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TABLE OF CONTENTS
AppendixAPPENDIX A Student Loan Marketing Association Consolidated Financial StatementsSTUDENT LOAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INDEX



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

(Mark One)

ý

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 or

o


Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period fromto.                             to                              

(Amended by Exch Act Rel No. 312905. eff 4/26/93.)
Commission File Number: 001-13251


SLM CORPORATION
(formerly USA Education, Inc.)
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 52-2013874

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

11600 Sallie Mae Drive, Reston, Virginia
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

20193

(Zip Code)

(703) 810-3000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ý    No o

        Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Class
 Outstanding at October 31, 2003April 30, 2004
Common Stock, $.20 par value 450,826,138438,951,385 shares




GLOSSARY

        Listed below are definitions of key terms that are used throughout this document.

Consolidation Loans—Under the Federal Family Education Loan Program ("FFELP"),FFELP, borrowers with eligible student loans may consolidate them into one note with one lender and convert the variable interest rates on the loans being consolidated into a fixed rate for the life of the loan. The new note is considered a Consolidation Loan. Typically a borrower can consolidate their student loans only once unless the borrower has another eligible loan with which to consolidate with the existing Consolidation Loan. The borrower rate on a Consolidation Loan is fixed for the term of the loan and is set by the weighted-average interest rate of the loans being consolidated, rounded up to the nearest 1/8th of a percent, not to exceed 8.25 percent. In low interest rate environments, Consolidation Loans provide an attractive refinancing opportunity because they allow borrowers to consolidate variable rate loans into a long-term fixed rate loan.

Consolidation Loan Rebate Fee—All holders of Consolidation Loans are required to pay to the U.S. Department of Education ("DOE") an annual 105 basis point Consolidation Loan Rebate Fee on all outstanding principal and accrued interest balances of Consolidation Loans purchased or originated after October 1, 1993, except for loans for which consolidation applications were received between October 1, 1998 and January 31, 1999, whenwhere the Consolidation Loan Rebate Fee wasis 62 basis points.

Constant Prepayment Rate ("CPR")—A variable in life of loan estimates that measures the rate at which loans in the portfolio pay before their stated maturity. The CPR has a direct effect on the average life of the portfolio.

DOE—The U.S. Department of Education.

Direct Loans—Student loans originated directly by the DOE under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Program.

Embedded Floor Income—Embedded Floor Income is Floor Income (see definition below) that is earned on off-balance sheet student loans that are owned by thein securitization trusts that we sponsor.sponsored by us. At the time of the securitization, the presentoption value of Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income is included in the initial calculation of the Residual Interest and the gain or loss on sale of the student loans. Embedded Floor Income is also included in the quarterly fair value adjustments of the Residual Interest.

Fixed Rate Floor Income—We refer to Floor Income associated with student loans whose borrower rate is fixed to term (primarily Consolidation Loans) as Fixed Rate Floor Income.

Floor Income—Our portfolio of FFELP student loans generally earns interest at the higher of a floating rate based on the Special Allowance Payment ("SAP")or SAP (see definition below) formula set by the DOE and the borrower rate, which is fixed over a period of time. We generally finance our student loan portfolio with floating rate debt over all interest rate levels. In low and/or declining interest rate environments, when our student loans are earning at the fixed borrower rate and the interest on our floating rate debt is continuing to decline, we may earn additional spread income and refer to it as Floor Income. Depending on the type of the student loan and when it was originated, the borrower rate is either fixed to term or is reset to a market rate each July 1. As a result, for loans where the borrower rate is fixed to term, we may earn Floor Income for an extended period of time, and for those loans where the borrower interest rate is reset annually on July 1, we may earn Floor Income to the next reset date.

        The following example shows the mechanics of Floor Income for a fixed rate Consolidation Loan:

Fixed borrower/minimum floor interest rate:8.25%
Floating rate special allowance payment formula:91-day T-bill +3.10%
Floor strike rate (minimum floor strike rate less SAP spread):5.15%

        Based on this example, if the quarterly average 91-day Treasury bill rate is over 5.15 percent, special allowance payments will be made to ensure that the holder receives at least a specified floating rate based on the Special Allowance Payment formula. On the other hand, if the quarterly average 91-day Treasury bill is below 5.15 percent, the loan holder will earn the minimum floor rate of 8.25 percent from the student loan. The difference between the minimum floor rate of 8.25 percent and the lender's expected yield (i.e., the yield that the lender would have earned if the borrower's rate did not create a floor) is referred to as Floor Income. Because the student loan assets are generally funded with floating rate debt, the net interest income is enhanced during periods of declining interest rates when the student loan is earning at the fixed borrower rate.

Graphic Depiction of Floor Income:

GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF FLOOR INCOME

FFELP—The Federal Family Education Loan Program, formerly the Guaranteed Student Loan Program.

FDLP—The William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Program.

Floor Income Contracts—We enter into contracts with counterparties under which, in exchange for an upfront fee representing the present value of the Floor Income that we expect to earn on a notional amount of student loans being hedged, we will pay the counterparties the Floor Income earned on that notional amount of student loans over the life of the Floor Income Contract. Specifically, we agree to pay the counterparty the difference, if positive, between the fixed borrower rate less the SAP spread and the average of the applicable interest rate index on that notional amount of student loans for a portion of the estimated life of the student loan. This contract effectively locks in the amount of Floor Income we will earn over the period of the contract. Floor Income Contracts are not considered effective hedges under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and each quarter we must periodically record the change in fair value of these contracts through income.

GSE—The Student Loan Marketing Association is a federally chartered government sponsoredgovernment-sponsored enterprise ("GSE") and wholly owned subsidiary of SLM Corporation. Under the Student Loan Marketing Association Reorganization

HEA—The Higher Education Act of 1996, the GSE must dissolve by September 30, 2008.1965, as amended.

2




Management expects to effect the dissolution by September 30, 2006 (the "Wind-Down Period" or "Wind-Down" is the period during which we effect the dissolution).

Managed Basis—We generally analyze the performance of our student loan portfolio on a Managed Basis, under which we view both on-balance sheet student loans and off-balance sheet student loans owned by the securitization trusts as a single portfolio and the related on-balance sheet financings are combined with off-balance sheet debt. When the term Managed is capitalized in this document, it is referring to Managed Basis.

Offset Fee—We are required to pay to the DOE an annual 30 basis point Offset Fee on the outstanding balance of Stafford and PLUS student loans purchased and held by the GSE after August 10, 1993. The fee does not apply to student loans sold to securitized trusts or to loans held outside of the GSE.

Preferred Channel Originations—Preferred Channel Originations are comprised of: 1) student loans that are originated or serviced on our proprietary platforms, or through an affiliated brand, and are committed for sale to usSallie Mae, such that we either own them from inception or we acquire them soon after origination.origination, and 2) loans that are originated and serviced on other platforms on behalf of Sallie Mae owned brands and our lending partners, Bank One and JP Morgan Chase, and are committed for sale to Sallie Mae.

Preferred Lender List—To streamline the student loan process, most higher education institutions select a small number of lenders to recommend to their students and parents. This recommended list is referred to as the Preferred Lender List.

Private Credit Student Loans—Education loans to students or parents of students that are not guaranteed or reinsured under the FFELP or any other federal student loan program. Private Credit Student Loans include loans for traditional higher education with repayment terms that begin after graduation, similar to the FFELP, and for alternative education, such as career training, that require repayment immediately.

Privatization Act—The Student Loan Marketing Association Reorganization Act of 1996.

Residual Interest—When we securitize student loans, we retain the right to receive cash flows from the student loans sold in excess of amounts needed to pay servicing and other fees and the principal and interest on the bonds backed by the student loans. The Residual Interest is the present value of the future expected cash flows from off-balance sheet student loans in securitized trusts, which includes the present value of Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income described above. We value the Residual Interest at the time of sale and at each subsequent quarter.

Retained Interest—In our securitizations the Retained Interest includes the Residual Interest plus reserve and other cash accounts that serve as credit enhancements to asset-backed securities issued in our securitizations.

Risk Sharing—When a FFELP loan defaults, the federal government guarantees 98 percent of the principal balance plus accrued interest and the holder of the loan must absorb the two percent not guaranteed as a Risk Sharing loss on the loan. All FFELP student loans acquired after October 1, 1993 are subject to Risk Sharing on loan default claim payments unless the default results from death, disability or bankruptcy.

Special Allowance Payment ("SAP")—FFELP student loans generally earn interest at the greater of the borrower rate or a floating rate determined by reference to the average of the applicable floating rates (91-day Treasury bill rate or commercial paper) in a calendar quarter, plus a fixed spread ("the SAP Spread") that is dependent upon when the loan was originated and the loan's repayment status. If the resulting floating rate exceeds the borrower rate, the DOE pays the difference directly to us. This payment is referred to as the Special Allowance Payment or SAP and the formula used to determine the floating rate is the SAP formula. We refer to the fixed spread to the underlying index as the Special Allowance margin.

Title IV Programs and Title IV Loans—Student loan programs created under Title IV of the HEA, including the FFELP and the FDLP, and student loans originated under those programs, respectively.



Wind-Down—The dissolution of the Student Loan Marketing Association (the "GSE") under the terms of the Privatization Act.

Wind-Down Period—The period during which the Student Loan Marketing Association is dissolved under the terms of the Privatization Act.

Variable Rate Floor Income—For student loans whose borrower interest rate resets annually on July 1, we may earn Floor Income or Embedded Floor Income based on a calculation of the difference between the borrower rate and the then current interest rate. We refer to this as Variable Rate Floor Income because we may only earn Floor Income is earned only through the next reset date.

3



SLM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
September 30, 2003March 31, 2004

Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
 6
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
 25
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 60
Item 4. Controls and Procedures61

Part II. Other Information


Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 63
Item 2. Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities64
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 64
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 64
Item 5. Other Information
 64
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K64

Signatures


66

Appendix A—Student Loan Marketing Association Consolidated Financial Statements


A-1

4




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Financial Statements

SLM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)



 September 30,
2003

 December 31,
2002


 March 31,
2004

 December 31,
2003



 (Unaudited)

  

 (Unaudited)

  
AssetsAssets    Assets    
Federally insured student loans (net of allowance for losses of $38,626 and $36,325, respectively) $30,976,881 $37,172,120
Federally insured student loans in trust (net of allowance for losses of $10,912) 9,677,258 
Private credit student loans (net of allowance for losses of $185,378 and $194,359, respectively) 5,029,310 5,167,555
Academic facilities financings and other loans 1,093,900 1,202,045
Federally insured student loans (net of allowance for losses of $20,592 and $26,283, respectively)Federally insured student loans (net of allowance for losses of $20,592 and $26,283, respectively) $26,174,672 $29,222,268
Federally insured student loans in trust (net of allowance for losses of $28,637 and $19,710, respectively)Federally insured student loans in trust (net of allowance for losses of $28,637 and $19,710, respectively) 24,062,169 16,354,805
Private Credit Student Loans (net of allowance for losses of $154,222 and $165,716, respectively)Private Credit Student Loans (net of allowance for losses of $154,222 and $165,716, respectively) 4,176,841 4,470,156
Academic facilities financings and other loans (net of allowance for losses of $10,179 and $10,052, respectively)Academic facilities financings and other loans (net of allowance for losses of $10,179 and $10,052, respectively) 1,104,226 1,030,907
InvestmentsInvestments    Investments    
Trading 170 175
Available-for-sale 4,799,284 3,537,117Trading 165 166
Held-to-maturity 17,509 18,651Available-for-sale 5,774,693 4,370,347
Other 654,288 675,558Other 701,022 677,357
 
 
 
 
Total investmentsTotal investments 5,471,251 4,231,501Total investments 6,475,880 5,047,870
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents 1,912,709 758,302Cash and cash equivalents 3,818,812 1,847,585
Restricted cash and investmentsRestricted cash and investments 1,245,828 1,105,896
Retained Interest in securitized receivablesRetained Interest in securitized receivables 2,749,130 2,145,523Retained Interest in securitized receivables 2,482,242 2,475,836
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets, netGoodwill and acquired intangible assets, net 581,208 586,127Goodwill and acquired intangible assets, net 589,078 592,112
Other assetsOther assets 2,444,911 1,911,832Other assets 3,133,709 2,463,216
 
 
 
 
Total assetsTotal assets $59,936,558 $53,175,005Total assets $73,263,457 $64,610,651
 
 
 
 
LiabilitiesLiabilities    Liabilities    
Short-term borrowingsShort-term borrowings $22,995,312 $25,618,955Short-term borrowings $16,176,387 $18,735,385
Borrowings collateralized by loans in trustBorrowings collateralized by loans in trust 24,595,289 16,597,396
Long-term notesLong-term notes 31,259,011 22,242,115Long-term notes 26,710,017 23,210,778
Other liabilitiesOther liabilities 3,038,251 3,315,985Other liabilities 3,044,113 3,437,046
 
 
 
 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities 57,292,574 51,177,055Total liabilities 70,525,806 61,980,605
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)    
Commitments and contingenciesCommitments and contingencies    

Stockholders' equity

Stockholders' equity

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity

 

 

 

 
Preferred stock, Series A, par value $.20 per share, 20,000 shares authorized: 3,300 and 3,300 shares issued, respectively, at stated value of $50 per sharePreferred stock, Series A, par value $.20 per share, 20,000 shares authorized: 3,300 and 3,300 shares issued, respectively, at stated value of $50 per share 165,000 165,000Preferred stock, Series A, par value $.20 per share, 20,000 shares authorized: 3,300 and 3,300 shares issued, respectively, at stated value of $50 per share 165,000 165,000
Common stock, par value $.20 per share, 1,125,000 shares authorized: 471,278 and 624,552 shares issued, respectively 94,256 124,910
Common stock, par value $.20 per share, 1,125,000 shares authorized: 476,442 and 472,643 shares issued, respectivelyCommon stock, par value $.20 per share, 1,125,000 shares authorized: 476,442 and 472,643 shares issued, respectively 95,289 94,529
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital 1,442,919 1,102,574Additional paid-in capital 1,670,640 1,553,240
Accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax of $306,051 and $319,178, respectively) 568,381 592,760
Accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax of $287,778 and $229,181, respectively)Accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax of $287,778 and $229,181, respectively) 534,445 425,621
Retained earningsRetained earnings 755,687 2,718,226Retained earnings 1,153,100 941,284
 
 
 
 
Stockholders' equity before treasury stockStockholders' equity before treasury stock 3,026,243 4,703,470Stockholders' equity before treasury stock 3,618,474 3,179,674
Common stock held in treasury at cost: 20,643 and 166,812 shares, respectively 382,259 2,705,520
Common stock held in treasury at cost: 33,533 and 24,965 shares, respectivelyCommon stock held in treasury at cost: 33,533 and 24,965 shares, respectively 880,823 549,628
 
 
 
 
Total stockholders' equityTotal stockholders' equity 2,643,984 1,997,950Total stockholders' equity 2,737,651 2,630,046
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equityTotal liabilities and stockholders' equity $59,936,558 $53,175,005Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $73,263,457 $64,610,651
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5




SLM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)



 Three months ended September 30,
 Nine months ended September 30,
 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 


 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
 2004
 2003
 


 (Unaudited)

 (Unaudited)

 (Unaudited)

 (Unaudited)

 
 (Unaudited)

 (Unaudited)

 
Interest income:Interest income:             Interest income:     
Federally insured student loans $341,438 $410,243 $1,052,584 $1,326,752 Federally insured student loans $468,967 $467,482 
Private credit student loans  83,500  94,213  260,193  246,344 Private Credit Student Loans 76,589 87,572 
Academic facilities financings and other loans  19,050  21,643  58,546  70,061 Academic facilities financings and other loans 18,376 20,206 
Investments  39,204  28,829  109,499  108,704 Investments 43,457 28,261 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Total interest incomeTotal interest income  483,192  554,928  1,480,822  1,751,861 Total interest income 607,389 603,521 

Interest expense:

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 
Short-term debt  99,190  145,045  294,872  480,059 Short-term debt 84,664 94,222 
Long-term debt  133,788  155,570  428,922  448,186 Long-term debt 201,010 163,080 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Total interest expenseTotal interest expense  232,978  300,615  723,794  928,245 Total interest expense 285,674 257,302 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Net interest incomeNet interest income  250,214  254,313  757,028  823,616 Net interest income 321,715 346,219 
Less: provision for lossesLess: provision for losses  41,695  34,771  120,689  82,558 Less: provision for losses 39,818 42,545 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Net interest income after provision for lossesNet interest income after provision for losses  208,519  219,542  636,339  741,058 Net interest income after provision for losses 281,897 303,674 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Other income:Other income:             
Other income:

 

 

 

 

 
Gains on student loan securitizations  39,454  17,819  659,477  75,838 Gains on student loan securitizations 113,954 305,803 
Servicing and securitization revenue  74,812  121,185  349,348  495,923 Servicing and securitization revenue 136,658 188,612 
Losses on sales of securities, net  (6,457) (62,854) (114,677) (188,463)Derivative market value adjustment (116,743) (119,064)
Derivative market value adjustment  250,342  (365,917) 335,162  (254,519)Guarantor servicing fees 34,971 35,193 
Guarantor servicing fees  40,323  27,679  100,776  78,118 Debt management fees 79,928 58,813 
Debt management fees  78,275  47,642  189,772  137,017 Other 58,955 49,575 
Other  53,368  63,494  168,922  168,527   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other income (loss)  530,117  (150,952) 1,688,780  512,441 
Total other incomeTotal other income 307,723 518,932 

Operating expenses:

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 
Salaries and benefits  110,103  96,328  316,644  280,048 Salaries and benefits 126,268 95,819 
Other  74,102  77,981  236,793  229,004 Other 82,609 83,546 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses  184,205  174,309  553,437  509,052 Total operating expenses 208,877 179,365 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes (benefit) and cumulative effect of accounting change  554,431  (105,719) 1,771,682  744,447 
Income taxes (benefit)  204,514  (43,340) 632,522  258,481 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes 380,743 643,241 
Income taxesIncome taxes 89,278 226,692 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change  349,917  (62,379) 1,139,160  485,966 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  129,971    129,971   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)  479,888  (62,379) 1,269,131  485,966 
Net incomeNet income 291,465 416,549 
Preferred stock dividendsPreferred stock dividends  2,875  2,875  8,625  8,625 Preferred stock dividends 2,886 2,875 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock $477,013 $(65,254)$1,260,506 $477,341 
Net income attributable to common stockNet income attributable to common stock $288,579 $413,674 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:             
Before cumulative effect of accounting change $.77 $(.14)$2.50 $1.03 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  .29    .28   
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share, after cumulative effect of accounting change $1.06 $(.14)$2.78 $1.03 
Basic earnings per common shareBasic earnings per common share $.65 $.91 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Average common shares outstandingAverage common shares outstanding  450,725  461,159  453,139  463,630 Average common shares outstanding 442,664 456,581 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:             
Before cumulative effect of accounting change $.76 $(.14)$2.43 $1.00 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  .28    .28   
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per common share, after cumulative effect of accounting change $1.04 $(.14)$2.71 $1.00 
Diluted earnings per common shareDiluted earnings per common share $.64 $.88 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Average common and common equivalent shares outstandingAverage common and common equivalent shares outstanding  460,647  461,159  465,125  475,631 Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 451,747 469,696 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Dividends per common shareDividends per common share $.17 $.07 $.42 $.21 Dividends per common share $.17 $.08 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6



SLM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)



  
 Common Stock Shares
  
  
  
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

  
  
  
 
  
 Common Stock Shares
  
  
  
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

  
  
  
 


 Preferred
Stock
Shares

 Preferred
Stock

 Common
Stock

 Additional
Paid-In
Capital

 Retained
Earnings

 Treasury
Stock

 Total
Stockholders'
Equity

 
 Preferred
Stock
Shares

 Preferred
Stock

 Common
Stock

 Additional
Paid-In
Capital

 Retained
Earnings

 Treasury
Stock

 Total
Stockholders'
Equity

 


 Issued
 Treasury
 Outstanding
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


 Issued
 Treasury
 Outstanding
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Balance at June 30, 2002 3,300,000 616,546,227 (152,543,835)464,002,392 $165,000 $123,309 $892,106 $505,635 $2,548,861 $(2,310,216)$1,924,695
Balance at December 31, 2002Balance at December 31, 2002 3,300,000 624,551,508 (166,812,720)457,738,788 $165,000 $124,910 $1,102,574 $592,760 $2,718,226 $(2,705,520)$1,997,950
Comprehensive income:Comprehensive income:                       Comprehensive income:                       
Net income (loss)                 416,549   416,549 
Net income (loss)                 (62,379)   (62,379)Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                       
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                        Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax               1,774     1,774 
 Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax               140,016     140,016  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of tax               3,087     3,087 
 Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of tax               (38,813)     (38,813) Minimum pension liability adjustment               (928)     (928)
                     
                       
 
Comprehensive incomeComprehensive income                     38,824 Comprehensive income                     420,482 
Cash dividends:Cash dividends:                       Cash dividends:                       
Common stock ($.07 per share)                 (30,750)   (30,750)Common stock ($.08 per share)                 (37,850)   (37,850)
Preferred stock ($.87 per share)                 (2,875)   (2,875)Preferred stock ($.87 per share)                 (2,875)   (2,875)
Issuance of common sharesIssuance of common shares   2,578,302 151,488 2,729,790   516 43,937     4,628 49,081 Issuance of common shares   5,731,644 77,274 5,808,918   1,147 132,875     2,725 136,747 
Tax benefit related to employee stock option and purchase plansTax benefit related to employee stock option and purchase plans             12,294       12,294 Tax benefit related to employee stock option and purchase plans             3,389       3,389 
Premiums on equity forward purchase contractsPremiums on equity forward purchase contracts             (7,162)       (7,162)Premiums on equity forward purchase contracts             (6,365)       (6,365)
Repurchase of common shares:Repurchase of common shares:                       Repurchase of common shares:                       
Open market repurchases     (75,000)(75,000)           (2,274) (2,274)Open market repurchases     (3,415,290)(3,415,290)           (122,786) (122,786)
Equity forward repurchases     (5,550,000)(5,550,000)           (142,738) (142,738)Equity forward repurchases     (4,560,000)(4,560,000)           (109,987) (109,987)
Benefit plans     (490,272)(490,272)           (14,729) (14,729)Benefit plans     (968,778)(968,778)           (34,449) (34,449)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2002 3,300,000 619,124,529 (158,507,619)460,616,910 $165,000 $123,825 $941,175 $606,838 $2,452,857 $(2,465,329)$1,824,366 
Balance at March 31, 2003Balance at March 31, 2003 3,300,000 630,283,152 (175,679,514)454,603,638 $165,000 $126,057 $1,232,473 $596,693 $3,094,050 $(2,970,017)$2,244,256 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at June 30, 2003 3,300,000 638,983,455 (188,490,732)450,492,723 $165,000 $127,797 $1,359,082 $689,220 $3,386,218 $(3,361,145)$2,366,172 
Balance at December 31, 2003Balance at December 31, 2003 3,300,000 472,642,996 (24,964,753)447,678,243 $165,000 $94,529 $1,553,240 $425,621 $941,284 $(549,628)$2,630,046 
Comprehensive income:Comprehensive income:                       Comprehensive income:                       
Net income                 291,465   291,465 
Net income                 479,888   479,888 Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                       
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                        Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax               104,189     104,189 
 Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax               (125,908)     (125,908) Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of tax               4,993     4,993 
 Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of tax               5,069     5,069  Minimum pension liability adjustment               (358)     (358)
                     
                       
 
Comprehensive incomeComprehensive income                     359,049 Comprehensive income                     400,289 
Cash dividends:Cash dividends:                       Cash dividends:                       
Common stock ($.17 per share)                 (75,424)   (75,424)Common stock ($.17 per share)                 (76,763)   (76,763)
Preferred stock ($.87 per share)                 (2,875)   (2,875)Preferred stock ($.87 per share)                 (2,886)   (2,886)
Issuance of common sharesIssuance of common shares   2,294,909 4,289 2,299,198   459 58,317     170 58,946 Issuance of common shares   3,799,142 37,679 3,836,821   760 96,053     1,513 98,326 
Retirement of common stock held in treasury   (170,000,000)170,000,000    (34,000)     (3,032,120) 3,066,120  
Tax benefit related to employee stock option and purchase plansTax benefit related to employee stock option and purchase plans             13,062       13,062 Tax benefit related to employee stock option and purchase plans             21,347       21,347 
Cumulative effect of accounting change             12,458       12,458 
Repurchase of common shares:Repurchase of common shares:                       Repurchase of common shares:                       
Open market repurchases     (477,200)(477,200)           (18,672) (18,672)Equity forward repurchases     (7,891,660)(7,891,660)           (303,751) (303,751)
Equity forward repurchases     (1,022,300)(1,022,300)           (41,507) (41,507)Benefit plans     (714,748)(714,748)           (28,957) (28,957)
Benefit plans     (656,840)(656,840)           (27,225) (27,225)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2004Balance at March 31, 2004 3,300,000 476,442,138 (33,533,482)442,908,656 $165,000 $95,289 $1,670,640 $534,445 $1,153,100 $(880,823)$2,737,651 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2003 3,300,000 471,278,364 (20,642,783)450,635,581 $165,000 $94,256 $1,442,919 $568,381 $755,687 $(382,259)$2,643,984 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

7


SLM CORPORATION


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
  
 Common Stock Shares
  
  
  
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

  
  
  
 
 
 Preferred
Stock
Shares

 Preferred
Stock

 Common
Stock

 Additional
Paid-In
Capital

 Retained
Earnings

 Treasury
Stock

 Total
Stockholders'
Equity

 
 
 Issued
 Treasury
 Outstanding
 
Balance at December 31, 2001 3,300,000 608,209,158 (141,722,514)466,486,644 $165,000 $121,642 $724,709 $670,199 $2,068,490 $(2,077,578)$1,672,462 
Comprehensive income:                              
 Net income                      485,966     485,966 
 Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                              
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax                   (24,675)       (24,675)
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of tax                   (38,686)       (38,686)
                            
 
Comprehensive income                            422,605 
Cash dividends:                              
 Common stock ($.14 per share)                      (92,974)    (92,974)
 Preferred stock ($1.74 per share)                      (8,625)    (8,625)
Issuance of common shares   10,915,371 842,028 11,757,399     2,183  191,454        23,982  217,619 
Tax benefit related to employee stock option and purchase plans                50,858           50,858 
Premiums on equity forward purchase contracts                (25,846)          (25,846)
Repurchase of common shares:                              
 Open market repurchases     (75,000)(75,000)                (2,274) (2,274)
 Equity forward repurchases     (14,700,000)(14,700,000)                (321,766) (321,766)
 Benefit plans     (2,852,133)(2,852,133)                (87,693) (87,693)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2002 3,300,000 619,124,529 (158,507,619)460,616,910 $165,000 $123,825 $941,175 $606,838 $2,452,857 $(2,465,329)$1,824,366 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2002 3,300,000 624,551,508 (166,812,720)457,738,788 $165,000 $124,910 $1,102,574 $592,760 $2,718,226 $(2,705,520)$1,997,950 
Comprehensive income:                              
 Net income                      1,269,131     1,269,131 
 Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                              
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax                   (28,351)       (28,351)
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of tax                   4,900        4,900 
  Minimum pension liability adjustment                   (928)       (928)
                            
 
Comprehensive income                            1,244,752 
Cash dividends:                              
 Common stock ($.25 per share)                      (190,925)    (190,925)
 Preferred stock ($1.74 per share)                      (8,625)    (8,625)
Issuance of common shares   10,899,200 85,693 10,984,893     2,181  255,401        3,061  260,643 
Issuance of common shares due to exercise of stock warrants   5,827,656   5,827,656     1,165  39,034           40,199 
Retirement of common stock in treasury   (170,000,000)170,000,000      (34,000)       (3,032,120) 3,066,120   
Tax benefit related to employee stock option and purchase plans                50,813           50,813 
Premiums on equity forward purchase contracts                (17,361)          (17,361)
Cumulative effect of accounting change                12,458           12,458 
Repurchase of common shares:                              
 Open market repurchases     (5,474,590)(5,474,590)                (205,495) (205,495)
 Equity forward repurchases     (16,082,300)(16,082,300)                (450,639) (450,639)
 Benefit plans     (2,358,866)(2,358,866)                (89,786) (89,786)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2003 3,300,000 471,278,364 (20,642,783)450,635,581 $165,000 $94,256 $1,442,919 $568,381 $755,687 $(382,259)$2,643,984 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

8


SLM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)



 Nine months ended September 30,
 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 


 2003
 2002
 
 2004
 2003
 


 (Unaudited)

 (Unaudited)

 
 (Unaudited)

 (Unaudited)

 
Operating activitiesOperating activities     Operating activities     
Net incomeNet income $1,269,131 $485,966 Net income $291,465 $416,549 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Cumulative effect of accounting change (129,971)  Gains on student loan securitizations (113,954) (305,803)
Gains on student loan securitizations (659,477) (75,838)Losses on sales of securities, net  81,560 
Losses on sales of securities, net 114,677 188,463 Unrealized derivative market value adjustment 41,094 (114,366)
Derivative market value adjustment (335,162) 254,519 Unrealized derivative equity forward non-taxable (140,761)  
Provision for losses 120,689 82,558 Provision for losses 39,818 42,545 
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable 21,078 (105,227)Mortgage loans originated (363,140) (228,319)
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable 25,221 (10,096)Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans 262,582 195,554 
Decrease in Retained Interest in securitized receivables, net 241,667 115,829 Increase in restricted cash (238,066) (30,508)
Decrease (increase) in other assets, goodwill and acquired intangible assets 15,500 (43,655)(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable (164,716) 76,278 
(Decrease) in other liabilities (273,595) (650,122)Increase in accrued interest payable 99,349 36,206 
 
 
 Decrease in Retained Interest in securitized receivables, net 22,893 411 
Decrease (increase) in other assets, goodwill and acquired intangible assets 34,558 (274,198)
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities (558,130) 50,749 
 
 
 
Total adjustmentsTotal adjustments (859,373) (243,569)Total adjustments (1,078,473) (469,891)
 
 
   
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities 409,758 242,397 
Net cash used in operating activitiesNet cash used in operating activities (787,008) (53,342)
 
 
   
 
 
Investing activitiesInvesting activities     Investing activities     
Student loans acquiredStudent loans acquired (14,684,275) (12,482,383)Student loans acquired (6,311,801) (5,179,019)
Loans acquired from securitized trusts through loan consolidations (4,489,637) (2,602,479)
Loans purchased from securitized trusts (primarily through loan consolidations)Loans purchased from securitized trusts (primarily through loan consolidations) (1,273,677) (1,332,504)
Reduction of student loans:Reduction of student loans:     Reduction of student loans:     
Installment payments 2,913,412 3,113,159 Installment payments 1,595,982 1,080,080 
Claims and resales 498,061 499,637 Claims and resales 216,594 174,641 
Proceeds from securitization of student loans 12,248,554 7,967,914 Proceeds from securitization of student loans treated as sales 1,236,345 4,237,815 
Proceeds from sales of student loans  54,754 Proceeds from sales of student loans 190,687  
Academic facilities financings and other loans madeAcademic facilities financings and other loans made (306,517) (456,639)Academic facilities financings and other loans made (151,343) (99,687)
Academic facilities financings and other loans repaymentsAcademic facilities financings and other loans repayments 481,431 1,128,039 Academic facilities financings and other loans repayments 143,086 164,077 
Purchases of available-for-sale securitiesPurchases of available-for-sale securities (185,401,088) (29,906,923)Purchases of available-for-sale securities (51,640,829) (13,727,223)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securitiesProceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities 184,118,057 29,903,043 Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities 50,367,989 13,796,908 
Purchases of held-to-maturity and other securities (241,373) (281,541)
Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity securities and sales and maturities of other securities 238,777 335,574 
Purchase of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired (43,507) (46,392)
Purchases of other securitiesPurchases of other securities (114,179) (109,792)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of other securitiesProceeds from sales and maturities of other securities 90,515 92,925 
Return of investment from Retained InterestReturn of investment from Retained Interest 126,897 76,115 
 
 
   
 
 
Net cash used in investing activitiesNet cash used in investing activities (4,668,105) (2,774,237)Net cash used in investing activities (5,523,734) (825,664)
 
 
   
 
 
Financing activitiesFinancing activities     
Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 
Short-term borrowings issuedShort-term borrowings issued 564,157,806 502,008,756 Short-term borrowings issued 179,680,070 173,060,575 
Short-term borrowings repaidShort-term borrowings repaid (568,838,673) (499,811,442)Short-term borrowings repaid (181,021,844) (173,771,906)
Long-term notes issuedLong-term notes issued 17,126,671 16,689,747 Long-term notes issued 5,943,574 5,181,684 
Long-term notes repaidLong-term notes repaid (16,123,885) (16,265,852)Long-term notes repaid (4,074,944) (5,576,723)
Long-term notes issued by Variable Interest Entity 9,702,773  
Borrowings collateralized by loans in trustBorrowings collateralized by loans in trust 8,009,643 2,037,331 
Common stock issuedCommon stock issued 351,655 268,477 Common stock issued 98,326 136,747 
Premiums on equity forward contractsPremiums on equity forward contracts (17,361) (25,846)Premiums on equity forward contracts  (6,365)
Common stock repurchasedCommon stock repurchased (746,682) (411,733)Common stock repurchased (273,207) (267,222)
Common dividends paidCommon dividends paid (190,925) (92,974)Common dividends paid (76,763) (37,850)
Preferred dividends paidPreferred dividends paid (8,625) (8,625)Preferred dividends paid (2,886) (2,875)
 
 
   
 
 
Net cash provided by financing activitiesNet cash provided by financing activities 5,412,754 2,350,508 Net cash provided by financing activities 8,281,969 753,396 
 
 
   
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalentsNet increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,154,407 (181,332)Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,971,227 (125,610)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of periodCash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 758,302 715,001 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,847,585 462,688 
 
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of periodCash and cash equivalents at end of period $1,912,709 $533,669 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $3,818,812 $337,078 
 
 
   
 
 
Cash disbursements made for:Cash disbursements made for:     Cash disbursements made for:     
Interest $1,014,287 $1,253,775 Interest $218,583 $281,348 
 
 
   
 
 
Income taxes $528,486 $511,224 Income taxes $201,564 $215,920 
 
 
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

9




SLM CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Information at September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and for the three and nine months ended
September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 is unaudited)

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

1.    Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

        The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of SLM Corporation (the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods have been included. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2003.2004. These unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company's 20022003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

2. New Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting for GuaranteesReclassifications

        In November 2002,A recent interpretation of the Financial Accounting Standards BoardBoard's (the "FASB""FASB's") issued FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others." FIN No. 45 identifies characteristics of certain guarantee contracts and requires that a liability be recognized at fair value at the inception of such guarantees for the obligations undertaken by the guarantor. Additional disclosures also are prescribed for certain guarantee contracts. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN No. 45 were effective for these guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The implementation of FIN No. 45 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

        In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities." FIN No. 46 clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements," and provides new accounting guidance on when to consolidate a Variable Interest Entity ("VIE"). VIEs are required to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if they do not effectively disperse risks among parties involved. A VIE exists when either the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities by itself, or the equity investors lack one of three characteristics associated with owning a controlling financial interest. Those characteristics are the direct or indirect ability to make decisions about an entity's activities through voting rights or similar rights, the obligation to absorb the expected losses of an entity if they occur, and the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity if they occur. FIN No. 46 also requires new disclosures about VIEs.

10



        On February 1, 2003, the Company adopted FIN No. 46 for VIEs created in which the Company obtains an interest after January 31, 2003. Upon adoption of FIN No. 46, the Company reviewed all of its off-balance sheet asset-backed securitizations to determine if they should be consolidated on-balance sheet. Based on this review, all existing off-balance sheet securitizations still met the definition of Qualifying Special Purpose Entities ("QSPEs") as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting StandardsStandard ("SFAS") No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers133 requires net settlement income/expense on derivatives and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities—a Replacement ofrealized gains/losses related to derivative dispositions that do not qualify as hedges under SFAS No. 125," and will continue133 to not be consolidated. In addition,included in the Company's accounting treatmentderivative market value adjustment on the income statement. The table below summarizes these derivative reclassifications for its on-balance sheet Consolidation Loan securitizations are not affected by FIN No. 46 as the Company previously concluded that such transactions should be consolidated. Based on this review the Company has determined that FIN No. 46 does not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. FIN No. 46 was originally effective for interim periods beginning after June 15, 2003, however in October 2003, the FASB deferred this effective date until interim or annual periods ending after December 15,three months ended March 31, 2003.

 
 Three months ended
March 31, 2003

 
(Dollars in millions)

  
 
Reclassification of realized derivative transactions to derivative market value adjustment:    
Net settlement expense on Floor Income Contracts reclassified from student loan income $(118)
Net settlement expense on Floor Income Contracts reclassified from servicing and securitization income  (36)
Net settlement income on interest rate swaps reclassified from interest expense  12 
Net settlement expense on interest rate swaps reclassified from servicing and securitization income  (15)
Realized losses on closed Eurodollar futures contracts and terminated derivative contracts reclassified from other expense  (77)
  
 
Total reclassifications to the derivative market value adjustment  (234)
Add: Unrealized derivative market value adjustment  115 
  
 
Derivative market value adjustment as reported $(119)
  
 

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

        In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Compensation—Transition and Disclosure." SFAS No. 148Disclosure" which amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require more prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The additional disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 148 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The Company has elected to continue to followaccount for its employee stock options under the intrinsic value method of accounting as prescribed by Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,Employees." to account for employee stock options. Under APB No. 25,Accordingly, the Company does not recognize compensation expense unless the exercise price of its employee stock options is less than the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. The Company grants all of its options at the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. Consequently, the Company has not recorded such expense in the periods presented. In Note 6, there is a presentation of net income (loss)

        The following table summarizes pro forma disclosures for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and earnings (loss) per share2003, as if the Company had accounted for its employee and Board of Directors stock options and employee stock plansgranted subsequent to December 31, 1994 under the fair market value based method prescribed byas set forth in SFAS No. 123.

Equity Forward Contracts

        In May The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, with the following weighted average assumptions for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively: risk-free interest rate of 2.08 percent and 2.31 percent; volatility factor of the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accountingexpected market price of the Company's common stock of 14.04 percent and 24.99 percent; expected dividend rate of 1.62 percent and 1.04 percent; and the expected life of the option of three years for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity." SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how a company classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS No. 150 also outlines new accounting for equity forward contracts. Under SFAS No. 150, equity forward contractsperiods. Options that allow a net settlement option either in cash orhave vesting periods tied to the Company's stock price are requiredassumed to be accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and

11



Hedging Activities," as derivative financial instruments. Those equity forward contracts that require physical settlement only (cash for the purchase of shares) must be accounted for as a liability. The Company's existing contracts provide for physical settlement, net share or net cash settlement options. As a result, for equity forward contracts entered into after May 31, 2003, the Company accounts for these equity forward contracts as derivatives effective June 1, 2003 and records the change in fair value through earnings. Equity forward contracts entered into prior to June 1, 2003 and outstanding at July 1, 2003, were recorded at fair value on July 1, and the Company recorded a gain of $130 million which was reflected as a "cumulative effect of accounting change" in the consolidated statements of income forvest ratably over the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003. Included in this amount was a loss of $12 million previously recorded as an adjustment to equity related to interest costs associated with outstanding equity forwards. In the third quarter of 2003, the Company recognized a $10 million loss related to the mark-to-market of its equity forward contracts. In addition, the Company recorded a $5 million loss related to net cost of carry of the equity forward contracts. In the third quarter, the Company settled equity forward contracts by repurchasing its common stock for $43 million. The repurchased shares were recorded as treasury stock at the market value at the time of settlement of $42 million. The $1 million realized loss on these settlements that was previously recognized through equity forward marks-to-market was reversed in the derivative market valuation account. Gains and losses on equity forward contracts are excluded from gross income for federal and state income tax purposes.year historical vesting period.

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
Net income attributable to common stock $288,579 $413,674 
Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects  (16,499) (26,201)
  
 
 
Pro forma net income attributable to common stock $272,080 $387,473 
  
 
 
Basic earnings per common share $.65 $.91 
  
 
 
Pro forma basic earnings per common share $.61 $.85 
  
 
 
Diluted earnings per common share $.64 $.88 
  
 
 
Pro forma diluted earnings per common share $.60 $.82 
  
 
 

3.2.    Allowance for Student Loan Losses

        The provision for student loan losses represents the periodic expense of maintaining an allowance sufficient to absorb probable losses, net of recoveries, inherent in the student loan portfolios. The allowance for Private Credit Student Loan losses is an estimate of losses in the portfolio of student loans.at the balance sheet date that will be charged off in subsequent periods. The Company evaluates the adequacyevaluation of the provision for loan losses on its federally insured portfolio of student loans separately from its private creditis inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant changes. The Company believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover probable losses in the student loan portfolio.

        The federal government guarantees 98 percent of principal and interest of federally insured student loans, which limits the Company's loss exposure to two percent of the outstanding balance of the Company's federally insured portfolio.

        The Company has established an allowance for this exposureestimates its losses using historical data from its Private Credit Student Loan portfolios, extrapolations of $50 million.

        The Company's private credit student loan portfolio has not matured sufficiently to rely on experience factors to predictFFELP loan loss patterns. Therefore,data, current trends and relevant industry information. As the Company's Private Credit Student Loan portfolios continue to mature, more reliance is placed on the Company's own historical Private Credit Student Loan charge-off and recovery data. Accordingly, during the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company relies on a combination ofrevised its own historic data, suchexpected default assumptions to further align the allowance estimate with the Company's collection experience as recent trends in delinquencies,well as the credit profileterms and policies of the borrower and/or co-borrower, loan volume by program, and charge-offs and recoveries.individual Private Credit Student Loan programs. The Company uses this data in internally developed statistical models to estimate the amount of probablelosses, net losses that areof subsequent collections, projected to be incurred.occur in the Private Credit Student Loan portfolios.

        In calculatingTo calculate the private credit student loanPrivate Credit Student Loan loss allowance, the Company considers various factors such as co-borrowers, repayment, monthsdivides the portfolio into categories of repayments, delinquency status and type of program. Defaults are estimated by cohort (loans grouped by the year in which they entered into repayment status)similar risk characteristics based on loan program type, underwriting criteria, existence or absence of a co-borrower, repayment begin date and repayment status. The Company then applies default and collection rate projections to each category. The repayment begin date indicates when the borrower's credit profile, netborrower is required to begin repaying the loan. The Company's career training Private Credit Student Loan programs (30 percent of the Private Credit Student Loan portfolio at March 31, 2004) generally require borrowers to start repaying their loans immediately. The Company's higher education Private Credit Student Loan programs (70 percent of the Private Credit Student Loan portfolio at March 31, 2004) do not require the borrowers to begin repayment until they have graduated or otherwise left school. Consequently, loss estimates for these programs are minimal while the borrower is in school. At March 31, 2004, 46 percent of the principal balance in the higher education Private Credit Student Loan portfolio relates to borrowers who are still in school and, therefore, not required to make payments. As the current portfolio ages, an estimateincreasing percentage of collections by cohortborrowers will leave school and be required to begin to repay their loans. With a higher percentage of borrowers in repayment, the Company expects the allowance for both newlosses to increase accordingly.

12        The Company's loss estimates include losses that the Company expects to incur over the loss confirmation period, which is the period of the highest concentration of defaults. The loss confirmation period is 2 years for career training loans beginning when the loan is originated and 5 years for higher education loans beginning when the borrower leaves school. The loss confirmation period is in alignment with the Company's typical collection cycle and the Company considers these periods of nonpayment when estimating the allowance. The Company's collection policies allow for periods of




nonpayment for borrowers experiencing temporary difficulty meeting payment obligations (typically, very early in the repayment term when the borrowers are starting their careers). This is referred to as forbearance status. At March 31, 2004, 4 percent of the Private Credit Student Loan portfolio was in forbearance status.

        Private Credit Student Loan principal and previously defaulted loans. Private credit student loans areaccrued interest is charged off against the allowance when they areat 212 days delinquent. This policy is periodically reconsidered by management as trends develop.of delinquency. Private credit student loansCredit Student Loans continue to accrue interest until charged off. Interest accrued in the current accounting period isthey are charged off against interest income. Interest accruedand removed from prior periods is charged off against the allowance.active portfolio. Recoveries on loans charged off are recorded directly to the allowance.

        The following table summarizes changes in the allowance for student loan losses for only private creditboth the Private Credit and federally insured student loan portfolios for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002:2003.

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
Balance at beginning of period $220,641 $227,466 $230,684 $251,689 
Additions             
 Provisions for student loan losses  39,780  33,484  116,935  78,496 
 Recoveries  3,574  6,310  10,042  9,353 
Deductions             
 Reductions for student loan sales and securitizations  (5,478) (3,019) (65,050) (8,211)
 Charge-offs  (23,601) (34,597) (64,561) (65,726)
Other    (397) 6,866  (36,354)
  
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of period $234,916 $229,247 $234,916 $229,247 
  
 
 
 
 

13


 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
Balance at beginning of period $211,709 $230,684 
Additions       
 Provisions for student loan losses  37,793  42,861 
 Recoveries  2,846  3,443 
Deductions       
 Reductions for student loan sales and securitizations  (21,102) (31,736)
 Charge-offs  (27,795) (19,499)
Other    6,828 
  
 
 
Balance at end of period $203,451 $232,581 
  
 
 

        The following table summarizes changes inIn addition to the allowanceprovisions for student loan losses, provisions for on-balance sheet private credit studentlosses on other Company loans totaled $2.0 million and $0.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003, and 2002.respectively.

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
(Dollars in millions)

 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
Balance at beginning of period $174 $181 $194 $208 
Provision for private credit student loan losses  30  32  84  66 
Other      7  (36)

Charge-offs

 

 

(22

)

 

(33

)

 

(59

)

 

(61

)
Recoveries  3  6  10  9 
  
 
 
 
 
 Charge-offs, net of recoveries  (19) (27) (49) (52)
  
 
 
 
 
Balance before securitization of private credit student loans  185  186  236  186 
Reduction for securitization of private credit student loans      (51)  
  
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of period $185 $186 $185 $186 
  
 
 
 
 
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average private credit student loans (annualized)  1.53% 1.95% 1.27% 1.38%
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average private credit student loans in repayment (annualized)  3.01% 3.61% 2.43% 2.33%
Private credit allowance as a percentage of average private credit student loans  3.84% 3.41% 3.56% 3.72%
Private credit allowance as a percentage of the ending balance of private credit student loans  3.55% 3.28% 3.55% 3.28%
Private credit allowance as a percentage of ending private credit student loans in repayment  7.44% 6.26% 7.44% 6.26%
Average balance of private credit student loans $4,829 $5,459 $5,214 $5,011 
Ending balance of private credit student loans $5,214 $5,676 $5,214 $5,676 
Average balance of private credit student loans in repayment $2,449 $2,942 $2,717 $2,954 
Ending balance of private credit student loans in repayment $2,491 $2,976 $2,491 $2,976 

        During the third quarter of 2003, the Company reclassified FFELP loans and the related reserves that have been rejected for reimbursement by the guarantor to the private credit student loan portfolio, because these loans are effectively uninsured. In the above table, the reclassification is reflected for all periods presented.

        The increase in the provision for private credit student loans of $18 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 versus the corresponding year-ago period is primarily due to the 44 percent increase in private credit student loan acquisitions over the corresponding year-ago period. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, the decrease in private credit student loan charge-offs is primarily due to the decrease in the average balance of the on-balance sheet private credit student loan portfolio due to securitizations.

14




        The Company defers origination fees and recognizes them over the average life of the related pool of loans as a component of interest income. The unamortized balance of deferred origination fee revenue at September 30, 2003 and 2002 was $102 million and $81 million, respectively.

        The table below showspresents the Company's private credit student loanPrivate Credit Student Loan delinquency trends as of September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003. Delinquencies have the potential to adversely impact earnings if the account charges off and results in increased servicing and collection costs.

 
 September 30, 2003
 September 30, 2002
 
(Dollars in millions)

 
 Balance
 %
 Balance
 %
 
Loans in-school/grace/deferment1 $2,436   $2,381   
Loans in forbearance2  287    319   
Loans in repayment and percentage of each status:           
 Loans current  2,235 90% 2,725 91%
 Loans delinquent 30-59 days3  107 4  108 4 
 Loans delinquent 60-89 days  59 2  56 2 
 Loans delinquent 90 days or greater  90 4  87 3 
  
 
 
 
 
Total loans in repayment  2,491 100% 2,976 100%
  
 
 
 
 
Total private credit student loans  5,214    5,676   
Private credit student loan allowance for losses  (185)   (186)  
  
   
   
Private credit student loans, net $5,029   $5,490   
  
   
   
Percentage of private credit student loans in repayment  48%   52%  
  
   
   
Delinquencies as a percentage of private credit student loans in repayment  10%   9%  
  
   
   
 
 March 31,
 
 
 2004
 2003
 
 
 Balance
 %
 Balance
 %
 
(Dollars in millions)

  
  
  
  
 
Loans in-school/grace/deferment (1) $1,975   $2,203   
Loans in forbearance (2)  187    281   
Loans in repayment and percentage of each status:           
 Loans current  1,944 90% 2,366 90%
 Loans delinquent 30-59 days (3)  81 4  123 5 
 Loans delinquent 60-89 days  49 2  65 2 
 Loans delinquent 90 days or greater  95 4  77 3 
  
 
 
 
 
 Total Private Credit Student Loans in repayment  2,169 100% 2,631 100%
  
 
 
 
 
Total Private Credit Student Loans  4,331    5,115   
Private Credit Student Loan allowance for losses  (154)   (174)  
  
   
   
Private Credit Student Loans, net $4,177   $4,941   
  
   
   
Percentage of Private Credit Student Loans in repayment  50%   51%  
  
   
   
Delinquencies as a percentage of Private Credit Student Loans in repayment  10%   10%  
  
   
   

1(1)
Loans for borrowers who still may be attending school or engaging in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on thetheir loans, e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation.

2(2)
Loans for borrowers who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors, consistent with the established loan program servicing policies and procedures. Additionally, the forbearance balance at September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 includes $8$7 million of career training loans in "closed school" status, whose ultimate disposition is uncertain.status.

3(3)
The delinquency period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due.

        The increase in delinquencies as a percentage of private credit student loans in repayment is primarily due to the changefollowing table summarizes changes in the mix of private creditallowance for student loans remainingloan losses for on-balance sheet after securitizations.Private Credit Student Loans for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003.

15


 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
(Dollars in millions)

  
  
 
Private Credit Student Loan allowance balance at beginning of period $166 $181 
Provision for Private Credit Student Loan losses  32  28 
Other    7 
Charge-offs:       
 Private Credit Student Loan charge-offs  (26) (17)
 Private Credit Student Loan recoveries  3  2 
  
 
 
 Total charge-offs, net of recoveries  (23) (15)
  
 
 
Balance before securitization of Private Credit Student Loans  175  201 
Reduction for securitization of Private Credit Student Loans  (21) (27)
  
 
 
Private Credit Student Loan allowance balance at end of period $154 $174 
  
 
 
Net Private Credit Student Loan charge-offs as a percentage of average Private Credit Student Loans  1.80% 1.09%
Net Private Credit Student Loan charge-offs as a percentage of average Private Credit Student Loans in repayment  3.97% 2.14%
Private Credit Student Loan allowance as a percentage of average Private Credit Student Loans  3.00% 3.19%
Private Credit Student Loan allowance as a percentage of the ending balance of Private Credit Student Loans  3.56% 3.40%
Private Credit Student Loan allowance as a percentage of the ending balance of Private Credit Student Loans in repayment  7.11% 6.62%
Average balance of Private Credit Student Loans $5,146 $5,464 
Ending balance of Private Credit Student Loans $4,331 $5,115 
Average balance of Private Credit Student Loans in repayment $2,328 $2,785 
Ending balance of Private Credit Student Loans in repayment $2,169 $2,631 


4.3.    Student Loan Securitization

        When theSecuritization Activity

        The Company sellsactively securitizes its student loans in a securitization that is afforded off-balance sheet treatment, itloan assets and retains a Residual Interest, servicing rights and in some cases, areserve and other cash reserve account, bothaccounts, all of which are Retained Interests in the securitized loans. At September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the balance of these assets was $2.7 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively. The gain or loss on the sale of the loans is based upon the carrying amount of the financial assets involved in the transfer, allocated between the assets sold and the Retained Interests based on their relative fair values at the date of transfer. Quoted market prices are generally not available forreferred to as the Company's Retained Interests so the Company estimates fair value, both initially and on a quarterly basis, based on the present value of future expected cash flows estimated using management's best estimates of the key assumptions—credit losses, prepayment speeds and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. The projection of residual cash flows, exclusive of Floor Income, usedInterest in determining the initial gain on sale is discounted at 12 percent. The Company values the Floor Income component of its Retained Interest based upon market quotes for comparable instruments.

        Included in the gain on student loan securitizations of Consolidation Loans is an estimate of the Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income from the loans securitized. Depending on interest rate levels, the ongoing reevaluation of this estimate of Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income can cause volatility in the fair value of the Retained Interest asset. Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income is estimated over the life of the securitization trust using the current yield curve which results in a lower discount rate in the earlier periods of the trust and a higher discount rate for the more uncertain Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income associated with later periods. Interest income recognized on the Retained Interest asset is based on the anticipated yield determined by periodically estimating future cash flows.

        The fair value of the Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income included in the Retained Interest asset as of September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 was $947 million and $629 million, respectively. The fair value of the Embedded Variable Rate Floor Income included in the Retained Interest asset as of September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 was $25 million and $75 million, respectively.securitized loans.

        The following tables summarizetable summarizes the Company's securitization activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003.

 
 Three months ended September 30,
 
 
 2003
 2002
 
(Dollars in millions)

 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Gain %
 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Gain %
 
FFELP Stafford/PLUS loans 2 $3,511 1.12%2 $2,829 .63%
Consolidation Loans         
Private credit student loans         
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total securitization sales 2  3,511 1.12%2  2,829 .63%
       
      
 
On-balance sheet securitization of Consolidation Loans 2  5,513        
  
 
   
 
   
Total loans securitized 4 $9,024   2 $2,829   
  
 
   
 
   

16

 
 Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 2004
 2003
 
 
 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Pre-tax
Gains

 Gain %
 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Pre-tax
Gains

 Gain %
 
(Dollars in millions)

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
FFELP Stafford/PLUS loans  $ $ %1 $1,256 $20 1.6%
Consolidation Loans       1  2,005  218 10.9 
Private Credit Student Loans 1  1,252  114 9.1 1  1,005  68 6.8 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total securitization sales 1  1,252 $114 9.1%3  4,266 $306 7.2%
       
 
      
 
 
On-balance sheet securitization of Consolidation Loans (1) 3  8,023      1  2,056      
  
 
      
 
      
Total loans securitized 4 $9,275      4 $6,322      
  
 
      
 
      

 
 
Nine months ended September 30,

 
 
 2003
 2002
 
(Dollars in millions)

 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Gain %
 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Gain %
 
FFELP Stafford/PLUS loans 4 $5,772 1.26%5 $7,859 .96%
Consolidation Loans 2  4,256 10.19     
Private credit student loans 2  2,253 6.79     
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total securitization sales 8  12,281 5.37%5  7,859 .96%
       
      
 
On-balance sheet securitization of Consolidation Loans 4  9,825        
  
 
   
 
   
Total loans securitized 12 $22,106   5 $7,859   
  
 
   
 
   

(1)
In fourcertain Consolidation Loan securitization structures, the Company holds certain rights regardingthat can affect the remarketing of the bonds as well as a call option that gives it the right to acquire certain of the notes issuedbonds. These remarketing rights are not significantly limited in the transaction. Thus the Company is deemed to maintain effective control over the transferred assets. As a result,nature. Therefore, these securitizations did not meet the criteria of being a QSPE andqualify as QSPEs. Accordingly, they are accounted for on-balance sheet and are classified as Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs") with the securitized federally insured loans reflected in the balance sheet as "federally insured student loans in trust. Accordingly, the student loans securitized and the associated debt remain on the Company's balance sheet and no gains or losses were recognized on these transactions. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company completed two and four on-balance sheet securitizations totaling $5.5 billion and $9.8 billion, respectively.

        The increase in the gains for the three months ended September 30, 2003 as a percentage of the portfolios securitized versus the corresponding year-ago period was primarily due to lower relative cost of funds. The increase in the gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, as a percentage of the portfolios securitized, versus the corresponding year-ago period was due to significantly higher Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income in the 2003 Consolidation Loan securitizations and higher gains on private credit student loan securitizations. Gains on the private credit student loan securitizations are higher than gains on FFELP Stafford/PLUS securitizations because private credit student loans have wider spreads, longer average lives and are less expensive to service than similar sized FFELP Stafford/PLUS student loans, partially offset by higher projected default losses.

        For each securitization completed in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, the Company receives annual servicing fees of 0.9 percent per annum of the outstanding balance of FFELP Stafford/PLUS student loans, 0.5 percent per annum of the outstanding balance of Consolidation Loans, and 0.7 percent per annum of the outstanding balance of the private credit student loans. The Company considers this adequate compensation, as defined in SFAS No. 140, and accordingly does not record a servicing right or obligation.

"

        Key economic assumptions used in estimating the fair value of the RetainedResidual Interests at the date of securitization resulting fromfor securitization transactions that qualified as sales during the student loan securitization sale transactions completed during the

17


three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 (weighted based on principal amounts securitized) were as follows:


 Three months ended September 30,
 Three months ended March 31,
 

 2003
 2002
 2004
 2003
 

 FFELP
Loans

 Private
Credit
Loans

 FFELP Loans
 Private
Credit
Loans

 FFELP
Stafford (1)

 Consolidation (1)
 Private
Credit

 Stafford
FFELP

 Consolidation
 Private
Credit

 
Prepayment speed 9.00% 9.00% N/A N/A 6%9%7%6%
Weighted-average life (in years) 4.62  yrs. 4.58  yrs. N/A N/A 6.86 4.67 8.13 6.47 
Expected credit losses (% of principal securitized) .51% .62% N/A N/A 4.73%.53%.72%3.92%
Residual cash flows discounted at 12.00% 12.00%

 
Nine months ended September 30,


 2003
 2002

 FFELP
Loans

 Private
Credit
Loans

 FFELP Loans
 Private
Credit
Loans

Prepayment speed 7.00%-9.00%26.00%19.00%
Weighted-average life (in years) 6.07  yrs.6.54  yrs.4.81  yrs.
Expected credit losses (% of principal securitized) .60%3.96%.61%
Residual cash flows discounted at 7.00%12.00%12.00%
Residual cash flows discounted at (weighted average) N/A N/A 12%12%6%12%

1(1)
Guarantor payoffs of defaultedNo FFELP student loans are considered prepayments. These payoffs therefore increaseStafford or Consolidation Loan securitizations in the prepayment rate on FFELP loans relative to private credit loans.

2
The prepayment speed is 9 percentperiod qualified for FFELP Stafford/PLUS loans and 7 percent for Consolidation Loans.sale treatment.

        The following table summarizes the cash flows received from all off-balancefair value of the Company's Retained Interests related to those securitizations that were treated as sales.

 
 As of March 31, 2004
 As of December 31, 2003
 
 Fair Value (1)
 Underlying Securitized
Loan Balance (2)

 Fair Value
 Underlying Securitized
Loan Balance (2)

(Dollars in millions)

  
  
  
  
FFELP Stafford $959 $24,760 $1,023 $26,736
Consolidation  1,046  8,016  994  8,172
Private Credit  477  4,959  459  3,834
  
 
 
 
 Tota1 (3)(4) $2,482 $37,735 $2,476 $38,742
  
 
 
 

(1)
The Company used the same underlying economic assumptions regarding prepayment speeds, loss rates and discount rates to value the Retained Interests as of March 31, 2004 as were used as of December 31, 2003.

(2)
For the Company's on-balance sheet securitization trusts duringsecuritizations, there were $24.1 billion and $16.4 billion of securitized student loans outstanding as of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. These student loans are reflected in the threeCompany's balance sheet as "federally insured student loans in trust."

(3)
Unrealized gains (pre-tax) included in accumulated other comprehensive income related to the Retained Interests totaled $611 million and nine months ended September 30,$443 million as of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

(4)
Includes $801 million and 2002.

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

(Dollars in millions)

 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
Net proceeds from new securitizations entered into during the period $3,530 $2,858 $12,248 $7,938
Servicing fees received  75  66  217  189
Cash distributions from trusts  217  234  625  694
$727 million related to the fair value of the Embedded Floor Income as of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

5.

4.    Common Stock

        The following table summarizes the Company's common share repurchase and equity forward activity for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003.

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
(Common shares in millions)

  
  
 
Common shares repurchased:       
 Open market    3.4 
 Equity forwards  7.9  4.6 
 Benefit plans  .7  .9 
  
 
 
 Total shares repurchased  8.6  8.9 
  
 
 
 Average purchase price per share $31.26 $29.88 
  
 
 
Common shares issued  3.8  5.7 
  
 
 
Equity forward contracts:       
 Outstanding at beginning of period  43.5  28.7 
 New contracts  4.2  7.1 
 Exercises  (7.9) (4.6)
  
 
 
Outstanding at end of period  39.8  31.2 
  
 
 
Board of Director authority remaining at end of period  34.2  39.7 
  
 
 

        As of March 31, 2004, the expiration dates and range and average purchase prices for outstanding equity forward contracts were as follows:

(Contracts in millions)

  
  
  
Year of maturity

 Outstanding
contracts

 Range of
purchase prices

 Average purchase
price

2005 3.0 $38.25–$40.17 $39.21
2006 20.5  33.82–  41.88  37.37
2007 13.1  37.70–  41.81  38.70
2008 3.2  38.64–  40.00  39.28
  
    
  39.8    $38.10
  
    

        The closing price of the Company's common stock on March 31, 2004 was $41.85.


Earnings per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per common share ("basic EPS") are calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share ("diluted EPS") reflect the potential dilutive effect of additional common shares that

18



are issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options, warrants, deferred compensation and shares held in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"), determined by the treasury stock method, and equity forwards, determined by the reverse treasury stock method,method. Diluted EPS excludes the potential dilutive effect of senior convertible debt, as follows:

 
 Net Income (Loss)
Attributable to
Common Stock

 Average Shares
 Earnings
(Loss)
per Share

 
Three months ended September 30, 2003         
Basic EPS, after cumulative effect of accounting change $477,013 450,725 $1.06 
Dilutive effect of stock options, equity forwards, deferred compensation, and ESPP shares   9,922  (.02)
  
 
 
 
Diluted EPS, after cumulative effect of accounting change $477,013 460,647 $1.04 
  
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2002  ��      
Basic EPS, after cumulative effect of accounting change $(65,254)461,159 $(.14)
Dilutive effect of stock options, warrants, equity forwards, deferred compensation, and ESPP shares      
  
 
 
 
Diluted EPS, after cumulative effect of accounting change $(65,254)461,159 $(.14)
  
 
 
 

 

 

Net Income
Attributable to
Common Stock


 

Average Shares


 

Earnings
per Share


 
Nine months ended September 30, 2003         
Basic EPS, after cumulative effect of accounting change $1,260,506 453,139 $2.78 
Dilutive effect of stock options, warrants, equity forwards, deferred compensation, and ESPP shares   11,986  (.07)
  
 
 
 
Diluted EPS, after cumulative effect of accounting change $1,260,506 465,125 $2.71 
  
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2002         
Basic EPS, after cumulative effect of accounting change $477,341 463,630 $1.03 
Dilutive effect of stock options, warrants, equity forwards, deferred compensation, and ESPP shares   12,001  (.03)
  
 
 
 
Diluted EPS, after cumulative effect of accounting change $477,341 475,631 $1.00 
  
 
 
 

        Formanagement believes conversion is not likely in the near term. The following table reflects basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2002, there were 10.9 million average stock options, warrants, equity forwards, deferred compensation,March 31, 2004 and ESPP shares that could dilute basic EPS in the future but haven't been included in diluted EPS presented because they would be anti-dilutive.2003.

 
 Net Income
Attributable to
Common Stock

 Average Shares
 Earnings
per Share

 
Three months ended March 31, 2004         
Basic EPS $288,579 442,664 $.65 
Dilutive effect of stock options, equity forwards, deferred compensation, and ESPP shares   9,083  (.01)
  
 
 
 
Diluted EPS $288,579 451,747 $.64 
  
 
 
 

Three months ended March 31, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Basic EPS $413,674 456,581 $.91 
Dilutive effect of stock options, warrants, equity forwards, deferred compensation, and ESPP shares   13,115  (.03)
  
 
 
 
Diluted EPS $413,674 469,696 $.88 
  
 
 
 

        In May 2003, the Board of Directors approved a three-for-one split of the Company's common stock to be effected in the form of a stock dividend. The additional shares of stock were distributed on June 20, 2003, for all shareholders of record on June 6, 2003. All share and per share amounts presented have been retroactively restated for the stock split. Stockholders' equity has been restated to give retroactive recognition to the stock split for all periods presented by reclassifying from additional

19



paid-in capital to common stock the par value of the additional shares issued as a result of the stock split.

        In July 2003, the Board of Directors voted to retire 170 million shares of common stock held in treasury, effective in September 2003. Based on an average price of $18.04 per share, this retirement decreased the balance in treasury stock by $3.1 billion, with corresponding decreases of $34 million in common stock and $3.1 billion in retained earnings.


6. Stock-Based Compensation

        SLM Corporation accounts for its stock option plans in accordance with APB No. 25 and related interpretations, which results in no compensation expense for the Company's fixed stock options granted under the plans. All options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of the grant. The following table summarizes pro forma disclosures for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, as if the Company had accounted for employee and Board of Directors stock options granted subsequent to December 31, 1994 under the fair value based method as set forth in SFAS No. 123.

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock $477,013 $(65,254)$1,260,506 $477,341 
Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects  (14,722) (16,880) (73,353) (99,188)
  
 
 
 
 
Pro forma net income attributable to common stock $462,291 $(82,134)$1,187,153 $378,153 
  
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share, after cumulative effect of accounting change $1.06 $(.14)$2.78 $1.03 
  
 
 
 
 
Pro forma basic earnings (loss) per common share, after cumulative effect of accounting change $1.03 $(.18)$2.62 $.82 
  
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share, after cumulative effect of accounting change $1.04 $(.14)$2.71 $1.00 
  
 
 
 
 
Pro forma diluted earnings (loss) per common share, after cumulative effect of accounting change $1.00 $(.18)$2.55 $.80 
  
 
 
 
 

7.5.    Derivative Financial Instruments

Summary of Derivative Financial Statement Impact

        The following tables summarize the fair values and notional valuesamounts or number of contracts of all derivative instruments at September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2002,2003, and their impact on other comprehensive income and earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and

20



2002. 2003. At September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2002, $2412003, $156 million and $368$158 million (amortized cost)(fair value), respectively, of available-for-sale investment securities and $446 million and $31 million, respectively, of cash were pledged as collateral against these derivative instruments.

        In addition, at September 30, 2003, $95 million of cash was pledged as collateral. There was no cash collateral pledged at December 31, 2002.


 Cash Flow
 Fair Value
 Trading
 Total
  Cash Flow
 Fair Value
 Trading
 Total
 

 September 30,
2003

 December 31,
2002

 September 30,
2003

 December 31,
2002

 September 30,
2003

 December 31,
2002

 September 30,
2003

 December 31,
2002

  March 31,
2004

 December 31,
2003

 March 31,
2004

 December 31,
2003

 March 31,
2004

 December 31,
2003

 March 31,
2004

 December 31,
2003

 
(Dollars in millions)

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Fair Values                                                  
(Dollars in millions)                         
Interest rate swaps $1 $ $(42)$84 $(109)$(155)$(150)$(71) $10 $(4)$21 $(182)$(142)$(133)$(111)$(319)
Floor/Cap contracts          (1,374) (1,362) (1,374) (1,362)          (1,335) (1,168) (1,335) (1,168)
Futures  (80) (75)      (52) (34) (132) (109)  (75) (76)       (40) (75) (116)
Equity forwards          131    131             135  48  135  48 
Cross currency interest rate swaps      30        30         319  281      319  281 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $(79)$(75)$(12)$84 $(1,404)$(1,551)$(1,495)$(1,542) $(65)$(80)$340 $99 $(1,342)$(1,293)$(1,067)$(1,274)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(Dollars in billions)


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 
Notional Values                                                  
(Dollars in billions)                         
Interest rate swaps $1.1 $ $15.6 $17.3 $69.1 $54.8 $85.8 $72.1  $4.6 $1.6 $16.2 $16.8 $75.9 $74.2 $96.7 $92.6 
Floor/Cap contracts          33.4  26.7  33.4  26.7           46.5  34.1  46.5  34.1 
Futures  8.2  10.9      19.4  17.2  27.6  28.1   7.1  8.2      5.0  23.1  12.1  31.3 
Cross currency interest rate swaps      2.6        2.6         8.1  4.1      8.1  4.1 
Other1          2.0    2.0   
Other (1)          2.0  2.0  2.0  2.0 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $9.3 $10.9 $18.2 $17.3 $123.9 $98.7 $151.4 $126.9  $11.7 $9.8 $24.3 $20.9 $129.4 $133.4 $165.4 $164.1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(Shares in millions)


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 
Contracts                                                  
(Shares in millions)                         
Equity forwards          40.2    40.2             39.8  43.5  39.8  43.5 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1(1)
"Other" consists of an embedded derivative bifurcated from the convertible debenture issuance that relates primarily to certain contingent interest and conversion features of the debt. The embedded derivative has had zero fair value since inception.

21




 Three months ended September 30,
  Three months ended March 31,
 

 Cash Flow
 Fair Value
 Trading
 Total
  Cash Flow
 Fair Value
 Trading
 Total
 

 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
  2004
 2003
 2004
 2003
 2004
 2003
 2004
 2003
 
(Dollars in millions)                     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Changes to other comprehensive income, net of tax                                            
Other comprehensive income, net $5 $(39)$ $ $ $ $5 $(39) $5 $3 $ $ $ $ $5 $3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Summary                                            
Recognition of closed futures contracts' gains/losses into interest expense1 $(5)$(5)$ $ $ $ $(5)$(5)
Recognition of closed futures contracts' gains/losses into gains/losses on sales of securities, net2   (3)   (4) (45) (4) (48)
Derivative market value adjustment4   (2)3  33 250 (367) 250 (366)
Recognition of closed futures contracts' gains/losses into interest expense (1) $(5)$(6)$ $ $ $ $(5)$(6)
Derivative market value adjustment — Realized (2)    (7)     (216) (227) (216) (234)
Derivative market value adjustment — Unrealized    1(3) (2)(3) 4(3) 101  110  99  115 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total earnings impact $(5)$(10)$ $3 $246 $(412)$241 $(419) $(5)$(12)$(2)$4 $(115)$(117)$(122)$(125)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1(1)
For futures contracts that qualify as SFAS No. 133 hedges where the hedged transaction occurs.

2(2)
For discontinuedIncludes net settlement income/expense on trading derivatives and realized gains and losses on disposed derivatives that do not qualify as hedges and closed futures contracts accounted for as "trading."under SFAS No. 133.

3(3)
The change in fair value of cash flow and fair value hedges represents amounts related to ineffectiveness.

4
In addition to the derivative market value adjustment, the Company recorded a $130 million cumulative effect of accounting change for equity forward contracts in accordance with the transition provisions of SFAS No. 150. Explanation of the transition can be found in Note 2, "New Accounting Pronouncements."

22


 
 Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
 Cash Flow
 Fair Value
 Trading
 Total
 
 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
(Dollars in millions)                         
Changes to other comprehensive income, net of tax                         
Other comprehensive income, net $5 $(40)$ $ $ $15$5 $(39)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Summary                         
Recognition of closed futures contracts' gains/losses into interest expense1 $(19)$(10)$ $ $ $ $(19)$(10)
Recognition of closed futures contracts' gains/losses into gains/losses on sales of securities, net2  (7) (47)     (10) (133) (17) (180)
Recognition of derivative losses into gains/losses on sales of securities          (88) (6) (88) (6)
Amortization of transition adjustment3            (1)   (1)
Derivative market value adjustment6  14 (2)4 44 84 330  (261) 335  (255)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total earnings impact $(25)$(59)$4 $8 $232 $(401)$211 $(452)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1
For futures contracts that qualify as SFAS No. 133 hedges where the hedged transaction occurs.

2
For discontinued hedges and closed futures contracts accounted for as "trading."

3
Reported as a component of other income in the consolidated statements of income.

4
The change in fair value of cash flow and fair value hedges represents amounts related to ineffectiveness.

5
Represents transition adjustment and related amortization out of other comprehensive income, net.

6
In addition to the derivative market value adjustment, the Company recorded a $130 million cumulative effect of accounting change for equity forward contracts in accordance with the transition provisions of SFAS No. 150. Explanation of the transition can be found in Note 2, "New Accounting Pronouncements."

23


        The following table showspresents the components of the change in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, forrelated to derivatives.



 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 


 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
 2004
 2003
 
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)         (Dollars in millions)

  
  
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net         
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxAccumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax     
Balance at beginning of periodBalance at beginning of period $(90)$(50)$(90)$(50)Balance at beginning of period $(83)$(90)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net:         
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives:Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives:     
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges 2 (45) (11) (78)Hedge ineffectiveness reclassified to earnings  (1)
Hedge ineffectiveness reclassified to earnings  1 (1) 1 Change in fair value of cash flow hedges 2 (4)
Amortizations1 3 2 12 6 Amortization of effective hedges (1) 3 3 
Discontinued hedges  3 5 32 Discontinued hedges  5 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Total change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net 5 (39) 5 (39)
Total change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivativesTotal change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives 5 3 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period $(85)$(89)$(85)$(89)Balance at end of period $(78)$(87)
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

1(1)
The Company expects to amortize $12$16 million of after-tax net losses from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during the next 12 months related to closed futures contracts that were hedging debt instruments that remain outstanding after September 30, 2003.March 31, 2004. In addition, the Company expects to amortize portions of the accumulated unrealized net losses related to futures contracts that were open at September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and are expected to be closed over the next 12 months based on the anticipated issuance of debt. Based on the value of these contracts at March 31, 2004 and expected issuance dates, this amount is estimated to be $19 million over the next 12 months. The Company has open futures contracts hedging the anticipated issuances of debt, which are anticipated to occur from 2003 through 2008.

6.    Guarantees

        The Company utilizes equity forward contractshas issued lending-related financial instruments including letters of credit and lines of credit to better managemeet the cost associated withfinancing needs of its share repurchases. In its equity forward agreements,customers. Letters of credit support the Company contracts to purchase shares from a third party at a future date at a specified price. At or prior to the maturity dateissuance of state student loan revenue bonds. They represent unconditional guarantees of the agreement,GSE to repay holders of the bonds in the event of a default. In the event that letters of credit are drawn upon, such loans are collateralized by the student loans underlying the bonds. The initial liability recognition and measurement provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation ("FIN") No. 45, "Guarantors' Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees Including Indirect Guarantees of the Indebtedness of Others, and Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34," are effective for such guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. During 2003 and the three months ended March 31, 2004, there were no new letters of credit issued or modifications to existing letters of credit. Accordingly, the Company's financial statements do not include a liability for the estimated fair value of these guarantees.

        The Company at its sole option, can purchase shares fromoffers a line of credit to certain financial institutions and other institutions in the third party athigher education community for the contractedpurpose of buying or originating student loans. In the event that a line of credit is drawn upon, the loan is collaterialized by underlying student loans. The contractual amount plus or minus an early break feeof these financial instruments represents the maximum possible credit risk should the counterparty draw down the commitment or the Company can settlefulfill its obligation under the contract on a net basis with either cash or shares. Ifguarantee, and the Company's stock price declinescounterparty subsequently fails to a certain level, the third party could liquidate the position priorperform according to the maturity date.

        Withterms of its contract with the adoptionCompany. Under the terms of SFAS No. 150the Privatization Act, any future activity under lines of credit and letter of credit activity by the GSE is limited to guarantee commitments, which were in the second quarter of 2003 (see Note 2, "New Accounting Pronouncements"), the Company began accounting for its equity forwards as derivatives under SFAS No. 133.place on August 7, 1997.

24



        The following tableschedule summarizes expirations of the Company's common share repurchaseguarantees to the earlier of call date or maturity date outstanding at March 31, 2004.

 
 Lines of
Credit

 Letters of
Credit

 Total
2004 $878,845 $574,328 $1,453,173
2005    45,518  45,518
2006      
2007      
2008-2020      
  
 
 
Total $878,845 $619,846 $1,498,691
  
 
 

7.    Pension Plans

        Under the Company's qualified and equity forward activitysupplemental pension plans, participants accrue benefits under a cash balance formula. Under the formula, each participant has an account, for record keeping purposes only, to which credits are allocated each payroll period based on a percentage of the participant's compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
(Common shares in millions)

 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
Common shares repurchased:             
 Open market  .5    5.5   
 Equity forwards  1.0  5.5  16.1  14.7 
  
 
 
 
 
Total shares repurchased  1.5  5.5  21.6  14.7 
  
 
 
 
 
Average purchase price per share $40.13 $25.78 $30.44 $21.93 
  
 
 
 
 
Equity forward contracts:             
 Outstanding at beginning of period  33.1  24.5  28.7  33.7 
 New contracts  8.1  7.8  27.6  7.8 
 Exercises  (1.0) (5.5) (16.1) (14.7)
  
 
 
 
 
Outstanding at end of period  40.2  26.8  40.2  26.8 
  
 
 
 
 
Remaining repurchase authority at end of period  17.0  29.1  17.0  29.1 
  
 
 
 
 

current pay period. The following table summarizesapplicable percentage is determined by the expiration dates and rangeparticipant's number of purchase prices for outstanding equity forward contractsyears of service with the Company. If an individual participated in the Company's prior pension plan as of September 30, 2003.1999 and met certain age and service criteria, the participant ("grandfathered participant") will receive the greater of the benefits calculated under the

Year of Maturity

 Outstanding
Contracts

 Range of Market Prices
 
 (in millions)

  
2004 3.0 $26.02 - $30.70
2005 12.0 27.47 -  40.17
2006 18.3 33.82 -  41.88
2007 3.7 37.70
2008 3.2 38.64 -  40.00
  
  
  40.2  
  
  


prior plan, which uses a final average pay plan method, or the current plan under the cash balance formula.

        Net periodic pension cost for the Company's pension plans for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 included the following components:

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
Service cost—benefits earned during the period $3,144 $2,776 
Interest cost on project benefit obligations  2,814  2,587 
Expected return on plan assets  (3,842) (3,208)
Net amortization and deferral  (379) (165)
  
 
 
Net periodic pension cost $1,737 $1,990 
  
 
 

        The average purchase priceCompany previously disclosed in its financial statements for outstanding equity forward contracts asthe year ended December 31, 2003 that it did not expect to contribute to its pension plan in 2004. As of September 30, 2003 was $35.39.March 31, 2004, the Company has made no contributions to its pension plan.

8.    Contingencies

        Any legislation that permits borrowers to refinance existing Consolidation LoansThe Company and various affiliates were defendants in a lawsuit brought by College Loan Corporation ("CLC") in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia alleging various breach of contract and common law tort claims in connection with CLC's consolidation loan activities. The Complaint sought compensatory damages of at lower interest rates could significantly increaseleast $60 million.

        On June 25, 2003, after five days of trial, the ratejury returned a verdict in favor of prepayments on the student loans and could have a materially adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

        In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company discoveredon all counts. CLC has since filed an error withappeal. All appellate briefing has been completed and oral argument has been scheduled before the annual calculationU.S. Court of monthly payment amounts associated with variable interest rate Stafford, SLS and PLUS loans. The

25



error has caused approximately 1.1 million of the Company's serviced student loan accounts to not amortize in accordance with their repayment term. The Company took voluntary remedial action by crediting the affected borrowers' accounts and took a $9 million charge for servicing adjustments in the first quarter of 2003Appeals for the estimated interest credit. Substantially all payment amounts have been reset to the correctly amortizing amount and substantially all affected borrowers have been notified.Fourth Circuit on June 4, 2004.

        The Company has reported this matter to the U.S. Department of Education (the "DOE") and has met with representatives of the DOE on several occasions to discuss the impact of the under-billing error on borrowers and the Company's remedial actions. The Company continues to discuss with the DOE the appropriateness of any further remedial actions.

        A lawsuit that seeks class action status for borrowers affected by the monthly payment calculation was filed in California State Court in July 2003 against the Company and certain of its affiliates. The complaint asserts claims under the California Business and Professions Code and other California statutory sections. The complaint further seeks certain injunctive relief and restitution. The Company believes that this action is without merit.

        The Higher Education Act of 1965 (the "HEA") generally is reauthorized every six years. The HEA was last reauthorized in 1998 and expired on September 20, 2003. Under current law, however, the HEA will automatically extend through September 30, 2004. At this time, management understands that the reauthorization of the HEA may be delayed until 2005. In connection with the approaching reauthorization of the HEA, several bills have been introduced in the U.S. Congress that, if enacted into law, in their current form, could adversely affect the Company. At this time, management does not expect these bills to become law or to become law in their present form.

        The Company is named as a defendant in a putative class action lawsuit brought by three Wisconsin residents on December 20, 2001 in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. The lawsuit seekssought to bring a nationwide class action on behalf of all borrowers who allegedly paid "undisclosed improper and excessive" late fees over the past three years. The plaintiffs sought damages of one thousand five hundred dollars per violation plus punitive damages and claimed that the class consisted of 2 million borrowers. In addition, the plaintiffs alleged that the Company charged excessive interest by capitalizing interest quarterly in violation of the promissory note. On February 28, 2003, the Court granted the Company's motion to dismiss the complaint in its entirety. The plaintiffs appealed the trial court decision. All appellate briefing has been completed and oral argument was held in April 2004. No decision has been issued on the appeal as of this date.



        In July 2003, a borrower in California filed a class action complaint against the Company and filedcertain of its appellate brief.affiliates in state court in San Francisco in connection with a monthly payment amortization error discovered by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2002. The complaint asserts claims under the California Business and Professions Code and other California statutory provisions. The complaint further seeks certain injunctive relief and restitution.

        The Company, together with a number of other FFELP industry participants, filed a lawsuit challenging the DOE's interpretation of and non-compliance with provisions in the HEA governing origination fees and repayment incentives on loans made under the FDLP. The lawsuit, which was filed November 3, 2000 in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that the DOE's interpretations of and non-compliance with these statutory provisions are contrary to the statute's unambiguous text, and are arbitrary, capricious, an appellate brief on October 20, 2003.abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law, and violate both the HEA and the Administrative Procedure Act. The appellate courtCompany together with the other plaintiffs and the DOE have filed cross-motions for summary judgment. The Court has not yet scheduled oral arguments.ruled on these motions.

        The Company has cooperated with the SEC concerning an informal investigation that the SEC initiated on January 14, 2004. There are currently no data requests outstanding and the SEC has not sought to interview any additional witnesses. The investigation concerns certain 2003 year-end accounting entries made by employees of one of the Company's collection agency subsidiaries. The Company's Audit Committee engaged outside counsel to investigate the matter and management conducted its own investigation. These investigations by the Audit Committee and management have been completed and the amounts in question were less than $100,000.

        The Company is also subject to various claims, lawsuits and other actions that arise in the normal course of business. Most of these matters are claims by borrowers disputing the manner in which their loans have been processed. Management believes that the case is without merit.

9. Subsequent Events

        On October 29, 2003, the Company signed an agreement to purchase Academic Management Services ("AMS"). AMS markets, originates, funds and services student loans and is a leading provider of student tuition payment plans. The purchase will include a $1.4 billion student loan portfolio. AMS will retain its brand and company identity and will become a wholly owned subsidiary of SLM Corporation. The transaction is expected to close in November, subject to regulatory approvalsthese claims, lawsuits and other closing conditions.actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.

26




Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)

OVERVIEW

        We are the largest private source of funding, delivery and servicing support for education loans in the United States primarily through our participation in the Federal Family Education Loan Program ("FFELP").FFELP. Our primary business is to originate, acquire and hold student loans. We also provide a wide range of financial services, processing capabilities and information technology to meet the needs of educational institutions, lenders, students and their families, and guarantee agencies. Our primary business is to originate and hold student loans and provide student loan related products and services. We also earn fees for student loan servicing, guarantee processing, student loan default management and loan collections. SLM Corporation is a holding company that operates through a number of subsidiaries including the Student Loan Marketing Association, a federally chartered government-sponsored enterprise (the "GSE").enterprise. References hereinin this quarterly report to "the Company" refer to SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries.

        Our results can be materially affected by changes in:


        We have provided the discussion of the GSE within the context of this "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" ("MD&A") because the GSE's primary function of financing the initial purchase of student loans is a substantial portionsubset of similar operations conducted by the Company. As we wind down the GSE, such operations will constitute less and less of the Company's operations is conducted through the GSE.operations. MD&A disclosures applicable solely to the GSE are included at the end of this MD&A in the section titled "Student Loan Marketing Association." The discussion that follows regarding our interest income and expenses from on-balance sheet assets and liabilities is applicable to both the Company and the GSE. Likewise, because all of our FFELP securitizations to date have originated from the GSE, the discussion of the securitization gains and securitization revenue from securitizations offor FFELP student loans is applicable to boththe GSE only. The ongoing servicing and securitization revenue from those securitizations is primarily earned by the Company andbecause the GSE.Retained Interests in FFELP securitizations are sold by the GSE to SLM Corporation shortly after completion of the securitization transactions. Discussions of private credit student loanPrivate Credit Student Loan securitizations are applicable to the Company only. The discussions of our off-balance sheet student loans, our fee-based businesses, and our operations on a Managed Basis, as well as the discussions set forth below under the headings "Selected Financial Data," "Other Income," "Federal and State Taxes" and "Alternative Performance Measures,"Measures" do not addressinvolve the GSE and relate to the Company on a consolidated basis.

27


        The        Through the first quarter of 2004, the majority of our student loan purchases and on-balance sheet financing of student loans occurswere financed in the GSE and we finance such purchaseswere initially financed through the issuance of short-term GSE debt obligations and then


through student loan securitizations. Whensecuritizations that were conducted through the GSE securitizes FFELP student loans, student loans are sold by the GSE to a trust that issues bonds backed by the student loans as part of the transaction.GSE. Once securitized, the GSE no longer owns the student loans and the bonds issued by the trust are not obligations of the GSE. The GSE retains a Residual Interest inAs the loans securitized and, in some cases, a reserve and other cash accounts, allWind-Down of which are recognized on the balance sheet as Retained Interest in securitized receivables. In the third quarter of 2003, the GSE sold its Retained Interest in securitized receivablescontinues, the liquidity provided to a subsidiarythe Company by the GSE is being replaced by non-GSE financing, including securitizations originated by non-GSE subsidiaries of SLM Corporation at its fair market value of $1.7 billion and recognized a gain of $617 million.Corporation. All student loans that the Company directly originates are owned by non-GSE subsidiaries from inception.

        The GSE has no employees, so the management of its operations is provided by a non-GSE subsidiary of the Company under a management services agreement. We also service the majority of the GSE's student loans under a servicing agreement between the GSE and Sallie Mae, Servicing L.P.

        In connection with the Wind-Down of the GSE, during the first nine months of 2003, the GSE transferred $3.9 billion in private credit student loans, including accrued interest receivable, and $306 million in four Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs") consisting of securitized Consolidation Loans, along with the debt securities secured by those loans, toInc., a wholly owned non-GSE subsidiary of SLM Corporation which includes the Company. The division of Sallie Mae Servicing.

        See "STUDENT LOAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION—Privatization Act—GSE also sold its Retained Interest in securitized receivablesWind-Down" for a more detailed discussion of $2.5 billion to a non-GSE subsidiary of the Company, and transferred $1.1 billion of student loans through a non-cash dividend. The GSE recognized gains of $1.7 billion in these transactions. These transactions were conducted at estimated market value, which was determined by discounted cash flow models and other estimation techniques. The GSE also transferred $346 million of insurance and benefit related investments through a non-cash dividend. We will continue to securitize, sell, transfer or defease the GSE's assets throughout the Wind-Down Period. All intercompany transactions between the GSE and the Company and its non-GSE subsidiaries have been eliminated inprogress of the Company's consolidated financial statements.Wind-Down effort.

        The following table shows the percentage of certain assets and income held by the GSE versus non-GSE as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.

 
 Nine months ended
September 30, 2003

 
 
 GSE
 Non-GSE
 
Ending balance of on-balance sheet private credit student loans, net 15%85%
Ending balance of on-balance sheet student loans, net 59%41%
Ending balance of Managed student loans financed, net1 30%70%
Ending balance of on-balance sheet assets 53%47%
Average balance of on-balance sheet interest earning assets 75%25%
Interest income 71%29%
Fee income 11%89%

1
Includes securitized trusts.

28



SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Condensed Statements of Income


 Three months ended
September 30,

 Increase
(decrease)

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 Increase (decrease)
  Three months ended
March 31,

 Increase
(decrease)

 

 2003
 2002
 $
 %
 2003
 2002
 $
 %
  2004
 2003
 $
 %
 
Net interest income $250 $254 $(4)(2)%$757 $824 $(67)(8)% $322 $346 $(24)(7)%
Less: provision for losses  42 34 8 24  121 83 38 46  40 43 (3)(7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Net interest income after provision for losses  208 220 (12)(5) 636 741 (105)(14) 282 303 (21)(7)
Gains on student loan securitizations  39 18 21 117  659 76 583 767  114 306 (192)(63)
Servicing and securitization revenue  75 121 (46)(38) 349 496 (147)(30) 137 189 (52)(28)
Losses on sales of securities, net  (6) (63) 57 90  (114) (189) 75 40 
Derivative market value adjustment  250 (366) 616 168  335 (255) 590 231  (117) (119) 2 2 
Guarantor servicing fees  40 28 12 43  101 78 23 29  35 35   
Debt management fees  78 48 30 63  190 137 53 39  80 59 21 36 
Other income  54 63 (9)(14) 169 169    59 49 10 20 
Operating expenses  184 174 10 6  553 509 44 9  209 179 30 17 
Income taxes (benefit)  204 (43) 247 574  633 258 375 145 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  130  130 100  130  130 100 
Income taxes 90 226 (136)(60)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)  480 (62) 542 874  1,269 486 783 161 
Net income 291 417 (126)(30)
Preferred stock dividends  3 3    8 9 (1)(11) 3 3   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock $477 $(65)$542 834%$1,261 $477 $784 164%
Net income attributable to common stock $288 $414 $(126)(30)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share $1.06 $(.14)$1.20 857%$2.78 $1.03 $1.75 170%
Basic earnings per common share $.65 $.91 $(.26)(29)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $1.04 $(.14)$1.18 843%$2.71 $1.00 $1.71 171%
Diluted earnings per common share $.64 $.88 $(.24)(27)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Dividends per common share $.17 $.07 $.10 143%$.42 $.21 $.21 100% $.17 $.08 $.09 113%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 

Condensed Balance Sheets

 
  
  
 Increase (decrease)
 
 
 September 30,
2003

 December 31,
2002

 
 
 $
 %
 
Assets            
Federally insured student loans, net $30,977 $37,172 $(6,195)(17)%
Federally insured student loans in trust, net  9,677    9,677 100 
Private credit student loans, net  5,029  5,167  (138)(3)
Academic facilities financings and other loans  1,094  1,202  (108)(9)
Cash and investments  7,384  4,990  2,394 48 
Retained Interest in securitized receivables  2,749  2,146  603 28 
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets, net  581  586  (5)(1)
Other assets  2,445  1,912  533 28 
  
 
 
 
 
 Total assets $59,936 $53,175 $6,761 13%
  
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity            
Short-term borrowings $22,995 $25,619 $(2,624)(10)%
Long-term notes  31,259  22,242  9,017 41 
Other liabilities  3,038  3,316  (278)(8)
  
 
 
 
 
 Total liabilities  57,292  51,177  6,115 12 
  
 
 
 
 
Stockholders' equity before treasury stock  3,026  4,703  (1,677)(36)
Common stock held in treasury at cost  382  2,705  (2,323)(86)
  
 
 
 
 
 Total stockholders' equity  2,644  1,998  646 32 
  
 
 
 
 
 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $59,936 $53,175 $6,761 13%
  
 
 
 
 

29


 
  
  
 Increase (decrease)
 
 
 March 31,
2004

 December 31,
2003

 
 
 $
 %
 
Assets            
Federally insured student loans, net $26,175 $29,222 $(3,047)(10)%
Federally insured student loans in trust, net  24,062  16,355  7,707 47 
Private Credit Student Loans, net  4,177  4,470  (293)(7)
Academic facilities financings and other loans  1,104  1,031  73 7 
Cash and investments  10,294  6,896  3,398 49 
Restricted cash and investments  1,246  1,106  140 13 
Retained Interest in securitized receivables  2,482  2,476  6  
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets, net  589  592  (3) 
Other assets  3,134  2,463  671 27 
  
 
 
 
 
Total assets $73,263 $64,611 $8,652 13%
  
 
 
 
 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Short-term borrowings $16,176 $18,735 $(2,559)(14)%
Borrowings collateralized by loans in trust  24,595  16,597  7,998 48 
Long-term notes  26,710  23,211  3,499 15 
Other liabilities  3,045  3,438  (393)(11)
  
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities  70,526  61,981  8,545 14 
  
 
 
 
 

Stockholders' equity before treasury stock

 

 

3,618

 

 

3,180

 

 

438

 

14

 
Common stock held in treasury at cost  881  550  331 60 
  
 
 
 
 
Total stockholders' equity  2,737  2,630  107 4 
  
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $73,263 $64,611 $8,652 13%
  
 
 
 
 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NET INTEREST INCOME

        Net interest income is derived largely from our portfolio of student loans that remain on-balance sheet. The "Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income" analysis set forth below is designed to facilitate a comparison of non-taxable asset yields to taxable yields on a similar basis. The decrease inAdditional information regarding the taxable equivalent net interest income and the net interest margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 versus the corresponding periods in the prior year is largely driven by the decrease in the on-balance sheetreturn on our student loan spread discussed in detail belowportfolio is set forth under "Student Loans—Student Loan Spread Analysis.Analysis After Reclassification—Non-GAAP." The net interest margin was also negatively impacted byInformation regarding the increaseprovision for losses is contained in lower yielding short-term investments caused byNote 2 to the increase in non-GSE funding that is intended to fund future asset transfers from the GSE. Those investments that are in excess of our normal liquidity needs are expected to be replaced in the fourth quarter by assets that will be transferred from the GSE. We also experienced higher relative funding costs from the increase in non-GSE funding as a percentage of total on-balance sheet funding in connection with the GSE Wind-Down.consolidated financial statements.

Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income

        The amounts in thisthe following table are adjusted for the impact of certain tax-exempt and tax-advantaged investments based on the marginal federal corporate tax rate of 35 percent.

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Increase
(decrease)

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 Increase (decrease)
 
 
 2003
 2002
 $
 %
 2003
 2002
 $
 %
 
Interest income                       
 Student loans $425 $505 $(80)(16)%$1,313 $1,573 $(260)(17)%
 Academic facilities financings and other loans  19  22  (3)(14) 59  70  (11)(16)
 Investments  39  28  11 39  109  109    
 Taxable equivalent adjustment  3  8  (5)(63) 11  17  (6)(35)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Total taxable equivalent interest income  486  563  (77)(14) 1,492  1,769  (277)(16)
Interest expense  233  301  (68)(23) 724  928  (204)(22)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable equivalent net interest income $253 $262 $(9)(3)%$768 $841 $(73)(9)%
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

30


 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 Increase
(decrease)

 
 
 2004
 2003
 $
 %
 
Interest income            
 Student loans $546 $555 $(9)(2)%
 Academic facilities financings and other loans  18  20  (2)(9)
 Investments  43  28  15 54 
 Taxable equivalent adjustment  3  4  (1) 
  
 
 
 
 
 Total taxable equivalent interest income  610  607  3 1 
Interest expense  285  257  28 11 
  
 
 
 
 
Taxable equivalent net interest income $325 $350 $(25)(7)%
  
 
 
 
 

Average Balance Sheets

        The following table reflects the taxable equivalent rates earned on interest earning assets and paid on interest bearing liabilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003.

 
 Three months ended September 30,
 Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
 
 Balance
 Rate
 Balance
 Rate
 Balance
 Rate
 Balance
 Rate
 
Average Assets                     
Federally insured student loans $40,010 3.39%$38,403 4.24%$39,179 3.59%$37,824 4.69%
Private credit student loans  4,829 6.86  5,459 6.85  5,214 6.67  5,011 6.57 
Academic facilities financings and other loans  1,135 7.09  1,289 7.30  1,154 7.27  1,529 6.74 
Investments  8,032 2.01  4,213 3.24  6,114 2.54  4,818 3.30 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest earning assets  54,006 3.57% 49,364 4.52% 51,661 3.86% 49,182 4.81%
     
    
    
    
 
Non-interest earning assets  6,561    4,385    5,882    4,658   
  
   
   
   
   
 Total assets $60,567   $53,749   $57,543   $53,840   
  
   
   
   
   
Average Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                     
Six month floating rate notes $3,087 1.06%$3,062 1.77%$2,987 1.17%$2,994 1.86%
Other short-term borrowings  24,729 1.46  25,965 2.01  23,068 1.56  27,580 2.13 
Long-term notes  26,892 1.97  20,492 3.01  26,226 2.19  19,099 3.14 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest bearing liabilities  54,708 1.69% 49,519 2.41% 52,281 1.85% 49,673 2.50%
     
    
    
    
 
Non-interest bearing liabilities  3,078    2,450    2,886    2,337   
Stockholders' equity  2,781    1,780    2,376    1,830   
  
   
   
   
   
 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $60,567   $53,749   $57,543   $53,840   
  
   
   
   
   
Net interest margin    1.86%   2.11%   1.99%   2.29%
     
    
    
    
 

31


 
 Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 2004
 2003
 
 
 Balance
 Rate
 Balance
 Rate
 
Average Assets           
Federally insured student loans $47,746 3.95%$38,695 4.90%
Private Credit Student Loans  5,146 5.99  5,464 6.50 
Academic facilities financings and other loans  1,062 7.36  1,164 7.59 
Cash and investments  9,025 2.04  4,486 2.71 
  
 
 
 
 
Total interest earning assets  62,979 3.90% 49,809 4.94%
     
    
 
Non-interest earning assets  6,046    4,956   
  
   
   
 Total assets $69,025   $54,765   
  
   
   

Average Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Six month floating rate notes $2,621 1.04%$2,887 1.27%
Other short-term borrowings  16,208 1.93  22,881 1.51 
Long-term notes  44,169 1.83  24,081 2.75 
  
 
 
 
 
Total interest bearing liabilities  62,998 1.82% 49,849 2.09%
     
    
 

Non-interest bearing liabilities

 

 

3,487

 

 

 

 

2,832

 

 

 
Stockholders' equity  2,540    2,084   
  
   
   
 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $69,025   $54,765   
  
   
   
Net interest margin    2.08%   2.85%
     
    
 

        The decrease in the net interest margin from the first quarter of 2003 to the first quarter of 2004 was primarily due to the decrease in Floor Income and other student loan spread related items as discussed under "Student Loans—Student Loan Spread Analysis After Reclassification—Non-GAAP." The decrease in the net interest margin was also due to the increase in lower yielding short-term investments caused by the increase in non-GSE funding that is temporarily being held pending future asset transfers from the GSE to SLM Corporation.

Rate/Volume Analysis

        The "Rate/Volume Analysis" below showsfollowing rate/volume analysis illustrates the relative contribution of changes in interest rates and asset volumes.

 
  
 Increase (decrease)
attributable to
change in

 
 Taxable
equivalent
increase
(decrease)

 
 Rate
 Volume
Three months ended March 31, 2004 vs. three months ended March 31, 2003         
Taxable equivalent interest income $3 $(136)$139
Interest expense  28  (86) 114
  
 
 
Taxable equivalent net interest income $(25)$(50)$25
  
 
 

Derivative Reclassification—Non-GAAP

        A recent interpretation of SFAS No. 133 requires net settlement income/expense on derivatives and realized gains/losses on derivative dispositions ("realized derivative transactions") that do not qualify as hedges under SFAS No. 133 to be recorded in a separate income statement line item below net interest income. In response to this interpretation, we believe that it is helpful to the understanding of our business to include two presentations of net interest income and net interest margin. The first is a GAAP presentation presented above that includes the net settlement income/expense on derivatives and realized gains/losses recorded in the derivative market value adjustment line, which excludes these items from net interest income and margin. The second is a non-GAAP presentation that reflects these net settlements after having been reclassified to the financial statement line item of the economically hedged item, which includes them in net interest income and margin. We believe that this second presentation is meaningful as it reflects how we manage interest rate risk through the match funding of interest sensitive assets and liabilities. The presentations of our taxable equivalent net interest income, average balance sheet, rate volume analysis, student loan spread and funding costs in the following tables will reflect these reclassifications. The table below details the reclassification of the derivative net



settlements and realized gains/losses related to derivative dispositions that is used in the following non-GAAP presentations as discussed above.

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
Reclassification of realized derivative transactions:       
Net settlement expense on Floor Income Contracts reclassified to student loan income $(109)$(118)
Net settlement expense on Floor Income Contracts reclassified to servicing and securitization income  (58) (36)
Net settlement income on interest rate swaps reclassified to interest expense  12  12 
Net settlement expense on interest rate swaps reclassified to servicing and securitization income  (13) (15)
Realized gain/loss on closed Eurodollar futures contracts and terminated derivative contracts  (48) (77)
  
 
 
Total reclassifications from realized derivative transactions  (216) (234)
Add: Unrealized derivative market value adjustment  99  115 
  
 
 
Derivative market value adjustment $(117)$(119)
  
 
 

Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income After Reclassification—Non-GAAP

        The amounts in thisthe following table are adjusted for the impact of certain tax-exempt and tax-advantaged investments based on the marginal federal corporate tax rate of 35 percent.

 
  
 Increase (decrease)
attributable to
change in

 
 
 Taxable equivalent
increase
(decrease)

 
 
 Rate
 Volume
 
Three months ended September 30, 2003 vs. three months ended September 30, 2002          
Taxable equivalent interest income $(77)$(116)$39 
Interest expense  (68) (110) 42 
  
 
 
 
Taxable equivalent net interest income $(9)$(6)$(3)
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
Increase (decrease)
attributable to
change in

 
 
 Taxable equivalent
increase
(decrease)

 
 
 Rate
 Volume
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2003 vs. nine months ended September 30, 2002          
Taxable equivalent interest income $(277)$(347)$70 
Interest expense  (204) (299) 95 
  
 
 
 
Taxable equivalent net interest income $(73)$(48)$(25)
  
 
 
 
 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 Increase
(decrease)

 
 
 2004
 2003
 $
 %
 
Interest income            
 Student loans $438 $436 $2 %
 Academic facilities financings and other loans  18  20  (2)(9)
 Investments  43  28  15 54 
 Taxable equivalent adjustment  3  4  (1)2 
  
 
 
 
 
 Total taxable equivalent interest income  502  488  14 3 
Interest expense  274  244  30 12 
  
 
 
 
 
Taxable equivalent net interest income, non- GAAP $228 $244 $(16)(7)%
  
 
 
 
 

Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income Reconciliation from GAAP to non-GAAP

        For the nine months ended September 30, 2003 versus the year-ago period, the decrease inThe following table reconciles the taxable equivalent net interest income attributablefrom GAAP to volumenon-GAAP.

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 Increase
(decrease)

 
 
 2004
 2003
 $
 %
 
Taxable equivalent net interest income, GAAP $325 $350 $(25)(7)%
Settlements on Floor Income Contracts reclassified to student loan income  (109) (118) 9 8 
Net settlements on interest rate swaps reclassified to interest expense  12  12    
  
 
 
 
 
Taxable equivalent net interest income, non-GAAP $228 $244 $(16)(7)%
  
 
 
 
 

Average Balance Sheets After Reclassification—Non-GAAP

        The following table reflects the rates earned on interest earning assets and paid on interest bearing liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003.

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
 
 Balance
 Rate
 Balance
 Rate
 
Average Assets           
Federally insured student loans $47,746 3.04%$38,695 3.65%
Private Credit Student Loans  5,146 5.99  5,464 6.50 
Academic facilities financings and other loans  1,062 7.36  1,164 7.59 
Cash and investments  9,025 2.04  4,486 2.71 
  
 
 
 
 
Total interest earning assets  62,979 3.21% 49,809 3.97%
     
    
 

Non-interest earning assets

 

 

6,046

 

 

 

 

4,956

 

 

 
  
   
   
 Total assets $69,025   $54,765   
  
   
   

Average Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Six month floating rate notes $2,621 1.04%$2,887 1.27%
Other short-term borrowings  16,208 1.78  22,881 1.52 
Long-term notes  44,169 1.78  24,081 2.51 
  
 
 
 
 
Total interest bearing liabilities  62,998 1.75% 49,849 1.99%
     
    
 

Non-interest bearing liabilities

 

 

3,487

 

 

 

 

2,832

 

 

 
Stockholders' equity  2,540    2,084   
  
   
   
 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $69,025   $54,765   
  
   
   

Net interest margin, non-GAAP

 

 

 

 

1.46

%

 

 

 

1.99

%
     
    
 

        The 62 basis point difference between the first quarter of 2004 non-GAAP net interest margin of 1.46 percent versus the GAAP net interest margin of 2.08 percent is primarily due primarily to the impactinclusion of payments on Floor Income Contracts in the increasenon-GAAP presentation which reduced net interest income by 69 basis points (See "Derivative Reclassification—Non-GAAP" above). For a discussion of other



fluctuations between the first quarter of 2004 net interest margin versus the first quarter of 2003 net interest margin, please see the GAAP Average Balance Sheet above.

Rate/Volume Analysis After Reclassification—Non-GAAP

        The following rate/volume analysis shows the relative contribution of changes in lower yielding investmentsinterest rates and long-term debt as a percentage of total assets and total liabilities, respectively.asset volumes.

 
  
 Increase (decrease)
attributable to
change in

 
 Taxable
equivalent
increase
(decrease)

 
 Rate
 Volume
Three months ended March 31, 2004 vs. three months ended March 31, 2003         
Taxable equivalent interest income $14 $(96)$110
Interest expense  30  (72) 102
  
 
 
Taxable equivalent net interest income, non-GAAP $(16)$(24)$8
  
 
 

        Taxable equivalent net interest income after reclassification for the three months ended 2004 versus 2003 decreased by $16 million while the net interest margin decreased by 53 basis points.

Student Loans

        For both federally insured and Private Credit Student Loans, we account for premiums paid, discounts received and certain origination costs incurred on the acquisition of student loans in accordance with SFAS No. 91, "Accounting for Nonrefundable Fees and Costs Associated with Originating or Acquiring Loans and Initial Direct Costs of Leases." The unamortized portion of the premiums and discounts are included in the carrying value of the student loan on the consolidated balance sheet. We recognize income on our student loan portfolio based on the expected yield of the student loan after giving effect to the amortization of purchase premiums and the accretion of student loan discounts, as well as borrower benefit programs. Origination fees charged on Private Credit Student Loans are deferred and amortized to income over the lives of the student loans. In the "Student Loan Spread Analysis After ReclassificationNon-GAAP" table below, this amortization of origination fees is netted with the amortization of the premiums.

Student Loan Spread Analysis After Reclassification—Non-GAAP (see "NET INTEREST INCOME—Derivative Reclassification—Non-GAAP")

        The following table analyzes the reported earnings from student loans both on-balance sheet and those off-balance sheet in securitization trusts. For student loans off-balance sheet, we will continue to earn securitization and servicing fee revenues over the life of the securitized student loan portfolios. The off-balance sheet information presented in "Securitization Program—"Liquidity and Capital Resources—Securitization Activities—Servicing and Securitization Revenue" analyzes the on-going servicing revenue and Residual Interest earned on the securitized portfolios of student loans. For an analysis of our student loan



spread for the entire portfolio of Managed student loans on a similar basis to the on-balance sheet analysis, (see "Studentsee "Alternative Performance Measures—Student Loan Spread Analysis—Managed Basis").Basis."

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
On-Balance Sheet       
Student loan yield, before Floor Income  4.12% 4.47%
Floor Income  .13  .29 
Consolidation Loan Rebate Fees  (.54) (.50)
Offset Fees  (.06) (.07)
Borrower benefits  (.14) (.08)
Premium and origination fee amortization  (.18) (.10)
  
 
 
Student loan net yield  3.33  4.01 
Student loan cost of funds  (1.60) (1.75)
  
 
 
Student loan spread, non-GAAP  1.73% 2.26%
  
 
 

Off-Balance Sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Servicing and securitization revenue, before Floor Income  1.12% 1.52%
Floor Income, net of Floor Income previously recognized in gain on sale calculation  .33  .65 
  
 
 
Servicing and securitization revenue  1.45% 2.17%
  
 
 

Average Balances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
On-balance sheet student loans $52,892 $44,159 
Off-balance sheet student loans  37,786  35,228 
  
 
 
Managed student loans $90,678 $79,387 
  
 
 

32Discussion of On-Balance Sheet Student Loan Spread Exclusive of Floor Income


 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
On-Balance Sheet             
Student loan yield, before Floor Income  4.17% 4.91% 4.32% 5.08%
Floor Income  .33  .37  .35  .61 
Consolidation Loan Rebate Fees  (.51) (.41) (.49) (.38)
Offset Fees  (.07) (.09) (.07) (.10)
Borrower benefits  (.08) (.08) (.08) (.08)
Premium and origination fee amortization  (.08) (.14) (.08) (.22)
  
 
 
 
 
Student loan net yield  3.76  4.56  3.95  4.91 
Student loan cost of funds  (1.54) (2.25) (1.66) (2.42)
  
 
 
 
 
Student loan spread  2.22% 2.31% 2.29% 2.49%
  
 
 
 
 
Off-Balance Sheet             
Servicing and securitization revenue, before Floor Income  .99% 1.34% 1.20% 1.17%
Floor Income on securitized loans  (.24) .13  .04  .92 
  
 
 
 
 
Servicing and securitization revenue  .75% 1.47% 1.24% 2.09%
  
 
 
 
 
Average Balances             
On-balance sheet student loans $44,839 $43,862 $44,393 $42,835 
Securitized student loans  39,803  32,705  37,631  31,790 
  
 
 
 
 
Managed student loans $84,642 $76,567 $82,024 $74,625 
  
 
 
 
 

        The decrease in the first quarter 2004 student loan spread, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 versus the corresponding year-ago periodsfirst quarter of 2003, was mainly due to lower Floor Income, higher spreads on our debt funding student loans, the decreaseincrease in the amountaverage balance of Floor Income discussed below. The decrease in the student loan spread, exclusive of Floor Income, for the three months ended September 30, 2003 versus the year-ago period is primarily due to a higher relative cost of funds and the growth in Consolidation Loans as a percentage of the on-balance sheet portfolio and higher premium amortization and borrower benefit expenses. The increase in the spreads to the underlying index on the cost of funds is due to the replacement of lower cost GSE funding with non-GSE funding in connection with the GSE Wind-Down. This higher cost is the result of both higher credit spreads on non-GSE funding sources and the significantly longer duration of non-GSE liabilities. Also, we use higher cost, longer-term debt to fund Consolidation Loans.

        The average balance of Consolidation Loans increased as a percentage of the average on-balance sheet FFELP student loan portfolio.portfolio from 55 percent in the first quarter of 2003 to 58 percent in the first quarter of 2004. Consolidation Loans have lower spreads due to the 105 basis point Consolidation Loan Rebate Fees,Fee, which is somewhatpartially offset by the absence of the 30 basis point offset fee on GSE student loans and higher SAP yield and lower student loanyield.

        The higher premium amortization due toand borrower benefit expense in 2004 is primarily the longer averageresult of revised life of Consolidation Loans. The thirdloan estimates for higher consolidation activity that reduced premium amortization in the first quarter of 2003 student loan spread was also adversely impacted by higher student loan premium write-offs from the increase in loans consolidated into the Federal Direct Loan Program ("FDLP"), caused primarily by the FDLP's temporary suspension of disbursements for new consolidations in the second quarter of 2003, shifting FDLP consolidations into the third quarter.2003.


Floor Income and Student Loan

        For on-balance sheet student loans, Floor Income Contracts

is included in student loan income. The following table summarizes the components of Floor Income from on-balance sheet student loans, net of payments under Floor Income Contracts, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002:2003.

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
Fixed Rate Floor Income $36 $39 $86 $90
Variable Rate Floor Income  1  1  30  107
  
 
 
 
Total Floor Income $37 $40 $116 $197
  
 
 
 

33


 
 Three months ended
March 31, 2004

 Three months ended
March 31, 2003

 
 
 Fixed
borrower
rate

 Variable
borrower
rate

 Total
 Fixed
borrower
rate

 Variable
borrower
rate

 Total
 
(Dollars in billions)

  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Gross Floor Income $124 $2 $126 $137 $13 $150 
Payments on Floor Income Contracts  (109)   (109) (118)   (118)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Floor Income $15 $2 $17 $19 $13 $32 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Floor Income in basis points  11  2  13  18  11  29 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

        The decrease in Floor Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003ending March 31, 2004 versus the corresponding year-ago periodsperiod is primarily due to an increasethe decline in Treasury bill and commercial paper rates from the notional valueJuly 1, 2002 reset of borrower rates to March 31, 2003. Treasury bill and commercial paper rates did not decline as steeply from the July 1, 2003 reset to March 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003.

        For off-balance sheet student loans, future Fixed Rate Embedded Floor Income Contracts during the period for on-balance sheet student loans. Floor Income earned on the underlying student loans is passed through to counterpartiesestimated using a discounted cash flow option pricing model and reduces the net amount of Floor Income earned. The upfront payment received on Floor Income Contracts is included in the derivative market value adjustment, andResidual Interest valuation which is effectivelyinitially recognized in income over the life of the contract. This reduction was offset by the net increase in on-balance sheet Consolidation Loans. The decrease for the nine months ended was also caused by the reduction inas a gain on sale. Variable Rate Embedded Floor Income is recognized as there was a greater declineearned in interest rates in the first six months of 2002 than 2003.servicing and securitization revenue.

        At September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, the notional amount of student loan Floor Income Contracts totaled $31.2$43.6 billion of which $15.4$19.4 billion are contracts that commence inbetween April 1, 2004 throughand 2007. The following table analyzes the ability of the FFELP student loans in our Managed student loan portfolio to earn Floor Income after September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002. Three month2003. Three-month Treasury bill loans are based on the last Treasury bill auctions of SeptemberMarch 2004 and 2003 and 2002 of .95.96 percent and 1.571.12 percent, respectively. Commercial paper rate loans are based on the last commercial paper rates of 1.051.04 percent for September 2003March 2004 and 1.761.23 percent for September 2002. One yearMarch 2003. One-year Treasury bill loans are based on the last Treasury bill auctions of May 2003 and 2002 of 1.12 percent and 1.76 percent, respectively.

 
 September 30, 2003
 September 30, 2002
 
(Dollars in billions)

 Fixed
Borrower
Rate

 Annually
Reset
Borrower
Rate

 Total
 Fixed
Borrower
Rate

 Annually
Reset
Borrower
Rate

 Total
 
Student loans eligible to earn Floor Income                   
 On-balance sheet student loans $23.9 $11.0 $34.9 $19.9 $13.3 $33.2 
 Off-balance sheet student loans  8.3  26.1  34.4  2.8  26.5  29.3 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Managed student loans eligible to earn Floor Income  32.2  37.1  69.3  22.7  39.8  62.5 
Less notional amount of Floor Income Contracts  (15.8)   (15.8) (12.1)   (12.1)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Managed student loans eligible to earn Floor Income $16.4 $37.1 $53.5 $10.6 $39.8 $50.4 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Managed student loans earning Floor Income after September 30, 2003 and 2002 $14.2 $31.4 $45.6 $9.8 $20.3 $30.1 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

On-Balance Sheet Provision for Losses

        The provision for losses represents the periodic expense of maintaining an allowance sufficient to absorb losses, net of recoveries, inherent in the portfolio of student and other loans.

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
Provision for FFELP student and other loan losses $12 $3 $37 $17
Provision for private credit student loan losses  30  32  84  66
  
 
 
 
Total provision for losses $42 $35 $121 $83
  
 
 
 

34


 
 March 31, 2004
 March 31, 2003
 
 
 Fixed
Borrower
Rate

 Annually
Reset
Borrower
Rate

 Total
 Fixed
Borrower
Rate

 Annually
Reset
Borrower
Rate

 Total
 
(Dollars in billions)

  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Student loans eligible to earn Floor Income:                   
 On-balance sheet student loans $28.4 $14.8 $43.2 $21.0 $11.1 $32.1 
 Off-balance sheet student loans  7.9  21.8  29.7  6.4  26.4  32.8 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Managed student loans eligible to earn Floor Income  36.3  36.6  72.9  27.4  37.5  64.9 

Less: Economically hedged Floor Income

 

 

(15.9

)

 


 

 

(15.9

)

 

(16.0

)

 


 

 

(16.0

)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net Managed student loans eligible to earn Floor Income

 

$

20.4

 

$

36.6

 

$

57.0

 

$

11.4

 

$

37.5

 

$

48.9

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net Managed student loans earning Floor Income

 

$

15.0

 

$

32.1

 

$

47.1

 

$

10.3

 

$

37.5

 

$

47.8

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

Activity in the Allowance for On-Balance Sheet Private Credit Student Loan Losses

        An analysis of ourThe following table summarizes changes in the allowance for the on-balance sheet private credit student loan losses is presented in the following tablefor on-balance sheet Private Credit Student Loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003.

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
Balance at beginning of period $174 $181 $194 $208 
Provision for private credit student loan losses  30  32  84  66 
Other      7  (36)

Charge-offs

 

 

(22

)

 

(33

)

 

(59

)

 

(61

)
Recoveries  3  6  10  9 
  
 
 
 
 
 Charge-offs, net of recoveries  (19) (27) (49) (52)
  
 
 
 
 
Balance before securitization of private credit student loans  185  186  236  186 
Reduction for securitization of private credit student loans      (51)  
  
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of period $185 $186 $185 $186 
  
 
 
 
 
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average private credit student loans (annualized)  1.53% 1.95% 1.27% 1.38%
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average private credit student loans in repayment (annualized)  3.01% 3.61% 2.43% 2.33%
Private credit allowance as a percentage of average private credit student loans  3.84% 3.41% 3.56% 3.72%
Private credit allowance as a percentage of the ending balance of private credit student loans  3.55% 3.28% 3.55% 3.28%
Private credit allowance as a percentage of ending private credit student loans in repayment  7.44% 6.26% 7.44% 6.26%
Average balance of private credit student loans $4,829 $5,459 $5,214 $5,011 
Ending balance of private credit student loans $5,214 $5,676 $5,214 $5,676 
Average balance of private credit student loans in repayment $2,449 $2,942 $2,717 $2,954 
Ending balance of private credit student loans in repayment $2,491 $2,976 $2,491 $2,976 

        During the third quarter of 2003, we reclassified FFELP loans and the related reserves that have been rejected for reimbursement by the guarantor to the private credit student loan portfolio because these loans are effectively uninsured. In the above table, the reclassification is reflected for all periods presented.

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
Private Credit Student Loan allowance balance at beginning of period $166 $181 
Provision for Private Credit Student Loan losses  32  28 
Other    7 
Charge-offs:       
 Private Credit Student Loan charge-offs  (26) (17)
 Private Credit Student Loan recoveries  3  2 
  
 
 
 Total charge-offs, net of recoveries  (23) (15)
  
 
 
Balance before securitization of Private Credit Student Loans  175  201 
Reduction for securitization of Private Credit Student Loans  (21) (27)
  
 
 
Private Credit Student Loan allowance balance at end of period $154 $174 
  
 
 

Net Private Credit Student Loan charge-offs as a percentage of average Private Credit Student Loans

 

 

1.80

%

 

1.09

%
Net Private Credit Student Loan charge-offs as a percentage of average Private Credit Student Loans in repayment  3.97% 2.14%
Private Credit Student Loan allowance as a percentage of average Private Credit Student Loans  3.00% 3.19%
Private Credit Student Loan allowance as a percentage of the ending balance of Private Credit Student Loans  3.56% 3.40%
Private Credit Student Loan allowance as a percentage of the ending balance of Private Credit Student Loans in repayment  7.11% 6.62%
Average balance of Private Credit Student Loans $5,146 $5,464 
Ending balance of Private Credit Student Loans $4,331 $5,115 
Average balance of Private Credit Student Loans in repayment $2,328 $2,785 
Ending balance of Private Credit Student Loans in repayment $2,169 $2,631 

        The increase in the provision for private credit student loansPrivate Credit Student Loan losses of $18$4 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003ending March 31, 2004 versus the year-ago period is primarily due to the 44 percent increase in private credit student loan acquisitions overPrivate Credit Student Loans entering repayment prior to being securitized as compared to the corresponding year-ago period.three months ended March 31, 2003. For the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2004, Private Credit Student Loan charge-offs increased by $9 million over the comparable period in 2003, the decrease in private credit student loan charge-offswhich is primarily due to the decreaseincrease in securitization activity in 2003 as we primarily securitize loans that are current, leaving a higher percentage of delinquent loans on-balance sheet and to the average balanceincrease in career training loans as a percentage of the on-balance sheet private credit student loan portfolio due to securitizations.portfolio.

        We defercharge borrower fees on the majority of Private Credit Student Loans, both at origination and when the loan enters repayment. Such fees are deferred and recognize themrecognized into income as a component of interest over the average life of the related pool of loans as a component of interest income.loans. The unamortized balance of deferred origination fee revenue at September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 was $102$142 million and $81$99 million, respectively.

35




Delinquencies

        The table below showspresents our private credit student loanon-balance sheet Private Credit Student Loan delinquency trends as of September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003. Delinquencies have the potential to adversely impact earnings if the account charges off and results in increased servicing and collection costs.

 
 September 30, 2003
 September 30, 2002
 
(Dollars in millions)

 
 Balance
 %
 Balance
 %
 
Loans in-school/grace/deferment1 $2,436   $2,381   
Loans in forbearance2  287    319   
Loans in repayment and percentage of each status:           
 Loans current  2,235 90% 2,725 91%
 Loans delinquent 30-59 days3  107 4  108 4 
 Loans delinquent 60-89 days  59 2  56 2 
 Loans delinquent 90 days or greater  90 4  87 3 
  
 
 
 
 
Total loans in repayment  2,491 100% 2,976 100%
  
 
 
 
 
Total private credit student loans  5,214    5,676   
Private credit student loan allowance for losses  (185)   (186)  
  
   
   
Private credit student loans, net $5,029   $5,490   
  
   
   
Percentage of private credit student loans in repayment  48%   52%  
  
   
   
Delinquencies as a percentage of private credit student loans in repayment  10%   9%  
  
   
   
 
 March 31,
 
 
 2004
 2003
 
 
 Balance
 %
 Balance
 %
 
Loans in-school/grace/deferment (1) $1,975   $2,203   
Loans in forbearance (2)  187    281   
Loans in repayment and percentage of each status:           
 Loans current  1,944 90% 2,366 90%
 Loans delinquent 30-59 days (3)  81 4  123 5 
 Loans delinquent 60-89 days  49 2  65 2 
 Loans delinquent 90 days or greater  95 4  77 3 
  
 
 
 
 
 Total loans in repayment  2,169 100% 2,631 100%
  
 
 
 
 

Total Private Credit Student Loans

 

 

4,331

 

 

 

 

5,115

 

 

 
Private Credit Student Loan allowance for losses  (154)   (174)  
  
   
   
Private Credit Student Loans, net $4,177   $4,941   
  
   
   

Percentage of Private Credit Student Loans in repayment

 

 

50

%

 

 

 

51

%

 

 
  
   
   

Delinquencies as a percentage of Private Credit Student Loans in repayment

 

 

10

%

 

 

 

10

%

 

 
  
   
   

1(1)
Loans for borrowers who still may be attending school or engaging in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on thetheir loans, e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation.

2(2)
Loans for borrowers who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors, consistent with the established loan program servicing policies and procedures. Additionally, the forbearance balance at September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 includes $8$7 million of career training loans in "closed school" status, whose ultimate disposition is uncertain.status.

3(3)
The delinquency period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due.

        The increase in delinquencies as a percentage of private credit student loans in repayment is primarily due to the change in the mix of private credit student loans remaining on-balance sheet after securitizations.

36



On-Balance Sheet Funding Costs After Non-GAAP Reclassification (see "NET INTEREST INCOMEDerivative Reclassification Presentation")

        Our borrowings are generally variable-rate indexed (after the effect of interest rate swaps) principally to LIBOR, the 91-day Treasury bill or the commercial paper rate. The following table summarizes the average balance of on-balance sheet debt (by index, after giving effect to the impact of interest rate swaps) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003.


 Three months ended September 30,
 Nine months ended September 30,
  Three months ended March 31,
 

 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
  2004
 2003
 
Index

 Average
Balance

 Average
Rate

 Average
Balance

 Average
Rate

 Average
Balance

 Average
Rate

 Average
Balance

 Average
Rate

  Average
Balance

 Average
Rate

 Average
Balance

 Average
Rate

 
Treasury bill, principally 91-day $10,660 1.37%$20,482 2.13%$14,614 1.53%$22,564 2.19% $11,448 1.47%$17,868 1.64%
Commercial paper  14,737 1.14 11,459 1.67 14,022 1.20 9,139 1.71  22,649 1.33  13,586 1.26 
LIBOR  11,198 1.36 2,626 2.20 7,806 1.46 2,220 2.23  15,446 1.41  3,765 1.60 
Discount notes  10,325 1.05 6,274 1.84 7,869 1.25 7,018 1.96  4,366 1.02  6,398 1.39 
Fixed  6,443 4.66 6,704 4.63 6,309 4.84 6,805 4.91  7,662 4.12  6,316 4.96 
Auction rate securities  828 1.26 1,039 1.87 828 1.45 1,080 1.94  849 1.40  828 1.57 
Zero coupon  242 11.14 217 11.14 236 11.14 211 11.14  256 11.17  229 11.14 
Other  275 3.22 718 1.79 597 2.39 636 1.65  322 3.14  859 2.28 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Total $54,708 1.69%$49,519 2.41%$52,281 1.85%$49,673 2.50% $62,998 1.75%$49,849 1.99%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 

        We continue to shift our financing from Treasury bill indexed debt to commercial paper and LIBOR indexed debt as FFELP student loans with interest rates indexed to the commercial paper rate and private credit student loansPrivate Credit Student Loans indexed to the Prime rate become a larger percentage of our portfolio. LIBOR-based debt, swapped to the daily reset LIBOR index, funds a portion of our daily reset commercial paper indexed assets, as we expect daily reset LIBOR indexed debt to remain highly correlated with daily reset commercial paper indexed assets.

37



OTHER INCOME

Securitization Program

        The following tables summarize securitization activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.

 
 Three months ended September 30,
 
 
 2003
 2002
 
 
 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Gain %
 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Gain %
 
FFELP Stafford/PLUS loans 2 $3,511 1.12%2 $2,829 .63%
Consolidation Loans         
Private credit student loans         
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total securitization sales 2  3,511 1.12%2  2,829 .63%
       
      
 
On-balance sheet securitization of Consolidation Loans 2  5,513        
  
 
   
 
   
Total loans securitized 4 $9,024   2 $2,829   
  
 
   
 
   
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,

 
 
 2003
 2002
 
 
 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Gain %
 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Gain %
 
FFELP Stafford/PLUS loans 4 $5,772 1.26%5 $7,859 .96%
Consolidation Loans 2  4,256 10.19     
Private credit student loans 2  2,253 6.79     
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total securitization sales 8  12,281 5.37%5  7,859 .96%
       
      
 
On-balance sheet securitization of Consolidation Loans 4  9,825        
  
 
   
 
   
Total loans securitized 12 $22,106   5 $7,859   
  
 
   
 
   

        In four Consolidation Loan securitization structures, we hold certain rights that can affect the remarketing of the bonds as well as a call option that gives us the right to acquire certain of the notes issued in the transaction. Thus we are deemed to maintain effective control over the transferred assets. As a result, these securitizations did not meet the criteria of being a Qualifying Special Purpose Entity ("QSPE") and are accounted for on-balance sheet as Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs"). Accordingly, the student loans securitized and the associated debt remain on our balance sheet and no gains or losses were recorded on these transactions. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, we completed two and four on-balance sheet securitizations totaling $5.5 billion and $9.8 billion, respectively.

        The increase in the gains for the three months ended September 30, 2003 as a percentage of the portfolios securitized versus the corresponding year-ago period was primarily due to lower relative cost of funds. The increase in the gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, as a percentage of the portfolios securitized, versus the corresponding year-ago period was due to significantly higher Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income in the 2003 Consolidation Loan securitizations and higher gains on private credit student loan securitizations. Gains on the private credit student loan securitizations are higher than gains on FFELP Stafford/PLUS securitizations because private credit student loans have wider spreads, longer average lives and are less expensive to service than similar sized FFELP Stafford/PLUS student loans, partially offset by higher projected default losses.

38



Embedded Floor Income

        Included in the gain on student loan securitizations of Consolidation Loans is an estimate of the Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income from the loans securitized. Depending on interest rate levels, the ongoing reevaluation of this estimate of Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income can cause volatility in the fair value of the Retained Interest asset. Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income is estimated over the life of the securitization trust using the current yield curve which results in a lower discount rate in the earlier periods of the trust and a higher discount rate for the more uncertain Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income associated with later periods. Interest income recognized on the Retained Interest asset is based on the anticipated yield determined by periodically estimating future cash flows. The projection of residual cash flows, exclusive of Floor Income, used in determining the initial gain on sale is discounted at 12 percent.

        The fair value of the Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income included in the Retained Interest asset as of September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 was $947 million and $629 million, respectively. The fair value of the Embedded Variable Rate Floor Income included in the Retained Interest asset as of September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 was $25 million and $75 million, respectively.

Servicing and Securitization Revenue

        Servicing and securitization revenue, the ongoing revenue from securitized loan pools, which includes the interest earned on the Residual Interest asset, the revenue we receive for servicing the loans in the securitization trusts, and Embedded Floor Income on securitized student loans not previously included in the gain on sale calculation. Interest income recognized on the Residual Interestcalculation, is based on our anticipated yield determined by periodically estimating future cash flows.

        The following table summarizes the components of servicing and securitization revenue:

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
Servicing revenue $81 $71 $233 $207 
Securitization revenue, before Embedded Floor Income  18  39  103  71 
  
 
 
 
 
Servicing and securitization revenue, before Embedded Floor Income  99  110  336  278 
  
 
 
 
 
Embedded Floor Income  79  29  260  276 
Less:             
 Payments on Floor Contracts  (55) (18) (137) (58)
 Floor Income previously recognized in gain calculation  (48)   (110)  
  
 
 
 
 
Net Embedded Floor Income  (24) 11  13  218 
  
 
 
 
 
Total servicing and securitization revenue $75 $121 $349 $496 
  
 
 
 
 
Average off-balance sheet student loans $39,803 $32,705 $37,631 $31,790 
  
 
 
 
 
Servicing and securitization revenue as a % of average balance of securitized loans  .75% 1.47% 1.24% 2.09%
  
 
 
 
 

        Fluctuationsdiscussed in servicing and securitization revenue are generally driven by the differencedetail in the timing of when Floor Income is earned and recognized on off-balance sheet student loans and by the notional value of Floor Income Contracts. The decrease in Floor Income recognized in servicing and securitization revenue in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 versus the year-ago periods is due to the increase in payments on Floor Income contracts where the offsetting Floor Income earned on securitized student loans was previously recognized in the gains calculation and to"LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES—Securitization Activities."


39



the recognition of the amount of Floor Income in the initial gain calculation. The decrease in servicing and securitization revenue for the third quarter before the impact of Embedded Floor Income is primarily due to payments on basis swaps hedging cash flows on securitized loans. The income or expense that is accrued on the hedged item that offsets these basis swap payments, is accrued over time as a yield adjustment to the interest earned on the Residual Interest asset.

Losses on Sales of Securities, Net

        We recognized losses on sales of securities of $6 million and $63 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and $114 million and $189 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. These losses included losses on terminated or expired Eurodollar future contracts of $3 million and $46 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and $7 million and $134 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. These futures contracts were primarily used to economically hedge Floor Income, but did not meet the hedge effectiveness tests under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." Unrealized gains and losses on these contracts that were previously recorded through the derivative market value adjustment were reversed. In addition, we terminated written Floor Income Contracts and recognized losses of $88 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. Losses on terminated Floor Income Contracts totaling $69 million were related to GSE obligations that were terminated and reinstated in a non-GSE subsidiary of SLM Corporation in connection with the Wind-Down of the GSE. There were no such losses in 2002.

        Also in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, we invested a portion of the cash earned from Floor Income and refinanced certain debt and derivative obligations with longer term obligations that had lower interest rates. In connection with these refinancings, we recognized losses on sales of securities of $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003, and $14 million and $47 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Guarantor Servicing Fees, Debt Management Fees and Other Income

        The following table summarizes the components of guarantor servicing fees, debt management fees and other income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003.



 Three months
ended
September 30,

 Nine months
ended
September 30,


 Three months ended
March 31,



 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002

 2004
 2003
Guarantor servicing and debt management fees:Guarantor servicing and debt management fees:        Guarantor servicing and debt management fees:    
Guarantor servicing fees $40 $28 $101 $78Guarantor servicing fees $35 $35
Debt management fees 78 48 190 137Debt management fees 80 59
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total guarantor servicing and debt management fees $118 $76 $291 $215Total guarantor servicing and debt management fees $115 $94
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income:Other income:        
Other income:

 

 

 

 
Late fees $18 $14 $50 $43Late fees $21 $16
Third party servicing fees 15 16 43 45Third party servicing fees 13 15
Mortgage and consumer loan fees 13 4 34 8Mortgage and consumer loan fees 5 6
Other 8 29 42 73Other 20 12
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other income $54 $63 $169 $169Total other income $59 $49
 
 
 
 
 
 

        The $12 million and $23$21 million increase in guarantor servicing and debt management fees infor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively,March 31, 2004 versus the year-ago periodsperiod is mainly due to the growth in the business, and a modification to the manner in which revenue for origination processing fees was

40



recognized, which deferred $15 million in origination processing fees from the third quarteracross all segments of 2002 to the fourth quarter of 2002. The $30 million and $53 million increase inour debt management businesses. Specifically, portfolio management fees inincreased $8 million, or 35 percent over the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, versus theprior year-ago periods is primarilyperiod due to the growth in the business and improved performance in rehabilitating student loans.

        The $9 million and $26 million increase in mortgage and consumer loan fees in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, versus the year-ago periods is mainly attributed to an increase in gains on sales of mortgage loans due to the acquisition of Pioneer Mortgage in the second quarter of 2003.

        In the third quarter of 2003, we changed our method of accounting for fees earned by performing information technology enhancements under an agreement withhigher volume from United Student Aid Funds, Inc. ("USA Funds"). Under, and to the new accounting method, we will earn revenue ratably over the life of the contract. We previously recognized revenue as services were performed. This change resulted in an $18 million deferral of revenue previously recognized under this contract which is reflected in "Other"increase in the above table.percentage of collections via rehabilitation versus other less economic collection options. There was also strong growth from our collection subsidiaries General Revenue Corporation ("GRC") and Pioneer Credit Recovery ("PCR"), related to collections on behalf of USA Funds ($6 million) and collections on campus-based student loans ($5 million).

OPERATING EXPENSES

        The following table summarizes the components of operating expenses:expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003.


 Three months
ended
September 30,

 Nine months
ended
September 30,

 Three months ended
March 31,


 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 2004
 2003
Servicing and acquisition expenses $121 $121 $361 $354 $126 $117
General and administrative expenses 63 53 192 155 76 55
Definite life intangible asset amortization 7 7
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total operating expenses $184 $174 $553 $509 $209 $179
 
 
 
 
 
 

        The $10 million and $44$30 million increase in operating expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively,March 31, 2004 versus the year-ago periods canperiod is mainly be attributedattributable to an increase in mortgagethe operating expenses due to the acquisition of Pioneer Mortgage acquired in the second quarter of 2003 and Academic Management Services Corp. ("AMS") acquired in the fourth quarter of 2003. Exclusive of these acquisitions, operating expenses increased in debt management and student loan servicing expensesand origination consistent with therevenue growth and borrowers serviced. In addition, in the business.first quarter of 2003, we recognized $9 million for servicing adjustments related to an underbilling error. Student loan servicing expenses as a percentage of the average managedbalance of student loan principalloans serviced was .16.15 percent and .20.16 percent for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003, and 2002, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, we also recognized $9 million in


STUDENT LOAN ACQUISITIONS

        In the first quarter of 2003 for servicing adjustments related to an underbilling error (see "Other Related Events and Information").

41


STUDENT LOAN ACQUISITIONS

2004, 75 percent of our Managed student loan acquisitions were originated through our Preferred Channel. The following tables summarize the components of our student loan acquisition activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003.

 
 Three months ended
September 30, 2003

 
 
 FFELP
 Private
 Total
 
Preferred Channel $2,647 $797 $3,444 
Other commitment clients  93  33  126 
Spot purchases  176  2  178 
Consolidations from third parties  811  40  851 
Consolidations from securitized trusts  2,540    2,540 
Capitalized interest and other  257  (10) 247 
  
 
 
 
Total on-balance sheet student loan acquisitions  6,524  862  7,386 
Consolidations to SLM Corporation from securitized trusts  (2,540)   (2,540)
Capitalized interest and other — securitized trusts  278  18  296 
  
 
 
 
Total Managed student loan acquisitions $4,262 $880 $5,142 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended
September 30, 2002

 
 
 FFELP
 Private
 Total
 
Preferred Channel $2,065 $547 $2,612 
Other commitment clients  148  35  183 
Spot purchases  257  1  258 
Consolidations from third parties  581    581 
Consolidations from securitized trusts  1,231    1,231 
Capitalized interest and other  268  (60) 208 
  
 
 
 
Total on-balance sheet student loan acquisitions  4,550  523  5,073 
Consolidations to SLM Corporation from securitized trusts  (1,231)   (1,231)
Capitalized interest and other — securitized trusts  191    191 
  
 
 
 
Total Managed student loan acquisitions $3,510 $523 $4,033 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended
September 30, 2003

 
 
 FFELP
 Private
 Total
 
Preferred Channel $8,996 $2,325 $11,321 
Other commitment clients  266  33  299 
Spot purchases  613  2  615 
Consolidations from third parties  1,609  40  1,649 
Consolidations from securitized trusts  4,490    4,490 
Capitalized interest and other  771  29  800 
  
 
 
 
Total on-balance sheet student loan acquisitions  16,745  2,429  19,174 
Consolidations to SLM Corporation from securitized trusts  (4,490)   (4,490)
Capitalized interest and other — securitized trusts  582  31  613 
  
 
 
 
Total Managed student loan acquisitions $12,837 $2,460 $15,297 
  
 
 
 

42


 
 Three months ended
March 31, 2004

 
 
 FFELP
 Private
 Total
 
Preferred Channel $3,821 $1,065 $4,886 
Other commitment clients  72    72 
Spot purchases  584  1  585 
Consolidations from third parties  509    509 
Acquisitions from off-balance sheet securitized trusts, primarily consolidations  1,274    1,274 
Capitalized interest and deferred origination fees  282  (22) 260 
  
 
 
 
Total on-balance sheet student loan acquisitions  6,542  1,044  7,586 
Consolidations to SLM Corporation from off-balance sheet securitized trusts  (1,274)   (1,274)
Capitalized interest and other—off-balance sheet securitized trusts  154  28  182 
  
 
 
 
Total Managed student loan acquisitions $5,422 $1,072 $6,494 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended
March 31, 2003

 
 
 FFELP
 Private
 Total
 
Preferred Channel $3,315 $842 $4,157 
Other commitment clients  56    56 
Spot purchases  53    53 
Consolidations from third parties  631    631 
Acquisitions from off-balance sheet securitized trusts, primarily consolidations  1,333    1,333 
Capitalized interest and deferred origination fees  264  18  282 
  
 
 
 
Total on-balance sheet student loan acquisitions  5,652  860  6,512 
Consolidations to SLM Corporation from off-balance sheet securitized trusts  (1,333)   (1,333)
Capitalized interest and other—off-balance sheet securitized trusts  159  10  169 
  
 
 
 
Total Managed student loan acquisitions $4,478 $870 $5,348 
  
 
 
 

 
 
Nine months ended
September 30, 2002

 
 
 FFELP
 Private
 Total
 
Preferred Channel $7,625 $1,658 $9,283 
Other commitment clients  353  35  388 
Spot purchases  752  7  759 
Consolidations from third parties  1,308    1,308 
Consolidations from securitized trusts  2,602    2,602 
Capitalized interest and other  761  (17) 744 
  
 
 
 
Total on-balance sheet student loan acquisitions  13,401  1,683  15,084 
Consolidations to SLM Corporation from securitized trusts  (2,602)   (2,602)
Capitalized interest and other — securitized trusts  532    532 
  
 
 
 
Total Managed student loan acquisitions $11,331 $1,683 $13,014 
  
 
 
 

Preferred Channel Originations

        WeIn the first quarter of 2004, we originated and purchased $5.1$5.8 billion and $15.3in student loan volume through our Preferred Channel, a 19 percent increase over the $4.9 billion of student loansoriginated in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, versus $4.0 billion and $13.0 billion inyear-ago period. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002. In both June 2003 and 2002,first quarter of 2004, we delayedgrew the processing of disbursement for Consolidation Loans to allow borrowers to take advantage of lower interest rates that took effect on July 1. This shifted Consolidation Loan activity from the second to the third quarter.

        OurSallie Mae brand Preferred Channel Originations totaled $5.1 billion and $11.9 billionby 33 percent. As of March 31, 2004, our own brands constitute 32 percent of our Preferred Channel Originations, up from 28 percent in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, versus $4.1 billion and $9.7 billion in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002. At September 30, 2003, theyear-ago period. The pipeline of loans that we currently serviced onservice and are committed to purchase was $7.3 billion and $6.2 billion at March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The following tables further break down our Preferred Channel platformsOriginations by type of loan and committed for purchase by us was $5.9 billion versus $5.2 billion at September 30, 2002.source.

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 2004
 2003
Preferred Channel Originations—Type of Loan      
Stafford $3,732 $3,280
PLUS  825  663
  
 
Total FFELP  4,557  3,943
Private  1,287  953
  
 
Total $5,844 $4,896
  
 

Preferred Channel Originations—Source

 

 

 

 

 

 
Sallie Mae brands $1,847 $1,387
Lender partners  3,997  3,509
  
 
Total $5,844 $4,896
  
 

        The following table summarizes the activity in our Managed portfolio of student loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003.

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
Beginning balance $83,114 $75,557 $78,124 $71,726 
Acquisitions  4,599  3,634  13,884  11,738 
Capitalized interest and other  543  399  1,413  1,276 
Repayments and claims  (1,789) (1,830) (5,870) (5,875)
Activity in the allowance for student loan losses  (1) (3) (25) 8 
Loans consolidated from SLM Corporation  (655) (643) (1,715) (1,759)
  
 
 
 
 
Ending balance $85,811 $77,114 $85,811 $77,114 
  
 
 
 
 

LEVERAGED LEASES

        At September 30, 2003, we had investments in leveraged and direct financing leases, net of impairments, totaling $198 million that are general obligations of three commercial airlines and Federal Express Corporation. In the third quarter of 2003, aircraft passenger volume continued to improve, however, it is still below levels experienced prior to September 11, 2001 and a significant number of aircraft remain grounded. We did not recognize any impairment for leveraged leases in the third quarter, but we will continue to monitor these investments given the continued uncertainty surrounding the airline industry. Based on an analysis of the expected losses on certain leveraged leases plus the incremental increase in tax obligations related to forgiveness of debt obligations and/or the taxable gain on the sale of the aircraft, our remaining exposure to the airline industry is $125 million.

43



 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
Beginning balance $88,789 $78,124 
Acquisitions, including capitalized interest  6,494  5,348 
Repayments, claims, other  (2,387) (2,082)
Charge-offs to reserves and securitization trusts  (30) (25)
Loans sales  (191)  
Loans consolidated from SLM Corporation  (526) (646)
  
 
 
Ending balance $92,149 $80,719 
  
 
 

FEDERAL AND STATE TAXES

        The Company is subject to federal and state income taxes, while the GSE is exempt from all state, local and District of Columbia income franchise, sales and use, personal property and other taxes, except for real property taxes. Our effective tax rate for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 was 3623 percent and 35 percent, respectively. The effective tax rate for the period ended March 31, 2004 reflects the permanent benefit of the exclusion of the gains on equity forward contracts under SFAS No. 150, adopted in the third quarter of 2003. As SFAS No. 150 was implemented in the third quarter of 2003, the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2003 does not include any impact from equity forward contracts.


EFFECTS OF SFAS NO. 133—DERIVATIVE ACCOUNTING

        SFAS No. 133 requires thatthe Company to recognize changes in the fair value of derivative instruments be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria, as specified by SFAS No. 133, are met. We believe that our derivatives are effective economic hedges and they are a critical element of our interest rate risk management strategy. However, under SFAS No. 133, some of our derivatives, primarily Floor Income Contracts, certain Eurodollar futures contracts, certain basis swaps and equity forward contracts (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources—Common Stock") are(discussed in detail below), do not considered accounting hedges. In these instances,qualify for "hedge treatment" under SFAS No. 133. Consequently, the derivatives are classified as "trading" derivatives for GAAP purposes andstandalone derivative must be marked-to-market each quarter. The period to period change in the fair value of these derivatives is recorded through the derivative market value adjustment in the income statement with no consideration for the corresponding change in fair value of the hedged item. The derivative market value adjustment is primarily caused by interest rate volatility and changing credit spreads during the period and the volume and term of derivatives not receiving hedge accounting treatment.

        Our Floor Income Contracts are written options. SFAS No. 133's hedge criteria regarding effectiveness when using written options is more stringent than other hedging relationships. Because the paydown of principal of the student loans underlying the Embedded Floor Income embedded in ourthose student loans does not exactly match the change in the notional amount of our written Floor Income Contracts, the written Floor Income Contracts do not qualify as effective hedges under SFAS No. 133. We believe that theThe Floor Income Contracts effectively fix the amount of Floor Income we will earn over the contract period, thus eliminating the timing and uncertainty associated with Floor Income for that period. Prior to SFAS No. 133, we accounted for Floor Income Contracts as hedges and amortized the upfront cash compensation ratably over the lives of the contracts. Under SFAS No. 133, the upfront payment is deemed a liability and changes in fair value are recorded through income throughout the life of the contract. The change in the value of Floor Income Contracts is caused by changing interest rates that cause the amount of Floor Income earned on the underlying student loans to earn more or less Floor Income, which isand transferred to the counterparties.counterparties to vary. The change in the market value of the Floor Income Contracts is economically offset by the change in value of the student loan portfolio earning Floor Income, but that offsetting change in student loan value is not recognized under SFAS No. 133. We use Eurodollar futures contracts to hedge the value of the student loan portfolio earning Floor Income until we are able to sell the Floor Income Contracts. Due to the basis mismatch and similar issues discussed above related to the Floor Income Contracts, the Eurodollar futures contracts do not qualify as effective hedges under SFAS No. 133. We believe such contracts are effective economic hedges.

        Basis swaps are used to convert the floating rate debt from one interest rate index to another to match the interest rate characteristics of the assets.assets financed by that debt. We primarily use basis swaps to change the index of our fixed rate and LIBOR-based debt to better match the cash flows of our student loan assets that are primarily indexed to commercial paper or the Treasury bill. SFAS No. 133 requires that the change in the cash flows of the hedge effectively offset both the change in the cash flows of the asset and the change in the cash flows of the liability. Our basis swaps hedge variable interest rate risk and do not meet this effectiveness test because student loans can earn at either a variable or a fixed interest rate depending on market interest rates. We also have basis swaps that do not meet the SFAS No. 133 effectiveness test that economically hedge off-balance sheet instruments. As a result, these swaps are recorded at fair value with subsequent changes in value reflected in the income statement.

44



        The table below quantifies        Generally, a decrease in current interest rates and the net impact of SFAS No. 133 derivative accounting on our income statement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 when compared with the accounting principles employedrespective forward interest rate curves results in all years prior to the SFAS No. 133 implementation. In addition, the net income impact of the cumulative effect of accounting changean unrealized loss related to our written Floor Income Contracts and Eurodollar futures contracts. Related to our basis swaps, if the adoption oftwo underlying indexes (and related forward curve) do not move in parallel we will experience unrealized gains/losses.

        Under SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity," is quantified.

        Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 133, we did not mark our derivatives and hedged items to market. Gains or losses on closed derivative positions that qualified as hedges were amortized over the life of the hedged item whereas under SFAS No. 133, certain of these positions do not qualify as hedges and the related gains and losses are recorded immediately. We also recognized upfront cash paid or received from derivatives, primarily from Floor Contracts, ratably as an expense or revenue over the life of the hedged item. Under SFAS No. 133 these upfront payments or receipts are recorded as assets or liabilities and marked-to-market over the life of the contract.

        With the adoption of SFAS No. 150, equity forward contracts entered into after May 31, 2003 werethat allow a net settlement option either in cash or the Company's stock are required to be accounted for as derivatives under SFAS No. 133 effective June 1, 2003. Inin accordance with SFAS No. 150,133 as derivatives. As a result, we now account for our equity forward contracts entered into prioras stand-alone derivatives in accordance with SFAS No. 133 and mark them to June 1, 2003 and outstanding at July 1, 2003 were recorded at fair value on July 1, resulting in a gain of $130 million which was reflected as a "cumulative effect of accounting change" in the consolidated statements of income (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources—Common Stock").

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
Impact of Derivative Accounting under SFAS No. 133 per Income Statement             
Derivative market value adjustment in other income $250 $(366)$335 $(255)
Cumulative effect of accounting change related to SFAS No. 150  130    130   
Amortization of unrealized losses due to SFAS No. 133 transition, recorded through net interest income    (2) (2) (9)
Derivative losses realized in losses on sale of securities  (1) (10) (31) (31)
  
 
 
 
 
Total impact of derivative accounting under SFAS No. 133, per income statement  379  (378) 432  (295)
Adjustments Related to pre-SFAS No. 133 Accounting             
Amortization of premiums on Floor Income Contracts and interest rate caps in net interest income  (42) (24) (122) (89)
Amortization of realized derivative losses in net interest income  5  2  15  13 
  
 
 
 
 
Total adjustments related to pre-SFAS No. 133 accounting  (37) (22) (107) (76)
  
 
 
 
 
Total net impact of SFAS No. 133 to income statement $342 $(400)$325 $(371)
  
 
 
 
 

        The derivative market value adjustment is principally caused by interest rate volatility and changing spreads between indices during the period and the notional volume and term of derivatives not receiving hedge accounting treatment. The gains from the derivative market value adjustment in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 were primarily due to increasing interest rates since the preceding period resulting in a gain on our Floor Income and futures contracts, partially offset by mark-to-market losses on equity forward contracts. The losses from the derivative market value adjustment in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002 were primarily due to decreasing interest rates since the preceding period resulting in mark-to-market losses on our Floor Income and futures contracts. The gain for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 includes the effect of the termination of certain Floor Income Contracts whereby $19 million of unrealized losses that were previously recognized in the derivative market value adjustment were reclassified to losses on sales of securities.through earnings.

45




ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

        In addition to evaluating ourthe Company's GAAP-based data,financial information, management, credit rating agencies, lenders and analysts also evaluate usthe Company on certain non-GAAP-basednon-GAAP performance measures whichthat we refer to as "core cash" measures. While "core cash" measures are not a substitute for reported results under GAAP, we rely on "core cash" measures in operating our business because we believe they provide additional information on the operational and performance measures. Under these non-GAAP-basedindicators that are most closely assessed by management.

        We report pro forma "core cash" measures, which are the primary financial performance measures used by management analyzes the student loan portfolio on a Managed Basisnot only in developing financial plans and treats securitization transactions as financings versus sales. As such, the securitization gain on saletracking results, but also in establishing corporate performance targets and subsequent servicing and securitization revenue is eliminated from income, and net interest income from securitized loans is recognized. When producing these non-GAAP-based performance measures we also eliminate the benefit of Floor Income and use pre-SFAS No. 133 accounting for our derivative transactions, treating all derivatives as effective hedges and eliminating the periodic derivative market value adjustments. We also exclude certain transactions that management does not consider part of our core business, such as gains or losses on certain sales of securities and derivative contracts and the amortization of acquired intangible assets. We recognize the amortization of the upfront payments received from Floor Income Contracts. We also periodically use Floor Income to repurchase common stock and to facilitate the refinancing of debt and derivatives on more favorable terms. Alternative performance measures reflect only current period adjustments to GAAP earnings. Accordingly, our alternative performance measures do not represent another comprehensive basis of accounting.

        For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, the effect of these performance measures on pre-tax GAAP earnings are as follows:

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
Non-GAAP Performance Measures:             
Treatment of securitizations as financings versus sales $(59)$10 $456 $30 
Floor Income on Managed loans  61  51  238  424 
Net impact of derivative accounting  342  (400) 325  (371)
Losses on sales of securities  (4) (49) (81) (154)
Amortization of acquired intangibles  (7) (6) (21) (17)
  
 
 
 
 
Total non-GAAP performance measures $333 $(394)$917 $(88)
  
 
 
 
 

determining incentive compensation. Management believes this information provides additional insight into the financial performance of the Company's core business activities. Our "core cash" measures are not defined terms within GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. "Core cash" measures reflect only current period adjustments to GAAP as described below. Accordingly, the Company's "core cash" measures presentation does not represent another comprehensive basis of accounting. A more detailed discussion of the differences between GAAP and "core cash" measures follows.

1)
Securitization: Under GAAP, certain securitization transactions are accounted for as sales of assets. Under "core cash," we present all securitization transactions as long-term non-recourse financings. The upfront "gains" on sale from securitization as well as ongoing "servicing and securitization revenue" presented in accordance with GAAP are excluded from "core cash" and replaced by the interest income, provision for loan losses, and interest expense as they are earned or incurred on the securitized loans.
 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
"Core cash" securitization adjustments:       
Net interest income on securitized loans, after provision for losses $262 $230 
Gains on student loan securitizations  (114) (306)
Servicing and securitization revenue  (137) (189)
  
 
 
Total "core cash" securitization adjustments $11 $(265)
  
 
 
2)
Derivative Accounting: "Core cash" measures exclude the periodic unrealized gains and losses caused by the one-sided mark-to-market derivative valuations prescribed by SFAS No. 133 and recognize the economic effect of these hedges, which results in recognition of any cash paid or received being recognized ratably as an expense or revenue over the hedged item's life. The effects of derivatives hedging Floor Income is discussed below under Floor Income. See also "EFFECTS OF SFAS NO. 133—DERIVATIVE ACCOUNTING" for a more detailed discussion.

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
SFAS No. 133 income statement items:       
Derivative market value adjustment included in other income $117 $119 
Less: Realized derivative transactions reclassified (see "Derivative Reclassifications—Non-GAAP under NET INTEREST INCOME")  (216) (234)
  
 
 
Total net impact of SFAS No. 133 derivative accounting $(99)$(115)
  
 
 
3)
Floor Income: The timing and amount (if any) of Floor Income earned is uncertain and in excess of expected spreads and, therefore, we exclude such income from "core cash" measures when it is not economically hedged from "core cash" measures.
 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
"Core cash" Floor Income adjustments:       
Floor Income earned on Managed loans $(34)$(73)
Amortization of net premiums on Floor Income Contracts and futures in net interest income  45  38 
Net losses related to closed Eurodollar futures contracts economically hedging Floor Income  50  1 
Losses on sales of derivatives hedging Floor Income    71 
  
 
 
Total "core cash" Floor Income adjustments $61 $37 
  
 
 
4)
Other items: We exclude certain transactions that are not considered part of our core business, including amortization of acquired intangibles, as well as gains and losses on certain sales of securities.

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
Non-GAAP performance measures:       
Net impact of securitization accounting $11 $(265)
Net impact of derivative accounting  (99) (115)
Net impact of Floor Income  61  37 
Amortization of acquired intangibles and other  7  15 
  
 
 
Total non-GAAP performance measures $(20)$(328)
  
 
 

Student Loan Spread Analysis—Managed Basis

        The following table analyzes the reported earnings from our portfolio of Managed student loans, which includes loans both on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet loans in securitization trusts, and excludes Floor Income.Income and includes derivatives economically hedging these line items (see "NET INTEREST INCOME—Derivative Reclassification—Non-GAAP").


 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

  Three months ended
March 31,

 

 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
  2004
 2003
 
Managed Basis student loan yield 4.13% 4.87% 4.29% 5.05% 4.15% 4.44%
Consolidation Loan Rebate Fees (.36) (.27) (.35) (.25) (.40) (.34)
Offset Fees (.04) (.05) (.04) (.06) (.03) (.04)
Borrower benefits (.09) (.11) (.11) (.11) (.08) (.11)
Premium and origination fee amortization (.12) (.23) (.13) (.26) (.09) (.16)
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Managed Basis student loan net yield 3.52 4.21 3.66 4.37  3.55 3.79 
Managed Basis student loan cost of funds (1.60) (2.33) (1.73) (2.49) (1.64) (1.86)
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Managed Basis student loan spread 1.92% 1.88% 1.93% 1.88  1.91% 1.93%
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Average Balances         
 

 

 

 

 
Managed FFELP student loans $77,047 $71,108 $75,047 $69,614 
Managed private credit student loans 7,595 5,459 6,977 5,011 
On-balance sheet student loans $52,892 $44,159 
Off-balance sheet student loans 37,786 35,228 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Total managed student loans $84,642 $76,567 $82,024 $74,625 
Managed student loans $90,678 $79,387 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 

Discussion of Managed Student Loan Spread

        The first quarter of 2004 student loan spread was affected both positively and negatively by a number of factors as compared to the first quarter of 2003. Positive changes to the spread included lower premium amortization and borrower benefit expenses associated with increased Consolidation Loan activity, an increase in the average balance of Managed Private Credit Student Loans as a percentage of the average Managed student loan portfolio to 10 percent of the average Managed Student Loan Portfolio, and higher amortization of upfront premiums received on Floor Income Contracts. Negative changes to the spread included higher spreads on our debt funding student loans and an increase in the average balance of lower spread Consolidation Loans as a percentage of the Managed portfolio. The net effect of these changes was a 2 basis point reduction in the Managed student loan spread. The details of these fluctuations are discussed further below.



        When we consolidate a Managed FFELP Stafford loan, the term of the loan is extended and the amortization of the premium is likewise extended to match the new term of the loan. Conversely, if a Managed FFELP Stafford student loan consolidates with another lender, it is treated as a prepayment, and unamortized premium balance must be written off. We calculate a Constant Prepayment Rate ("CPR") to estimate the effect of term extensions and prepayments on the average life of the student loan portfolio; the CPR is used to calculate premium amortization. Under SFAS No. 91, when actual Consolidation Loan activity differs from predicted results, we must adjust the premium balance from inception to reflect the new term of the loan portfolio. In the first quarter of 2004, the pace of Consolidation Loan activity was higher than predicted resulting in lower than expected premium amortization. Additionally, the overall longer amortization terms from Consolidation Loans decreased premium amortization in the first quarter of 2004 versus the first quarter of 2003 as the average balance of Consolidation Loans grew as a percentage of the average Managed FFELP student loan portfolio from 36 percent in the first quarter of 2003 to 44 percent in the first quarter of 2004. Additionally, based on further analysis of student loans in our trust portfolios and Private Credit Student Loans, we increased the term for amortizing premiums and discounts related to those loans. The net effect of these items lowered premium amortization expense by $16 million.

        The increase in Consolidation Loan activity also reduced our estimate of the "core cash"number of borrowers who qualify for borrower benefits. As loans consolidate the benefit remaining on the original FFELP Stafford loan is written off and replaced by a lower benefit on the Consolidation Loan that is recognized over a longer term.

        In the first quarter of 2004, Private Credit Student Loans increased. Private Credit Student Loans are subject to credit risk and therefore earn higher spreads which averaged 4.50 percent in the first quarter of 2004 before the effect of a change in estimate adjustment that extended the term of the loans and lowered discount amortization as discussed below for the Managed Private Credit Student Loan portfolio, versus a spread of 1.54 percent for the Managed guaranteed student loan portfolio before Floor Income and estimate adjustments.

        The decrease in the student loan spread infrom the third quarterhigher cost of 2003 versus the third quarter of 2002funds is mainly due to an increase inincreased spreads to the amortizationindex on our debt caused by the replacement of the upfront cash received from Fixed Rate Floor Income Contracts and a lower cost of fundsGSE funding with non-GSE funding in connection with the third quarter of 2003. These increases were partially offset by the growthGSE Wind-Down. GSE debt generally has lower credit spreads than non-GSE funding sources and our non-GSE liabilities are significantly longer in duration than our GSE liabilities. Also, we use higher cost, longer-term debt to fund Consolidation Loans.

        Absent the effects of Consolidation Loan activity on our premium amortization and borrower benefits, Consolidation Loans have lower spreads than other FFELP loans due to the 105 basis point Consolidation Loan Rebate Fees, whichFee. The negative effect of this fee is somewhatpartially offset by the absence of the 30 basis point offset fee on GSE student loans, higher SAP yield and lower student loan premium amortization expense causeddiscussed above. As long as interest rates remain at historically low levels and absent a program change in the next HEA reauthorization, we expect Consolidation Loans to be actively marketed by the longer average life of Consolidation Loans and lower borrower benefits. The third quarter "core cash" student loan spread was also lowered by higher premium write-offs from the increaseindustry and remain an attractive refinancing option for borrowers, resulting in student loans consolidated into FDLP and other competitors as they temporarily suspended disbursements for new consolidations in the second quarteran increasing percentage of 2003, which shifted consolidation volume to the third quarter.

        The year-to-date Managed Basis student loan spread also benefited from the increase in Managed private credit student loans of 41 percent over the year-ago period. These loans are subject to much higher credit risk thanour federally guaranteed student loans and therefore earn higher spreads, which in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 was 4.97 percent and 4.95 percent, respectively.loan portfolio.


47



Allowance for Private Credit Student Loan Losses—Managed Basis

        An analysis of our Managed allowance for loan losses for private credit student loansPrivate Credit Student Loans for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 is presented in the following table.

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
Balance at beginning of period $242 $181 $207 $208 
Provision for Managed private credit student loan losses  32  32  91  66 
Other      6  (36)

Charge-offs

 

 

(22

)

 

(33

)

 

(59

)

 

(61

)
Recoveries  3  6  10  9 
  
 
 
 
 
 Charge-offs, net of recoveries  (19) (27) (49) (52)
  
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of period $255 $186 $255 $186 
  
 
 
 
 
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average Managed private credit student loans (annualized)  .97% 1.95% .95% 1.38%
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average Managed private credit student loans in repayment (annualized)  2.01% 3.61% 1.89% 2.33%
Private credit allowance as a percentage of average Managed private credit student loans  3.36% 3.41% 3.66% 3.72%
Private credit allowance as a percentage of the ending balance of Managed private credit student loans  3.20% 3.28% 3.20% 3.28%
Private credit allowance as a percentage of ending Managed private credit student loans in repayment  6.92% 6.26% 6.92% 6.26%
Average balance of Managed private credit student loans $7,595 $5,459 $6,977 $5,011 
Ending balance of Managed private credit student loans $7,969 $5,676 $7,969 $5,676 
Average balance of Managed private credit student loans in repayment $3,661 $2,942 $3,496 $2,954 
Ending balance of Managed private credit student loans in repayment $3,688 $2,976 $3,688 $2,976 

        During the third quarter of 2003, we reclassified FFELP loans and the related reserves that have been rejected for reimbursement by the guarantor to the private credit student loan portfolio, because these loans are effectively uninsured. In the above table, the reclassification is reflected for all periods presented.

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
Managed Private Credit Student Loan allowance balance at beginning of period $259 $194 
Provision for Managed Private Credit Student Loan losses  37  32 
Other    7 
Charge-offs:       
 Managed Private Credit Student Loan charge-offs  (26) (17)
 Managed Private Credit Student Loan recoveries  2  2 
  
 
 
 Total charge-offs, net of recoveries  (24) (15)
  
 
 
Managed Private Credit Student Loan allowance balance at end of period $272 $218 
  
 
 

Net Managed Private Credit Student Loan charge-offs as a percentage of average Managed Private Credit Student Loans

 

 

1.03

%

 

..94

%
Net Managed Private Credit Student Loan charge-offs as a percentage of average Managed Private Credit Student Loans in repayment  2.16% 1.78%
Managed Private Credit Student Loan allowance as a percentage of average Managed Private Credit Student Loans  2.98% 3.44%
Managed Private Credit Student Loan allowance as a percentage of the ending balance of Managed Private Credit Student Loans  2.90% 3.24%
Managed Private Credit Student Loan allowance as a percentage of the ending balance of Managed Private Credit Student Loans in repayment  6.16% 6.39%
Average balance of Managed Private Credit Student Loans $9,142 $6,323 
Ending balance of Managed Private Credit Student Loans $9,408 $6,716 
Average balance of Managed Private Credit Student Loans in repayment $4,376 $3,354 
Ending balance of Managed Private Credit Student Loans in repayment $4,422 $3,410 

        The increase in the allowanceprovision for Managed private credit student loansPrivate Credit Student Loans of $69$5 million or 37 percent, overfor the three months ended March 31, 2004 versus the year-ago period is mainlyprimarily due to the 46 percent increase in Managed private credit student loan acquisitions forPrivate Credit Student Loans entering repayment over the nineprior year and to the effect of the revision of our default assumptions in the fourth quarter of 2003. For the three months ended September 30, 2003 versus the year-ago period.

        We defer origination fees and recognize themMarch 31, 2004, Private Credit Student Loan charge-offs increased by $9 million over the average lifeprior year, which is due primarily to the increase in Managed Private Credit Student Loans in repayment and the aging of the related pool of loans as a component of interest income. The unamortized balance of deferred origination fee revenue at September 30, 2003 and 2002 was $137 million and $81 million, respectively.loans.

48



Delinquencies—Managed Basis

        The table below showspresents our private credit student loanPrivate Credit Student Loan delinquency trends as of September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 on a Managed Basis. Delinquencies have the potential to adversely impact earnings if the account charges off and results in increased servicing and collection costs.

 
 September 30,
 
 
 2003
 2002
 
(Dollars in millions)

 
 Balance
 %
 Balance
 %
 
Loans in-school/grace/deferment1 $3,818   $2,381   
Loans in forbearance2  463    319   
Loans in repayment and percentage of each status:           
 Loans current  3,385 92% 2,725 91%
 Loans delinquent 30-59 days3  127 3  108 4 
 Loans delinquent 60-89 days  74 2  56 2 
 Loans delinquent 90 days or greater  102 3  87 3 
  
 
 
 
 
Total Managed loans in repayment  3,688 100% 2,976 100%
  
 
 
 
 
Total Managed private credit student loans  7,969    5,676   
Managed private credit student loan allowance for losses  (255)   (186)  
  
   
   
Managed private credit student loans, net $7,714   $5,490   
  
   
   
Percentage of Managed private credit student loans in repayment  46%   52%  
  
   
   
Delinquencies as a percentage of private credit student loans in repayment  8%   9%  
  
   
   

        Loans in forbearance status increased from 11 percent of loans in repayment and forbearance status at March 31, 2003 to 12 percent of loans in repayment and forbearance status at March 31, 2004. The increase is due to a temporary spike in forbearances granted on career training loans during a loan



system conversion in the second quarter of 2003. The career training ratio has been gradually declining but is not yet back down to the March 31, 2003 level. For all other categories of Private Credit Student Loans, the forbearance ratio decreased when compared to March 31, 2003.

 
 March 31,
 
 
 2004
 2003
 
 
 Balance
 %
 Balance
 %
 
Loans in-school/grace/deferment (1) $4,386   $2,892   
Loans in forbearance (2)  600    414   
Loans in repayment and percentage of each status:           
 Loans current  4,090 92% 3,118 91%
 Loans delinquent 30-59 days (3)  126 3  136 4 
 Loans delinquent 60-89 days  82 2  72 2 
 Loans delinquent 90 days or greater  124 3  84 3 
  
 
 
 
 
 Total Private Credit Student Loans in repayment  4,422 100% 3,410 100%
  
 
 
 
 
Total Private Credit Student Loans  9,408    6,716   
Private Credit Student Loan allowance for losses  (272)   (218)  
  
   
   
Private Credit Student Loans, net $9,136   $6,498   
  
   
   
Percentage of Private Credit Student Loans in repayment  47%   51%  
  
   
   
Delinquencies as a percentage of Private Credit Student Loans in repayment  8%   9%  
  
   
   

1(1)
Loans for borrowers who still may be attending school or engaging in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on thetheir loans, e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation.

2(2)
Loans for borrowers who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors, consistent with the established loan program servicing policiesprocedures and procedures.policies. Additionally, the forbearance balance at September 30, 2003 includes $8March 31, 2004 included $7 million of career training loans in "closed school" status, whose ultimate disposition is uncertain.status.

3(3)
The delinquency period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due.

49


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        A primaryWe depend on the debt capital markets to support our business plan and we have developed deep and diverse funding objectivesources to ensure continued access to the capital markets as we transition from GSE funding to SLM Corporation non-GSE funding. Our biggest funding challenge going forward is to maintain ourcost effective liquidity to fund the growth in the Managed Portfolio of student loans as well as refinancing previously securitized loans when consolidated back on-balance sheet. At the same time we must maintain earnings spreads and control interest rate risk to preserve earnings growth. The main source of non-GSE funding is student loan spreadsecuritizations. In the first quarter of 2004, we securitized $9.3 billion in student loans in four transactions versus $6.3 billion in four transactions in the first quarter of 2003. Our securitizations backed by continuingFFELP loans are unique securities in the asset-backed class as they are backed by student loans with an explicit guarantee on 98 percent of principal and interest. This guarantee is subject to matchservice compliance, but is not related to the Company's GSE subsidiary. At March 31, 2004, we financed 83 percent of our Managed student loans from non-GSE sources versus 57 percent at March 31, 2003. As evidenced by the 2003 volume, we have built a highly liquid and deep market for student loan securitizations by broadening our investor base worldwide.



Securitizations will continue to grow and are expected to comprise approximately 70 percent of total Managed debt by 2006, versus 60 percent at March 31, 2004.

        In addition to securitizations, we also significantly increased and diversified other non-GSE financing through the issuance of $5.3 billion in SLM Corporation, term, unsecured non-GSE debt. In total, at March 31, 2004, non-GSE on-balance sheet debt, exclusive of on-balance sheet securitizations, totaled $25.5 billion, a 211 percent increase over March 31, 2003.

        Another major objective when financing our business is to minimize interest rate characteristicsrisk through match funding of our assets and liabilities. AsGenerally, on a pooled basis to the extent practicable, we continuematch the interest rate and reset characteristics of our Managed assets and liabilities. In this process, we use derivative financial instruments extensively to wind down the GSE, we must broadenreduce our already diverse funding sourcesinterest rate and foreign currency exposure. This interest rate risk management helps us to ensure that we have sufficient liquidity to refinance our GSE debt and meet the ongoing financing needsachieve a stable student loan spread irrespective of the business.interest rate environment. (See also "Interest Rate Risk Management" below.)

        Currently our primary sources of liquidity are through debt issuances byThe following tables present the GSEending and off-balance sheet financings through securitizations. We supplement these sources through borrowings under our commercial paperaverage balances and medium-term note programs, other senior note issuances, and cash generated by our subsidiaries and distributed through dividends to the Company. Our Managed borrowings along with the average interest rates of our Managed borrowings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 20022003. The average interest rates include derivatives that are brokeneconomically hedging the underlying debt, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No. 133. (See "Derivative Reclassification—non-GAAP").

 
 As of March 31,
 
 2004
 2003
 
 Ending Balance
 Ending Balance
 
 Short Term
 Long Term
 Short Term
 Long Term
GSE $14,330 $2,843 $22,770 $15,030
Non-GSE  1,805  23,705  244  7,969
Securitizations (on-balance sheet)    24,256    2,021
Securitizations (off-balance sheet)    39,532    38,972
  
 
 
 
Total $16,135 $90,336 $23,014 $63,992
  
 
 
 
 
 Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 2004
 2003
 
 
 Average
Balance

 Average
Rate

 Average
Balance

 Average
Rate

 
GSE $20,955 2.03%$40,071 1.90%
Non-GSE  22,932 1.75  7,691 2.61 
Securitizations (on-balance sheet)  19,111 1.44  1,372 1.53 
Securitizations (off-balance sheet)  39,399 1.63  36,497 1.97 
  
 
 
 
 
Total $102,397 1.70%$85,631 1.99%
  
 
 
 
 

        As the GSE is wound down, as follows:stand-alone liquidity at SLM Corporation will become increasingly important over time. SLM Corporation's stand-alone liquidity is derived from our modest debt maturities and use of commercial paper, $3 billion in committed bank lines of credit, short-term investment portfolio and broad market acceptance of our principal asset, government guaranteed student loans.

 
 Three months ended September 30,
 Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
 
 Average
Balance

 Average
Rate

 Average
Balance

 Average
Rate

 Average
Balance

 Average
Rate

 Average
Balance

 Average
Rate

 
GSE $33,060 1.68%$45,229 2.35%$36,991 1.81%$46,034 2.47%
Non-GSE  15,465 1.87  4,290 3.02  11,450 2.12  3,639 2.84 
Securitizations (on-balance sheet)  6,181 1.33     3,838 1.40    
Securitizations (off-balance sheet)  41,878 1.67  32,975 2.45  38,697 1.83  31,827 2.71 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $96,584 1.69%$82,494 2.42%$90,976 1.84%$81,500 2.58%
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

GSE Financing Activities

        The GSE secures financing to fund its on-balance sheet portfolio of student loans, along with its other operations, by issuing debt securities in the domestic and overseas capital markets, through public offerings and private placements of U.S. dollar-denominated and foreign currency-denominated debt of varying maturities and interest rate characteristics. The GSE's debt securities are currently rated at the



highest credit rating level by both Moody's and S&P. Historically, the rating agencies' ratings of the GSE have been largely a factor of its status as a government-sponsored enterprise. Since the Privatization Act did not modify the attributes of debt issued by the GSE, management anticipates that the GSE will retain its current credit ratings.

        The GSE's unsecured financing requirements are driven by the following factors: liquidity to meet the short-term funding of new student loan acquisitions; refinancing of existing GSE liabilities as they mature; financing of the net growth in the student loan portfolio;mature and are not replaced by non-GSE funding sources; the level of securitization activity; and the transfer and refinancing of GSE assets by the Company's non-GSE entities of the Company.entities.

Securitization Activities

        Since the establishment of our program in 1995, securitization of student loans has been the primary source of non-GSE long-term funding for our Managed portfolio of student loans. In the first nine months of 2003, we completed twelve securitization transactions totaling $22.1 billion versus five transactions totaling $7.9 billion in student loans in the first nine months of 2002. At September 30, 2003, $40.1 billion or 47 percent of our Managed student loans outstanding were in securitized trusts outside of the GSE. We expect to accelerate and diversify our securitization activity as we refinance long-term GSE debt in connection with the GSE Wind-Down. See also "Other Income—Securitization Program" for a discussion of the quarterly activity of our securitization program.

50



Non-GSE Unsecured On-Balance Sheet Financing Activities

        While the securitization market has been the core of our long-term financing strategy,As discussed above, we have also been increasing and diversifyingcontinue to diversify our non-GSE funding sources such as commercial paper, bank lines of credit, underwritten long-term debt, and global and medium-term note programs. The following table showspresents the senior unsecured credit ratings on our non-GSE debt from the major rating agencies.

 
 S&P
 Moody's
 Fitch
Short-term unsecured debt A-1 P-1 F-1+
Long-term unsecured debt A A-2 A+

        The table below presents our non-GSE unsecured on-balance sheet funding by funding source for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003.

 
 Debt issued for the
three months ended
March 31,

 Outstanding at
March 31,

 
 2004
 2003
 2004
 2003
Commercial paper $ $7,494 $ $44
Convertible debentures      1,984  
Retail medium-term notes (EdNotes)  172  78  528  78
Foreign currency denominated(1)  1,976    2,574  
Extendible notes  249    1,997  
Inflation indexed notes  2,933    14,485  
Global notes    2,246  3,942  3,948
Medium-term notes        4,143
  
 
 
 

Total

 

$

5,330

 

$

9,818

 

$

25,510

 

$

8,213
  
 
 
 

(1)
All foreign currency denominated notes are swapped back to U.S. dollars.

Securitization Activities

Securitization Program

        Our FFELP Stafford, Private Credit Student Loan and certain Consolidation Loan securitizations are off-balance sheet transactions that are structured to meet the sale criteria of SFAS No. 140 by using a two-step transaction with a qualifying special purpose entity ("QSPE") that legally isolates the transferred assets from the Company, even in the event of bankruptcy, and are accounted for off-balance sheet. Each of these transactions is structured to ensure that the holders of the beneficial interests issued by the QSPE are not constrained from pledging or exchanging their interests and that we do not maintain effective control over the transferred assets. In all of our off-balance sheet securitizations, we retain the right to receive the cash flows from the securitized student loans in excess of cash flows required to pay interest and principal on the bonds issued by the trust and servicing and administration fees.


        Prior to 2003, all of our securitization structures were off-balance sheet transactions. In certain 2003 and 2002.

 
 Debt issued for
three months ended
September 30,

 Debt issued for
nine months ended
September 30,

 Outstanding at
September 30,

 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
Commercial paper $ $8,085 $8,285 $21,408 $ $
Convertible debentures      1,980    1,982  
Retail medium-term notes (EdNotes)  82    309    309  
Euro medium-term notes      580    580  
Extendible notes      999    999  
Global notes  3,481    8,130    9,833  
Medium-term notes    1,939    3,550  4,091  5,169
  
 
 
 
 
 
Total $3,563 $10,024 $20,283 $24,958 $17,794 $5,169
  
 
 
 
 
 

New Sources2004 Consolidation Loan securitization structures, we hold certain rights that can affect the remarketing of Financingcertain bonds. These remarketing rights are not significantly limited in nature. Therefore, these securitizations did not qualify as QSPEs. Accordingly, they are accounted for on-balance sheet as variable interest entities ("VIEs") with the securitized federally insured student loans reflected in the balance sheet as "federally insured student loans in trust." These securitization structures were developed to broaden and diversify the investor base for Consolidation Loan securitizations by allowing us to issue bonds with non-amortizing, fixed rate and foreign currency denominated tranches.

        The totalfollowing table summarizes our securitization activity for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003.

 
 Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 2004
 2003
 
 
 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Pre-tax
Gains

 Gain %
 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Pre-tax
Gains

 Gain %
 
FFELP Stafford/PLUS loans  $ $ %1 $1,256 $20 1.6%
Consolidation Loans       1  2,005  218 10.9 
Private Credit Student Loans 1  1,252  114 9.1 1  1,005  68 6.8 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total securitization sales 1  1,252 $114 9.1%3  4,266 $306 7.2%
       
 
      
 
 

On-balance sheet securitization of Consolidation Loans

 

3

 

 

8,023

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

2,056

 

 

 

 

 

 
  
 
      
 
      
Total loans securitized 4 $9,275      4 $6,322      
  
 
      
 
      

        The increase in the Private Credit securitization gain for the first quarter of revolving2004 is due to the underlying student loans having higher spreads and lower cost of funds.

        At March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, securitized student loans outstanding totaled $61.8 billion and $55.1 billion, respectively.

        The asset-backed securities issued by our trusts generally have a higher net cost to fund our student loans than our GSE on-balance sheet financing because the asset-backed securities are term match-funded to the assets securitized and do not benefit from the implicit guarantee of the federal government that investors attribute to GSE debt. The GSE's funding advantage over our securitizations is somewhat mitigated by the absence of Offset Fees on securitized loans. Our securitizations to date have been structured to achieve a triple "AAA" credit facilities was increased from $2 billionrating on over 96 percent of the asset-backed securities sold. Securities issued in our typical FFELP student loan securitizations are issued with a variety of interest rate terms and in multiple currencies while the index on our securitized loans are either indexed to $3 billion in October 2003. The current facilities consist of $1 billion maturing October 2004, $1 billion maturing October 2007, and $1 billion maturing October 2008. These facilities will continue to serve asthe 91-day or 52-week Treasury bill, commercial paper backstopor the Prime rate. We manage this interest rate and management does notcurrency risk with derivatives, principally interest rate and currency swaps, which can either be on-balance sheet or embedded in the securitization trust.

        In 2004, we expect to use them.maintain the 2003 level of securitization activity to fund new student loan purchases and continue the refinancing of GSE debt. We expect our term asset-backed securities issuance to be $25 billion versus $30 billion with our asset-backed commercial paper program adding another $5 billion.


Cash FlowsLiquidity Risk

        DuringAs non-GSE financing replaces GSE financing and becomes an ever-larger percentage of our long-term funding, our credit spread and liquidity exposure to the first ninecapital markets shifts from the government agency capital markets to the corporate and asset-backed markets. A major disruption in the fixed income capital markets that limits our ability to raise funds or significantly increases the cost of those funds could have a material impact on our ability to acquire student loans or on our results of operations and the timely and effective completion of the GSE Wind-Down. Our securitizations are structured such that we do not provide any level of financial, credit or liquidity support to any of the trusts, and our exposure is limited to the recovery of the Retained Interest asset on the balance sheet. Our Retained Interests are subject to prepayment risk primarily from consolidating loans that could materially impair their value. Our FFELP securitizations have minimal credit and interest rate risk and as a result, outside of the prepayment risk, we believe that, even in times of great stress in the capital markets, the likelihood is remote that any of these off-balance sheet arrangements could be impaired to the point at which they could result in a material adverse impact on the Company.

Retained Interest on Securitized Loans

        The Residual Interest plus any reserve or cash accounts constitute the Retained Interest asset on-balance sheet. The Retained Interests are recorded at fair value at the time of sale and each subsequent quarter using a discounted cash flow analysis. At March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the fair value of the Retained Interest was $2.5 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively. The average balance of the Retained Interest for the three months ofended March 31, 2004 and 2003 we usedwas $2.4 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively. The deferred tax liability associated with these assets was $333 million and $275 million at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income

        Included in the proceeds from bothgain on and off-balance sheet student loan securitizations of $22.0 billion,Consolidation Loans is an estimate of the Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income from the loans securitized. Depending on interest rate levels, the ongoing re-evaluation of this estimate of Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income can cause volatility in the fair value of the Retained Interest asset. The fair value of the Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income included in the Retained Interest asset as of March 31, 2004 and repaymentsDecember 31, 2003 was $801 million and claim payments$727 million, respectively.

Servicing and Securitization Revenue

        Servicing and securitization revenue is the ongoing revenue from securitized loan pools accounted for off-balance sheet as QSPEs, and includes the interest earned on the Residual Interest, the revenue we receive for servicing the loans in the securitization trusts, and Embedded Floor Income on securitized student loans of $3.4 billion to acquire student loans either through purchase, origination or through loan consolidations from our securitized trusts totaling $19.2 billion, and to repurchase $747 million of the Company's common stock.

        Operating activities provided net cash of $410 millionnot previously included in the first ninegain on sale calculation. Interest income recognized on the Residual Interest is based on our anticipated yield, determined by periodically estimating future cash flows.



        The following table summarizes the components of servicing and securitization revenue for the three months of 2003, an increase of $168 million from the first nine months of 2002. Operating cash flow isended March 31, 2004 and 2003.

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
Servicing revenue $76 $75 
Securitization revenue, exclusive of Embedded Floor Income  30  57 
  
 
 
Servicing and securitization revenue, before Embedded Floor Income  106  132 
  
 
 
Embedded Floor Income  78  78 
 Less: Floor Income previously recognized in gain calculation  (47) (21)
  
 
 
Net Embedded Floor Income  31  57 
  
 
 
Total servicing and securitization revenue $137 $189 
  
 
 

Average off-balance sheet student loans

 

$

37,786

 

$

35,228

 
  
 
 

Average balance of Retained Interest

 

$

2,442

 

$

2,195

 
  
 
 

Servicing and securitization revenue as a percentage of the average balance of off-balance sheet student loans (annualized)

 

 

1.45

%

 

2.17

%
  
 
 

        Fluctuations in servicing and securitization revenue are generally driven by net income adjusted for various non-cash items such as gains and losses on sales of student loans and securities, the derivative market value adjustment and the provision for loan losses. Operating cash flow is also affected by the timing of the receipt or payment of cash for other assets and liabilities and by the amount of and the difference in the timing of Floor Income receivedrecognition on off-balance sheet student loans, as well as the impact of Consolidation Loan activity which can result in an impairment of the quarter.

        DuringResidual Interest asset and negatively impact yields used to recognize subsequent income. In the first nine monthsquarter of 2003,2004, we recognized impairment of the Company issued $17.1 billionResidual Interest asset of unsecured long-term notes,$13.7 million due to higher than anticipated Consolidation Loan activity. We receive annual servicing fees of 90 basis points, 50 basis points and 70 basis points of the outstanding securitized loan balance related to our Stafford, Consolidation Loan and Private Credit Student Loan securitizations, respectively.

        In off-balance sheet securitizations that qualify as sales, we recognize a gain on the sale, which $5.2 billion was issued byis calculated as the GSEdifference between the allocated cost basis of the assets sold and $11.9 billion was issued by SLM Corporation.the relative fair value of the assets received. The Company also completedcarrying value of the student loan portfolio being securitized includes the applicable accrued interest, unamortized student loan premiums, loan loss reserves and borrower benefits reserves. We recognize no gain or loss or servicing and securitization revenue associated with on-balance sheet securitizations of $9.7 billion. These financings were used to refund maturing debt obligations and finance the acquisition of student loans. At

51



September 30, 2003, the Company had $31.3 billion of long-term debt, of which $4.6 billion is an obligation of the GSE and $26.7 billion is an obligation of SLM Corporation, including bonds in the VIEs totaling $9.7 billion. $1.4 billion of the GSE's long-term debt had stated maturities that could be accelerated through call provisions and $3.3 billion of SLM Corporation's long-term debt had stated maturities that could be accelerated through call provisions.securitizations.

Interest Rate Risk Management

Interest Rate Gap Analysis

        We manage our interest rate risk on a Managed Basis and asBasis. As a result, we use on-balanceon and off-balance sheet derivatives to hedge the basis, interest rate and foreign currency risk in our securitization trusts as the trusts typically issue asset-backed securities indexed to LIBORwith a variety of interest rate terms and in multiple currencies to fund student loans indexed to either the 91-day Treasury bill, commercial paper or in the case of private credit loans,Private Credit Student Loans, the Prime rate.

        The following table shows funding by index, after considering the effects of derivatives, of our asset-backed securities at September 30, 2003:

(Dollars in billions)

  
Index

 Amount
LIBOR $12.7
91-day Treasury bill  22.8
Auction Rate  2.8
Commercial paper  8.1
Prime  2.5
  
Total Variable Rate  48.9
Fixed Rate  3.6
  
Total $52.5
  

        There were also $3.1 billion of PLUS student loans in the trusts that are funded by asset-backed securities indexed to LIBOR or the 91-day Treasury bill. We hedge our off-balance sheet basis risk through on-balance sheet derivatives, the effect of which is included in the "Interest Rate Gap Analysis" below as the impact of securitized student loans.

52


        In the table below, the Company's variable rate assets and liabilities are categorized by reset date of the underlying index. Fixed rate assets and liabilities are categorized based on their maturity dates. An interest rate gap is the difference between volumes of assets and volumes of liabilities maturing or repricing during specific future time intervals. The following gap analysis reflects rate-sensitive positions at September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and is not necessarily reflective of positions that existed throughout the period.

 
 Interest Rate Sensitivity Period
 
 
 3 months
or less

 3 months to
6 months

 6 months
to 1 year

 1 to 2
years

 2 to 5
years

 Over 5
years

 
Assets                   
Student loans $42,988 $287 $2,408 $ $ $ 
Academic facilities financings and other loans  350  98  217  64  57  308 
Cash and investments  5,641  11  4  75  909  744 
Other assets  1,361  60  121  259  673  3,301 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Total assets  50,340  456  2,750  398  1,639  4,353 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                   
Short-term borrowings  13,993  859  8,143       
Long-term notes  15,681      2,313  4,932  8,333 
Other liabilities  1,708          1,330 
Stockholders' equity            2,644 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  31,382  859  8,143  2,313  4,932  12,307 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period gap before adjustments  18,958  (403) (5,393) (1,915) (3,293) (7,954)

Adjustments for Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Interest rate derivatives  (12,803) 580  840  2,002  2,308  7,073 
Impact of securitized student loans  (3,129)   3,129       
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Total derivatives and other financial instruments  (15,932) 580  3,969  2,002  2,308  7,073 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period gap $3,026 $177 $(1,424)$87 $(985)$(881)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative gap $3,026 $3,203 $1,779 $1,866 $881 $ 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratio of interest-sensitive assets to interest-sensitive liabilities  165.1% 46.1% 32.3% 6.0% 19.6% 12.6%
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratio of cumulative gap to total assets  5.0% 5.3% 3.0% 3.1% 1.5% %
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

53


 
 Interest Rate Sensitivity Period
 
 
 3 months
or less

 3 months to
6 months

 6 months
to 1 year

 1 to 2
years

 2 to 5
years

 Over 5
years

 
Assets                   
Student loans $50,868 $3,215 $331 $ $ $ 
Academic facilities financings and other loans  438  51  74  50  38  453 
Cash and investments  9,200  41  19  85  915  1,280 
Other assets  1,253  121  243  240  572  3,776 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets  61,759  3,428  667  375  1,525  5,509 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                   
Short-term borrowings  12,522  2,049  1,605       
Long-term notes  31,229    25  2,042  5,870  12,139 
Other liabilities            3,044 
Stockholders' equity            2,738 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  43,751  2,049  1,630  2,042  5,870  17,921 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period gap before adjustments  18,008  1,379  (963) (1,667) (4,345) (12,412)

Adjustments for Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Interest rate derivatives  (17,046) (2,350) 577  3,912  3,835  11,072 
Impact of securitized student loans  (2,618) 2,618         
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total derivatives and other financial instruments  (19,664) 268  577  3,912  3,835  11,072 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period gap $(1,656)$1,647 $(386)$2,245 $(510)$(1,340)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cumulative gap

 

$

(1,656

)

$

(9

)

$

(395

)

$

1,850

 

$

1,340

 

$


 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ratio of interest-sensitive assets to interest-sensitive liabilities

 

 

138.3

%

 

161.4

%

 

26.0

%

 

6.6

%

 

16.2

%

 

14.3

%
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ratio of cumulative gap to total assets

 

 

(2.3

)%

 


%

 

(0.5

)%

 

2.5

%

 

1.8

%

 


%
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

Weighted Average Terms to MaturityLife

        The following table reflects the weighted average terms to maturitylife for our Managed earning assets and liabilities at September 30, 2003.March 31, 2004.

(Averages in years)

 On-Balance
Sheet

 Off-Balance
Sheet

 Managed
 On-Balance
Sheet

 Off-Balance
Sheet

 Managed
Earning assets            
Student loans 7.6 7.4 7.5 9.3 4.4 8.8
Academic facilities financings and other loans 7.1  7.1 6.8  6.8
Cash and investments 1.9  1.9 1.3  1.3
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total earning assets 6.8 7.4 7.1 8.0 4.4 8.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowings            
Short-term borrowings .4  .4 .3  .3
Long-term borrowings 7.7 7.4 7.5 7.4 4.4 6.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total borrowings 4.5 7.4 5.8 5.7 4.4 5.2
 
 
 
 
 
 

        In the above table, Treasury receipts and variable rate asset-backed securities, although generally liquid in nature, extend the weighted average remaining term to maturity of cash and investments to 1.91.3 years. Long-term debt issuances likely to be called have been categorized according to their call dates rather than their maturity dates. Long-term debt issuances which are putable by the investor are categorized according to their put dates rather than their maturity date.dates.

Common StockCOMMON STOCK

        We repurchased 1.57.9 million shares during the thirdfirst quarter of 2003 primarily2004 through equity forward settlements and issued 1.6 million shares related to benefit plans. We repurchased 21.6 million shares during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 through equity forward settlements and open market purchases and issued 5.8 million shares as a result of the exercise of stock warrants and a net 8.53.1 million shares related to benefit plans. At September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, the total common shares that could potentially be acquired over the next fivefour years under outstanding equity forward contracts was 40.239.8 million shares at an average price of $35.39$38.10 per share. We have remaining authority to enter into additional share repurchases and equity forward contracts for 1734.2 million shares.

        In May 2003, the Board of Directors approved a three-for-one split of our common stock to be effected in the form of a stock dividend. The additional shares were distributed on June 20, 2003, for all shareholders of record on June 6, 2003. All share and per share amounts presented have been retroactively restated for the stock split. Stockholders' equity has been restated to give retroactive recognition to the stock split for all periods presented by reclassifying from additional paid-in capital to common stock the par value of the additional shares issued as a result of the stock split.

        In July 2003, the Board of Directors voted to retire 170 million shares of common stock held in treasury, effective in September 2003. Based on an average price of $18.04 per share, this retirement decreased the balance in treasury stock by $3.1 billion, with corresponding decreases of $34 million in common stock and $3.1 billion in retained earnings.


54


        The following table summarizes our common share repurchase and equity forward activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003.

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
(Common shares in millions)

 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
Common shares repurchased:             
 Open market  .5    5.5   
 Equity forwards  1.0  5.5  16.1  14.7 
  
 
 
 
 
Total shares repurchased  1.5  5.5  21.6  14.7 
  
 
 
 
 
Average purchase price per share $40.13 $25.78 $30.44 $21.93 
  
 
 
 
 
Equity forward contracts:             
 Outstanding at beginning of period  33.1  24.5  28.7  33.7 
 New contracts  8.1  7.8  27.6  7.8 
 Exercises  (1.0) (5.5) (16.1) (14.7)
  
 
 
 
 
Outstanding at end of period  40.2  26.8  40.2  26.8 
  
 
 
 
 
Remaining repurchase authority at end of period  17.0  29.1  17.0  29.1 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
(Common shares in millions)

  
  
 
Common shares repurchased:       
 Open market    3.4 
 Equity forwards  7.9  4.6 
 Benefit plans  .7  .9 
  
 
 
 Total shares repurchased  8.6  8.9 
  
 
 
 Average purchase price per share $31.26 $29.88 
  
 
 
Common shares issued  3.8  5.7 
  
 
 
Equity forward contracts:       
 Outstanding at beginning of period  43.5  28.7 
 New contracts  4.2  7.1 
 Exercises  (7.9) (4.6)
  
 
 
 Outstanding at end of period  39.8  31.2 
  
 
 
Board of Director authority remaining at end of period  34.2  39.7 
  
 
 

        As of September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, the expiration dates and range ofand average purchase prices for outstanding equity forward contracts were as follows:


Year of Maturity

 Outstanding
Contracts

 Range of Market Prices


 (in millions)

  
2004 3.0 $26.02 - $30.70
(Contracts in millions)

  
  
  
Year of maturity

 Outstanding
contracts

 Range of
purchase prices

 Average
purchase price

2005 12.0 27.47 - 40.17 3.0 $38.25–$40.17 $39.21
2006 18.3 33.82 - 41.88 20.5 33.82–41.88 37.37
2007 3.7 37.70 13.1 37.70–41.81 38.70
2008 3.2 38.64 - 40.00 3.2 38.64–40.00 39.28
 
   
   
 40.2   39.8   $38.10
 
   
   

        In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, which establishes standards for how a company classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS No. 150 also outlines new accounting for equity forward contracts. Under SFAS No. 150, equity forward contracts that allow a net settlement option either in cash or our stock is required to be accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 133 as derivative financial instruments. Those equity forward contracts that require physical settlement only (cash for the purchase of shares) must be accounted for as a liability. Our existing contracts provide for physical settlement, net share or net cash settlement options. As a result, for equity forward contracts entered into after May 31, 2003, we accounted for these equity forward contracts as derivatives in accordance with SFAS No. 133 and recorded the change in fair value through earnings. In accordance with SFAS No. 150, equity forward contracts that we entered into prior to June 1, 2003 and outstanding at July 1, 2003, were recorded at fair value on July 1, and we recorded a gain of $130 million which was reflected as a "cumulative effect of accounting change" in the consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003. Included in this amount was a loss of $12 million previously recorded as an adjustment to equity, related to interest costs associated with outstanding equity forward contracts. In the third quarter of 2003, we recognized a $10 million loss related to the mark-to-market of its equity forward contracts. In addition, we recorded a $5 million loss related to net cost of carry of the equity forward contracts. In the third quarter, we settled equity forward contracts by repurchasing our common stock for $43 million. The repurchased shares were recorded as treasury stock at the market value at the time of settlement of $42 million. The $1 million realized loss on these settlements that was previously recognized through equity forward marks-to-market was reversed in the derivative market valuation account. Gains and losses on equity forward contracts are excluded from gross income for federal and state income tax purposes.

55


STUDENT LOAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION

Privatization Act—GSE Wind-Down

        Under the Privatization Act, the GSE must wind downWind-Down its operations and dissolve on or before September 30, 2008, and until the GSE is dissolved, the Privatization Act places a number of limitations on the GSE. Management, however, plans to accelerate the Wind-Down of the GSE to no later than September 2006. This plan was approved byJune 2006 and is well ahead of the GSE's board of directors in January 2002.periodic milestones. Any GSE debt obligations outstanding at the date of such dissolution are required to be defeased through creation of a fully collateralized trust, consisting of cash or financial instruments backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government with cash flows that match the interest and principal obligations of the defeased debt. The Privatization Act requires that on the dissolution date, the GSE shall repurchase or redeem, or make proper provisions for repurchase or redemption of any outstanding preferred stock. The GSE redeemed its Series A, Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, its only outstanding preferred stock, in the fourth quarter of 2001. Also upon the GSE's dissolution, all of its remaining assets will be transferred to the Company.



        The Privatization Act effectively requires that the GSE maintain a minimum statutory capital adequacy ratio (the ratio of the GSE's stockholders' equity to total assets plus 50 percent of the credit equivalent amount of certain off-balance sheet items) of at least 2.25 percent or be subject to certain "safety and soundness" requirements designed to restore such statutory ratio.compliance. While the GSE may not finance or guarantee the activities of its non-GSE affiliates, it may, subject to its minimum capital requirements, dividend retained earnings and surplus capital to SLM Corporation, which in turn may contribute such amounts to its non-GSE subsidiaries. At September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, the GSE's statutory capital adequacy ratio was 7.135.76 percent.

        The GSE has also received guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Sallie Mae Oversight ("OSMO") regarding safety and soundness considerations affecting its Wind-Down. As a result, in connection with any dividend declarations, the GSE will supplement the statutory minimum capital ratio requirement with a risk-based capital measurement formula. At September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, the GSE's capital ratio under this measurement formula was 24.6118.32 percent, which was above OSMO's minimum recommended level of 4.00 percent. Management does not expect the capital levels of our consolidated balance sheet to change as a result of this supplemental formula.

        The Privatization Act imposes certain restrictions on intercompany relations between the GSE and its affiliates during the Wind-Down Period. The GSE may, however, continue to issue new debt obligations maturing on or before September 30, 2008 although, because of the accelerated Wind-Down described above, we do not intend to issueare limiting the maturity on any new GSE debt with maturities beyond September 30, 2006.to six months. The GSE has not issued any long-term debt since July 2003. The legislation further provides that the legal status and attributes of the GSE's debt obligations, including the exemptions from Securities and Exchange Commission registration and state taxes, will be fully preserved until their respective maturities. Such debt obligations will remain GSE debt obligations, whether such obligations were outstanding at the time of, or issued subsequent to, the reorganization of the GSE into the current holding company structure.

56


        In connection with the Wind-Down of the GSE, we must either securitize, sell, transfer or defease the GSE's assets by the Wind-Down date and retire or defease the GSE's debt obligations. For loans securitized, the GSE retains an interest in the loans, which is recognized on the balance sheet as Retained Interest in securitized receivables. In connection with the GSE Wind-Down, in 2003 the GSE sold its Retained Interests to a non-GSE subsidiary of the Company for $2.1 billion. The GSE will continue to finance student loans through securitizations in 2004, and intends to sell its Retained Interest in such securitizations as soon as practical after the sale.

        During the course of developing the Wind-Down plan, management was advised by its tax counsel that, while the matter is not certain, under current authority, the defeasance of certain GSE bonds that mature after the dissolution of the GSE, could be construed to be a taxable event for taxable holders of those bonds. Management intends to commence discussions on this matter with the Internal Revenue Service and may seek a private letter ruling that the defeasance does not trigger a taxable event for such bondholders in the context of the GSE's privatization.

        Given the GSE's current exemption from state income taxes, management is continually evaluating the potential impact (if any) upon the Company's overall state tax position resulting from planned sales and transfers of GSE assets.



The following table summarizes the GSE's asset sales (carrying value plus accrued interest) and transfers for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002.(carrying value includes accrued interest).

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
FFELP/Consolidation student loan securitizations $3,563 $2,892 $10,216 $8,005
Sale of on-balance sheet VIEs, net1  141    306  
Private credit student loan sales2  514  489  3,877  1,012
Non-cash dividend of FFELP Stafford/PLUS student loans3  1,077    1,077  
Sale of Retained Interests in securitized receivables4  2,451    2,451  
Non-cash dividend of insurance and benefit plan related investments5      346  
 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 2004
 2003
 
 Sale
Amount

 Carrying
Amount

 Gain
Amount

 Sale
Amount

 Carrying
Amount

 Gain
Amount

(Dollars in millions)

  
  
  
  
  
  
 FFELP/Consolidation Student Loan securitizations $ $ $ $3,567 $3,330 $237
 Sale of on-balance sheet VIEs, net (1)  527  47  480  334  89  245
 Student loan sales (2)  1,342  1,321  21  794  760  34
 Non-cash dividend of FFELP Stafford/PLUS student loans (3)  960  944  16      
 Non-cash dividend of insurance and benefit plan related investments        346  346  
 Sale of basis swaps (4)            5
 Loans consolidated with SLM Corp entities  361  361        

1(1)
These VIEs consist of securitized Consolidation Loans, totaling $8.0 billion and $2.1 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and the sales are recorded net of debt issued. TheIncluded in the $8.0 billion of loans sold in 2004 were $2.2 billion of Consolidation Loans acquired by the GSE recognized gains on these salesfrom SLM Education Loan Corporation, a non-GSE subsidiary of $450 million and $953 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively.Company.

2(2)
The private credit student loans were sold by the GSE to a subsidiary of SLM Corporation at fair market value and the GSE recognized gains on these sales of $12 million and $145 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, and $29 million and $57 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002, respectively.value.

3(3)
This dividend was recorded at fair market value and the GSE recognized a gain of $23 million.value.

4(4)
In the third quarter of 2003, theThe GSE sold its Retained Interests in securitized receivablesbasis swaps to a subsidiary of SLM Corporation at fair market valuevalue.

        We will continue to securitize, sell, transfer or defease the GSE's assets throughout the Wind-Down Period. All intercompany transactions between the GSE and recognized a gainthe Company and its non-GSE subsidiaries have been eliminated in the Company's consolidated financial statements. In connection with the acquisition of $617 million.

AMS, SLM Corporation contributed to the GSE $40 million of assets, net of liabilities assumed. The assets contributed consisted primarily of student loans.

        The following table shows the percentage of certain assets and income held by the GSE versus non-GSE as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2004.

 
 Three months ended
March 31, 2004

 
 GSE
 Non-GSE
Ending balance of on-balance sheet Private Credit Student Loans, net 11% 89%
Ending balance of on-balance sheet student loans, net 29% 71%
Ending balance of Managed student loans financed, net (1) 17% 83%
Ending balance of on-balance sheet assets 28% 72%
Average balance of on-balance sheet interest earning assets 37% 63%
Interest income 36% 64%
Fee income 3% 97%

5(1)
The GSE transferred $346 million of insurance and benefit plan related investments through a non-cash dividend to SLM Corporation.Includes securitized trusts.

        As described above, such transactions were among a group of related parties. Such transactions were conducted at estimated market value, which was determined using discounted cash flow models and other estimation techniques. Different assumptions or changes in future market conditions could significantly affect the estimates of fair value.

57




Average Balance Sheets—GSE

        The following table reflects the GSE's taxable equivalent rates earned on interest earning assets and paid on interest bearing liabilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003.

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
 
 Balance
 Rate
 Balance
 Rate
 Balance
 Rate
 Balance
 Rate
 
Average Assets                     
Federally insured student loans $29,765 3.27%$35,885 4.26%$32,679 3.54%$35,646 4.68%
Private credit student loans  682 5.83  4,947 6.15  1,897 5.56  4,838 6.32 
Academic facilities financings and other loans  728 6.33  1,044 6.13  792 6.28  1,294 5.66 
Investments  3,067 3.08  3,888 2.90  3,471 3.18  4,428 3.24 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest earning assets  34,242 3.37% 45,764 4.39% 38,839 3.66% 46,206 4.74%
     
    
    
    
 
Retained Interest in securitized receivables  1,774    1,600    2,113    1,655   
Other non-interest earning assets  1,943    1,665    1,581    1,851   
  
   
   
   
   
 Total assets $37,959   $49,029   $42,533   $49,712   
  
   
   
   
   
Average Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                     
Six month floating rate notes $3,087 1.06%$3,062 1.77%$2,987 1.17%$2,994 1.86%
Other short-term borrowings  23,996 1.44  24,234 1.98  22,486 1.53  26,015 2.11 
Long-term notes  6,045 2.91  18,002 2.91  12,669 2.43  17,094 3.07 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest bearing liabilities  33,128 1.68% 45,298 2.33% 38,142 1.80% 46,103 2.45%
     
    
    
    
 
Non-interest bearing liabilities  1,658    1,891    1,649    1,833   
Stockholders' equity  3,173    1,840    2,742    1,776   
  
   
   
   
   
 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $37,959   $49,029   $42,533   $49,712   
  
   
   
   
   
Net interest margin    1.75%   2.08%   1.89%   2.30%
     
    
    
    
 
Securitized student loans $37,037   $32,705   $35,868   $31,790   
  
   
   
   
   

58


 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 2004
 2003
 
 
 Balance
 Rate
 Balance
 Rate
 
Average Assets           
Federally insured student loans $18,088 3.70%$35,259 5.04%
Private Credit Student Loans  1,265 4.64  2,907 5.30 
Academic facilities financings and other loans  688 6.12  855 6.23 
Cash and investments  3,017 3.39  3,778 3.14 
  
 
 
 
 
Total interest earning assets  23,058 3.79% 42,799 4.91%
     
    
 

Retained Interest in securitized receivables

 

 


 

 

 

 

2,086

 

 

 
Other non-interest earning assets  1,264    1,454   
  
   
   
 Total assets $24,322   $46,339   
  
   
   

Average Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Six month floating rate notes $2,621 1.04%$2,887 1.27%
Other short-term borrowings  14,459 1.96  22,129 1.47 
Long-term notes  3,944 4.03  17,208 2.81 
  
 
 
 
 
Total interest bearing liabilities  21,024 2.23% 42,224 2.00%
     
    
 

Non-interest bearing liabilities

 

 

1,525

 

 

 

 

1,734

 

 

 
Stockholders' equity  1,773    2,381   
  
   
   
 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $24,322   $46,339   
  
   
   
Net interest margin    1.75%   2.93%
     
    
 
Securitized student loans $   $34,369   
  
   
   

OTHER RELATED EVENTS AND INFORMATION

        InCongress reauthorizes the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company discovered an error with the annual calculation of monthly payment amounts associated with variable interest rate Stafford, SLS, and PLUS loans. The error has caused approximately 1.1 million of the Company's serviced student loan accounts to amortize too quickly or slowly, i.e., not in accordance with their repayment term. The Company took voluntary remedial action by crediting the affected borrowers' accounts and took a $9 million charge for servicing adjustments in the first quarter of 2003 for the estimated interest credit. Substantially all payment amounts have been reset to the correctly amortizing amount and substantially all affected borrowers have been notified.

        The Company has reported this matter to the U.S. Department ofHigher Education (the "DOE") and has met with representatives of the DOE on several occasions to discuss the impact of the under-billing error on borrowers and the Company's remedial actions. The Company continues to discuss with the DOE the appropriateness of any further remedial actions.

        A lawsuit that seeks class action status for borrowers affected by the monthly payment calculation was filed in California State Court in July 2003 against the Company and certain of its affiliates. The complaint asserts claims under the California Business and Professions Code and other California statutory sections. The complaint further seeks certain injunctive relief and restitution. The Company believes that this action is without merit.

        On July 31, 2003, following the death of Colin McMillan, Chairman of the GSE Board of Directors, the White House announced that it appointed Duane Acklie of Lincoln, Nebraska as Chairman of the Board of the Student Loan Marketing Association. Mr. Acklie is chairman of the Acklie Companies, a privately held trucking and logistics company. He also serves on the Board of the First National Bank Northeast.

Act every five years. The Higher Education Act of 1965 (the "HEA") generally is reauthorized every six years. The HEA was last reauthorized in 1998 and expiredoriginally scheduled to expire on September 20, 2003. Under current law, however, the HEA will30, 2003, but by its terms was automatically extend throughextended to September 30, 2004. At this time, management understandsWe now expect that the reauthorizationCongress will actively debate provisions of the HEAHigher Education Act that govern the FFELP and the FDLP during 2004 and final action on the next reauthorization may be delayednot occur until 2005. In connection with the approaching reauthorization2005 (following another short extension of the HEA, several bills have been introducedcurrent Act).

        As with past Higher Education Act reauthorizations, there are many legislative proposals being advanced by schools, industry participants and other interested stakeholders. Sallie Mae has joined the "Coalition for Better Student Loans," a group of organizations representing colleges, universities, financial aid administrators, parents and other loan providers that has advanced a series of proposals designed to strengthen federal student loan programs, including:


        The Company is named asPresident's budget also contains proposals to increase first-year loan limits, expand extended repayment options for FFELP borrowers, mandate a defendant inone percent guaranty fee for borrowers, and phase out higher special allowance payments associated with certain tax-exempt student loan bonds. Other proposals have already been announced by Presidential hopefuls or introduced by Members of Congress, including proposals to provide financial incentives to schools to join the FDLP, repeal the "single holder rule," permit borrowers who already completed their higher education studies to refinance or reconsolidate previously consolidated loans, require lenders to win student loan contracts by bidding at an auction and eliminate floor income on variable rate student loans. Under the single holder rule, if only one lender holds all of a putative class action lawsuit brought by three Wisconsin residents on December 20, 2001 inborrower's loans, then another lender cannot consolidate the Superior Courtloans away from the current holder unless the current holder declines to consolidate loans for the Districtborrower or is unwilling to offer income-sensitive repayment terms. If the single holder rule is repealed, the Company's student loan portfolio could be subject to an increased level of Columbia. The lawsuit seeks to bring a nationwide class action on behalf of all borrowers who allegedly paid "undisclosed improper and excessive" late fees over the past three years. The plaintiffs sought damages of one thousand five hundred dollars per violation plus punitive damages and claimed that the class consisted of 2 million borrowers.consolidation activity. In addition, if the plaintiffs alleged thatreconsolidation proposal is enacted, the Company charged excessive interest by capitalizing interest quarterlycould experience a significant increase in violationrefinancing activity, which, in turn, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. If the student loan auction proposal is adopted, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's student loan spread. Finally, enactment of the promissory note. On February 28, 2003, the Court grantedproposal to eliminate floor income would decrease the Company's motion to dismiss the complaintinterest income in its entirety. The plaintiffs appealed the trial court decision and filed its appellate brief. The Company filed an appellate brief on October 20, 2003. The appellate court has not yet scheduled oral arguments. Management believes that the case is without merit.certain interest rate environments.

        On October 29, 2003, the Company signed an agreement to purchase Academic Management Services ("AMS"). AMS markets, originates, funds and services student loans and is a leading provider of student tuition payment plans. The purchase will include a $1.4 billion student loan portfolio. AMS will retain its brand and company identity and will become a wholly owned subsidiary of SLM Corporation. The transaction is expected to close in November, subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.

59




Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis

        The effect of short-term movements in interest rates on our results of operations and financial position has been limited through our interest rate risk management. The following tables summarize the effect on earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 and the effect on fair values at September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2002,2003, based upon a sensitivity analysis performed by us assuming a hypothetical increase in market interest rates of 100 basis points and 300 basis points while funding spreads remain constant. We have chosen to showillustrate the effects of a hypothetical increase toin interest rates, as an increase gives rise to a larger absolute value change to the financial statements. The effect on earnings was performed on our variable rate assets, liabilities and hedging instruments while the effect on fair values was performed on our fixed rate assets, liabilities and hedging instruments.

 
 Three months ended September 30, 2003
 Three months ended September 30, 2002
 
 
 Interest Rates:
 Interest Rates:
 
 
 Change from
increase of
100 basis points

 Change from
increase of
300 basis points

 Change from
increase of
100 basis points

 Change from
increase of
300 basis points

 
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 
 $
 %
 $
 %
 $
 %
 $
 %
 
Effect on Earnings                     
Increase/(decrease) in pre-tax net income before SFAS No. 133 $(22)(7)%$(24)(8)%$(31)(12)%$(68)(26)%
SFAS No. 133 change in fair value  371 148  877 350  340 93  850 232 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase in net income before taxes $349 63%$853 154%$309 292%$782 740%
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase in diluted earnings per share $.488 47%$1.192 115%$.436 308%$1.102 779%
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2003

 
Nine months ended September 30, 2002

 
 
 Interest Rates:
 Interest Rates:
 
 
 Change from
increase of
100 basis points

 Change from
increase of
300 basis points

 Change from
increase of
100 basis points

 Change from
increase of
300 basis points

 
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 
 $
 %
 $
 %
 $
 %
 $
 %
 
Effect on Earnings                     
Increase/(decrease) in pre-tax net income before SFAS No. 133 $(141)(10)%$(147)(10)%$(154)(15)%$(216)(22)%
SFAS No. 133 change in fair value  371 111  877 262  340 134  850 334 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase in net income before taxes $230 13%$730 41%$186 25%$634 85%
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase in diluted earnings per share $.321 12%$1.021 38%$.254 25%$0.866 87%
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

60


 
 Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 2004
 2003
 
 
 Interest Rates:
 Interest Rates:
 
 
 Change from
increase of
100 basis points

 Change from
increase of
300 basis points

 Change from
increase of
100 basis points

 Change from
increase of
300 basis points

 
 
 $
 %
 $
 %
 $
 %
 $
 %
 
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Effect on Earnings                     
Increase/(decrease) in pre-tax net income before unrealized derivative market value adjustment $(2)(1)%$27 9%$(57)(11)%$(66)(12)%
Unrealized derivative market value adjustment  382 383  844 847  345 301  825 721 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase in net income before taxes $380 100%$871 229%$288 45%$759 118%
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase in diluted earnings per share $.547 86%$1.253 196%$.396 45%$1.050 119%
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At March 31, 2004

 
 
  
 Interest Rates:
 
 
  
 Change from
increase of
100 basis points

 Change from
Increase of
300 basis points

 
 
 Fair Value
 $
 %
 $
��%
 
(Dollars in millions)

  
 
Effect on Fair Values              
Assets              
 Student loans $56,093 $(449)(1)%$(973)(2)%
 Other earning assets  12,751  (108)(1) (303)(2)
 Other assets  6,205  (692)(11) (1,070)(17)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Total assets $75,049 $(1,249)(2)%$(2,346)(3)%
  
 
 
 
 
 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 Interest bearing liabilities $68,034 $(1,122)(2)%$(3,100)(5)%
 Other liabilities  3,044  105 3  1,209 40 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Total liabilities $71,078 $(1,017)(1)%$(1,891)(3)%
  
 
 
 
 
 

 
 At September 30, 2003
 
 
  
 Interest Rates:
 
 
  
 Change from
increase of
100 basis points

 Change from
increase of
300 basis points

 
(Dollars in millions)

  
 
 Fair Value
 $
 %
 $
 %
 
Effect on Fair Values              
Assets              
 Student loans $48,520 $(758)(2)%$(1,661)(3)%
 Other earning assets  8,537  (99)(1) (275)(3)
 Other assets  5,775  (470)(8) (854)(15)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Total assets $62,832 $(1,327)(2)%$(2,790)(4)%
  
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities              
 Interest bearing liabilities $54,734 $(791)(1)%$(2,201)(4)%
 Other liabilities  3,038  62 2  600 20 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Total liabilities $57,772 $(729)(1)%$(1,601)(3)%
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2002

 
 
  
 Interest Rates:
 
 
  
 Change from
increase of
100 basis points

 Change from
increase of
300 basis points

 
(Dollars in millions)

  
 
 Fair Value
 $
 %
 $
 %
 
Effect on Fair Values              
Assets              
 Student loans $44,718 $(497)(1)%$(1,100)(2)%
 Other earning assets  6,248  (104)(2) (279)(4)
 Other assets  4,643  (391)(8) (693)(15)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Total assets $55,609 $(992)(2)%$(2,072)(4)%
  
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities              
 Interest bearing liabilities $48,974 $(418)%$(1,221)(1)%
 Other liabilities  3,063  (326)(17) (588)(38)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Total liabilities $52,037 $(744)(1)%$(1,809)(3)%
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 At December 31, 2003
 
 
  
 Interest Rates:
 
 
  
 Change from
increase of
100 basis points

 Change from
Increase of
300 basis points

 
 
 Fair Value
 $
 %
 $
 %
 
(Dollars in millions)

  
 
Effect on Fair Values              
Assets              
 Student loans $51,559 $(399)(1)%$(870)(2)%
 Other earning assets  9,085  (112)(1) (309)(3)
 Other assets  5,531  (543)(10) (839)(15)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Total assets $66,175 $(1,054)(2)%$(2,018)(3)%
  
 
 
 
 
 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 Interest bearing liabilities $58,993 $(1,458)(2)%$(3,630)(6)%
 Other liabilities  3,437  610 18  1,979 58 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Total liabilities $62,430 $(848)(1)%$(1,651)(3)%
  
 
 
 
 
 

        The Company follows a policyA primary objective in our funding is to minimize itsour sensitivity to changing interest rates by generally funding itsour floating rate student loan portfolio with floating rate debt. However, as discussed under "Student Loans-Floor Income and Student Loan Loans—Floor Income, Contracts," in the current low interest rate environment, we can have a fixed versus floating mismatch in funding as the FFELP student loan portfolio is earning Floor Income from the reduction in the variable rate liabilities funding student loansearns at the fixed borrower rate.rate and the funding remains floating. Therefore, absent other hedges, in a low interest rate environment, the hypothetical rise in interest rates in the above table has a greater adverse effect on earnings and fair values due to the reduction in potential Floor Income than in higher interest rate environments where the interest rate formula rises above the borrower rate and the student loans become a floating rate asset that is matched with floating rate debt.

        During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, certain FFELP student loans were earning Floor Income and we locked-in a portion of that Floor Income through the use of futures and Floor Income and futures contracts that convertedContracts. The result of these hedging transactions was to convert a portion of floating rate debt into fixed rate debt, to matchmatching the fixed rate nature of the student loans earning atand fixing the relative spread between the student loan asset rate and the converted fixed borrower rate. The effect onrate liability.

        In the above table under the scenario where interest rates increase 100 basis points, the decrease in pre-tax net income before SFAS No. 133 change in fair value is mainly due to the effect of raising interest rates onreflects lower Floor Income and

61



futures contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. (See "Effectson the unhedged portion of SFAS No. 133—Derivative Accounting.")

our student loan portfolio. Under the scenario where interest rates increase 300 basis points, the change in pre-tax net income before SFAS No. 133 is not proportional to the change under the scenario where interest rates increase 100 basis points. This is due to a greater percentagepoints because of loans earning at a floating rate and the additional spread earned on loans hedged with futures and Floor Income Contractsswaps mentioned above.above and the greater proportion of loans earning at a floating rate under a 300 basis point increase in rates.


Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

        The Company carried out an evaluation, as required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") Rule 13a-15(b), under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Finance and Executive Vice President, Accounting and Risk Management, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.



        Disclosure controls and procedures include internal controls and other procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this QuarterlyAnnual Report, is properly recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods required by the Securities and Exchange Commission's (the "SEC") rules and forms. Management does not expect that its disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and fraud. A control system, irrespective of how well it is designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance—and cannot guarantee—that it will succeed in its stated objectives.

        We monitor our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal controls and make modifications as necessary. By monitoring our control systems, we intend that they be maintained as dynamic systems that change as conditions warrant. The evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report is performed on a quarterly basis so that the conclusions of management (including the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Finance and Executive Vice President, Accounting and Risk Management) concerning controls effectiveness can be reported in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K. In addition, our disclosure controls and procedures are evaluated on an ongoing basis by our internal auditors, and by our Corporate Finance and Corporate Accounting Departments. As a result of such ongoing evaluations, we periodically make changes to our disclosure controls and procedures to improve the quality of our financial statements and related disclosures, including corrective actionsdisclosures. Since the date of the last evaluation, we have taken, and continue to respondtake, steps to identified reportable conditions.improve the design and operation of our internal controls.

        Based upon their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Finance and Executive Vice President, Accounting and Risk Management, concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information and in providing reasonable assurance that our financial statements are fairly presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, during the period covered by this quarterly report, there have been no changes to our internal controlcontrols over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

62




PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

        The Company and various affiliates were defendants in a lawsuit brought by College Loan Corporation ("CLC") in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia alleging various breach of contract and common law tort claims in connection with CLC's consolidation loan activities. The Complaint sought compensatory damages of at least $60,000,000.$60 million.

        In June 2003, the Court granted the Company's motion for summary judgment on CLC's claims for conversion and civil conspiracy.        On June 25, 2003, after five days of trial, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Company on all remaining counts. CLC has since filed a noticean appeal. All appellate briefing has been completed and oral argument has been scheduled before the U.S. Court of appeal and its initial brief was filedAppeals for the Fourth Circuit on November 10, 2003.June 4, 2004.

        The Company iswas named as a defendant in a putative class action lawsuit brought by three Wisconsin residents on December 20, 2001 in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. The lawsuit seekssought to bring a nationwide class action on behalf of all borrowers who allegedly paid "undisclosed improper and excessive" late fees over the past three years. The plaintiffs sought damages of one thousand five hundred dollars per violation plus punitive damages and claimed that the class consisted of 2 million borrowers. In addition, the plaintiffs alleged that the Company charged excessive interest by capitalizing interest quarterly in violation of the promissory note. On February 28, 2003, the Court granted the Company's motion to dismiss the complaint in its entirety. The plaintiffs appealed the trial court decision. All appellate briefing has been completed and oral argument was held in April 2004. No decision has been issued on the appeal as of this date.

        In July 2003, a borrower in California filed a class action complaint against the Company and filedcertain of its appellate brief.affiliates in state court in San Francisco in connection with a monthly payment amortization error discovered by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2002 (see "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—OTHER RELATED EVENTS AND INFORMATION"). The complaint asserts claims under the California Business and Professions Code and other California statutory provisions. The complaint further seeks certain injunctive relief and restitution.

        The Company, together with a number of other FFELP industry participants, filed a lawsuit challenging the DOE's interpretation of and non-compliance with provisions in the HEA governing origination fees and repayment incentives on loans made under the FDLP. The lawsuit, which was filed November 3, 2000 in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that the Department's interpretations of and non-compliance with these statutory provisions are contrary to the statute's unambiguous text, and are arbitrary, capricious, an appellate brief on October 20, 2003.abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law, and violate both the HEA and the Administrative Procedure Act. The appellate courtCompany together with the other plaintiffs and the DOE have filed cross-motions for summary judgment. The Court has not yet scheduled oral arguments.ruled on these motions.

        The Company has cooperated with the SEC concerning an informal investigation that the SEC initiated on January 14, 2004. There are currently no data requests outstanding and the SEC has not sought to interview any additional witnesses. The investigation concerns certain 2003 year-end accounting entries made by employees of one of the Company's debt collection agency subsidiaries. The Company's Audit Committee engaged outside counsel to investigate the matter and management conducted its own investigation. These investigations by the Audit Committee and management have been completed and the amounts in question were less than $100,000.

        We are also subject to various claims, lawsuits and other actions that arise in the normal course of business. Most of these matters are claims by borrowers disputing the manner in which their loans have been processed. Management believes that the case is without merit.these claims, lawsuits and other actions will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.




Item 2.    Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

        NothingThe following table summarizes the Company's common share repurchases during the first quarter of 2004 pursuant to report.the stock repurchase program first authorized in September 1997 by the Board of Directors. Since the inception of the program, the Board of Directors have authorized the purchase of up to 227.5 million shares.

(Common shares in millions)

 Total Number
of Shares
Purchased

 Average Price
Paid per
Share

 Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

 Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs(1)

Period:         
January 1—January 31, 2004 6.5 $30.44 6.5 36.6
February 1—February 29, 2004 2.1  33.64 2.1 34.8
March 1—March 31, 2004     34.2
  
 
 
 
Total 8.6 $31.26 8.6  
  
 
 
  

(1)
Includes outstanding equity forward contracts.


Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

        Nothing to report.


Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        Nothing to report.


Item 5.    Other Information

        Nothing to report.


Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K


3.2By-Laws of the Registrant
31.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.3

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.3 

63



32.3


Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

99

 

Selected Financial Data

64


same period.


SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

  SLM CORPORATION
(Registrant)

 

 

By:


/s/  
C.E. ANDREWS      
C.E. Andrews
Executive Vice President,
Accounting and Risk Management
(Principal Accounting Officer and
Duly Authorized Officer)

Date: November 12, 2003May 10, 2004

65




APPENDIX A



STUDENT LOAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INDEX

INDEX

 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

A-1




STUDENT LOAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)



 September 30, 2003
 December 31, 2002

 March 31,
2004

 December 31,
2003



 (Unaudited)

  

 (Unaudited)

  
AssetsAssets    Assets    
Federally insured student loans (net of allowance for losses of $29,697 and $31,719, respectively) $26,432,123 $34,189,249
Private credit student loans (net of allowance for losses of $17,907 and $77,425, respectively) 748,297 2,629,635
Federally insured student loans (net of allowance for losses of $12,472 and $19,324 respectively)Federally insured student loans (net of allowance for losses of $12,472 and $19,324 respectively) $15,520,830 $19,530,669
Private Credit Student Loans (net of allowance for losses of $7,698 and $10,655, respectively)Private Credit Student Loans (net of allowance for losses of $7,698 and $10,655, respectively) 443,082 1,020,880
Academic facilities financings and other loansAcademic facilities financings and other loans 743,192 895,582Academic facilities financings and other loans 696,313 691,303
InvestmentsInvestments    Investments    
Trading  175Available-for-sale 2,463,633 2,517,805
Available-for-sale 2,788,972 3,331,670Other 139,759 115,834
Other 96,795 452,095  
 
 
 
Total investmentsTotal investments 2,885,767 3,783,940Total investments 2,603,392 2,633,639
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents 264,819 410,503Cash and cash equivalents 121,851 531,880
Retained Interest in securitized receivables 1,436 2,068,076
Restricted cash and investmentsRestricted cash and investments 279,685 254,925
Other assetsOther assets 689,378 1,688,803Other assets 484,974 685,268
 
 
 
 
Total assetsTotal assets $31,765,012 $45,665,788Total assets $20,150,127 $25,348,564
 
 
 
 
LiabilitiesLiabilities    Liabilities    
Short-term borrowingsShort-term borrowings $22,209,071 $24,404,636Short-term borrowings $14,440,356 $16,946,615
Long-term notesLong-term notes 4,612,294 16,446,818Long-term notes 2,842,385 4,781,606
Other liabilitiesOther liabilities 2,595,853 2,528,563Other liabilities 1,685,033 1,773,330
 
 
 
 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities 29,417,218 43,380,017Total liabilities 18,967,774 23,501,551
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingenciesCommitments and contingencies    Commitments and contingencies    

Stockholder's equity

Stockholder's equity

 

 

 

 

Stockholder's equity

 

 

 

 
Common stock, par value $.20 per share, 250,000 shares authorized: 6,001 shares issued and outstandingCommon stock, par value $.20 per share, 250,000 shares authorized: 6,001 shares issued and outstanding 1,200 1,200Common stock, par value $.20 per share, 250,000 shares authorized:
6,001 shares issued and outstanding
 1,200 1,200
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital 298,788 298,788Additional paid-in capital 338,793 338,793
Accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax of $115,470 and $355,949, respectively) 214,445 661,049
Accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax of $110,455 and $112,657, respectively)Accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax of $110,455 and $112,657, respectively) 205,131 209,221
Retained earningsRetained earnings 1,833,361 1,324,734Retained earnings 637,229 1,297,799
 
 
 
 
Total stockholder's equityTotal stockholder's equity 2,347,794 2,285,771Total stockholder's equity 1,182,353 1,847,013
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholder's equityTotal liabilities and stockholder's equity $31,765,012 $45,665,788Total liabilities and stockholder's equity $20,150,127 $25,348,564
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

A-2




STUDENT LOAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)



 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 


 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
 2004
 2003
 


 (Unaudited)

 (Unaudited)

 (Unaudited)

 (Unaudited)

 
 (Unaudited)

 (Unaudited)

 
Interest income:Interest income:         Interest income:     
Federally insured student loans $245,464 $385,727 $864,857 $1,247,021 Federally insured student loans $166,549 $438,045 
Private credit student loans 10,013 76,634 78,890 228,754 Private Credit Student Loans 14,611 37,960 
Academic facilities financings and other loans 10,384 14,072 33,004 47,739 Academic facilities financings and other loans 9,411 11,549 
Investments 23,549 22,457 79,795 95,700 Investments 25,245 26,996 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Total interest incomeTotal interest income 289,410 498,890 1,056,546 1,619,214 Total interest income 215,816 514,550 

Interest expense:

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 
Short-term debt 95,586 134,601 284,228 451,366 Short-term debt 77,162 89,293 
Long-term debt 44,314 131,986 230,147 392,814 Long-term debt 39,558 119,371 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Total interest expenseTotal interest expense 139,900 266,587 514,375 844,180 Total interest expense 116,720 208,664 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Net interest incomeNet interest income 149,510 232,303 542,171 775,034 Net interest income 99,096 305,886 
Less: provision for lossesLess: provision for losses 9,956 29,147 39,929 72,171 Less: provision for losses 12,793 13,260 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Net interest income after provision for lossesNet interest income after provision for losses 139,554 203,156 502,242 702,863 Net interest income after provision for losses 86,303 292,626 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Other income:Other income:         Other income:     
Gains on student loan securitizations 36,116 17,819 500,904 75,838 Gains on student loan securitizations  236,637 
Securitization revenue (19,463) 50,511 99,591 291,370 Securitization revenue  112,672 
Gains on sales to SLM Corporation 1,101,868 29,380 1,738,143 57,033 Gains on sales to SLM Corporation 516,861 283,809 
Losses on sales of securities, net (4,385) (45,347) (79,390) (177,008)Losses on sales of securities, net (437) (10,229)
Derivative market value adjustment 175,557 (367,159) 353,881 (255,762)Derivative market value adjustment (94,112) (79,656)
Other 17,269 35,958 51,759 97,887 Other 5,266 18,378 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Total other income (loss) 1,306,962 (278,838) 2,664,888 89,358 
Total other incomeTotal other income 427,578 561,611 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Operating expenses:Operating expenses:         Operating expenses:     
Related party agreements 90,874 69,031 221,569 149,002 Related party agreements 55,531 66,127 
Other (3,332) 8,262 (10,411) 28,909 Other (652) 571 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses 87,542 77,293 211,158 177,911 Total operating expenses 54,879 66,698 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes 1,358,974 (152,975) 2,955,972 614,310 
Income taxes (benefit) 472,750 (60,647) 1,024,297 205,765 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes 459,002 787,539 
Income taxesIncome taxes 159,600 271,318 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Net income (loss) $886,224 $(92,328)$1,931,675 $408,545 
Net incomeNet income $299,402 $516,221 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share $148 $(15)$322 $68 

Basic and diluted earnings per common share

Basic and diluted earnings per common share

 

$

50

 

$

86

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Average common shares outstanding and common equivalent shares outstandingAverage common shares outstanding and common equivalent shares outstanding 6,001,000 6,001,000 6,001,000 6,001,000 Average common shares outstanding and common equivalent shares outstanding 6,001,000 6,001,000 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

A-3




STUDENT LOAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
 Common Stock Shares
  
  
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

  
  
 
 
 Common Stock
 Additional
Paid-In
Capital

 Retained
Earnings

 Total
Stockholder's
Equity

 
 
 Issued
 Outstanding
 
Balance at June 30, 2002 6,001,000 6,001,000 $1,200 $298,788 $537,130 $1,045,910 $1,883,028 
Comprehensive income:                    
 Net income               (92,328) (92,328)
 Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                    
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax            137,982     137,982 
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of tax            577     577 
                  
 
Comprehensive income                  46,231 
Dividend:                    
 Common stock               (22,072) (22,072)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2002 6,001,000 6,001,000 $1,200 $298,788 $675,689 $931,510 $1,907,187 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at June 30, 2003 6,001,000 6,001,000 $1,200 $298,788 $740,138 $2,023,922 $3,064,048 
Comprehensive income:                    
 Net income               886,224  886,224 
 Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                    
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax            (527,106)    (527,106)
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of tax            1,413     1,413 
                  
 
Comprehensive income                  360,531 
Dividend:                    
 Student loans               (1,076,785) (1,076,785)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2003 6,001,000 6,001,000 $1,200 $298,788 $214,445 $1,833,361 $2,347,794 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Common Stock Shares
  
  
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

  
  
 
 
 Common
Stock

 Additional
Paid-In
Capital

 Retained
Earnings

 Total
Stockholder's
Equity

 
 
 Issued
 Outstanding
 
Balance at December 31, 2002 6,001,000 6,001,000 $1,200 $298,788 $661,049 $1,324,734 $2,285,771 
Comprehensive income:                    
 Net income               516,221  516,221 
 Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                    
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax            (7,385)    (7,385)
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of tax            1,239     1,239 
                  
 
Comprehensive income                  510,075 
Dividends:                    
 Insurance and benefit plan related investments               (346,263) (346,263)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2003 6,001,000 6,001,000 $1,200 $298,788 $654,903 $1,494,692 $2,449,583 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2003 6,001,000 6,001,000 $1,200 $338,793 $209,221 $1,297,799 $1,847,013 
Comprehensive income:                    
 Net income               299,402  299,402 
 Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                    
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax            (4,849)    (4,849)
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of tax            1,117     1,117 
  Change in minimum pension liability adjustment            (358)    (358)
                  
 
Comprehensive income                  295,312 
Dividends:                    
 Student loans               (959,972) (959,972)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2004 6,001,000 6,001,000 $1,200 $338,793 $205,131 $637,229 $1,182,353 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

A-4



STUDENT LOAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
 Common Stock Shares
  
  
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

  
  
 
 
 Common
Stock

 Additional
Paid-In
Capital

 Retained
Earnings

 Total
Stockholder's
Equity

 
 
 Issued
 Outstanding
 
Balance at December 31, 2001 6,001,000 6,001,000 $1,200 $298,800 $670,416 $545,037 $1,515,453 
Comprehensive income:                    
 Net income               408,545  408,545 
 Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                    
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax            (24,811)    (24,811)
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of tax            30,084     30,084 
                  
 
Comprehensive income                  413,818 
Dividend:                    
 Common stock               (22,072) (22,072)
Redemption of preferred stock         (12)       (12)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2002 6,001,000 6,001,000 $1,200 $298,788 $675,689 $931,510 $1,907,187 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2002 6,001,000 6,001,000 $1,200 $298,788 $661,049 $1,324,734 $2,285,771 
Comprehensive income:                    
 Net income               1,931,675  1,931,675 
 Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                    
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax            (452,734)    (452,734)
  Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of tax            6,130     6,130 
                  
 
Comprehensive income                  1,485,071 
Dividend:                    
  Insurance and benefit plan related investments               (346,263) (346,263)
  Student loans               (1,076,785) (1,076,785)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2003 6,001,000 6,001,000 $1,200 $298,788 $214,445 $1,833,361 $2,347,794 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

A-5



STUDENT LOAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)



 Nine months ended September 30,
 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 


 2003
 2002
 
 2004
 2003
 
Operating activitiesOperating activities     Operating activities     
Net incomeNet income $1,931,675 $408,545 Net income $299,402 $516,221 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Gains on student loan securitizations (500,904) (75,838)Gains on student loan securitizations  (236,637)
Gains on sales to SLM Corporation (1,738,143) (57,033)Gains on sales to SLM Corporation (516,861) (283,809)
Losses on sales of securities, net 79,390 177,008 Losses on sales of securities, net  69,017 
Derivative market value adjustment (353,881) 255,762 Unrealized derivative market value adjustment (99,350) (140,626)
Provision for losses 39,929 72,171 Provision for losses 12,793 13,260 
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable 41,365 (65,543)Increase in restricted cash (24,736) (3,512)
(Decrease) in accrued interest payable (51,825) (48,168)(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable (64,510) 94,668 
Decrease in Retained Interest in securitized receivables 18,835 110,530 (Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable (9,369) 6,826 
Decrease (increase) in other assets 24,215 (4,766)Decrease in Retained Interest in securitized receivables  68,330 
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 1,052,052 (939,451)Decrease in other assets 212,822 420,480 
 
 
 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 12,047 (445,936)
 Total adjustments (1,388,967) (575,328)  
 
 
 
 
 Total adjustments (477,164) (437,939)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 542,708 (166,783)
 
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activitiesNet cash (used in) provided by operating activities (177,762) 78,282 
 
 
   
 
 
Investing activitiesInvesting activities     Investing activities     
Student loans acquiredStudent loans acquired (12,143,380) (11,150,185)Student loans acquired (4,252,535) (4,197,972)
Loans acquired from securitized trusts through loan consolidations (4,378,654) (2,602,479)
Loans acquired through trust consolidationLoans acquired through trust consolidation (413,576) (1,332,504)
Loans acquired from SLM CorporationLoans acquired from SLM Corporation (2,188,559)  
Reduction of student loans:Reduction of student loans:     Reduction of student loans:     
Installment payments 2,045,097 2,854,978 Installment payments 877,603 860,479 
Claims and resales 455,699 487,852 Claims and resales 160,500 165,331 
Proceeds from securitization of student loans 10,027,232 7,967,914 Proceeds from securitization of student loans treated as sales  3,248,255 
Proceeds from sales of student loans  54,754 Proceeds from sales of student loans 181,879  
Proceeds from sales of student loans to SLM Corporation 4,013,691 1,041,273 Proceeds from sales of student loans to SLM Corporation 1,341,926 793,727 
Academic facilities financings and other loans madeAcademic facilities financings and other loans made (206,203) (427,248)Academic facilities financings and other loans made (28,720) (95,425)
Academic facilities financings and other loans repaymentsAcademic facilities financings and other loans repayments 354,548 1,122,181 Academic facilities financings and other loans repayments 23,013 158,887 
Purchases of available-for-sale securitiesPurchases of available-for-sale securities (1,779,595) (3,798,582)Purchases of available-for-sale securities (397,191) (954,562)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securitiesProceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities 2,276,906 4,399,527 Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities 464,513 1,174,508 
Purchases of other securitiesPurchases of other securities (223,728) (223,571)Purchases of other securities (111,496) (116,396)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of other securitiesProceeds from sales and maturities of other securities 232,764 232,791 Proceeds from sales and maturities of other securities 87,571 91,477 
Proceeds from sale of Retained Interest in securitized receivables to SLM Corporation 2,055,202  
Proceeds from sale of Variable Interest Entity to SLM Corporation, net of cash 1,081,152  
 
 
   
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 3,810,731 (40,795)
Net cash used in investing activitiesNet cash used in investing activities (4,255,072) (204,195)
 
 
   
 
 
Financing activitiesFinancing activities     Financing activities     
Short-term borrowings issuedShort-term borrowings issued 555,851,330 480,560,368 Short-term borrowings issued 179,676,591 165,555,718 
Short-term borrowings repaidShort-term borrowings repaid (560,264,204) (477,953,342)Short-term borrowings repaid (181,015,500) (166,053,750)
Long-term notes issuedLong-term notes issued 5,161,343 13,177,760 Long-term notes issued 630,513 2,864,839 
Long-term notes repaidLong-term notes repaid (14,950,365) (15,765,852)Long-term notes repaid (3,687,073) (4,611,723)
Long-term notes issued by Variable Interest EntityLong-term notes issued by Variable Interest Entity 9,702,773  Long-term notes issued by Variable Interest Entity 8,009,643 2,037,331 
Redemption of preferred stock  (12)
Sale of Trust to SLM Corporation, net of cashSale of Trust to SLM Corporation, net of cash 408,630 287,235 
 
 
   
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (4,499,123) 18,922 
Net cash provided by financing activitiesNet cash provided by financing activities 4,022,804 79,650 
 
 
   
 
 
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (145,684) (188,656)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalentsNet decrease in cash and cash equivalents (410,030) (46,263)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of periodCash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 410,503 434,366 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 531,881 166,273 
 
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of periodCash and cash equivalents at end of period $264,819 $245,710 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $121,851 $120,010 
 
 
   
 
 
Cash disbursements made for:Cash disbursements made for:     Cash disbursements made for:     
Interest $858,528 $1,212,039 
 
 
 Interest $96,694 $256,207 
Income taxes $390,000 $509,500 
 
 
   
 
 
Income taxes $ $215,000 
 
 
 
Noncash items:Noncash items:     
Dividend of FFELP Stafford/PLUS student loans to SLM CorporationDividend of FFELP Stafford/PLUS student loans to SLM Corporation $(959,972)$ 
 
 
 
Dividend of insurance and benefit plan related investments to SLM CorporationDividend of insurance and benefit plan related investments to SLM Corporation $ $(346,263)
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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STUDENT LOAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Information at September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and for the three and nine months ended
September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 is unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated)

1.    Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

        The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Student Loan Marketing Association ("SLMA" or the "GSE") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP in the United States of America for complete consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement have been included. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 may not necessarily be indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2003.2004. These unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company's 20022003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

2. New Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting for GuaranteesReclassifications

        In November 2002,A recent interpretation of the Financial Accounting Standards BoardBoard's (the "FASB""FASB's") issued FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others." FIN No. 45 identifies characteristics of certain guarantee contracts and requires that a liability be recognized at fair value at the inception of such guarantees for the obligations undertaken by the guarantor. Additional disclosures also are prescribed for certain guarantee contracts. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN No. 45 were effective for these guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The implementation of FIN No. 45 did not have a material impact on SLMA's consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

        In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities." FIN No. 46 clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements," and provides new accounting guidance on when to consolidate a Variable Interest Entity ("VIE"). VIEs are required to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if they do not effectively disperse risks among parties involved. A VIE exists when either the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities by itself, or the equity investors lack one of three characteristics associated with owning a controlling financial interest. Those characteristics are the direct or indirect ability to make decisions about an entity's activities through voting rights or similar rights, the obligation to absorb the expected losses of an entity if they occur, and the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity if they occur. FIN No. 46 also requires new disclosures about VIEs.

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        On February 1, 2003, SLMA adopted FIN No. 46 for VIEs created in which SLMA obtains an interest after January 31, 2003. Upon adoption of FIN No. 46, SLMA reviewed all of its off-balance sheet asset-backed securitizations to determine if they should be consolidated on-balance sheet. Based on this review, all existing off-balance sheet securitizations still met the definition of Qualifying Special Purpose Entities ("QSPEs") as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers133 requires net settlement income/expense on derivatives and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities—a Replacement ofrealized gains/losses related to derivative dispositions that do not qualify as hedges under SFAS No. 125," and will continue133 to not be consolidated. In addition, SLMA's accounting treatmentincluded in the derivative market value adjustment on the income statement. The table below summarizes these derivative reclassifications for its on-balance sheet Consolidation Loan securitizations are not affected by FIN No. 46 as SLMA previously concluded that such transactions should be consolidated. Based on this review, SLMA has determined that FIN No. 46 will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. FIN No. 46 was originally effective for interim periods beginning after June 15, 2003, however in October 2003, the FASB deferred this effective date until interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2003.three months ended March 31, 2003:

 
 Three months ended
March 31, 2003

 
(Dollars in millions)

  
 
Reclassification of realized derivative transactions to derivative market value adjustment:    
 Net settlement expense on Floor Income Contracts reclassified from student loan income $(119)
 Net settlement expense on Floor Income Contracts reclassified from servicing and securitization income  (36)
 Net settlement income on interest rate swaps reclassified from net interest income  13 
 Net settlement expense on interest rate swaps reclassified from servicing and securitization income  (14)
 Realized losses on closed Eurodollar futures contracts and terminated derivative contracts reclassified from other expense  (64)
  
 
Total reclassifications to the derivative market value adjustment  (220)
Add: Unrealized derivative market value adjustment  141 
  
 
Derivative market value adjustment as reported $(79)
  
 

3.2.    Student Loans

        SLMA purchases student loans from originating lenders. SLMA's portfolio consists principally of loans originated under two federally sponsored programs—the Federal Family Education Loan Program ("FFELP") and the Health Education Assistance Loan Program ("HEAL"). SLMA also purchases private credit student loans.Private Credit Student Loans.

        The following table reflects the distribution of SLMA's student loan portfolio by program as of September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002:2003.

 
 September 30,
 
(Dollars in millions)

 
 2003
 2002
 
FFELP — Consolidation Loans $13,952 $19,094 
FFELP — Stafford  10,303  14,585 
FFELP — PLUS/SLS  962  1,084 
HEAL  1,245  1,547 
Private credit  766  4,701 
  
 
 
Subtotal  27,228  41,011 
Allowance for loan losses  (48) (155)
  
 
 
Total student loans, net $27,180 $40,856 
  
 
 
 
 March 31,
 
 
 2004
 2003
 
(Dollars in millions)

  
 
FFELP—Stafford $11,002,576 $10,823,941 
FFELP—PLUS/SLS  1,555,585  1,463,338 
FFELP—Consolidation Loans  2,919,716  19,064,768 
Private Credit  450,780  2,620,270 
HEAL(1)  55,425  1,369,042 
  
 
 
Subtotal  15,984,082  35,341,359 
Allowance for loan losses  (20,170) (99,867)
  
 
 
Total student loans, net $15,963,912 $35,241,492 
  
 
 

(1)
The HEAL program was integrated into the FFELP in 1998, so there are no new originations under that program.

        At September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003, and 2002, 3 percent and 117 percent, respectively, of SLMA's total student loan portfolio was private credit.Private Credit.

4.3.    Allowance for Student Loan Losses

        The provision for student loan losses represents the periodic expense of maintaining an allowance sufficient to absorb probable losses, net of recoveries, inherent in the student loan portfolios. The allowance for Private Credit Student Loan losses is an estimate of losses in the portfolio of student loans. SLMA

A-8



evaluatesat the adequacybalance sheet date that will be charged off in subsequent periods. The evaluation of the provision for loan losses on its federally insured portfolio of student loans separately from its private credit portfolio. The studentis inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant changes. SLMA believes that the allowance for loan loss allowance on SLMA's federally insured portfoliolosses is intendedadequate to provide for potentialcover probable losses attributable to the two percent ofin the student loan balances not guaranteed by the federal government.portfolio.

        SLMA's private credit student loan portfolio has not matured sufficiently to rely on experience factors to predictSLMA estimates its losses using historical data from its Private Credit Student Loan portfolios, extrapolations of FFELP loan loss patterns. Therefore,data, current trends and relevant industry information. As SLMA's Private Credit Student Loan portfolios continue to mature, more reliance is placed on SLMA's own historical Private Credit Student Loan charge-off and recovery data. Accordingly, during the fourth quarter of 2003, SLMA relies on a combination ofrevised its own historic data, suchexpected default assumptions to further align the allowance estimate with SLMA's collection experience as recent trends in delinquencies,well as the credit profileterms and policies of the borrower and/or co-borrower, loan volume by program, and charge-offs and recoveries.individual Private Credit



Student Loan programs. SLMA uses this data in internally developed statistical models to estimate the amount of probablelosses, net losses that areof subsequent collections, projected to be incurred.occur in the Private Credit Student Loan portfolios.

        In calculatingTo calculate the private credit student loanPrivate Credit Student Loan loss allowance, SLMA considers various factors such as co-borrowers, repayment, monthsdivides the portfolio into categories of repayments, delinquency status and type of program. Defaults are estimated by cohort (loans grouped by the year in which they entered into repayment status)similar risk characteristics based on loan program type, underwriting criteria, existence or absence of a co-borrower, repayment begin date and repayment status. SLMA then applies default and collection rate projections to each category. The repayment begin date indicates when the borrower's credit profile, netborrower is required to begin repaying the loan. SLMA's Private Credit Student Loan programs do not require borrowers to begin repayment until they have graduated or otherwise left school. Consequently, loss estimates for these programs are minimal while the borrower is in school. At March 31, 2004, 73 percent of the principal balance in the Private Credit Student Loan portfolio relates to borrowers who are still in-school and, therefore, not required to make payments. As the current portfolio ages, an estimateincreasing percentage of collections by cohortthe borrowers will leave school and be required to begin to repay their loans. With a higher percentage of borrowers in repayment, SLMA expects the allowance for both newlosses to increase accordingly.

        SLMA's loss estimates include losses that SLMA expects to incur over the loss confirmation period, which is the period of the highest concentration of defaults. The loss confirmation period is 5 years for higher education loans beginning when the borrower leaves school. The loss confirmation period is in alignment with SLMA's typical collection cycle and previously defaulted loans.SLMA considers these periods of nonpayment when estimating the allowance. SLMA's collection policies allow for periods of nonpayment for borrowers experiencing temporary difficulty meeting payment obligations (typically, very early in the repayment term when borrowers are starting their careers). This is referred to as forbearance status. At March 31, 2004, 3 percent of the Private credit student loans areCredit Student Loan portfolio was in forbearance status.

        Private Credit Student Loan principal and accrued interest is charged off against the allowance when they areat 212 days delinquent. This policy is periodically reconsidered by management as trends develop.of delinquency. Private credit student loansCredit Student Loans continue to accrue interest until charged off. Interest accrued in the current accounting period isthey are charged off against interest income. Interest accruedand removed from prior periods is charged off against the allowance.active portfolio. Recoveries on loans charged off are recorded directly to the allowance.



        The following table summarizes changes in the allowance for student loan losses for private creditSLMA's Private Credit and federally insured student loan portfolios and other loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002:2003.



 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 


 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
 2004
 2003
 
Balance at beginning of periodBalance at beginning of period $52,655 $164,575 $109,144 $175,959 Balance at beginning of period $29,979 $109,144 
AdditionsAdditions         Additions     
Provisions for student loan losses 9,956 29,147 39,929 72,171 Provisions for student loan losses 12,784 13,260 
Recoveries 1,201 4,419 3,770 5,736 Recoveries 474 1,407 
DeductionsDeductions         Deductions     
Reductions for student loan sales and securitizations (12,808) (32,318) (95,545) (65,162)Reductions for student loan sales and securitizations (18,287) (20,297)
Charge-offs (3,400) (31,318) (10,615) (52,592)Charge-offs (4,439) (3,647)
OtherOther  20,578 921 18,971 Other (341)  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period $47,604 $155,083 $47,604 $155,083 Balance at end of period $20,170 $99,867 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

        SLMA defersreceives certain fees related to originated loans at both origination and the commencement of repayment. These origination fees are charged to cover, in part, anticipated loan losses. Such fees are deferred and recognizes them over timerecognized into income as a component of interest income. The unamortized balanceover the average life of deferred origination fee revenue at September 30, 2003 and 2002 was $30 million and $45 million, respectively.the related pool of loans.

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        The table below showspresents SLMA's private credit student loanPrivate Credit Student Loan delinquency trends as of September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003. Delinquencies have the potential to adversely impact earnings if the account charges off and results in increased servicing and collection costs.

 
 September 30, 2003
 September 30, 2002
 
(Dollars in millions)

 
 Balance
 %
 Balance
 %
 
Loans in-school/grace/deferment1 $611   $2,396   
Loans in forbearance2  13    321   
Loans in repayment and percentage of each status:           
 Loans current  121 85% 1,811 91%
 Loans delinquent 30-59 days3  6 4  68 4 
 Loans delinquent 60-89 days  5 4  40 2 
 Loans delinquent 90 days or greater  10 7  65 3 
  
 
 
 
 
Total private credit loans in repayment  142 100% 1,984 100%
  
 
 
 
 
Total private credit student loans  766    4,701   
Private credit student loan allowance for losses  (18)   (117)  
  
   
   
Private credit student loans, net $748   $4,584   
  
   
   
Percentage of private credit student loans in repayment  19%   42%  
  
   
   
Delinquencies as a percentage of private credit student loans in repayment  15%   9%  
  
   
   
 
 March 31,
 
 
 2004
 2003
 
 
 Balance
 %
 Balance
 %
 
(Dollars in millions)

  
 
Loans in-school/grace/deferment(1)  330    1,625   
Loans in forbearance(2)  12    199   
Loans in repayment and percentage of each status:           
 Loans current  95 87% 685 86%
 Loans delinquent 30-59 days(3)  2 2  38 5 
 Loans delinquent 60-89 days  3 3  29 4 
 Loans delinquent 90 days or greater  9 8  44 5 
  
 
 
 
 
Total Private Credit Student Loans in repayment  109 100% 796 100%
  
 
 
 
 
Total Private Credit Student Loans  451    2,620   
Private Credit Student Loan allowance for losses  (8)   (51)  
  
   
   
Private Credit Student Loans, net $443   $2,569   
  
   
   
Percentage of Private Credit Student Loans in repayment  24%   30%  
  
   
   
Delinquencies as a percentage of Private Credit Student Loans in repayment  13%   14%  
  
   
   

1(1)
Loans for borrowers who still may be attending school or engaging in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on thetheir loans, e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation.

2(2)
Loans for borrowers who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors, consistent with the established loan program servicing policies and procedures.

3(3)
The delinquency period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due.

5.4.    Student Loan Securitization

        When SLMA sold student loans in securitizations prior to September 30, 2003, it retained a Residual InterestsInterest and, in some cases, a cash reserve accounts,account, all of which wereare Retained Interests in the securitized loans. At June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the balance of these assets was $2.7 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively. On September 30,receivables. In 2003, SLMA sold its Retained Interests in securitizations with the exception of the Retained Interest for Trust 1995-1 whose clean-up call occurred on October 27, 2003, to SLM Corporation in a cash transaction. SLMA will continue to sell loans in securitizations subsequent to September 30, 2003in 2004 and recognize Retained Interests as a result

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of these future transactions. Gains or losses realized at the settlement of these future transactions will continue to be based upon the carrying amount of the



financial assets involved in the transfer, allocated between the assets sold and the Retained Interests based on their relative fair values at the date of transfer, as they have with past transactions.

        Quoted market prices are generally not available for SLMA's Retained Interests so SLMA estimates fair value, both initially and on a quarterly basis, based on the present value of future expected cash flows estimated using management's best estimates of the key assumptions—credit losses, prepayment speeds and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. The projection of residual cash flows, exclusive of Floor Income, used in determining the initial gain on sale is discounted at 12 percent. SLMA values the Floor Income component of its Retained Interest based upon market quotes for comparable instruments.

        Included in the gain on student loan securitizations of Consolidation Loans is an estimate of the Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income from the loans securitized. Depending on interest rate levels, the ongoing reevaluation of this estimate of Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income can cause volatility in the fair value of the Retained Interest asset. Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income is estimated over the life of the securitization trust using the current yield curve which results in a lower discount rate in the earlier periods of the trust and a higher discount rate for the more uncertain Embedded Fixed Rate Floor Income associated with later periods. Interest income recognized on the Retained Interest asset is based on the anticipated yield determined by periodically estimating future cash flows.

A-11



The following tables summarizetable summarizes securitization activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003.

 
 Three months ended September 30,
 
 
 2003
 2002
 
(Dollars in millions)

 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Gain %
 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Gain %
 
FFELP Stafford/PLUS loans 2 $3,511 1.12%2 $2,829 .63%
Consolidation Loans         
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total securitization sales 2  3,511 1.12%2  2,829 .63%
       
      
 
On-balance sheet securitization of Consolidation Loans 2  5,513        
  
 
   
 
   
Total loans securitized 4 $9,024   2 $2,829   
  
 
   
 
   
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,

 
 
 2003
 2002
 
(Dollars in millions)

 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Gain %
 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Gain %
 
FFELP Stafford/PLUS loans 4 $5,772 1.26%5 $7,859 .96%
Consolidation Loans 2  4,256 10.19     
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total securitization sales 6  10,028 5.05%5  7,859 .96%
       
      
 
On-balance sheet securitization of Consolidation Loans 4  9,825        
  
 
   
 
   
Total loans securitized 10 $19,853   5 $7,859   
  
 
   
 
   

 
 Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 2004
 2003
 
 
 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Pre-tax
Gains

 Gain %
 Number of
Transactions

 Amount
Securitized

 Pre-tax
Gains

 Gain %
 
(Dollars in millions)

  
 
FFELP Stafford/PLUS loans  $ $ %1 $1,256 $20 1.6%
Consolidation Loans       1  2,005  218 10.9 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total securitization sales    $ %2  3,261 $238 7.3%
       
 
      
 
 
On-balance sheet securitization of Consolidation Loans(1) 3  8,023      1  2,056      
  
 
      
 
      
Total loans securitized 3 $8,023      3 $5,317      
  
 
      
 
      


(1)
In certain Consolidation Loan securitization structures, SLMA holds certain rights regardingthat can affect the remarketing of the bonds as well as a call option that gives it the right to acquire certain of the notes issuedbonds. These remarketing rights are not significantly limited in the transaction. Thus SLMA is deemed to maintain effective control over the transferred assets. As a result,nature. Therefore, these securitizations did not meet the criteria of being a QSPE and werequalify as QSPEs. Accordingly, they are accounted for on-balance sheet. As a result,sheet as Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs") with the securitized federally insured loans reflected in the balance sheet as "federally insured student loans securitized and the associated debt remain on SLMA's balance sheet and no gains or losses were recognized on these transactions. For the three months ended September 30, 2003, SLMA completed two on-balance sheet securitizations totaling $5.5 billion. These on-balance sheet VIEs were subsequently sold by the GSE to a non-GSE subsidiary of SLM Corporation, and the GSE recorded gains on the sale of student loans of $450 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, SLMA completed four on-balance sheet securitizations totaling $9.8 billion, which were subsequently sold by the GSE to a non-GSE subsidiary of SLM Corporation, and the GSE recorded gains on the sale of student loans of $953 million.

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        Sallie Mae Servicing L.P., an affiliate, enters into a servicing agreement with each securitization trust and earns annual servicing fees from the trusts of 0.9 percent per annum of the outstanding balance of Stafford and PLUS student loans and 0.5 percent per annum of the outstanding balance of Consolidation Loans in the securitization trusts.

trust."

        Key economic assumptions used in estimating the fair value of the Retained Interests at the date of securitization resulting from the student loanrelated to those securitization sale transactions completedthat qualify as sales during the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 (weighted based on principal amounts securitized) were as follows:

 
 Three months ended September 30,
 
 
 2003
FFELP Loans

 2002
FFELP Loans

 
Prepayment speed 9.00%9.00%
Weighted-average life (in years) 4.62  yrs.4.58  yrs.
Expected credit losses (% of principal securitized) .51%.62%
Residual cash flows discounted at 12.00%12.00%
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,

 
 
 2003
FFELP Loans

 2002
FFELP Loans

 
Prepayment speed 7.00%-9.00%19.00%
Weighted-average life (in years) 6.07  yrs.4.81  yrs.
Expected credit losses (% of principal securitized) .60%.61%
Residual cash flows discounted at 7.00%12.00%
 
 Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 2004
 2003
 
 
 FFELP
Stafford (1)

 Consolidation (1)
 FFELP
Stafford

 Consolidation
 
Prepayment speed N/A N/A 9%7%
Weighted-average life (in years) N/A N/A 4.67 8.13 
Expected credit losses (% of principal securitized) N/A N/A .53%.72%
Residual cash flows discounted at (weighted average) N/A N/A 12%6%

1(1)
The prepayment speed is 9 percentNo FFELP Stafford or Consolidation Loan securitizations in the period qualified for FFELP Stafford/PLUS loans and 7 percent for Consolidation Loans.sale treatment.

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        The estimate of the prepayment speed or Constant Prepayment Rate ("CPR") affects the average life of the securitized trusts and therefore affects the valuation estimate of the Residual Interest. Prepayments shorten the average life of the trusts, and if all other factors remain equal, will reduce the value of the Retained Interest asset and the securitization gain on sale of new securitizations. Student loan prepayments in the trusts come from three principal sources: actual borrower prepayments, reimbursements of student loan defaults from the guarantor and consolidation of FFELP student loans from the trusts. SLMA uses historical statistics on prepayments, borrower defaults, and trends in Consolidation Loans to estimate the amount of prepayments. When a loan is consolidated from a trust either by SLMA or a third party, the loan is repurchased from that trust and is treated as a prepayment. In cases where the loan is consolidated by SLMA, it will be recorded as an on-balance sheet asset. Due to the historically low interest rate environment, SLMA has experienced an increase in Consolidation Loan activity for several quarters, and as a result, in the second quarter of 2002, SLMA increased the estimated CPR from 7 percent to 9 percent per annum for FFELP Stafford/PLUS loan transactions. The change in the CPR assumption reduced the gains on the loan portfolios securitized since the second quarter of 2002.

        The following table summarizes the cash flows received from all off-balance sheet securitization trusts during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

(Dollars in millions)

 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
Net proceeds from new securitizations entered into during the period $3,530 $2,858 $10,027 $7,938
Cash distributions from trusts  207  234  608  694

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6.5.    Derivative Financial Instruments

Summary of Derivative Financial Statement Impact

        The following tables summarize the fair values and notional valuesamounts of all derivative instruments at September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and December 30, 2002,31, 2003, and their impact on other comprehensive income and earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003. At September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2002, $2292003, $148 million and $338$156 million (amortized cost)(fair value), respectively, of available-for-sale investment securities were pledged as collateral against these derivative instruments.

 
 Cash Flow
 Fair Value
 Trading
 Total
 
 
 September 30,
2003

 December 31,
2002

 September 30,
2003

 December 31,
2002

 September 30,
2003

 December 31,
2002

 September 30,
2003

 December 31,
2002

 
Fair Values                         
(Dollars in millions)                         
Interest rate swaps $ $ $(99)$30 $(85)$(147)$(184)$(117)
Floor/Cap contracts          (722) (1,082) (722) (1,082)
Futures  (2) (6)     (51) (34) (53) (40)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $(2)$(6)$(99)$30 $(858)$(1,263)$(959)$(1,239)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notional Values                         
(Dollars in billions)                         
Interest rate swaps $ $ $8.7 $15.6 $35.9 $48.1 $44.6 $63.7 
Floor/Cap contracts          18.3  19.5  18.3  19.5 
Futures  0.3  1.0      12.4  16.9  12.7  17.9 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $0.3 $1.0 $8.7 $15.6 $66.6 $84.5 $75.6 $101.1 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,

 
 
 Cash Flow
 Fair Value
 Trading
 Total
 
 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
(Dollars in millions)                         
Changes to other comprehensive income, net of tax                         
Other comprehensive income, net $2 $1 $ $ $ $ $2 $1 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Summary                         
Recognition of closed futures contracts' gains/losses into interest expense1 $(2)$(4)$ $ $ $ $(2)$(4)
Recognition of closed futures contracts' gains/losses into gains/losses on sales of securities, net2    (2)     (3) (45) (3) (47)
Derivative market value adjustment      13 23 174  (369) 175  (367)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total earnings impact $(2)$(6)$1 $2 $171 $(414)$170 $(418)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cash Flow
 Fair Value
 Trading
 Total
 
 
 March 31,
2004

 December 31,
2003

 March 31,
2004

 December 31,
2003

 March 31,
2004

 December 31,
2003

 March 31,
2004

 December 31,
2003

 
(Dollars in millions)
                         
Fair Values                         
Interest rate swaps $ $ $(159)$(110)$(106)$(89)$(265)$(199)
Floor/Cap contracts          (488) (563) (488) (563)
Futures  (2) (2)       (40) (2) (42)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $(2)$(2)$(159)$(110)$(594)$(692)$(755)$(804)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(Dollars in billions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Notional Values                         
Interest rate swaps $ $ $7.0 $8.1 $34.0 $35.8 $41.0 $43.9 
Floor/Cap contracts          18.0  18.7  18.0  18.7 
Futures  0.2  0.3      0.6  9.4  0.8  9.7 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $0.2 $0.3 $7.0 $8.1 $52.6 $63.9 $59.8 $72.3 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,

 
 
 Cash Flow
 Fair Value
 Trading
 Total
 
 
 2004
 2003
 2004
 2003
 2004
 2003
 2004
 2003
 
(Dollars in millions)

  
 
Changes to other comprehensive income, net of tax                         
Other comprehensive income, net $1 $1 $ $ $ $ $1 $1 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Summary                         
Recognition of closed futures contracts' gains/losses into interest expense(1) $(2)$(3)$ $ $ $ $(2)$(3)
Derivative market value adjustment—Realized(2)          (193) (220) (193) (220)
Derivative market value adjustment—Unrealized    1(3) 1(3) 3(3) 98  137  99  141 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total earnings impact  (2) (2) 1  3  (95) (83) (96) (82)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1(1)
For futures contracts that qualify foras SFAS No. 133 hedges where the hedged transaction occurs.

2(2)
For discontinuedIncludes net settlement income/expense on trading derivatives and realized gains and losses on disposed derivatives that do not qualify as hedges and closed futures contracts accounted for as "trading."under SFAS No. 133.

3(3)
The change in fair value of cash flow and fair value and cash flow hedges represents amounts related to ineffectiveness.

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 Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
 Cash Flow
 Fair Value
 Trading
 Total
 
 
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 
(Dollars in millions)                         
Changes to other comprehensive income, net of tax                         
Other comprehensive income, net $6 $29 $ $ $ $15$6 $30 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Summary                         
Recognition of closed futures contracts' gains/losses into interest expense1 $(11)$(9)$ $ $ $ $(11)$(9)
Recognition of closed futures contracts' gains/losses into gains/losses on sales of securities, net2    (40)     (8) (133) (8) (173)
Recognition of derivative losses into gains/losses on sales of securities          (69)   (69)  
Amortization of transition adjustment3            (1)   (1)
Derivative market value adjustment  14   24 54 351  (261) 354  (256)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total earnings impact $(10)$(49)$2 $5 $274 $(395)$266 $(439)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1
For futures contracts that qualify for SFAS No. 133 hedges where the hedged transaction occurs.


2
For discontinued hedges and closed futures contracts accounted for as "trading."

3
Reported as a component of other income in the consolidated statements of income.

4
The change in fair value of fair value and cash flow hedges represents amounts related to ineffectiveness.

5
Represents transition adjustment amortization out of other comprehensive income, net.

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        The following table showspresents the components of the change in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for derivatives.



 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

  Three months ended
March 31,

 
(Dollars in millions)

 
 2004
 2003
 
(Dollars in millions)

(Dollars in millions)

2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
 (Dollars in millions)

  
 
 
Balance at beginning of periodBalance at beginning of period $(14)$(21)$(18)$(50) $(11)$(18)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net:Change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net:              
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges  (3) (1) (3)
Amortizations1 2 2 7 6 
Discontinued hedges  2  27 
Amortization of effective hedges(1) 1 1 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Total change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, netTotal change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net 2 1 6 30  1 1 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period $(12)$(20)$(12)$(20) $(10)$(17)
 
 
 
 
  
 
 

1(1)
SLMA expects to amortize $5$4 million of after-tax net losses from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during the next 12 months related to closed futures contracts that were hedging debt instruments that remain outstanding after September 30, 2003.March 31, 2004. In addition, SLMA expects to amortize into earnings over the next 12 months portions of the accumulated unrealized net losses related to futures contracts that were open at September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and are expected to be closed based on the anticipated issuance of debt. Based on the value of these contracts at March 31, 2004 and expected issuance dates, this amount is estimated to be $1 million over the next 12 months. SLMA has open futures contracts hedging the anticipated issuances of debt which are anticipated to occur from 2004 through 2008.

6.    Guarantees

        The Company has issued lending-related financial instruments including letters of credit and lines of credit to meet the financing needs of its customers. Letters of credit support the issuance of state student loan revenue bonds. They represent unconditional guarantees of the GSE to repay holders of the bonds in the event of a default. In the event that letters of credit are drawn upon, such loans are collateralized by the student loans underlying the bonds. The initial liability recognition and measurement provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation ("FIN") No. 45, "Guarantors' Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees Including Indirect Guarantees of the Indebtedness of Others, and Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34," are effective for such guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. During 2003 and the three months ended March 31, 2004, there were no new letters of credit issued or modifications to existing letters of credit. Accordingly, the Company's financial statements do not include a liability for the estimated fair value of these guarantees.

        The Company offers a line of credit to certain financial institutions and other institutions in the higher education community for the purpose of buying or originating student loans. In the event that a line of credit is drawn upon, the loan is collaterialized by underlying student loans. The contractual



amount of these financial instruments represents the maximum possible credit risk should the counterparty draw down the commitment or the Company fulfill its obligation under the guarantee, and the counterparty subsequently fails to perform according to the terms of its contract with the Company. Under the terms of the Privatization Act, any future activity under lines of credit and letter of credit activity by the GSE is limited to guarantee commitments, which were in place on August 7, 1997.

        The following schedule summarizes expirations of the GSE's guarantees to the earlier of call date or maturity date outstanding at March 31, 2004.

 
 Lines of
Credit

 Letters of
Credit

 Total
2004 $323,657 $574,328 $897,985
2005    45,518  45,518
2006      
2007      
2008-2020      
  
 
 
Total $323,657 $619,846 $943,503
  
 
 

7.    Related Parties

        SLMA is a member of a group of affiliated companies and has significant transactions with members of the group. Accordingly, the terms of such transactions may not necessarily be indicative of transactions amongst wholly unrelated companies.

        In connection with the Wind-Down of the GSE, SLM Corporation must either securitize, sell, transfer or defease SLMA's assets by the Wind-Down date and retire or defease SLMA's debt

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obligations. The following table summarizes SLMA's asset sales (carrying value plus accrued interest) and transfers for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002:(carrying value includes accrued interest).

 
 Three months ended
September 30,

 Nine months ended
September 30,

(Dollars in millions)

 2003
 2002
 2003
 2002
FFELP/Consolidation student loan securitizations $3,563 $2,892 $10,216 $8,005
Sale of on-balance sheet VIEs, net1  141    306  
Private credit student loan sales2  514  489  3,877  1,012
Non-cash dividend of FFELP Stafford/PLUS student loans3  1,077    1,077  
Sale of Retained Interests in securitized receivables4  2,451    2,451  
Non-cash dividend of insurance and benefit plan related investments5      346  
 
 Three months ended
March 31,

 
 2004
 2003
 
 Sale
Amount

 Carrying
Amount

 Gain
Amount

 Sale
Amount

 Carrying
Amount

 Gain
Amount

(Dollars in millions)

  
  
  
  
  
  
FFELP/Consolidation Student Loan securitizations $ $ $ $3,567 $3,330 $237
Sale of on-balance sheet VIEs, net (1)  527  47  480  334  89  245
Student loan sales (2)  1,342  1,321  21  794  760  34
Non-cash dividend of FFELP Stafford/PLUS student loans (3)  960  944  16      
Non-cash dividend of insurance and benefit plan related investments        346  346  
Sale of basis swaps (4)            5
Loans consolidated with SLM Corp entities  361  361        

1(1)
These VIEs consist of securitized Consolidation Loans, totaling $8.0 billion and $2.1 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and the sales are recorded net of debt issued. Included in the $8.0 billion of loans sold in 2004 were $2.2 billion of Consolidation Loans acquired by SLMA recognized gains on these salesfrom SLM Education Loan Corporation, a non-GSE subsidiary of $450 million and $953 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively.Company.

2(2)
The private credit student loans were sold by SLMA to a subsidiary of SLM Corporation at fair market value and SLMA recognized gains on these sales of $12 million and $145 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, and $29 million and $57 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002, respectively.value.

3(3)
This dividend was recorded at fair market value and SLMA recognized a gain of $23 million.value.

4(4)
In the third quarter of 2003, SLMA sold its Retained Interests in securitized receivablesbasis swaps to a subsidiary of SLM Corporation at fair market value and recognized a gain of $617 million.

5
SLMA transferred $346 million of insurance and benefit plan related investments through a non-cash dividend to SLM Corporation.value.

        As described above, such transactions were among a group of related parties. Such transactions were conducted at estimated market value, which was determined using discounted cash flow models and other estimation techniques. Different assumptions or changes in future market conditions could significantly affect the estimates of fair value.

        In connection with the transfer of employees from SLMA to SLM Corporation and its non-GSE subsidiaries, SLMA and SLM Corporation and various of its non-GSE subsidiaries entered into Management Services Agreements ("MSAs") whereby all management and administrative support would be provided to SLMA for a monthly fee. Intercompany expenses under the MSAs for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 totaled $23$17 million and $8 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 totaled $70 million and $29$21 million, respectively. Effective January 1, 2003, only third party loan acquisition costs are being booked directly to SLMA and are included in other operating expenses.

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        Intercompany expenses under the servicing contract between SLMA and Sallie Mae, Servicing L.P.Inc., a wholly owned non-GSE subsidiary of SLM Corporation which includes the division of Sallie Mae Servicing, for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 totaled $68$38 million and $61 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 totaled $151 million and $120$45 million, respectively.

        At September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2002,2003, SLMA had net intercompany liabilities of $1.3 billion$288 million and net intercompany receivables of $15$530 million, respectively, with SLM Corporation and various of its non-GSE subsidiaries, incurred in the normal course of business, exclusive of the intercompany promissory note owed to Hemar Insurance Corporation of America ("HICA") discussed below. Included in the net intercompany liability at September 30, 2003 was SLMA's dividend of $1.1 billion of student loans to SLM Corporation. At December 31, 2001, SLMA had a $37 million investment in a non-GSE subsidiary of SLM Corporation which was accounted for using the equity method. During the second quarter of 2002, SLMA transferred this investment for $37 million in cash to SLM Education Loan Corporation, another wholly owned subsidiary of SLM Corporation.

        SLMA purchases insurance for its private credit student loanPrivate Credit Student Loan portfolio from HICA. SLMA pays HICA insurance premiums in return for HICA's guarantee of payment of principal and interest on private credit student loans.Private Credit Student Loans. In connection with this arrangement, HICA invests its insurance reserves related to SLMA's HICA insured loans in a Master Promissory Note of SLMA to HICA. In addition to the intercompany balances between SLMA and SLM Corporation, at September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2002,2003, SLMA owed HICA $69 million under this note at the end of each period.

8.    Contingencies

        Any legislation that permits borrowers to refinance existing Consolidation LoansSLMA and various affiliates were defendants in a lawsuit brought by College Loan Corporation ("CLC") in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia alleging various breach of contract and common law tort claims in connection with CLC's consolidation loan activities. The Complaint sought compensatory damages of at lower interest rates could significantly increaseleast $60 million.

        On June 25, 2003, after five days of trial, the ratejury returned a verdict in favor of prepaymentsSLMA on all counts. CLC has since filed an appeal. All appellate briefing has been completed and oral argument has been scheduled before the student loans and could have a materially adverse effectU.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on SLMA's financial condition and results of operations.

        In the fourth quarter of 2002, Sallie Mae Servicing, L.P. discovered an error with the annual calculation of monthly payment amounts associated with variable interest rate Stafford, SLS and PLUS loans, the majority of which were owned by SLMA. The error has caused approximately 1.1 million of SLMA's serviced student loan accounts to amortize too quickly or slowly, i.e., not in accordance with their repayment term. SLM Corporation took voluntary remedial action by crediting the affected borrowers' accounts. Substantially all payment amounts have been reset to the correctly amortizing amount and substantially all affected borrowers have been notified.June 4, 2004.

        SLMA has reported this matter to the U.S. Department of Education (the "DOE") and has met with representatives of the DOE on several occasions to discuss the impact of the under-billing error on borrowers and SLMA's remedial actions. SLMA continues to discuss with the DOE the appropriateness of any further remedial actions.

        A lawsuit that seeks class action status for borrowers affected by the monthly payment calculation was filed in California State Court in July 2003 against SLMA and certain of its affiliates. The complaint asserts claims under the California Business and Professions Code and other California

A-19



statutory sections. The complaint further seeks certain injunctive relief and restitution. SLMA believes that this action is without merit.

        The Higher Education Act of 1965 (the "HEA") generally is reauthorized every six years. The HEA was last reauthorized in 1998 and expired on September 20, 2003. Under current law, however, the HEA will automatically extend through September 30, 2004. At this time, management understands that the reauthorization of the HEA may be delayed until 2005. In connection with the approaching reauthorization of the HEA, several bills have been introduced in the U.S. Congress that, if enacted into law, in their current form, could adversely affect SLMA. At this time, management does not expect these bills to become law or to become law in their present form.

        SLMA is named as a defendant in a putative class action lawsuit brought by three Wisconsin residents on December 20, 2001 in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. The lawsuit seekssought to bring a nationwide class action on behalf of all borrowers who allegedly paid "undisclosed improper and excessive" late fees over the past three years. The plaintiffs sought damages of one thousand five hundred dollars per violation plus punitive damages and claimed that the class consisted of 2 million borrowers. In addition, the plaintiffs alleged that SLMA charged excessive interest by capitalizing interest quarterly in violation of the promissory note. On February 28, 2003, the Court granted SLMA's motion to dismiss the complaint in its entirety. The plaintiffs appealed the trial court decision. All appellate briefing has been completed and oral argument was held in April 2004. No decision has been issued on the appeal as of this date.

        In July 2003, a borrower in California filed a class action complaint against SLMA and certain of its affiliates in state court in San Francisco in connection with a monthly payment amortization error discovered by SLMA in the fourth quarter of 2002. The complaint asserts claims under the California Business and Professions Code and other California statutory provisions. The complaint further seeks certain injunctive relief and restitution.

        SLMA, together with a number of other FFELP industry participants, filed its appellate brief.a lawsuit challenging the Department of Education's interpretation of and non-compliance with provisions in the Higher



Education Act governing origination fees and repayment incentives on loans made under the FDLP. The lawsuit, which was filed November 3, 2000 in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that the Department's interpretations of and non-compliance with these statutory provisions are contrary to the statute's unambiguous text, and are arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law, and violate both the HEA and the Administrative Procedure Act. SLMA together with the other plaintiffs and the Department of Education have filed an appellate brief on October 20, 2003.cross-motions for summary judgment. The appellate courtCourt has not yet scheduled oral arguments.ruled on these motions.

        The Company has cooperated with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") concerning an informal investigation that the SEC initiated on January 14, 2004. There are currently no data requests outstanding and the SEC has not sought to interview any additional witnesses. The investigation concerns certain 2003 year-end accounting entries made by employees of one of the Company's collection agency subsidiaries. The Company's Audit Committee engaged outside counsel to investigate the matter and management conducted its own investigation. These investigations by the Audit Committee and management have been completed and the amounts in question were less than $100,000.

        SLMA is also subject to various claims, lawsuits and other actions that arise in the normal course of business. Most of these matters are claims by borrowers disputing the manner in which their loans have been processed. Management believes that the case is without merit.these claims, lawsuits and other actions will not have a material adverse effect on SLMA's business, financial condition or results of operations.