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
 
9,266

 
306

 
9,572

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, par value $.20 per share, 20 million shares authorized:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Series A: 3.3 million shares issued, respectively, at stated value of $50 per share
 

 
165

(a)
165

Series B: 4 million shares issued, respectively, at stated value of $100 per share
 

 
400

(a)
400

Affiliate investment
 
1,231

 
(89
)
(a)
1,142

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,229

 
476

 
1,705

Non-controlling interest
 
5

 

 
5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total equity
 
1,234

 
476

 
1,710

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
10,500

 
$
782

 
$
11,282

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Represents the operations, assets, liabilities and equity of Sallie Mae, which is comprised of Sallie Mae Bank, Upromise, Sallie Mae Insurance Services and the Private Education Loan origination functions. Included in these amounts are also certain general corporate overhead payables related to Sallie Mae.
 

Notes:
(a)
In connection with the Spin-Off, Sallie Mae, by reason of a statutory merger, succeeded Old SLM as the issuer of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock. Sallie Mae retained $493 million of cash, to offset the $565 million of obligation attributable to the principal of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock and $(89) million additional paid-in capital. The amount of additional cash retained beyond the amount related to offset the preferred stock obligation was based upon meeting a targeted ending equity balance for Sallie Mae.


4



(b)
In connection with the Spin-Off, Sallie Mae will be the taxpayer legally responsible for $283 million of deferred taxes payable in connection with gains recognize by Old SLM on debt repurchases in prior years and liabilities related to uncertain tax positions in the amount of $27 million. As part of the tax sharing agreement between Sallie Mae and Navient, Navient has agreed to fully indemnify Sallie Mae for these deferred taxes due in the amount of $261 million, which represents the fair value of the indemnification, and the liabilities for uncertain tax positions in the amount of $27 million. As of the date of the Spin-Off on April 30, 2014, , Sallie Mae recorded a liability of $310 million and an indemnification receivable of $289 million.



5



Below is the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated income statement for Sallie Mae pro forma for the effects of the Spin-Off for the three months ended March 31, 2014. This assumes that the Spin-Off occurred on January 1, 2014, for purposes of this presentation.
Sallie Mae
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(In millions)
 
 
 
Stand-alone
Sallie Mae
(1)  
 
Separation
Adjustments
 
Pro Forma
Sallie Mae
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest income
 
$
162

 
$

 
$
162

Total interest expense
 
23

 

 
23

 
 


 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
139

 

 
139

Less: provisions for loan losses
 
39

 

 
39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income after provisions for loan losses
 
100

 

 
100

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Other income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Gains on sales of loans(2)
 
34

 

 
34

Other
 
7

 

 
7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other income
 
41

 

 
41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 
 

 
 
 
 

Operating expenses
 
64

 
(1
)
(a)
63

Acquired intangible asset amortization expense
 
2

 

 
2

Restructuring and other reorganization expenses
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total expenses
 
66

 
(1
)
 
65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before tax expense
 
75

 
1

 
76

Income tax expense(3)
 
29

 

 
29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
46

 
1

 
47

Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 

 

 

Preferred stock dividends
 

 
5

(b)
5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income available to common shareholders
 
$
46

 
$
(4
)
 
$
42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Represents the operations, assets, liabilities and equity of Sallie Mae, which is comprised of Sallie Mae Bank, Upromise, Sallie Mae Insurance Services and the Private Education Loan origination functions. Included in these amounts are also certain general corporate overhead expenses related to Sallie Mae. General corporate overhead of $25 million consisted of costs primarily associated with accounting, finance, legal, human resources, certain information technology, stock-based compensation, executive management and the Board of Directors.
(2) Gains on sales of loans and investments during the period represent $34 million of gains from the sale of loans to Navient.
(3) The pro forma income tax expense rate of approximately 37.9 percent is based on historical statutory rates. However, Sallie Mae’s post-spin effective tax rate will increase to approximately 40 percent. The increase is primarily driven by operations being moved into Sallie Mae Bank. These operations are located in jurisdictions with higher tax rates than current Sallie Mae Bank operations. The rate increase should have an immaterial impact on Sallie Mae’s equity.
Notes:
(a)
Represents $5 million of personnel and information technology costs related to the servicing functions moving out of Navient and into Sallie Mae, $1 million in transition service agreements with Navient and $1 million in long-term service contracts with Navient (primarily related to servicing and sales and marketing) and is net of the $8 million intercompany servicing fee historically paid to Navient to service Sallie Mae’s loans.

6



(b)
In connection with the Spin-Off, Sallie Mae, by reason of a statutory merger, succeeded Old SLM as the issuer of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock. The adjustment reflects the effect of the dividends on the Series A and B Preferred Stock.
  Certain Unaudited Financial and Statistical Information of Sallie Mae and Sallie Mae Bank
This section provides an overview of certain unaudited financial and statistical information of Sallie Mae and Sallie Mae Bank. The information includes Sallie Mae’s net interest margin and deposits adjusted pro forma for the effects of the Spin-Off and historical information on Sallie Mae Bank’s net interest margin, allowance for loan losses, its key credit quality indicators and its capital information.

Net Interest Margin
The following table shows Sallie Mae’s daily average net interest margin before provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 pro forma for the effects of the Spin-Off.
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income/
Expense
 
% Yield 
 
Average Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private education loans
 
$
7,430

 
$
149

 
8.13
%
FFELP loans
 
1,401

 
11

 
3.20

Taxable securities
 
127

 
1

 
3.03

Cash and short term investments
 
1,871

 
1

 
0.22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest-earning assets
 
10,829

 
$
162

 
6.07
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-interest-earning assets
 
700

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
11,529

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brokered deposits
 
$
5,830

 
$
16

 
1.10
%
Retail and other deposits
 
3,387

 
7

 
0.86

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest-bearing deposits
 
9,217

 
23

 
1.01

Other interest-bearing liabilities
 
5

 

 
0.06

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
9,222

 
23

 
1.01
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
 
656

 
 
 
 
Equity
 
1,651

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
11,529

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest margin
 
 
 
$
139

 
5.21
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

7




The following table shows Sallie Mae Bank’s historical daily average net interest margin on the loans that are part of the Private Education Loan portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 March 31, 2014
Net loan yield
 
8.13
 %
Cost of funds
 
(0.86
)
 
 
 
Private Education Loan spread
 
7.27
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
 
Average Private Education Loans
 
$
7,430

 
 
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
The following table summarizes Sallie Mae’s historical allowance for loan losses activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
 
 
 
Allowance for Loan Losses 
(Dollars in millions)
 
FFELP 
 
 
Private
Education
Loans 
 
Total 
Three months ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance at beginning of period
 
$
6

 
$
62

 
$
68

Less charge-offs(1)
 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Plus recoveries
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net charge-offs
 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Write-down to fair value(2)
 

 
(28
)
 
(28
)
Plus provisions
 
1

 
38

 
39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance at end of period
 
$
6

 
$
72

 
$
78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)  Private Education Loans were sold to Navient prior to being charged off.
(2)  Represents fair value write-downs on delinquent loans sold to Navient recorded at the time of sale.
 
 

8



Key Credit Quality Indicators
The following table highlights the principal historical balance of the Private Education Loan portfolio of Sallie Mae stratified by the key credit quality indicators as of March 31, 2014.
 
 
 
Credit Quality Indicators
Private Education Loans  
 
 
March 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Balance 
 
% 
Cosigner
 
 
 
 
With cosigners
 
$
6,559

 
90
%
Without cosigner
 
716

 
10

 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
7,275

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
FICO at Origination
 
 

 
 

Less than 670
 
$
504

 
7
%
670 - 709
 
1,523

 
21

710 - 749
 
1,833

 
25

Greater than or equal to 750
 
3,415

 
47

 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
7,275

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
Average FICO at origination
 
745

 
 

Seasoning
 
 

 
 

1 - 12 payments
 
$
2,340

 
32
%
13 - 24 payments
 
1,024

 
14

25 - 36 payments
 
521

 
7

37 - 48 payments
 
369

 
5

More than 48 payments
 
37

 
1

Not yet in repayment
 
2,984

 
41

 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
7,275

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
Loan status by vintage
 
 

 
 

Loans in school/grace/deferment
 
$
2,985

 
41
%
Loans in forbearance
 
11

 

Loans in repayment:
 
 

 
 

Loans current
 
4,244

 
59

Loans delinquent 31 - 60 days
 
21

 

Loans delinquent 61 - 90 days
 
14

 

Loans delinquent greater than 90 days
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Total loans in repayment
 
4,279

 
59

 
 
 
 
 
Total Private Education Loans, gross
 
7,275

 
100
%
Unamortized premium/discount
 
6

 
 

Allowance for loan losses
 
(72
)
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Total Private Education Loans, net
 
$
7,209

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

9



Deposits
The following tables show Sallie Mae’s deposits pro forma for the effects of the Spin-Off as of March 31, 2014.
 
 
 
Deposit Portfolio
(Dollars in millions)
 
March 31, 2014
 
% of
Total
 
%
Cost
Brokered deposits(1)
 
$
5,589

 
61
%
 
0.96
%
Retail deposits
 
2,978

 
33

 
0.93

Other deposits
 
528

 
6

 
0.22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Sallie Mae Bank deposits
 
9,095

 
100
%
 
0.91
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less deposits with Sallie Mae affiliates
 
(293
)
 
 
 
 
Less pro forma reclasses to other liabilities
 
(91
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Sallie Mae deposits
 
$
8,711

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
Total brokered deposits include money market deposit accounts, which are excluded from the maturity schedule below.
 
 
 
Deposit Maturity Schedule
(Dollars in millions)
 
March 31, 2014
Brokered deposits(a)
 
 
Remaining maturity:
 
 
Three months or less
 
$
534

After three through six months
 
351

After six through twelve months
 
597

After twelve months
 
2,755

 
 
 
Total brokered deposits(a)
 
$
4,237

 
 
 
 
(a) 
The brokered deposits maturity schedule excludes money market deposit accounts.

10



Sallie Mae Bank Capital
The following tables show Sallie Mae Bank’s actual, reported capital levels and capital ratios as of March 31, 2014, which do not take into account the effects of the change in reporting entity accounting treatment.
Capital Ratios  
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 Total risk-based capital
 
16.5%
 Tier 1 risk-based capital
 
15.5%
 Tier 1 leverage
 
11.8%
 

GAAP to Regulatory Capital Reconciliation  
(Dollars in millions)
 
 
March 31, 2014 
 
 
 
Shareholder equity(1)
 
$
1,283

Less intangible assets
 

Less preferred stock(1)
 

 
 
 

Tangible common equity
 
$
1,283

Total assets
 
$
11,369

Less intangible assets
 

 
 
 

Tangible assets
 
$
11,369

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio
 
11.3
%
Tier 1 common equity:
 
 

Shareholder equity(1)
 
$
1,283

Qualifying capital securities:
 
 

Less goodwill
 

Less accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(2
)
Less other assets
 

 
 
 

Total Tier 1 capital
 
$
1,285

Less qualifying capital securities
 

Less preferred stock(1)
 

 
 
 

Total Tier 1 common equity
 
$
1,285

Net risk-weighted assets
 
$
8,286

 
 
 
(1)  Does not include the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock outstanding at the time of the closing of the Spin-Off.
 
In July 2013, the federal banking regulators issued the U.S. Basel III final rule. Sallie Mae Bank will be subject to the U.S. Basel III final rule, including its increased risk-based capital requirements and increased leverage capital requirements beginning on January 1, 2015. In addition, as part of the Spin-Off, Sallie Mae will serve as an additional source of strength by having $165 million of Series A Preferred Stock and $400 million of Series B Preferred Stock. The existing Series B Preferred Stock could potentially qualify as additional Tier 1 capital under Basel III standards were Basel III to apply at the Sallie Mae level.






11



Sallie Mae Carved Out Financial Information (Audited)
In conjunction with the Spin-Off, Sallie Mae has prepared carved out audited consolidated financial statements on a stand-alone basis of Sallie Mae and its subsidiaries for each of the three years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. These carve-out financial statements are presented on a basis of accounting that reflects a change in reporting entity and have been adjusted for the effects of the Spin-Off. These carve-out financial statements and selected financial information represent only those operations, assets, liabilities and equity that form Sallie Mae on a stand-alone basis.
The stand-alone Sallie Mae audited consolidated financial statements are comprised of financial information relating to Sallie Mae Bank, Upromise and the Private Education Loan origination functions. Also included are certain general corporate overhead expenses allocated to Sallie Mae.
To reflect the change in reporting entity basis of accounting, the stand-alone carved-out Sallie Mae audited financial information has then been adjusted as if the education loan management, servicing and asset recovery business (i.e. Navient) had never been part of Sallie Mae.
The audited consolidated financial statements of Sallie Mae do not give effect to future estimated annual cost increases after the Spin-Off, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

personnel required to operate as a stand-alone public company;
possible changes in compensation with respect to new and existing positions;
the level of assistance required from professional service providers; and
the amount of capital expenditures for information technology infrastructure investments associated with being a stand-alone public company.
In addition, prior to the Spin-Off, Sallie Mae Bank sold loans to affiliates for two reasons: (i) to fund the loans to term through the issuance of an asset back securitization; and (ii) to enable the affiliates to manage loans that were granted forbearance or were 90 days or more past due. As a result of these past practices, Sallie Mae Bank’s historical credit results do not reflect charge-offs or recoveries. The following results have not been adjusted to reflect what the delinquencies, charge-offs and recoveries would have been, had Sallie Mae Bank not sold these loans to its affiliates. After the Spin-Off, Sallie Mae Bank’s results will reflect delinquencies and related charge-offs/recoveries as it is contemplated that it may retain loans throughout the life of the account and will charge off loans at 120 days past due. As a result, post Spin-Off we will be reducing the loss emergence period to reflect this change as well as other changes in our servicing practices. We are unable to quantify the impact of the change in our charge-off policy at this time.
The audited carved out consolidated financial statements of Sallie Mae have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and related carve-out conventions.


12





CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEX
 


F-1



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
SLM Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SLM Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ KPMG LLP

McLean, Virginia
May 6, 2014


F-2



SLM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
2,182,865

 
$
1,599,082

Available-for-sale investments at fair value (cost of $106,977 and $571,609, respectively)
 
102,105

 
594,747

Loans held for investment (net of allowance for losses of $68,081 and $69,189, respectively)
 
7,931,377

 
6,487,454

Other interest-earning assets
 
5,030

 
5,127

Accrued interest receivable
 
356,283

 
234,797

Premises and equipment, net
 
74,188

 
63,699

Acquired intangible assets, net
 
6,515

 
9,832

Other assets
 
48,301

 
88,794

Total assets
 
$
10,706,664

 
$
9,083,532

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
$
9,001,550

 
$
7,497,333

Income taxes payable, net
 
162,205

 
95,788

Upromise related liabilities
 
307,518

 
319,120

Other liabilities
 
69,248

 
81,991

Total liabilities
 
9,540,521

 
7,994,232

Commitments and contingencies
 

 

Equity
 
 
 
 
Affiliate investment
 
1,164,495

 
1,068,928

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (net of tax (benefit) expense of ($1,849) and $8,791, respectively)
 
(3,024
)
 
14,348

Total SLM Corporation equity
 
1,161,471

 
1,083,276

Noncontrolling interest
 
4,672

 
6,024

Total equity
 
1,166,143

 
1,089,300

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
10,706,664

 
$
9,083,532










See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3



SLM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
 
$
527,257

 
$
462,642

 
$
441,928

Investments
 
20,090

 
26,340

 
27,582

Cash and cash equivalents
 
3,853

 
2,299

 
2,795

Total interest income
 
551,200

 
491,281

 
472,305

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
88,019

 
82,173

 
104,935

Other interest expense
 
1,066

 
739

 
449

Total interest expense
 
89,085

 
82,912

 
105,384

Net interest income
 
462,115

 
408,369

 
366,921

Less: provisions for loan losses
 
69,339

 
66,116

 
85,336

Net interest income after provisions for loan losses
 
392,776

 
342,253

 
281,585

Noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on sales of loans, primarily to affiliates, net
 
196,593

 
235,202

 
21,412

Gains on sales of securities
 
63,813

 
129

 

Other
 
37,862

 
31,180

 
76,596

Total noninterest income
 
298,268

 
266,511

 
98,008

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
108,950

 
109,575

 
129,233

Advertising fees
 
21,506

 
10,973

 
7,684

Professional fees
 
67,180

 
60,507

 
66,843

Other operating expenses
 
73,564

 
72,715

 
83,836

Total operating expenses
 
271,200

 
253,770

 
287,596

Acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization expense
 
3,317

 
13,125

 
4,149

Total expenses
 
274,517

 
266,895

 
291,745

Income before income tax expense
 
416,527

 
341,869

 
87,848

Income tax expense
 
158,934

 
126,143

 
34,411

Net income
 
257,593

 
215,726

 
53,437

Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(1,352
)
 
(1,894
)
 
(760
)
Net income attributable to SLM Corporation
 
$
258,945

 
$
217,620

 
$
54,197







See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4



SLM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,  
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Net income
 
$
257,593

 
$
215,726

 
$
53,437

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments
 
35,802

 
22,264

 
(67,772
)
Reclassification adjustments for (gain) on sale of available-for-sale securities included in other income
 
(63,813
)
 
(129
)
 

Total unrealized (losses) gains on investments
 
(28,011
)
 
22,135

 
(67,772
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
10,639

 
(8,409
)
 
24,371

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax benefit (expense)
 
(17,372
)
 
13,726

 
(43,401
)
Comprehensive income
 
240,221

 
229,452

 
10,036

Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(1,352
)
 
(1,894
)
 
(760
)
Total comprehensive income attributable to SLM Corporation
 
$
241,573

 
$
231,346

 
$
10,796


















See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5



SLM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(In thousands)


 
 
Affiliate Investment
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total SLM Corporation Equity
 
Non-controlling Interest
 
Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2010
 
$
1,072,287

 
$
44,023

 
$
1,116,310

 
$

 
$
1,116,310

Net income (loss)
 
54,197

 

 
54,197

 
(760
)
 
53,437

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 

 
(43,401
)
 
(43,401
)
 

 
(43,401
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
10,796

 
(760
)
 
10,036

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net transfers from affiliate
 
108,834

 

 
108,834

 

 
108,834

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest
 

 

 

 
8,678

 
8,678

Balance at December 31, 2011
 
$
1,235,318

 
$
622

 
$
1,235,940

 
$
7,918

 
$
1,243,858

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2011
 
$
1,235,318

 
$
622

 
$
1,235,940

 
$
7,918

 
$
1,243,858

Net income (loss)
 
217,620

 

 
217,620

 
(1,894
)
 
215,726

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 

 
13,726

 
13,726

 

 
13,726

Total comprehensive income (loss)
 

 

 
231,346

 
(1,894
)
 
229,452

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net transfers to affiliate
 
(384,010
)
 

 
(384,010
)
 

 
(384,010
)
Balance at December 31, 2012
 
$
1,068,928

 
$
14,348

 
$
1,083,276

 
$
6,024

 
$
1,089,300

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2012
 
$
1,068,928

 
$
14,348

 
$
1,083,276

 
$
6,024

 
$
1,089,300

Net income (loss)
 
258,945

 

 
258,945

 
(1,352
)
 
257,593

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 

 
(17,372
)
 
(17,372
)
 

 
(17,372
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
 

 

 
241,573

 
(1,352
)
 
240,221

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net transfers to affiliate
 
(163,378
)
 

 
(163,378
)
 

 
(163,378
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
 
$
1,164,495

 
$
(3,024
)
 
$
1,161,471

 
$
4,672

 
$
1,166,143


 
 












See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6



SLM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
257,593

 
$
215,726

 
$
53,437

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
 
69,339

 
66,116

 
85,336

Valuation allowance on loans held for sale
 

 
275

 

Deferred tax provision
 
14,567

 
(11,015
)
 
3,048

Amortization of FDIC fees
 
1,046

 
3,897

 
5,948

Amortization of brokered deposit placement fee
 
9,754

 
8,416

 
10,020

Amortization of deferred loan origination costs and fees, net
 
2,199

 
5,337

 
2,404

Net accretion of discount on investments
 
(7,187
)
 
(10,058
)
 
(11,119
)
Depreciation of premises and equipment
 
3,273

 
4,467

 
17,477

Amortization and impairment of acquired intangibles
 
3,317

 
13,125

 
4,149

Stock-based compensation expense
 
15,681

 
19,102

 
22,362

Interest rate swap
 
(324
)
 
5,411

 
(4,982
)
Gains on sales of loans held for sale
 

 
(167
)
 

Gains on sale of securities
 
(63,813
)
 
(129
)
 

Gains on sale of loans to affiliates
 
(196,593
)
 
(235,202
)
 
(21,412
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net decrease in loans held for sale
 
3,628

 
61,275

 
10,371

Origination of loans held for sale
 
(3,628
)
 
(61,275
)
 
(10,371
)
Increase in accrued interest receivable
 
(281,856
)
 
(168,146
)
 
(48,739
)
Increase in other assets
 
(1,642
)
 
(4,480
)
 
(25,915
)
Increase in income tax payable due to affiliate
 
56,784

 
88,803

 
52,016

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable
 
239

 
2,095

 
(4,499
)
Increase (decrease) due to affiliate
 
147,379

 
96,591

 
(340
)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
 
40,264

 
(614
)
 
(61,171
)
Total adjustments
 
(187,573
)
 
(116,176
)
 
24,583

Total net cash provided by operating activities
 
70,020

 
99,550

 
78,020

Investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Student loans acquired and originated
 
(510,829
)
 
(848,330
)
 
(161,138
)
Net proceeds from sales of student loans held for investment
 
2,546,940

 
2,789,822

 
1,829,685

Net increase in loans held for investment
 
(3,302,858
)
 
(2,938,830
)
 
(2,280,276
)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
 
(62,097
)
 
(33,053
)
 

Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities
 
597,728

 
27,017

 
11,251

Total net cash used in investing activities
 
(731,116
)
 
(1,003,374
)
 
(600,478
)
Financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brokered deposit placement fee
 
(12,114
)
 
(16,484
)
 
(2,736
)
Net increase (decrease) in brokered certificates of deposit
 
477,080

 
380,400

 
(856,565
)
Net (decrease) increase in NOW account deposits
 
(1,017
)
 
3,197

 
4,271

Net increase (decrease) in High Yield Savings Deposits
 
9,698

 
(176,383
)
 
121,774

Net increase in Retail Certificates of Deposit
 
58,376

 
14,904

 
40,612

Net increase in MMDA deposits
 
1,117,992

 
1,283,072

 
588,792

Net decrease in deposits with affiliate
 
(126,923
)
 
(12,166
)
 
21,820

Excess tax benefit from the exercise of stock-based awards
 
6,258

 
891

 
717

Net capital contributions (to) from affiliate
 
(164,471
)
 
(20,419
)
 
172,180

Dividend paid to affiliate
 
(120,000
)
 
(420,000
)
 
(100,000
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
1,244,879

 
1,037,012

 
(9,135
)

F-7



Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
583,783

 
133,188

 
(531,593
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
1,599,082

 
1,465,894

 
1,997,487

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
2,182,865

 
$
1,599,082

 
$
1,465,894

Cash disbursements made for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
$
76,901

 
$
75,250

 
$
97,900

Income taxes paid
 
$
81,194

 
$
47,378

 
$
25,321
























See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-8


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
 
 
 


1.
Organization and Business

SLM Corporation (“we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) is a holding company that operates through a number of subsidiaries. We were formed in 1972 as the Student Loan Marketing Association, a federally chartered government-sponsored enterprise (the “GSE”), with the goal of furthering access to higher education by acting as a secondary market for federal student loans. In 2004, we completed our transformation to a private company through our wind-down of the GSE. The GSE’s outstanding obligations were placed into a Master Defeasance Trust Agreement as of December 29, 2004, which was fully collateralized by direct, noncallable obligations of the United States.

Currently, our primary business is to originate, service and collect loans we make to students and their families to finance the cost of their education. Since July 2010, we have originated only Private Education Loans. We use “Private Education Loans” to mean education loans to students or their families that are non-federal loans and loans not insured or guaranteed under the previously existing Federal Family Education Loan Program (“FFELP”). The core of our marketing strategy is to generate student loan originations by promoting our products on campus through the financial aid office and through direct marketing to students and their families. Since the beginning of 2006, virtually all of our Private Education Loans have been originated and funded by Sallie Mae Bank, a Utah industrial bank subsidiary, which is regulated by the Utah Department of Financial Institutions (“UDFI”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). We also operate Upromise, Inc. (“Upromise”), a consumer savings network that provides financial rewards on everyday purchases to help families save for college.

On April 30, 2014, we completed our plan to separate into two distinct publicly-traded entities—an education loan management, servicing and asset recovery business, Navient Corporation (“Navient”), and a consumer banking business, SLM Corporation. The separation of Navient from SLM Corporation was preceded by an internal corporate reorganization, which was the first step to separate the education loan management, servicing and asset recovery business from the consumer banking business.  As a result of a holding company merger under Section 251(g) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), which is referred to herein as the “SLM Merger,” all of the shares of then existing SLM Corporation’s common stock were converted, on a 1-to-1 basis, into shares of common stock of New BLC Corporation, a newly formed company that was a subsidiary of then existing SLM Corporation, and, pursuant to the SLM Merger, New BLC Corporation replaced then existing SLM Corporation as the publicly-traded registrant and changed its name to SLM Corporation. As part of the internal corporate reorganization, the assets and liabilities associated with the education loan management, servicing and asset recovery business were transferred to Navient, and those assets and liabilities associated with the consumer banking business remained with or were transferred to the newly constituted SLM Corporation.  Immediately after the internal corporate reorganization, SLM Corporation owned all of the issued and outstanding shares of Navient common stock, which it distributed to the stockholders of existing SLM Corporation on April 30, 2014.  The internal reorganization and the distribution are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “Spin-Off” and SLM Corporation as it existed prior to completion of the Spin-Off is sometimes referred to herein as “Old SLM.”  SLM Corporation as it now exists after the Spin-Off is referred to herein as “Sallie Mae,” the “Company,” “SLM,” “we,” “our” or “us.” Upon completion of the internal reorganization, Old SLM became a limited liability company wholly-owned by Navient and changed its name to Navient, LLC. 

Private education loan originations will continue to be operated out of Sallie Mae Bank as a subsidiary of Sallie Mae. Sallie Mae Bank was chartered in 2005 and is a Utah industrial bank regulated by the UDFI and the FDIC.


F-9


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)


2. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation
Our financial reporting and accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). In conjunction with the Spin-Off, our audited consolidated financial are comprised of financial information relating to Sallie Mae Bank, Upromise and the Private Education Loan origination functions. Also included are certain general corporate overhead expenses allocated to Sallie Mae.
These carve-out financial statements are presented on a basis of accounting that reflects a change in reporting entity and have been adjusted for the effects of the Spin-Off. These carve-out financial statements and selected financial information represent only those operations, assets, liabilities and equity that form Sallie Mae on a stand-alone basis.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Key accounting policies that include significant judgments and estimates include the valuation of allowance for loan losses, fair value measurements, acquired intangible asset impairment assessments, and derivative accounting.
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SLM Corporation and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries after eliminating the effects of intercompany accounts and transactions.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash held in the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRB”) and commercial bank accounts, and other short-term liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less. Fees associated with investing cash and cash equivalents are amortized into interest income using the effective interest rate method.
Investments
Investments include mortgage-backed securities in 2013, and asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities in 2012. We record our investment purchases and sales on a trade date basis. The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are amortized using the effective interest rate method. We classify all of our investments with readily determinable fair values as trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity.
Investments that are not categorized as trading or held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale investments are recorded in equity and are reported as a component of other comprehensive income/(loss), net of applicable income taxes, unless a decline in the investment’s value is considered to be other-than-temporary, in which case the loss is recorded directly to earnings.
Management reviews all investments at least quarterly to determine whether any impairment is other-than-temporary. Impairment is evaluated by considering several factors including the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability to retain the investment to allow for an anticipated recovery in fair value. If, based on the analysis, it is determined that the impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to fair value and a loss is recognized through earnings.
Loans Held for Investment
Loans, consisting of Private Education Loans and FFELP loans, that we have the ability and intent to hold for the foreseeable future are classified as held for investment, and are carried at amortized cost. Amortized cost includes the unamortized premiums, discounts, and capitalized origination costs and fees, all of which are amortized to interest income as discussed under “Loan Interest Income.” Loans which are held for investment are reported net of an allowance for loan losses.

F-10


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
2.
Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
 


We also participate in FFELP rehabilitation loan auctions whereby we bid on portfolios of rehabilitated FFELP loans offered for sale by guarantors. For a loan to be eligible for rehabilitation, the guaranty agency must have received reasonable and affordable payments for 9 out of 10 months, at which time the borrower may request that the loan be rehabilitated. Because monthly payments are usually greater after rehabilitation, not all borrowers request rehabilitation. Upon rehabilitation, a borrower is again eligible for all of the benefits under the Higher Education Act that he or she was not eligible as a borrower on a defaulted loan, such as new federal aid, and the default on the borrower’s credit record is expunged. No student loan may be rehabilitated more than once. We purchased $474,293 and $410,049 of these loans in 2013 and 2012, respectively, at 95 percent to 102.5 percent of par value. These loans are subject to our Allowance for Loan Loss reserve methodology.
In 2012, we purchased $408,891 of other FFELP, non-rehabilitated loans. These loans were purchased at 100.5 percent of par value. In 2012 we assumed a forward purchase agreement with Fifth Third Bank, as discussed further in Note 11, “Related Party Transactions.” Under this agreement, we purchased $36,536 and $30,020 of loans at par in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Allowance for Loan Losses
We consider a loan to be impaired when, based on current information, a loss has been incurred and it is probable that we will not receive all contractual amounts due. When making our assessment as to whether a loan is impaired, we also take into account more than insignificant delays in payment. We generally evaluate impaired loans on an aggregate basis by grouping similar loans. We maintain an allowance for loan losses at an amount sufficient to absorb probable losses incurred in our portfolios at the reporting date based on a projection of estimated probable credit losses incurred in the portfolio.
We analyze our portfolio to determine the effects that the various stages of delinquency and forbearance have on borrower default behavior and ultimate charge-off. We estimate the allowance for loan losses for our loan portfolio using a migration analysis of delinquent and current accounts. A migration analysis is a technique used to estimate the likelihood that a loan receivable may progress through the various delinquency stages and ultimately charge off. We also take into account the current and future economic environment when calculating the allowance for loan losses. We analyze key economic statistics and the effect they have on future defaults.
The evaluation of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant changes. Our default estimates are based on a loss confirmation period of two years (two years being the expected period between a loss event and when management considers the debt to be uncollectible), taking into consideration account management practices that affect the timing of a loss, such as the usage of forbearance. The two-year estimate underlying the allowance for loan losses is subject to a number of assumptions. If actual future performance in delinquency, charge-offs and recoveries are significantly different than estimated, or account management assumptions or practices were to change, this could materially affect the estimate of the allowance for loan losses, the timing of when losses are recognized, and the related provision for loan losses on our consolidated statements of income.
Below we describe in further detail our policies and procedures for the allowance for loan losses as they relate to our Private Education Loan and FFELP Loan portfolios.
Allowance for Private Education Loan Losses
We determine the collectability of our Private Education Loan portfolio by evaluating certain risk characteristics. We consider school type, credit score, existence of a cosigner, loan status and loan seasoning as the key credit quality indicators because they have the most significant effect on the determination of the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses. The type of school borrowers attend can have an impact on their job prospects after graduation and therefore affects their ability to make payments. Credit scores are an indicator of the creditworthiness of a borrower and the higher the credit score the more likely it is the borrower will be able to make all of their contractual payments. Loan status affects the credit risk because a past due loan is more likely to result in a credit loss than an up-to-date loan. Additionally, loans in the deferred payment status have different credit risk profiles compared with those in current pay status. Loan seasoning affects credit risk because a loan with a history of making payments generally has a lower incidence of default than a loan with a history of making infrequent or no payments. The existence of a cosigner lowers the likelihood of default. We monitor and update these credit quality indicators in the analysis of the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis.

To estimate the probable credit losses incurred in the loan portfolio at the reporting date, we use historical experience of borrower payment behavior in connection with the key credit quality indicators and incorporate management expectations regarding macroeconomic and collection procedure factors. The model is based upon the most recent twelve months of actual

F-11


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
2.
Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
 


collection experience as the starting point and applies, when appropriate, expected macroeconomic changes and collection procedure changes to estimate expected losses caused by loss events incurred as of the balance sheet date. The model places a greater emphasis on the more recent default experience rather than the default experience for older historical periods, as management believes the recent default experience is more indicative of the probable losses incurred in the portfolio today. Similar to estimating defaults, we use historical borrower payment behavior to estimate the timing and amount of future recoveries on charged off loans. We use judgment in determining whether historical performance is representative of what we expect to collect in the future. We then apply the default and collection rate projections to each category of loans. Once the quantitative calculation is performed, we review the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and determine if qualitative adjustments need to be considered. Additionally, we consider changes in laws and regulations that could potentially impact the allowance for loan losses. We believe that the model reflects recent customer behavior, loan performance, and collection performance, as well as expectations about economic factors.
Certain Private Education Loans do not require borrowers to begin repayment until six months after they have graduated or otherwise left school. Consequently, the loss estimates for these programs is generally low while the borrower is in school. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, 39 percent and 32 percent, respectively, of the principal balance in the Private Education Loan portfolio was related to borrowers who are in an in-school, grace, or deferment status and not required to make payments. As this population of borrowers leaves school, they will be required to begin payments on their loans, and the allowance for losses may change accordingly.
Similar to the rules governing FFELP payment requirements, our collection policies allow for periods of nonpayment for borrowers requesting additional payment grace periods upon leaving school or experiencing temporary difficulty meeting payment obligations. This is referred to as forbearance status and is considered separately in the allowance for loan losses. The loss confirmation period is in alignment with the typical collection cycle and takes into account these periods of nonpayment.
As part of concluding on the adequacy of the allowance for loan loss, we review key allowance and loan metrics. The most relevant of these metrics considered are the allowance coverage of charge-offs ratio; the allowance as a percentage of total loans and of loans in repayment; and delinquency and forbearance percentages.
We consider a loan to be delinquent 31 days after the last payment was contractually due. We use a model to estimate the amount of uncollectible accrued interest on Private Education Loans and reserve for that amount against current period interest income.
Because, prior to the Spin-Off, we sold loans that met the related criteria under an agreement with an affiliate, we did not anticipate any loan losses related to the Private Education Loan portfolio. However, in the event we are unable to sell these delinquent Private Education Loan portfolios to the affiliate, the loan principal would be charged off against the allowance when the loan exceeded 120 days delinquency. This is different from the assumption underlying the 2 year loss emergence period. Post-Spin-Off we will record charge-offs against loans that exceed 120 days past due. As a result, post Spin-Off we will be reducing the loss emergence period to reflect this change as well as other changes in our servicing practices. We are unable to quantify the impact of the change in our charge-off policy at this time.
Allowance for FFELP Loan Losses
FFELP Loans are insured as to their principal and accrued interest in the event of default subject to a Risk Sharing level based on the date of loan disbursement. These insurance obligations are supported by contractual rights against the United States. For loans disbursed after October 1, 1993, and before July 1, 2006, we receive 98 percent reimbursement on all qualifying default claims. For loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2006, we receive 97 percent reimbursement. For loans disbursed prior to October 1, 1993, we receive 100 percent reimbursement.
Similar to the allowance for Private Education Loan losses, the allowance for FFELP Loan losses uses historical experience of customer default behavior and a two-year loss confirmation period to estimate the credit losses incurred in the loan portfolio at the reporting date. We apply the default rate projections, net of applicable Risk Sharing, to each category for the current period to perform our quantitative calculation. Once the quantitative calculation is performed, we review the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and determine if qualitative adjustments need to be considered.
Deposits
Our deposit accounts are principally certificates of deposit (“CD”), money market deposit accounts (“MMDA”), negotiable orders of withdrawal (“NOW”) accounts, and high yield savings (“HYS”) accounts. CDs are accounts that have a

F-12


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
2.
Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
 


stipulated maturity and interest rate. Early withdrawal of Brokered CD’s is prohibited (except in the case of death or legal incapacity). Retail CD’s may be withdrawn early but a penalty is assessed. MMDA, NOW and HYS accounts are both interest and non-interest bearing accounts that have no maturity or expiration date. The depositor is not required by the deposit contract, but may at any time be required by the Company, to give written notice of any intended withdrawal not less than seven days before the withdrawal is made.
Upromise related liabilities
Upromise related liabilities represent amounts owed to Upromise rewards members for rebates they have earned from qualifying purchases from Upromise’s participating companies. These amounts are held in trust for the benefit of the members until distributed in accordance with the Upromise member’s request and/or the terms of the Upromise service agreement. Upromise, which acts as the trustee for the trust, has deposited a majority of the cash with Sallie Mae Bank pursuant to a money market deposit account agreement between Sallie Mae Bank and Upromise as trustee of the trust.
Fair Value Measurement

We use estimates of fair value in applying various accounting standards for our financial statements. Fair value measurements are used in one of five ways:

In the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statement of income;
In the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income section of the consolidated statement of changes in equity;
In the consolidated balance sheet for instruments carried at lower of cost or fair value with impairment charges recorded in the consolidated statement of income;
In the notes to the consolidated financial statements; and
In the measurement of related party transactions.
Fair value is defined as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing and able market participants. In general, our policy in estimating fair value is to first look at observable market prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets, where available. When these are not available, other inputs are used to model fair value such as prices of similar instruments, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, default rates and credit spreads (including for our liabilities), relying first on observable data from active markets. Depending on current market conditions, additional adjustments to fair value may be based on factors such as liquidity, credit, and bid/offer spreads. Transaction costs are not included in the determination of fair value. When possible, we seek to validate the model’s output to market transactions. Depending on the availability of observable inputs and prices, different valuation models could produce materially different fair value estimates. The values presented may not represent future fair values and may not be realizable.
We categorize our fair value estimates based on a hierarchical framework associated with three levels of price transparency utilized in measuring financial instruments at fair value. Classification is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value of the instrument. The three levels are as follows:
Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date. The types of financial instruments included in level 1 are highly liquid instruments with quoted prices.
Level 2 — Inputs from active markets, other than quoted prices for identical instruments, are used to determine fair value. Significant inputs are directly observable from active markets for substantially the full term of the asset or liability being valued.
Level 3 — Pricing inputs significant to the valuation are unobservable. Inputs are developed based on the best information available. However, significant judgment is required by us in developing the inputs.
 
Loan Interest Income
For loans classified as held for investment, we recognize interest income as earned, adjusted for (i) the amortization of premiums and capitalized direct origination costs, (ii) accretion of discounts, and (iii) the effect of borrower utilization of incentives for timely payment (“Repayment Borrower Benefits”). These adjustments are recognized based upon the expected yield of the loan over its life after giving effect to prepayments and extensions, and to estimates related to Repayment Borrower Benefits. The estimate of the prepayment speed includes the effect of voluntary prepayments, student loan defaults, and

F-13


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
2.
Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
 


consolidation (if the loan is consolidated to a third party), all of which shorten the life-of-loan. Prepayment speed estimates also consider the utilization of deferment, forbearance, and extended repayment plans, which lengthen the life-of-loan. For Repayment Borrower Benefits, the estimates of their effect on student loan yield are based on analyses of historical payment behavior of customers who are eligible for the incentives and its effect on the ultimate qualification rate for these incentives. We regularly evaluate the assumptions used to estimate the prepayment speeds and the qualification rates used for Repayment Borrower Benefits. In instances where there are changes to the assumptions, amortization is adjusted on a cumulative basis to reflect the change since the origination of the loan. We also pay to ED an annual 105 basis point Consolidation Loan Rebate Fee on FFELP Consolidation Loans which is netted against loan interest income. Additionally, interest earned on student loans reflects potential non-payment adjustments in accordance with our uncollectible interest recognition policy as discussed further in “Allowance for Loan Losses” of this Note 2. We do not amortize any premiums, discounts or other adjustments to the basis of student loans when they are classified as held-for-sale.
We recognize certain fee income (primarily late fees) on student loans when earned according to the contractual provisions of the promissory notes, as well as our expectation of collectability. Fee income is recorded when earned in “other non-interest income” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Interest Expense
Interest expense is based upon contractual interest rates adjusted for the amortization of issuance costs and premiums and the accretion of discounts. We incur interest expense on interest bearing deposits comprised of non-maturity savings deposits, brokered and retail certificates of deposit and brokered money market deposits.  Interest expense is recognized when amounts are contractually due to deposit holders.  Refer to Note 7, “Deposits,” for further details of interest bearing deposits.
Other Income
We participate and sell loans to related parties and others. These loans are initially recorded as held for investment, and are transferred to held-for-sale immediately prior to sale or participation. Prior to April 2012, loans were sold for more than the loan's fair value, and the difference was recorded as additional paid-in-capital. Beginning in April 2012, loans were sold at fair value. Details of these transactions are further discussed in Note 11, “Related Party Transactions.”
Our Upromise subsidiary has a number of programs that encourage consumers to save for the cost of college education. We have established a consumer savings network which is designed to promote college savings by consumers who are members of this program by encouraging them to purchase goods and services from the companies that participate in the program (“Participating Companies”). Participating Companies generally pay Upromise fees based on member purchase volume, either online or in stores depending on the contractual arrangement with the Participating Company. We recognize revenue as marketing and administrative services are rendered based upon contractually determined rates and member purchase volumes.
Derivative Accounting
We account for our derivatives, consisting of interest rate swaps and certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability. Derivative positions are recorded as net positions by counterparty based on master netting arrangements (see Note 9, “Derivative Financial Instruments”) exclusive of accrued interest and cash collateral held or pledged. We determine the fair value for our derivative contracts primarily using pricing models that consider current market conditions and the contractual terms of the derivative contract. These factors include interest rates, time value, forward interest rate curves, and volatility factors. Inputs are generally from active financial markets.
The majority of our derivatives qualify as effective hedges. For these derivatives, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged items (including the hedged risk and method for assessing effectiveness), as well as the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship, is documented.
Each derivative is designated to a specific (or pool of) liability(ies) on the consolidated balance sheets, and is designated as a “fair value” hedge. Fair value hedges are designed to hedge our exposure to changes in fair value of a fixed rate liability due to a change in the market of interest designated as one-month LIBOR. For effective fair value hedges, both the hedge and the hedged item (for the risk being hedged) are recorded at fair value with any difference reflecting ineffectiveness which is recorded immediately in the consolidated statements of income. The assessment of the hedge’s effectiveness is performed at inception and on an ongoing basis, generally using regression testing. For hedges of a pool of liabilities, tests are performed to

F-14


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
2.
Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
 


demonstrate the similarity of individual instruments of the pool. When it is determined that a derivative is not currently an effective hedge, ineffectiveness is recognized for the full change in fair value of the derivative with no offsetting amount from the hedged item for the current period. If it is also determined the hedge will not be effective in the future, we discontinue the hedge accounting prospectively, cease recording changes in the fair value of the hedged item, and begin amortization of any basis adjustments that exist related to the hedged item.
Stock-Based Compensation
We recognize stock-based compensation cost in our consolidated statements of income using the fair value method. Under this method we determine the fair value of the stock-based compensation at the time of the grant and recognize the resulting compensation expense over the vesting period of the stock-based grant.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability approach which requires the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of our assets and liabilities. To the extent tax laws change, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted in the period that the tax change is enacted.
“Income tax expense/(benefit)” includes (i) deferred tax expense/(benefit), which represents the net change in the deferred tax asset or liability balance during the year when applicable, and (ii) current tax expense/(benefit), which represents the amount of tax currently payable to or receivable from a tax authority plus amounts accrued for unrecognized tax benefits. Income tax expense/(benefit) excludes the tax effects related to adjustments recorded in equity.
An uncertain tax position is recognized only if it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. The amount of tax benefit recognized in the financial statements is the largest amount of benefit that is more than fifty percent likely of being sustained upon ultimate settlement of the uncertain tax position. We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense/(benefit), and penalties, if any, in operating expenses.

3. Cash and Cash Equivalents
As of December 31, 2013, cash and cash equivalents include cash due from the FRB of $2,181,463 and cash due from depository institutions of $1,402. As of December 31, 2012, cash and cash equivalents include cash due from the FRB of $1,597,422, and cash due from depository institutions of $1,660. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had no outstanding cash equivalents.
In 2010, the FRB introduced the Term Deposit Facility to facilitate the conduct of monetary policy by providing a tool that may be used to manage the aggregate quantity of reserve balances held by depository institutions. Under this program the FRB accepts deposits for a stated maturity at a rate of interest determined via auction. The funds are removed from the accounts of participating institutions for the life of the term deposit. We participated in these auctions in 2013 and 2012, resulting in interest income of $813 and $77, respectively. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no funds were on deposit with the FRB under this program.
We are required to maintain average reserve balances with the FRB based on a percentage of deposits. The average amounts of those reserves for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $1,548 and $2,614, respectively.


F-15


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)


4. Investments

The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale are as follows:

 
 
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
106,977

 
$
706

 
$
(5,578
)
 
$
102,105

Available for sale securities
 
$
106,977

 
$
706

 
$
(5,578
)
 
$
102,105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2012
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
Asset-backed securities
 
$
510,666

 
$
21,608

 
$
(119
)
 
$
532,155

Mortgage-backed securities
 
60,943

 
2,046

 
(397
)
 
62,592

Available for sale securities
 
$
571,609

 
$
23,654

 
$
(516
)
 
$
594,747

 
    
As of December 31, 2013, there were 20 of 33 separate mortgage-backed securities with unrealized losses in our investment portfolio. Ten of the 20 securities in a net loss position were issued under Ginnie Mae programs that carry a full faith and credit guarantee from the U.S. Government. The remaining securities in a net loss position carry a principal and interest guarantee by Fannie Mae. As of December 31, 2012, there were two separate mortgage-backed securities with unrealized losses in our investment portfolio. Both securities were issued by Ginnie Mae, which carries an unconditional principal and interest guarantee backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. We have the ability and the intent to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient for the market price to recover to at least the adjusted amortized cost of the security.
The expected payments on mortgage-backed securities may not coincide with their contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to prepay certain obligations. Accordingly, these securities are not included in a maturities distribution.
As of December 31, 2013, the amortized cost and fair value of securities, by contractual maturities, were as follows:
Year of Maturity
 
Amortized Cost
 
Estimated Fair Value
2038
 
$
1,005

 
$
1,073

2039
 
14,409

 
15,047

2042
 
30,580

 
27,571

2043
 
60,983

 
58,414

Total
 
$
106,977

 
$
102,105


In October 2013, we sold our asset-backed security portfolio for a gain of $63,813, and as such, we no longer hold asset-backed securities in our investment portfolio.

The asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities have been pledged to the FRB as collateral against any advances and accrued interest under the Primary Credit program or any other program sponsored by the FRB. We had $0 and $628,698 par value of asset-backed and $103,049 and $58,406 par value of mortgage-backed securities pledged to this borrowing facility at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as discussed further in Note 8, “Borrowed Funds.”


F-16


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)


5. Loans Held for Investment

Loans Held for Investment consist of Private Education Loans and FFELP.
Our Private Education Loans are made largely to bridge the gap between the cost of higher education and the amount funded through financial aid, federal loans or customers’ resources. Private Education Loans bear the full credit risk of the customer. We manage this additional risk through historical risk-performance underwriting strategies and the addition of qualified cosigners. Private Education Loans generally carry a variable rate indexed to LIBOR or Prime indices. We encourage customers to include a cosigner on the loan, and the majority of loans in our portfolio are cosigned. We also encourage customers to make payments while in school.
FFELP Loans are insured as to their principal and accrued interest in the event of default subject to a Risk Sharing level based on the date of loan disbursement.
Loans held for investment are summarized as follows:

 
 
December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
Private Education Loans
 
$
6,563,342

 
$
5,507,908

Unearned discounts
 
(10,096
)
 
(9,311
)
Allowance for loan losses
 
(61,763
)
 
(65,218
)
Unamortized origination costs, net
 
15,159

 
14,320

Total Private Education Loans, net
 
6,506,642

 
5,447,699

 
 
 
 
 
FFELP Loans
 
1,426,972

 
1,043,521

Unamortized acquisition costs, net
 
4,081

 
205

Allowance for loan losses
 
(6,318
)
 
(3,971
)
Total FFELP Loans, net
 
1,424,735

 
1,039,755

 
 
 
 
 
Loans held for investment, net
 
$
7,931,377

 
$
6,487,454


 
The estimated weighted average life of student loans in our portfolio was approximately 7.0 years and 7.2 years at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Private Education Loans average balance was $5,996,883 and $5,328,048 and the weighted average interest rate was 8.16 percent and 8.38 percent at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The FFELP Loan average balance was $1,167,798 and $546,987 and the weighted average interest rate was 3.25 percent and 2.75 percent at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Certain Collection Tools — Private Education Loans
Similar to FFELP loans, Private Education Loans are generally non-dischargeable in bankruptcy. Most loans have repayment terms of 15 years or more, and for loans made prior to 2009, payments are typically deferred until after graduation; however, since 2009 we began to encourage interest-only or fixed payment options while the customer is enrolled in school and today, the majority of new customers make payments while in school.
Forbearance involves granting the customer a temporary cessation of payments (or temporary acceptance of smaller than scheduled payments) for a specified period of time. Using forbearance extends the original term of the loan. Forbearance does not grant any reduction in the total repayment obligation (principal or interest). While in forbearance status, interest continues to accrue and is capitalized to principal when the loan re-enters repayment status. Our forbearance policies include limits on the

F-17


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
5.
Loans Held for Investment (Continued)
 

number of forbearance months granted consecutively and the total number of forbearance months granted over the life of the loan. In some instances, we require good-faith payments before granting forbearance. Exceptions to forbearance policies are permitted when such exceptions are judged to increase the likelihood of collection of the loan. Forbearance as a collection tool is used most effectively when applied based on a customer’s unique situation, including historical information and judgments. We leverage updated customer information and other decision support tools to best determine who will be granted forbearance based on our expectations as to a customer’s ability and willingness to repay their obligation. This strategy is aimed at mitigating the overall risk of the portfolio as well as encouraging cash resolution of delinquent loans.
Forbearance may be granted to customers who are exiting their grace period to provide additional time to obtain employment and income to support their obligations, or to current customers who are faced with a hardship and request forbearance time to provide temporary payment relief. In these circumstances, a customer’s loan is placed into a forbearance status in limited monthly increments and is reflected in the forbearance status at month-end during this time. At the end of the granted forbearance period, the customer will enter repayment status as current and is expected to begin making scheduled monthly payments on a go-forward basis.
Forbearance may also be granted to customers who are delinquent in their payments. In these circumstances, the forbearance cures the delinquency and the customer is returned to a current repayment status. In more limited instances, delinquent customers will also be granted additional forbearance time.
We also have an interest rate reduction program to assist customers in repaying their Private Education Loans through reduced payments, while continuing to reduce their outstanding principal balance. This program is offered in situations where the potential for principal recovery, through a modification of the monthly payment amount, is better than other alternatives currently available. Along with demonstrating the ability and willingness to pay, the customer must make three consecutive monthly payments at the reduced rate to qualify for the program. Once the customer has made the initial three payments, the loan’s status is returned to current and the interest rate is reduced for the successive twelve month period.
During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we did not utilize these collection tools because we sold loans that would otherwise be managed using one or more of these tools to an affiliate before the tools would have been implemented. See Note 11, “Related Party Transactions.”
The period of delinquency for loans is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had $220,413 and $144,507, respectively, of FFELP loans and $2,667 and $1,793, respectively, of Private Education Loans held for investment which are 90 or more days delinquent that continue to accrue interest. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had no loans in nonaccrual status.
Borrower-in-Custody Arrangements
We maintain Borrower-in-Custody arrangements with the FRB. Under these arrangements, we can pledge FFELP consolidation or Private Education Loans to the FRB to secure any advances and accrued interest generated under the Primary Credit program at the FRB. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had $95,555 and $101,197, respectively, of FFELP consolidation loans and $870,736 and $527,698, respectively, of Private Education Loans pledged to this borrowing facility, as discussed further in Note 8, “Borrowed Funds.”
Loans Held for Investment by Region
At December 31, 2013, 37.84 percent of loans were concentrated in the following states:
 
 
2013
California
 
9.75
%
New York
 
9.30

Pennsylvania
 
7.47

New Jersey
 
6.19

Illinois
 
5.13

 
 
37.84
%

F-18


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
5.
Loans Held for Investment (Continued)
 

    
    
At December 31, 2012, 38.57 percent of loans were concentrated in the following states:

 
 
2012
New York
 
10.04
%
California
 
9.12

Pennsylvania
 
7.59

New Jersey
 
6.47

Illinois
 
5.35

 
 
38.57
%

No other state had a concentration of loans in excess of 5 percent of the aggregate outstanding loans held for investment.


6. Allowance for Loan Losses
Our provisions for loan losses represent the periodic expense of maintaining an allowance sufficient to absorb incurred probable losses, net of expected recoveries, in the held-for-investment loan portfolios. The evaluation of the provisions for loan losses is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant changes. We believe that the allowance for loan losses is appropriate to cover probable losses incurred in the loan portfolios.
 
Prior to the Spin-Off, loans were sold to an affiliate for two reasons: (i) to fund the loans to term through the issuance of an asset-backed securitization and (ii) to enable the affiliates to manage loans that were granted forbearance or were 90 days or more past due. As a result of these past practices, our historical credit results do not reflect charge-offs or recoveries. The following results have not been adjusted to reflect what the delinquencies, charge-offs and recoveries would have been, had we not sold these loans to our affiliates.


F-19


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
6.
Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)
 

Allowance for Loan Losses Metrics
 
 
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2013
 
 
FFELP Loans
 
Private Education
Loans
 
Total
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
3,971

 
$
65,218

 
$
69,189

Total provision
 
4,384

 
64,955

 
69,339

Charge-offs(1)
 
(2,037
)
 

 
(2,037
)
Student loan sales(2)
 

 
(68,410
)
 
(68,410
)
Ending Balance
 
$
6,318

 
$
61,763

 
$
68,081

Allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
 
$

 
$

 
$

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
6,318

 
$
61,763

 
$
68,081

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
 
$

 
$

 
$

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
1,426,972

 
$
6,563,342

 
$
7,990,314

Charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment
 
0.23
%
 
%
 
 
Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance
 
0.44
%
 
0.94
%
 
 
Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment
 
0.62
%
 
1.55
%
 
 
Allowance coverage of charge-offs
 
3.10

 

 
 
Ending total loans
 
$
1,426,972

 
$
6,563,342

 
 
Average loans in repayment
 
$
870,460

 
$
3,509,502

 
 
Ending loans in repayment
 
$
1,023,471

 
$
3,972,317

 
 
(1) 
Charge-offs are reported net of expected recoveries. Private Education Loans were sold to an affiliate prior to being charged-off.
(2) 
Represents fair value write-downs on delinquent loans sold to an affiliate recorded at the time of sale.


 

F-20


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
6.
Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)
 

 
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
 
FFELP Loans
 
Private Education
Loans
 
Total
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
402

 
$
69,090

 
$
69,492

Total provision
 
3,669

 
62,447

 
66,116

Charge-offs(1)
 
(100
)
 

 
(100
)
Student loan sales(2)
 

 
(66,319
)
 
(66,319
)
Ending Balance
 
$
3,971

 
$
65,218

 
$
69,189

Allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
 
$

 
$

 
$

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
3,971

 
$
65,218

 
$
69,189

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
 
$

 
$

 
$

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
1,043,521

 
$
5,507,908

 
$
6,551,429

Charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment
 
0.03
%
 
%
 
 
Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance
 
0.38
%
 
1.18
%
 
 
Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment
 
0.52
%
 
1.74
%
 
 
Allowance coverage of charge-offs
 
39.77

 

 
 
Ending total loans
 
$
1,043,521

 
$
5,507,908

 
 
Average loans in repayment
 
$
367,789

 
$
3,928,692

 
 
Ending loans in repayment
 
$
770,772

 
$
3,750,223

 
 
(1)
Charge-offs are reported net of expected recoveries. Private Education Loans were sold to an affiliate prior to being charged-off.
(2)
Represents fair value write-downs on delinquent loans sold to an affiliate recorded at the time of sale.



F-21


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
6.
Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)
 


 
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
FFELP Loans
 
Private Education
Loans
 
Total
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
201

 
$
49,738

 
$
49,939

Total provision
 
299

 
85,037

 
85,336

Charge-offs(1)
 
(98
)
 

 
(98
)
Student loan sales(2)
 

 
(65,685
)
 
(65,685
)
Ending balance
 
$
402

 
$
69,090

 
$
69,492

Allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
 
$

 
$

 
$

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
402

 
$
69,090

 
$
69,492

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
 
$

 
$

 
$

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
238,648

 
$
5,172,369

 
$
5,411,017

Charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment
 
0.07
%
 
%
 
 
Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance
 
0.17
%
 
1.34
%
 
 
Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment
 
0.25
%
 
1.63
%
 
 
Allowance coverage of charge-offs
 
4.12

 

 
 
Ending total loans
 
$
238,648

 
$
5,172,369

 
 
Average loans in repayment
 
$
142,622

 
$
3,832,531

 
 
Ending loans in repayment
 
$
158,436

 
$
4,249,703

 
 
(1) Charge-offs are reported net of expected recoveries. Private Education Loans were sold to an affiliate prior to being charged-off.
(2) Represents fair value write-downs on delinquent loans sold to an affiliate recorded at the time of sale.

All of our loans are collectively assessed for impairment. There were no loans that were individually evaluated for impairment in 2013, 2012 or 2011, respectively.
Within the Private Education Loan portfolio, loans greater than 90 days past due are considered to be nonperforming. FFELP Loans are at least 97 percent guaranteed as to their principal and accrued interest by the federal government in the event of default and therefore we do not deem FFELP Loans as nonperforming from a credit risk standpoint at any point in their life cycle prior to claim payment, and continue to accrue interest through the date of claim.


F-22


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
6.
Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)
 

Key Credit Quality Indicators
FFELP Loans are substantially insured and guaranteed as to their principal and accrued interest in the event of default; therefore, the key credit quality indicator for this portfolio is loan status. The impact of changes in loan status is incorporated quarterly into the allowance for loan losses calculation.
For Private Education Loans, the key credit quality indicators are school type, FICO scores, the existence of a cosigner, the loan status and loan seasoning. The school type/FICO score are assessed at origination and maintained through the traditional/non-traditional loan designation. The other Private Education Loan key quality indicators can change and are incorporated monthly into the allowance for loan losses calculation. The following table highlights the gross principal balance of our Private Education Loan portfolio stratified by key credit quality indicators.

 
 
Private Education Loans Credit Quality Indicators
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Credit Quality Indicators:
 
Balance(1)
 
% of Balance
 
Balance(1)
 
% of Balance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cosigners:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With cosigner
 
$
5,898,751

 
90
%
 
$
4,960,412

 
90
%
Without cosigner
 
664,591

 
10

 
547,496

 
10

Total
 
$
6,563,342

 
100
%
 
$
5,507,908

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FICO at Origination:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than 670
 
$
461,412

 
7
%
 
$
394,767

 
7
%
670-709
 
1,364,286

 
21

 
1,074,885

 
20

710-749
 
1,649,192

 
25

 
1,362,208

 
25

Greater than or equal to 750
 
3,088,452

 
47

 
2,676,048

 
48

Total
 
$
6,563,342

 
100
%
 
$
5,507,908

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seasoning(2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-12 payments
 
$
1,840,538

 
28
%
 
$
1,676,726

 
30
%
13-24 payments
 
1,085,393

 
17

 
1,500,799

 
27

25-36 payments
 
669,685

 
10

 
540,934

 
10

37-48 payments
 
362,124

 
6

 
33,100

 
1

More than 48 payments
 
30,891

 

 
7,592

 

Not yet in repayment
 
2,574,711

 
39

 
1,748,757

 
32

Total
 
$
6,563,342

 
100
%
 
$
5,507,908

 
100
%
(1) 
Balance represents gross Private Education Loans.
(2) 
Number of months in active repayment for which a scheduled payment was due.

F-23


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
6.
Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)
 


 The following tables provide information regarding the loan status and aging of past due loans.

 
 
Private Education Loan Delinquencies
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
Balance
 
%
 
Balance
 
%
 
Balance
 
%
Loans in-school/grace/deferment(1)
 
$
2,574,711

 
 
 
$
1,748,757

 
 
 
$
917,442

 
 
Loans in forbearance(2)
 
16,314

 
 
 
8,928

 
 
 
5,224

 
 
Loans in repayment and percentage of each status:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans current
 
3,933,143

 
99.0
%
 
3,705,634

 
98.8
%
 
4,177,281

 
98.3
%
Loans delinquent 31-60 days(3)
 
28,854

 
0.7

 
33,412

 
0.9

 
55,689

 
1.3

Loans delinquent 61-90 days(3)
 
10,280

 
0.3

 
10,483

 
0.3

 
14,993

 
0.4

Loans delinquent greater than 90 days(3)
 
40

 

 
694

 

 
1,740

 

Total private education loans in repayment
 
3,972,317

 
100.0
%
 
3,750,223

 
100.0
%
 
4,249,703

 
100.0
%
Total private education loans, gross
 
6,563,342

 
 
 
5,507,908

 
 
 
5,172,369

 
 
Private education loans unamortized discount
 
5,063

 
 
 
5,009

 
 
 
(40,491
)
 
 
Total private education loans
 
6,568,405

 
 
 
5,512,917

 
 
 
5,131,878

 
 
Private education loans allowance for losses
 
(61,763
)
 
 
 
(65,218
)
 
 
 
(69,090
)
 
 
Private education loans, net
 
$
6,506,642

 
 
 
$
5,447,699

 
 
 
$
5,062,788

 
 
Percentage of private education loans in repayment
 
 
 
60.5
%
 
 
 
68.1
%
 
 
 
82.2
%
Delinquencies as a percentage of private education loans in repayment
 
 
 
1.0
%
 
 
 
1.2
%
 
 
 
1.7
%
Loans in forbearance as a percentage of loans in repayment and forbearance
 
 
 
0.4
%
 
 
 
0.2
%
 
 
 
0.1
%
(1)
Deferment includes customers who have returned to school or are engaged in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on the loans (e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation).
(2)
Loans for customers who have requested extension of grace period generally during employment transition or who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors, consistent with established loan program servicing policies and procedures.
(3)
The period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due.
 





F-24


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
6.
Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)
 

 
 
FFELP Loan Delinquencies
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
Balance
 
%
 
Balance
 
%
 
Balance
 
%
Loans in-school/grace/deferment(1)
 
$
132,624

 
 
 
$
108,644

 
 
 
$
24,345

 
 
Loans in forbearance(2)
 
270,877

 
 
 
164,105

 
 
 
55,867

 
 
Loans in repayment and percentage of each status:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans current
 
667,025

 
65.2
%
 
502,128

 
65.2
%
 
142,928

 
90.2
%
Loans delinquent 31-60 days(3)
 
80,199

 
7.8

 
77,438

 
10.0

 
5,910

 
3.7

Loans delinquent 61-90 days(3)
 
55,954

 
5.5

 
47,742

 
6.2

 
3,162

 
2.0

Loans delinquent greater than 90 days(3)
 
220,293

 
21.5

 
143,464

 
18.6

 
6,436

 
4.1

Total FFELP Loans in repayment
 
1,023,471

 
100.0
%
 
770,772

 
100.0
%
 
158,436

 
100.0
%
Total FFELP Loans, gross
 
1,426,972

 
 
 
1,043,521

 
 
 
238,648

 
 
FFELP Loan unamortized premium
 
4,081

 
 
 
205

 
 
 
1,206

 
 
Total FFELP Loans
 
1,431,053

 
 
 
1,043,726

 
 
 
239,854

 
 
FFELP Loan allowance for losses
 
(6,318
)
 
 
 
(3,971
)
 
 
 
(402
)
 
 
FFELP Loans, net
 
$
1,424,735

 
 
 
$
1,039,755

 
 
 
$
239,452

 
 
Percentage of FFELP Loans in repayment
 
 
 
71.7
%
 
 
 
73.9
%
 
 
 
66.4
%
Delinquencies as a percentage of FFELP Loans in repayment
 
 
 
34.8
%
 
 
 
34.9
%
 
 
 
9.8
%
FFELP Loans in forbearance as a percentage of loans in repayment and forbearance
 
 
 
20.9
%
 
 
 
17.6
%
 
 
 
26.1
%
(1) 
Loans for customers who may still be attending school or engaging in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on the loans (e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation) as well as loans for customers who have requested and qualify for other permitted program deferments such as military, unemployment, or economic hardships.
(2) 
Loans for customers who have used their allowable deferment time or do not qualify for deferment, that need additional time to obtain employment or who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors.
(3) 
The period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due.
 
 
Accrued Interest Receivable
The following table provides information regarding accrued interest receivable on our Private Education Loans. The table also discloses the amount of accrued interest on loans greater than 90 days past due as compared to our allowance for uncollectible interest. The allowance for uncollectible interest exceeds the amount of accrued interest on our 90 days past due portfolio for all periods presented.
 
 
Private Education Loan
 
 
Accrued Interest Receivable
 
 
Total
 
Greater than 90 days Past Due
 
Allowance for Uncollectible Interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
$
333,857

 
$
1

 
$
4,076

December 31, 2012
 
$
215,752

 
$
33

 
$
3,608



F-25


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)



7. Deposits

The following table summarizes total deposits at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
 
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
Deposits - interest bearing
 
$
9,239,554

 
$
7,671,123

 
Deposits - non-interest bearing
 
55,036

 
128,776

 
Total Sallie Mae Bank deposits
 
9,294,590

 
7,799,899

 
Less money market deposits with Upromise subsidiary
 
(293,040
)
 
(302,566
)
 
Total deposits
 
$
9,001,550

 
$
7,497,333

 
Interest Bearing
Interest bearing deposits as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of non-maturity savings deposits, brokered and retail certificates of deposit and affiliated money market deposits, as discussed further below and brokered money market deposits. These deposit products are serviced by third party and related party providers. Placement fees associated with the brokered certificates of deposit are amortized into interest expense using the effective interest rate method. We recognized placement fee expense of $9,754 and $8,416 in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Fees paid to third party brokers related to these certificates of deposit were $12,114 and $16,484 during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
We also offer consumer deposit products in the form of debit cards associated with interest bearing NOW accounts to facilitate the distribution of financial aid refunds and other payables to students. These deposit products are serviced by third party providers.
Interest bearing deposits at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
 
Amount
 
Year-End Weighted Average Stated Rate
 
Amount
 
Year-End Weighted Average Stated Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market
 
$
3,505,929

 
0.60
%
 
$
2,469,876

 
0.61
%
 
Savings
 
743,742

 
0.81
%
 
734,643

 
0.91
%
 
NOW
 
18,214

 
0.12
%
 

 
%
 
Certificates of deposit
 
4,971,669

 
1.39
%
 
4,466,604

 
1.55
%
 
Deposits - interest bearing
 
$
9,239,554

 


 
$
7,671,123

 
 
 


F-26


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
7.
Deposits (Continued)
 

Certificates of deposit maturities are summarized as follows:
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
One year or less
 
$
2,030,190

 
$
1,261,445

After one year to two years
 
1,303,106

 
1,764,798

After two years to three years
 
675,405

 
789,129

After three years to four years
 
538,117

 
241,019

After four years to five years
 
424,851

 
410,213

Total
 
$
4,971,669

 
$
4,466,604


 As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were $452,678 and $435,449 of time deposits exceeding FDIC insurance limits. Accrued interest on deposits was $13,119 and $12,880 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Money market deposits with affiliates

Our Upromise subsidiary maintains a money market deposit at Sallie Mae Bank which totaled $293,040 and $302,566 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which was interest bearing. Interest expense incurred on these deposits during 2013 and 2012 totaled $318 and $0, respectively.

NonInterest Bearing

Noninterest bearing deposits as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of money market account deposits from affiliates and consumer (“NOW”) accounts. Noninterest bearing deposits at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are summarized as follows:
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
Money market
 
$
55,036

 
$
109,545

NOW accounts
 

 
19,231

Deposits - noninterest bearing
 
$
55,036

 
$
128,776


8. Borrowed Funds

We maintain discretionary uncommitted Federal Funds lines of credit with various correspondent banks, which totaled $100,000 at December 31, 2013. The interest rate charged to the Company on these lines of credit is priced at Fed Funds plus a spread at the time of borrowing, and is payable daily. We did not utilize these lines of credit in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
We established an account at the FRB to meet eligibility requirements for access to the Primary Credit borrowing facility at the FRB’s Discount Window (“Window”). All borrowings at the Window must be fully collateralized. We pledged asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, as well as FFELP consolidation and Private Education loans to the FRB as collateral for borrowings at the Window. Generally, collateral value is assigned based on the estimated fair value of the pledged assets. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the lendable value of our collateral at the FRB totaled $900,217 and $945,266, respectively. The interest rate charged to us is the discount rate set by the FRB. We did not utilize this facility in 2013 and 2012.


F-27


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)



9. Derivative Financial Instruments

Risk Management Strategy
We maintain an overall interest rate risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize the economic effect of interest rate changes. Our goal is to manage interest rate sensitivity by modifying the repricing frequency and underlying index characteristics of certain balance sheet assets and liabilities so the net interest margin is not, on a material basis, adversely affected by movements in interest rates. As a result of interest rate fluctuations, hedged assets and liabilities will appreciate or depreciate in market value. Income or loss on the derivative instruments that are linked to the hedged assets and liabilities will generally offset the effect of this unrealized appreciation or depreciation for the period the item is being hedged.
Although we use derivatives to offset (or minimize) the risk of interest rate changes, the use of derivatives does expose us to both market and credit risk. Market risk is the chance of financial loss resulting from changes in interest rates and market liquidity. Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not perform its obligations under a contract and it is limited to the loss of the fair value gain in a derivative that the counterparty owes us. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, we owe the counterparty and, therefore, have no credit risk exposure to the counterparty; however, the counterparty has exposure to us. We minimize the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with highly rated counterparties that are regularly reviewed. We also maintain a policy of requiring that all derivative contracts be governed by an International Swaps and Derivative Association Master Agreement. Depending on the nature of the derivative transaction, bilateral collateral arrangements generally are required as well. When we have more than one outstanding derivative transaction with the counterparty, and there exists legally enforceable netting provisions with the counterparty (i.e., a legal right to offset receivable and payable derivative contracts), the “net” mark-to-market exposure, less collateral the counterparty has posted to us, represents exposure with the counterparty. All existing agreements contain netting arrangements. When there is a net negative exposure, we consider our exposure to the counterparty to be zero. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had a net positive exposure (derivative gain positions to us less collateral which has been posted by counterparties to us) related to derivatives of $3,517 and $9,856, respectively.

Accounting for Derivative Instruments
Derivative instruments that are used as part of our interest rate risk management strategy are interest rate swaps. The accounting for derivative instruments requires that every derivative instrument, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair value. Our derivative instruments are classified and accounted for by us as fair value hedges.

Fair Value Hedges
Fair value hedges are generally used by us to hedge the exposure to changes in fair value of a recognized fixed rate asset or liability. We enter into interest rate swaps to economically convert fixed rate assets into variable rate assets and fixed rate debt into variable rate debt. For fair value hedges, we generally consider all components of the derivative’s gain and/or loss when assessing hedge effectiveness and generally hedge changes in fair values due to interest rates.

F-28


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
9.
Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued)
 



Summary of Derivative Financial Statement Impact
The following tables summarize the fair values and notional amounts of all derivative instruments at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and their impact on other comprehensive income and earnings for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Location
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Fair Values:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps (receive - fixed/pay - variable)(1)
Other assets
 
$
612

 
$
31,278

 
$
49,931

Total fair value
 
 
$
612

 
$
31,278

 
$
49,931

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notional Amounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps (receive - fixed/pay - variable)(1)
 
 
$
2,664,755

 
$
3,540,586

 
$
3,235,790

Other(2)
 
 

 
628,698

 
628,698

Total notional
 
 
$
2,664,755

 
$
4,169,284

 
$
3,864,488

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings impact:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hedge ineffectiveness
Other noninterest income
 
$
640

 
$
(5,461
)
 
$
5,283

Realized gains
Interest expense
 
28,668

 
35,988

 
45,004

Total earnings impact
 
 
$
29,308

 
$
30,527

 
$
50,287

         
(1) 
Interest rate swaps are hedged against certificates of deposit.
(2) 
"Other" includes embedded derivatives bifurcated from investment securities.

Cash Collateral
Cash collateral held related to derivative exposure between the Company and its derivatives counterparties was $5,190 and $30,600 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Collateral held is recorded in “Other Liabilities.” Cash collateral pledged related to derivative exposure between the Company and its derivatives counterparties was $40 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.


F-29


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)



10. Fair Value Measurements

We use estimates of fair value in applying various accounting standards for our financial statements.

We categorize our fair value estimates based on a hierarchal framework associated with three levels of price transparency utilized in measuring financial instruments at fair value. For additional information regarding our policies for determining fair value and the hierarchical framework, see “Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies - Fair Value Measurement.”

The following table summarizes the valuation of our financial instruments that are marked-to-market on a recurring basis.
 
 
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis
 
December 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Level 1 
 
Level 2 
 
Level 3 
 
Total 
 
Level 1 
 
Level 2 
 
Level 3 
 
Total 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
532,155

 
$
532,155

Mortgage-backed securities

 
102,105

 

 
102,105

 

 
62,592

 

 
62,592

Derivative instruments

 
612

 

 
612

 

 
31,278

 

 
31,278

Total
$

 
$
102,717

 
$

 
$
102,717

 
$

 
$
93,870

 
$
532,155

 
$
626,025



The following table summarizes the change in balance sheet carrying value associated with level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis.
 
 
 
Asset-Backed Securities
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
532,155

 
$
498,657

 
$
556,963

Total gains/(losses) (realized and unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings
 
(21,490
)
 
23,149

 
(69,595
)
Included in other comprehensive income
 
63,813

 

 

Included in earnings - accretion of discount
 
7,596

 
10,349

 
11,289

Proceeds from sale
 
(582,074
)
 

 

Transfers in and/or out of level 3
 

 

 

Balance, end of period
 
$

 
$
532,155

 
$
498,657

Change in unrealized gains/(losses) relating to instruments still held at the reporting date
 
$

 
$
23,149

 
$
(69,595
)
 
 


F-30


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
10.
Fair Value Measurements (Continued)
 



The following table summarizes the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities, including derivative financial instruments.

 
 
December 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Difference
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Difference
Earning assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans held for investment, net
 
$
8,541,919

 
$
7,931,377

 
$
610,542

 
$
7,369,727

 
$
6,487,454

 
$
882,273

Cash and cash equivalents
 
2,182,865

 
2,182,865

 

 
1,599,082

 
1,599,082

 

Available for sale investments
 
102,105

 
102,105

 

 
594,747

 
594,747

 

Accrued interest receivable
 
356,283

 
356,283

 

 
234,797

 
234,797

 

Derivative instruments
 
612

 
612

 

 
31,278

 
31,278

 

Total earning assets
 
$
11,183,784

 
$
10,573,242

 
$
610,542

 
$
9,829,631

 
$
8,947,358

 
$
882,273

Interest-bearing liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money-market, savings and NOW accounts
 
$
4,029,881

 
$
4,029,881

 
$

 
$
3,030,729

 
$
3,030,729

 
$

Certificates of deposit
 
4,984,114

 
4,971,669

 
(12,445
)
 
4,485,208

 
4,466,604

 
(18,604
)
Accrued interest payable
 
13,119

 
13,119

 

 
12,880

 
12,880

 

Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
$
9,027,114

 
$
9,014,669

 
(12,445
)
 
$
7,528,817

 
$
7,510,213

 
$
(18,604
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Excess of net asset fair value over carrying value
 
 
 
 
 
$
598,097

 
 
 
 
 
$
863,669


The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments are as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost. Carrying value approximated fair value for disclosure purposes. These are level 1 valuations.
Investments
Investments are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value in the financial statements. Investments in mortgage-backed securities are valued using observable market prices of similar assets. As such, these are level 2 valuations. Investments in asset-backed securities for which observable prices from active markets are not available were valued using both broker quotes and discounted cash flow analysis to determine an appropriate range of fair values. These results were judgmentally reviewed by management to determine the most appropriate fair value. The significant assumptions used to project cash flows include constant prepayment rate and the discount rate. Significant inputs into the model are not observable. These are level 3 valuations.
Loans held for investment
Our FFELP loans, Private Education Loans, and other loans are accounted for at net realizable value, or at the lower of cost or market if the loan is held-for-sale. For both FFELP and Private Education Loans, fair value was determined by modeling expected loan level cash flows using stated terms of the assets and internally-developed assumptions to determine aggregate portfolio yield, net present value and average life. The significant assumptions used to determine fair value are prepayment speeds, default rates, cost of funds, required return on equity, and expected Repayment Borrower Benefits to be earned. Significant inputs into the model are not observable. As such, these are level 3 valuations.

F-31


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
10.
Fair Value Measurements (Continued)
 



Money market, savings accounts and NOW accounts
The fair value of money market, savings, and NOW accounts equal the amounts payable on demand at the balance sheet date and are reported at their carrying value. These are level 1 valuations.
Certificates of deposit
The fair value of certificates of deposit are estimated using discounted cash flows based on rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. These are level 2 valuations.
Derivatives
All derivatives are accounted for at fair value in the financial statements. The fair value of derivative financial instruments was determined by a standard derivative pricing and option model using the stated terms of the contracts and observable market inputs. It is our policy to compare the derivative fair values to those received from our counterparties in order to validate the model’s outputs. Any significant differences are identified and resolved appropriately.
When determining the fair value of derivatives, we take into account counterparty credit risk for positions where we are exposed to the counterparty on a net basis by assessing exposure net of collateral held. When the counterparty has exposure to us under derivative contracts with the Company, we fully collateralize the exposure (subject to certain thresholds).
Interest rate swaps are valued using a standard derivative cash flow model with a LIBOR swap yield curve which is an observable input from an active market. These derivatives are level 2 fair value estimates in the hierarchy.
The carrying value of borrowings designated as the hedged item in a fair value hedge is adjusted for changes in fair value due to changes in the benchmark interest rate (one-month LIBOR). These valuations are determined through standard pricing models using the stated terms of the borrowings and observable yield curves.

 

11. Related Party Transactions

We have extensive transactions and relationships with members of an affiliate group, including Old SLM. We pay and receive what we believe to be market value or better for services associated with related party agreements. However, due to these relationships, it is possible that the terms of these transactions are not the same as those that would result among wholly unrelated parties.
 
Loan participation and purchase agreements

We maintained agreements with related parties including Sallie Mae, Inc. (SMI), SLM Education Credit Finance Corporation (ECFC), SLM Education Loan Corporation (ELC), and HICA Education Loan Corporation (HICA), to originate and service, and participate and sell loans (post Spin-Off these are subsidiaries of Navient). Under these agreements, we had the option to sell any loan at any time and the affiliate was required to purchase such loan. During 2013 and 2012, we originated Private Education Loans, and immediately sold participation interests in such loans to a related party in the amount of $3,629 and $780, respectively. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we also sold non-participated loans to related parties in the amount of $2,412,217, $2,639,465 and $1,897,663, respectively, in principal and $67,018, $77,685 and $117,321, respectively, in accrued interest income.

Prior to April 1, 2012, loans were participated and sold to a related party at a price in excess of the estimated fair value of the loans. This resulted in a capital contribution of $13,502 and $57,440 in 2012 and 2011, respectively, which includes the tax effect of reversing the difference between the book and tax basis related to the allowance for loan losses adjustment. Origination fees associated with these loans were recognized immediately in income. This amount was $0 and $3,518 and $26,879 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.


F-32


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
11.
Related Party Transactions (Continued)
 

Subsequent to March 31, 2012, loans were sold to an affiliate at fair value. The gain resulting from loans sold with a fair value higher than par was $196,593, $235,202 and $21,412 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Total write-downs to fair value for loans sold with a fair value lower than par totaled $68,410, $28,694 and $65,685 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.


12. Affiliate Investment

Net transfers (to)/from affiliate are included within the affiliate investment on the consolidated statements of changes in equity. The components of the net transfers (to)/from affiliate are summarized below:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Capital contributions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan origination activities
 
$
124,722

 
$
119,094

 
$
132,900

Loan sales to affiliates
 
35

 
13,502

 
57,440

Corporate overhead activities
 
62,031

 
69,830

 
87,914

Due to acquisitions
 

 

 
7,100

Other
 
2,004

 
5,429

 
2,240

Total capital contributions
 
188,792

 
207,855

 
287,594

Dividend to affiliate
 
(120,000
)
 
(420,000
)
 
(100,000
)
Corporate push-down
 
3,093

 
1,241

 
18,209

Net change in income tax accounts
 
(134,219
)
 
(78,842
)
 
(53,429
)
Net change in receivable/payable with affiliate
 
(101,044
)
 
(94,264
)
 
(43,540
)
Total net transfers (to)/from affiliate
 
$
(163,378
)
 
$
(384,010
)
 
$
108,834


Capital Contributions

During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, Old SLM contributed capital to Sallie Mae by funding loan origination activities, purchases of loans in excess of the loans’ fair values, providing corporate overhead functions and other activities.
    
Capital contributed for loan origination activities reflects the fact that the loan origination function was conducted by a subsidiary of Old SLM. Sallie Mae did not pay for the costs incurred by Old Sallie Mae in connection with these functions. The costs eligible to be capitalized are recorded on the respective balance sheets and the costs not eligible for capitalization have been recognized as expenses in the respective statements of income.
    
Historically, loans were sold to an affiliate for two reasons: (i) to fund the loans to term through the issuance of an asset-backed securitization and (ii) to enable the affiliates to manage loans that were granted forbearance or were 90 days or more past due. Amounts paid to Sallie Mae by Old SLM that exceeded the loans’ fair value is reflected as a capital contribution.

Certain general corporate overhead expenses of Sallie Mae were incurred and paid for by Old SLM.

Corporate Push-Down

The consolidated balance sheets include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held at Old SLM but which are specifically identifiable or otherwise allocable to Sallie Mae. The cash and cash equivalents held by Old SLM at the corporate level were not allocated to Sallie Mae for any of the periods presented.

F-33


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
12.
 Affiliate Investment (Continued)
 


Receivable/Payable with Affiliate
    
All significant intercompany payable/receivable balances between Sallie Mae and Old SLM are considered to be effectively settled for cash in the combined financial statements at the time the transaction is recorded.


13. Regulatory Capital
    
Sallie Mae Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material adverse effect on our financial statements. Under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, we must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our assets, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Sallie Mae Bank's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk-weightings and other factors.
    
“Well capitalized” regulatory requirements are the quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require Sallie Mae Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Total and Tier I Capital to risk-weighted assets and of Tier I Capital to average assets, as defined by the regulation. The following amounts and ratios are based upon Sallie Mae Bank and do not reflect the effect of the Spin transaction.
 
 
 
Actual
 
Well Capitalized Regulatory Requirements
 
 
Amount
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
As of December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier I Capital (to Average Assets)
 
$
1,221,416

11.7
%
 
$
521,973

>
5.0
%
Tier I Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
 
$
1,221,416

16.4
%
 
$
446,860

>
6.0
%
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
 
$
1,289,497

17.3
%
 
$
745,374

>
10.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier I Capital (to Average Assets)
 
$
997,463

11.5
%
 
$
432,324

>
5.0
%
Tier I Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
 
$
997,463

15.0
%
 
$
398,105

>
6.0
%
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
 
$
1,066,652

16.1
%
 
$
663,509

>
10.0
%
 
Dividends

Sallie Mae Bank is chartered under the laws of the State of Utah and its deposits are insured by the FDIC. Under Utah State law, Sallie Mae Bank may not pay a dividend out of net profits until it has (1) provided for all expenses, losses, interest, and taxes accrued or due from Sallie Mae Bank and (2) transferred to a surplus fund at least 10 percent of its net profits before dividends for the period covered by the dividend, until the surplus reaches 100 percent of its capital stock. For purposes of these Utah State dividend limitations, Sallie Mae Bank’s capital stock is $1 and its capital surplus exceeds 100 percent of capital stock.

Under FDIC regulations, Sallie Mae Bank may not pay any dividend if, following the payment of the dividend, Sallie Mae Bank would be undercapitalized, as defined under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and applicable regulations. Sallie Mae Bank complied with the aforementioned dividend restrictions for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Sallie Mae Bank’s Board of Directors declared dividends in both 2013 and 2012. Total dividends paid were $120,000, $420,000 and $100,000 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. On December 13, 2013, the FDIC objected to Sallie Mae Bank’s proposed year-end dividend payment, finding that Sallie Mae Bank should thoroughly assess its capital adequacy following its planned Spin-Off transaction. However, on February 3, 2014, Sallie Mae Bank received a letter from the FDIC clarifying that the prior

F-34


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
13.
Regulatory Capital (Continued)
 

objection was not intended to restrict Sallie Mae Bank from declaring dividends for the purpose of contributing Sallie Mae Bank’s proportionate share of the firm’s usual and ongoing obligations to preferred shareholders.

14. Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Arrangements
The following per share amounts are based upon the Old SLM share prices and do not reflect the effect of the Spin transaction.
As of December 31, 2013, we had one active stock-based compensation plan that provides for grants of equity awards to our employees and non-employee directors. We also maintained an ESPP. Shares issued under these stock-based compensation plans may be either shares reacquired by us or shares that are authorized but unissued.
The SLM Corporation 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan was approved by shareholders on May 24, 2012. At December 31, 2013, 20 million shares were authorized to be issued from this plan.
An amendment to our ESPP was approved by our shareholders on May 24, 2012 that authorized the issuance of 6 million shares under the plan and kept the terms of the plan substantially the same.
 
The total stock-based compensation cost recognized in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $15,681, $19,102 and $22,362, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, there was $7,770 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock awards net of estimated forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years. We amortize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the related vesting periods of each tranche of each award.
Stock Options
Stock options granted prior to 2012 expire 10 years after the grant date, and those granted since 2012 expire in 5 years. The exercise price must be equal to or greater than the market price of our common stock on the grant date. We have granted time-vested, price-vested and performance-vested options to our employees and non-employee directors. Time-vested options granted to management and non-management employees generally vest over three years. Price-vested options granted to management employees vest upon our common stock reaching a targeted closing price for a set number of days. Performance-vested options granted to management employees vest one-third per year for three years based on corporate earnings-related performance targets. Options granted to non-employee directors vest upon the director’s election to the Board.
The fair values of the options granted in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were estimated as of the grant date using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars per share)
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Risk-free interest rate
0.65
%
 
0.60
%
 
1.57
%
Expected volatility
31
%
 
44
%
 
54
%
Expected dividend rate
3.35
%
 
3.13
%
 
2.58
%
Expected life of the option
2.8 years

 
2.8 years

 
4.1 years

Weighted average fair value of options granted
$
3.11

 
$
4.12

 
$
5.18

The expected life of the options is based on observed historical exercise patterns. Groups of employees (and non-employee directors) that have received similar option grant terms are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected volatility is based on implied volatility from publicly-traded options on our stock at the grant date and historical volatility of our stock consistent with the expected life of the option. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury spot rate at the grant date consistent with the expected life of the option. The dividend yield is based on the projected annual dividend payment per share based on the dividend amount at the grant date, divided by the stock price at the grant date.
 

F-35


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
14.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Arrangements (Continued)
 


The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Number of
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price per
Share
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value(1)
Outstanding at December 31, 2012
3,567,485

 
$
12.72

 
 
 
 
Granted
1,081,382

 
17.93

 
 
 
 
Exercised(2)(3)
(794,792
)
 
10.67

 
 
 
 
Canceled
(2,955
)
 
24.68

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2013(4)(5)
3,851,120

 
$
14.60

 
4.8
 
$
45,444

Exercisable at December 31, 2013
1,882,670

 
$
11.69

 
5.4
 
$
27,843

(1) 
The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total intrinsic value (the aggregate difference between our closing stock price on December 31, 2013 and the exercise price of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders if all in-the-money options had been exercised on December 31, 2013.
(2) 
The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $8,467, $5,410 and $984 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(3) 
No cash was received from option exercises for the year ended December 31, 2013. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises totaled $12,739 for the year ended December 31, 2013.
(4) 
As of December 31, 2013, there was $1,585 of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options net of estimated forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years.
(5) 
For net-settled options, gross number is reflected.
    
Restricted Stock
Restricted stock awards generally vest over three years and in some cases based on corporate earnings-related performance targets. Outstanding restricted stock is entitled to dividend equivalent units that vest subject to the same vesting requirements or lapse of transfer restrictions, as applicable, as the underlying restricted stock award. The fair value of restricted stock awards is based on our stock price at the grant date.
 
The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date
Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2012
82,666

 
$
12.33

Granted

 

Vested(1)
(49,333
)
 
12.00

Canceled

 

Non-vested at December 31, 2013(2)
33,333

 
$
12.81

(1) 
The total fair value of shares that vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $592, $1,189 and $663, respectively.
(2) 
As of December 31, 2013, there was $7 of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock net of estimated forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.1 years.

F-36


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
14.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Arrangements (Continued)
 


Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units
Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance stock units (“PSUs”) are equity awards granted to employees that entitle the holder to shares of our common stock when the award vests. RSUs may be time-vested over three years or vested at grant but subject to transfer restrictions, while PSUs vest based on corporate earnings-related performance targets over a three-year period. Outstanding RSUs and PSUs are entitled to dividend equivalent units that vest subject to the same vesting requirements or lapse of transfer restrictions, as applicable, as the underlying award. The fair value of RSUs and PSUs is based on our stock price at the grant date.
The following table summarizes RSU and PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Number of
RSUs/
PSUs
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2012
1,107,023

 
$
15.55

Granted
731,128

 
17.93

Vested and converted to common stock(1)
(416,769
)
 
15.39

Canceled
(375
)
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2013(2)
1,421,007

 
$
16.82

(1) 
The total fair value of RSUs/PSUs that vested and converted to common stock during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $6,415, $2,656 and $62, respectively.
(2) 
As of December 31, 2013, there was $6,159 of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs/PSUs net of estimated forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under the ESPP, employees can purchase shares of our common stock at the end of a 12-month offering period at a price equal to the share price at the beginning of the 12-month period, less 15 percent, up to a maximum purchase price of $7,500 (whole dollars) plus accrued interest. The purchase price for each offering is determined at the beginning of the offering period.
 
The fair values of the stock purchase rights of the ESPP offerings were calculated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions.
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars per share)
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Risk-free interest rate
0.15
%
 
0.13
%
 
0.27
%
Expected volatility
29
%
 
29
%
 
42
%
Expected dividend rate
3.51
%
 
3.27
%
 
1.87
%
Expected life of the option
1 year

 
1 year

 
1 year

Weighted average fair value of stock purchase rights
$
2.95

 
$
3.01

 
$
3.63

The expected volatility is based on implied volatility from publicly-traded options on our stock at the grant date and historical volatility of our stock consistent with the expected life. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury spot rate at the grant date consistent with the expected life. The dividend yield is based on the projected annual dividend payment per share based on the current dividend amount at the grant date divided by the stock price at the grant date.
The fair values were amortized to compensation cost on a straight-line basis over a one-year vesting period. As of December 31, 2013, there was $18,750 of unrecognized compensation cost related to the ESPP net of estimated forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized in January 2014.

F-37


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
14.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Arrangements (Continued)
 


During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, plan participants purchased 47,176 shares, 34,279 shares  and 41,330 shares, respectively, of our common stock.

15. Defined Contribution Plans

We participate in a defined contribution plan which is intended to qualify under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Sallie Mae 401(k) Savings Plan covers substantially all employees. After six months of service effective January 2013 and after one year of service prior to that time, up to 3 percent of contributions are matched 100 percent with the next 2 percent matched at 50 percent for eligible employees. After one month of service, eligible employees receive a 1 percent core employer contribution.  For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we contributed $2,779, $2,317 and $1,883, respectively, to this plan.

16. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees

Regulatory Matters

As previously reported, Sallie Mae Bank remains subject to a cease and desist order originally issued in August 2008 by the FDIC and the UDFI. In July 2013, the FDIC first notified Sallie Mae Bank of plans to replace its order with a new formal enforcement action (the “Bank Order”) that more specifically addresses certain cited violations of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, including billing statement disclosures, assessments of certain late fees, as well as alleged violations under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (“SCRA”). In November 2013, the FDIC indicated an additional, enforcement action would be issued against Sallie Mae, Inc., now known as Navient Solutions, Inc. and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navient ("NSI") (the "NSI Order"; the Bank Order and the NSI Order, hereafter referred to as “the Orders”), in its capacity as a servicer of education loans for Sallie Mae Bank and other financial institutions.

Based on our discussions with the FDIC, we believe the FDIC intends to require restitution be made by NSI and Sallie Mae Bank pursuant to the Orders with respect to loans owned or originated by Sallie Mae Bank from November 28, 2005 until the effective date of the Orders.

With respect to alleged civil violations of the SCRA, NSI and Sallie Mae Bank remain engaged in negotiations regarding a comprehensive settlement, remediation and civil settlement plan with the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”), in its capacity as the agency having primary authority for enforcement of such matters. The DOJ inquiry covers all loans owned by either Sallie Mae Bank or serviced by NSI from November 28, 2005 until the effective date of the settlement.

In the fourth quarter of 2013, we reserved $11 million for estimated amounts and costs that were probable of being incurred at that time for expected compliance remediation efforts relating to pending regulatory matters previously disclosed and ongoing with the DOJ and the FDIC.

Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement among SLM Corporation, New BLC Corporation and Navient dated as of April 28, 2014 entered into in connection with the Spin-Off of Navient, all liabilities arising out of the FDIC and DOJ matters, other than fines or penalties directly levied against Sallie Mae Bank, will be the responsibility of, or assumed by, Navient and Navient will indemnify and hold harmless SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Sallie Mae Bank therefrom.

F-38


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
16.
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees (Continued)
 

Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, we and our subsidiaries are routinely defendants in or parties to pending and threatened legal actions and proceedings including actions brought on behalf of various classes of claimants. These actions and proceedings may be based on alleged violations of consumer protection, securities, employment and other laws. In certain of these actions and proceedings, claims for substantial monetary damage are asserted against us and our subsidiaries.
In the ordinary course of business, we and our subsidiaries are subject to regulatory examinations, information gathering requests, inquiries and investigations. In connection with formal and informal inquiries in these cases, we and our subsidiaries receive numerous requests, subpoenas and orders for documents, testimony and information in connection with various aspects of our regulated activities.
In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of such litigation and regulatory matters, we cannot predict what the eventual outcome of the pending matters will be, what the timing or the ultimate resolution of these matters will be, or what the eventual loss, fines or penalties related to each pending matter may be.
We are required to establish reserves for litigation and regulatory matters where those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. When loss contingencies are not both probable and estimable, we do not establish reserves.
Based on current knowledge, reserves have been established for certain litigation or regulatory matters where the loss is both probable and estimable. Based on current knowledge, management does not believe that loss contingencies, if any, arising from pending investigations, litigation or regulatory matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity, results of operations or cash flows.


F-39


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)



17. Income Taxes
Reconciliations of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rates to our effective tax rate for continuing operations follow:
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Statutory rate
 
35.0
%
 
35.0
%
 
35.0
%
State tax, net of federal benefit
 
2.6

 

 
2.8

Other, net
 
0.6

 
1.9

 
0.6

Effective tax rate
 
38.2
%
 
36.9
%
 
38.4
%

The effective tax rate varies from the statutory U.S. federal rate of 35 percent primarily due the impact of state taxes, net of federal benefit, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Income tax expense consists of:
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Current provision:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
130,854

 
$
126,484

 
$
28,334

State
 
13,513

 
10,674

 
3,029

Total current provision
 
144,367

 
137,158

 
31,363

Deferred provision/(benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
13,240

 
(9,747
)
 
2,969

State
 
1,327

 
(1,268
)
 
79

Total deferred provision/(benefit)
 
14,567

 
(11,015
)
 
3,048

Provision for income tax expense
 
$
158,934

 
$
126,143

 
$
34,411


 

F-40


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)
17.
Income Taxes (Continued)
 

The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities include the following:
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
Deferred tax assets
 
 
 
 
Loan reserves
 
$
26,853

 
$
27,146

Stock-based compensation plans
 
28,211

 
32,965

Deferred revenue
 
607

 
829

Operating loss and credit carryovers
 
1,273

 
1,038

Discount on asset-backed securities
 

 
16,574

Unrealized gains (losses)
 
1,849

 

Accrued expenses not currently deductible
 
2,853

 
1,159

Other
 
2,133

 

Total deferred tax assets
 
63,779

 
79,711

Deferred tax liabilities
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses)
 

 
8,791

Gains/(losses) on repurchased debt
 
3,181

 
2,033

Other
 

 
3,823

Total deferred tax liabilities
 
3,181

 
14,647

Net deferred tax assets
 
$
60,598

 
$
65,064

As of December 31, 2013, we have apportioned state net operating loss carryfowards of $18.1 million which begin to expire in 2029.
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
The following table summarizes changes in unrecognized tax benefits: 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year
 
$
3,951.1

 
$
2,467.3

 
$
1,787.1

Increases resulting from tax positions taken during a prior period
 
573.9

 
503.1

 
466.6

Increases resulting from tax positions taken during the current period
 
2,818.5

 
980.7

 
213.6

Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year
 
$
7,343.5

 
$
3,951.1

 
$
2,467.3



As of December 31, 2013, the gross unrecognized tax benefits are $7.3 million. Included in the $7.3 million are $4.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate.
The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns at the U.S. federal level, in most U.S. states, and various foreign jurisdictions. U.S. federal income tax returns filed for years 2010 and prior have either been audited or surveyed and are now resolved. Various combinations of subsidiaries, tax years, and jurisdictions remain open for review, subject to statute of limitations periods (typically 3 to 4 prior years). We do not expect the resolution of open audits to have a material impact on our unrecognized tax benefits.
 

F-41


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)


18. Concentrations of Risk
Our business is primarily focused in providing and/or servicing to help students and their families save, plan and pay for college. We primarily originate, service and/or collect loans made to students and their families to finance the cost of their education. We provide funding, delivery and servicing support for education loans in the United States, through our Private Education Loan programs. Because of this concentration in one industry, we are exposed to credit, legislative, operational, regulatory, and liquidity risks associated with the student loan industry.
Concentration Risk in the Revenues Associated with Private Education Loans
We compete in the private credit lending business with banks and other consumer lending institutions, some with strong consumer brand name recognition and greater financial resources. We compete based on our products, origination capability and customer service. To the extent our competitors compete aggressively or more effectively, we could lose market share to them or subject our existing loans to refinancing risk. Our product offerings may not prove to be profitable and may result in higher than expected losses.
We are a leading provider of saving- and paying-for-college products and programs. This concentration gives us a competitive advantage in the marketplace. This concentration also creates risks in our business, particularly in light of our concentrations as a Private Education Loan lender. If population demographics result in a decrease in college-age individuals, if demand for higher education decreases, if the cost of attendance of higher education decreases, if public resistance to higher education costs increases, or if the demand for higher education loans decreases, our consumer lending business could be negatively affected. In addition, the federal government, through the DSLP, poses significant competition to our private credit loan products. If loan limits under the DSLP increase, DSLP loans could be more widely available to students and their families and DSLP loans could increase, resulting in further decreases in the size of the Private Education Loan market and demand for our Private Education Loan products.
 
Concentration Risk in the Revenues Associated with FFELP Loans
On July 1, 2010, the HCERA legislation eliminated FFELP Loan originations, a major source of our net income. All federal loans to students are now made through the DSLP. The terms and conditions of existing FFELP Loans were not affected by this legislation. Despite the end of FFELP, Congress, ED and the Administration still exercise significant authority over the servicing and administration of existing FFELP Loans. Because of the ongoing uncertainty around efforts to reduce the federal budget deficit, the timing, method and manner of implementation of various education lending initiatives has become less predictable. The interest income we earn on our FFELP Loans portfolio, which totaled $37,991 in 2013, will decline over time as the portfolio amortizes.
 

F-42


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)



19. Parent Only Statements

The following parent company-only financial information should be read in conjunction with the other notes to the consolidated financial statements. The accounting policies for the parent company-only financial statements are the same as those used in the presentation of the consolidated financial statements other than the parent company-only financial statements account for the parent company's investments in its subsidiaries under the equity method.

Parent Only Condensed Balance Sheets

 
December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investments in subsidiaries (primarily Sallie Mae Bank)
$
1,161,471

 
$
1,083,276

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
1,161,471

 
$
1,083,276

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
Total liabilities
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
Equity:
 
 
 
Affiliate investment
1,164,495

 
1,068,928

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (net of tax (benefit) expense of ($1,849) and $8,791, respectively
(3,024
)
 
14,348

Total equity
1,161,471

 
1,083,276

Total liabilities and equity
$
1,161,471

 
$
1,083,276



F-43


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

19.
Parent Only Statements (Continued)
 


Parent Only Condensed Statements of Income

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries (primarily Sallie Mae Bank)
 
$
394,270

 
$
323,439

 
$
81,799

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
 
3,556

 
4,871

 
4,632

Total expenses
 
3,556

 
4,871

 
4,632

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income tax expense
 
390,714

 
318,568

 
77,167

Income tax expense
 
133,121

 
102,842

 
23,730

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
257,593

 
$
215,726

 
$
53,437


F-44


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

19.
Parent Only Statements (Continued)
 


Parent Only Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
257,593

 
$
215,726

 
$
53,437

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
 

 

 

Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
 
(394,270
)
 
(323,439
)
 
(81,799
)
Decrease (increase) in investment in subsidiaries, net
 
136,677

 
107,713

 
28,362

Total adjustments
 
(257,593
)
 
(215,726
)
 
(53,437
)
Net cash used in operating activities
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$

 
$

 
$





F-45


SLM CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)


20. Subsequent Events

Separation and Distribution

Effective April 30, 2014, in connection with the Spin-Off, Sallie Mae, by reason of a statutory merger, succeeded Old SLM as the issuer of the Series A Preferred Stock of $165 million (3.3 million shares issued at stated value of $50 per share) and the Series B Preferred Stock of $400 million (4 million shares issued at stated value of $100 per share). To offset the $565 million of obligation attributable to the principal preferred stock, Sallie Mae is expected to retain approximately $425 million of cash plus an additional amount to be settled promptly after the final determination of ending equity, which will approximate $50 million, and approximately $(90) million of additional paid-in capital. The amount of additional cash retained beyond the amount related to offset the preferred stock obligation was based upon meeting a targeted ending equity balance for Sallie Mae and the final determination is expected to occur in May 2014.

In connection with the separation and distribution, Sallie Mae will be the taxpayer legally responsible for $283 million of deferred taxes payable in connection with gains recognized by Old SLM on debt repurchases in prior years and liabilities related to uncertain tax positions in the amount of $27 million. As part of the tax sharing agreement between Sallie Mae and Navient, Navient has agreed to fully indemnify Sallie Mae for these deferred taxes due in the amount of $261 million, which represents the fair value of the indemnification, and the liabilities for uncertain tax positions in the amount of $27 million. On April 30, 2014, Sallie Mae, recorded a liability of $310 million and an indemnification receivable of $289 million.
 
Regulatory Matters

Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement among SLM Corporation, New BLC Corporation and Navient dated as of April 28, 2014 entered into in connection with the Spin-Off of Navient, all liabilities arising out of the FDIC and DOJ matters, other than fines or penalties directly levied against Sallie Mae Bank, will be the responsibility of, or assumed by, Navient and Navient will indemnify and hold harmless SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Sallie Mae Bank therefrom. See Note 16, “Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees” for further information.


F-46