UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 20232024 
or    
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from  to . 
Commission File Number: 001-31924
Nelnet_Logo_color.jpg
NELNET, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nebraska84-0748903
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
121 South 13th Street, Suite 100
Lincoln,Nebraska68508
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(402) 458-2370
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 per ShareNNINew York Stock Exchange
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 No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).                             Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer                                                      Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer                     Smaller reporting company
        Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  No
As of April 30, 2023,2024, there were 26,620,62225,703,894 and 10,668,46010,663,088 shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding, respectively (excluding a total of 11,305,731 shares of Class A Common Stock held by wholly owned subsidiaries).





NELNET, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
March 31, 20232024

 
 Item 1.
 Item 2.
 Item 3.
 Item 4.
    
 
Item 1.
 Item 1A.
 Item 2.
Item 5.Other Information
 Item 6.
    
 







PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)(Dollars in thousands, except share data)(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
As ofAs of As ofAs of
March 31, 2023December 31, 2022 March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Assets:Assets:  Assets:  
Loans and accrued interest receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $134,704 and
$131,827, respectively)
$14,561,108 15,243,889 
Loans and accrued interest receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $106,008 and
$104,643, respectively)
Cash and cash equivalents:Cash and cash equivalents:  Cash and cash equivalents:  
Cash and cash equivalents - not held at a related partyCash and cash equivalents - not held at a related party26,539 24,584 
Cash and cash equivalents - held at a related partyCash and cash equivalents - held at a related party161,035 93,562 
Total cash and cash equivalentsTotal cash and cash equivalents187,574 118,146 
Investments and notes receivable1,987,570 2,111,917 
Investments and notes receivable (including investments at fair value of $1,037,637 and $988,841, respectively)
Restricted cashRestricted cash576,267 945,159 
Restricted cash - due to customersRestricted cash - due to customers134,202 294,311 
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,841 and $3,079, respectively)151,172 194,851 
Restricted investments
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,248 and $4,304, respectively)
GoodwillGoodwill176,902 176,902 
Intangible assets, netIntangible assets, net60,788 63,501 
Property and equipment, netProperty and equipment, net132,628 122,526 
Other assetsOther assets114,398 102,842 
Total assets
Total assets
Total assetsTotal assets$18,082,609 19,374,044 
Liabilities:Liabilities:  Liabilities:  
Bonds and notes payableBonds and notes payable$13,438,416 14,637,195 
Accrued interest payableAccrued interest payable34,374 36,049 
Bank depositsBank deposits675,767 691,322 
Other liabilitiesOther liabilities430,099 461,259 
Due to customersDue to customers280,624 348,317 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities14,859,280 16,174,142 
Total liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingenciesCommitments and contingenciesCommitments and contingencies
Equity:Equity:
Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:  
Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:  
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; no shares issued or outstandingPreferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding— — 
Common stock:Common stock:
Class A, $0.01 par value. Authorized 600,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 26,623,662
shares and 26,461,651 shares, respectively
266 265 
Class B, convertible, $0.01 par value. Authorized 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
10,668,460 shares
107 107 
Class A, $0.01 par value. Authorized 600,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 26,055,314
shares and 26,400,630 shares, respectively
Class A, $0.01 par value. Authorized 600,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 26,055,314
shares and 26,400,630 shares, respectively
Class A, $0.01 par value. Authorized 600,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 26,055,314
shares and 26,400,630 shares, respectively
Class B, convertible, $0.01 par value. Authorized 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
10,663,088 shares
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital4,639 1,109 
Retained earningsRetained earnings3,251,677 3,234,844 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, netAccumulated other comprehensive loss, net(27,006)(37,366)
Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equityTotal Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity3,229,683 3,198,959 
Noncontrolling interestsNoncontrolling interests(6,354)943 
Total equityTotal equity3,223,329 3,199,902 
Total liabilities and equityTotal liabilities and equity$18,082,609 19,374,044 
Supplemental information - assets and liabilities of consolidated education and other lending
variable interest entities:
Supplemental information - assets and liabilities of consolidated education and other lending
variable interest entities:
Loans and accrued interest receivable
Loans and accrued interest receivable
Loans and accrued interest receivableLoans and accrued interest receivable$13,911,681 14,585,491 
Restricted cashRestricted cash540,675 867,961 
Bonds and notes payableBonds and notes payable(13,222,429)(14,233,586)
Bonds and notes payable
Bonds and notes payable
Accrued interest payable and other liabilitiesAccrued interest payable and other liabilities(140,221)(145,309)
Net assets of consolidated education and other lending variable interest entitiesNet assets of consolidated education and other lending variable interest entities$1,089,706 1,074,557 
Net assets of consolidated education and other lending variable interest entities
Net assets of consolidated education and other lending variable interest entities
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2



NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOMECONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOMECONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)(Dollars in thousands, except share data)(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Three months ended
March 31,
20232022
Interest income:
Interest income:
Interest income:Interest income:  
Loan interestLoan interest$225,243 111,377 
Loan interest
Loan interest
Investment interest
Investment interest
Investment interestInvestment interest40,725 13,819 
Total interest incomeTotal interest income265,968 125,196 
Total interest income
Total interest income
Interest expense on bonds and notes payable and bank deposits
Interest expense on bonds and notes payable and bank deposits
Interest expense on bonds and notes payable and bank depositsInterest expense on bonds and notes payable and bank deposits199,449 48,079 
Net interest incomeNet interest income66,519 77,117 
Less provision (negative provision) for loan losses34,275 (435)
Net interest income
Net interest income
Less provision for loan losses
Less provision for loan losses
Less provision for loan losses
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
Net interest income after provision for loan lossesNet interest income after provision for loan losses32,244 77,552 
Other income (expense):Other income (expense): 
Other income (expense):
Other income (expense):
Loan servicing and systems revenueLoan servicing and systems revenue139,227 136,368 
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue133,603 112,286 
Loan servicing and systems revenue
Loan servicing and systems revenue
Education technology services and payments revenue
Education technology services and payments revenue
Education technology services and payments revenue
Solar construction revenue
Solar construction revenue
Solar construction revenueSolar construction revenue8,651 — 
Other, netOther, net(14,071)9,877 
Gain on sale of loans, net11,812 2,989 
Other, net
Other, net
(Loss) gain on sale of loans, net
(Loss) gain on sale of loans, net
(Loss) gain on sale of loans, net
Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, netDerivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net(14,074)142,925 
Total other income (expense)265,148 404,445 
Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net
Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net
Total other income (expense), net
Total other income (expense), net
Total other income (expense), net
Cost of services:Cost of services:
Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services47,704 35,545 
Cost of services:
Cost of services:
Cost to provide education technology services and payments
Cost to provide education technology services and payments
Cost to provide education technology services and payments
Cost to provide solar construction services
Cost to provide solar construction services
Cost to provide solar construction servicesCost to provide solar construction services8,299 — 
Total cost of servicesTotal cost of services56,003 35,545 
Total cost of services
Total cost of services
Operating expenses:
Operating expenses:
Operating expenses:Operating expenses:  
Salaries and benefitsSalaries and benefits152,710 149,414 
Salaries and benefits
Salaries and benefits
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization16,627 16,956 
Other expensesOther expenses40,785 39,499 
Other expenses
Other expenses
Total operating expenses
Total operating expenses
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses210,122 205,869 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes31,267 240,583 
Income before income taxes
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Income tax expense
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense8,250 55,697 
Net incomeNet income23,017 184,886 
Net income
Net income
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet loss attributable to noncontrolling interests3,470 1,761 
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$26,487 186,647 
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
Earnings per common share:
Earnings per common share:
Earnings per common share:Earnings per common share:
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic and dilutedNet income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic and diluted$0.71 4.91 
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic and diluted
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic and diluted
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and dilutedWeighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted37,344,604 38,041,834 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted
    
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3



NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMECONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMECONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Three months ended March 31,
20232022
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2024
2024
Net incomeNet income$23,017 184,886 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net income
Net income
Other comprehensive income:
Other comprehensive income:
Other comprehensive income:
Net changes related to foreign currency translation adjustments
Net changes related to foreign currency translation adjustments
Net changes related to foreign currency translation adjustmentsNet changes related to foreign currency translation adjustments$(3)
Net changes related to available-for-sale debt securities:Net changes related to available-for-sale debt securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, net8,651 (16,698)
Reclassification of losses (gains) recognized in net income, net4,982 (2,793)
Net changes related to available-for-sale debt securities:
Net changes related to available-for-sale debt securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during period, net of losses
Unrealized holding gains arising during period, net of losses
Unrealized holding gains arising during period, net of losses
Reclassification of (gains) losses recognized in net income, net
Reclassification of (gains) losses recognized in net income, net
Reclassification of (gains) losses recognized in net income, net
Amortization of net unrealized loss on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity
Amortization of net unrealized loss on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity
Amortization of net unrealized loss on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity
Income tax effect
Income tax effect
Income tax effectIncome tax effect(3,272)10,361 4,678 (14,813)
Net changes related to equity method investee's other comprehensive income:Net changes related to equity method investee's other comprehensive income:
Gain on cash flow hedges— 
Net changes related to equity method investee's other comprehensive income:
Net changes related to equity method investee's other comprehensive income:
(Loss) gain on cash flow hedge
(Loss) gain on cash flow hedge
(Loss) gain on cash flow hedge
Income tax effectIncome tax effect— — — 
Other comprehensive income (loss)10,360 (14,804)
Income tax effect
Income tax effect
Other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive incomeComprehensive income33,377 170,082 
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interestsComprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests3,470 1,761 
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$36,847 171,843 
Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4



NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY(Dollars in thousands, except share data)(unaudited)
Nelnet, Inc. Shareholders
Preferred stock sharesCommon stock sharesPreferred stockClass A common stockClass B common stockAdditional paid-in capital Retained earningsAccumulated other comprehensive lossNoncontrolling interestsTotal equity
Class AClass B
Balance as of December 31, 2021— 27,239,654 10,676,642 $— 272 107 1,000 2,940,523 9,304 1,632 2,952,838 
Issuance of noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — — 2,004 2,004 
Net income (loss)— — — — — — — 186,647 — (1,761)184,886 
Other comprehensive loss— — — — — — — — (14,804)— (14,804)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — — (5,125)(5,125)
Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.24 per share— — — — — — — (9,063)— — (9,063)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures— 289,919 — — — 4,382 — — — 4,385 
Compensation expense for stock based awards— — — — — — 2,841 — — — 2,841 
Repurchase of common stock— (380,053)— — (3)— (7,015)(25,881)— — (32,899)
Conversion of common stock— 1,750 (1,750)— — — — — — — — 
Preferred stock sharesCommon stock sharesPreferred stockClass A common stockClass B common stockAdditional paid-in capital Retained earningsAccumulated other comprehensive lossNoncontrolling interestsTotal equity
Balance as of March 31, 2022— 27,151,270 10,674,892 $— 272 107 1,208 3,092,226 (5,500)(3,250)3,085,063 
Balance as of December 31, 2022
Balance as of December 31, 2022
Balance as of December 31, 2022Balance as of December 31, 2022— 26,461,651 10,668,460 $— 265 107 1,109 3,234,844 (37,366)943 3,199,902 
Issuance of noncontrolling interestsIssuance of noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — — 1,201 1,201 
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)— — — — — — — 26,487 — (3,470)23,017 
Other comprehensive incomeOther comprehensive income— — — — — — — — 10,360 — 10,360 
Distribution to noncontrolling interestsDistribution to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — — (5,028)(5,028)
Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.26 per shareCash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.26 per share— — — — — — — (9,654)— — (9,654)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeituresIssuance of common stock, net of forfeitures— 198,524 — — — 3,063 — — — 3,064 
Compensation expense for stock based awardsCompensation expense for stock based awards— — — — — — 3,769 — — — 3,769 
Repurchase of common stockRepurchase of common stock— (36,513)— — — — (3,302)— — — (3,302)
Balance as of March 31, 2023Balance as of March 31, 2023— 26,623,662 10,668,460 $— 266 107 4,639 3,251,677 (27,006)(6,354)3,223,329 
Balance as of March 31, 2023
Balance as of March 31, 2023
Balance as of December 31, 2023
Balance as of December 31, 2023
Balance as of December 31, 2023
Issuance of noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income
Distribution to noncontrolling interests
Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.28 per share
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures
Compensation expense for stock based awards
Repurchase of common stock
Balance as of March 31, 2024
Balance as of March 31, 2024
Balance as of March 31, 2024

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





5



NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Three months ended Three months ended
March 31,
March 31,March 31,
20232022 20242023
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$26,487 186,647 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(3,470)(1,761)
Net incomeNet income23,017 184,886 
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:  
Depreciation and amortization, including debt discounts and loan premiums and deferred origination costsDepreciation and amortization, including debt discounts and loan premiums and deferred origination costs34,211 36,335 
Loan discount accretionLoan discount accretion(7,676)(9,927)
Provision (negative provision) for loan losses34,275 (435)
Provision for loan losses
Derivative market value adjustmentsDerivative market value adjustments37,411 (145,734)
Proceeds from termination of derivative instrumentsProceeds from termination of derivative instruments164,079 — 
Proceeds from termination of derivative instruments
Proceeds from termination of derivative instruments
(Payments to) proceeds from clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net(210,284)149,649 
Proceeds from (payments to) clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net
Proceeds from (payments to) clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net
Proceeds from (payments to) clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net
Gain on sale of loans, net(11,812)(2,989)
Loss on investments, net24,344 2,801 
Loss (gain) on sale of loans, net
Loss (gain) on sale of loans, net
Loss (gain) on sale of loans, net
Loss on investments, net of gains
Proceeds from sale of equity securities, net75 572 
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense(13,750)39,443 
Deferred income tax benefit
Deferred income tax benefit
Deferred income tax benefit
Non-cash compensation expenseNon-cash compensation expense3,838 2,920 
Decrease in loan and investment accrued interest receivableDecrease in loan and investment accrued interest receivable16,630 10,694 
Decrease in loan and investment accrued interest receivable
Decrease in loan and investment accrued interest receivable
Decrease in accounts receivableDecrease in accounts receivable43,675 18,442 
Increase in other assets, net(9,760)(2,073)
Decrease (increase) in other assets, net
Decrease in the carrying amount of ROU asset, netDecrease in the carrying amount of ROU asset, net1,251 1,439 
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable(1,675)2,650 
Decrease in accrued interest payable
Decrease in other liabilitiesDecrease in other liabilities(3,729)(11,824)
Decrease in the carrying amount of lease liabilityDecrease in the carrying amount of lease liability(1,275)(1,500)
Other
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities122,845 275,349 
Cash flows from investing activities:Cash flows from investing activities:  Cash flows from investing activities:  
Purchases and originations of loansPurchases and originations of loans(289,177)(161,334)
Purchases of loans from a related party— (1,049)
Net proceeds from loan repayments, claims, and capitalized interest
Net proceeds from loan repayments, claims, and capitalized interest
Net proceeds from loan repayments, claims, and capitalized interestNet proceeds from loan repayments, claims, and capitalized interest684,962 848,188 
Proceeds from sale of loansProceeds from sale of loans157,444 15,170 
Purchases of available-for-sale securitiesPurchases of available-for-sale securities(242,370)(139,195)
Purchases of restricted available-for-sale securities
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securitiesProceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities492,173 113,980 
Proceeds from sales of restricted available-for-sale securities
Proceeds from beneficial interest in loan securitizationsProceeds from beneficial interest in loan securitizations4,725 7,271 
Purchases of other investments and issuance of notes receivablePurchases of other investments and issuance of notes receivable(70,509)(73,944)
Proceeds from other investments11,114 9,776 
Proceeds from other investments and repayments of notes receivable
Redemption of held-to-maturity debt securities
Redemption of held-to-maturity debt securities
Redemption of held-to-maturity debt securities
Purchases of property and equipmentPurchases of property and equipment(24,430)(15,794)
Net cash provided by investing activitiesNet cash provided by investing activities723,932 603,069 
Net cash provided by investing activities
Net cash provided by investing activities
6



NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
Three months ended
March 31,
20232022
Three months endedThree months ended
March 31,March 31,
202420242023
Cash flows from financing activities:Cash flows from financing activities:  Cash flows from financing activities:  
Payments on bonds and notes payablePayments on bonds and notes payable$(1,415,424)(918,270)
Proceeds from issuance of bonds and notes payableProceeds from issuance of bonds and notes payable204,884 13,512 
Payments of debt issuance costsPayments of debt issuance costs(169)(312)
(Decrease) increase in bank deposits, net(15,555)139,732 
Increase (decrease) in bank deposits, net
Increase (decrease) in bank deposits, net
Increase (decrease) in bank deposits, net
Decrease in due to customersDecrease in due to customers(67,642)(89,884)
Dividends paidDividends paid(9,654)(9,063)
Repurchases of common stockRepurchases of common stock(3,302)(32,899)
Proceeds from issuance of common stockProceeds from issuance of common stock395 435 
Issuance of noncontrolling interestsIssuance of noncontrolling interests1,201 2,004 
Issuance of noncontrolling interests
Issuance of noncontrolling interests
Distribution to noncontrolling interestsDistribution to noncontrolling interests(993)(365)
Net cash used in financing activitiesNet cash used in financing activities(1,306,259)(895,110)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(91)169 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and restricted cash
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cashNet decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash(459,573)(16,523)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of periodCash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period1,357,616 1,194,189 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of periodCash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period$898,043 1,177,666 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash disbursements made for interestCash disbursements made for interest$189,795 33,895 
Cash disbursements made for interest
Cash disbursements made for interest
Cash disbursements made for income taxes, net of refunds and credits received (a)Cash disbursements made for income taxes, net of refunds and credits received (a)$961 466 
Cash disbursements made for operating leasesCash disbursements made for operating leases$1,705 1,887 
Noncash operating, investing, and financing activity:
Non-cash operating, investing, and financing activity:
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligationsROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations$15,545 746 
Receipt of beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations as consideration from sale of loansReceipt of beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations as consideration from sale of loans$34,540 3,660 
Receipt of asset-backed investment securities as consideration from sale of loansReceipt of asset-backed investment securities as consideration from sale of loans$58,182 — 
Distribution to noncontrolling interestsDistribution to noncontrolling interests$4,035 4,760 
Distribution to noncontrolling interests
Distribution to noncontrolling interests
Issuance of noncontrolling interests
(a) The Company utilized $5.7$8.6 million and $1.1$5.7 million of federal and state tax credits related primarily to renewable energy during the three months ended March 31, 20232024 and 2022,2023, respectively.
The following table providespresents a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported in the consolidated balance sheets to the total of the amounts reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
As ofAs ofAs ofAs of
March 31, 2023December 31, 2022March 31, 2022December 31, 2021
As ofAs of
March 31, 2024March 31, 2024December 31, 2023March 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Total cash and cash equivalentsTotal cash and cash equivalents$187,574 118,146 162,785 125,563 
Restricted cashRestricted cash576,267 945,159 757,954 741,981 
Restricted cash - due to customersRestricted cash - due to customers134,202 294,311 256,927 326,645 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cashCash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$898,043 1,357,616 1,177,666 1,194,189 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
7



NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
(unaudited)
1.  Basis of Financial Reporting
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Nelnet, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 20232024 and for the three months ended March 31, 20232024 and 20222023 have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 20222023 and, in the opinion of the Company’s management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations for the interim periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (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 months ended March 31, 20232024 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2023.2024. The unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20222023 (the "2022"2023 Annual Report").
2.  Loans and Accrued Interest Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses
Loans and accrued interest receivable consisted of the following:
As ofAs of
As ofAs of
March 31, 2023December 31, 2022 March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Non-Nelnet Bank:Non-Nelnet Bank:
Federally insured loans:Federally insured loans:
Federally insured loans:
Federally insured loans:
Stafford and other
Stafford and other
Stafford and otherStafford and other$3,229,778 3,389,178 
ConsolidationConsolidation9,701,781 10,177,295 
TotalTotal12,931,559 13,566,473 
Private education loansPrivate education loans241,515 252,383 
Consumer and other loansConsumer and other loans309,546 350,915 
Non-Nelnet Bank loansNon-Nelnet Bank loans13,482,620 14,169,771 
Nelnet Bank:Nelnet Bank:
Federally insured loans63,399 65,913 
Private education loans
Private education loans
Private education loansPrivate education loans355,705 353,882 
Consumer and other loansConsumer and other loans19,903 — 
Nelnet Bank loansNelnet Bank loans439,007 419,795 
Accrued interest receivableAccrued interest receivable800,400 816,864 
Accrued interest receivable
Accrued interest receivable
Loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costsLoan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs(26,215)(30,714)
Allowance for loan losses:Allowance for loan losses:
Non-Nelnet Bank:Non-Nelnet Bank:
Non-Nelnet Bank:
Non-Nelnet Bank:
Federally insured loans
Federally insured loans
Federally insured loansFederally insured loans(79,331)(83,593)
Private education loansPrivate education loans(15,175)(15,411)
Consumer and other loansConsumer and other loans(35,317)(30,263)
Non-Nelnet Bank allowance for loan lossesNon-Nelnet Bank allowance for loan losses(129,823)(129,267)
Nelnet Bank:Nelnet Bank:
Federally insured loans(160)(170)
Private education loans
Private education loans
Private education loansPrivate education loans(2,894)(2,390)
Consumer and other loansConsumer and other loans(1,827)— 
Nelnet Bank allowance for loan lossesNelnet Bank allowance for loan losses(4,881)(2,560)
$14,561,108 15,243,889 
8



The following table summarizes the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of the ending loan balance for each of the Company's loan portfolios.
As ofAs of
March 31, 2023December 31, 2022
As ofAs of
March 31, 2024March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Non-Nelnet Bank:Non-Nelnet Bank:
Federally insured loans (a)
Federally insured loans (a)
Federally insured loans (a)Federally insured loans (a)0.61 %0.62 %0.59 %0.59 %
Private education loansPrivate education loans6.28 %6.11 %Private education loans5.63 %5.68 %
Consumer and other loansConsumer and other loans11.41 %8.62 %Consumer and other loans12.08 %13.66 %
Nelnet Bank:Nelnet Bank:
Federally insured loans (a)0.25 %0.26 %
Private education loans
Private education loans
Private education loansPrivate education loans0.81 %0.68 %1.00 %0.93 %
Consumer and other loansConsumer and other loans9.18 %— Consumer and other loans5.99 %7.40 %
(a)    As of March 31, 20232024 and December 31, 2022,2023, the allowance for loan losses as a percent of the risk sharing component of federally insured student loans not covered by the federal guaranty for non-Nelnet Bank was 22.3%21.7% and 22.4%, respectively, and for Nelnet Bank was 10.1% and 10.3%21.8%, respectively.
Loan Sales
The Company has sold portfolios of loans to unrelated third parties who securitized such loans. As partial consideration received for the loans sold, the Company received residual interest in the loan securitizations that are included in "investments and notes receivable" on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The following table summarizes the loans sold and gains/losses recognized by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 20232024 and 2022.2023.
Loans sold
(par value)
Gain (loss)Loan typeResidual interest received in securitization
Three months ended March 31, 2023
Loans sold
(par value)
Loans sold
(par value)
Gain (loss)Loan typeResidual interest received in securitization
Three months ended March 31, 2024Three months ended March 31, 2024
March 27
March 28
March 28
March 28
$
$
$
Three months ended March 31, 2023
Three months ended March 31, 2023
Three months ended March 31, 2023
January 31January 31$97,350 (1,441)Home equity64.8 %(a)January 31$97,350 (1,441)(1,441)Home equityHome equity64.8 %(a)
January 31January 3142,275 4,350 Consumer13.3 
March 2March 2122,132 8,966 Consumer24.6 (a)
March 2
March 2122,132 8,966 Consumer24.6 (a)
March 22March 22145 (63)Home equity— 
$261,902 11,812 
Three months ended March 31, 2022
January 26$18,125 2,989 Consumer6.6 %
$
$
$
(a)    In addition to receiving a residual interest in the securitizations, the Company also received $14.5 million and $43.7 million of asset-backed investment securities as part of the January 31 and March 2, 2023 transactions, respectively, that are included in "investments and notes receivable" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.

9



Activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses
The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment.
Balance at beginning of period
Balance at beginning of period
Balance at beginning of periodProvision (negative provision) for loan lossesCharge-offsRecoveriesLoan salesBalance at end of period
Three months ended March 31, 2024Three months ended March 31, 2024
Non-Nelnet Bank:
Federally insured loans
Federally insured loans
Federally insured loans
Private education loans
Consumer and other loans
Nelnet Bank:
Balance at beginning of periodProvision (negative provision) for loan lossesCharge-offsRecoveriesInitial allowance on loans purchased with credit deteriorationLoan salesBalance at end of period
Private education loans
Three months ended March 31, 2023
Private education loans
Private education loans
Consumer and other loans
$
Three months ended March 31, 2023
Three months ended March 31, 2023
Three months ended March 31, 2023
Non-Nelnet Bank:Non-Nelnet Bank:
Federally insured loans
Federally insured loans
Federally insured loansFederally insured loans$83,593 2,411 (6,679)— — 79,331 
Private education loansPrivate education loans15,411 240 (640)164 — — 15,175 
Consumer and other loansConsumer and other loans30,263 29,207 (2,267)220 — (22,106)35,317 
Nelnet Bank:Nelnet Bank:
Federally insured loansFederally insured loans170 (9)(1)— — — 160 
Private education loans2,390 614 (110)— — — 2,894 
Consumer and other loans— 1,827 — — — — 1,827 
$131,827 34,290 (9,697)384 (22,106)134,704 
Three months ended March 31, 2022
Non-Nelnet Bank:
Federally insured loans
Federally insured loansFederally insured loans$103,381 (2,748)(4,761)— 123 — 95,995 
Private education loansPrivate education loans16,143 (400)(1,299)176 — 14,622 
Consumer and other loansConsumer and other loans6,481 2,284 (937)166 — (2,284)5,710 
Nelnet Bank:
Federally insured loans268 (21)— — — — 247 
Private education loans840 426 (13)— — (2)1,251 
$
$127,113 (459)(7,010)342 123 (2,284)117,825 
The following table summarizes annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans for each of the Company's loan portfolios.
Three months ended March 31,
20232022
Three months ended March 31,
Three months ended March 31,
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2024
2024
Non-Nelnet Bank:
Non-Nelnet Bank:
Non-Nelnet Bank:Non-Nelnet Bank:
Federally insured loansFederally insured loans0.20 %0.11 %
Federally insured loans
Federally insured loans
Private education loans
Private education loans
Private education loansPrivate education loans0.78 %1.58 %
Consumer and other loansConsumer and other loans2.59 %7.40 %
Consumer and other loans
Consumer and other loans
Nelnet Bank:
Nelnet Bank:
Nelnet Bank:Nelnet Bank:
Federally insured loansFederally insured loans0.01 %0.00 %
Federally insured loans
Federally insured loans
Private education loans
Private education loans
Private education loansPrivate education loans0.13 %0.02 %
Consumer and other loansConsumer and other loans— — 
Consumer and other loans
Consumer and other loans
The Company recorded a negative provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 for its Non-Nelnet Bank federally insured and private education loan portfolios primarily due to the amortization of these portfolios. The primary item impacting provision for loan losses for Non-Nelnet Bank consumer loans and Nelnet Bank's loan portfolios for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was the establishment of an initial allowance for loans originated and acquired during the period.
The Company recorded a provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2023 due to (i) management's estimate of declining economic conditions as of March 31, 2023 in comparison to management's estimate of economic conditions used to determine the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2022; and (ii) the establishment of an initial allowance for loans originated and acquired during the period. These amounts were partially offset by the amortization of the federally insured loan portfolio.
The Company recorded a negative provision for loan losses for its federally insured loan portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 2022 due to the amortization of the portfolio and an increase in expected prepayments as a result of an initiative offered by the Department of Education (the “Department”) for Federal Family Education Loan Program (the "FFEL Program" or FFELP) borrowers to consolidate their loans into Federal Direct Loan Program loans with the Department by October 31, 2022 to qualify for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The Company recorded a provision for loan losses on its consumer loan portfolio during the three months ended March 31, 2022 as a result of loans acquired during the period.
10



Unfunded Loan Commitments
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, Nelnet Bank hashad a liability of approximately $71,000$57,000 and $158,000, respectively, related to $2.5$9.1 million and $12.3 million, respectively, of unfunded private education, consumer, and other loan commitments. The liability for unfunded loan commitments is included in "other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets. During the three months ended March 31, 20232024 and 2022,2023, Nelnet Bank recognized negative provision for loan losses of approximately $15,000$101,000 and provision for loan losses of approximately $24,000,$15,000, respectively, related to unfunded loan commitments.
Loan Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures, whicheliminates the troubled debt restructurings recognition and measurement guidance and instead requires an entity to evaluate whether the modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. The guidance also enhances the disclosure requirements for certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty and vintage disclosures reflecting gross charge-offs by year of origination.
Under the Higher Education Act, FFELP loan borrowers may be granted a deferment or forbearance for a period of time based on need. In addition, eligible borrowers may qualify for income-driven repayment plans offered by the Department. Because FFELP loan modifications are driven by the Higher Education Act, the Company does not consider these events as part of its loan modification programs. Administrative forbearances (e.g. bankruptcy, military service, death and disability, and disaster forbearance) are required by law and therefore are also not considered as part of the Company's loan modification programs. The Company does offer payment delays in the form of deferments or forbearances on certain private education and consumer loan programs for short-term periods. The Company generally considers payment delays to be insignificant when the delay is 3 months or less. The amortized cost of the Company’s private education and consumer loans in which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the financial effect of such loan modifications is not material.
Key Credit Quality Indicators
Loan Status and Delinquencies
Key credit quality indicators for the Company’s federally insured, private education, consumer, and other loan portfolios are loan status, including delinquencies. The impact of changes in loan status is incorporated into the allowance for loan losses calculation. Delinquencies have the potential to adversely impact the Company’s earnings through increased servicing and collection costs and account charge-offs. The following table presents the Company’s loan status and delinquency amounts.
As of March 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022As of March 31, 2022
As of March 31, 2024As of March 31, 2024As of December 31, 2023As of March 31, 2023
Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank:Federally insured loans - Non-Nelnet Bank:    
Loans in-school/grace/defermentLoans in-school/grace/deferment$641,914 5.0 % $637,919 4.7 % $839,566 5.2 %
Loans in-school/grace/deferment
Loans in-school/grace/deferment
Loans in forbearance
Loans in forbearance
Loans in forbearanceLoans in forbearance984,738 7.6  1,103,181 8.1  1,160,048 7.1 
Loans in repayment status:Loans in repayment status:  
Loans in repayment status:
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current
Loans current
Loans currentLoans current9,859,751 87.2 %10,173,859 86.0 %12,352,543 86.4 %7,691,650 84.4 84.4 %8,416,624 82.6 82.6 %9,859,751 87.2 87.2 %
Loans delinquent 31-60 daysLoans delinquent 31-60 days346,665 3.1 415,305 3.5 462,750 3.2 
Loans delinquent 61-90 daysLoans delinquent 61-90 days254,353 2.2 253,565 2.2 282,810 2.0 
Loans delinquent 91-120 daysLoans delinquent 91-120 days178,078 1.6 180,029 1.5 202,371 1.4 
Loans delinquent 121-270 daysLoans delinquent 121-270 days440,695 3.9 534,410 4.5 712,753 5.0 
Loans delinquent 271 days or greaterLoans delinquent 271 days or greater225,365 2.0 268,205 2.3 282,536 2.0 
Total loans in repaymentTotal loans in repayment11,304,907 87.4 100.0 %11,825,373 87.2 100.0 %14,295,763 87.7 100.0 %Total loans in repayment9,115,509 87.8 87.8 100.0 100.0 %10,184,315 87.1 87.1 100.0 100.0 %11,304,907 87.4 87.4 100.0 100.0 %
Total federally insured loansTotal federally insured loans12,931,559 100.0 % 13,566,473 100.0 % 16,295,377 100.0 %
Accrued interest receivableAccrued interest receivable791,476 808,150 770,853 
Accrued interest receivable
Accrued interest receivable
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums and deferred origination costs
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums and deferred origination costs
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums and deferred origination costsLoan discount, net of unamortized premiums and deferred origination costs(32,626)(35,468)(27,317)
Allowance for loan lossesAllowance for loan losses(79,331)(83,593)(95,995)
Allowance for loan losses
Allowance for loan losses
Total federally insured loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses
Total federally insured loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses
Total federally insured loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan lossesTotal federally insured loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$13,611,078 $14,255,562 $16,942,918 
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank:
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank:
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank:
Loans in-school/grace/deferment
Loans in-school/grace/deferment
Loans in-school/grace/deferment
Loans in forbearance
Loans in forbearance
Loans in forbearance
Loans in repayment status:
Loans in repayment status:
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current
Loans current
Loans current243,637 97.4 %257,639 97.1 %220,921 97.5 %
Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Loans delinquent 91 days or greater
Total loans in repaymentTotal loans in repayment250,002 95.6 100.0 %265,316 95.7 100.0 %226,599 93.8 100.0 %
Total private education loans
Accrued interest receivable
Accrued interest receivable
Accrued interest receivable
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums
Allowance for loan losses
Allowance for loan losses
Allowance for loan losses
Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses
Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses
Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses
11



As of March 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022As of March 31, 2022
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank:
Loans in-school/grace/deferment$12,218 5.1 %$12,756 5.1 %$10,226 3.7 %
Loans in forbearance2,698 1.1 2,017 0.8 2,838 1.0 
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current220,921 97.5 %232,539 97.9 %260,911 98.3 %
Loans delinquent 31-60 days2,014 0.9 2,410 1.0 1,699 0.6 
Loans delinquent 61-90 days931 0.4 767 0.3 1,040 0.4 
Loans delinquent 91 days or greater2,733 1.2 1,894 0.8 1,823 0.7 
Total loans in repayment226,599 93.8 100.0 %237,610 94.1 100.0 %265,473 95.3 100.0 %
Total private education loans241,515 100.0 % 252,383 100.0 % 278,537 100.0 %
Accrued interest receivable2,277 2,146 1,898 
Loan premium, net of unaccreted discount79 (38)(598)
Allowance for loan losses(15,175)(15,411)(14,622)
Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$228,696 $239,080 $265,215 
Consumer and other loans - Non-Nelnet Bank:
Loans in deferment$40 0.0 %$109 0.0 %$72 0.2 %
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current304,414 98.3 %346,812 98.9 %43,424 97.3 %
Loans delinquent 31-60 days2,037 0.7 1,906 0.5 255 0.5 
Loans delinquent 61-90 days1,236 0.4 764 0.2 304 0.7 
Loans delinquent 91 days or greater1,819 0.6 1,324 0.4 658 1.5 
Total loans in repayment309,506 100.0 100.0 %350,806 100.0 100.0 %44,641 99.8 100.0 %
Total consumer and other loans309,546 100.0 %350,915 100.0 %44,713 100.0 %
Accrued interest receivable3,288 3,658 374 
Loan premium, net of unaccreted discount913 (588)1,040 
Allowance for loan losses(35,317)(30,263)(5,710)
Total consumer and other loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$278,430 $323,722 $40,417 
Federally insured loans - Nelnet Bank (a):
Loans in-school/grace/deferment$151 0.3 %$241 0.4 %$286 0.3 %
Loans in forbearance1,046 1.6 981 1.5 948 1.2 
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current60,895 97.9 %63,225 97.8 %80,421 98.6 %
Loans delinquent 30-59 days514 0.8 436 0.7 402 0.5 
Loans delinquent 60-89 days120 0.2 466 0.7 427 0.5 
Loans delinquent 90-119 days255 0.4 222 0.3 90 0.1 
Loans delinquent 120-270 days319 0.5 183 0.3 157 0.2 
Loans delinquent 271 days or greater99 0.2 159 0.2 58 0.1 
Total loans in repayment62,202 98.1 100.0 %64,691 98.1 100.0 %81,555 98.5 100.0 %
Total federally insured loans63,399 100.0 %65,913 100.0 %82,789 100.0 %
Accrued interest receivable1,857 1,758 1,231 
Loan premium18 20 25 
Allowance for loan losses(160)(170)(247)
Total federally insured loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$65,114 $67,521 $83,798 
12



As of March 31, 2024As of March 31, 2024As of December 31, 2023As of March 31, 2023
Consumer and other loans - Non-Nelnet Bank:
Loans in deferment
Loans in deferment
Loans in deferment
Loans in repayment status:
Loans in repayment status:
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current
Loans current
Loans current150,947 97.2 %81,195 94.6 %304,414 98.3 %
Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Loans delinquent 91 days or greater
Total loans in repaymentTotal loans in repayment155,254 100.0 100.0 %85,789 99.8 100.0 %309,506 100.0 100.0 %
Total consumer and other loans
Accrued interest receivable
Accrued interest receivable
Accrued interest receivable
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums
Allowance for loan losses
Allowance for loan losses
Allowance for loan losses
Total consumer and other loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses
Total consumer and other loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses
Total consumer and other loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank (a):
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank (a):
As of March 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022As of March 31, 2022
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank (a):Private education loans - Nelnet Bank (a):
Loans in-school/grace/defermentLoans in-school/grace/deferment$17,021 4.8 %$11,580 3.3 %$497 0.2 %
Loans in-school/grace/deferment
Loans in-school/grace/deferment
Loans in forbearance
Loans in forbearance
Loans in forbearanceLoans in forbearance681 0.2 864 0.2 317 0.1 
Loans in repayment status:Loans in repayment status:
Loans in repayment status:
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current
Loans current
Loans currentLoans current336,967 99.7 %340,830 99.8 %284,081 99.8 %318,906 99.4 99.4 %331,580 99.4 99.4 %336,967 99.7 99.7 %
Loans delinquent 30-59 daysLoans delinquent 30-59 days388 0.1 167 0.1 422 0.2 
Loans delinquent 60-89 daysLoans delinquent 60-89 days536 0.2 32 0.0 78 0.0 
Loans delinquent 90 days or greaterLoans delinquent 90 days or greater112 — 409 0.1 73 0.0 
Total loans in repaymentTotal loans in repayment338,003 95.0 100.0 %341,438 96.5 100.0 %284,654 99.7 100.0 %Total loans in repayment320,790 87.9 87.9 100.0 100.0 %333,278 92.4 92.4 100.0 100.0 %338,003 95.0 95.0 100.0 100.0 %
Total private education loansTotal private education loans355,705 100.0 %353,882 100.0 %285,468 100.0 %
Accrued interest receivableAccrued interest receivable1,385 1,152 418 
Accrued interest receivable
Accrued interest receivable
Deferred origination costs, net of unaccreted discount
Deferred origination costs, net of unaccreted discount
Deferred origination costs, net of unaccreted discountDeferred origination costs, net of unaccreted discount5,400 5,360 4,593 
Allowance for loan lossesAllowance for loan losses(2,894)(2,390)(1,251)
Allowance for loan losses
Allowance for loan losses
Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses
Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses
Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan lossesTotal private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$359,596 $358,004 $289,228 
Consumer and other loans - Nelnet Bank (a):Consumer and other loans - Nelnet Bank (a):
Consumer and other loans - Nelnet Bank (a):
Consumer and other loans - Nelnet Bank (a):
Loans in defermentLoans in deferment$— — %
Loans in deferment
Loans in deferment
Loans in repayment status:Loans in repayment status:
Loans in repayment status:
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current
Loans current
Loans currentLoans current19,903 100.0 %115,152 96.9 96.9 %69,584 96.3 96.3 %19,903 100.0 100.0 %
Loans delinquent 30-59 daysLoans delinquent 30-59 days— — 
Loans delinquent 60-89 daysLoans delinquent 60-89 days— — 
Loans delinquent 90 days or greaterLoans delinquent 90 days or greater— — 
Total loans in repaymentTotal loans in repayment19,903 100.0 100.0 %Total loans in repayment118,816 99.9 99.9 100.0 100.0 %72,249 99.9 99.9 100.0 100.0 %19,903 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 %
Total consumer and other loansTotal consumer and other loans19,903 100.0 %
Accrued interest receivableAccrued interest receivable117 
Loan premium
Accrued interest receivable
Accrued interest receivable
Loan premium, net of unaccreted discount
Loan premium, net of unaccreted discount
Loan premium, net of unaccreted discount
Allowance for loan losses
Allowance for loan losses
Allowance for loan lossesAllowance for loan losses(1,827)
Total consumer and other loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan lossesTotal consumer and other loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$18,194 
Total consumer and other loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses
Total consumer and other loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses
(a) For the periods presented for Nelnet Bank, the delinquency bucket periods conform with the delinquency bucket periods reflected in Nelnet Bank's Call Reports filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
12



FICO Scores - Nelnet Bank Private Education Loans
An additional key credit quality indicator for Nelnet Bank private education and consumer loans is FICO scores at the time of origination. The following tables highlight the gross principal balance of Nelnet Bank's private education loan portfolio,portfolios, by year of origination, stratified by FICO score at the time of origination.
Loan balance as of March 31, 2023
Three months ended March 31, 2023202220212020Total
FICO at origination:
Less than 705$836 5,956 5,258 344 12,394 
705 - 7342,657 23,313 9,979 536 36,485 
735 - 7642,874 35,250 16,284 1,419 55,827 
765 - 7941,413 56,325 29,900 1,579 89,217 
Greater than 7943,006 86,055 66,882 5,839 161,782 
$10,786 206,899 128,303 9,717 355,705 
Nelnet Bank Private Education Loans

Loan balance as of March 31, 2024
Three months ended March 31, 20242023202220212020Total
FICO at origination:
Less than 705$380 4,175 5,349 4,524 381 14,809 
705 - 734834 9,946 21,468 8,410 519 41,177 
735 - 764954 9,479 32,227 14,383 1,338 58,381 
765 - 794625 6,815 50,588 26,414 1,322 85,764 
Greater than 7941,523 18,207 75,304 56,079 4,979 156,092 
No FICO score available or required2,488 6,055 — — — 8,543 
$6,804 54,677 184,936 109,810 8,539 364,766 
Loan balance as of December 31, 2023
2023202220212020Total
FICO at origination:
Less than 705$3,840 5,495 4,647 386 14,368 
705 - 7349,534 21,961 8,805 525 40,825 
735 - 7648,648 32,969 14,910 1,358 57,885 
765 - 7945,776 52,045 27,221 1,374 86,416 
Greater than 79415,057 77,996 58,695 5,226 156,974 
No FICO score available or required4,052 — — — 4,052 
$46,907 190,466 114,278 8,869 360,520 
Nelnet Bank Consumer and Other Loans
Loan balance as of March 31, 2024
Three months ended March 31, 20242023202220212020Total
FICO at origination:
Less than 720$12,913 18,324 — — — 31,237 
720 - 76921,017 29,900 48 — — 50,965 
Greater than 76921,359 14,280 108 — — 35,747 
No FICO score available or required230 441 282 55 — 1,008 
$55,519 62,945 438 55 — 118,957 
Loan balance as of December 31, 2023
2023202220212020Total
FICO at origination:
Less than 720$21,412 — — — 21,412 
720 - 76933,571 51 — — 33,622 
Greater than 76916,484 109 — — 16,593 
No FICO score available or required386 284 55 — 725 
$71,853 444 55 — 72,352 
13



Loan balance as of December 31, 2022
202220212020Total
FICO at origination:
Less than 705$5,898 5,389 348 11,635 
705 - 73423,392 10,543 542 34,477 
735 - 76435,456 16,686 1,473 53,615 
765 - 79457,141 31,035 1,622 89,798 
Greater than 79487,959 70,135 6,263 164,357 
$209,846 133,788 10,248 353,882 
Nonaccrual Status
The Company does not place federally insured loans on nonaccrual status due to the government guaranty. The amortized cost of private education, consumer, and other loans on nonaccrual status, as well as the allowance for loan losses related to such loans, as of DecemberMarch 31, 20222024 and MarchDecember 31, 2023, was not material.
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
The following table presents the amortized cost of the Company's private education, consumer, and other loans by loan status and delinquency amount as of March 31, 20232024 based on year of origination. Effective July 1, 2010, no new loan originations can be made under the FFEL Program and all new federal loan originations must be made under the Federal Direct Loan Program. As such, all the Company’s federally insured loans were originated prior to July 1, 2010.
Three months ended March 31, 20232022202120202019Prior yearsTotal
Three months ended March 31, 2024Three months ended March 31, 20242023202220212020Prior yearsTotal
Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank:Private education loans - Non-Nelnet Bank:
Loans in-school/grace/deferment
Loans in-school/grace/deferment
Loans in-school/grace/defermentLoans in-school/grace/deferment$— 1,780 5,581 1,284 2,080 1,493 12,218 
Loans in forbearanceLoans in forbearance— — 79 804 808 1,007 2,698 
Loans in repayment status:Loans in repayment status:
Loans current
Loans current
Loans currentLoans current116 4,009 4,057 51,441 40,385 120,913 220,921 
Loans delinquent 31-60 daysLoans delinquent 31-60 days— 14 19 103 252 1,626 2,014 
Loans delinquent 61-90 daysLoans delinquent 61-90 days— — — — 71 860 931 
Loans delinquent 91 days or greaterLoans delinquent 91 days or greater— — 35 441 2,252 2,733 
Total loans in repaymentTotal loans in repayment116 4,023 4,081 51,579 41,149 125,651 226,599 
Total private education loansTotal private education loans$116 5,803 9,741 53,667 44,037 128,151 241,515 
Accrued interest receivableAccrued interest receivable2,277 
Loan premium, net of unaccreted discount79 
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums
Allowance for loan lossesAllowance for loan losses(15,175)
Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan lossesTotal private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$228,696 
Gross charge-offs - three months ended March 31, 2023$— — — — 171 469 640 
Gross charge-offs - three months ended March 31, 2024
Consumer and other loans - Non-Nelnet Bank:
Consumer and other loans - Non-Nelnet Bank:
Consumer and other loans - Non-Nelnet Bank:Consumer and other loans - Non-Nelnet Bank:
Loans in defermentLoans in deferment$— — 24 — 16 — 40 
Loans in deferment
Loans in deferment
Loans in repayment status:Loans in repayment status:
Loans current
Loans current
Loans currentLoans current185,920 109,009 6,692 498 1,354 941 304,414 
Loans delinquent 31-60 daysLoans delinquent 31-60 days89 1,593 337 — 10 2,037 
Loans delinquent 61-90 daysLoans delinquent 61-90 days— 1,085 84 38 26 1,236 
Loans delinquent 91 days or greaterLoans delinquent 91 days or greater— 1,112 141 55 186 325 1,819 
Total loans in repaymentTotal loans in repayment186,009 112,799 7,254 591 1,576 1,277 309,506 
Total consumer and other loansTotal consumer and other loans$186,009 112,799 7,278 591 1,592 1,277 309,546 
Accrued interest receivableAccrued interest receivable3,288 
Loan premium, net of unaccreted discount913 
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums
Allowance for loan lossesAllowance for loan losses(35,317)
Total consumer and other loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan lossesTotal consumer and other loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$278,430 
Gross charge-offs - three months ended March 31, 2023$— 1,868 245 27 46 81 2,267 
Gross charge-offs - three months ended March 31, 2024
14



Three months ended March 31, 20232022202120202019Prior yearsTotal
Three months ended March 31, 2024Three months ended March 31, 20242023202220212020Prior yearsTotal
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank (a):Private education loans - Nelnet Bank (a):
Loans in-school/grace/deferment
Loans in-school/grace/deferment
Loans in-school/grace/defermentLoans in-school/grace/deferment$1,863 12,915 1,117 1,126 — — 17,021 
Loans in forbearanceLoans in forbearance— 485 196 — — — 681 
Loans in repayment status:Loans in repayment status:
Loans current
Loans current
Loans currentLoans current8,913 192,723 126,740 8,591 — — 336,967 
Loans delinquent 30-59 daysLoans delinquent 30-59 days10 247 131 — — — 388 
Loans delinquent 60-89 daysLoans delinquent 60-89 days— 481 55 — — — 536 
Loans delinquent 90 days or greaterLoans delinquent 90 days or greater— 48 64 — — — 112 
Total loans in repaymentTotal loans in repayment8,923 193,499 126,990 8,591 — — 338,003 
Total private education loansTotal private education loans$10,786 206,899 128,303 9,717 — — 355,705 
Accrued interest receivableAccrued interest receivable1,385 
Deferred origination costs, net of unaccreted discountDeferred origination costs, net of unaccreted discount5,400 
Allowance for loan lossesAllowance for loan losses(2,894)
Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan lossesTotal private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$359,596 
Gross charge-offs - three months ended March 31, 2023$— 110 — — — — 110 
Gross charge-offs - three months ended March 31, 2024
Consumer and other loans - Nelnet Bank (a):Consumer and other loans - Nelnet Bank (a):
Consumer and other loans - Nelnet Bank (a):
Consumer and other loans - Nelnet Bank (a):
Loans in defermentLoans in deferment$— — — — — — — 
Loans in deferment
Loans in deferment
Loans in repayment status:Loans in repayment status:
Loans in repayment status:
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current
Loans current
Loans currentLoans current19,259 589 55 — — — 19,903 
Loans delinquent 30-59 daysLoans delinquent 30-59 days— — — — — — — 
Loans delinquent 60-89 daysLoans delinquent 60-89 days— — — — — — — 
Loans delinquent 90 days or greaterLoans delinquent 90 days or greater— — — — — — — 
Total loans in repaymentTotal loans in repayment19,259 589 55 — — — 19,903 
Total consumer and other loansTotal consumer and other loans$19,259 589 55 — — — 19,903 
Accrued interest receivableAccrued interest receivable117 
Loan premium
Loan premium, net of unaccreted discount
Allowance for loan lossesAllowance for loan losses(1,827)
Total consumer and other loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan lossesTotal consumer and other loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$18,194 
Gross charge-offs - three months ended March 31, 2023$— — — — — — — 
Gross charge-offs - three months ended March 31, 2024
(a) For the periods presented for Nelnet Bank, the delinquency bucket periods conform with the delinquency bucket periods reflected in Nelnet Bank's Call Reports filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
15



3.  Bonds and Notes Payable
The following tables summarize the Company’s outstanding debt obligations by type of instrument:
As of March 31, 2023 As of March 31, 2024
Carrying
amount
Interest rate
range
Final maturity
Carrying
amount
Carrying
amount
Interest rate
range
Final maturity
Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations:Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations:   Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations:  
Bonds and notes based on indicesBonds and notes based on indices$11,043,945 4.93% - 6.85%8/26/30 - 9/25/69Bonds and notes based on indices$8,766,041 5.47% - 7.44%5.47% - 7.44%8/26/30 - 9/25/69
Bonds and notes based on auctionBonds and notes based on auction142,385 0.00% - 5.43%3/22/32 - 11/26/46Bonds and notes based on auction84,660 0.00% - 6.44%0.00% - 6.44%3/22/32 - 11/26/46
Total FFELP variable-rate bonds and notesTotal FFELP variable-rate bonds and notes11,186,330 
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed
securitizations
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed
securitizations
548,642 1.42% - 3.45%10/25/67 - 8/27/68
FFELP loan warehouse facility919,337 5.12% / 5.15%5/22/24
Private education loan warehouse facility47,937 5.18%12/31/23
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed
securitizations
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed
securitizations
430,061 1.42% - 3.45%10/25/67 - 8/27/68
FFELP loan warehouse facilitiesFFELP loan warehouse facilities1,066,197 5.41% - 5.57%4/2/25 / 5/22/25
Consumer loan warehouse facility
Consumer loan warehouse facility
Consumer loan warehouse facilityConsumer loan warehouse facility82,405 5.15%11/14/2541,762 5.55%5.55%11/14/25
Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizationsVariable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations17,808 6.40% / 6.60%12/26/40 / 6/25/49Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations71,963 6.90% / 7.57%6.90% / 7.57%6/25/49 / 11/25/53
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization22,145 3.60% / 5.35%12/26/40 / 12/28/43
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizationsFixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations70,310 5.35% / 7.15%12/28/43 / 11/25/53
Unsecured line of creditUnsecured line of credit— 9/22/26Unsecured line of credit— 9/22/26
Participation agreement311,771 5.48%5/4/23
Repurchase agreements432,984 5.38% - 5.85%4/6/23 - 11/27/24
Participation agreementsParticipation agreements9,023 5.58% - 6.06%5/4/24 / 1/30/33
Repurchase agreementRepurchase agreement114,498 6.43% - 6.74%11/27/24 / 12/20/24
Other - due to related partyOther - due to related party6,181 3.55% - 6.05%3/1/24 - 11/15/30
13,575,540   
Other - due to related party
Other - due to related party5,591 5.00% - 6.05%4/30/24 - 11/15/30
10,660,106 10,660,106   
Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costsDiscount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs(137,124)
TotalTotal$13,438,416 
Total
Total
As of December 31, 2022 As of December 31, 2023
Carrying
amount
Interest rate
range
Final maturity
Carrying
amount
Carrying
amount
Interest rate
range
Final maturity
Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations:Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations:   Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations:  
Bonds and notes based on indicesBonds and notes based on indices$11,868,190 4.47% - 6.39%8/26/30 - 9/25/69Bonds and notes based on indices$9,552,667 5.45% - 7.47%5.45% - 7.47%8/26/30 - 9/25/69
Bonds and notes based on auctionBonds and notes based on auction178,960 0.00% - 4.02%3/22/32 - 11/26/46Bonds and notes based on auction87,360 0.00% - 6.45%0.00% - 6.45%3/22/32 - 11/26/46
Total FFELP variable-rate bonds and notesTotal FFELP variable-rate bonds and notes12,047,150 
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed
securitizations
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed
securitizations
594,051 1.42% - 3.45%10/25/67 - 8/27/68
FFELP loan warehouse facility978,956 4.69% / 4.71%5/22/24
Private education loan warehouse facility64,356 4.72%12/31/23
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed
securitizations
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed
securitizations
471,427 1.42% - 3.45%10/25/67 - 8/27/68
FFELP loan warehouse facilitiesFFELP loan warehouse facilities1,398,485 5.41% - 5.70%4/2/25 / 5/22/25
Consumer loan warehouse facility
Consumer loan warehouse facility
Consumer loan warehouse facilityConsumer loan warehouse facility89,000 4.73%11/14/2523,691 5.70%5.70%11/14/25
Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizationsVariable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations19,865 5.90% / 6.14%12/26/40 / 6/25/49Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations80,393 6.90% / 7.57%6.90% / 7.57%6/25/49 / 11/25/53
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization23,032 3.60% / 5.35%12/26/40 / 12/28/43
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizationsFixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations80,130 5.35% / 7.15%12/28/43 / 11/25/53
Unsecured line of creditUnsecured line of credit— 9/22/26Unsecured line of credit— 9/22/26
Participation agreement395,432 5.02%5/4/23
Repurchase agreements567,254 0.97% - 5.60%1/4/23 - 11/27/24
Participation agreementsParticipation agreements10,063 5.58% - 6.08%3/12/24 / 5/4/24
Repurchase agreementRepurchase agreement208,164 6.35% - 6.81%1/22/24 - 12/20/24
Other - due to related partyOther - due to related party6,187 3.55% - 6.05%3/1/24 - 11/15/30
14,785,283   
Other - due to related party
Other - due to related party5,778 5.00% - 6.05%3/1/24 - 11/15/30
11,918,158 11,918,158   
Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costsDiscount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs(148,088)
TotalTotal$14,637,195 
Total
Total
16



Warehouse Facilities
The Company funds a portion of its loan acquisitions using warehouse facilities. Loan warehousing allows the Company to buy and manage loans prior to transferring them into more permanent financing arrangements.
FFELP loan The following table summarizes the Company's warehouse facilities
On as of March 31, 2023,2024.
Type of loansMaximum financing amountAmount outstandingAmount availableExpiration of liquidity provisionsFinal maturity dateAdvance rateAdvanced as equity support
FFELP (a)$950,000 712,198 237,802 11/22/20245/22/2025note (b)$50,093 
FFELP (c)432,000 353,999 78,001 4/2/20244/2/202592 %29,196 
$1,382,000 1,066,197 315,803 $79,289 
Consumer (d)150,000 41,762 108,238 11/14/202411/14/202570 %17,405 
(a)    Effective March 6, 2024, the Company’s FFELP warehousemaximum financing amount on this facility was reduced from $1.25 billion to $950 million.
(b)    This facility has a static advance rate until the expiration date of the liquidity provisions. The maximum advance rates for this facility are 90% to 96%, and the minimum advance rates are 84% to 90%. In the event the liquidity provisions are not extended, the valuation agent has the right to perform a one-time mark to market on the underlying loans funded in this facility, subject to a floor. The loans would then be funded at this new advance rate until the final maturity date of the facility.
(c)    On April 2, 2024, this facility was amended to increasereduce the aggregate maximum financing amount available from $1.20 billion$432 million to $1.25 billion. The$375 million, and to extend the expiration of liquidity provisions and final maturity remain through May 22, 2023date to April 1, 2025 and May 22,April 1, 2026, respectively.
(d)    On March 11, 2024, respectively. As of March 31, 2023, $919.3 million was outstanding under this facility $330.7 million was available for future funding, andamended to reduce the Company had $62.8 million advanced as equity support.
Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, the Company closed on a $250.0 million FFELP warehouse facility on April 3, 2023, with liquidity provisions expiring on April 2, 2024 and a final maturity date of April 2, 2025.
Private education loan warehouse facility
As of March 31, 2023, the Company's private education warehouse facility had an outstanding balance of $47.9 million, liquidity provisions through June 30, 2023, a final maturity of December 31, 2023, and $19.4 million was advanced as equity support. No additional amounts can be borrowed under this facility.
Consumer loan warehouse facility
As of March 31, 2023, the Company's consumer loan warehouse facility had an aggregate maximum financing amount available of $250.0from $200 million an advance rate of 70%, liquidity provisions through November 14, 2024, and a final maturity date of November 14, 2025. As of March 31, 2023, $82.4 million was outstanding under this facility, $167.6 million was available for future funding, and the Company had $35.2 million advanced as equity support.to $150 million.
Unsecured Line of Credit
The Company has a $495.0 million unsecured line of credit that has a maturity date of September 22, 2026. As of March 31, 2023,2024, no amount was outstanding on the line of credit and $495.0 million was available for future use subject to certain financial covenants, including limitations on recourse indebtedness to adjusted EBITDA (over the last four rolling quarters). Of the $495.0 million availability, approximately $260 million was available for purposes other than reducing existing recourse debt due to the limitations on recourse indebtedness to adjusted EBITDA financial covenant.use.
ParticipationRepurchase Agreement
The Company has ana repurchase agreement with Union Bank and Trust Company ("Union Bank"), a related party, as trustee for various grantor trusts, under which Union Bank has agreed to purchase from the Company participation interests in FFELP loan asset-backed securities (bond investments). As of March 31, 2023, $311.8 million (par value) of FFELP loan asset-backed securities were subject to outstanding participation interests held by Union Bank, as trustee, under this agreement. The agreement automatically renews annually and is terminable by either party upon five business days' notice. On May 4, 2023, the agreement automatically renewed for another year through May 4, 2024. The Company can participate FFELP loan asset-backed securities to Union Bank to the extent of availability under the grantor trusts, up to $400.0 million or an amount in excess of $400.0 million if mutually agreed to by both parties. The Company maintains legal ownership of the FFELP loan asset-backed securities and, in its discretion, approves and accomplishes any sale, assignment, transfer, encumbrance, or other disposition of the securities. As such, the FFELP loan asset-backed securities subject to this agreement are included on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as "investments and notes receivable" and the participation interests outstanding have been accounted for by the Company as a secured borrowing.
See note 5 for additional information about the FFELP loan asset-backed securities investments serving as collateral under this participation agreement.
Repurchase Agreements
On May 3, 2021 and June 23, 2021, the Company entered into repurchase agreements with non-affiliated third parties,party, the proceeds of which are collateralized by certain private education and FFELP loan asset-backed securities (bond investments). The firstoutstanding balance under this agreement as of March 31, 2024 was $114.5 million. The agreement has various maturity dates through November 27,December 20, 2024 or earlier if either party provides 180 days’ prior written notice, and the second agreement has various maturity dates (as of March 31, 2023) from April 6, 2023 through November 27, 2024. Subsequent to March 31, 2023, the maturities on this agreement were extended, and as of May 8, 2023, the maturity dates vary from May 26, 2023 through November 27, 2024. Under the first agreement, the Company is subject to margin deficit payment requirements if the fair value of the securities subject to the agreement is less than the original purchase
17



price of such securities on any scheduled reset date, and under the second agreement, the Company could be subject to margin deficit payment requirements if the fair value of the securities subject to the agreement is less than the original purchase price of such securities and the counter-party provides notice requiring such payment. Included in “bonds and notes payable” in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2023 was $291.9 million subject to the first agreement and $141.1 million subject to the second agreement.
on any scheduled reset date. See note 5 and below under "Debt Repurchases" for additional information about the private education and FFELP loan asset-backed securities investments respectively, serving as collateral for thesethis repurchase agreements.
Nelnet Bank
Nelnet Bank has Federal Funds lines of credit with correspondent banks totaling $30.0 million at a stated interest rate at the time of borrowing. As of March 31, 2023, no amounts were drawn on these lines of credit.agreement.
Debt Repurchases
The following table summarizes the Company's repurchases of its own debt. Gains/losses recorded by the Company from the repurchase of debt are included in "other, net" in "other income (expense)" on the Company's consolidated statements of income.
Three months ended March 31,
20232022
Purchase price$(828)(18,454)
Par value908 18,530 
Remaining unamortized cost of issuance(2)(45)
Gain$78 31 
The Company has repurchased certain of its own asset-backed securities (bonds and notes payable) in the secondary market. For accounting purposes, these notes are eliminated in consolidation and are not included in the Company's consolidated financial statements. However, these securities remain legally outstanding at the trust level and the Company could sell these notes to third parties or redeem the notes at par as cash is generated by the trust estate. Upon a sale of these notes to third parties, the Company would obtain cash proceeds equal to the market value of the notes on the date of such sale. As of March 31, 2023,2024, the Company holds $397.8$310.3 million (par value) of its own FFELP loan asset-backed securities. As of March 31, 2023, $197.5 million (par value) of the Company's repurchased FFELP loan asset-backed securities were serving as collateral on amounts outstanding under the Company's repurchase agreements (as discussed above).
Subsequent Event
Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, in April 2023, the Company redeemed $188.6 million of FFELP loan asset-backed securities (bonds and notes payable) prior to their legal maturity, of which the Company owned $140.5 million of the bonds that were redeemed. The remaining unamortized debt discount associated with these bonds at the time of redemption was written-off, resulting in a $25.9 million non-cash expense recognized in April 2023.
17



4.  Derivative Financial Instruments
Non-Nelnet Bank Derivatives
The Company uses settled-to-market derivative financial instruments primarily to manage interest rate risk. Derivative instruments used as part of the Company's interest rate risk management strategy are further described in note 65 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 20222023 Annual Report. A tabular presentation of such derivatives outstanding as of March 31, 20232024 and December 31, 20222023 is presented below.

18



Basis Swaps
The following table summarizes the Company’s outstanding basis swaps as of March 31, 20232024 and December 31, 2022,2023, in which the Company receives and pays the term adjusted Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus the tenor spread adjustment to LIBOR. Prior to the discontinuation of LIBOR on June 30, 2023, the Company received three-month LIBOR set discretely in advance and payspaid one-month LIBOR plus or minus a spread as defined in the agreements (the "1:3 Basis Swaps").
Maturity
Maturity
MaturityMaturityNotional amountNotional amount
As ofAs of
March 31, 2023December 31, 2022
2023$— 750,000 
2024
2024
202420241,750,000 1,750,000 
202620261,150,000 1,150,000 
2026
2026
2027
2027
20272027250,000 250,000 
$3,150,000 3,900,000 
$
$
$
The weighted average rate paid by the Company on the 1:3 Basis Swaps as of March 31, 20232024 and December 31, 20222023 was one-month LIBORthe term adjusted SOFR (plus the tenor spread adjustment relating to LIBOR) plus 10.1 basis points and 9.7 basis points, respectively.points.
Interest Rate Swaps – Floor Income Hedges
The following table summarizes the outstanding derivative instruments used by the Company as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income as of December 31, 2022.income.
MaturityNotional amountWeighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)
2024$2,000,000 0.35 %
2026500,000 1.02 
2031100,000 1.53 
2032 (b)200,000 2.92 
 $2,800,000 0.70 %
MaturityNotional amountWeighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)
2026$200,000 3.92 %
202850,000 3.56 
2029 (b)50,000 3.17 
2030 (c)100,000 3.63 
 $400,000 3.71 %
(a)    For the interest rate derivatives maturing in 2032, the Company was to receive payments based on Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) that reset quarterly. For all other interest rate derivatives, the Company receivedreceives payments based on three-month LIBOR thatSOFR, the majority of which reset quarterly.
(b)    These derivatives hadThis $50 million notional amount derivative has a forward effective start datesdate in January 2026.
(c)    A $50 million notional amount derivative maturing in 2030 has a forward effective start date in November 2024.2025.
All over-the-counter derivative contracts executed byDuring the Company are cleared post-execution at a regulated clearinghouse. Clearing is a process by which a third party, the clearinghouse, steps in between the original counterparties and guarantees the performancefirst quarter of both, by requiring that each post liquid collateral on an initial (initial margin) and mark-to-market (variation margin) basis to cover the clearinghouse’s potential future exposure in the event of default. Through March 15, 2023, the Company had received cash or had a receivable from the clearinghouse related to variation margin equal to the fair value of the fixed rate floor derivatives as of March 15, 2023 of $183.2 million, which included $19.1 million related to current period settlements. To minimize the Company's exposure2023 settlements, to market volatility, the Company terminated its entire derivative portfolio hedging loans earning fixed rate floor income ($2.8terminate $2.8 billion in notional amount of derivatives).floor income interest rate swaps prior to their final maturity.

18



Nelnet Bank Derivatives
Interest Rate Swaps
The following table summarizes the outstanding non-centrally cleared derivative instruments used by Nelnet Bank as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, to hedge exposure to variability in cash flows related to variable rate intercompany deposits.
MaturityNotional amountWeighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)
2028$40,000 3.33 %
2030 (b)50,000 3.06 
2032 (c)25,000 4.03 
2033 (d)25,000 3.90 
 $140,000 3.46 %
(a)    For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives payments based on SOFR that reset monthly or quarterly.
(b)    These $25 million notional amount derivatives have forward effective start dates in April 2026 and May 2026, respectively.
(c)    This $25 million notional amount derivative has a forward effective start date in February 2027.
(d)    This $25 million notional amount derivative has a forward effective start date in November 2025.
Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives -
Balance Sheets
Unlike the Company's Non-Nelnet Bank derivatives, Nelnet Bank's derivatives are not cleared post-execution at a regulated clearinghouse. As such, the Company records these derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis as either an asset (included in "other assets") or liability (included in "other liabilities") measured at fair value. The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company's Nelnet Bank derivatives as reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.
Fair value of asset derivativesFair value of liability derivatives
As of March 31, 2024As of December 31, 2023As of March 31, 2024As of December 31, 2023
Interest rate swaps - Nelnet Bank$1,820 452 1,085 1,976 
Statements of Income
The following table summarizes the components of "derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net" included in the consolidated statements of income.
Three months ended March 31,
 20232022
Settlements:  
1:3 basis swaps$859 396 
Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges (a)22,478 (3,205)
Total settlements - income (expense)23,337 (2,809)
Change in fair value:  
1:3 basis swaps(23)889 
Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges (a)(37,388)144,845 
Total change in fair value - (expense) income(37,411)145,734 
Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net - (expense) income$(14,074)142,925 
Three months ended March 31,
 20242023
Settlements:  
1:3 basis swaps$365 859 
Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges1,190 22,478 
Interest rate swaps - Nelnet Bank202 — 
Total settlements - income1,757 23,337 
Change in fair value:  
1:3 basis swaps(354)(23)
Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges6,060 (37,388)
Interest rate swaps - Nelnet Bank2,258 — 
Total change in fair value - income (expense)7,964 (37,411)
Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net - income (expense)$9,721 (14,074)
(a)    As a result of the Company terminating all its interest rate swaps hedging loans earning fixed rate floor income on March 15, 2023 (as discussed above), there will be no derivative settlements and changes in fair value on these derivatives in future periods.
19



5.  Investments and Notes Receivable
Investments"Restricted investments" and “investments and notes receivablereceivable” consisted of the following:
As of March 31, 2024As of March 31, 2024As of December 31, 2023
Amortized costAmortized costGross unrealized gainsGross unrealized lossesFair valueAmortized costGross unrealized gainsGross unrealized lossesFair value
Restricted available-for-sale investments (at fair value):
FFELP loan and other debt securities
FFELP loan and other debt securities
FFELP loan and other debt securities
Non-restricted available-for-sale investments (at fair value):
As of March 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
Non-Nelnet Bank:
Amortized costGross unrealized gainsGross unrealized lossesFair valueAmortized costGross unrealized gainsGross unrealized lossesFair value
Non-Nelnet Bank:
Amortized costGross unrealized gainsGross unrealized lossesFair valueAmortized costGross unrealized gainsGross unrealized lossesFair value
Investments (at fair value):
Available-for-sale asset-backed securities
Non-Nelnet Bank:Non-Nelnet Bank:
FFELP loan (a)$336,327 4,175 (7,926)332,576 463,861 3,498 (11,105)456,254 
Private education loan (b)321,120 — (26,531)294,589 335,903 — (29,438)306,465 
FFELP loan
FFELP loan
FFELP loan
Private education loan (a)
Other debt securitiesOther debt securities53,743 2,365 (803)55,305 158,589 151 (3,790)154,950 
Total Non-Nelnet BankTotal Non-Nelnet Bank711,190 6,540 (35,260)682,470 958,353 3,649 (44,333)917,669 
Nelnet Bank:Nelnet Bank:
FFELP loan (c)240,348 754 (3,622)237,480 349,855 955 (8,853)341,957 
FFELP loan
FFELP loan
FFELP loan
Private education loanPrivate education loan1,818 — (101)1,717 1,941 — (122)1,819 
Other debt securitiesOther debt securities152,571 14 (3,549)149,036 131,481 18 (3,907)127,592 
Total Nelnet BankTotal Nelnet Bank394,737 768 (7,272)388,233 483,277 973 (12,882)471,368 
Total available-for-sale asset-backed securitiesTotal available-for-sale asset-backed securities$1,105,927 7,308 (42,532)1,070,703 1,441,630 4,622 (57,215)1,389,037 
Equity securitiesEquity securities35,663 39,082 
Total investments at fair valueTotal investments at fair value1,106,366 1,428,119 
Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value):Other Investments and Notes Receivable (not measured at fair value):
Held to maturity investments
Held-to-maturity investments
Held-to-maturity investments
Held-to-maturity investments
Non-Nelnet Bank:Non-Nelnet Bank:
Debt securities (d)4,700 18,554 
Non-Nelnet Bank:
Non-Nelnet Bank:
Debt securities
Debt securities
Debt securities
Nelnet Bank:Nelnet Bank:
FFELP loan asset-backed securities (c)149,179 — 
Other debt securities240 220
FFELP loan asset-backed securities
FFELP loan asset-backed securities
FFELP loan asset-backed securities
Private education loan asset-backed securities
Total Nelnet BankTotal Nelnet Bank149,419 220 
Total held to maturity investments154,119 18,774 
Total held-to-maturity investments
Venture capital and funds:Venture capital and funds:
Measurement alternative (e)191,731 160,052 
Measurement alternative
Measurement alternative
Measurement alternative
Equity methodEquity method98,217 89,332 
Total venture capital and fundsTotal venture capital and funds289,948 249,384 
Real estate:Real estate:
Equity methodEquity method84,526 80,364 
Equity method
Equity method
Investment in ALLO:Investment in ALLO:
Voting interest/equity method (f)55,756 67,538 
Preferred membership interest and accrued and unpaid preferred return (g)148,175 145,926 
Voting interest/equity method (b)
Voting interest/equity method (b)
Voting interest/equity method (b)
Preferred membership interest and accrued and unpaid preferred return (c)
Total investment in ALLOTotal investment in ALLO203,931 213,464 
Beneficial interest in loan securitizations (h):
Consumer loans and other81,399 39,249 
Beneficial interest in loan securitizations (d):
Consumer loans
Consumer loans
Consumer loans
Private education loansPrivate education loans72,898 75,261 
Federally insured student loansFederally insured student loans23,591 24,228 
Total beneficial interest in loan securitizationsTotal beneficial interest in loan securitizations177,888 138,738 
Solar (i)(66,353)(55,448)
Solar (e)
Notes receivableNotes receivable30,246 31,106 
Tax liens, affordable housing, and otherTax liens, affordable housing, and other6,899 7,416 
Total investments (not measured at fair value)Total investments (not measured at fair value)881,204 683,798 
Total investments and notes receivableTotal investments and notes receivable$1,987,570 $2,111,917 
20



(a)    A portion of FFELPthe private education loan asset-backed securities were subject to participation interests held by Union Bank,a repurchase agreement with a third party, as discussed in note 3 under "Participation"Repurchase Agreement." As of March 31, 2023,2024, the par value and fair value of these securities was $311.8$151.9 million and $289.1$135.3 million, respectively.
(b)    A portion of private education loan asset-backed securities were subject to repurchase agreements with third parties, as discussed in note 3 under "Repurchase Agreements." As of March 31, 2023, the par value and fair value of these securities was $321.6 million and $294.6 million, respectively.
(c)    On March 31, 2023, securities at Nelnet Bank with a fair value of $149.2 million were transferred from available for sale to held to maturity. The securities were reclassified at fair value at the time of the transfer, and such transfer represented a non-cash transaction. Accumulated other comprehensive income as of March 31, 2023 includes pre-tax unrealized losses of $3.7 million related to the transfer. These unrealized losses will be amortized, consistent with the amortization of any discounts on such securities, over the remaining lives of the respective securities as an adjustment of yield.
(d)    On March 31, 2023, certain Non-Nelnet Bank debt securities were transferred from held to maturity to available for sale.
(e)    The Company has an investment in Agile Sports Technologies, Inc. (doing business as “Hudl”) that is included in “venture capital and funds” in the above table. On February 6, 2023, the Company acquired additional ownership interests in Hudl for $31.5 million. Such ownership interests were purchased by the Company from certain existing Hudl investors. The Company accounts for its investment in Hudl using the measurement alternative method, which requires it to adjust its carrying value of the investment for changes resulting from observable market transactions. The February 6, 2023 transaction was not considered an observable market transaction (not orderly) because it was not subject to customary marketing activities, and the price was privately negotiated between the Company and the selling parties. Accordingly, the Company did not adjust its carrying value of its Hudl investment to the February 2023 transaction value. As of March 31, 2023, the carrying amount of the Company's investment in Hudl is $165.5 million, and the Company's equity ownership interests did not materially change as a result of the February 6, 2023 transaction. David S. Graff, who has served on the Company's Board of Directors since May 2014, is CEO, co-founder, and a director of Hudl.
(f)    During the first quarter of 2023, the Company contributed $8.4 million of additional equity to ALLO Holdings LLC, a holding company for ALLO Communications LLC (collectively referred to as "ALLO"). As a result of this equity contribution, the Company's voting membership interests percentage in ALLO did not materially change.
The Company accounts for its voting membership interests in ALLO under the Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value (HLBV) method of accounting. During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, theThe Company recognized losses of $20.2 million and $13.1 million, respectively, under the HLBV method of accounting on its ALLO voting membership interests investment. Incomeinvestment of $10.7 million and losses$20.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Losses from the Company's investment in ALLO are included in "other, net" in "other income (expense)" on the consolidated statements of income. Absent additional equity contributions, the Company will not recognize additional losses for its voting membership interests in ALLO.
(g)(c)    As of March 31, 2023,2024, the outstanding preferred membership interests and accrued and unpaid preferred return of ALLO held by the Company was $145.9$155.0 million and $2.2$2.4 million, respectively. The preferred membership interests of ALLO held by the Company earnhistorically earned a preferred annual return of 6.25%. that increased to 10.00% on April 1, 2024. The Company recognized income on its ALLO preferred membership interests of $2.2$2.4 million and $2.1$2.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 20232024 and 2022,2023, respectively. This income is included in "other, net" in "other income (expense)" on the consolidated statements of income.
(h)(d)    The Company has partial ownership in certain consumer, private education, and federally insured student loan securitizations. As of the latest remittance reports filed by the various trusts prior to or as of March 31, 2023,2024, the Company's ownership correlates to approximately $585$965 million, $590$490 million, and $370$335 million of consumer, private education, and federally insured student loans, respectively, included in these securitizations.
(i)(e)    As of March 31, 2023,2024, the Company has funded a total of $294.4$491.8 million in solar investments, which includes $115.9$208.9 million funded by syndication partners. The carrying value of the Company’s investment in a solar project is reduced by tax credits earned when the solar project is placed-in-service. As of March 31, 2024, the Company has earned a total of $511.6 million of tax credits, which includes $248.6 million earned by syndication partners. The solar investment carrying value on the consolidated balance sheet of $(133.8) million as of March 31, 20232024 represents the sum of total tax credits earned on solar projects placed-in-service through March 31, 20232024 and the calculated HLBV cumulative net losses being larger than the total investment contributions made by the Company and its syndication partners on such projects. AsThe solar investment balance as of March 31, 2023,2024, excluding the Company is committed to fund an additional $220.3 million on tax equity investments, of which $141.4 million is expected to be providedportion owned by syndication partners.partners and reflected as "noncontrolling interests" on the consolidated balance sheet, was $(70.1) million.
The Company accounts for its solar investments using the HLBV method of accounting. For the majority of the Company’s solar investments, the HLBV method of accounting results in accelerated losses in the initial years of investment. The Company recognized net gains of $3.0 million and net losses of $1.9 million on its solar investments of $1.9 million and $1.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 20232024 and 2022,2023, respectively. These losses,amounts, which include net losses attributable to third-party noncontrolling interest investors (syndication partners), are included in “other, net” in "other income (expense)" on the consolidated statements of income. Solar net losses attributed to noncontrolling interest investors was $2.7$1.2 million and $1.8$2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 20232024 and 2022,2023, respectively, and is reflected in “net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests” in the consolidated statements of income. Excluding net losses attributed to noncontrolling interest investors, the Company recognized net gains on its solar investments of $4.2 million and $0.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
As of March 31, 2024, the Company is committed to fund an additional $146.6 million on solar investments, of which $76.2 million is expected to be provided by syndication partners.

21



The following table presents, by remaining contractual maturity, the amortized cost and fair value of debt securities as of March 31, 2024:
As of March 31, 2024
1 year or lessAfter 1 year through 5 yearsAfter 5 years through 10 yearsAfter 10 yearsTotal
Available-for-sale asset-backed securities
Restricted Investments:
FFELP loan and other debt securities$— 9,267 4,017 21,674 34,958 
Fair value— 9,270 4,037 22,769 36,076 
Non-Nelnet Bank:
FFELP loan8,796 9,206 22,190 223,143 263,335 
Private education loan— — — 269,983 269,983 
Other debt securities— 99 — 20,487 20,586 
Total Non-Nelnet Bank8,796 9,305 22,190 513,613 553,904 
Fair value8,697 9,244 21,651 497,751 537,343 
Nelnet Bank:
FFELP loan60,739 22,744 26,144 190,608 300,235 
Private education loan— — 15,940 13,500 29,440 
Other debt securities— 47,839 11,868 51,208 110,915 
Total Nelnet Bank60,739 70,583 53,952 255,316 440,590 
Fair value61,249 70,585 53,924 259,510 445,268 
Total available-for-sale asset-backed securities at amortized cost$69,535 89,155 80,159 790,603 1,029,452 
Total available-for-sale asset-backed securities at fair value$69,946 89,099 79,612 780,030 1,018,687 
Held-to-maturity investments
Non-Nelnet Bank:
Debt securities$4,700 — — — 4,700 
Fair value4,700 — — — 4,700 
Nelnet Bank:
FFELP loan asset-backed securities— 3,278 1,407 143,753 148,438 
Private education loan asset-backed securities— — — 8,100 8,100 
Total Nelnet Bank— 3,278 1,407 151,853 156,538 
Fair value— 3,351 1,435 155,007 159,793 
Total held-to-maturity investments at amortized cost$4,700 3,278 1,407 151,853 161,238 
Total held-to-maturity investments at fair value$4,700 3,351 1,435 155,007 164,493 
Beneficial interest in loan securitizations (a):
Amortized cost$— — — — 235,824 
Fair value$— — — — 260,537 
(a) The Company's beneficial interest in loan securitizations are not due at a singe maturity date.
The following table summarizes the unrealized positions for held-to-maturity investments and the beneficial interest in loan securitizations as of March 31, 2024:
Carrying valueGross unrealized gainsGross unrealized losses (a)Fair value
Asset-backed and other securities$161,238 3,302 (47)164,493 
Beneficial interest in loan securitizations235,824 28,806 (4,093)260,537 
(a) None of the unrealized losses at March 31, 2023:2024 were due to credit losses.
As of March 31, 2023
1 year or lessAfter 1 year through 5 yearsAfter 5 years through 10 yearsAfter 10 yearsTotal
Available-for-sale asset-backed securities
Non-Nelnet Bank:
FFELP loan$26,196 12,274 50,051 247,806 336,327 
Private education loan— — — 321,120 321,120 
Other debt securities— 99 — 53,644 53,743 
Total Non-Nelnet Bank26,196 12,373 50,051 622,570 711,190 
Fair value25,997 12,308 48,679 595,486 682,470 
Nelnet Bank:
FFELP loan39,728 6,933 34,659 159,028 240,348 
Private education loan— — — 1,818 1,818 
Other debt securities— 23,084 92,316 37,171 152,571 
Total Nelnet Bank39,728 30,017 126,975 198,017 394,737 
Fair value39,139 29,704 124,228 195,162 388,233 
Total available-for-sale asset-backed securities at amortized cost$65,924 42,390 177,026 820,587 1,105,927 
Total available-for-sale asset-backed securities at fair value$65,136 42,012 172,907 790,648 1,070,703 
Held to maturity investments
Non-Nelnet Bank:
Debt securities$4,700 — — — 4,700 
Fair value4,700 — — — 4,700 
Nelnet Bank:
FFELP loan asset-backed securities— — 3,797 145,382 149,179 
Other debt securities240 — — — 240 
Total Nelnet Bank240 — 3,797 145,382 149,419 
Fair value240 — 3,797 145,382 149,419 
Total held-to-maturity investments at amortized cost$4,940 — 3,797 145,382 154,119 
Total held-to-maturity investments at fair value$4,940 — 3,797 145,382 154,119 

22



The following table presents thesecurities classified as available-for-sale that have gross unrealized losses at March 31, 2024 and the fair value of such securities classified as available for sale atof March 31, 2023.2024. These securities are segregated between investments that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months and twelve months or more, based on the point in time that the fair value declined below the amortized cost basis. All securities in the table below have been evaluated to determine if a credit loss exists. As part of that assessment, the Company concluded it currently has the intent and ability to retain these investments, and none of the unrealized losses were due to credit losses.
As of March 31, 2023
Unrealized loss position less than 12 monthsUnrealized loss position 12 months or moreTotal
Available-for-sale asset-backed securitiesUnrealized lossFair valueUnrealized lossFair valueUnrealized lossFair value
Non-Nelnet Bank:
FFELP loan$(5,324)182,059 (2,602)44,238 (7,926)226,297 
Private education loan— — (26,531)294,590 (26,531)294,590 
Other debt securities(803)21,462 — — (803)21,462 
Total Non-Nelnet Bank(6,127)203,521 (29,133)338,828 (35,260)542,349 
Nelnet Bank:
FFELP loan(2,891)155,672 (731)37,285 (3,622)192,957 
Private education loan(101)1,717 — — (101)1,717 
Other debt securities(3,492)111,638 (57)3,940 (3,549)115,578 
Total Nelnet Bank(6,484)269,027 (788)41,225 (7,272)310,252 
Total available-for-sale asset-backed securities$(12,611)472,548 (29,921)380,053 (42,532)852,601 
As of December 31, 2022, the aggregate fair value of available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses was $1.2 billion.
22



As of March 31, 2024
Unrealized loss position less than 12 monthsUnrealized loss position 12 months or moreTotal
Unrealized lossFair valueUnrealized lossFair valueUnrealized lossFair value
Available-for-sale asset-backed securities
Restricted Investments:
FFELP loan and other debt securities$(80)8,175 — — (80)8,175 
Non-Nelnet Bank:
FFELP loan(335)16,011 (2,708)119,466 (3,043)135,477 
Private education loan— — (21,547)248,436 (21,547)248,436 
Total Non-Nelnet Bank(335)16,011 (24,255)367,902 (24,590)383,913 
Nelnet Bank:
FFELP loan(779)26,112 (832)34,654 (1,611)60,766 
Other debt securities(63)15,088 (1,435)14,713 (1,498)29,801 
Total Nelnet Bank(842)41,200 (2,267)49,367 (3,109)90,567 
Total available-for-sale asset-backed securities$(1,257)65,386 (26,522)417,269 (27,779)482,655 
The following table summarizes the gross proceeds received and gross realized gains and losses related to sales of available-for-sale asset-backed securities.
Gross realized gainsGross realized lossesGross proceeds from sales
Three months ended March 31, 2023$1,274 (6,256)492,173 
Three months ended March 31, 20222,965 (172)113,980 
Three months ended
March 31,
20242023
Gross proceeds from sales$153,373 492,173 
Gross realized gains$1,054 1,274 
Gross realized losses(502)(6,256)
Net gains (losses)$552 (4,982)
23



6. Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consisted of the following:
Weighted average remaining useful life as of
March 31, 2023 (months)
As ofAs of
March 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Amortizable intangible assets, net:  
Customer relationships (net of accumulated amortization of $57,285 and $55,116, respectively)110$49,569 51,738 
Trade names (net of accumulated amortization of $882 and $617, respectively)1118,028 8,293 
Computer software (net of accumulated amortization of $6,514 and $6,400, respectively)491,406 1,520 
Other (net of accumulated amortization of $655 and $490, respectively)511,785 1,950 
Total - amortizable intangible assets, net107$60,788 63,501 
Weighted average remaining useful life as of
March 31, 2024 (months)
As ofAs of
March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Amortizable intangible assets, net:  
Customer relationships (net of accumulated amortization of $48,617 and $46,573, respectively)102$40,987 43,031 
Trade names (net of accumulated amortization of $148 and $8,268, respectively)97622 642 
Computer software (net of accumulated amortization of $659 and $574, respectively)371,061 1,146 
Total amortizable intangible assets, net100$42,670 44,819 
The Company recorded amortization expense on its intangible assets of $2.7$2.1 million and $2.5$2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 20232024 and 2022,2023, respectively. The Company will continue to amortize intangible assets over their remaining useful lives. As of March 31, 2023,2024, the Company estimates it will record amortization expense as follows:
2023 (April 1 - December 31)$7,648 
20249,773 
2024 (April 1 - December 31)
202520258,145 
202620267,262 
202720276,736 
2028 and thereafter21,224 
2028
2029 and thereafter
$60,788 
7. Goodwill
The following table presents the carrying amount of goodwill as of March 31, 20232024 and December 31, 20222023 by reportable operating segment:
Loan Servicing and SystemsEducation Technology, Services, and Payment ProcessingAsset Generation and ManagementNelnet BankCorporate and Other ActivitiesTotal
Goodwill balance$23,639 92,507 41,883 — 18,873 176,902 
Nelnet Financial Services
Loan Servicing and SystemsEducation Technology Services and PaymentsAsset
Generation and
Management
Nelnet BankNFS Other Operating SegmentsCorporate and Other ActivitiesTotal
Total goodwill$23,639 92,507 41,883 — — — 158,029 
23



8.  Bank Deposits
Deposits areThe following table summarizes Nelnet Bank’s interest-bearing deposits, excluding intercompany deposits:
As ofAs of
March 31, 2024December 31, 2023
Retail and other savings$575,732 517,960 
Brokered CDs, net of brokered deposit fees204,174 203,522 
Retail and other CDs (commercial and institutional)19,320 20,060 
Commercial2,835 2,057 
Total interest-bearing deposits$802,061 743,599 
As of March 31, 2024 and consist of brokered certificates of deposit (CDs) and retail and other savings deposits and CDs. Retail and other deposits include savings deposits from Educational 529 College Savings and Health Savings plans, Short Term Federal Investment Trusts (STFIT), and commercial and institutional CDs. Union Bank and Trust Company (“Union Bank”), a related party, is the program manager for the College Savings plans and trustee for the STFIT Trust. CDs are accounts that have a stipulated maturity and interest rate. For savings accounts, the depositor may be required to give written notice of any intended withdrawal no less than seven days before the withdrawal is made. Generally, early withdrawal of brokered CDs is prohibited (except in the case of death or legal incapacity).
December 31, 2023, Nelnet Bank hashad intercompany deposits from Nelnet, Inc. and its subsidiaries totaling $158.6 million and $104.0 million, respectively, including a $40.0 million pledged deposit from Nelnet, Inc. as required under a Capital and Liquidity Maintenance Agreement with the FDIC. All intercompany deposits held at Nelnet Bank are eliminated for consolidated financial reporting purposes.
The following table summarizes Nelnet Bank’s interest-bearing deposits, excluding intercompany deposits:
24


As ofAs of
March 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Brokered CDs, net of brokered deposit fees$203,714 254,817 
Retail and other savings (529, STFIT, and HSA)447,792 410,556 
Retail and other CDs (commercial and institutional)24,261 25,949 
Total interest-bearing deposits$675,767 691,322 

The following table presents certificates of deposit remaining maturities as of March 31, 2023:2024:
One year or less$— 
After one year to two years63,026 
After two years to three years$159,320 65,513 
After three years to four years162,115348 
After four years to five years347800 
After five years— 
Total$227,975223,494 
TheRetail and other deposits include savings deposits from Educational 529 College Savings, STFIT,Short Term Federal Investment Trusts, and Health Savings plan deposits. These deposits are large interest-bearing omnibus accounts structured to allow FDIC insurance to flow through to underlying individual depositors. Except for the pledged deposit from Nelnet, Inc. and an earmarked deposit required for intercompany transactions, thereThere were no deposits exceeding the FDIC insurance limits as of March 31, 20232024, with the exception of $45.0 million, which includes the commercial deposit, the pledged deposit from Nelnet, Inc., and December 31, 2022.an earmarked deposit required for intercompany transactions.
9.  Earnings per Common Share
The following table presents the components used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share. The Company applies the two-class method in computing both basic and diluted earnings per share, which requires the calculation of separate earnings per share amounts for common stock and unvested share-based awards. Unvested share-based awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered securities which participate in undistributed earnings with common stock.
Three months ended March 31, Three months ended March 31,
20232022
Common shareholdersUnvested restricted stock shareholdersTotalCommon shareholdersUnvested restricted stock shareholdersTotal
202420242023
Common shareholdersCommon shareholdersUnvested restricted stock shareholdersTotalCommon shareholdersUnvested restricted stock shareholdersTotal
Numerator:Numerator:
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$25,945 542 26,487 183,328 3,319 186,647 
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
Denominator:Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and dilutedWeighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted36,580,204 764,400 37,344,604 37,365,339 676,495 38,041,834 
Earnings per share - basic and dilutedEarnings per share - basic and diluted$0.71 0.71 0.71 4.91 4.91 4.91 

2425



10.  Segment Reporting
See note 1716 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 20222023 Annual Report for a description of the Company's operating segments. The following tables present the results of each of the Company's reportable operating segments reconciled to the consolidated financial statements.
Three months ended March 31, 2023 Three months ended March 31, 2024
Loan Servicing and SystemsEducation Technology, Services, and Payment ProcessingAsset
Generation and
Management
Nelnet BankCorporate and Other ActivitiesEliminationsTotal
Nelnet Financial Services
Loan Servicing and Systems
Loan Servicing and Systems
Loan Servicing and SystemsEducation Technology Services and PaymentsAsset
Generation and
Management
Nelnet BankNFS Other Operating SegmentsCorporate and Other ActivitiesEliminationsTotal
Total interest incomeTotal interest income$1,037 6,036 234,719 12,259 21,199 (9,282)265,968 
Interest expenseInterest expense— — 189,198 7,214 12,318 (9,282)199,449 
Net interest incomeNet interest income1,037 6,036 45,521 5,045 8,881 — 66,519 
Less provision (negative provision) for loan losses— — 31,858 2,417 — — 34,275 
Less provision for loan losses
Net interest income after provision for loan lossesNet interest income after provision for loan losses1,037 6,036 13,663 2,628 8,881 — 32,244 
Other income (expense):Other income (expense):
Loan servicing and systems revenueLoan servicing and systems revenue139,227 — — — — — 139,227 
Loan servicing and systems revenue
Loan servicing and systems revenue
Intersegment revenueIntersegment revenue7,790 56 — — — (7,846)— 
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue— 133,603 — — — — 133,603 
Education technology services and payments revenue
Solar construction revenueSolar construction revenue— — — — 8,651 — 8,651 
Other, netOther, net608 — 2,845 210 (17,734)— (14,071)
Gain on sale of loans, net— — 11,812 — — — 11,812 
(Loss) gain on sale of loans, net
Derivative settlements, netDerivative settlements, net— — 23,337 — — — 23,337 
Derivative settlements, net
Derivative settlements, net
Derivative market value adjustments, netDerivative market value adjustments, net— — (37,411)— — — (37,411)
Total other income (expense)147,625 133,659 583 210 (9,083)(7,846)265,148 
Total other income (expense), net
Cost of services:Cost of services:
Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services— 47,704 — — — — 47,704 
Cost to provide education technology services and payments
Cost to provide education technology services and payments
Cost to provide education technology services and payments
Cost to provide solar construction servicesCost to provide solar construction services— — — — 8,299 — 8,299 
Total cost of servicesTotal cost of services— 47,704 — — 8,299 — 56,003 
Operating expenses:Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits
Salaries and benefits
Salaries and benefitsSalaries and benefits84,560 37,913 755 2,064 27,419 — 152,710 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization4,513 2,578 — 9,531 — 16,627 
Other expensesOther expenses13,313 8,063 5,016 782 13,611 — 40,785 
Intersegment expenses, netIntersegment expenses, net21,057 5,800 8,696 80 (27,787)(7,846)— 
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses123,443 54,354 14,467 2,931 22,774 (7,846)210,122 
Income (loss) before income taxesIncome (loss) before income taxes25,219 37,637 (221)(93)(31,275)— 31,267 
Income tax (expense) benefitIncome tax (expense) benefit(6,053)(9,066)53 35 6,781 — (8,250)
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)19,166 28,571 (168)(58)(24,494)— 23,017 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests— 138 — — 3,332 — 3,470 
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$19,166 28,709 (168)(58)(21,162)— 26,487 
Total assets as of March 31, 2023$232,667 424,742 14,939,324 1,000,659 2,207,722 (722,505)18,082,609 
Total assets as of March 31, 2024
Total assets as of March 31, 2024
Total assets as of March 31, 2024


2526



Three months ended March 31, 2022 Three months ended March 31, 2023
Loan Servicing and SystemsEducation Technology, Services, and Payment ProcessingAsset
Generation and
Management
Nelnet BankCorporate and Other ActivitiesEliminationsTotal
Nelnet Financial Services
Loan Servicing and Systems
Loan Servicing and Systems
Loan Servicing and SystemsEducation Technology Services and PaymentsAsset
Generation and
Management
Nelnet BankNFS Other Operating SegmentsCorporate and Other ActivitiesEliminationsTotal
Total interest incomeTotal interest income$67 339 118,598 3,030 3,992 (828)125,196 
Interest expenseInterest expense24 — 46,003 856 2,026 (828)48,079 
Net interest incomeNet interest income43 339 72,595 2,174 1,966 — 77,117 
Less provision (negative provision) for loan losses— — (864)429 — — (435)
Less provision for loan losses
Net interest income after provision for loan lossesNet interest income after provision for loan losses43 339 73,459 1,745 1,966 — 77,552 
Other income (expense):Other income (expense):
Loan servicing and systems revenueLoan servicing and systems revenue136,368 — — — — — 136,368 
Loan servicing and systems revenue
Loan servicing and systems revenue
Intersegment revenueIntersegment revenue8,480 — — — (8,483)— 
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue— 112,286 — — — — 112,286 
Education technology services and payments revenue
Solar construction revenueSolar construction revenue— — — — — — — 
Other, netOther, net740 — 6,511 1,500 1,125 — 9,877 
Gain on sale of loans, net— — 2,989 — — — 2,989 
(Loss) gain on sale of loans, net
Derivative settlements, netDerivative settlements, net— — (2,809)— — — (2,809)
Derivative settlements, net
Derivative settlements, net
Derivative market value adjustments, netDerivative market value adjustments, net— — 145,734 — — — 145,734 
Total other income (expense)145,588 112,289 152,425 1,500 1,125 (8,483)404,445 
Total other income (expense), net
Cost of services:Cost of services:
Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services— 35,545 — — — — 35,545 
Cost to provide education technology services and payments
Cost to provide education technology services and payments
Cost to provide education technology services and payments
Cost to provide solar construction servicesCost to provide solar construction services— — — — — — — 
Total cost of servicesTotal cost of services— 35,545 — — — — 35,545 
Operating expenses:Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits
Salaries and benefits
Salaries and benefitsSalaries and benefits91,972 31,286 591 1,554 24,012 — 149,414 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization4,954 2,315 — 9,684 — 16,956 
Other expensesOther expenses16,213 5,764 3,033 682 13,804 — 39,499 
Intersegment expenses, netIntersegment expenses, net20,398 4,605 8,831 45 (25,396)(8,483)— 
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses133,537 43,970 12,455 2,284 22,104 (8,483)205,869 
Income (loss) before income taxesIncome (loss) before income taxes12,094 33,113 213,429 961 (19,013)— 240,583 
Income tax (expense) benefitIncome tax (expense) benefit(2,903)(7,947)(51,223)(223)6,598 — (55,697)
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)9,191 25,166 162,206 738 (12,415)— 184,886 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests— — — — 1,761 — 1,761 
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$9,191 25,166 162,206 738 (10,654)— 186,647 
Total assets as of March 31, 2022$259,712 376,794 18,158,972 656,242 2,066,417 (528,396)20,989,741 
Total assets as of March 31, 2023
Total assets as of March 31, 2023
Total assets as of March 31, 2023






2627



11. Disaggregated Revenue
The following tables present disaggregated revenue by service offering or customer type for the Company's fee-based operating segments.
Loan Servicing and Systems
Three months ended March 31,
20232022
Government loan servicingGovernment loan servicing$108,880 109,125 
Government loan servicing
Government loan servicing
Private education and consumer loan servicing
Private education and consumer loan servicing
Private education and consumer loan servicingPrivate education and consumer loan servicing12,164 12,873 
FFELP loan servicingFFELP loan servicing3,368 4,248 
FFELP loan servicing
FFELP loan servicing
Software services
Software services
Software servicesSoftware services9,697 7,400 
Outsourced servicesOutsourced services5,118 2,722 
Outsourced services
Outsourced services
Loan servicing and systems revenueLoan servicing and systems revenue$139,227 136,368 
Loan servicing and systems revenue
Loan servicing and systems revenue
Education Technology Services and Payment ProcessingPayments
Three months ended March 31,
20232022
Tuition payment plan servicesTuition payment plan services$34,187 30,716 
Tuition payment plan services
Tuition payment plan services
Payment processingPayment processing44,041 38,071 
Education technology and services54,787 43,251 
Payment processing
Payment processing
Education technology services
Education technology services
Education technology services
OtherOther588 248 
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue$133,603 112,286 
Other
Other
Education technology services and payments revenue
Education technology services and payments revenue
Education technology services and payments revenue
Solar Construction
GRNE Solar was acquired
Three months ended March 31,
20242023
Commercial revenue$11,578 5,876 
Residential revenue (a)2,148 2,775 
Solar construction revenue$13,726 8,651 
(a)    On April 12, 2024, the Company announced a change in its solar engineering, procurement, and construction operations to focus exclusively on July 1, 2022; accordingly, therethe commercial solar market and will discontinue its residential solar operations. As a result, residential revenue will decline in future periods as existing customer contracts are no results for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Three months ended March 31, 2023
Commercial revenue$6,234 
Residential revenue2,775 
Other(358)
Solar construction revenue$8,651 
completed.
Other Income (Expense)
The following table presents the components of "other, net" in "other income (expense)" on the consolidated statements of income:
Three months ended March 31,
20232022
Three months ended March 31,
Three months ended March 31,
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2024
2024
Reinsurance premiums
Reinsurance premiums
Reinsurance premiums
Borrower late fee income
Borrower late fee income
Borrower late fee income
Gain (loss) from solar investments, net
Gain (loss) from solar investments, net
Gain (loss) from solar investments, net
ALLO preferred returnALLO preferred return$2,249 2,117 
Borrower late fee income2,247 2,431 
ALLO preferred return
ALLO preferred return
Administration/sponsor fee incomeAdministration/sponsor fee income1,772 2,123 
Investment advisory services1,612 1,282 
Administration/sponsor fee income
Administration/sponsor fee income
Investment advisory services (WRCM)
Investment advisory services (WRCM)
Investment advisory services (WRCM)
Loss from ALLO voting membership interest investment
Loss from ALLO voting membership interest investment
Loss from ALLO voting membership interest investmentLoss from ALLO voting membership interest investment(20,213)(13,130)
Investment activity, netInvestment activity, net(3,577)11,856 
Loss from solar investments(1,947)(1,030)
Investment activity, net
Investment activity, net
Other
Other
OtherOther3,786 4,228 
Other, netOther, net$(14,071)9,877 
Other, net
Other, net
2728



12.  Major Customer
Government Loan Servicing
Nelnet Servicing, LLC (Nelnet Servicing) and Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. (Great Lakes), both subsidiariesa subsidiary of the Company, are two of the current six private sector entities that have studentearns loan servicing contractsrevenue from a servicing contract with the Department.Department of Education (the "Department"). Revenue earned by the Company related to these contractsthis contract was $108.9$105.5 million and $109.1$108.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, and 2022, respectively.
The Company currently licenses its hosted servicing software two of the six servicers for the Department.
Contract Modifications and Award
On March 22, 2023, each of Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes received modifications of contract with an effective date of April 1, 2023 (collectively the “modifications”) from the Department. Such modifications outline the Department's amendment to theCompany's legacy student loan servicing contracts between the Department and each of Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes (the “servicing contracts”) to reduce the current prices earned by Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes under the servicing contracts. Under the servicing contracts, Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes earn a monthly fee from the Department for each unique borrower they service on behalf of the Department. The modifications reduce the monthly fee by $0.19 per borrower on certain borrower statuses.
The Company's current student loan servicing contractscontract with the Department arewas scheduled to expire on December 14, 2023. In 2017, the Department initiated a contract procurement process referred to as the Next Generation Financial Services Environment for a new framework for the servicing of all student loans owned by the Department. In the second quarter of 2022, the Department released a solicitation entitled Unified Servicing and Data Solution (USDS) for the new servicing framework. The Company responded to the USDS solicitation. On April 24, 2023, Nelnet Diversified Solutions, LLC (NDS), a subsidiary of the Company,Servicing received a contract award from the Department, pursuant to which NDSit was selected to provide continued servicing capabilities for the Department's Office of Federal Student Aid's student aid recipients under a new USDSUnified Servicing and Data Solution (USDS) contract (the "New Government Servicing Contract") which will replacereplaced the existing legacy Department student loan servicing contracts that are currently scheduled to expire December 14, 2023.contract.
The New Government Servicing Contract isbecame effective April 24, 2023 and has a five year base period, with 2 two-year and 1 one-year possible extensions. The Department's total loan servicing volume of more than 37 million existing borrowers will be allocated by the Department to NDSNelnet Servicing and four other third-party servicers that were awarded a USDS contract. New Department borrowers will be allocated to the USDS servicerscontract based on service and performance levels. Under the New Government Servicing Contract, NDS will beginNelnet Servicing immediately began to make required servicing platform enhancements, for which NDSit will be compensated from the Department on certain of these investments. In a press release issuedServicing under the New Government Servicing Contract went live on April 24, 2023 by the Department's Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), FSA indicated that servicing under the USDS contracts will go live in1, 2024 and to maintain stability as the new loan servicing environment gets underway, FSA will extend the current legacy servicing contracts with the Department from December 14, 2023 to December 2024. Until servicing under the USDS contracts goes live, the Company will continue to earnrecognize revenue in accordance with this new contract beginning in the second quarter of 2024. The Company earned revenue for servicing borrowers under its currentthe legacy servicing contractscontract with the Department.Department through March 31, 2024.
The fee structure included in the new Department servicing contracts under USDS are structurally different than the current legacy servicing contracts with the Department. The USDS servicing contracts haveNew Government Servicing Contract has multiple revenue components with tiered pricing based on borrower volume, while revenue earned under the legacy servicing contracts iscontract was primarily based on borrower status. Assuming borrower volume remains consistent under the USDS servicing contract,New Government Servicing Contract, the Company expects revenue earned on a per borrower blended basis will decrease under the USDS contractNew Government Servicing Contract versus the current legacy contracts.contract. However, consistent with the current legacy contracts,contract, the Company expects to earn additional revenue from the Department under the USDS servicing contractNew Government Servicing Contact for change requests consolidations, and other support services. As discussed below, during 2023, the Company will continue to transfer the Great Lakes direct loan servicing volume to the Nelnet servicing platform. The associated cost savings with moving government borrowers to one servicing platform will be partially offset under the USDS contract as the Company will incur additional costs for cybersecurity and other system specifications as required under the new contract.
Loan Volume Transfers
Edfinancial Services, LLC ("Edfinancial"), a current servicer for the Department, utilizes Nelnet Servicing's platform to service their loans for the Department. In the fourth quarter of 2022, Nelnet Servicing and Edfinancial reached an agreement on a decommission schedule transferring Edfinancial’s direct loan servicing volume to another servicing platform. As of March 31, 2023, Edfinancial was servicing 3.5 million borrowers for the Department on the Company’s platform.
28



In February 2023, the Department notified the Company of its intention to transfer up to one million borrowers of the Company’s existing Department servicing borrowers to another servicer, and one of the Company’s remote hosted servicing customers notified the Company the Department intends to move that customer’s servicing borrowers to a different servicing platform. As of March 31, 2023, the remote hosted servicing customer was servicing approximately 1.4 million borrowers for the Department on the Company's platform. Neither transfer decision was based on the Company’s performance.
The 2023 transfers discussed above began in the first quarter of 2023 and the Company expects the transfers to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2023. As a result of the transfers, software services revenue for remote hosted customers and government servicing revenue will decrease in future periods as borrowers are transferred off of the Company’s platform. In addition, once all remote hosted servicing transfers are complete, there will be no active Department remote hosted servicing customers using the Company’s platform.
In addition, the Company continues to transfer the Great Lakes direct loan servicing volume to the Nelnet servicing platform (the GreatNet Federal servicing platform). The Company anticipates the transfer of active borrowers to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2023 and decommissioning of the Great Lakes' platform to be completed by the end of 2023. Therefore, potential associated cost savings as a result of transferring direct loan servicing volume to one platform will not be recognized in operating results until 2024.
Department of Education Debt Relief
In August 2022, the Department announced a broad based student debt relief plan that would provide targeted student debt cancellation to borrowers with loans held by the Department, and that borrowers whose annual income for either 2020 or 2021 was under $125,000 (for single or married, filing separately) or under $250,000 (for married couples, filing jointly or heads of household) will be eligible for otherwise unconditional loan cancellation in amounts of up to $20,000 for eligible borrowers who received a Pell Grant, or of up to $10,000 for eligible borrowers who did not receive a Pell Grant. Decisions by the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and Fifth Circuit in October 2022 and November 2022, respectively, in response to legal challenges that were initiated by other parties (not the Company) have blocked implementation of the Department's broad based student debt relief plan. These cases have been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. As of the filing of this report, the Supreme Court has not ruled on, and the Company cannot predict the timing, nature, or ultimate outcome of, this case.
The Company cannot estimate how many borrowers meet the eligibility requirements and other terms and conditions for one-time debt relief under the Department's announcement. If there was a broad $10,000 or $20,000 per borrower forgiveness on all government owned loans, the Company estimates it would decrease the number of borrowers serviced (based on the borrower loan information as of March 31, 2023) by approximately 4.5 million borrowers and 7.7 million borrowers, respectively. The actual impact to the number of borrowers serviced may be less than these amounts due to annual income ceilings for borrowers to qualify for forgiveness and the impact of whether a Pell Grant was received on the amount of forgiveness for a borrower.
Revenue earned under the current Department servicing contracts will decrease in future periods if the Department's student debt relief plan or other broad based loan forgiveness is implemented.
29



13.  Fair Value
The following tables present the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
As of March 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022As of March 31, 2024As of December 31, 2023
Level 1Level 2TotalLevel 1Level 2Total Level 1Level 2TotalLevel 1Level 2Total
Assets:Assets:   
Investments:Investments:
Investments:
Investments:
Asset-backed debt securities - available-for-sale
Asset-backed debt securities - available-for-sale
Asset-backed debt securities - available-for-saleAsset-backed debt securities - available-for-sale$99 1,070,604 1,070,703 100 1,388,937 1,389,037 
Equity securitiesEquity securities91 — 91 6,719 — 6,719 
Equity securities measured at net asset value (a)Equity securities measured at net asset value (a)35,572 32,363 
Total investmentsTotal investments190 1,070,604 1,106,366 6,819 1,388,937 1,428,119 
Derivative instruments
Total assetsTotal assets$190 1,070,604 1,106,366 6,819 1,388,937 1,428,119 
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments
Derivative instruments
Derivative instruments
Total liabilities
(a)    In accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.

29



The following table summarizes the fair values of all of the Company’s financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets:
As of March 31, 2023 As of March 31, 2024
Fair valueCarrying valueLevel 1Level 2Level 3 Fair valueCarrying valueLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Financial assets:Financial assets:    
Loans receivableLoans receivable$13,919,785 13,760,708 — — 13,919,785 
Loans receivable
Loans receivable
Accrued loan interest receivableAccrued loan interest receivable800,400 800,400 — 800,400 — 
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents187,574 187,574 187,574 — — 
Investments (at fair value)Investments (at fair value)1,106,366 1,106,366 190 1,070,604 — 
Investments - held to maturity154,119 154,119 — 154,119 — 
Investments - held-to-maturity
Notes receivableNotes receivable30,246 30,246 — 30,246 — 
Beneficial interest in loan securitizationsBeneficial interest in loan securitizations201,216 177,888 — — 201,216 
Restricted cashRestricted cash576,267 576,267 576,267 — — 
Restricted cash – due to customersRestricted cash – due to customers134,202 134,202 134,202 — — 
Derivative instruments
Derivative instruments
Derivative instruments
Financial liabilities:Financial liabilities:  
Bonds and notes payable
Bonds and notes payable
Bonds and notes payableBonds and notes payable12,933,378 13,438,416 — 12,933,378 — 
Accrued interest payableAccrued interest payable34,374 34,374 — 34,374 — 
Bank depositsBank deposits647,708 675,767 391,379 256,329 — 
Due to customersDue to customers280,624 280,624 280,624 — — 
Derivative instruments
As of December 31, 2022 As of December 31, 2023
Fair valueCarrying valueLevel 1Level 2Level 3 Fair valueCarrying valueLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Financial assets:Financial assets:    
Loans receivableLoans receivable$14,586,794 14,427,025 — — 14,586,794 
Loans receivable
Loans receivable
Accrued loan interest receivableAccrued loan interest receivable816,864 816,864 — 816,864 — 
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents118,146 118,146 118,146 — — 
Investments (at fair value)Investments (at fair value)1,428,119 1,428,119 6,819 1,388,937 — 
Investments - held to maturity18,996 18,774 — 18,996 — 
Investments - held-to-maturity
Notes receivableNotes receivable31,106 31,106 — 31,106 — 
Beneficial interest in loan securitizationsBeneficial interest in loan securitizations162,360 138,738 — — 162,360 
Restricted cashRestricted cash945,159 945,159 945,159 — — 
Restricted cash – due to customersRestricted cash – due to customers294,311 294,311 294,311 — — 
Derivative instruments
Derivative instruments
Derivative instruments
Financial liabilities:Financial liabilities:  
Bonds and notes payable
Bonds and notes payable
Bonds and notes payableBonds and notes payable14,088,666 14,637,195 — 14,088,666 — 
Accrued interest payableAccrued interest payable36,049 36,049 — 36,049 — 
Bank depositsBank deposits664,573 691,322 355,282 309,291 — 
Due to customersDue to customers348,317 348,317 348,317 — — 
Derivative instruments
The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and liabilities are described in note 2423 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 20222023 Annual Report.
30



ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is for the three months ended March 31, 20232024 and 2022.2023. All dollars are in thousands, except per share amounts, unless otherwise noted.)
The following discussion and analysis provides information that the Company’s management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the consolidated results of operations and financial condition of the Company. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the 20222023 Annual Report.
30



Forward-looking and cautionary statements
This report contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on management's current expectations as of the date of this document. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's plans and expectations for future financial condition, results of operations or economic performance, or that address management's plans and objectives for future operations, and statements that assume or are dependent upon future events, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “ensure,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “scheduled,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions, as well as statements in future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by management in light of management's experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments, and other factors that management believes are appropriate under the circumstances. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results and performance to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the risks and uncertainties set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the 20222023 Annual Report and include such risks and uncertainties as:
risks related to the ability to successfully maintain and increase allocated volumes of student loans serviced by the Company under existing and future servicing contracts with the U.S. Department, of Education (the "Department")risks related to unfavorable contract modifications or interpretations, and risks related to the Company's ability to comply with agreements with third-party customers for the servicing of Federal Direct Loan Program, Federal Family Education Loan Program (the "FFEL Program" or FFELP), private education, and consumer loans;
loan portfolio risks such as prepayment risk, credit risk, interest rate basis and repricing risk, the risk of loss of floor income on certain student loans originated under the FFEL Program, risks related to the use of derivatives to manage exposure to interest rate fluctuations, uncertainties regarding the expected benefits from purchased securitized and unsecuritized FFELP, private education, consumer, and other loans, or investment interests therein, and initiatives to purchase additional FFELP, private education, consumer, and other loans, and risks from changes in levels of loan prepayment or default rates;loans;
financing and liquidity risks, including risks of changes in the interest rate environment;
risks from changes in the terms of education loans and in the educational credit and services markets resulting from changes in applicable laws, regulations, and government programs and budgets;
risks related to a breach of or failure in the Company's operational or information systems or infrastructure, or those of third-party vendors;
risks related to use of artificial intelligence;
uncertainties inherent in forecasting future cash flows from student loan assets and related asset-backed securitizations;
risks and uncertainties ofrelated to the expected benefits from the November 2020 launchability of Nelnet Bank operations, including the ability to successfully conduct banking operationsachieve its business objectives and effectively deploy loan and deposit strategies and achieve expected market penetration;
risks related to the expected benefits to the Company from its continuing investment in ALLO Holdings, LLC (referred to collectively with its subsidiary ALLO Communications LLC as "ALLO"), and risks related to investments in solar projects, including risks of not being able to realize tax credits which remain subject to recapture by taxing authorities;authorities and rising construction costs;
risks and uncertainties related to other initiatives to pursue additional strategic investments (and anticipated income therefrom), including venture capital and real estate investments, reinsurance, acquisitions, and other activities (including risks associated with errors that occasionally occur in converting loan servicing portfolios to a new servicing platform), including activities that are intended to diversify the Company both within and outside of its historical core education-related businesses;
risks and uncertainties associated with climate change; and
risks and uncertainties associated with litigation matters and with maintaining compliance with the extensive regulatory requirements applicable to the Company's businesses.businesses, and uncertainties inherent in the estimates and assumptions about future events that management is required to make in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
31



All forward-looking statements contained in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements and are made only as of the date of this document. Although the Company may from time to time voluntarily update or revise its prior forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in the Company's expectations, the Company disclaims any commitment to do so except as required by law.
31



OVERVIEW
The Company is a diverse, innovative company with a purpose to serve others and a vision to make dreams possible. The largest operating businesses engage in loan servicing and education technology services and payment processing, and the Company also has a significant investment in communications.payments. A significant portion of the Company's revenue is net interest income earned on a portfolio of federally insured student loans. The Company also makes investments to further diversify both within and outside of its historical core education-related businesses including, but not limited to, investments in a fiber communications company (ALLO), early-stage and emerging growth companies (venture capital investments), real estate, reinsurance, and renewable energy (solar). The Company is also actively expanding its private education, consumer, and other loan portfolios, and in November 2020 launched Nelnet Bank.
GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP Net Income, Excluding Adjustments
The Company prepares its financial statements and presents its financial results in accordance with GAAP. However, it also provides additional non-GAAP financial information related to specific items management believes to be important in the evaluation of its operating results and performance. A reconciliation of the Company's GAAP net income to Non-GAAP net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments, and a discussion of why the Company believes providing this additional information is useful to investors, is provided below.
Three months ended March 31,
20232022
Three months ended March 31,
Three months ended March 31,
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2024
2024
GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$26,487 186,647 
Realized and unrealized derivative market value adjustmentsRealized and unrealized derivative market value adjustments37,411 (145,734)
Realized and unrealized derivative market value adjustments
Realized and unrealized derivative market value adjustments
Tax effect (a)Tax effect (a)(8,979)34,976 
Tax effect (a)
Tax effect (a)
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments (b)
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments (b)
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments (b)Non-GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments (b)$54,919 75,889 
Earnings per share:Earnings per share:
Earnings per share:
Earnings per share:
GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.
GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$0.71 4.91 
Realized and unrealized derivative market value adjustmentsRealized and unrealized derivative market value adjustments1.00 (3.83)
Realized and unrealized derivative market value adjustments
Realized and unrealized derivative market value adjustments
Tax effect (a)
Tax effect (a)
Tax effect (a)Tax effect (a)(0.24)0.91 
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments (b)Non-GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments (b)$1.47 1.99 
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments (b)
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments (b)
(a) The tax effects are calculated by multiplying the realized and unrealized derivative market value adjustments by the applicable statutory income tax rate.
(b) "Derivative market value adjustments" includes both the realized portion of gains and losses (corresponding to variation margin received or paid on derivative instruments that are settled daily at a central clearinghouse) and the unrealized portion of gains and losses that are caused by changes in fair values of derivatives which do not qualify for "hedge treatment" under GAAP. "Derivative market value adjustments" does not include "derivative settlements" that represent the cash paid or received during the current period to settle with derivative instrument counterparties the economic effect of the Company's derivative instruments based on their contractual terms.
The accounting for derivatives requires that changes in the fair value of derivative instruments be recognized currently in earnings, with no fair value adjustment of the hedged item, unless specific hedge accounting criteria is met. Management has structured all of the Company’s derivative transactions with the intent that each is economically effective; however, the Company’s derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting.accounting in the consolidated financial statements. As a result, the change in fair value of derivative instruments is reported in current period earnings with no consideration for the corresponding change in fair value of the hedged item. Under GAAP, the cumulative net realized and unrealized gain or loss caused by changes in fair values of derivatives in which the Company plans to hold to maturity will equal zero over the life of the contract. However, the net realized and unrealized gain or loss during any given reporting period fluctuates significantly from period to period.
The CompanyCompany believes these point-in-time estimates of asset and liability values related to its derivative instruments that are subject to interest rate fluctuations are subject to volatility mostly due to timing and market factors beyond the control of management, and affect the period-to-period comparability of the results of operations. Accordingly, the Company’s management utilizes operating results excluding these items for comparability purposes when making decisions regarding the Company’s performance and in presentations with credit rating agencies, lenders, and investors. Consequently, the Company reports this non-GAAP information because the Company believes that it provides additional information regarding operational and performance indicators that are closely assessed by management. There is no comprehensive, authoritative guidance for the presentation of such non-GAAP information, which is only meant to supplement GAAP results by providing additional information that management utilizes to assess performance.
32



Operating Segments
The Company's reportable operating segments are described in note 1 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 20222023 Annual Report. They include:
Loan Servicing and Systems (LSS) - referred to as Nelnet Diversified Services (NDS)
Education Technology Services and Payment Processing (ETS&PP)Payments (ETSP) - referred to as Nelnet Business Services (NBS)
Asset Generation and Management (AGM), part of the Nelnet Financial Services (NFS) division
Nelnet Bank, part of the NFS division
The Company earns fee-based revenue through its NDS and NBS reportable operating segments. The Company earns net interest income on its loan portfolio, consisting primarily of FFELP loans, inthrough its AGM reportable operating segment. This segment is expected to generate significant amounts of cash as the FFELP portfolio amortizes. The Company actively works to maximize the amount and timing of cash flows generated from its FFELP portfolio and seeks to acquire additional loan assets to leverage its servicing scale and expertise to generate incremental earnings and cash flow.
On November 2, 2020, the Company obtained final approval for federal deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and for a bank charter from the Utah Department of Financial Institutions (UDFI) in connection with the establishment of Nelnet Bank, and Nelnet Bank launched operations. Nelnet Bank operates as an internet industrial bank franchise focused on the private education and unsecured consumer loan markets, with a home office in Salt Lake City, Utah. Other operating segments included in the NFS division include the Company's U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered investment advisor subsidiary, property and casualty reinsurance activities, investment activities in real estate, and investment debt securities (primarily student loan and other asset-backed securities) and interest expense incurred on debt used to finance such investments.
Other business activities and operating segments that are not reportable and not part of the NFS division are combined and included in Corporate and Other Activities ("Corporate"). Corporate also includes interest income earned on cash balances held at the majority of the Company’s investments,corporate level and interest expense incurred on unsecured and other corporate related debt transactions, certain investment activities including its investment in ALLO and early-stage and emerging growth companies (venture capital investments), and certain shared service activities related to internal audit, human resources, accounting, legal, enterprise risk management, information technology, occupancy, and marketing. These shared servicesthat are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services. In addition, Corporate includes corporate costs and overhead functions not allocated to operating segments, including executive management, investments in innovation, and other holding company organizational costs.

33



The information below providespresents the operating results (net income (loss) before taxes) for each of the Company's reportable and certain other operating segment and Corporate and Other Activitiessegments reconciled to the consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 20232024 and 2022.2023. See "Results of Operations" for each reportable operating segment, the NFS operating segments, and Corporate and Other Activities under this Item 2 for additional detail.
Three months ended March 31,Certain Items Impacting Comparability
(All dollar amounts below are pre-tax)
20232022
NDS$25,219 12,094 
An increase in before tax operating margin in 2023 compared with 2022 due to a decrease in operating expenses, primarily salaries and benefits. In 2022, the Company was fully staffed in preparation for the resumption of federal student loan payments once the CARES Act suspension was to expire. The expiration of the CARES Act was extended multiple times throughout 2022. The Company reduced staff in January 2023 to manage excess staff due to the delays in the government's student debt relief and return to repayment programs.
NBS37,637 33,113 
The recognition of $6.0 million of interest income in 2023 compared with $0.3 million in 2022 due to higher interest rates.
A decrease in before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, in 2023 compared with 2022 due to additional investments in the development of new services and technologies and superior customer experiences to align with the Company's strategies to grow, retain, and diversify revenue.
AGM(221)213,429 
A net loss of $37.4 million related to changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting in 2023 compared with a net gain of $145.7 million in 2022.
The recognition of $31.9 million in provision for loan losses in 2023 compared with a negative provision of $0.9 million in 2022.
A decrease of $12.6 million in net interest income due to the decrease in the average balance of loans in 2023 compared with 2022.
An increase of $4.2 million in net interest income due to an increase in core loan spread in 2023 compared with 2022.
The recognition of $11.8 million in gains from the sale of loans in 2023 compared with $3.0 million in 2022.
Nelnet Bank(93)961 
Corporate(31,275)(19,013)
The recognition of a net loss of $20.2 million in 2023 related to the Company’s investment in ALLO, compared with a net loss of $13.1 million in 2022.
The recognition of net investment losses of $3.3 million in 2023 compared with net investment income and gains of $8.5 million in 2022.
Income before income taxes31,267 240,583 
Income tax expense(8,250)(55,697)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests3,470 1,761 
Net income$26,487 186,647 
Three months ended March 31,Certain Items Impacting Comparability
(All dollar amounts below are pre-tax)
20242023
NDS$15,990 25,219 
A decrease in before tax operating margin due primarily to a decrease in loan servicing and systems revenue, partially offset by a decrease in salaries and benefits resulting from restructure charges incurred during the first quarter of 2023 and staff reductions in 2023.
NBS47,635 37,637 
An increase in before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, due to increased revenue while maintaining a consistent cost structure.
The recognition of $7.9 million of interest income in 2024 compared with $6.0 million in 2023 due to higher interest rates.
Nelnet Financial Services division:
AGM33,743 (221)
A net gain of $5.7 million related to changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting in 2024 compared with a net loss of $37.4 million in 2023.
A decrease of $21.1 million in net interest income due to a decrease in core loan spread in 2024 compared with 2023.
A decrease of $5.1 million in net interest income due to the decrease in the average balance of loans in 2024 compared with 2023.
The recognition of $6.6 million in provision for loan losses in 2024 compared with $31.9 million in 2023.
The recognition of a net gain of $11.8 million in 2023 from the sale of loans.
The recognition of $21.8 million of investment interest in 2024 compared with $13.8 million in 2023 due to an increase in interest earned on the Company's partial ownership in loan securitizations that are accounted for as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments.
Nelnet Bank1,147 (93)
NFS other operating segments13,762 5,177 
The recognition of $12.2 million of net interest income in 2024 compared with $6.4 million in 2023 due to higher average yield on interest-earning debt securities (bonds) and a decrease in outstanding debt used to finance such investments.
The recognition of $4.0 million of realized losses on sales of investment securities in 2023.
Corporate:
Unallocated corporate costs(10,045)(12,989)
ALLO investment(8,593)(17,882)
The recognition of a net loss from the ALLO voting membership interest investment of $10.7 million in 2024 compared with $20.2 million in 2023. Absent additional equity contributions, the Company will not recognize additional losses for its voting membership interests in ALLO.
The recognition of income of $2.4 million and $2.2 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, on the $155.0 million (as of March 31, 2024) outstanding preferred membership interests of ALLO. The preferred membership interests of ALLO held by the Company historically earned a preferred annual return of 6.25% that increased to 10.00% on April 1, 2024.
Nelnet Renewable Energy(1,533)(6,701)
The recognition of a loss in the solar construction business of $4.0 million in 2024 compared with $3.1 million in 2023.
The recognition of a net gain from tax solar investments of $3.0 million in 2024 compared with a net loss of $1.9 million in 2023.
Other corporate activities2,019 1,120 
Net income before taxes94,127 31,267 
Income tax expense(23,119)(8,250)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests2,202 3,470 
The majority of noncontrolling interests represents losses attributed to noncontrolling membership interests in the Company’s Nelnet Renewable Energy operating segment, which were $2.3 million and $3.5 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Net income$73,210 26,487 

34



CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
An analysis of the Company's consolidated operating results for the three months ended March 31, 20232024 compared with the same period in 20222023 is provided below.
The Company’s operating results are primarily driven by the performance of its existing loan portfolio and the revenues generated by its fee-based businesses and the costs to provide such services. The performance of the Company’s portfolio is driven by net interest income (which includes financing costs) and losses related to credit quality of the assets, along with the cost to administer and service the assets and related debt.
The Company operates as distinct reportable operating segments as described above. For a reconciliation of the reportable segment operating results to the consolidated results of operations, see note 10 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report. Since the Company monitors and assesses its operations and results based on these segments, the discussion following the consolidated results of operations is presented on a reportable segment basis.
Three months ended
March 31,
20232022Additional information20242023Additional information
Loan interestLoan interest$225,243 111,377 Increase was due to an increase in the gross yield earned on loans, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of loans and in gross fixed rate floor income.Loan interest$216,724 225,243 225,243 Decrease was due to decreases in the average balance of loans and gross fixed rate floor income partially offset by an increase in the gross yield earned on loans.Decrease was due to decreases in the average balance of loans and gross fixed rate floor income partially offset by an increase in the gross yield earned on loans.
Investment interestInvestment interest40,725 13,819 Includes income from interest-earning deposits and investments and restricted cash in asset-backed securitizations. Increase was due to an increase in interest earning investments and an increase in interest rates.Investment interest52,078 40,725 40,725 Includes income from unrestricted interest-earning deposits and investments, and restricted cash in asset-backed securitizations. Increase was due to an increase in interest rates and an increase in interest earned on the Company's partial ownership in loan securitizations that are accounted for as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments.Includes income from unrestricted interest-earning deposits and investments, and restricted cash in asset-backed securitizations. Increase was due to an increase in interest rates and an increase in interest earned on the Company's partial ownership in loan securitizations that are accounted for as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments.
Total interest incomeTotal interest income265,968 125,196 
Interest expenseInterest expense199,449 48,079 Increase was due to an increase in cost of funds, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of debt outstanding.
Interest expense
Interest expense194,580 199,449 Decrease was due to a decrease in the average balance of debt outstanding partially offset by an increase in cost of funds.
Net interest incomeNet interest income66,519 77,117 
Less provision (negative provision) for loan losses34,275 (435)Represents the current period provision (negative provision) to reflect the lifetime expected credit losses related to the Company's loan portfolio. See note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for the activity in the Company's allowance for loan losses.
Less provision for loan losses
Less provision for loan losses
Less provision for loan losses10,928 34,275 Represents the current period provision to reflect the lifetime expected credit losses related to the Company's loan portfolio. See note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in this report for the factors impacting provision for loan losses for the periods presented.
Net interest income after provision for loan lossesNet interest income after provision for loan losses32,244 77,552 
Other income (expense):Other income (expense):  
Other income (expense):
Other income (expense):
LSS revenueLSS revenue139,227 136,368 See LSS operating segment - results of operations.
ETS&PP revenue133,603 112,286 See ETS&PP operating segment - results of operations.
LSS revenue
LSS revenue127,201 139,227 See LSS operating segment - results of operations.
ETSP revenueETSP revenue143,539 133,603 See ETSP operating segment - results of operations.
Solar construction revenueSolar construction revenue8,651 — On July 1, 2022, the Company acquired 80% of the ownership interests of GRNE Solar. GRNE Solar designs and installs residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar systems. The acquisition diversifies the Company's position in the renewable energy space to include solar construction.Solar construction revenue13,726 8,651 8,651 Represents revenue earned from GRNE Solar providing solar construction services, including design and installations of residential and commercial solar systems. On April 12, 2024, the Company announced a change in its solar EPC operations to focus exclusively on the commercial solar market and will discontinue its residential solar operations. As a result, residential revenue will decline in future periods as existing customer contracts are completed. Residential solar construction revenue was $2.1 million and $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $11.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.Represents revenue earned from GRNE Solar providing solar construction services, including design and installations of residential and commercial solar systems. On April 12, 2024, the Company announced a change in its solar EPC operations to focus exclusively on the commercial solar market and will discontinue its residential solar operations. As a result, residential revenue will decline in future periods as existing customer contracts are completed. Residential solar construction revenue was $2.1 million and $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $11.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Other, netOther, net(14,071)9,877 See table below for the components of "other, net."Other, net17,015 (14,071)(14,071)See table below for the components of "other, net."See table below for the components of "other, net."
Gain on sale of loans, net11,812 2,989 The Company sold $261.9 million (par value) of consumer and other loans during 2023 and recognized a net gain of $11.8 million. The Company sold $18.1 million (par value) of consumer loans in 2022 and recognized a gain of $3.0 million.
(Loss) gain on sale of loans, net(Loss) gain on sale of loans, net(41)11,812 The Company recognized a loss and net gains from selling loans in 2024 and 2023, respectively. For additional information, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Derivative settlements, netDerivative settlements, net23,337 (2,809)The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. Derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company's net interest income. The majority of derivative settlements received in 2023 was from the Company's derivatives used to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. This entire derivative portfolio was terminated on March 15, 2023 to minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility. As such, there will be no derivative settlements received on this portfolio of derivatives in future periods. See AGM operating segment - results of operations.
Derivative settlements, net
Derivative settlements, net1,757 23,337 The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. Derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company's net interest income. The majority of derivative settlements received in the periods presented was from the Company's derivatives used to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. To minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility and increase liquidity, the Company terminated this derivative portfolio on March 15, 2023. Subsequent to terminating these derivatives, during the second and fourth quarters of 2023, the Company entered into a total of $400 million notional amount of derivatives to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income and other loans and investments in which the Company receives a fixed rate. See AGM operating segment - results of operations for additional information.
Derivative market value adjustments, netDerivative market value adjustments, net(37,411)145,734 Includes the realized and unrealized gains and losses that are caused by changes in fair values of derivatives which do not qualify for "hedge treatment" under GAAP. The majority of the derivative market value adjustments were related to the changes in fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. Such changes reflect that a decrease in the forward yield curve during a reporting period results in a decrease in the fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps, and an increase in the forward yield curve during a reporting period results in an increase in the fair value of such swaps. The entire portfolio of floor income interest rate swaps was terminated on March 15, 2023 to minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility. As such, the Company expects the derivative market value adjustments in future periods will be less substantial.Derivative market value adjustments, net7,964 (37,411)(37,411)Includes the realized and unrealized gains and losses that are caused by changes in fair values of derivatives which do not qualify for "hedge treatment" under GAAP. The majority of the derivative market value adjustments during the periods presented related to the changes in fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. Such changes reflect that a decrease in the forward yield curve during a reporting period results in a decrease in the fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps, and an increase in the forward yield curve during a reporting period results in an increase in the fair value of such swaps. To minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility and increase liquidity, the Company terminated this derivative portfolio on March 15, 2023. As such, the Company expects the derivative market value adjustments in future periods will be less substantial.Includes the realized and unrealized gains and losses that are caused by changes in fair values of derivatives which do not qualify for "hedge treatment" under GAAP. The majority of the derivative market value adjustments during the periods presented related to the changes in fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. Such changes reflect that a decrease in the forward yield curve during a reporting period results in a decrease in the fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps, and an increase in the forward yield curve during a reporting period results in an increase in the fair value of such swaps. To minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility and increase liquidity, the Company terminated this derivative portfolio on March 15, 2023. As such, the Company expects the derivative market value adjustments in future periods will be less substantial.
Total other income (expense)265,148 404,445 
Total other income (expense), net
Total other income (expense), net
Total other income (expense), net
Cost of services:Cost of services:
Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services47,704 35,545 Represents direct costs to provide payment processing and instructional services in ETS&PP. Increase was primarily due to additional instructional services costs. See ETS&PP operating segment - results of operations.
Cost of services:
Cost of services:
Cost to provide education technology services and payments
Cost to provide education technology services and payments
Cost to provide education technology services and payments48,610 47,704 Represents direct costs to provide payment processing and instructional services in ETSP. See ETSP operating segment - results of operations.
Cost to provide solar construction servicesCost to provide solar construction services8,299 — As noted above, the Company acquired GRNE Solar on July 1, 2022. These amounts represent direct costs related to GRNE providing solar construction services.Cost to provide solar construction services14,229 8,299 8,299 Represents direct costs to provide solar construction services. Since the acquisition of GRNE in July 2022, it has incurred low and, in some cases, negative margins on certain projects.Represents direct costs to provide solar construction services. Since the acquisition of GRNE in July 2022, it has incurred low and, in some cases, negative margins on certain projects.
Total cost of servicesTotal cost of services56,003 35,545 
35



Operating expenses:Operating expenses:  
Operating expenses:
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits
Salaries and benefits
Salaries and benefitsSalaries and benefits152,710 149,414 Increase was due to an increase in headcount in ETS&PP to support the growth of its customer base and the investment in the development of new technologies. This increase was partially offset by staff reductions in LSS to manage excess staff due to delays in the government's student debt relief and return to repayment programs.143,875 152,710 152,710 Decrease was primarily due to restructuring charges recognized in the first quarter of 2023 and staff reductions in LSS to manage expenses due to delays in the government's student debt relief and return to repayment programs and lower pricing and reduced servicing volume for LSS's Department servicing contract. This was partially offset by an increase in ETSP due to annual merit pay increases and an increase in headcount to support the growth of the customer base and the investment in the development of new technologies.Decrease was primarily due to restructuring charges recognized in the first quarter of 2023 and staff reductions in LSS to manage expenses due to delays in the government's student debt relief and return to repayment programs and lower pricing and reduced servicing volume for LSS's Department servicing contract. This was partially offset by an increase in ETSP due to annual merit pay increases and an increase in headcount to support the growth of the customer base and the investment in the development of new technologies.
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization16,627 16,956 Includes depreciation of property and equipment and the amortization of intangibles from prior business acquisitions.Depreciation and amortization16,769 16,627 16,627 Includes depreciation of property and equipment and the amortization of intangibles from prior business acquisitions.Includes depreciation of property and equipment and the amortization of intangibles from prior business acquisitions.
Other expensesOther expenses40,785 39,499 Includes expenses necessary for operations, such as postage and distribution, consulting and professional fees, occupancy, communications, and certain information technology-related costs. Increase was due to an increase in expenses in ETS&PP due to higher costs for consulting, professional fees, and technology services resulting from investments in new technologies, and an increase in costs for travel and in-person hosted conferences that had previously subsided due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in expenses in LSS due to a decrease in professional fees and facility costs. Over the last year, the Company has reduced its office space as a large number of employees continue to work from home.Other expenses56,845 40,785 40,785 Represents expenses necessary for operations, such as postage and distribution, consulting and professional fees, occupancy, communications, reinsurance loss reserve and acquisitions costs, and certain information technology-related costs. Increase was driven by an increase in NFS due to reinsurance loss reserve and acquisition costs as a result of growth in reinsurance policies and in LSS due to additional postage and communication costs as a result of borrowers returning to repayment on September 1, 2023.Represents expenses necessary for operations, such as postage and distribution, consulting and professional fees, occupancy, communications, reinsurance loss reserve and acquisitions costs, and certain information technology-related costs. Increase was driven by an increase in NFS due to reinsurance loss reserve and acquisition costs as a result of growth in reinsurance policies and in LSS due to additional postage and communication costs as a result of borrowers returning to repayment on September 1, 2023.
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses210,122 205,869 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes31,267 240,583 
Income before income taxes
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Income tax expense
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense8,250 55,697 The effective tax rate was 23.7% and 23.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.23,119 8,250 8,250 The effective tax rate was 24.0% and 23.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company expects its tax rate will range between 22% and 24% for the remainder of 2024.The effective tax rate was 24.0% and 23.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company expects its tax rate will range between 22% and 24% for the remainder of 2024.
Net incomeNet income23,017 184,886 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet loss attributable to noncontrolling interests3,470 1,761 Amounts for noncontrolling interests reflect the net income/loss attributable to the holders of noncontrolling membership interests in WRCM, NextGen, multiple solar entities including, GRNE Solar, and multiple entities investing in federal opportunity zone programs.
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests2,202 3,470 Represents the net income/loss attributable to the holders of noncontrolling membership interests. The majority is attributed to noncontrolling membership interests in the Company's Nelnet Renewable Energy operating segment.
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$26,487 186,647 
Additional information:
Additional information:
Additional information:Additional information:See "Overview - GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP Net Income, Excluding Adjustments" above for additional information about non-GAAP net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments.See "Overview - GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP Net Income, Excluding Adjustments" above for additional information about non-GAAP net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments.
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$26,487 186,647 
Derivative market value adjustments, netDerivative market value adjustments, net37,411 (145,734)
Derivative market value adjustments, net
Derivative market value adjustments, net
Tax effectTax effect(8,979)34,976 See "Overview - GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP Net Income, Excluding Adjustments" above for additional information about non-GAAP net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments.
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments$54,919 75,889 
Tax effect
Tax effect
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments
The following table summarizes the components of "other, net" in "other income (expense)" on the consolidated statements of income.
Three months ended March 31,
20232022Additional information
20242023Additional information
Reinsurance premiumsReinsurance premiums$12,780 535 See NFS division - results of operations - NFS other operating segments.
Borrower late fee incomeBorrower late fee income3,133 2,247 See NFS division - results of operations - AGM operating segment.
Gain (loss) from solar investments, netGain (loss) from solar investments, net2,971 (1,947)See Corporate - results of operations.
ALLO preferred returnALLO preferred return$2,249 2,117 See Corporate - results of operations.ALLO preferred return2,409 2,249 2,249 See Corporate - results of operations.See Corporate - results of operations.
Borrower late fee income2,247 2,431 See AGM operating segment - results of operations.
Administration/sponsor fee incomeAdministration/sponsor fee income1,772 2,123 See AGM operating segment - results of operations.Administration/sponsor fee income1,546 1,772 1,772 See NFS division - results of operations - AGM operating segment.See NFS division - results of operations - AGM operating segment.
Investment advisory services1,612 1,282 See Corporate - results of operations.
Investment advisory services (WRCM)Investment advisory services (WRCM)1,508 1,612 See NFS division - results of operations - NFS other operating segments.
Loss from ALLO voting membership interest investmentLoss from ALLO voting membership interest investment(20,213)(13,130)See Corporate - results of operations.Loss from ALLO voting membership interest investment(10,693)(20,213)(20,213)See Corporate - results of operations.See Corporate - results of operations.
Investment activity, netInvestment activity, net(3,577)11,856 See Corporate - results of operations and note (a) below for additional information.Investment activity, net(1,298)(3,577)(3,577)See note (a) below for additional information.See note (a) below for additional information.
Loss from solar investments(1,947)(1,030)See Corporate - results of operations.
OtherOther3,786 4,228 
Other
Other
Other, netOther, net$(14,071)9,877 
Other, net
Other, net
(a)    During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recognized net investment losses of $3.6 million, including net losses of $0.3 million from venture capital investments recognized at Nelnet Bank, a gain of $0.8 million related to real estate investments at Corporate, and losses of $4.1 million primarily related to sales of investments in asset-backed securities (bonds) and marketable equity securities (a loss of $4.1 million recognized at Corporate and a loss of $0.5 million recognized at AGM partially offset by a gain of $0.5 million recognized at Nelnet Bank).
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recognized net investment income and gains of $11.9 million, including $7.2 million from venture capital investments (including $4.9 million recognized at Corporate, $1.9 million recognized at AGM, and $0.4 million recognized at Nelnet Bank), $4.4 million related to real estate investments at Corporate, and $0.3 million related to investments in asset-backed securities (bonds) and marketable equity securities (a loss of $0.8 million recognized at Corporate and income of $1.1 million recognized at Nelnet Bank).
The Company anticipates fluctuations in future periodic earnings resulting from investment sales and valuation adjustments. Investment activity by operating segment and investment type follows:
Real EstateVenture Capital and FundsEquity / BondsTotalReal EstateVenture Capital and FundsEquity / BondsTotal
Three months ended March 31,
20242023
NFS - AGM$— 322 — 322 — (104)(476)(580)
NFS - Nelnet Bank— (179)529 350 — (263)465 202 
NFS - Other Operating Segments(1,794)— 212 (1,582)1,148 — (4,058)(2,910)
Corporate— (388)— (388)— (289)— (289)
$(1,794)(245)741 (1,298)1,148 (656)(4,069)(3,577)
36



LOAN SERVICING AND SYSTEMS OPERATING SEGMENT – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Loan Servicing Volumes
As of
December 31,
2021
March 31,
2022
June 30,
2022
September 30,
2022
December 31,
2022
March 31,
2023
As of
As of
As of
March 31,
2024
March 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
September 30,
2023
June 30,
2023
March 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Servicing volume (dollars in millions):Servicing volume (dollars in millions):
Government
Government
GovernmentGovernment$478,402 507,653 542,398 545,546 545,373 537,291 
FFELPFFELP26,916 25,646 24,224 22,412 20,226 19,815 
Private and consumerPrivate and consumer23,702 23,433 22,838 22,461 21,866 21,484 
TotalTotal$529,020 556,732 589,460 590,419 587,465 578,590 
Number of servicing borrowers:Number of servicing borrowers:
Number of servicing borrowers:
Number of servicing borrowers:
Government
Government
GovernmentGovernment14,196,520 14,727,860 15,426,607 15,657,942 15,777,328 15,518,751 
FFELPFFELP1,092,066 1,034,913 977,785 910,188 829,939 819,791 
Private and consumerPrivate and consumer1,065,439 1,030,863 998,454 979,816 951,866 925,861 
TotalTotal16,354,025 16,793,636 17,402,846 17,547,946 17,559,133 17,264,403 
Number of remote hosted borrowers:Number of remote hosted borrowers:4,799,368 5,487,943 5,738,381 6,025,377 6,135,760 5,048,324 
Number of remote hosted borrowers:
Number of remote hosted borrowers:
Government Loan Servicing
Nelnet Servicing LLC (Nelnet Servicing) and Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. (Great Lakes), both subsidiaries ofearns loan servicing revenue from a servicing contract with the Company, are two of the current six private sector entities that haveDepartment. The Company's legacy student loan servicing contractscontract with the Department to service loans that include Federal Direct Loan Program loans originated directly by the Department and FFEL Program loans purchased by the Department. The Company currently licenses its hosted servicing software to two of the six servicers for the Department.
Contract Modifications and Award
On March 22, 2023, each of Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes received modifications of contract with an effective date of April 1, 2023 (collectively the “modifications”) from the Department. Such modifications outline the Department's amendment to the student loan servicing contracts between the Department and each of Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes (the “servicing contracts”) to reduce the current prices earned by Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes under the servicing contracts. Under the servicing contracts, Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes earn a monthly fee from the Department for each unique borrower they service on behalf of the Department. The modifications reduce the monthly fee by $0.19 per borrower on certain borrower statuses.
The Company's current student loan servicing contracts with the Department arewas scheduled to expire on December 14, 2023. In 2017, the Department initiated a contract procurement process referred to as the Next Generation Financial Services Environment for a new framework for the servicing of all student loans owned by the Department. In the second quarter of 2022, the Department released a solicitation entitled Unified Servicing and Data Solution (USDS) for the new servicing framework. The Company responded to the USDS solicitation. On April 24, 2023, Nelnet Diversified Solutions, LLC (NDS), a subsidiary of the Company,Servicing received a contract award from the Department, pursuant to which NDSit was selected to provide continued servicing capabilities for the Department's Office of Federal Student Aid's student aid recipients under a new USDSUnified Servicing and Data Solution (USDS) contract (the "New Government Servicing Contract") which will replacereplaced the existing legacy Department student loan servicing contracts that are currently scheduled to expire December 14, 2023.contract.
The New Government Servicing Contract isbecame effective April 24, 2023 and has a five year base period, with 2 two-year and 1 one-year possible extensions. The Department's total loan servicing volume of more than 37 million existing borrowers will be allocated by the Department to NDSNelnet Servicing and four other third-party servicers that were awarded a USDS contract. New Department borrowers will be allocated to the USDS Servicerscontract based on service and performance levels. Under the New Government Servicing Contract, NDS will beginNelnet Servicing immediately began to make required servicing platform enhancements, for which NDSit will be compensated from the Department on certain of these investments. In a press release issuedServicing under the New Government Servicing Contract went live on April 24, 2023 by the Department's Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), FSA indicated that servicing under the USDS contracts will go live in1, 2024 and to maintain stability as the new loan servicing environment gets underway, FSA will extend the current legacy servicing contracts with the Department from December 14, 2023 to December 2024. Until servicing under the USDS contracts goes live, the Company will continue to earnrecognize revenue in accordance with this new contract beginning in the second quarter of 2024. The Company earned revenue for servicing borrowers under its currentthe legacy servicing contractscontract with the Department.
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Department through March 31, 2024.
The fee structure included in the new Department servicing contracts under USDS are structurally different than the current legacy servicing contracts with the Department. The USDS servicing contracts haveNew Government Servicing Contract has multiple revenue components with tiered pricing based on borrower volume, while revenue earned under the legacy servicing contracts iscontract was primarily based on borrower status. Assuming borrower volume remains consistent under the USDS servicing contract,New Government Servicing Contract, the Company expects revenue earned on a per borrower blended basis will decrease under the USDS contractNew Government Servicing Contract versus the current legacy contracts.contract. However, consistent with the current legacy contracts,contract, the Company expects to earn additional revenue from the Department under the USDS servicing contractNew Government Servicing Contract for change requests consolidations, and other support services. As discussed below, during 2023,In addition, the Company will continue to transfer the Great Lakes direct loan servicing volume to the Nelnet servicing platform. The associated cost savingshas executed an agreement with moving government borrowers to one servicing platform will be partially offset under thea third-party servicer awarded a USDS contract as theto license its servicing software to such entity. The Company will incur additional costs for cybersecurity and other system specifications as required under the new contract.
Loan Volume Transfers
In July 2021, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) announced its exit from the federal student loan servicing business. All applicable student loans serviced for the Department by PHEAA were transferredbegin to successor servicers. At the time of this announcement, PHEAA serviced approximately 8.5 million borrowers under its contract. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, approximately 603,000 and 1,910,000 PHEAA borrowers, respectively, have been transitioned to the Company's platform. In addition, over this same time period, PHEAA borrowers were transferred to other servicers to which the Company provides its servicing system (remote hosted servicing customers).
Edfinancial Services, LLC ("Edfinancial"), a current servicer for the Department, utilizes Nelnet Servicing's platform to service their loans for the Department. In the fourth quarter of 2022, Nelnet Servicing and Edfinancial reached an agreement on a decommission schedule transferring Edfinancial’s direct loan servicing volume to another servicing platform. As of March 31, 2023, Edfinancial was servicing 3.5 million borrowers for the Department on the Company’s platform.
In February 2023, the Department notified the Company of its intention to transfer up to one million borrowers of the Company’s existing Department servicing borrowers to another servicer, and one of the Company’searn remote hosted servicing customers notified the Company the Department intends to move that customer’s servicing borrowers to a different servicing platform. As of March 31, 2023, the remote hosted servicingrevenue from this new customer was servicing approximately 1.4 million borrowers for the Department on the Company's platform. Neither transfer decision was based on the Company’s performance.
The 2023 transfers discussed above began in the first quarter of 2023 and the Company expects the transfers to be completed by the end ofduring the second quarter of 2023. As a result2024. The amount of the transfers, software services revenue for remote hosted customers and government servicing revenue will decrease in future periods as borrowers are transferred off of the Company’s platform. In addition, once all remote hosted servicing transfers are complete, there will be no active Department remote hosted servicing customers using the Company’s platform.
In addition,earned by the Company continues to transferfrom this new customer will depend on the Great Lakes direct loannumber of servicing volumeborrowers allocated by the Department to the Nelnet servicing platform (the GreatNet Federal servicing platform). The Company anticipates the transfer of active borrowers to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2023 and decommissioning of the Great Lakes' platform to be completed by the end of 2023. Therefore, potential associated cost savings as a result of transferring direct loan servicing volume to one platform will not be recognized in operating results until 2024.new customer.
Department of Education Debt Relief
In August 2022, the Department announced a broad basedbroad-based student debt relief plan that would provide targeted student debt cancellation to borrowers with loans held by the Department, and that borrowers whose annual income for either 2020 or 2021 was under $125,000 (for single or married, filing separately) or under $250,000 (for married couples, filing jointly or heads of household) will be eligible for otherwise unconditional loan cancellation in amounts ofhave provided up to $20,000 for eligible borrowers who received a Pell Grant, or of up to $10,000 for eligible borrowers who did not receive a Pell Grant. Decisions by the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and Fifth Circuit in October 2022 and November 2022, respectively, in response to legal challenges that were initiated by other parties (not the Company) have blocked implementation of the Department's broad based studentone-time debt relief plan. These cases have been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. As of the filing of this report,income-qualified recipients with Department held student loans. On June 30, 2023, the Supreme Court hasruled that the Department was prohibited from implementing this plan. After the invalidation of this broad-based relief plan, the Department announced plans to enter into a negotiated rulemaking process to achieve debt relief for federal student loan borrowers using provisions of the Higher Education Act (HEA). Publicly available negotiated rulemaking sessions occurred in the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. The Department published draft regulations for public comment in April 2024, including regulations that would grant automatic discharge for all federal student loans older than 20 or 25 years. The April 2024 draft publication did not ruled on,include regulations to provide forgiveness for borrowers “experiencing financial hardship;”
37



however, publication and comment period for such regulations are expected in Summer of 2024. Final publication and effective date for all pending forgiveness regulations pursuant to the HEA are expected in Fall of 2024. The Company cannot predict the timing, nature, or ultimate outcome of this case.
The Company cannot estimate how many borrowers meet the eligibility requirements and other terms and conditions for one-timeany student debt relief program as a result of the negotiated rulemaking process. Revenue earned under the Department's announcement. If there was a broad $10,000 New Government Servicing Contract will decrease in future periods if the Department successfully implements its debt relief plan and/or $20,000 per borrowerif the Department initiates additional loan forgiveness on all government ownedor cancellation programs in the future.
Private Education Loan Servicing
In January 2024, Discover announced they were moving the servicing of its approximately $10 billion private education loan portfolio, representing approximately 500,000 borrowers, to the Company. The timing of the conversion of these loans to the Company estimates it would decrease the number of borrowers serviced (basedCompany’s platform is dependent on the borrower loan information astiming of March 31, 2023) by approximately 4.5 million borrowersDiscover’s potential sale of its portfolio.
Summary and 7.7 million borrowers, respectively. TheComparison of Operating Results
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Net interest income$1,8941,037Increase was due to higher interest rates.
Loan servicing and systems revenue127,201139,227See table below for additional information.
Intersegment servicing revenue6,8867,790Represents revenue earned by LSS from servicing loans for AGM and Nelnet Bank. Decrease was due to the continued amortization of AGM's FFELP portfolio. FFELP intersegment servicing revenue will continue to decrease as AGM's FFELP portfolio pays off.
Other income710608Represents revenue earned from providing administrative support services.
Total other income134,797147,625
Salaries and benefits76,72284,560Decrease was due to the Company being fully staffed at the beginning of 2023 with contact center operations and support associates as the Company prepared for expiration of the federal student loan payment pause under the CARES Act. In the first half of 2023, the Company reduced staff to manage expenses due to delays in the government's student debt relief and return to repayment programs and lower pricing and reduced servicing volume for LSS's Department servicing contract. As part of these reductions, the Company recognized a restructuring charge of $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2023.
Depreciation and amortization5,1094,513
Other expenses19,53813,313Increase was due to additional postage and communication costs due to borrowers returning to repayment on September 1, 2023.
Intersegment expenses19,33221,057Represents costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expenses120,701123,443
Income before income taxes15,99025,219
Income tax expense(3,838)(6,053)Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net income$12,15219,166

Before tax operating margin11.9 %17.1 %
Before tax operating margin represents before tax operating profitability as a percentage of revenue, and for LSS is calculated as income before income taxes divided by the total of loan servicing and systems revenue, intersegment servicing revenue, and other income. The Company uses this metric to monitor and assess the segment’s performance, manage operating costs, identify and evaluate business trends affecting the segment, and make strategic decisions, and believes that it provides additional information to facilitate an understanding of the operating performance of the segment and provides a meaningful comparison of the results of operations between periods.
Before tax operating margin decreased due primarily to a decrease in loan servicing and systems revenue as described in the table below, partially offset by a decrease in salaries and benefits resulting from restructure charges incurred during the first quarter of 2023 and staff reductions in 2023.
38



actual impact to the number of borrowers serviced may be less than these amounts due to annual income ceilings for borrowers to qualify for forgiveness and the impact of whether a Pell Grant was received on the amount of forgiveness for a borrower.
Revenue earned under the current Department servicing contracts will decrease in future periods if the Department's student debt relief plan or other broad based loan forgiveness is implemented.
The CARES Act
Under the CARES Act, beginning in March 2020, federal student loan payments and interest accruals were suspended for all borrowers that had loans owned by the Department. As a result of the CARES Act, the Company receives less servicing revenue per borrower from the Department based on the borrower forbearance status than what was earned on such accounts prior to these provisions. On April 6, 2022, the Department extended the student loans payment pause under the CARES Act from May 1, 2022 to August 31, 2022, and on August 24, 2022, the Department extended such payment pause from August 31, 2022 to December 31, 2022. On November 22, 2022, the Department again extended such payment pause until 60 days following the date the Department is permitted to implement the debt relief program or the litigation initiated by other parties is resolved. If the debt relief program has not been implemented and the litigation has not been resolved by June 30, 2023, borrower forbearances will end 60 days after June 30, 2023, and payments will resume within 60 days after that (on or before October 28, 2023). Prior to the April 2022 extension (during the fourth quarter of 2021 and first quarter of 2022), the Company earned additional revenue from the Department based on incremental work, including outbound engagement, being performed by the Company to support the anticipated Department borrowers coming out of forbearance. Effective May 1, 2022, the Department increased the monthly per borrower CARES Act forbearance rate paid to its servicers to compensate them for supplemental outreach to certain borrowers and to support the transition of borrowers back to repayment. Once borrowers transition back to repayment under the legacy government contracts, the Company anticipates revenue per borrower from the Department will increase from the current CARES Act levels.
Reduction in Staff
On January 18, 2023, the Company announced a reduction in staff to manage excess staff capacity due to delays in the government's student debt relief and return to repayment programs under the CARES Act (as discussed above). Approximately 350 associates who were hired within the prior six months were laid off with a 60 day notice period and approximately 210 associates were immediately terminated for performance.
On March 23, 2023, the Company announced a reduction in staff due to the March 2023 government servicing contract price modifications (as discussed above) and the notification by the Department in February 2023 of its intention to transfer up to one million borrowers of the Company's existing Department servicing borrowers to another servicer (as discussed above). Approximately 550 associates who work in LSS, including some in related shared services areas that support LSS, were notified their positions were being eliminated. The Company estimates incurring a charge of $4.3 million related to the staff reductions, of which $2.7 million was recognized in the first quarter of 2023. The remaining expense will be incurred primarily during the second quarter of 2023.
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
 Three months ended March 31,
 20232022Additional information
Net interest income$1,03743Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to higher interest rates.
Loan servicing and systems revenue139,227136,368See table below for additional information.
Intersegment servicing revenue7,7908,480Represents revenue earned by LSS from servicing loans for AGM and Nelnet Bank. Decrease in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to the continued amortization of AGM's FFELP portfolio. FFELP intersegment servicing revenue will continue to decrease as AGM's FFELP portfolio pays off.
Other income608740Represents revenue earned from providing administrative support and marketing services.
Total other income147,625145,588
Salaries and benefits84,56091,972Decrease in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to the Company being fully staffed with contact center operations and support associates in 2022 in preparation for the resumption of federal student loan payments and other activities after the CARES Act suspension. See “Government Loan Servicing - The CARES Act” above for additional details. In addition, the Company reduced staff in January and March 2023. See "Reduction in Staff" above for additional details.
Depreciation and amortization4,5134,954
39



Other expenses13,31316,213Decrease in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to a decrease in professional fees and facility costs. Over the last year, the Company has reduced its office space as a large number of employees continue to work from home.
Intersegment expenses21,05720,398Represent costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expenses123,443133,537
Income before income taxes25,21912,094
Income tax expense(6,053)(2,903)Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net income$19,1669,191

Before tax operating margin17.1 %8.3 %
Before tax operating margin represents before tax operating profitability as a percentage of revenue, and for LSS is calculated as income before income taxes divided by the total of loan servicing and systems revenue, intersegment servicing revenue, and other income revenue. The Company uses this metric to monitor and assess the segment’s performance, manage operating costs, identify and evaluate business trends affecting the segment, and make strategic decisions, and believes that it provides additional information to facilitate an understanding of the operating performance of the segment and provides a meaningful comparison of the results of operations between periods.
Before tax operating margin increased in 2023 compared with 2022 due to a decrease in operating expenses as described above.
Loan servicing and systems revenue
 Three months ended March 31,
 20232022Additional information
Government loan servicing$108,880 109,125 Represents revenue from the Company's Department servicing contracts. Decrease in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to (i) the recognition of $6.7 million of revenue in the first quarter of 2022 for incremental work related primarily to CARES Act forbearance exit outreach activities to borrowers; and (ii) the recognition of $10.5 million of revenue in the first quarter of 2022 related to the discharge of borrowers under the Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge program (the Company earns revenue per each borrower that satisfies the requirements for their loan to be discharged under the TPD discharge program). These decreases were partially offset by (i) an increase in the number of PHEAA borrowers serviced on the Company's servicing platform; (ii) a per borrower CARES Act forbearance rate increase on May 1, 2022; and (iii) a per borrower rate increase on September 1, 2022 (5.0%) to reflect the increase in the cost of labor (Employment Cost Index) per the provisions of the contracts. Effective April 1, 2023, the monthly fee earned per borrower on certain borrower statuses will be reduced by $0.19. See “Government Loan Servicing - Contract Modifications and Award" above for additional details.
Private education and consumer loan servicing12,164 12,873 Decrease in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to a decrease in servicing volume and client requested enhanced delinquency services.
FFELP loan servicing3,368 4,248 Decrease in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to a decrease in the number of borrowers serviced. Over time, FFELP servicing revenue will continue to decrease as third-party customers' FFELP portfolios pay off. Since late 2021, the Company has experienced accelerated run-off of its FFELP servicing portfolio due to FFELP borrowers consolidating their loans into Federal Direct Loan Program loans as a result of the continued extension of borrower relief under the CARES Act and initiatives offered by the Department for FFELP borrowers to consolidate their loans to qualify for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other programs.
Software services9,697 7,400 Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to an increase in remote hosted borrowers and an increase in rates. Software services revenue from Department remote hosted servicing customers will be adversely impacted in future periods. See “Government Loan Servicing - Loan Volume Transfers” above for additional details.
Outsourced services5,118 2,722 Represents primarily revenue to provide contact center and back office operational outsourcing services. Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to additional outsourced opportunities, including assisting existing Department servicers as operations transition from exiting servicers.
Loan servicing and systems revenue$139,227 136,368 
The following table presents disaggregated revenue by service offering for each reporting period.

Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Government loan servicing$105,474 108,880 Represents revenue from the Company's Department legacy servicing contract. Decrease was due to the reduction of the monthly fee earned per borrower on certain borrower statuses by $0.19 effective April 1, 2023 and a decrease of borrowers serviced due to the Department transferring one million of the Company's existing borrowers to another third-party servicer during the second and third quarters of 2023. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the average revenue earned on a per borrower blended basis as a result of borrowers moving to a repayment status on September 1, 2023.
Private education and consumer loan servicing12,620 12,164 Increase was due to rate increases based on contractual consumer price index changes, partially offset by a decrease in the number of borrowers serviced.
FFELP loan servicing3,380 3,368 Represents revenue from servicing third-party customers' FFELP portfolios. Over time, FFELP servicing revenue will decrease as third-party customers' FFELP portfolios pay off.
Software services4,541 9,697 Represents revenue from providing remote hosted servicing software to certain Department and other servicers and providing diversified technology services. Decrease was primarily due to the transfer of all Department remote hosted borrowers to other third-party servicers throughout 2023 under the Department's legacy servicing contracts.
Outsourced services1,186 5,118 Represents revenue from providing contact center and back office operational outsourcing services. Decrease was due to the contracts for support provided to certain Department servicers expiring in July 2023.
Loan servicing and systems revenue$127,201 139,227 
4039



EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AND PAYMENT PROCESSINGPAYMENTS OPERATING SEGMENT – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
As discussed further in the Company's 20222023 Annual Report, this segment of the Company’s business is subject to seasonal fluctuations which correspond, or are related to, the traditional school year. Based on the timing of revenue recognition and when expenses are incurred, revenue and before tax operating margin are higher in the first quarter compared with the remainder of the year.
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
Three months ended March 31,
20232022Additional information20242023Additional information
Net interest incomeNet interest income$6,036 339 Represents interest income on tuition funds held in custody for schools. Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to higher interest rates.Net interest income$7,866 6,036 6,036 Represents interest income on tuition funds held in custody for schools. Increase was due to higher interest rates.Represents interest income on tuition funds held in custody for schools. Increase was due to higher interest rates.
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue133,603 112,286 See table below for additional information.
Education technology services and payments revenueEducation technology services and payments revenue143,539 133,603 See table below for additional information.
Intersegment revenueIntersegment revenue56 
Total other incomeTotal other income133,659 112,289 
Total other income
Total other income
Cost of services
Cost of services
Cost of servicesCost of services47,704 35,545 See table below for additional information.48,610 47,704 47,704 See table below for additional information.See table below for additional information.
Salaries and benefitsSalaries and benefits37,913 31,286 Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to an increase in headcount to support the growth of the customer base and the investment in the development of new technologies.Salaries and benefits40,167 37,913 37,913 Increase was due to annual merit pay increases and an increase in headcount to support the growth of the customer base and the investment in the development of new technologies.Increase was due to annual merit pay increases and an increase in headcount to support the growth of the customer base and the investment in the development of new technologies.
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization2,578 2,315 Represents primarily amortization of intangible assets from prior business acquisitions.Depreciation and amortization2,683 2,578 2,578 Represents primarily amortization of intangible assets from prior business acquisitions.Represents primarily amortization of intangible assets from prior business acquisitions.
Other expensesOther expenses8,063 5,764 Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to higher costs for consulting, professional fees, and technology services resulting from investments in new technologies. Increase was also due to an increase in costs for travel and in-person hosted conferences that previously subsided due to the COVID pandemic.Other expenses7,558 8,063 8,063 Decrease was due to a decrease in consulting and professional services resulting from reduced outsourced work. Decrease was partially offset by an increase in technology services.Decrease was due to a decrease in consulting and professional services resulting from reduced outsourced work. Decrease was partially offset by an increase in technology services.
Intersegment expenses, netIntersegment expenses, net5,800 4,605 Represents costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.Intersegment expenses, net4,801 5,800 5,800 Represents costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.Represents costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses54,354 43,970 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes37,637 33,113 
Income before income taxes
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Income tax expense
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense(9,066)(7,947)Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.(11,435)(9,066)(9,066)Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net incomeNet income28,571 25,166 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet loss attributable to noncontrolling interests138 — Amounts for noncontrolling interests reflect the net loss attributable to the holders of minority membership interests in NextGen, of which the Company became the majority owner on April 30, 2022.
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net incomeNet income$28,709 25,166 
Net income
Net income


4140



Education technology services and payment processingpayments revenue
The following table providespresents disaggregated revenue by service offering and before tax operating margin for each reporting period.
Three months ended March 31,
20232022Additional information20242023Additional information
Tuition payment plan servicesTuition payment plan services$34,18730,716Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to a higher number of payment plans in the K-12 and higher education market.Tuition payment plan services$38,88034,187Increase was due to a higher number of payment plans in the K-12 and higher education markets for both new and existing customers.
Payment processingPayment processing44,04138,071Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to increase in payment volumes for both the K-12 and higher education markets due to new customers and an increase in volume from existing customers.Payment processing47,78644,041Increase was due to increase in payment volumes for both the K-12 and higher education markets due to new customers and an increase in volume from existing customers.
Education technology and services54,78743,251Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to an increase in revenue from the Company’s school information system software, enrollment and communication services, the NextGen acquisition completed in April 2022, and FACTS Education Solutions instructional and professional development services. FACTS Education Solutions instructional services revenue was the largest component of this increase, driven by the Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) program which provides funds to non-public schools through September 2024 to address the impact COVID-19 has had or continues to have on students and teachers.
Education technology servicesEducation technology services56,02154,787Increase was due to an increase in revenue from the Company’s school information system software and application and enrollment services. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in FACTS learning management services revenue as a result of decrease in economic aid provided to private schools in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. Learning management instructional services revenue provided to private schools has been funded by the CARES Act and the Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) programs. The EANS I program funding ended on September 30, 2023 and EANS II program funding ends on September 30, 2024. As economic aid provided to schools under the EANS programs stopped on September 30, 2023 (EANS I) and winds down (EANS II), future instructional services revenue will decrease from recent historical periods. Revenue earned under the EANS programs for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $10.6 million and $16.4 million, respectively.
OtherOther588248
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue133,603112,286
Education technology services and payments revenue
Education technology services and payments revenue
Education technology services and payments revenue
Cost of services
Cost of services
Cost of servicesCost of services47,70435,545Represents costs relating to payment processing revenue and such costs decrease/increase in relationship to payment volumes. Costs to provide instructional services are also a component of this expense and were the primary driver of the increase in 2023 compared with 2022 due to the increase in instructional services resulting from the EANS program as noted above.48,61047,704Represents direct costs to provide payment processing revenue and such costs decrease/increase in relationship to payment volumes. Costs to provide instructional services are also a component of this expense and decrease/increase in relationship to instructional services revenues.
Net revenueNet revenue$85,89976,741
GAAP before tax operating marginGAAP before tax operating margin43.8 %43.1 %
Before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, is a non-GAAP measure of before tax operating profitability as a percentage of revenue, and for the ETS&PP segment is calculated as income before income taxes less interest income divided by net revenue. The Company uses this metric to monitor and assess the segment’s performance, manage operating costs, identify and evaluate business trends affecting the segment, and make strategic decisions, and believes that it facilitates an understanding of the operating performance of the segment and provides a meaningful comparison of the results of operations between periods.
Before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, decreased in 2023 compared with 2022 due to investments in (i) the development of new services and technologies; and (ii) superior customer experiences to align with the Company’s strategies to grow, retain, and diversify revenues. The Company anticipates before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, will be impacted over the next several years as it continues to invest in these areas.
GAAP before tax operating margin
GAAP before tax operating margin50.2 %43.8 %
Before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, is a non-GAAP measure of before tax operating profitability as a percentage of revenue, and for the ETSP segment is calculated as income before income taxes less net interest income divided by net revenue. The Company uses this metric to monitor and assess the segment’s performance, manage operating costs, identify and evaluate business trends affecting the segment, and make strategic decisions, and believes that it facilitates an understanding of the operating performance of the segment and provides a meaningful comparison of the results of operations between periods.
Before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, increased due to increased net revenue while maintaining a consistent cost structure.
Net interest incomeNet interest income(7.0)(0.4)
Before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, is a non-GAAP measure of before tax operating profitability as a percentage of revenue, and for the ETS&PP segment is calculated as income before income taxes less interest income divided by net revenue. The Company uses this metric to monitor and assess the segment’s performance, manage operating costs, identify and evaluate business trends affecting the segment, and make strategic decisions, and believes that it facilitates an understanding of the operating performance of the segment and provides a meaningful comparison of the results of operations between periods.
Before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, decreased in 2023 compared with 2022 due to investments in (i) the development of new services and technologies; and (ii) superior customer experiences to align with the Company’s strategies to grow, retain, and diversify revenues. The Company anticipates before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, will be impacted over the next several years as it continues to invest in these areas.
Non-GAAP before tax operating margin, excluding net interest incomeNon-GAAP before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income36.8 %42.7 %
Non-GAAP before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income
Non-GAAP before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income


4241



ASSET GENERATION AND MANAGEMENT OPERATING SEGMENT –NELNET FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION - RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment
Loan Portfolio
As of March 31, 2023,2024, the AGM operating segment had a $13.5$10.8 billion loan portfolio, consisting primarily of federally insured loans. For a summary of the Company’s loan portfolio as of March 31, 20232024 and December 31, 2022,2023, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Net interest income$1,8941,037Increase was due to higher interest rates.
Loan servicing and systems revenue127,201139,227See table below for additional information.
Intersegment servicing revenue6,8867,790Represents revenue earned by LSS from servicing loans for AGM and Nelnet Bank. Decrease was due to the continued amortization of AGM's FFELP portfolio. FFELP intersegment servicing revenue will continue to decrease as AGM's FFELP portfolio pays off.
Other income710608Represents revenue earned from providing administrative support services.
Total other income134,797147,625
Salaries and benefits76,72284,560Decrease was due to the Company being fully staffed at the beginning of 2023 with contact center operations and support associates as the Company prepared for expiration of the federal student loan payment pause under the CARES Act. In the first half of 2023, the Company reduced staff to manage expenses due to delays in the government's student debt relief and return to repayment programs and lower pricing and reduced servicing volume for LSS's Department servicing contract. As part of these reductions, the Company recognized a restructuring charge of $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2023.
Depreciation and amortization5,1094,513
Other expenses19,53813,313Increase was due to additional postage and communication costs due to borrowers returning to repayment on September 1, 2023.
Intersegment expenses19,33221,057Represents costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expenses120,701123,443
Income before income taxes15,99025,219
Income tax expense(3,838)(6,053)Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net income$12,15219,166

Before tax operating margin11.9 %17.1 %
Before tax operating margin represents before tax operating profitability as a percentage of revenue, and for LSS is calculated as income before income taxes divided by the total of loan servicing and systems revenue, intersegment servicing revenue, and other income. The Company uses this metric to monitor and assess the segment’s performance, manage operating costs, identify and evaluate business trends affecting the segment, and make strategic decisions, and believes that it provides additional information to facilitate an understanding of the operating performance of the segment and provides a meaningful comparison of the results of operations between periods.
Before tax operating margin decreased due primarily to a decrease in loan servicing and systems revenue as described in the table below, partially offset by a decrease in salaries and benefits resulting from restructure charges incurred during the first quarter of 2023 and staff reductions in 2023.
38



Loan Activityservicing and systems revenue
The following table sets forthpresents disaggregated revenue by service offering for each reporting period.
Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Government loan servicing$105,474 108,880 Represents revenue from the Company's Department legacy servicing contract. Decrease was due to the reduction of the monthly fee earned per borrower on certain borrower statuses by $0.19 effective April 1, 2023 and a decrease of borrowers serviced due to the Department transferring one million of the Company's existing borrowers to another third-party servicer during the second and third quarters of 2023. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the average revenue earned on a per borrower blended basis as a result of borrowers moving to a repayment status on September 1, 2023.
Private education and consumer loan servicing12,620 12,164 Increase was due to rate increases based on contractual consumer price index changes, partially offset by a decrease in the number of borrowers serviced.
FFELP loan servicing3,380 3,368 Represents revenue from servicing third-party customers' FFELP portfolios. Over time, FFELP servicing revenue will decrease as third-party customers' FFELP portfolios pay off.
Software services4,541 9,697 Represents revenue from providing remote hosted servicing software to certain Department and other servicers and providing diversified technology services. Decrease was primarily due to the transfer of all Department remote hosted borrowers to other third-party servicers throughout 2023 under the Department's legacy servicing contracts.
Outsourced services1,186 5,118 Represents revenue from providing contact center and back office operational outsourcing services. Decrease was due to the contracts for support provided to certain Department servicers expiring in July 2023.
Loan servicing and systems revenue$127,201 139,227 
39



EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AND PAYMENTS OPERATING SEGMENT – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
As discussed further in the activityCompany's 2023 Annual Report, this segment of loansthe Company’s business is subject to seasonal fluctuations which correspond, or are related to, the traditional school year. Based on the timing of revenue recognition and when expenses are incurred, revenue and before tax operating margin are higher in the first quarter compared with the remainder of the year.
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Net interest income$7,866 6,036 Represents interest income on tuition funds held in custody for schools. Increase was due to higher interest rates.
Education technology services and payments revenue143,539 133,603 See table below for additional information.
Intersegment revenue49 56 
Total other income143,588 133,659 
Cost of services48,610 47,704 See table below for additional information.
Salaries and benefits40,167 37,913 Increase was due to annual merit pay increases and an increase in headcount to support the growth of the customer base and the investment in the development of new technologies.
Depreciation and amortization2,683 2,578 Represents primarily amortization of intangible assets from prior business acquisitions.
Other expenses7,558 8,063 Decrease was due to a decrease in consulting and professional services resulting from reduced outsourced work. Decrease was partially offset by an increase in technology services.
Intersegment expenses, net4,801 5,800 Represents costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expenses55,209 54,354 
Income before income taxes47,635 37,637 
Income tax expense(11,435)(9,066)Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net income36,200 28,571 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests17 138 
Net income$36,217 28,709 


40



Education technology services and payments revenue
The following table presents disaggregated revenue by service offering and before tax operating margin for each reporting period.
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Tuition payment plan services$38,88034,187Increase was due to a higher number of payment plans in the K-12 and higher education markets for both new and existing customers.
Payment processing47,78644,041Increase was due to increase in payment volumes for both the K-12 and higher education markets due to new customers and an increase in volume from existing customers.
Education technology services56,02154,787Increase was due to an increase in revenue from the Company’s school information system software and application and enrollment services. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in FACTS learning management services revenue as a result of decrease in economic aid provided to private schools in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. Learning management instructional services revenue provided to private schools has been funded by the CARES Act and the Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) programs. The EANS I program funding ended on September 30, 2023 and EANS II program funding ends on September 30, 2024. As economic aid provided to schools under the EANS programs stopped on September 30, 2023 (EANS I) and winds down (EANS II), future instructional services revenue will decrease from recent historical periods. Revenue earned under the EANS programs for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $10.6 million and $16.4 million, respectively.
Other852588
Education technology services and payments revenue143,539133,603
Cost of services48,61047,704Represents direct costs to provide payment processing revenue and such costs decrease/increase in relationship to payment volumes. Costs to provide instructional services are also a component of this expense and decrease/increase in relationship to instructional services revenues.
Net revenue$94,92985,899
GAAP before tax operating margin50.2 %43.8 %
Before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, is a non-GAAP measure of before tax operating profitability as a percentage of revenue, and for the ETSP segment is calculated as income before income taxes less net interest income divided by net revenue. The Company uses this metric to monitor and assess the segment’s performance, manage operating costs, identify and evaluate business trends affecting the segment, and make strategic decisions, and believes that it facilitates an understanding of the operating performance of the segment and provides a meaningful comparison of the results of operations between periods.
Before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, increased due to increased net revenue while maintaining a consistent cost structure.
Net interest income(8.3)(7.0)
Non-GAAP before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income41.9 %36.8 %


41



NELNET FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION - RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment
Loan Portfolio
As of March 31, 2024, the AGM operating segment:
 Three months ended March 31,
 20232022
Beginning balance$14,169,771 17,441,790 
Loan acquisitions:
Federally insured student loans2,980 10,202 
Private education loans— 1,026 
Consumer and other loans250,706 18,522 
Total loan acquisitions253,686 29,750 
Repayments, claims, capitalized interest, participations, and other, net(410,239)(447,140)
Loans lost to external parties(268,696)(387,648)
Loans sold(261,902)(18,125)
Ending balance$13,482,620 16,618,627 
The Company has also purchased partial ownership in certain consumer, private education, andsegment had a $10.8 billion loan portfolio, consisting primarily of federally insured student loan securitizations that are accounted for as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments and included in "investments and notes receivable" in the Company's consolidated financial statements. As of the latest remittance reports filed by the various trusts prior to or as of March 31, 2023, the Company’s ownership correlates to approximately $585 million, $590 million, and $370 million of consumer, private education, and federally insured student loans, respectively, included in these securitizations. The loans held in these securitizations are not included in the above table.
Since late 2021, the Company has experienced accelerated run-off of its FFELP portfolio due to FFELP borrowers consolidating their loans into Federal Direct Loan Program loans as a result of the continued extension of the CARES Act payment pause on Department held loans and the initiatives offered by the Department for FFELP borrowers to consolidate their loans to qualify for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other programs.
Allowance for Loan Losses, Loan Delinquencies, and Loan Charge-offs
loans. For a summary of the allowance as a percentage of the ending balance andCompany’s loan status and delinquency amounts for each of AGM's loan portfoliosportfolio as of March 31, 20232024 and December 31, 2022; and the activity in AGM's allowance for loan losses and net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.

43



Loan Spread Analysis
The following table analyzes the loan spread on AGM’s portfolio of loans, which represents the spread between the yield earned on loan assets and the costs of the liabilities and derivative instruments used to fund the assets. The spread amounts included in the following table are calculated by using the notional dollar values found in the table under the caption "Net interest income after provision for loan losses, net of settlements on derivatives" below, divided by the average balance of loans or debt outstanding.
 Three months ended March 31,
20232022
Variable loan yield, gross7.12 %2.75 %
Consolidation rebate fees(0.81)(0.85)
Discount accretion, net of premium and deferred origination costs amortization0.05 0.03 
Variable loan yield, net6.36 1.93 
Loan cost of funds - interest expense(5.53)(1.09)
Loan cost of funds - derivative settlements (a) (b)0.03 0.01 
Variable loan spread0.86 0.85 
Fixed rate floor income, gross0.03 0.68 
Fixed rate floor income - derivative settlements (a) (c)0.68 (0.08)
Fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives0.71 0.60 
Core loan spread1.57 %1.45 %
Average balance of AGM's loans$13,991,241 17,208,909 
Average balance of AGM's debt outstanding13,364,876 16,773,698 
(a)    Derivative settlements represent the cash paid or received during the current period to settle with derivative instrument counterparties the economic effect of the Company's derivative instruments based on their contractual terms. Derivative accounting requires that net settlements with respect to derivatives that do not qualify for "hedge treatment" under GAAP be recorded in a separate income statement line item below net interest income. The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. As such, management believes derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company’s net interest income (loan spread) as presented in this table. The Company reports this non-GAAP information because the Company believes that it provides additional information regarding operational and performance indicators that are closely assessed by management. There is no comprehensive, authoritative guidance for the presentation of such non-GAAP information, which is only meant to supplement GAAP results by providing additional information that management utilizes to assess performance. See note 4 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information on the Company's derivative instruments, including the net settlement activity recognized by the Company for each type of derivative for the 2023 and 2022 periods presented in the table under the caption "Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives - Statements of Income" in note 4 and in this table.
A reconciliation of core loan spread, which includes the impact of derivative settlements on loan spread, to loan spread without
derivative settlements follows.
Three months ended March 31,
20232022
Core loan spread1.57 %1.45 %
Derivative settlements (1:3 basis swaps)(0.03)(0.01)
Derivative settlements (fixed rate floor income)(0.68)0.08 
Loan spread0.86 %1.52 %
(b)    Derivative settlements consist of net settlements received related to the Company’s 1:3 basis swaps.
(c)    Derivative settlements consist of net settlements received (paid) related to the Company’s floor income interest rate swaps.
44



A trend analysis of AGM's core and variable loan spreads is summarized below.
loanspreadgraph2023q1.jpg
The interest earned on a large portion of AGM's FFELP student loan assets is indexed to the one-month LIBOR rate. AGM funds a portion of its assets with three-month LIBOR indexed floating rate securities. The relationship between the indices in which AGM earns interest on its loans and funds such loans has a significant impact on loan spread. The table above (the right axis) shows the difference between AGM's liability base rate and the one-month LIBOR rate by quarter.
Variable loan spread increased during the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared with the same period in 2022 due to a narrowing of the basis between the asset and debt indices in which the Company earns interest on its loans and funds such loans (as reflected in the table above). In an increasing interest rate environment, student loan spread on FFELP loans increases due to the timing of interest rate resets on the Company's assets occurring daily in contrast to the timing of the interest resets on the Company's debt that occurs either monthly or quarterly.
See Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk - AGM Operating Segment,” which provides additional detail on AGM’s FFELP student loan assets and related funding for those assets.
The difference between variable loan spread and core loan spread is fixed rate floor income earned on a portion of AGM's federally insured student loan portfolio. A summary of fixed rate floor income and its contribution to core loan spread follows:
 Three months ended March 31,
20232022
Fixed rate floor income, gross$1,110 28,993 
Derivative settlements (a)22,478 (3,205)
Fixed rate floor income, net$23,588 25,788 
Fixed rate floor income contribution to spread, net0.71 %0.60 %

(a)    Derivative settlements consist of net settlements received (paid) related to the Company's derivatives used to hedge student loans earning fixed rate floor income.
The decrease in gross fixed rate floor income for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared with the same period in 2022 was due to higher interest rates in 2023 compared with 2022.
45



The Company had a portfolio of derivative instruments in which the Company paid a fixed rate and received a floating rate to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. The increase in net derivative settlements received by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared with net derivative settlements paid during the same period in 2022, was due to an increase in interest rates, partially offset by a decrease in the notional amount of derivatives outstanding.
The Company's derivatives that hedge fixed rate floor income are cleared post-execution at a regulated clearinghouse. Clearing is a process by which a third party, the clearinghouse, steps in between the original counterparties and guarantees the performance of both, by requiring that each post liquid collateral on an initial (initial margin) and mark-to-market (variation margin) basis to cover the clearinghouse’s potential future exposure in the event of default. Through March 15, 2023, the Company had received cash or had a receivable from the clearinghouse related to variation margin equal to the fair value of the fixed rate floor derivatives as of March 15, 2023 of $183.2 million, which included $19.1 million related to current period settlements. To minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility, the Company terminated its entire derivative portfolio hedging loans earning fixed rate floor income. As a result of the Company terminating these derivatives, there will be no derivative settlements on these derivatives in future periods.


46



Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
 Three months ended March 31,
 20232022Additional information
Net interest income after provision for loan losses$13,663 73,459 See table below for additional analysis.
Other income, net2,845 6,511 Represents primarily borrower late fees, income from providing administration activities for third parties, and income from AGM's investment in a joint venture. Decrease in 2023 compared with 2022 was primarily due to the recognition of a $0.1 million loss in the first quarter of 2023 compared with $1.9 million of income for the same period in 2022 related to its investment in the joint venture.
Gain on sale of loans, net11,812 2,989 The Company sold $261.9 million (par value) and $18.1 million (par value) of loans to unrelated third parties in 2023 and 2022, respectively, and recognized net gains from such sales.
Derivative settlements, net23,337 (2,809)The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. Derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company's net interest income as reflected in the table below. The majority of derivative settlements received in 2023 was from the Company's derivatives used to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. This entire derivative portfolio was terminated on March 15, 2023 to minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility. As such, there will be no derivative settlements received on these derivatives in future periods.
Derivative market value adjustments, net(37,411)145,734 Includes the realized and unrealized gains and losses that are caused by changes in fair values of derivatives which do not qualify for "hedge treatment" under GAAP. The majority of the derivative market value adjustments during 2023 and 2022 related to the changes in fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. Such changes reflect that a decrease in the forward yield curve during a reporting period results in a decrease in the fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps, and an increase in the forward yield curve during a reporting period results in an increase in the fair value of such swaps. The entire portfolio of floor income interest rate swaps was terminated on March 15, 2023 to minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility. As such, the Company expects the derivative market value adjustments in future periods will be less substantial.
Total other income (expense)583 152,425 
Salaries and benefits755 591 
Other expenses5,016 3,033 Represents primarily servicing fees paid to third parties. Also includes certain professional and legal fees. Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to incurring additional professional fees as the Company actively expands into new asset loan classes.
Intersegment expenses8,696 8,831 Represents fees paid to LSS for the servicing of AGM’s loan portfolio. These amounts exceed the actual cost of servicing the loans. Intersegment expenses also includes costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expenses14,467 12,455 Total operating expenses were 41 basis points and 29 basis points of the average balance of loans for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in operating expenses as a percent of the average balance of loans in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to an increase in certain professional costs as discussed above.
(Loss) income before income taxes(221)213,429 
Income tax benefit (expense)53 (51,223)Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net (loss) income$(168)162,206 
Additional information:
Net (loss) income$(168)162,206 See "Overview - GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP Net Income, Excluding Adjustments" above for additional details about non-GAAP net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments.
Derivative market value adjustments, net37,411 (145,734)
Tax effect(8,979)34,976 
Net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments$28,264 51,448 
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Net interest income$1,8941,037Increase was due to higher interest rates.
Loan servicing and systems revenue127,201139,227See table below for additional information.
Intersegment servicing revenue6,8867,790Represents revenue earned by LSS from servicing loans for AGM and Nelnet Bank. Decrease was due to the continued amortization of AGM's FFELP portfolio. FFELP intersegment servicing revenue will continue to decrease as AGM's FFELP portfolio pays off.
Other income710608Represents revenue earned from providing administrative support services.
Total other income134,797147,625
Salaries and benefits76,72284,560Decrease was due to the Company being fully staffed at the beginning of 2023 with contact center operations and support associates as the Company prepared for expiration of the federal student loan payment pause under the CARES Act. In the first half of 2023, the Company reduced staff to manage expenses due to delays in the government's student debt relief and return to repayment programs and lower pricing and reduced servicing volume for LSS's Department servicing contract. As part of these reductions, the Company recognized a restructuring charge of $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2023.
Depreciation and amortization5,1094,513
Other expenses19,53813,313Increase was due to additional postage and communication costs due to borrowers returning to repayment on September 1, 2023.
Intersegment expenses19,33221,057Represents costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expenses120,701123,443
Income before income taxes15,99025,219
Income tax expense(3,838)(6,053)Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net income$12,15219,166

Before tax operating margin11.9 %17.1 %
Before tax operating margin represents before tax operating profitability as a percentage of revenue, and for LSS is calculated as income before income taxes divided by the total of loan servicing and systems revenue, intersegment servicing revenue, and other income. The Company uses this metric to monitor and assess the segment’s performance, manage operating costs, identify and evaluate business trends affecting the segment, and make strategic decisions, and believes that it provides additional information to facilitate an understanding of the operating performance of the segment and provides a meaningful comparison of the results of operations between periods.
Before tax operating margin decreased due primarily to a decrease in loan servicing and systems revenue as described in the table below, partially offset by a decrease in salaries and benefits resulting from restructure charges incurred during the first quarter of 2023 and staff reductions in 2023.
38



Loan servicing and systems revenue
The following table presents disaggregated revenue by service offering for each reporting period.
Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Government loan servicing$105,474 108,880 Represents revenue from the Company's Department legacy servicing contract. Decrease was due to the reduction of the monthly fee earned per borrower on certain borrower statuses by $0.19 effective April 1, 2023 and a decrease of borrowers serviced due to the Department transferring one million of the Company's existing borrowers to another third-party servicer during the second and third quarters of 2023. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the average revenue earned on a per borrower blended basis as a result of borrowers moving to a repayment status on September 1, 2023.
Private education and consumer loan servicing12,620 12,164 Increase was due to rate increases based on contractual consumer price index changes, partially offset by a decrease in the number of borrowers serviced.
FFELP loan servicing3,380 3,368 Represents revenue from servicing third-party customers' FFELP portfolios. Over time, FFELP servicing revenue will decrease as third-party customers' FFELP portfolios pay off.
Software services4,541 9,697 Represents revenue from providing remote hosted servicing software to certain Department and other servicers and providing diversified technology services. Decrease was primarily due to the transfer of all Department remote hosted borrowers to other third-party servicers throughout 2023 under the Department's legacy servicing contracts.
Outsourced services1,186 5,118 Represents revenue from providing contact center and back office operational outsourcing services. Decrease was due to the contracts for support provided to certain Department servicers expiring in July 2023.
Loan servicing and systems revenue$127,201 139,227 
39



EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AND PAYMENTS OPERATING SEGMENT – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
As discussed further in the Company's 2023 Annual Report, this segment of the Company’s business is subject to seasonal fluctuations which correspond, or are related to, the traditional school year. Based on the timing of revenue recognition and when expenses are incurred, revenue and before tax operating margin are higher in the first quarter compared with the remainder of the year.
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Net interest income$7,866 6,036 Represents interest income on tuition funds held in custody for schools. Increase was due to higher interest rates.
Education technology services and payments revenue143,539 133,603 See table below for additional information.
Intersegment revenue49 56 
Total other income143,588 133,659 
Cost of services48,610 47,704 See table below for additional information.
Salaries and benefits40,167 37,913 Increase was due to annual merit pay increases and an increase in headcount to support the growth of the customer base and the investment in the development of new technologies.
Depreciation and amortization2,683 2,578 Represents primarily amortization of intangible assets from prior business acquisitions.
Other expenses7,558 8,063 Decrease was due to a decrease in consulting and professional services resulting from reduced outsourced work. Decrease was partially offset by an increase in technology services.
Intersegment expenses, net4,801 5,800 Represents costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expenses55,209 54,354 
Income before income taxes47,635 37,637 
Income tax expense(11,435)(9,066)Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net income36,200 28,571 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests17 138 
Net income$36,217 28,709 


4740



Education technology services and payments revenue
The following table presents disaggregated revenue by service offering and before tax operating margin for each reporting period.
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Tuition payment plan services$38,88034,187Increase was due to a higher number of payment plans in the K-12 and higher education markets for both new and existing customers.
Payment processing47,78644,041Increase was due to increase in payment volumes for both the K-12 and higher education markets due to new customers and an increase in volume from existing customers.
Education technology services56,02154,787Increase was due to an increase in revenue from the Company’s school information system software and application and enrollment services. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in FACTS learning management services revenue as a result of decrease in economic aid provided to private schools in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. Learning management instructional services revenue provided to private schools has been funded by the CARES Act and the Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) programs. The EANS I program funding ended on September 30, 2023 and EANS II program funding ends on September 30, 2024. As economic aid provided to schools under the EANS programs stopped on September 30, 2023 (EANS I) and winds down (EANS II), future instructional services revenue will decrease from recent historical periods. Revenue earned under the EANS programs for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $10.6 million and $16.4 million, respectively.
Other852588
Education technology services and payments revenue143,539133,603
Cost of services48,61047,704Represents direct costs to provide payment processing revenue and such costs decrease/increase in relationship to payment volumes. Costs to provide instructional services are also a component of this expense and decrease/increase in relationship to instructional services revenues.
Net revenue$94,92985,899
GAAP before tax operating margin50.2 %43.8 %
Before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, is a non-GAAP measure of before tax operating profitability as a percentage of revenue, and for the ETSP segment is calculated as income before income taxes less net interest income divided by net revenue. The Company uses this metric to monitor and assess the segment’s performance, manage operating costs, identify and evaluate business trends affecting the segment, and make strategic decisions, and believes that it facilitates an understanding of the operating performance of the segment and provides a meaningful comparison of the results of operations between periods.
Before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, increased due to increased net revenue while maintaining a consistent cost structure.
Net interest income(8.3)(7.0)
Non-GAAP before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income41.9 %36.8 %


41



NELNET FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION - RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment
Loan Portfolio
As of March 31, 2024, the AGM operating segment had a $10.8 billion loan portfolio, consisting primarily of federally insured loans. For a summary of the Company’s loan portfolio as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Loan Activity
The following table sets forth the activity of loans in the AGM operating segment:
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023
Beginning balance$12,049,462 14,169,771 
Loan acquisitions:
Federally insured student loans— 2,980 
Consumer and other loans80,730 250,706 
Total loan acquisitions80,730 253,686 
Repayments, claims, capitalized interest, participations, and other, net(350,496)(410,239)
Loans lost to external parties(779,655)(268,696)
Loans sold(200,099)(261,902)
Ending balance$10,799,942 13,482,620 
The Company has partial ownership in certain consumer, private education, and federally insured student loan securitizations that are accounted for as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments and included in "investments and notes receivable" in the Company's consolidated financial statements. As of the latest remittance reports filed by the various trusts prior to or as of March 31, 2024, the Company’s ownership correlates to approximately $1.79 billion of loans included in these securitizations. The loans held in these securitizations are not included in the above table.
Since late 2021, the Company has experienced accelerated run-off of its FFELP portfolio due to FFELP borrowers consolidating their loans into Federal Direct Loan Program loans as a result of the continued extension of the CARES Act payment pause on Department held loans and the initiatives offered by the Department for FFELP borrowers to consolidate their loans to qualify for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other programs. After multiple extensions of the student loans payment pause under the CARES Act, the payment and interest accrual suspension ended August 31, 2023, and Federal Direct Loan Program borrowers returned to repayment on September 1, 2023. In August 2022, the Department announced a broad-based student debt relief plan that would have provided up to $20,000 in one-time debt relief to income-qualified recipients with Department held student loans. On June 30, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the Department was prohibited from implementing this plan. After the invalidation of this broad-based relief plan, the Department announced plans to enter into a negotiated rulemaking process to achieve debt relief for federal student loan borrowers using provisions of the Higher Education Act (HEA). The Department released proposed regulatory text prior to holding its statutorily-required negotiated rulemaking sessions. Notably, the Department proposed forgiveness for certain groups of borrowers with privately-held FFELP loans without consolidation into the Federal Direct Loan Program as a prerequisite requirement for such forgiveness. Publicly available negotiated rulemaking sessions occurred in the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. The Department published draft regulations for public comment in April 2024, including regulations that would grant automatic discharge for all federal student loans, including privately-held FFELP loans, older than 20 or 25 years. The April 2024 draft publication did not include regulations to provide forgiveness for borrowers (including borrowers with privately-held FFELP loans) “experiencing financial hardship;” however, publication and comment period for such regulations are expected in Summer of 2024. Final publication and effective date for all pending forgiveness regulations pursuant to the HEA are expected in Fall of 2024. In addition, during 2023, the Department issued final regulations on the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. The SAVE plan makes significant changes to IDR to lower monthly payment amounts, subsidize interest, and accelerate time to forgiveness for some borrowers. FFELP borrowers can access the new income-driven repayment changes by consolidating their loans into the Federal Direct Loan Program. The benefits of the SAVE plan are conferred not exclusively on a go-forward basis, as has been the case with previous IDR rulemaking, meaning borrowers who consolidate into the Federal Direct Loan Program receive credit toward forgiveness for months in repayment prior to consolidation. The new income-driven repayment regulations are effective July 1,
42



2024; however, the Biden-Harris Administration announced implementation for some features starting July 30, 2023 and SAVE forgiveness starting February 2024. The proposed forgiveness regulations and implementation of the SAVE IDR plan regulations have increased, and may continue to increase, consolidation activity as FFELP borrowers (i) consolidate their loans into the Federal Direct Loan Program in order to be eligible for potential debt relief for Department borrowers and the SAVE plan and (ii) begin receiving automatic forgiveness for loans older than 20 or 25 years. Prepayments could significantly increase if the federal government and/or the Department initiate additional loan forgiveness or cancellation, other repayment options or plans, or consolidation loan programs.
Allowance for Loan Losses, Loan Delinquencies, and Loan Charge-offs
For a summary of the allowance as a percentage of the ending balance and loan status and delinquency amounts for each of AGM's loan portfolios as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; and the activity in AGM's allowance for loan losses and net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Loan Spread Analysis
The following table analyzes the loan spread on AGM’s portfolio of loans, which represents the spread between the yield earned on loan assets and the costs of the liabilities and derivative instruments used to fund the assets. The spread amounts included in the following table are calculated by using the notional dollar values found in the table under the caption "Net interest income after provision for loan losses, net of settlements on derivatives" below, divided by the average balance of loans or debt outstanding.
 Three months ended March 31,
20242023
Variable loan yield, gross7.99 %7.12 %
Consolidation rebate fees(0.80)(0.81)
Discount accretion, net of premium and deferred origination costs amortization0.09 0.05 
Variable loan yield, net7.28 6.36 
Loan cost of funds - interest expense(6.50)(5.53)
Loan cost of funds - derivative settlements (a) (b)0.01 0.03 
Variable loan spread0.79 0.86 
Fixed rate floor income, gross0.01 0.03 
Fixed rate floor income - derivative settlements (a) (c)0.04 0.68 
Fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives0.05 0.71 
Core loan spread0.84 %1.57 %
Average balance of AGM's loans$11,561,504 13,991,241 
Average balance of AGM's debt outstanding11,387,400 13,364,876 
(a)    Derivative settlements represent the cash paid or received during the current period to settle with derivative instrument counterparties the economic effect of the Company's derivative instruments based on their contractual terms. Derivative accounting requires that net settlements with respect to derivatives that do not qualify for "hedge treatment" under GAAP be recorded in a separate income statement line item below net interest income. The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. As such, management believes derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company’s net interest income (loan spread) as presented in this table. The Company reports this non-GAAP information because the Company believes that it provides additional information regarding operational and performance indicators that are closely assessed by management. There is no comprehensive, authoritative guidance for the presentation of such non-GAAP information, which is only meant to supplement GAAP results by providing additional information that management utilizes to assess performance. See note 4 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information on the Company's Non-Nelnet Bank derivative instruments, including the net settlement activity recognized by the Company for each type of derivative for the 2024 and 2023 periods presented in the table under the caption "Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives - Statements of Income" and in this table.
43



A reconciliation of core loan spread, which includes the impact of derivative settlements on loan spread, to loan spread without derivative settlements follows.
Three months ended March 31,
20242023
Core loan spread0.84 %1.57 %
Derivative settlements (1:3 basis swaps)(0.01)(0.03)
Derivative settlements (fixed rate floor income)(0.04)(0.68)
Loan spread0.79 %0.86 %
(b)    Derivative settlements consist of net settlements received related to the Company’s 1:3 basis swaps.
(c)    Derivative settlements consist of net settlements received related to the Company’s floor income interest rate swaps.
The relationship between the indices in which AGM earns interest on its loans and funds such loans has a significant impact on loan spread. See Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk - AGM Operating Segment,” which provides additional detail on AGM’s FFELP student loan assets and related funding for those assets. In an increasing interest rate environment, student loan spread on FFELP loans increases in the short term because of the timing of interest rate resets on the Company's assets occurring daily in contrast to the timing of the interest rate resets on the Company's debt occurring either monthly or quarterly.
Variable loan spread was lower during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared with the same period in 2023 due to a significant increase in short-term rates during the first quarter of 2023 compared with an insignificant change in rates for the same period in 2024.
The difference between variable loan spread and core loan spread is fixed rate floor income earned on a portion of AGM's federally insured student loan portfolio. A summary of fixed rate floor income and its contribution to core loan spread follows:
 Three months ended March 31,
20242023
Fixed rate floor income, gross$180 1,110 
Derivative settlements (a)1,190 22,478 
Fixed rate floor income, net$1,370 23,588 
Fixed rate floor income contribution to spread, net0.05 %0.71 %

(a)    Derivative settlements consist of net settlements received related to the Company's derivatives used to hedge student loans earning fixed rate floor income.
The decrease in gross fixed rate floor income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared with the same period in 2023 was due to higher interest rates in 2024 compared with 2023.
The Company had a significant portfolio of derivative instruments in which the Company paid a fixed rate and received a floating rate to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. On March 15, 2023, to minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility and increase liquidity, the Company terminated its derivative portfolio hedging loans earning fixed rate floor income ($2.8 billion in notional amount of derivatives). Through March 15, 2023, the Company had received cash or had a receivable from its clearinghouse related to variation margin equal to the fair value of the $2.8 billion notional amount of fixed rate floor derivatives as of March 15, 2023 of $183.2 million, which included $19.1 million related to current period settlements. Subsequent to terminating these derivatives, during the second and fourth quarters of 2023, the Company entered into a total of $400.0 million notional amount of derivatives to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income and other loans and investments in which the Company receives a fixed rate.
The decrease in net derivative settlements received by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared with the same period in 2023, was due to a decrease in the notional amount of derivatives outstanding and less favorable terms on the $400.0 million of notional derivatives entered into in 2023 compared with the $2.8 billion notional derivatives that were terminated due to an increase in interest rates from when the terminated derivatives were initially executed.
44



Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Net interest income after provision for loan losses$34,003 13,663 See table below for additional analysis.
Other income, net4,983 2,845 Represents primarily borrower late fees, income from providing administration activities for third parties, and income/losses from AGM's investment in joint ventures.
(Loss) gain on sale of loans, net(41)11,812 The Company recognized a loss and net gains from selling portfolios of loans in 2024 and 2023, respectively. For additional information, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Derivative settlements, net1,555 23,337 The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. Derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company's net interest income as reflected in the table below. The majority of derivative settlements received in the periods presented was from the Company's derivative portfolio used to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. The decrease in net derivative settlements received by the Company was due to the termination of the floor income interest rate swaps in March 2023. See above under "Loan Spread Analysis" for further information.
Derivative market value adjustments, net5,706 (37,411)Includes the realized and unrealized gains and losses that are caused by changes in fair values of derivatives which do not qualify for "hedge treatment" under GAAP. The majority of the derivative market value adjustments during the periods presented related to the changes in fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. Such changes reflect that a decrease in the forward yield curve during a reporting period results in a decrease in the fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps, and an increase in the forward yield curve during a reporting period results in an increase in the fair value of such swaps. On March 15, 2023, AGM terminated its portfolio of floor income interest rate swaps to minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility and increase liquidity. As such, the Company expects the derivative market value adjustments in future periods will be less substantial. See above under "Loan Spread Analysis" for further information.
Total other income, net12,203 583 
Salaries and benefits1,195 755 Increase was due to additional headcount as the Company actively expands into new asset loan classes.
Other expenses3,418 5,016 Represents primarily servicing fees paid to third parties. Decrease in servicing fees was due to the amortization of the FFELP student loan portfolio.
Intersegment expenses7,850 8,696 Represents fees paid to LSS for the servicing of the majority of AGM’s loans. These amounts exceed the actual cost of servicing the loans. Intersegment expenses also includes costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expenses12,463 14,467 Total operating expenses were 43 basis points and 41 basis points of the average balance of loans for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in operating expenses as a percent of the average balance of loans was due to an increase in costs as the Company actively expands into new asset loan classes.
Income (loss) before income taxes33,743 (221)
Income tax (expense) benefit(8,099)53 Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net income (loss)$25,644 (168)
Additional information:
GAAP net income (loss)$25,644 (168)See "Overview - GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP Net Income, Excluding Adjustments" above for additional information about non-GAAP net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments.

The decrease in non-GAAP net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments was due to (i) a decrease in the average balance of loans; (ii) a decrease in core loan spread; and (iii) the net gain on sale of loans in 2023. These changes were partially offset by (i) a decrease in provision expense and (ii) an increase in investment interest income on the Company's partial ownership in loan securitizations that are accounted for as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments.
Derivative market value adjustments, net(5,706)37,411 
Tax effect1,369 (8,979)
Non-GAAP net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments$21,307 28,264 

45



Net interest income after provision for loan losses, net of settlements on derivatives
The following table summarizes the components of "net interest income after provision for loan losses" and "derivative settlements, net."
Three months ended March 31,
20232022Additional information20242023Additional information
Variable interest income, grossVariable interest income, gross$246,594 115,753 Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to an increase in the gross yield earned on loans, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of loans.Variable interest income, gross$229,817 246,594 246,594 Decrease was due to a decrease in the average balance of loans partially offset by an increase in the gross yield earned on loans.Decrease was due to a decrease in the average balance of loans partially offset by an increase in the gross yield earned on loans.
Consolidation rebate feesConsolidation rebate fees(28,399)(36,771)Decrease in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to a decrease in the average consolidation loan balance.Consolidation rebate fees(23,057)(28,399)(28,399)Decrease was due to a decrease in the average consolidation loan balance.Decrease was due to a decrease in the average consolidation loan balance.
Discount accretion, net of
premium and deferred
origination costs amortization
Discount accretion, net of
premium and deferred
origination costs amortization
1,607 1,459 Net discount accretion is due to the Company's purchases of loans at a net discount over the last several years.Discount accretion, net of premium and deferred origination costs amortization2,688 1,607 1,607 Net discount accretion is due to the Company's purchases of loans at a net discount over the last several years.Net discount accretion is due to the Company's purchases of loans at a net discount over the last several years.
Variable interest income, netVariable interest income, net219,802 80,441 
Interest on bonds and notes
payable
Interest on bonds and notes
payable
(182,063)(45,209)Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to an increase in cost of funds, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of debt outstanding.
Interest on bonds and notes payable
Interest on bonds and notes payable(184,145)(182,063)Increase was due to an increase in cost of funds, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of debt outstanding.
Derivative settlements, net (a)Derivative settlements, net (a)859 396 Derivative settlements include the net settlements received related to the Company’s 1:3 basis swaps.Derivative settlements, net (a)365 859 859 Represents net derivative settlements received related to the Company’s 1:3 basis swaps.Represents net derivative settlements received related to the Company’s 1:3 basis swaps.
Variable loan interest margin, net of settlements on derivativesVariable loan interest margin, net of settlements on derivatives38,598 35,628 
Fixed rate floor income, gross
Fixed rate floor income, gross
Fixed rate floor income, grossFixed rate floor income, gross1,110 28,993 Decrease in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to higher interest rates.180 1,110 1,110 Decrease was due to higher interest rates.Decrease was due to higher interest rates.
Derivative settlements, net (a)Derivative settlements, net (a)22,478 (3,205)Derivative settlements include the settlements received (paid) related to the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. The increase in net derivative settlements received by the Company during 2023, compared with net derivative settlements paid during 2022, was due to an increase in interest rates, partially offset by a decrease in the notional amount of derivatives outstanding. The entire portfolio of floor income interest rate swaps was terminated on March 15, 2023 to minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility. As such, there will be no derivative settlements received on these derivatives in future periods.Derivative settlements, net (a)1,190 22,478 22,478 Represents net derivative settlements received related to the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. The decrease in net derivative settlements received by the Company was due to the termination of the floor income interest rate swaps in March 2023. See above under "Loan Spread Analysis" for further information.Represents net derivative settlements received related to the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. The decrease in net derivative settlements received by the Company was due to the termination of the floor income interest rate swaps in March 2023. See above under "Loan Spread Analysis" for further information.
Fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivativesFixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives23,588 25,788 
Core loan interest income (a)Core loan interest income (a)62,186 61,416 
Core loan interest income (a)
Core loan interest income (a)
Investment interest
Investment interest
Investment interestInvestment interest13,807 9,164 Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to an increase of interest earned on restricted cash due to higher rates.21,835 13,807 13,807 Increase was due to an increase in the Company's partial ownership in loan securitizations that are accounted for as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments.Increase was due to an increase in the Company's partial ownership in loan securitizations that are accounted for as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments.
Intercompany interestIntercompany interest(7,135)(794)Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to an increase in the balance of borrowings and higher rates.
(Provision) negative provision for loan losses - federally insured loans(2,411)2,748 
The Company has recognized provision for loan losses during the three months ended March 31, 2023 due to management's estimate of declining economic conditions, as well as establishing an initial allowance for loans acquired during the period.

For additional information, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
(Provision) negative provision for loan losses - private education loans(240)400 
(Provision) for loan losses - consumer and other loans(29,207)(2,284)
Negative provision (provision) for loan losses - federally insured loans
Negative provision (provision) for loan losses - federally insured loans
Negative provision (provision) for loan losses - federally insured loans1,870 (2,411)See note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for factors impacting provision for loan losses for the periods presented.
Negative provision (provision) for loan losses - private education loans
Provision for loan losses - consumer and other loans
Provision for loan losses - consumer and other loans
Provision for loan losses - consumer and other loans
Net interest income after provision for loan losses (net of settlements on derivatives) (a)Net interest income after provision for loan losses (net of settlements on derivatives) (a)$37,000 70,650 Decrease in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to (i) a decrease in the average balance of loans; and (ii) an increase in provision for loan losses. These items were partially offset by (i) an increase in core loan spread; and (ii) an increase in investment interest income.
Net interest income after provision for loan losses (net of settlements on derivatives) (a)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses (net of settlements on derivatives) (a)
(a)    Core loan interest income and net interest income after provision for loan losses (net of settlements on derivatives) are non-GAAP financial measures. For an explanation of GAAP accounting for derivative settlements and the reasons why the Company reports these non-GAAP measures (and the limitations thereof), see footnote (a) to the table immediately under the caption “Loan Spread Analysis” above. See note 4 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information on the Company's derivative instruments, including the net settlement activity recognized by the Company for each type of derivative referred to in the "Additional information" column of this table, for the 20232024 and 20222023 periods presented in the table under the caption "Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives - Statements of Income" in note 4 and in this table.Income."
Subsequent Event
Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, in April 2023, the Company redeemed $188.6 million of FFELP loan asset-backed securities (bonds and notes payable) prior to their legal maturity. The remaining unamortized debt discount associated with these bonds at the time of redemption was written-off, resulting in a $25.9 million non-cash expense recognized in April 2023.
4846



NELNET BANK OPERATING SEGMENT – RESULTS OF OPERATIONSNelnet Bank Operating Segment
Loan Portfolio
As of March 31, 2023,2024, Nelnet Bank had a $439.0$483.7 million loan portfolio, consisting of $355.7$364.8 million of private education loans $63.4 million of FFELP loans, and $19.9$119.0 million of consumer and other loans. For a summary of the Company’s loan portfolio as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Loan Activity
The following table sets forth the activity of loans in Nelnet Bank operating segment:
 Three months ended March 31,
20242023
Beginning balance$432,872 419,795 
Loan acquisitions and originations:
Private education loans16,715 14,226 
Consumer and other loans56,847 19,632 
Total loan acquisitions and originations73,562 33,858 
Repayments(22,711)(14,529)
Loans sold to AGM— (117)
Ending balance$483,723 439,007 

Allowance for Loan Losses, Loan Delinquencies, and Loan Charge-offs
For a summary of the allowance as a percentage of the ending balance and loan status, delinquency amounts, and other key credit quality indicators offor each of Nelnet Bank's loan portfolios as of March 31, 20232024 and December 31, 2022;2023; and the activity in Nelnet Bank's allowance for loan losses and net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans for the three months ended March 31, 20232024 and 2022,2023, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
The following table sets forth the activity in Nelnet Bank's loan portfolio:
 Three months ended March 31,
20232022
Beginning balance$419,795 257,901 
Loan originations:
Private education loans14,226 130,342 
Consumer and other loans19,632 — 
Total loan originations33,858 130,342 
Repayments(14,529)(18,394)
Sales to AGM(117)(1,592)
Ending balance$439,007 368,257 
Deposits
As of March 31, 2023,2024, Nelnet Bank had $869.8$960.6 million of deposits. All of Nelnet Bank’s deposits are interest-bearing deposits and primarily consist of brokered certificates of deposit (CDs) and, retail and other savings deposits and CDs.CDs, and intercompany deposits. Retail and other savingsavings deposits include deposits from Educational 529 College Savings and Health Savings plans, Short Term Federal Investment Trust (STFIT), and commercial and institutional CDs. Union Bank, a related party, is the program manager for the Educational 529 College Savings plans and trustee for the STFIT.
As of March 31, 2024, Nelnet Bank’s deposits include $194.0included $158.6 million from Nelnet, Inc. (the parent(parent company) and its subsidiaries (intercompany), and thus have been eliminated for consolidated financial reporting purposes. The intercompany deposits include a pledged deposit of $40.0 million from Nelnet, Inc. as required under the Capital and Liquidity Maintenance Agreement with the FDIC, deposits required for intercompany transactions, operating and savings deposits, and NBS custodial deposits consisting of collected tuition payments collected which are subsequently remitted to the appropriate school.

4947



Average Balance Sheet
The following table reflects the rates earned on interest-earning assets and paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
Three months ended March 31, (a)
20232022
BalanceRateBalanceRate
Average assets
Federally insured student loans$64,655 5.93 %$85,266 1.42 %
Private education loans355,698 3.61 228,934 2.91 
Consumer and other loans7,308 12.30 — — 
Cash and investments540,513 5.95 265,101 1.66 
Total interest-earning assets968,174 5.14 %579,301 2.12 %
Non-interest-earning assets9,323 15,275 
Total assets$977,497 $594,576 
Average liabilities and equity
Brokered deposits$205,411 1.39 %$144,527 1.20 %
Intercompany deposits187,872 4.96 70,576 0.20 
Retail and other deposits452,008 3.78 269,027 0.59 
Total interest-bearing liabilities845,291 3.46 %484,130 0.72 %
Non-interest-bearing liabilities5,608 6,427 
Equity126,598 104,019 
Total liabilities and equity$977,497 $594,576 
(a) Calculated using average daily balances.
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
 Three months ended March 31,
 20232022Additional information
Total interest income$12,259 3,030 Represents interest earned on loans, cash, and investments. Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to an increase of these balances and interest rates.
Interest expense7,214 856 Represents interest expense on deposits. Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to an increase of deposits and interest rates.
Net interest income5,045 2,174 
Provision for loan losses2,417 429 Increase in provision for loan losses was due to the mix of loans, including the mix of loans originated in 2023 compared with 2022, and management's estimate of declining economic conditions. For additional information, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Net interest income after provision for loan losses2,628 1,745 
Other income210 1,500 Represents primarily income and net gains from investments.
Salaries and benefits2,064 1,554 Represents salaries and benefits of Nelnet Bank associates and third-party contract labor. Increase in 2023 compared with 2022 was due to the overall growth of Nelnet Bank activities.
Depreciation
Other expenses782 682 
Intersegment expenses80 45 Represents primarily servicing costs paid to LSS. Certain shared service and support costs incurred by the Company to support Nelnet Bank are not and will not be reflected as part of Nelnet Bank through 2023 (when the bank’s de novo period will end). The shared service and support costs incurred by the Company related to Nelnet Bank and not reflected in the bank’s operating segment were $1.7 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Total operating expenses2,931 2,284 
(Loss) income before income taxes(93)961 
Income tax benefit (expense)35 (223)Represents income tax benefit (expense) at an effective tax rate of 37.4% and 23.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Net (loss) income$(58)738 
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Net interest income$1,8941,037Increase was due to higher interest rates.
Loan servicing and systems revenue127,201139,227See table below for additional information.
Intersegment servicing revenue6,8867,790Represents revenue earned by LSS from servicing loans for AGM and Nelnet Bank. Decrease was due to the continued amortization of AGM's FFELP portfolio. FFELP intersegment servicing revenue will continue to decrease as AGM's FFELP portfolio pays off.
Other income710608Represents revenue earned from providing administrative support services.
Total other income134,797147,625
Salaries and benefits76,72284,560Decrease was due to the Company being fully staffed at the beginning of 2023 with contact center operations and support associates as the Company prepared for expiration of the federal student loan payment pause under the CARES Act. In the first half of 2023, the Company reduced staff to manage expenses due to delays in the government's student debt relief and return to repayment programs and lower pricing and reduced servicing volume for LSS's Department servicing contract. As part of these reductions, the Company recognized a restructuring charge of $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2023.
Depreciation and amortization5,1094,513
Other expenses19,53813,313Increase was due to additional postage and communication costs due to borrowers returning to repayment on September 1, 2023.
Intersegment expenses19,33221,057Represents costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expenses120,701123,443
Income before income taxes15,99025,219
Income tax expense(3,838)(6,053)Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net income$12,15219,166

Before tax operating margin11.9 %17.1 %
Before tax operating margin represents before tax operating profitability as a percentage of revenue, and for LSS is calculated as income before income taxes divided by the total of loan servicing and systems revenue, intersegment servicing revenue, and other income. The Company uses this metric to monitor and assess the segment’s performance, manage operating costs, identify and evaluate business trends affecting the segment, and make strategic decisions, and believes that it provides additional information to facilitate an understanding of the operating performance of the segment and provides a meaningful comparison of the results of operations between periods.
Before tax operating margin decreased due primarily to a decrease in loan servicing and systems revenue as described in the table below, partially offset by a decrease in salaries and benefits resulting from restructure charges incurred during the first quarter of 2023 and staff reductions in 2023.
5038



Loan servicing and systems revenue
The following table presents disaggregated revenue by service offering for each reporting period.
Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Government loan servicing$105,474 108,880 Represents revenue from the Company's Department legacy servicing contract. Decrease was due to the reduction of the monthly fee earned per borrower on certain borrower statuses by $0.19 effective April 1, 2023 and a decrease of borrowers serviced due to the Department transferring one million of the Company's existing borrowers to another third-party servicer during the second and third quarters of 2023. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the average revenue earned on a per borrower blended basis as a result of borrowers moving to a repayment status on September 1, 2023.
Private education and consumer loan servicing12,620 12,164 Increase was due to rate increases based on contractual consumer price index changes, partially offset by a decrease in the number of borrowers serviced.
FFELP loan servicing3,380 3,368 Represents revenue from servicing third-party customers' FFELP portfolios. Over time, FFELP servicing revenue will decrease as third-party customers' FFELP portfolios pay off.
Software services4,541 9,697 Represents revenue from providing remote hosted servicing software to certain Department and other servicers and providing diversified technology services. Decrease was primarily due to the transfer of all Department remote hosted borrowers to other third-party servicers throughout 2023 under the Department's legacy servicing contracts.
Outsourced services1,186 5,118 Represents revenue from providing contact center and back office operational outsourcing services. Decrease was due to the contracts for support provided to certain Department servicers expiring in July 2023.
Loan servicing and systems revenue$127,201 139,227 
39



CORPORATEEDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AND OTHER ACTIVITIESPAYMENTS OPERATING SEGMENT – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OtherAs discussed further in the Company's 2023 Annual Report, this segment of the Company’s business activitiesis subject to seasonal fluctuations which correspond, or are related to, the traditional school year. Based on the timing of revenue recognition and when expenses are incurred, revenue and before tax operating segmentsmargin are higher in the first quarter compared with the remainder of the year.
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Net interest income$7,866 6,036 Represents interest income on tuition funds held in custody for schools. Increase was due to higher interest rates.
Education technology services and payments revenue143,539 133,603 See table below for additional information.
Intersegment revenue49 56 
Total other income143,588 133,659 
Cost of services48,610 47,704 See table below for additional information.
Salaries and benefits40,167 37,913 Increase was due to annual merit pay increases and an increase in headcount to support the growth of the customer base and the investment in the development of new technologies.
Depreciation and amortization2,683 2,578 Represents primarily amortization of intangible assets from prior business acquisitions.
Other expenses7,558 8,063 Decrease was due to a decrease in consulting and professional services resulting from reduced outsourced work. Decrease was partially offset by an increase in technology services.
Intersegment expenses, net4,801 5,800 Represents costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expenses55,209 54,354 
Income before income taxes47,635 37,637 
Income tax expense(11,435)(9,066)Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net income36,200 28,571 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests17 138 
Net income$36,217 28,709 


40



Education technology services and payments revenue
The following table presents disaggregated revenue by service offering and before tax operating margin for each reporting period.
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Tuition payment plan services$38,88034,187Increase was due to a higher number of payment plans in the K-12 and higher education markets for both new and existing customers.
Payment processing47,78644,041Increase was due to increase in payment volumes for both the K-12 and higher education markets due to new customers and an increase in volume from existing customers.
Education technology services56,02154,787Increase was due to an increase in revenue from the Company’s school information system software and application and enrollment services. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in FACTS learning management services revenue as a result of decrease in economic aid provided to private schools in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. Learning management instructional services revenue provided to private schools has been funded by the CARES Act and the Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) programs. The EANS I program funding ended on September 30, 2023 and EANS II program funding ends on September 30, 2024. As economic aid provided to schools under the EANS programs stopped on September 30, 2023 (EANS I) and winds down (EANS II), future instructional services revenue will decrease from recent historical periods. Revenue earned under the EANS programs for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $10.6 million and $16.4 million, respectively.
Other852588
Education technology services and payments revenue143,539133,603
Cost of services48,61047,704Represents direct costs to provide payment processing revenue and such costs decrease/increase in relationship to payment volumes. Costs to provide instructional services are also a component of this expense and decrease/increase in relationship to instructional services revenues.
Net revenue$94,92985,899
GAAP before tax operating margin50.2 %43.8 %
Before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, is a non-GAAP measure of before tax operating profitability as a percentage of revenue, and for the ETSP segment is calculated as income before income taxes less net interest income divided by net revenue. The Company uses this metric to monitor and assess the segment’s performance, manage operating costs, identify and evaluate business trends affecting the segment, and make strategic decisions, and believes that it facilitates an understanding of the operating performance of the segment and provides a meaningful comparison of the results of operations between periods.
Before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, increased due to increased net revenue while maintaining a consistent cost structure.
Net interest income(8.3)(7.0)
Non-GAAP before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income41.9 %36.8 %


41



NELNET FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION - RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment
Loan Portfolio
As of March 31, 2024, the AGM operating segment had a $10.8 billion loan portfolio, consisting primarily of federally insured loans. For a summary of the Company’s loan portfolio as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Loan Activity
The following table sets forth the activity of loans in the AGM operating segment:
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023
Beginning balance$12,049,462 14,169,771 
Loan acquisitions:
Federally insured student loans— 2,980 
Consumer and other loans80,730 250,706 
Total loan acquisitions80,730 253,686 
Repayments, claims, capitalized interest, participations, and other, net(350,496)(410,239)
Loans lost to external parties(779,655)(268,696)
Loans sold(200,099)(261,902)
Ending balance$10,799,942 13,482,620 
The Company has partial ownership in certain consumer, private education, and federally insured student loan securitizations that are not reportable are combinedaccounted for as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments and included in Corporate"investments and Other Activities (“Corporate”)notes receivable" in the Company's consolidated financial statements. As of the latest remittance reports filed by the various trusts prior to or as of March 31, 2024, the Company’s ownership correlates to approximately $1.79 billion of loans included in these securitizations. The loans held in these securitizations are not included in the above table.
Since late 2021, the Company has experienced accelerated run-off of its FFELP portfolio due to FFELP borrowers consolidating their loans into Federal Direct Loan Program loans as a result of the continued extension of the CARES Act payment pause on Department held loans and the initiatives offered by the Department for FFELP borrowers to consolidate their loans to qualify for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other programs. After multiple extensions of the student loans payment pause under the CARES Act, the payment and interest accrual suspension ended August 31, 2023, and Federal Direct Loan Program borrowers returned to repayment on September 1, 2023. In August 2022, the Department announced a broad-based student debt relief plan that would have provided up to $20,000 in one-time debt relief to income-qualified recipients with Department held student loans. On June 30, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the Department was prohibited from implementing this plan. After the invalidation of this broad-based relief plan, the Department announced plans to enter into a negotiated rulemaking process to achieve debt relief for federal student loan borrowers using provisions of the Higher Education Act (HEA). The Department released proposed regulatory text prior to holding its statutorily-required negotiated rulemaking sessions. Notably, the Department proposed forgiveness for certain groups of borrowers with privately-held FFELP loans without consolidation into the Federal Direct Loan Program as a prerequisite requirement for such forgiveness. Publicly available negotiated rulemaking sessions occurred in the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. The Department published draft regulations for public comment in April 2024, including regulations that would grant automatic discharge for all federal student loans, including privately-held FFELP loans, older than 20 or 25 years. The April 2024 draft publication did not include regulations to provide forgiveness for borrowers (including borrowers with privately-held FFELP loans) “experiencing financial hardship;” however, publication and comment period for such regulations are expected in Summer of 2024. Final publication and effective date for all pending forgiveness regulations pursuant to the HEA are expected in Fall of 2024. In addition, during 2023, the Department issued final regulations on the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. The SAVE plan makes significant changes to IDR to lower monthly payment amounts, subsidize interest, and accelerate time to forgiveness for some borrowers. FFELP borrowers can access the new income-driven repayment changes by consolidating their loans into the Federal Direct Loan Program. The benefits of the SAVE plan are conferred not exclusively on a go-forward basis, as has been the case with previous IDR rulemaking, meaning borrowers who consolidate into the Federal Direct Loan Program receive credit toward forgiveness for months in repayment prior to consolidation. The new income-driven repayment regulations are effective July 1,
42



2024; however, the Biden-Harris Administration announced implementation for some features starting July 30, 2023 and SAVE forgiveness starting February 2024. The proposed forgiveness regulations and implementation of the SAVE IDR plan regulations have increased, and may continue to increase, consolidation activity as FFELP borrowers (i) consolidate their loans into the Federal Direct Loan Program in order to be eligible for potential debt relief for Department borrowers and the SAVE plan and (ii) begin receiving automatic forgiveness for loans older than 20 or 25 years. Prepayments could significantly increase if the federal government and/or the Department initiate additional loan forgiveness or cancellation, other repayment options or plans, or consolidation loan programs.
Allowance for Loan Losses, Loan Delinquencies, and Loan Charge-offs
For a summary of the allowance as a percentage of the ending balance and loan status and delinquency amounts for each of AGM's loan portfolios as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; and the activity in AGM's allowance for loan losses and net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Loan Spread Analysis
The following table analyzes the loan spread on AGM’s portfolio of loans, which represents the spread between the yield earned on loan assets and the costs of the liabilities and derivative instruments used to fund the assets. The spread amounts included in the following table are calculated by using the notional dollar values found in the table under the caption "Net interest income after provision for loan losses, net of settlements on derivatives" below, divided by the average balance of loans or debt outstanding.
 Three months ended March 31,
20242023
Variable loan yield, gross7.99 %7.12 %
Consolidation rebate fees(0.80)(0.81)
Discount accretion, net of premium and deferred origination costs amortization0.09 0.05 
Variable loan yield, net7.28 6.36 
Loan cost of funds - interest expense(6.50)(5.53)
Loan cost of funds - derivative settlements (a) (b)0.01 0.03 
Variable loan spread0.79 0.86 
Fixed rate floor income, gross0.01 0.03 
Fixed rate floor income - derivative settlements (a) (c)0.04 0.68 
Fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives0.05 0.71 
Core loan spread0.84 %1.57 %
Average balance of AGM's loans$11,561,504 13,991,241 
Average balance of AGM's debt outstanding11,387,400 13,364,876 
(a)    Derivative settlements represent the cash paid or received during the current period to settle with derivative instrument counterparties the economic effect of the Company's derivative instruments based on their contractual terms. Derivative accounting requires that net settlements with respect to derivatives that do not qualify for "hedge treatment" under GAAP be recorded in a separate income statement line item below net interest income. The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. As such, management believes derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company’s net interest income (loan spread) as presented in this table. The Company reports this non-GAAP information because the Company believes that it provides additional information regarding operational and performance indicators that are closely assessed by management. There is no comprehensive, authoritative guidance for the presentation of such non-GAAP information, which is only meant to supplement GAAP results by providing additional information that management utilizes to assess performance. See note 4 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information on the Company's Non-Nelnet Bank derivative instruments, including the net settlement activity recognized by the Company for each type of derivative for the 2024 and 2023 periods presented in the table under the caption "Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives - Statements of Income" and in this table.
43



A reconciliation of core loan spread, which includes the impact of derivative settlements on loan spread, to loan spread without derivative settlements follows.
Three months ended March 31,
20242023
Core loan spread0.84 %1.57 %
Derivative settlements (1:3 basis swaps)(0.01)(0.03)
Derivative settlements (fixed rate floor income)(0.04)(0.68)
Loan spread0.79 %0.86 %
(b)    Derivative settlements consist of net settlements received related to the Company’s 1:3 basis swaps.
(c)    Derivative settlements consist of net settlements received related to the Company’s floor income interest rate swaps.
The relationship between the indices in which AGM earns interest on its loans and funds such loans has a significant impact on loan spread. See Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk - AGM Operating Segment,” which provides additional detail on AGM’s FFELP student loan assets and related funding for those assets. In an increasing interest rate environment, student loan spread on FFELP loans increases in the short term because of the timing of interest rate resets on the Company's assets occurring daily in contrast to the timing of the interest rate resets on the Company's debt occurring either monthly or quarterly.
Variable loan spread was lower during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared with the same period in 2023 due to a significant increase in short-term rates during the first quarter of 2023 compared with an insignificant change in rates for the same period in 2024.
The difference between variable loan spread and core loan spread is fixed rate floor income earned on a portion of AGM's federally insured student loan portfolio. A summary of fixed rate floor income and its contribution to core loan spread follows:
 Three months ended March 31,
20242023
Fixed rate floor income, gross$180 1,110 
Derivative settlements (a)1,190 22,478 
Fixed rate floor income, net$1,370 23,588 
Fixed rate floor income contribution to spread, net0.05 %0.71 %

(a)    Derivative settlements consist of net settlements received related to the Company's derivatives used to hedge student loans earning fixed rate floor income.
The decrease in gross fixed rate floor income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared with the same period in 2023 was due to higher interest rates in 2024 compared with 2023.
The Company had a significant portfolio of derivative instruments in which the Company paid a fixed rate and received a floating rate to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. On March 15, 2023, to minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility and increase liquidity, the Company terminated its derivative portfolio hedging loans earning fixed rate floor income ($2.8 billion in notional amount of derivatives). Through March 15, 2023, the Company had received cash or had a receivable from its clearinghouse related to variation margin equal to the fair value of the $2.8 billion notional amount of fixed rate floor derivatives as of March 15, 2023 of $183.2 million, which included $19.1 million related to current period settlements. Subsequent to terminating these derivatives, during the second and fourth quarters of 2023, the Company entered into a total of $400.0 million notional amount of derivatives to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income and other loans and investments in which the Company receives a fixed rate.
The decrease in net derivative settlements received by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared with the same period in 2023, was due to a decrease in the notional amount of derivatives outstanding and less favorable terms on the $400.0 million of notional derivatives entered into in 2023 compared with the $2.8 billion notional derivatives that were terminated due to an increase in interest rates from when the terminated derivatives were initially executed.
44



Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Net interest income after provision for loan losses$34,003 13,663 See table below for additional analysis.
Other income, net4,983 2,845 Represents primarily borrower late fees, income from providing administration activities for third parties, and income/losses from AGM's investment in joint ventures.
(Loss) gain on sale of loans, net(41)11,812 The Company recognized a loss and net gains from selling portfolios of loans in 2024 and 2023, respectively. For additional information, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Derivative settlements, net1,555 23,337 The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. Derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company's net interest income as reflected in the table below. The majority of derivative settlements received in the periods presented was from the Company's derivative portfolio used to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. The decrease in net derivative settlements received by the Company was due to the termination of the floor income interest rate swaps in March 2023. See above under "Loan Spread Analysis" for further information.
Derivative market value adjustments, net5,706 (37,411)Includes the realized and unrealized gains and losses that are caused by changes in fair values of derivatives which do not qualify for "hedge treatment" under GAAP. The majority of the derivative market value adjustments during the periods presented related to the changes in fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. Such changes reflect that a decrease in the forward yield curve during a reporting period results in a decrease in the fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps, and an increase in the forward yield curve during a reporting period results in an increase in the fair value of such swaps. On March 15, 2023, AGM terminated its portfolio of floor income interest rate swaps to minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility and increase liquidity. As such, the Company expects the derivative market value adjustments in future periods will be less substantial. See above under "Loan Spread Analysis" for further information.
Total other income, net12,203 583 
Salaries and benefits1,195 755 Increase was due to additional headcount as the Company actively expands into new asset loan classes.
Other expenses3,418 5,016 Represents primarily servicing fees paid to third parties. Decrease in servicing fees was due to the amortization of the FFELP student loan portfolio.
Intersegment expenses7,850 8,696 Represents fees paid to LSS for the servicing of the majority of AGM’s loans. These amounts exceed the actual cost of servicing the loans. Intersegment expenses also includes costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expenses12,463 14,467 Total operating expenses were 43 basis points and 41 basis points of the average balance of loans for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in operating expenses as a percent of the average balance of loans was due to an increase in costs as the Company actively expands into new asset loan classes.
Income (loss) before income taxes33,743 (221)
Income tax (expense) benefit(8,099)53 Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net income (loss)$25,644 (168)
Additional information:
GAAP net income (loss)$25,644 (168)See "Overview - GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP Net Income, Excluding Adjustments" above for additional information about non-GAAP net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments.

The decrease in non-GAAP net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments was due to (i) a decrease in the average balance of loans; (ii) a decrease in core loan spread; and (iii) the net gain on sale of loans in 2023. These changes were partially offset by (i) a decrease in provision expense and (ii) an increase in investment interest income on the Company's partial ownership in loan securitizations that are accounted for as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments.
Derivative market value adjustments, net(5,706)37,411 
Tax effect1,369 (8,979)
Non-GAAP net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments$21,307 28,264 

45



Net interest income after provision for loan losses, net of settlements on derivatives
The following table summarizes the operating resultscomponents of "net interest income after provision for loan losses" and "derivative settlements, net."
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Variable interest income, gross$229,817 246,594 Decrease was due to a decrease in the average balance of loans partially offset by an increase in the gross yield earned on loans.
Consolidation rebate fees(23,057)(28,399)Decrease was due to a decrease in the average consolidation loan balance.
Discount accretion, net of premium and deferred origination costs amortization2,688 1,607 Net discount accretion is due to the Company's purchases of loans at a net discount over the last several years.
Variable interest income, net209,448 219,802 
Interest on bonds and notes payable(184,145)(182,063)Increase was due to an increase in cost of funds, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of debt outstanding.
Derivative settlements, net (a)365 859 Represents net derivative settlements received related to the Company’s 1:3 basis swaps.
Variable loan interest margin, net of settlements on derivatives25,668 38,598 
Fixed rate floor income, gross180 1,110 Decrease was due to higher interest rates.
Derivative settlements, net (a)1,190 22,478 Represents net derivative settlements received related to the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. The decrease in net derivative settlements received by the Company was due to the termination of the floor income interest rate swaps in March 2023. See above under "Loan Spread Analysis" for further information.
Fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives1,370 23,588 
Core loan interest income (a)27,038 62,186 
Investment interest21,835 13,807 Increase was due to an increase in the Company's partial ownership in loan securitizations that are accounted for as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments.
Intercompany interest(6,760)(7,135)
Negative provision (provision) for loan losses - federally insured loans1,870 (2,411)See note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for factors impacting provision for loan losses for the periods presented.
Negative provision (provision) for loan losses - private education loans265 (240)
Provision for loan losses - consumer and other loans(8,690)(29,207)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses (net of settlements on derivatives) (a)$35,558 37,000 
(a)    Core loan interest income and net interest income after provision for loan losses (net of settlements on derivatives) are non-GAAP financial measures. For an explanation of GAAP accounting for derivative settlements and the reasons why the Company reports these activities.
Income taxes are allocated basednon-GAAP measures (and the limitations thereof), see footnote (a) to the table immediately under the caption “Loan Spread Analysis” above. See note 4 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information on 24% of income (loss) before taxesthe Company's derivative instruments, including the net settlement activity recognized by the Company for each activity. The difference betweentype of derivative referred to in the Corporate income tax expense"Additional information" column of this table, for the 2024 and the sum of taxes calculated for each activity is included in income taxes in “other”2023 periods presented in the table below.under the caption "Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives - Statements of Income."

46



Nelnet Bank Operating Segment
Loan Portfolio
As of March 31, 2024, Nelnet Bank had a $483.7 million loan portfolio, consisting of $364.8 million of private education loans and $119.0 million of consumer and other loans. For a summary of the Company’s loan portfolio as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Loan Activity
The following table sets forth the activity of loans in Nelnet Bank operating segment:
 Three months ended March 31,
20242023
Beginning balance$432,872 419,795 
Loan acquisitions and originations:
Private education loans16,715 14,226 
Consumer and other loans56,847 19,632 
Total loan acquisitions and originations73,562 33,858 
Repayments(22,711)(14,529)
Loans sold to AGM— (117)
Ending balance$483,723 439,007 

Allowance for Loan Losses, Loan Delinquencies, and Loan Charge-offs
For a summary of the allowance as a percentage of the ending balance and loan status, delinquency amounts, and other key credit quality indicators for each of Nelnet Bank's loan portfolios as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; and the activity in Nelnet Bank's allowance for loan losses and net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Deposits
As of March 31, 2024, Nelnet Bank had $960.6 million of deposits. All of Nelnet Bank’s deposits are interest-bearing and primarily consist of brokered certificates of deposit (CDs), retail and other savings deposits and CDs, and intercompany deposits. Retail and other savings deposits include deposits from Educational 529 College Savings and Health Savings plans, Short Term Federal Investment Trust (STFIT), and commercial and institutional CDs. Union Bank, a related party, is the program manager for the Educational 529 College Savings plans and trustee for the STFIT.
As of March 31, 2024, Nelnet Bank’s deposits included $158.6 million from Nelnet, Inc. (parent company) and its subsidiaries (intercompany), and thus have been eliminated for consolidated financial reporting purposes. The intercompany deposits include a pledged deposit of $40.0 million from Nelnet, Inc. as required under the Capital and Liquidity Maintenance Agreement with the FDIC, deposits required for intercompany transactions, operating deposits, and NBS custodial deposits consisting of tuition payments collected which are subsequently remitted to the appropriate school.
47



Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
Nelnet Renewable Energy (c)
Shared services (a)WRCM (b)Tax equity investments / syndication / administrationGRNE SolarALLO investment (d)Real estate investments (e)Venture capital investments (f)Interest income/expense, net (g)OtherTotal
Three months ended March 31, 2023
Interest income$— — 41 — 141 670 20,237 108 21,199 
Interest expense— — — (273)— — — (11,977)(68)(12,318)
Net interest income— — (232)— 141 670 8,260 40 8,881 
Solar construction revenue— — — 8,651 — — — — — 8,651 
Other, net626 1,612 (1,948)44 (17,864)800 67 (3,941)2,870 (17,734)
Cost to provide solar construction services— — — (8,299)— — — — — (8,299)
Salaries and benefits(23,384)(56)(1,007)(1,196)(30)(81)(177)— (1,488)(27,419)
Depreciation and amortization(8,830)— — (617)— (6)— — (78)(9,531)
Other expenses(10,566)(81)(821)(948)12 (16)(165)(2,218)1,192 (13,611)
Intersegment expenses, net29,165 (3)15 (513)— (95)(10)(97)(675)27,787 
Income (loss) before income taxes(12,989)1,474 (3,761)(3,110)(17,882)743 385 2,004 1,861 (31,275)
Income tax (expense) benefit3,117 (319)206 610 4,292 (180)(92)(481)(372)6,781 
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests— (146)2,903 569 — — — — 3,332 
Net income (loss)$(9,872)1,009 (652)(1,931)(13,590)569 293 1,523 1,489 (21,162)
Three months ended March 31, 2022
Interest income$— — — — — 289 — 3,603 100 3,992 
Interest expense— — — — — — — (1,745)(281)(2,026)
Net interest income— — — — — 289 — 1,858 (181)1,966 
Solar construction revenue— — — — — — — — — — 
Other, net689 1,281 (869)— (11,014)4,472 4,902 (864)2,528 1,125 
Cost to provide solar construction services— — — — — — — — — — 
Salaries and benefits(21,868)(55)(258)— (84)(110)(239)— (1,398)(24,012)
Depreciation and amortization(9,615)— — — — — — — (69)(9,684)
Other expenses(12,261)(100)(102)— (24)(2)(23)(449)(843)(13,804)
Intersegment expenses, net25,755 (3)(3)— — (95)— (56)(202)25,396 
Income (loss) before income taxes(17,300)1,123 (1,232)— (11,122)4,554 4,640 489 (165)(19,013)
Income tax (expense) benefit4,152 (243)(153)— 2,669 (1,092)(1,114)(117)2,496 6,598 
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests— (112)1,869 — — (6)— — 10 1,761 
Net income (loss)$(13,148)768 484 — (8,453)3,456 3,526 372 2,341 (10,654)
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Net interest income$1,8941,037Increase was due to higher interest rates.
Loan servicing and systems revenue127,201139,227See table below for additional information.
Intersegment servicing revenue6,8867,790Represents revenue earned by LSS from servicing loans for AGM and Nelnet Bank. Decrease was due to the continued amortization of AGM's FFELP portfolio. FFELP intersegment servicing revenue will continue to decrease as AGM's FFELP portfolio pays off.
Other income710608Represents revenue earned from providing administrative support services.
Total other income134,797147,625
Salaries and benefits76,72284,560Decrease was due to the Company being fully staffed at the beginning of 2023 with contact center operations and support associates as the Company prepared for expiration of the federal student loan payment pause under the CARES Act. In the first half of 2023, the Company reduced staff to manage expenses due to delays in the government's student debt relief and return to repayment programs and lower pricing and reduced servicing volume for LSS's Department servicing contract. As part of these reductions, the Company recognized a restructuring charge of $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2023.
Depreciation and amortization5,1094,513
Other expenses19,53813,313Increase was due to additional postage and communication costs due to borrowers returning to repayment on September 1, 2023.
Intersegment expenses19,33221,057Represents costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expenses120,701123,443
Income before income taxes15,99025,219
Income tax expense(3,838)(6,053)Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net income$12,15219,166

Before tax operating margin11.9 %17.1 %
Before tax operating margin represents before tax operating profitability as a percentage of revenue, and for LSS is calculated as income before income taxes divided by the total of loan servicing and systems revenue, intersegment servicing revenue, and other income. The Company uses this metric to monitor and assess the segment’s performance, manage operating costs, identify and evaluate business trends affecting the segment, and make strategic decisions, and believes that it provides additional information to facilitate an understanding of the operating performance of the segment and provides a meaningful comparison of the results of operations between periods.
Before tax operating margin decreased due primarily to a decrease in loan servicing and systems revenue as described in the table below, partially offset by a decrease in salaries and benefits resulting from restructure charges incurred during the first quarter of 2023 and staff reductions in 2023.
5138



Loan servicing and systems revenue
The following table presents disaggregated revenue by service offering for each reporting period.
Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Government loan servicing$105,474 108,880 Represents revenue from the Company's Department legacy servicing contract. Decrease was due to the reduction of the monthly fee earned per borrower on certain borrower statuses by $0.19 effective April 1, 2023 and a decrease of borrowers serviced due to the Department transferring one million of the Company's existing borrowers to another third-party servicer during the second and third quarters of 2023. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the average revenue earned on a per borrower blended basis as a result of borrowers moving to a repayment status on September 1, 2023.
Private education and consumer loan servicing12,620 12,164 Increase was due to rate increases based on contractual consumer price index changes, partially offset by a decrease in the number of borrowers serviced.
FFELP loan servicing3,380 3,368 Represents revenue from servicing third-party customers' FFELP portfolios. Over time, FFELP servicing revenue will decrease as third-party customers' FFELP portfolios pay off.
Software services4,541 9,697 Represents revenue from providing remote hosted servicing software to certain Department and other servicers and providing diversified technology services. Decrease was primarily due to the transfer of all Department remote hosted borrowers to other third-party servicers throughout 2023 under the Department's legacy servicing contracts.
Outsourced services1,186 5,118 Represents revenue from providing contact center and back office operational outsourcing services. Decrease was due to the contracts for support provided to certain Department servicers expiring in July 2023.
Loan servicing and systems revenue$127,201 139,227 
39



EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AND PAYMENTS OPERATING SEGMENT – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
As discussed further in the Company's 2023 Annual Report, this segment of the Company’s business is subject to seasonal fluctuations which correspond, or are related to, the traditional school year. Based on the timing of revenue recognition and when expenses are incurred, revenue and before tax operating margin are higher in the first quarter compared with the remainder of the year.
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Net interest income$7,866 6,036 Represents interest income on tuition funds held in custody for schools. Increase was due to higher interest rates.
Education technology services and payments revenue143,539 133,603 See table below for additional information.
Intersegment revenue49 56 
Total other income143,588 133,659 
Cost of services48,610 47,704 See table below for additional information.
Salaries and benefits40,167 37,913 Increase was due to annual merit pay increases and an increase in headcount to support the growth of the customer base and the investment in the development of new technologies.
Depreciation and amortization2,683 2,578 Represents primarily amortization of intangible assets from prior business acquisitions.
Other expenses7,558 8,063 Decrease was due to a decrease in consulting and professional services resulting from reduced outsourced work. Decrease was partially offset by an increase in technology services.
Intersegment expenses, net4,801 5,800 Represents costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expenses55,209 54,354 
Income before income taxes47,635 37,637 
Income tax expense(11,435)(9,066)Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net income36,200 28,571 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests17 138 
Net income$36,217 28,709 


40



Education technology services and payments revenue
The following table presents disaggregated revenue by service offering and before tax operating margin for each reporting period.
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Tuition payment plan services$38,88034,187Increase was due to a higher number of payment plans in the K-12 and higher education markets for both new and existing customers.
Payment processing47,78644,041Increase was due to increase in payment volumes for both the K-12 and higher education markets due to new customers and an increase in volume from existing customers.
Education technology services56,02154,787Increase was due to an increase in revenue from the Company’s school information system software and application and enrollment services. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in FACTS learning management services revenue as a result of decrease in economic aid provided to private schools in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. Learning management instructional services revenue provided to private schools has been funded by the CARES Act and the Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) programs. The EANS I program funding ended on September 30, 2023 and EANS II program funding ends on September 30, 2024. As economic aid provided to schools under the EANS programs stopped on September 30, 2023 (EANS I) and winds down (EANS II), future instructional services revenue will decrease from recent historical periods. Revenue earned under the EANS programs for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $10.6 million and $16.4 million, respectively.
Other852588
Education technology services and payments revenue143,539133,603
Cost of services48,61047,704Represents direct costs to provide payment processing revenue and such costs decrease/increase in relationship to payment volumes. Costs to provide instructional services are also a component of this expense and decrease/increase in relationship to instructional services revenues.
Net revenue$94,92985,899
GAAP before tax operating margin50.2 %43.8 %
Before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, is a non-GAAP measure of before tax operating profitability as a percentage of revenue, and for the ETSP segment is calculated as income before income taxes less net interest income divided by net revenue. The Company uses this metric to monitor and assess the segment’s performance, manage operating costs, identify and evaluate business trends affecting the segment, and make strategic decisions, and believes that it facilitates an understanding of the operating performance of the segment and provides a meaningful comparison of the results of operations between periods.
Before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income, increased due to increased net revenue while maintaining a consistent cost structure.
Net interest income(8.3)(7.0)
Non-GAAP before tax operating margin, excluding net interest income41.9 %36.8 %


41



NELNET FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION - RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment
Loan Portfolio
As of March 31, 2024, the AGM operating segment had a $10.8 billion loan portfolio, consisting primarily of federally insured loans. For a summary of the Company’s loan portfolio as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Loan Activity
The following table sets forth the activity of loans in the AGM operating segment:
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023
Beginning balance$12,049,462 14,169,771 
Loan acquisitions:
Federally insured student loans— 2,980 
Consumer and other loans80,730 250,706 
Total loan acquisitions80,730 253,686 
Repayments, claims, capitalized interest, participations, and other, net(350,496)(410,239)
Loans lost to external parties(779,655)(268,696)
Loans sold(200,099)(261,902)
Ending balance$10,799,942 13,482,620 
The Company has partial ownership in certain consumer, private education, and federally insured student loan securitizations that are accounted for as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments and included in "investments and notes receivable" in the Company's consolidated financial statements. As of the latest remittance reports filed by the various trusts prior to or as of March 31, 2024, the Company’s ownership correlates to approximately $1.79 billion of loans included in these securitizations. The loans held in these securitizations are not included in the above table.
Since late 2021, the Company has experienced accelerated run-off of its FFELP portfolio due to FFELP borrowers consolidating their loans into Federal Direct Loan Program loans as a result of the continued extension of the CARES Act payment pause on Department held loans and the initiatives offered by the Department for FFELP borrowers to consolidate their loans to qualify for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other programs. After multiple extensions of the student loans payment pause under the CARES Act, the payment and interest accrual suspension ended August 31, 2023, and Federal Direct Loan Program borrowers returned to repayment on September 1, 2023. In August 2022, the Department announced a broad-based student debt relief plan that would have provided up to $20,000 in one-time debt relief to income-qualified recipients with Department held student loans. On June 30, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the Department was prohibited from implementing this plan. After the invalidation of this broad-based relief plan, the Department announced plans to enter into a negotiated rulemaking process to achieve debt relief for federal student loan borrowers using provisions of the Higher Education Act (HEA). The Department released proposed regulatory text prior to holding its statutorily-required negotiated rulemaking sessions. Notably, the Department proposed forgiveness for certain groups of borrowers with privately-held FFELP loans without consolidation into the Federal Direct Loan Program as a prerequisite requirement for such forgiveness. Publicly available negotiated rulemaking sessions occurred in the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. The Department published draft regulations for public comment in April 2024, including regulations that would grant automatic discharge for all federal student loans, including privately-held FFELP loans, older than 20 or 25 years. The April 2024 draft publication did not include regulations to provide forgiveness for borrowers (including borrowers with privately-held FFELP loans) “experiencing financial hardship;” however, publication and comment period for such regulations are expected in Summer of 2024. Final publication and effective date for all pending forgiveness regulations pursuant to the HEA are expected in Fall of 2024. In addition, during 2023, the Department issued final regulations on the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. The SAVE plan makes significant changes to IDR to lower monthly payment amounts, subsidize interest, and accelerate time to forgiveness for some borrowers. FFELP borrowers can access the new income-driven repayment changes by consolidating their loans into the Federal Direct Loan Program. The benefits of the SAVE plan are conferred not exclusively on a go-forward basis, as has been the case with previous IDR rulemaking, meaning borrowers who consolidate into the Federal Direct Loan Program receive credit toward forgiveness for months in repayment prior to consolidation. The new income-driven repayment regulations are effective July 1,
42



2024; however, the Biden-Harris Administration announced implementation for some features starting July 30, 2023 and SAVE forgiveness starting February 2024. The proposed forgiveness regulations and implementation of the SAVE IDR plan regulations have increased, and may continue to increase, consolidation activity as FFELP borrowers (i) consolidate their loans into the Federal Direct Loan Program in order to be eligible for potential debt relief for Department borrowers and the SAVE plan and (ii) begin receiving automatic forgiveness for loans older than 20 or 25 years. Prepayments could significantly increase if the federal government and/or the Department initiate additional loan forgiveness or cancellation, other repayment options or plans, or consolidation loan programs.
Allowance for Loan Losses, Loan Delinquencies, and Loan Charge-offs
For a summary of the allowance as a percentage of the ending balance and loan status and delinquency amounts for each of AGM's loan portfolios as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; and the activity in AGM's allowance for loan losses and net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Loan Spread Analysis
The following table analyzes the loan spread on AGM’s portfolio of loans, which represents the spread between the yield earned on loan assets and the costs of the liabilities and derivative instruments used to fund the assets. The spread amounts included in the following table are calculated by using the notional dollar values found in the table under the caption "Net interest income after provision for loan losses, net of settlements on derivatives" below, divided by the average balance of loans or debt outstanding.
 Three months ended March 31,
20242023
Variable loan yield, gross7.99 %7.12 %
Consolidation rebate fees(0.80)(0.81)
Discount accretion, net of premium and deferred origination costs amortization0.09 0.05 
Variable loan yield, net7.28 6.36 
Loan cost of funds - interest expense(6.50)(5.53)
Loan cost of funds - derivative settlements (a) (b)0.01 0.03 
Variable loan spread0.79 0.86 
Fixed rate floor income, gross0.01 0.03 
Fixed rate floor income - derivative settlements (a) (c)0.04 0.68 
Fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives0.05 0.71 
Core loan spread0.84 %1.57 %
Average balance of AGM's loans$11,561,504 13,991,241 
Average balance of AGM's debt outstanding11,387,400 13,364,876 
(a)    Derivative settlements represent the cash paid or received during the current period to settle with derivative instrument counterparties the economic effect of the Company's derivative instruments based on their contractual terms. Derivative accounting requires that net settlements with respect to derivatives that do not qualify for "hedge treatment" under GAAP be recorded in a separate income statement line item below net interest income. The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. As such, management believes derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company’s net interest income (loan spread) as presented in this table. The Company reports this non-GAAP information because the Company believes that it provides additional information regarding operational and performance indicators that are closely assessed by management. There is no comprehensive, authoritative guidance for the presentation of such non-GAAP information, which is only meant to supplement GAAP results by providing additional information that management utilizes to assess performance. See note 4 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information on the Company's Non-Nelnet Bank derivative instruments, including the net settlement activity recognized by the Company for each type of derivative for the 2024 and 2023 periods presented in the table under the caption "Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives - Statements of Income" and in this table.
43



A reconciliation of core loan spread, which includes the impact of derivative settlements on loan spread, to loan spread without derivative settlements follows.
Three months ended March 31,
20242023
Core loan spread0.84 %1.57 %
Derivative settlements (1:3 basis swaps)(0.01)(0.03)
Derivative settlements (fixed rate floor income)(0.04)(0.68)
Loan spread0.79 %0.86 %
(b)    Derivative settlements consist of net settlements received related to the Company’s 1:3 basis swaps.
(c)    Derivative settlements consist of net settlements received related to the Company’s floor income interest rate swaps.
The relationship between the indices in which AGM earns interest on its loans and funds such loans has a significant impact on loan spread. See Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk - AGM Operating Segment,” which provides additional detail on AGM’s FFELP student loan assets and related funding for those assets. In an increasing interest rate environment, student loan spread on FFELP loans increases in the short term because of the timing of interest rate resets on the Company's assets occurring daily in contrast to the timing of the interest rate resets on the Company's debt occurring either monthly or quarterly.
Variable loan spread was lower during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared with the same period in 2023 due to a significant increase in short-term rates during the first quarter of 2023 compared with an insignificant change in rates for the same period in 2024.
The difference between variable loan spread and core loan spread is fixed rate floor income earned on a portion of AGM's federally insured student loan portfolio. A summary of fixed rate floor income and its contribution to core loan spread follows:
 Three months ended March 31,
20242023
Fixed rate floor income, gross$180 1,110 
Derivative settlements (a)1,190 22,478 
Fixed rate floor income, net$1,370 23,588 
Fixed rate floor income contribution to spread, net0.05 %0.71 %

(a)    Derivative settlements consist of net settlements received related to the Company's derivatives used to hedge student loans earning fixed rate floor income.
The decrease in gross fixed rate floor income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared with the same period in 2023 was due to higher interest rates in 2024 compared with 2023.
The Company had a significant portfolio of derivative instruments in which the Company paid a fixed rate and received a floating rate to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. On March 15, 2023, to minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility and increase liquidity, the Company terminated its derivative portfolio hedging loans earning fixed rate floor income ($2.8 billion in notional amount of derivatives). Through March 15, 2023, the Company had received cash or had a receivable from its clearinghouse related to variation margin equal to the fair value of the $2.8 billion notional amount of fixed rate floor derivatives as of March 15, 2023 of $183.2 million, which included $19.1 million related to current period settlements. Subsequent to terminating these derivatives, during the second and fourth quarters of 2023, the Company entered into a total of $400.0 million notional amount of derivatives to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income and other loans and investments in which the Company receives a fixed rate.
The decrease in net derivative settlements received by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared with the same period in 2023, was due to a decrease in the notional amount of derivatives outstanding and less favorable terms on the $400.0 million of notional derivatives entered into in 2023 compared with the $2.8 billion notional derivatives that were terminated due to an increase in interest rates from when the terminated derivatives were initially executed.
44



Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Net interest income after provision for loan losses$34,003 13,663 See table below for additional analysis.
Other income, net4,983 2,845 Represents primarily borrower late fees, income from providing administration activities for third parties, and income/losses from AGM's investment in joint ventures.
(Loss) gain on sale of loans, net(41)11,812 The Company recognized a loss and net gains from selling portfolios of loans in 2024 and 2023, respectively. For additional information, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Derivative settlements, net1,555 23,337 The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. Derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company's net interest income as reflected in the table below. The majority of derivative settlements received in the periods presented was from the Company's derivative portfolio used to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. The decrease in net derivative settlements received by the Company was due to the termination of the floor income interest rate swaps in March 2023. See above under "Loan Spread Analysis" for further information.
Derivative market value adjustments, net5,706 (37,411)Includes the realized and unrealized gains and losses that are caused by changes in fair values of derivatives which do not qualify for "hedge treatment" under GAAP. The majority of the derivative market value adjustments during the periods presented related to the changes in fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. Such changes reflect that a decrease in the forward yield curve during a reporting period results in a decrease in the fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps, and an increase in the forward yield curve during a reporting period results in an increase in the fair value of such swaps. On March 15, 2023, AGM terminated its portfolio of floor income interest rate swaps to minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility and increase liquidity. As such, the Company expects the derivative market value adjustments in future periods will be less substantial. See above under "Loan Spread Analysis" for further information.
Total other income, net12,203 583 
Salaries and benefits1,195 755 Increase was due to additional headcount as the Company actively expands into new asset loan classes.
Other expenses3,418 5,016 Represents primarily servicing fees paid to third parties. Decrease in servicing fees was due to the amortization of the FFELP student loan portfolio.
Intersegment expenses7,850 8,696 Represents fees paid to LSS for the servicing of the majority of AGM’s loans. These amounts exceed the actual cost of servicing the loans. Intersegment expenses also includes costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expenses12,463 14,467 Total operating expenses were 43 basis points and 41 basis points of the average balance of loans for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in operating expenses as a percent of the average balance of loans was due to an increase in costs as the Company actively expands into new asset loan classes.
Income (loss) before income taxes33,743 (221)
Income tax (expense) benefit(8,099)53 Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net income (loss)$25,644 (168)
Additional information:
GAAP net income (loss)$25,644 (168)See "Overview - GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP Net Income, Excluding Adjustments" above for additional information about non-GAAP net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments.

The decrease in non-GAAP net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments was due to (i) a decrease in the average balance of loans; (ii) a decrease in core loan spread; and (iii) the net gain on sale of loans in 2023. These changes were partially offset by (i) a decrease in provision expense and (ii) an increase in investment interest income on the Company's partial ownership in loan securitizations that are accounted for as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments.
Derivative market value adjustments, net(5,706)37,411 
Tax effect1,369 (8,979)
Non-GAAP net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments$21,307 28,264 

45



Net interest income after provision for loan losses, net of settlements on derivatives
The following table summarizes the components of "net interest income after provision for loan losses" and "derivative settlements, net."
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Variable interest income, gross$229,817 246,594 Decrease was due to a decrease in the average balance of loans partially offset by an increase in the gross yield earned on loans.
Consolidation rebate fees(23,057)(28,399)Decrease was due to a decrease in the average consolidation loan balance.
Discount accretion, net of premium and deferred origination costs amortization2,688 1,607 Net discount accretion is due to the Company's purchases of loans at a net discount over the last several years.
Variable interest income, net209,448 219,802 
Interest on bonds and notes payable(184,145)(182,063)Increase was due to an increase in cost of funds, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of debt outstanding.
Derivative settlements, net (a)365 859 Represents net derivative settlements received related to the Company’s 1:3 basis swaps.
Variable loan interest margin, net of settlements on derivatives25,668 38,598 
Fixed rate floor income, gross180 1,110 Decrease was due to higher interest rates.
Derivative settlements, net (a)1,190 22,478 Represents net derivative settlements received related to the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. The decrease in net derivative settlements received by the Company was due to the termination of the floor income interest rate swaps in March 2023. See above under "Loan Spread Analysis" for further information.
Fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives1,370 23,588 
Core loan interest income (a)27,038 62,186 
Investment interest21,835 13,807 Increase was due to an increase in the Company's partial ownership in loan securitizations that are accounted for as held-to-maturity beneficial interest investments.
Intercompany interest(6,760)(7,135)
Negative provision (provision) for loan losses - federally insured loans1,870 (2,411)See note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for factors impacting provision for loan losses for the periods presented.
Negative provision (provision) for loan losses - private education loans265 (240)
Provision for loan losses - consumer and other loans(8,690)(29,207)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses (net of settlements on derivatives) (a)$35,558 37,000 
(a)    Core loan interest income and net interest income after provision for loan losses (net of settlements on derivatives) are non-GAAP financial measures. For an explanation of GAAP accounting for derivative settlements and the reasons why the Company reports these non-GAAP measures (and the limitations thereof), see footnote (a) to the table immediately under the caption “Loan Spread Analysis” above. See note 4 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information on the Company's derivative instruments, including the net settlement activity recognized by the Company for each type of derivative referred to in the "Additional information" column of this table, for the 2024 and 2023 periods presented in the table under the caption "Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives - Statements of Income."

46



Nelnet Bank Operating Segment
Loan Portfolio
As of March 31, 2024, Nelnet Bank had a $483.7 million loan portfolio, consisting of $364.8 million of private education loans and $119.0 million of consumer and other loans. For a summary of the Company’s loan portfolio as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Loan Activity
The following table sets forth the activity of loans in Nelnet Bank operating segment:
 Three months ended March 31,
20242023
Beginning balance$432,872 419,795 
Loan acquisitions and originations:
Private education loans16,715 14,226 
Consumer and other loans56,847 19,632 
Total loan acquisitions and originations73,562 33,858 
Repayments(22,711)(14,529)
Loans sold to AGM— (117)
Ending balance$483,723 439,007 

Allowance for Loan Losses, Loan Delinquencies, and Loan Charge-offs
For a summary of the allowance as a percentage of the ending balance and loan status, delinquency amounts, and other key credit quality indicators for each of Nelnet Bank's loan portfolios as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; and the activity in Nelnet Bank's allowance for loan losses and net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Deposits
As of March 31, 2024, Nelnet Bank had $960.6 million of deposits. All of Nelnet Bank’s deposits are interest-bearing and primarily consist of brokered certificates of deposit (CDs), retail and other savings deposits and CDs, and intercompany deposits. Retail and other savings deposits include deposits from Educational 529 College Savings and Health Savings plans, Short Term Federal Investment Trust (STFIT), and commercial and institutional CDs. Union Bank, a related party, is the program manager for the Educational 529 College Savings plans and trustee for the STFIT.
As of March 31, 2024, Nelnet Bank’s deposits included $158.6 million from Nelnet, Inc. (parent company) and its subsidiaries (intercompany), and thus have been eliminated for consolidated financial reporting purposes. The intercompany deposits include a pledged deposit of $40.0 million from Nelnet, Inc. as required under the Capital and Liquidity Maintenance Agreement with the FDIC, deposits required for intercompany transactions, operating deposits, and NBS custodial deposits consisting of tuition payments collected which are subsequently remitted to the appropriate school.
47



Average Balance Sheet
The following table reflects the rates earned on interest-earning assets and paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
Three months ended March 31, (a)
20242023
BalanceRateBalanceRate
Average assets
Federally insured student loans$— — %$64,655 5.93 %
Private education loans366,858 4.28 355,698 3.61 
Consumer and other loans97,136 13.23 7,308 12.30 
Cash and investments577,947 6.94 540,513 5.95 
Total interest-earning assets1,041,941 6.59 %968,174 5.14 %
Non-interest-earning assets12,767 9,323 
Total assets$1,054,708 $977,497 
Average liabilities and equity
Brokered deposits$204,651 1.39 %$205,411 1.39 %
Intercompany deposits160,349 4.90 187,872 4.96 
Retail and other deposits544,136 4.90 452,008 3.78 
Total interest-bearing liabilities909,136 4.11 %845,291 3.46 %
Non-interest-bearing liabilities8,477 5,608 
Equity137,095 126,598 
Total liabilities and equity$1,054,708 $977,497 
(a) Calculated using average daily balances.

48



Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
 Three months ended March 31,
 20242023Additional information
Total interest income$17,064 12,259 Represents interest earned on loans, cash, and investments. Increase was due to an increase of these balances and interest rates.
Interest expense9,497 7,214 Represents interest expense on deposits. Increase was due to an increase of deposits and interest rates.
Net interest income7,567 5,045 
Provision for loan losses4,373 2,417 Increase in provision for loan losses was due to the mix of loans, including the mix of loans acquired and originated in 2024 compared with 2023. For additional information, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Net interest income after provision for loan losses3,194 2,628 
Other income375 210 Represents primarily net gains and income from investments.
Derivative settlements, net202 — During the second and third quarter of 2023, Nelnet Bank entered into derivatives to hedge its exposure related to variable rate intercompany deposits to minimize volatility from future changes in interest rates. Nelnet Bank has designated its derivative instruments as cash flow hedges; however, because the hedged items are intercompany deposits, the derivative instruments are not eligible for hedge accounting in the consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, all changes in fair value of such derivatives are recorded through earnings and presented as "derivative market value adjustments, net" in the statements of operations. For additional information on Nelnet Bank's derivative portfolio, see note 4 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Derivative market value adjustments, net2,258 — 
Total other income, net2,835 210 
Salaries and benefits2,721 2,064 Represents salaries and benefits of Nelnet Bank associates and third-party contract labor. Increase was due to the overall growth of Nelnet Bank activities.
Depreciation260 
Other expenses1,128 782 Represents various expenses such as consulting and professional fees, Nelnet Bank director fees, occupancy, certain technology-related costs, insurance, and marketing. Increase was due to the overall growth of Nelnet Bank activities.
Intersegment expenses773 80 Represents fees paid to LSS for servicing certain of Nelnet Bank's loans. These amounts exceed the actual cost of servicing the loans. Intersegment expenses also include costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services. The majority of shared service costs incurred by the Company to support Nelnet Bank were not allocated to Nelnet Bank through the bank’s de novo period which ended at the end of 2023. The shared service and support costs incurred by the Company related to Nelnet Bank and not allocated to Nelnet Bank were $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Total operating expenses4,882 2,931 
Income (loss) before income taxes1,147 (93)
Income tax (expense) benefit(259)35 Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 22.6% and 37.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Net income (loss)$888 (58)
Additional information:
Net income (loss)$888 (58)

See "Overview - GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP Net Income, Excluding Adjustments" above for additional details about non-GAAP net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments.
Derivative market value adjustments, net(2,258)— 
Tax effect542 — 
Net loss, excluding derivative market value adjustments$(828)(58)
49



NFS Other Operating Segments
The following table summarizes the operating results of other operating segments included in NFS that are not reportable. Income taxes are allocated based on 24% of income (loss) before taxes for each activity.
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
WRCM (a)Nelnet Insurance Services (b)Real estate investments (c)Investment securities (d)Total
Three months ended March 31, 2024
Interest income$818 141 14,654 15,616 
Interest expense— — — (2,418)(2,418)
Net interest income818 141 12,236 13,198 
Other income, net1,477 13,066 (1,794)192 12,941 
Salaries and benefits(55)(114)(189)— (358)
Other expenses(75)(11,657)(70)— (11,802)
Intersegment expenses, net(4)(47)(130)(36)(217)
Income (loss) before income taxes1,346 2,066 (2,042)12,392 13,762 
Income tax (expense) benefit(291)(496)487 (2,974)(3,274)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(135)— 15 — (120)
Net income (loss)$920 1,570 (1,540)9,418 10,368 
Three months ended March 31, 2023
Interest income$326 141 18,191 18,660 
Interest expense— — — (11,827)(11,827)
Net interest income326 141 6,364 6,833 
Other income, net1,596 691 1,147 (4,175)(741)
Salaries and benefits(56)(95)(68)— (219)
Other expenses(81)(469)(16)(1)(567)
Intersegment expenses, net(3)(31)(95)— (129)
Income (loss) before income taxes1,458 422 1,109 2,188 5,177 
Income tax (expense) benefit(315)(101)(268)(525)(1,209)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(146)— — (140)
Net income (loss)$997 321 847 1,663 3,828 
(a)    The Company provides investment advisory services through Whitetail Rock Capital Management, LLC (WRCM), the Company's SEC-registered investment advisor subsidiary, under various arrangements. WRCM earned management fees of $1.4 million and $1.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Fees earned by WRCM are included in "other income, net" in the table above.
(b)    Represents the operating results of the Company’s reinsurance treaties on property and casualty policies and the Company’s Nebraska chartered life and health company, which is in run-off mode and reinsures a decreasing term life insurance product distributed to FACTS. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company earned reinsurance premiums of $25.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively, and ceded $12.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively, of its earned reinsurance premiums, which are included in “other income, net” in the table above. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized $22.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of loss reserve, commissions, and broker fees of which it ceded $11.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively, which are included in “other expenses” in the table above.
(c)    Represents the operating results of the Company’s real estate investments and the administrative costs to manage this portfolio. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized $1.8 million of net losses and $1.1 million of net gains, respectively, from its real estate investments, which are included in "other income, net" in the table above. The loss recognized in the first quarter of 2024 relates primarily to the Company's proportionate share of the net losses of certain real estate investments accounted for under the equity method.
(d)    Represents interest income earned on investment debt securities (primarily student loan and other asset-backed securities, including Nelnet-owned asset-backed securities which it has repurchased and are eliminated in consolidation), unrealized gains/losses on marketable equity securities, realized gains/losses on marketable equity securities and investment debt securities, and other costs to manage these investments. Also includes interest expense incurred on debt used to finance such investments. The decrease in interest income in 2024 compared with 2023 was due to a decrease in the average balance of investments from $1.3 billion in 2023 to $0.9 billion in 2024, partially offset by an increase in interest rates. The decrease in interest expense in 2024 compared with 2023 was due to a decrease in the average debt outstanding from $0.9 billion in 2023 to $0.1 billion in 2024. Included in 2023 was $4.0 million of realized losses on sales of asset-backed and marketable securities, which are included in "other income, net" in the table above.
50



CORPORATE AND OTHER ACTIVITIES – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Other business activities and operating segments that are not reportable and not part of the NFS division are combined and included in Corporate and Other Activities (“Corporate”). The following table summarizes the operating results of these activities.
Income taxes are allocated based on 24% of income (loss) before taxes for each activity. The difference between the Corporate income tax expense and the sum of taxes calculated for each activity is included in income taxes in “other” in the table below.
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
Nelnet Renewable Energy (b)
Shared services (a)Tax equity investments / syndication / administrationGRNE SolarALLO investment (c)Venture capital investments (d)OtherTotal
Three months ended March 31, 2024
Net interest income (expense)$— — (312)— — 3,451 3,139 
Solar construction revenue— — 13,726 — — — 13,726 
Other income, net706 3,067 42 (8,236)(426)2,853 (1,994)
Cost to provide solar construction services— — (14,229)— — — (14,229)
Salaries and benefits(20,020)(683)(1,371)— (237)(1,210)(23,521)
Depreciation and amortization(8,368)— (250)— (6)(92)(8,716)
Other expenses(9,891)(171)(885)(356)(16)(2,083)(13,402)
Intersegment expenses, net27,528 291 (758)(1)(19)(196)26,845 
Income (loss) before income taxes(10,045)2,504 (4,037)(8,593)(704)2,723 (18,152)
Income tax (expense) benefit2,411 (979)794 2,062 169 (672)3,785 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests— 1,577 728 — — — 2,305 
Net income (loss)$(7,634)3,102 (2,515)(6,531)(535)2,051 (12,062)
Three months ended March 31, 2023
Net interest income (expense)$— — (232)— — 2,280 2,048 
Solar construction revenue— — 8,651 — — — 8,651 
Other income, net626 (1,948)(17,864)(289)2,476 (16,993)
Cost to provide solar construction services— — (8,299)— — — (8,299)
Salaries and benefits(23,384)(870)(1,196)(30)(190)(1,530)(27,200)
Depreciation and amortization(8,830)— (617)— — (84)(9,531)
Other expenses(10,240)(765)(886)12 (165)(1,000)(13,044)
Intersegment expenses, net28,839 (8)(537)— (10)(368)27,916 
Income (loss) before income taxes(12,989)(3,591)(3,110)(17,882)(654)1,774 (36,452)
Income tax (expense) benefit3,117 165 610 4,292 157 (351)7,990 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests— 2,903 569 — — — 3,472 
Net income (loss)$(9,872)(523)(1,931)(13,590)(497)1,423 (24,990)
(a)    Includes corporate activities related to internal audit, human resources, accounting, legal, enterprise risk management, information technology, occupancy, and marketing. These costs are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services. Certain shared service costs incurred to support Nelnet Bank will not be allocated to Nelnet Bank until the end of the Bank’s de novo period (November 2023). The amount allocated to operating segments is reflected as “intersegment expenses, net” in the table above. Also includes corporate costs and overhead functions not allocated to operating segments, including executive management, investments in innovation, and other holding company organizational costs.
(b)    The Company provides investment advisory services through Whitetail Rock Capital Management, LLC (WRCM), the Company's SEC-registered investment advisor subsidiary, under various arrangements. During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, WRCM earned $1.6 million and $1.3 million in management fees, respectively. Fees earned by WRCM are included in "other, net" in the table above.
(c)    Nelnet Renewable Energy which includes solar tax equity investments made by the Company, administrative and management services provided by the Company on tax equity investments made by third parties, and solar construction and development. As of March 31, 2023,2024, the Company has invested a total of $294.4$491.8 million (which includes $115.9$208.9 million syndicated to third-party investors) in solar tax equity investments. Due to the management and control of each of these investment partnerships, thesuch partnerships that invest in tax equity investments are consolidated on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, with the co-investor’s portion being presented as non-controllingnoncontrolling interests.
Included in tax equity investments in the table above is the Company's share of income or loss from solar investments accounted for under the Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value (HLBV) method of accounting. For the majority of the Company's solar investments, the HLBV method of accounting results in accelerated losses in the initial years of investment. DuringNelnet Renewable Energy recognized
51



net gains on its tax equity investments of $3.0 million and net losses of $1.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, and 2022, Nelnet Renewable Energy recognized losses of $1.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, on its tax equity investments.respectively. These losses,income statement amounts, which include lossesamounts attributable to third-party noncontrolling interest investors, are included in “other income, net” in the table above. Solar net losses attributable to third-party noncontrolling interest investors was $2.7$1.2 million and $1.8$2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 20232024 and 2022,2023, respectively, and are reflected in “net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests” in the table above.
Nelnet Renewable Energy syndicates tax equity investments to third parties and earns management and performance fees. Management fee income recognized by Nelnet Renewable Energy was $0.3$0.7 million and $0.2$0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 20232024 and 2022,2023, respectively, which is included in "other income, net" in the table above.
In addition to solar tax equity investments, the Company has a strategysolar construction company (GRNE Solar) that provides full-service engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services to own solar energy project assets. Accordingly,residential homes and commercial entities. Since the acquisition of GRNE in 2022, it has incurred low and, in some cases, negative margins on certain projects. Due to the complexity and long-term nature of existing construction contracts, the Company has begunmay continue to execute a multi-faceted approachincur low and/or negative margins to originate, acquire, finance, own,complete projects. In addition, higher interest rates reduced residential demand and manage these assets. As part of this strategy, on July 1, 2022,made community solar projects more costly. On April 12, 2024, the Company acquired 80% ofannounced a change in its solar EPC operations to focus exclusively on the ownership interestcommercial solar market and will discontinue its residential solar operations. As a result, residential revenue will decline in two subsidiaries of GRNE Solutions, LLC named GRNE-Nelnet, LLC (GRNE)future periods as existing customer contracts are completed. Residential solar construction revenue was $2.1 million and ENRG-Nelnet, LLC (ENRG) (collectively referred to as “GRNE Solar”).$2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $11.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
(d)(c)    Represents primarily the Company's share of loss on its voting membership interests and income on its preferred membership interest in ALLO.
The Company accounts for its approximately 45% voting membership interests in ALLO Holdings LLC, a holding company for ALLO Communications LLC (collectively referred to as "ALLO") under the HLBV method of accounting. During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, theThe Company recognized losses of $20.2 million and $13.1 million, respectively, under the HLBV method of accounting on its ALLO voting membership interests investment.investment of $10.7 million and $20.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. These amounts are reflected in “other income, net” in the table above. Absent additional equity contributions, the Company will not recognize additional losses for its voting membership interests in ALLO.
As of March 31, 2023,2024, the outstanding preferred membership interests and accrued and unpaid preferred return of ALLO held by the Company was $145.9$155.0 million and $2.2$2.4 million, respectively. The preferred membership interests of ALLO held by the Company earnhistorically earned a preferred annual return of 6.25%. During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the that increased to 10.00% on April 1, 2024. The Company recognized income on its ALLO preferred membership interests of $2.4 million and $2.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and $2.1 million,2023, respectively. These amounts are reflected in “other income, net” in the table above.
(e)    Represents the operating resultsAs part of the Company’s real estate investmentsALLO recapitalization transaction completed in 2020, the Company and SDC (a third-party global digital infrastructure investor and member of ALLO) entered into an agreement, in which the administrative costsCompany has a contingent payment obligation to managepay SDC a contingent payment amount of up to $35.0 million in the event the Company disposes of its voting membership interests of ALLO that it holds and realizes from such disposition certain targeted return levels. The Company recognized expense of $0.4 million associated with this portfolio. Duringobligation for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized $0.8 million and $4.4 million, respectively, in net income and gains from its real estate investments,2024, which is included in “other net”expenses” in the table above.
(f)(d)    Represents the operating results of the Company’s venture capital investments, including Hudl which the Company accounts for using the measurement alternative method, and the administrative costs to manage this portfolio. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recognized $4.9 million in net income and gains on venture capital investments, which is included in “other, net” in the table above.
(g)    Represents interest income earned on cash and investment debt securities (primarily student loan and other asset-backed securities), interest expense incurred on unsecured and certain other corporate related debt transactions, unrealized gains/losses on marketable equity securities, realized gains/losses on marketable equity securities and investment debt securities, and other costs to manage these investments and facilities. During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized losses of $4.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively, on its marketable equity and investment debt securities, which are included in “other, net” in the table above. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recognized $1.8 million in fees owed on collateral deposits with its derivative third-party clearinghouse as the result of an increase in collateral deposit balances and interest rates, which is included in “other expenses” in the table above. Fees owed on collateral deposits with its derivative third-party clearinghouse were insignificant for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company’s Loan Servicing and Systems, and Education Technology Services and Payment ProcessingPayments operating segments are non-capital intensive and both produce positive operating cash flows. As such, a minimal amount of debt and equity capital is allocated to these segments and any liquidity or capital needs are satisfied using cash flow from operations.
Nelnet Bank launched operations in November 2020. Nelnet Bank was funded by the Company with an initial capital contribution of $100.0 million in November 2020 and the Company contributed an additional $30.0 million and $5.0 million to Nelnet Bank during 2022.2022 and 2023, respectively. Based on Nelnet Bank's business plan for growth and current financial condition, the Company believes it will make additional capital contributions to the bank in future periods. Cash and investments held at Nelnet Bank are generally not available for Company activities outside of Nelnet Bank. See “Liquidity Impact Related to Nelnet Bank” included below for additional information.
Therefore, the Liquidity and Capital Resources discussion is concentrated on the Company’s liquidity and capital needs to meet existing debt obligations in the Asset Generation and Management operating segment and the Company's other initiatives to pursue additional strategic investments.
Sources of Liquidity
As of March 31, 2023,2024, the Company's sources of liquidity included:
Cash and cash equivalents$187,574179,682 
Less: Cash and cash equivalents held at Nelnet Bank (1)(a)(7,721)(22,869)
Net cash and cash equivalents179,853156,813 
Available-for-sale (AFS) debt securities (investments) - at fair value1,070,7031,018,687 
Less: AFS debt securities held at Nelnet Bank - at fair value (1)(a)(388,233)(445,268)
AFS private education loan debt securities serving- held as collateral on participation agreementrisk retention - at fair value (2)(b)(289,086)(248,436)
AFS debt securities serving as collateral on repurchase agreements - at fair value (3)Restricted investments(294,590)(36,076)
AFS restricted debt securities - at fair value(15,910)
Unencumbered AFS debt securities (investments) - at fair value82,884288,907 
Unencumbered private, consumer, and other loans (Non-Nelnet Bank) - at par285,401139,377 
RepurchasedUnencumbered repurchased Nelnet issued asset-backed debt securities - at par (not included on consolidated financial statements) (4)(c)397,826310,321 
Less: Repurchased Nelnet issued asset-backed debt securities serving as collateral on repurchase agreements - at par(197,500)
Unencumbered repurchased Nelnet issued asset-backed debt securities - at par200,326 
Unused capacity on unsecured line of credit (5)(d)495,000 
Sources of liquidity as of March 31, 20232024$1,243,4641,390,418 
(1)(a)    Cash and investments held at Nelnet Bank are generally not available for Company activities outside of Nelnet Bank.
(2) See(b)    The Company is sponsor for certain securitizations and as sponsor, is required to provide a certain level of risk retention. To satisfy this requirement, the Company has purchased bonds issued in the securitizations. The Company is required to retain these bonds as described under the caption "Other Debt Facilities"“Repurchase Agreement” below.
(3) See the caption "Repurchase Agreements" below.
(4)(c)    The Company has repurchased certain of its own asset-backed securities (bonds and notes payable) in the secondary market. For accounting purposes, these notes are eliminated in consolidation and are not included in the Company's consolidated financial statements. However, these securities remain legally outstanding at the trust level and the Company could sell these notes to third parties, or redeem the notes at par as cash is generated by the trust estate.estate, or pledge the securities as collateral on repurchase agreements. Upon a sale of these notes to third parties, the Company would obtain cash proceeds equal to the market value of the notes on the date of such sale. Certain of these securities serve as collateral on amounts outstanding under the Company's repurchase agreements as reflected in the table above.
(5)(d)    The Company has a $495.0 million unsecured line of credit that matures on September 22, 2026. As of March 31, 2023,2024, there was no amount outstanding on the unsecured line of credit and $495.0 million was available for future use. The line of credit
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agreement contains certain financial covenants, including limitations on recourse indebtedness to adjusted EBITDA (over the last four rolling quarters). Of the $495.0 million availability, approximately $260 million was available for purposes other than reducing existing recourse debt due to the limitations on recourse indebtedness to adjusted EBITDA financial covenant.
The Company intends to use its liquidity position to capitalize on market opportunities, including FFELP, private education, consumer, and other loan acquisitions (or investment interests therein); strategic acquisitions and investments; and capital management initiatives, including stock repurchases, debt repurchases, and dividend distributions. The timing and size of these opportunities will vary and will have a direct impact on the Company's cash and investment balances.
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Cash Flows
The Company has historically generated positive cash flow from operations. During the three months ended March 31, 20232024 and 2022,2023, the Company generated $122.8$211.9 million and $275.3$122.8 million, respectively, in cash from operating activities. The decreaseincrease in 20232024 compared with 20222023 was due to:
A decreaseAn increase in net income;
Payments toProceeds of $4.2 million from the Company's clearinghouse for margin payments on derivatives forduring the three months ended March 31, 20232024 compared with proceeds receivedpayments of $210.3 million for the same period in 2022; and2023;
Adjustments to net income for the impact of the non-cash change in deferred income taxes.taxes; and
The impact of changes to accrued interest receivable, accounts receivable, and other assets during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared with the same period in 2023.
These factors were partially offset by:
Proceeds from termination of derivative instruments in 2023;
Adjustments to net income for derivative market value adjustments, the impact of provision for loan losses, and lossgain/losses on investments;
No proceeds from the termination of derivative instruments during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared with $164.1 million for the same period in 2023; and
The impact of changes to accounts receivableother liabilities during the three months ended March 31, 20232024 compared with the same period in 2022.2023.
The primary items included in the statement of cash flows for investing activities are the purchase, origination, repayment, and repaymentsale of loans, and the purchase and sale of available-for-sale securities.securities, and the purchase of other investments (primarily solar investments). The primary items included in financing activities are the proceeds from the issuance of and payments on bonds and notes payable and the change in deposits at Nelnet Bank deposits used to fund loans.loans and investment activity. Cash provided by investing activities and used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $1.1 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively. Cash provided by investing activities and used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $723.9 million$0.7 billion and $1,306.3 million, respectively. Cash provided by investing activities and used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $603.1 million and $895.1 million,$1.3 billion, respectively. Investing and financing activities are further addressed in the discussion that follows.
Liquidity Needs and Sources of Liquidity Available to Satisfy Debt Obligations Secured by Loan Assets and Related Collateral
The following table shows AGM's debt obligations outstanding that are secured by loan assets and related collateral.
 As of March 31, 20232024
Carrying amountFinal maturity
Bonds and notes issued in asset-backed securitizations$11,774,9259,423,035 8/26/30 - 9/25/69
FFELP private education, and consumer loan warehouse facilities1,049,6791,107,959 12/31/234/2/25 - 11/14/25
 $12,824,60410,530,994  

Bonds and Notes Issued in Asset-backed Securitizations
The majority of AGM’s portfolio of student loans is funded in asset-backed securitizations that are structured to substantially match the maturity of the funded assets, thereby minimizing liquidity risk. Cash generated from student loans funded in asset-backed securitizations provide the sources of liquidity to satisfy all obligations related to the outstanding bonds and notes issued in such securitizations. In addition, due to (i) the difference between the yield AGM receives on the loans and cost of financing within these transactions, and (ii) the servicing and administration fees AGM earns from these transactions, AGM has created a portfolio that will generate earnings and significant cash flow over the life of these transactions.
As of March 31, 2023,2024, based on cash flow models developed to reflect management’s current estimate of, among other factors, prepayments, defaults, deferment, forbearance, and interest rates, AGM currently expects future undiscounted cash flows from its portfolio to be approximately $1.43$1.22 billion as detailed below.
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The actual timing of cash flows released from the securitizations could be impacted based on when and if the Company terminates a securitization by exercising clean-up calls on the underlying securities when the assets in such securitization get to a certain threshold.
The forecasted cash flow presented below includes all loans, the majority of which are federally insured student loans funded in asset-backed securitizations as of March 31, 2023.2024, the majority of which are federally insured student loans. As of March 31, 2023,2024, AGM had $12.1$9.5 billion of loans included in asset-backed securitizations, which represented 89.5%88.4% of its total loan portfolio. The forecasted cash flow does not include cash
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flows that the Company expects to receive related to loans funded in its warehouse facilities, unencumbered private education, consumer, and other loans funded with operating cash, loans acquired subsequent to March 31, 2023,2024, loans owned by Nelnet Bank, and cash flows relating to the Company's ownership of beneficial interest in loan securitizations (such beneficial interest investments are classified as "investments and notes receivable" on the Company's consolidated balance sheets).
Asset-backed Securitization Cash Flow Forecast
$1.431.22 billion
(dollars in millions)
abscfforecast2023q1.jpgabscfforecast2024q1.jpg
The forecasted future undiscounted cash flows of approximately $1.43$1.22 billion include approximately $0.89$0.78 billion (as of March 31, 2023)2024) of overcollateralization included in the asset-backed securitizations. These excess net asset positions are included in the consolidated balance sheets and included in the balances of "loans and accrued interest receivable"receivable, net" and "restricted cash." The difference between the total estimated future undiscounted cash flows and the overcollateralization of approximately $0.54$0.44 billion, or approximately $0.41$0.33 billion after income taxes based on the estimated effective tax rate, represents estimated future net interest income (earnings) from the portfolio and is expected to be accretive to the Company's March 31, 2023 balance of consolidated shareholders' equity.equity from the March 31, 2024 balance.
The Company uses various assumptions, including prepayments and future interest rates, when preparing its cash flow forecast. These assumptions are further discussed below.
Prepayments: The primary variable in establishing a life of loan estimate is the level and timing of prepayments. Prepayment rates equal the amount of loans that prepay annually as a percentage of the beginning of period balance, net of scheduled principal payments. A number of factors can affect estimated prepayment rates, including the level of consolidation activity, borrower default rates, and utilization of debt management options such as income-based repayment, deferments, and forbearance. Should any of these factors change, management may revise its assumptions, which in turn would impact the projected future cash flow. The Company’s cash flow forecast above assumes prepayment rates of 5% for federally insured consolidation loans and 6% for all other loan types.federally insured Stafford loans. Prepayment rates for private education loans range from 11% to 20%.
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Since late 2021, the Company has experienced accelerated run-off (prepayments) of its FFELP portfolio due to FFELP borrowers consolidating their loans into Federal Direct Loan Program loans as a result of the continued extension of the CARES Act payment pause on Department held loans and the initiatives offered by the Department for FFELP borrowers to consolidate their loans to qualify for loan forgiveness under various initiatives and programs offered by the Public Servicefederal government and the Department. See "Nelnet Financial Services Division -
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Results of Operations - Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment - Loan ForgivenessActivity" included in this report's Management's Discussion and other programs. IfAnalysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional information related to the federal government and the Department's initiatives for debt relief that has increased, and may continue to increase, prepayment activity. Prepayments could significantly increase if the federal government and the Department initiate additional loan forgiveness or cancellation, other repayment options or plans, or consolidation loan programs, or further extend the suspension of borrower payments under the CARES Act, such initiatives could significantly increase prepayments. Seeprograms. In addition, see Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors - Loan Portfolio - Prepayments risk" in the Company's 20222023 Annual Report for additional information related to risks associated with loan prepayments.
The following table summarizes the estimated impact to the above forecasted cash flows if prepayments were greater than the prepayment rate assumptions used to calculate the forecasted cash flows.
Increase in prepayment rateReduction in forecasted cash flow from table aboveForecasted cash flow using increased prepayment rate
2x$0.110.09 billion$1.321.13 billion
4x$0.250.26 billion$1.180.96 billion
10x$0.480.45 billion$0.950.77 billion
If the entire AGM student loan portfolio prepaid, the Company would receive the full amount of overcollateralization included in the asset-backed securitizations of approximately $0.89$0.78 billion (as of March 31, 2023)2024); however, the Company would not receive the $0.54$0.44 billion ($0.410.33 billion after tax) of estimated future earnings from the portfolio.
Interest rates: The Company funds a large portion of its student loans with three-month LIBOR indexed floating rate securities.securities that are indexed to 90-day SOFR. Meanwhile, the interest earned on the Company’s student loan assets is indexed primarily to the 30-day average SOFR in effect for each day in a one-month LIBOR rate.calendar quarter. The different interest rate characteristics of the Company’s loan assets and liabilities funding these assets result in basis risk. The Company’s cash flow forecast assumes, three-month LIBOR will exceed one-month LIBOR by 12 basis points for the life of the portfolio, which approximates the historicala relationship between these indices.the various SOFR indices that is implied by the current forward SOFR curves. If the forecast is computed assuming a spread of 24an additional 12 basis points between three-monthTerm SOFR and one-month LIBOR30-day average SOFR for the life of the portfolio, the cash flow forecast would be reduced by approximately $45$40 million to $70$60 million. As the percentage of the Company's outstanding debt financed by three-month LIBOR declines, the Company's basis risk will be reduced. In addition, the Company attempts to mitigate the impact of this basis risk by entering into certain derivative instruments.
The Company uses the current forward interest rate yield curve to forecast cash flows. A change in the forward interest rate curve would impact the future cash flows generated from the portfolio. An increase in future interest rates will reduce the amount of fixed rate floor income the Company is currently receiving. See Item 3, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk - AGM Operating Segment" for additional information about various interest rate risks which may impact future cash flows from AGM's loan assets.
In addition, LIBOR is in the process of being discontinued as a benchmark rate, and the market transition away from the current LIBOR framework could result in significant changes to the forecasted cash flows from the Company's asset-backed securitizations. See Item 1A, "Risk Factors - Loan Portfolio - Interest rate risk - replacement of LIBOR as a benchmark rate" in the Company's 2022 Annual Report.
Warehouse Facilities
Warehousing allows the Company to buy and manage loans prior to transferring them into more permanent financing arrangements.
The Company has For a FFELP warehouse facility that, as of March 31, 2023, had an aggregate maximum financing amount available of $1.25 billion, of which $919.3 million was outstanding and $330.7 million was available for additional funding. The warehouse facility has a static advance rate until the expiration datesummary of the liquidity provisions (May 22, 2023). In the event the liquidity provisions are not extended, the valuation agent has the right to perform a one-time mark to market on the underlying loans funded in this facility, subject to a floor. The loans would then be funded at this new advance rate until the final maturity dateCompany's warehouse facilities see note 3 of the facility (May 22, 2024). Asnotes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of March 31, 2023, the Company had $62.8 million advanced as equity support on this facility.
On April 3, 2023, the Company obtained an additional FFELP warehouse facility that has an aggregate maximum financing amount available of $250.0 million. This warehouse facility's liquidity provisions expire on April 2, 2024 and has a final maturity date of April 2, 2025.
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As of March 31, 2023, the Company's private education warehouse facility had an outstanding balance of $47.9 million, liquidity provisions through June 30, 2023, a final maturity of December 31, 2023, and $19.4 million was advanced as equity support. No additional amounts can be borrowed under this facility.
The Company also has a consumer loan warehouse facility that, as of March 31, 2023, had an aggregate maximum financing amount available of $250.0 million, an advance rate of 70%, liquidity provisions through November 14, 2024, and a final maturity date of November 14, 2025. As of March 31, 2023, $82.4 million was outstanding under this facility, $167.6 million was available for future funding, and the Company had $35.2 million advanced as equity support.report.
Upon termination or expiration of the warehouse facilities, the Company would expect to access the securitization market, obtain replacement warehouse facilities, use operating cash, consider the sale of assets, or transfer collateral to satisfy any remaining obligations.
Asset-backed Securities Transactions
The Company, through its subsidiaries, has historically funded loans by completing asset-backed securitizations. Depending on market conditions, the Company anticipates continuing to access the asset-backed securitization market. Such asset-backed securitization transactions would be used to refinance loans included in its warehouse facilities, loans purchased from third parties, and/or loans in its existing asset-backed securitizations.
There were no asset-backed securitization transactions completed during the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Other Uses of Liquidity
The Company no longer originates FFELP loans, but continues to acquire FFELP loan portfolios from third parties and believes additional loan purchase opportunities exist, including opportunities to purchase private education, consumer, and other loans (or investment interests therein).
The Company plans to fund additional loan acquisitions and related investments using current cash; cash provided by operating activities; proceeds from the sale of certain investments; its unsecured line of credit, its Union Bank student loan participation
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agreement, its Union Bank student loan asset-backed securities participation agreement, and its third-party repurchase agreementsagreement (each as described below), and/or establishing similar secured and unsecured borrowing facilities; using its existing warehouse facilities (as described above); increasing the capacity under existing and/or establishing new warehouse facilities; and continuing to access the asset-backed securities market.
Repurchase AgreementsAgreement
In December 2020, Wells Fargo announced the sale of its approximately $10.0 billion portfolio of private education loans representing approximately 445,000 borrowers. The Company entered into a joint venture with other investors to acquire the loans, and under the joint venture, the Company had an approximately 8% interest in the loans and has a corresponding 8% interest in residual interests in the 2021 securitizations of the loans discussed below. The joint venture established a limited partnership that purchased the private education loans and funded such loans with a temporary warehouse facility.
During 2021, the Company sponsored four asset-backed securitization transactions to permanently finance a total of $8.7 billion of private education loans sold by Wells Fargo (which represented the total remaining loans originally purchased from Wells Fargo, factoring in borrower payments from the date of purchase). As sponsor, the Company is required to provide a certain level of risk retention, and has purchased bonds issued in such securitizations to satisfy this requirement. The bonds purchased to satisfy the risk retention requirement are reflected on the Company's consolidated balance sheetsheets as "investments and notes receivable" and as of March 31, 2023,2024, the fair value of these bonds was $294.6$248.4 million. The Company must retain these investment securities until the latest of (i) two years from the closing date of the securitization, (ii) the date the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the loans in the securitization is 33% or less of the initial loan balance, and (iii) the date the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the bonds is 33% or less of the aggregate initial outstanding principal balance of the bonds, at which time the Company can sell its investment securities (bonds) to a third party.
The Company entered into a repurchase agreementsagreement with a third parties,party, of which a portion of the proceeds from such agreementsagreement were used to purchase the asset-backed investments, and such investments serve as collateral on the repurchase obligations.
In addition, as discussed above, the Company has repurchased certain of its own asset-backed securities in the secondary market that serve as collateral on amounts outstanding under the Company's repurchase agreements.
As of March 31, 2023, $433.02024, $114.5 million was outstanding on the Company's repurchase agreements,agreement. As of which $274.0 million was borrowed to fund private education loan securitization bonds subject toMay 9, 2024, the Company’s risk retention requirement and $159.0 million was borrowed to fund repurchased FFELP loan asset-backed securities. The repurchase agreements have various maturity dates (as of March 31, 2023)on this facility vary from April 6, 2023 through November 27, 2024 but one ofthrough December 20, 2024, and the agreementsfacility is subject to early termination upon required180 days' prior written notice provided by the Company or the applicable counterparty prior to the maturity dates. Subsequent to March 31, 2023, the maturities on these agreements were extended, and as of May 8, 2023, the maturity dates vary from May 26, 2023 through November 27, 2024. The Company is requiredsubject to pay additional cash margin deficit payment requirements in the event the fair value of the securities subject to athe repurchase agreement becomes less than the original purchase price of such securities.
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Upon termination or expirationmaturity of the repurchase agreements,agreement, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain this or a similar agreement, or find alternative funding if necessary. If necessary, the Company would expect to use operating cash, and/consider the sale of unencumbered investments, or cash proceeds fromborrow on its unsecured line of credit consider the sale of assets (subject to any restrictions described above), or transfer collateral to satisfy any outstanding obligations subject to the repurchase agreements.remaining obligations.
Union Bank Participation AgreementAgreements
The Company maintains an agreement with Union Bank, a related party, as trustee for various grantor trusts, under which Union Bank has agreed to purchase from the Company participation interests in student loans. As of March 31, 2023, $684.42024, $469.7 million of loans were subject to outstanding participation interests held by Union Bank, as trustee, under this agreement. The agreement automatically renews annually and is terminable by either party upon five business days' notice. This agreement provides beneficiaries of Union Bank’s grantor trusts with access to investments in interests in student loans, while providing liquidity to the Company. The Company can participate loans to Union Bank to the extent of availability under the grantor trusts, up to $900.0 million or an amount in excess of $900.0 million if mutually agreed to by both parties. Loans participated under this agreement have been accounted for by the Company as loan sales. Accordingly, the participation interests sold are not included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Asset-backed Securities TransactionsThe Company also has an agreement with Union Bank under which Union Bank has agreed to purchase from the Company participation interests in FFELP loan asset-backed securities (bond investments). The agreement automatically renews annually and is terminable by either party upon five business days' notice. On May 4, 2024, the agreement automatically renewed for another year through May 4, 2025. The Company can participate FFELP loan asset-backed securities to Union Bank to the extent of availability under the grantor trusts, up to $400.0 million or an amount in excess of $400.0 million if mutually agreed to by both parties. The Company maintains legal ownership of the FFELP loan asset-backed securities and, in its discretion, approves and accomplishes any sale, assignment, transfer, encumbrance, or other disposition of the securities. As such, the FFELP loan asset-backed securities subject to this agreement are included on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as "investments and notes receivable" and the participation interests outstanding have been accounted for by the Company as a secured borrowing. As of March 31, 2024, $0.1 million (par value) of FFELP loan asset-backed securities were subject to outstanding participation interests held by Union Bank, as trustee, under this agreement.
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Liquidity Impact Related to Beneficial Interest in Loan Securitizations
The Company through its subsidiaries, has historically fundedpartial ownership in consumer, private education, and federally insured student loansloan third-party securitizations that are classified as "beneficial interest in loan securitizations" and included in "investments and notes receivable" on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. These residual interests were acquired by completing asset-backed securitizations. Depending on market conditions, the Company anticipates continuingor have been received by the Company as consideration from selling portfolios of loans to accessunrelated third parties who securitized such loans. As of the asset-backed securitization market. Such asset-backed securitization transactions would be usedlatest remittance reports filed by the various trusts prior to refinance studentor as of March 31, 2024, the Company's ownership correlates to approximately $1.79 billion of loans included in its warehouse facilities, loans purchased from third parties, and/or student loans in its existing asset-backed securitizations.these securitizations
There were no asset-backed securitization transactions completed during the three months endedAs of March 31, 2023.2024, the investment balance on the Company's consolidated balance sheet of its beneficial interest in loan securitizations was $235.8 million. For a summary of this investment balance, see note5of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
The Company's partial ownership percentage in each loan securitization grants the Company the right to receive the corresponding percentage of cash flows generated by the securitization. As of March 31, 2024, based on cash flow models developed to reflect management’s current estimate of, among other factors, prepayments, defaults, deferment, forbearance, and interest rates, the Company currently expects future undiscounted cash flows from its partial ownership in these securitizations to be approximately $347.1 million. The vast majority of these cash flows are expected to be received over the next 5 years.
The difference between the total estimated future undiscounted cash flows from these residual interests ($347.1 million) and the investment carrying value ($235.8 million) of $111.3 million, or $84.6 million after income taxes based on the estimated effective tax rate, represents estimated future investment interest income (earnings) from these investments and is expected to be accretive to the Company's balance of consolidated shareholders' equity from the March 31, 2024 balance.
The undiscounted future cash flows from the consumer and private education loan securitizations are highly subject to credit risk (defaults). If defaults are higher than management's current estimate, the forecasted cash flows and estimated future investment interest income (earnings) from these securitizations would be adversely impacted.
Liquidity Impact Related to Nelnet Bank
Nelnet Bank launched operations in November 2020. Nelnet Bank was funded by the Company with an initial capital contribution of $100.0 million and the Company contributed an additional $30.0 million and $5.0 million to Nelnet Bank during 2022.2022 and 2023, respectively. In addition, the Company made a pledged deposit of $40.0 million with Nelnet Bank, as required under an agreement with the FDIC discussed below.
Prior to Nelnet Bank’s launch of operations, Nelnet Bank, Nelnet, Inc. (the parent), and Michael S. Dunlap (Nelnet, Inc.’s controlling shareholder) entered into a Capital and Liquidity Maintenance Agreement and a Parent Company Agreement with the FDIC in connection with Nelnet, Inc.’s role as a source of financial strength for Nelnet Bank. As part of the Capital and Liquidity Maintenance Agreement, Nelnet, Inc. is obligated to (i) contribute capital to Nelnet Bank for it to maintain capital levels that meet FDIC requirements for a “well capitalized” bank, including a leverage ratio of capital to total assets of at least 12%; (ii) provide and maintain an irrevocable asset liquidity takeout commitment for the benefit of Nelnet Bank in an amount equal to the greater of either 10% of Nelnet Bank’s total assets or such additional amount as agreed to by Nelnet Bank and Nelnet, Inc.; (iii) provide additional liquidity to Nelnet Bank in such amount and duration as may be necessary for Nelnet Bank to meet its ongoing liquidity obligations; and (iv) establish and maintain a pledged deposit of $40.0 million with Nelnet Bank.
Under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, Nelnet Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the FDIC and the UDFI and must meet specific capital standards. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material adverse effect on Nelnet Bank’s business, results of operations, or financial condition. On January 1, 2020, the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR) framework, as issued jointly by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board, and the FDIC, became effective. Any banking organization with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion, limited amounts of certain types of assets and off-balance sheet exposures, and a community bank leverage ratio greater than 9% may opt into the CBLR framework quarterly. The CBLR framework allows banks to satisfy capital standards and be considered "well capitalized" under the prompt corrective action framework if their leverage ratio is greater than 9%, unless the banking organization's federal banking agency determines that the banking organization's risk profile warrants a more stringent leverage ratio. The FDIC has ordered Nelnet Bank to maintain at least a 12% leverage ratio. Nelnet Bank has opted into the CBLR framework for the quarter ended March 31, 20232024 with a leverage ratio of 12.6%13.0%. Nelnet Bank intends to maintain at all times regulatory capital levels that meet both the minimum level necessary to be considered “well capitalized” under the FDIC’s prompt corrective action framework and the minimum level required by the FDIC.
Nelnet Bank has a portfolio of asset-backed securities investments that were accounted for and classified as available-for-sale. Accordingly, these securities were carried at fair value, with the changes in fair value, net of taxes, carried as a separate component of equity. To reduce Nelnet Bank's market exposure related to decreases in fair value on these investments, on March 31, 2023, securities at Nelnet Bank with a fair value of $149.2 million were transferred from available for sale to held to
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maturity. The securities were reclassified at fair value at the time of the transfer, and such transfer represented a non-cash transaction. Accumulated other comprehensive income as of March 31, 2023 includes pre-tax unrealized losses of $3.7 million related to the transfer. These unrealized losses will be amortized, consistent with the amortization of any discounts on such securities, over the remaining lives of the respective securities as an adjustment of yield.
Based on Nelnet Bank's business plan for growth and current financial condition, the Company believes it will make additional capital contributions to the bank in future periods.
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Liquidity Impact Related to Nelnet Renewable Energy
The Company’s Nelnet Renewable Energy business makes solar tax equity investments. Through March 31, 2023,2024, the Company has invested a total of $294.4$491.8 million (which includes $115.9$208.9 million syndicated to third-party investors) in tax equity investments in renewable energy solar partnerships. These investments provide a federal income tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code, equaling either 26% or 30% to 40% of the eligible project costs,cost, with the tax credit available when the project is placed-in-service. The Company is allowed to reduce its tax estimates paid to the U.S. Treasury based on the credits earned. Based on the timing of when the Company funds a project and decreases its tax estimate to the U.S. Treasury due to earning of the tax credit, the amount of capital committedfunded to solar tax equity investments at any point in time is not significant and has a minimal impact on the Company’s liquidity. As of March 31, 2023,2024, the Company is committed to fund an additional $220.3$146.6 million on tax equity investments, of which $141.4$76.2 million is expected to be provided by syndication partners.
In addition to solar tax equity investments, the Company has a strategy to own solar energy project assets. These assets provide long-term, predictable, and recurring cash flows. Accordingly, the Company has begun to execute a multi-faceted approach to originate, acquire, finance, own, and manage these assets. The Company plans to fund a large portion of its current growth plans in owning solar energy projects using third-party debt and third-party tax equity. The collateral on any third-party debt would be limited to the assets of the specific solar projects. Any capital requirements for the origination or purchase of solar projects not funded by third-party debt and third-party tax equity would be provided by the Company using operating cash, borrowings on its unsecured line of credit, and/or the sale of investments.
Liquidity Impact Related to ALLO
Upon the deconsolidation of ALLO on December 21, 2020, the Company recorded its 45% voting membership interests in ALLO at fair value, and accounts for such investment under the HLBV method of accounting. In addition, the Company recorded its remaining non-voting preferred membership units of ALLO at fair value, and accounts for such investment as a separate equity investment. As of March 31, 2023,2024, the outstanding preferred membership interests of ALLO held by the Company was $145.9$155.0 million that earnsearned a preferred annual return of 6.25%.
Agreements among Accrued and unpaid preferred returns are converted to additional preferred membership interests each December 31. As of March 31, 2024, the Company, SDC (a third-party global digital infrastructure investor),accrued and ALLO provide that they will use commercially reasonable efforts (which excludes requiring ALLO to raise any additional equity financing or sell any assets) to causeunpaid preferred return was $2.4 million. On April 1, 2024, the redemption,preferred annual return on or before April 2024, the non-voting preferred membership interests in ALLO held by the Company, plus the amount of accrued and unpaid preferred return on such interests. However, if the non-voting preferred membership interests are not redeemed on or before April 2024, the preferred annual return is increased from 6.25% to 10.00%. On January 1, 2025, the preferred annual return will increase to 13.5%, commencing July 1, 2025, the return will increase to 15.0%, commencing January 1, 2026, the preferred return will increase to 17.5%, and beginning on January 1, 2027 and on each January 1 of each calendar year thereafter, the annual return will increase by an additional 2.5%.
As part of the ALLO recapitalization transaction in December 2020, the Company and SDC entered into an agreement, in which the Company has a contingent payment obligation to pay SDC a contingent payment amount of $25.0 millionup to $35.0 million in the event the Company disposes of its voting membership interests of ALLO that it holds and realizes from such disposition certain targeted return levels. As of March 31, 20232024, the estimated fair value of the contingent payment is $7.6$10.1 million.
In June 2023, ALLO closed on an asset-backed securities transaction with an aggregate size over $600 million. The proceeds from this transaction were used to refinance the majority of ALLO's prior debt and fund a portion of its current growth plans. If ALLO needs additional capital to support its growth in existing or new markets, the Company has the option to contribute additional capital to maintain its voting equity interest. Although ALLO has obtained third-party debt financing to fund a large portion of its current growth plans, the Company contributed $8.4 million of additional equity to ALLO in the first quarter of 2023. As a result of this equity contribution, the Company’s voting membership interests percentage did not materially change. Based on ALLO's business plan for growth and current financial condition, the Company believes it will make additional capital contributions to ALLO in future periods.
Liquidity Impact Related to Hedging Activities
The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage interest rate sensitivity. By using derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to market risk which could impact its liquidity.
All Non-Nelnet Bank over-the-counter derivative contracts executed by the Company are cleared post-execution at a regulated clearinghouse. Clearing is a process by which a third party, the clearinghouse, steps in between the original counterparties and guarantees the performance of both, by requiring that each post liquid collateral on an initial (initial margin) and mark-to-market (variation margin) basis to cover the clearinghouse’s potential future exposure in the event of default. Through March 15, 2023, the
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Company had received cash or had a receivable from the clearinghouse related to variation margin equal to the fair value as of March 15, 2023 of the derivatives used to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income of $183.2 million, which included $19.1 million related to current period settlements. To minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility, the Company terminated its entire derivative portfolio hedging loans earning fixed rate floor income ($2.8 billion in notional amount of derivatives).
Based on the remaining derivative portfolio outstanding as of March 31, 2023,2024, the Company does not anticipate any movement in interest rates having a material impact on its capital or liquidity profile, nor does the Company expect that any movement in interest rates would have a material impact on its ability to make variation margin payments to its third-party clearinghouse.clearinghouse and/or payments to its counterparties for its non-centrally cleared derivatives.
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Other Debt Facilities
As discussed above, the Company has a $495.0 million unsecured line of credit with a maturity date of September 22, 2026. As of March 31, 2023,2024, the unsecured line of credit had no amount outstanding and $495.0 million was available for future use. The line of credit agreement contains certain financial covenants, including limitations on recourse indebtedness to adjusted EBITDA (over the last four rolling quarters). Of the $495.0 million availability, approximately $260 million was available for purposes other than reducing existing recourse debt due to the limitations on recourse indebtedness to adjusted EBITDA financial covenant. Upon the maturity date of this facility, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain this line of credit, increase or maintain the amount outstanding under the line, or find alternative funding if necessary.
During 2020,On December 21, 2023, the Company entered into ana $10.0 million participation agreement with Union Bank, as trustee for various grantor trusts, undera third-party, the proceeds of which Union Bank has agreedare collateralized by consumer loans. The third-party participant does not have the right to purchase frompledge, transfer, or otherwise dispose of their participation interest in all or any portion of the Companyloans subject to this agreement. As such, the consumer loans subject to this agreement are included on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and the participation interests in federally insured student loan asset-backed securities. As of March 31, 2023, $311.8 million (par value) of student loan asset-backed securities were subject to outstanding participation interests held by Union Bank, as trustee, under this agreement. This participation agreement hashave been accounted for by the Company as a secured borrowing. Upon termination or expirationThis participation agreement will amortize as the consumer loans subject to the participation pay down. As of March 31, 2024, the outstanding balance on this participation agreement the Company would expect to use operating cash, consider the sale of assets, or transfer collateral to satisfy any remaining obligations.was $8.9 million.
Stock Repurchases
The Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program to repurchase up to a total of five million shares of the Company's Class A common stock during the three-year period ending May 8, 2025. No shares were repurchased under this program during the first quarter of 2023. As of March 31, 2023, 4,467,0212024, 3,824,767 shares remained authorized for repurchase under the Company's stock repurchase program. Shares may be repurchased from time to time on the open market, in private transactions (including with related parties), or otherwise, depending on various factors, including share prices and other potential uses of liquidity.
DuringShares repurchased by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2024 are shown below. Certain of these repurchases were made pursuant to trading plans adopted by the Company in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. For additional information on stock repurchases during the first quarter of 2023, the Company repurchased 36,513 shares owned and tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted shares. These repurchased shares are excluded from the Company's repurchase program. See2024, see "Stock Repurchases" under Part II, Item 2 of this report.
Total shares repurchasedPurchase price (in thousands)Average price of shares repurchased (per share) (a)
Quarter ended March 31, 2024396,724 $35,469 89.41 
(a)     The average price of shares repurchased for the three months ended March 31, 2024 includes excise taxes.
Subsequent to March 31, 2024 (through May 9, 2024), the Company repurchased an additional 421,102 Class A common shares for $39.8 million (average price of $94.47 per share) under its stock repurchase program.
Dividends
On March 15, 2023,2024, the Company paid a first quarter 20232024 cash dividend on the Company's Class A and Class B common stock of $0.26$0.28 per share. In addition, the Company's Board of Directors has declared a second quarter 20232024 cash dividend on the Company's outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock of $0.26$0.28 per share. The second quarter cash dividend will be paid on June 15, 202314, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 1, 2023.May 31, 2024.
The Company plans to continue making regular quarterly dividend payments, subject to future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, and other factors.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods. The Company bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under varying assumptions or conditions. Note 32 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 20222023 Annual Report includes a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
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On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, particularly as they relate to accounting policies that management believes are most “critical” - that is, they are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and they require management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Management has identified the allowance
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for loan losses as a critical accounting policy and estimate, as discussed further under Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Allowance for Loan Losses” in the Company’s 20222023 Annual Report. For additional information regarding changes in the Company’s allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 20232024 and 2022,2023, see the caption “Activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses” in note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report. There have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting policy and estimate since December 31, 2022.2023.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In November 2023, the FASB issued accounting guidance which improves reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker and included within each reported measure of segment profit (referred to as the “significant expense principle”). This guidance will be effective for the Company for the year ending December 31, 2024 annual financial statements, with early adoption permitted. The guidance will be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company intends to adopt the standard when it becomes effective for the year ending December 31, 2024 annual financial statements. Management is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the disclosures included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued accounting guidance to address investor requests for more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. This guidance will be effective for the Company for the year ending December 31, 2025 annual financial statements, with early adoption permitted. The guidance will be applied on a prospective basis. The Company intends to adopt the standard when it becomes effective for the year ending December 31, 2025. Management is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the disclosures included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
(All dollars are in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Interest Rate Risk - AGM Operating Segment
AGM’s primary market risk exposure arises from fluctuations in its borrowing and lending rates, the spread between which could impact AGM due to shifts in market interest rates.
The following table sets forth AGM’s loan assets and debt instruments by rate characteristics:
As of March 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022 As of March 31, 2024As of December 31, 2023
DollarsPercentDollarsPercent DollarsPercentDollarsPercent
Fixed-rate loan assetsFixed-rate loan assets$1,038,386 7.7 %$1,339,900 9.5 %Fixed-rate loan assets$536,445 5.0 5.0 %$510,666 4.2 4.2 %
Variable-rate loan assetsVariable-rate loan assets12,444,234 92.3 12,829,871 90.5 
TotalTotal$13,482,620 100.0 %$14,169,771 100.0 %Total$10,799,942 100.0 100.0 %$12,049,462 100.0 100.0 %
Fixed-rate debt instrumentsFixed-rate debt instruments$570,787 4.5 %$617,083 4.5 %
Fixed-rate debt instruments
Fixed-rate debt instruments$509,294 4.8 %$561,557 4.8 %
Variable-rate debt instrumentsVariable-rate debt instruments12,253,817 95.5 13,199,327 95.5 
TotalTotal$12,824,604 100.0 %$13,816,410 100.0 %Total$10,539,917 100.0 100.0 %$11,704,153 100.0 100.0 %
FFELP loans originated prior to April 1, 2006 generally earn interest at the higher of the borrower rate, which is fixed over a period of time, or a floating rate based on the special allowance payment (SAP) formula set by the Department. The SAP rate is based on an applicable index plus a fixed spread that depends on loan type, origination date, and repayment status. The Company generally finances its FFELP student loan portfolio with variable rate debt. In low and/or declining interest rate environments, when the fixed borrower rate is higher than the SAP rate, the Company’s FFELP student loans earn at a fixed rate while the interest on the variable rate debt typically continues to reflect the low and/or declining interest rates. In these interest rate environments, the Company may earn additional spread income that it refers to as floor income.
Depending on the type of loan and when it was originated, the borrower rate is either fixed to term or is reset to an annual rate each July 1. As a result, for loans where the borrower rate is fixed to term, the Company may earn floor income for an extended period of time, which the Company refers to as fixed rate floor income, and for those loans where the borrower rate is reset annually on July 1, the Company may earn floor income to the next reset date, which the Company refers to as variable rate floor income. All FFELP loans first originated on or after April 1, 2006 effectively earn at the SAP rate, since lenders are required to rebate fixed rate floor income and variable rate floor income for those loans to the Department.
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Absent the use of derivative instruments, a rise in interest rates will reduce the amount of floor income received and has an impact on earnings due to interest margin compression caused by increasing financing costs, until such time as the federally insured loans earn interest at a variable rate in accordance with their SAP formulas. In higher interest rate environments, where the interest rate rises above the borrower rate and fixed rate loans effectively become variable rate loans, the impact of the rate fluctuations is reduced.
No variable-rate floor income was earned by the Company in 20232024 or 2022.2023.
A summary of fixed rate floor income earned by the AGM operating segment follows.
Three months ended March 31,
20232022
Three months ended March 31,
Three months ended March 31,
Three months ended March 31,
2024
2024
2024
Fixed rate floor income, gross
Fixed rate floor income, gross
Fixed rate floor income, grossFixed rate floor income, gross$1,110 28,993 
Derivative settlements (a)Derivative settlements (a)22,478 (3,205)
Derivative settlements (a)
Derivative settlements (a)
Fixed rate floor income, netFixed rate floor income, net$23,588 25,788 
Fixed rate floor income, net
Fixed rate floor income, net
(a)    Derivative settlements consist of settlements received (paid) related to the Company's derivatives used to hedge student loans earning fixed rate floor income.
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Gross fixed rate floor income decreased for the three months ended March 31, 20232024 compared with the same period in 20222023 due to higher interest rates in 20232024 compared with 2022.2023.
The Company had a significant portfolio of derivative instruments in which the Company paid a fixed rate and received a floating rate to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. TheDuring the first quarter of 2023, to minimize the Company's exposure to market volatility and increase in net derivative settlements received byliquidity, the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared with netterminated its derivative settlements paid during the same period in 2022, was due to an increase in interest rates, partially offset by a decrease in the notional amount of derivatives outstanding. See note 4 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information on the Company's derivative portfolio.
The Company's derivatives that hedgeportfolio hedging loans earning fixed rate floor income are cleared post-execution at a regulated clearinghouse. Clearing is a process by which a third party, the clearinghouse, steps($2.8 billion in between the original counterparties and guarantees the performancenotional amount of both, by requiring that each post liquid collateral on an initial (initial margin) and mark-to-market (variation margin) basis to cover the clearinghouse’s potential future exposure in the event of default.derivatives). Through March 15, 2023, the Company had received cash or had a receivable from theits clearinghouse related to variation margin equal to the fair value of the $2.8 billion notional amount of fixed rate floor derivatives as of March 15, 2023 of $183.2 million, which included $19.1 million related to current period settlements. To minimizeSubsequent to terminating these derivatives, during the Company's exposure to market volatility, on March 15,second and fourth quarters of 2023, the Company terminated its entire derivative portfolio hedgingentered into a total of $400.0 million notional amount of derivatives to hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income. Asincome and other loans and investments in which the Company receives a result of terminating these derivatives, there will be nofixed rate.
The decrease in net derivative settlements received by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared with the same period in 2023, was due to a decrease in the notional amount of derivatives outstanding and less favorable terms on thesethe $400.0 million of notional derivatives entered into in future periods.2023 compared with the $2.8 billion notional derivatives that were terminated due to an increase in interest rates from when the terminated derivatives were initially executed.
The following graph depictsFor further details of the Company’s derivatives used to hedge fixed rate floor income for a borrower with a fixed rateloans, see note 4 of 6.75% and a SAP ratethe notes to consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of 2.64%:
Image5.jpgthis report.
The following table shows AGM’s federally insured student loan assets that were earning fixed rate floor income as of March 31, 2023.2024.
Fixed interest rate rangeFixed interest rate rangeBorrower/lender weighted average yieldEstimated variable conversion rate (a)Loan balanceFixed interest rate rangeBorrower/lender weighted average yieldEstimated variable conversion rate (a)Loan balance
7.0 - 7.49%7.38%4.74%$14,294 
7.5 - 7.99%7.73%5.09%124,236 
8.0 - 8.99%
8.0 - 8.99%
8.0 - 8.99%8.0 - 8.99%8.18%5.54%339,275 
> 9.0%
> 9.0%
9.05%6.41%131,116 
$608,921 
$
(a) The estimated variable conversion rate is the estimated short-term interest rate at which loans would convert to a variable rate. As of March 31, 2023,2024, the weighted average estimated variable conversion rate was 5.62%5.93% and the short-term interest rate was 470556 basis points.
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AGM is also exposed to interest rate risk in the form of basisrepricing risk and repricingbasis risk because the interest rate characteristics of AGM’s assets do not match the interest rate characteristics of the funding for those assets. The following table presents AGM’s FFELP student loan assets and related funding for those assets arranged by underlying indices as of March 31, 2023.2024.
IndexIndexFrequency of variable resetsAssetsFunding of student loan assetsIndexFrequency of variable resetsAssetsFunding of student loan assets
1 month LIBOR (a)Daily$12,099,443 — 
3 month H15 financial commercial paperDaily432,655 — 
3 month Treasury billDaily399,461 — 
1 month LIBORMonthly— 7,612,093 
3 month LIBOR (a)Quarterly— 3,431,852 
30-day average SOFR (a)
3-month H15 financial commercial paper
3-month Treasury bill
30-day average SOFR / 1-month CME Term SOFR
90-day average SOFR / 3-month CME Term SOFR (a)
Asset-backed commercial paper (b)Asset-backed commercial paper (b)Varies— 919,337 
Fixed rateFixed rate— 548,642 
Auction-rate (c)Auction-rate (c)Varies— 142,385 
Other (d)Other (d)1,315,962 1,593,212 
 $14,247,521 14,247,521 
(a)    The Company has certain basis swaps outstanding in which the Company receives and pays the term adjusted SOFR plus the tenor spread adjustment to LIBOR. Prior to the discontinuation of LIBOR on June 30, 2023, the Company received three-month LIBOR set discretely in advance and payspaid one-month LIBOR plus or minus a spread as defined in the agreements (the "1:3 Basis Swaps"). The Company entered into these derivative instruments to better match the interest rate characteristics on its student loan assets and the debt funding such assets. The following table summarizes the 1:3 Basis Swaps outstanding as of March 31, 2023.2024.
MaturityNotional amount (i)
2024$1,750,000 
20261,150,000 
2027250,000 
$3,150,000 
(i)    The weighted average rate paid by the Company on the 1:3 Basis Swaps as of March 31, 20232024 was one-month LIBORthe term adjusted SOFR (plus the tenor spread adjustment relating to LIBOR) plus 10.1 basis points.
(b)    The interest rate on the Company's FFELP warehouse facilityfacilities is indexed to asset-backed commercial paper rates.
(c)    As of March 31, 2023,2024, the Company was sponsor for $142.4$84.7 million of outstanding asset-backed securities that were set and provide for interest rates to be periodically reset via a "dutch auction" (the “Auction Rate Securities”). Since the auction feature has essentially been inoperable for substantially all auction rate securities since 2008, the Auction Rate Securities generally pay interest to the holder at a maximum rate as defined by the indenture. While these rates will vary, they will generally be based on a spread to LIBORSOFR or Treasury Securities, or the Net Loan Rate as defined in the financing documents.
(d)    Assets include accrued interest receivable and restricted cash. Funding represents overcollateralization (equity) and other liabilities included in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations and warehouse facility.
LIBOR is in the process of being discontinued as a benchmark rate, and the market transition away from the current LIBOR framework could result in significant changes to the interest rate characteristics of the Company's LIBOR-indexed assets and funding for those assets. See Item 1A, "Risk Factors - Loan Portfolio - Interest rate risk - replacement of LIBOR as a benchmark rate" in the Company's 2022 Annual Report for additional information.

facilities.
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Sensitivity Analysis
The following tables summarize the effect on the Company’s consolidated earnings, based upon a sensitivity analysis performed on AGM’s assets and liabilities assuming hypothetical increases and decreases in interest rates of 100 basis points and 300 basis points while funding spreads remain constant. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was performed assuming the funding index increases 10 basis points and 30 basis points while holding the asset index constant, if the funding index is different than the asset index. The sensitivity analysis was performed on AGM’s variable rate assets (including loans earning fixed rate floor income) and liabilities.
Interest rates Interest rates
Change from increase of
100 basis points
Change from increase of
100 basis points
Change from increase of
300 basis points
Change from decrease of
100 basis points
Change from decrease of
300 basis points
Change from increase of
100 basis points
Change from increase of
300 basis points
Change from decrease of
100 basis points
Change from decrease of
300 basis points
DollarsPercentDollarsPercentDollarsPercentDollarsPercent
Three months ended March 31, 2024
Effect on earnings:Effect on earnings:   
Increase in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlementsIncrease in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlements$711 0.7 %$2,500 2.7 %$1,941 2.1 %$8,557 9.1 %
Impact of derivative settlements
Increase in net income before taxesIncrease in net income before taxes$1,457 1.5 %$4,738 5.0 %$1,195 1.3 %$6,319 6.7 %
Increase in basic and diluted earnings per share
Change from increase of
100 basis points
Change from increase of
300 basis points
Change from decrease of
100 basis points
Change from decrease of
300 basis points
Three months ended March 31, 2023Three months ended March 31, 2023
Effect on earnings:Effect on earnings:   Effect on earnings:   
Increase in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlementsIncrease in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlements$772 2.5 %$4,403 14.1 %$76 0.2 %$3,650 11.7 %Increase in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlements$772 2.5 2.5 %$4,403 14.1 14.1 %$76 0.2 0.2 %$3,650 11.7 11.7 %
Impact of derivative settlements (a)Impact of derivative settlements (a)— — — — — — — — 
Increase in net income before taxesIncrease in net income before taxes$772 2.5 %$4,403 14.1 %$76 0.2 %$3,650 11.7 %Increase in net income before taxes$772 2.5 2.5 %$4,403 14.1 14.1 %$76 0.2 0.2 %$3,650 11.7 11.7 %
Increase in basic and diluted earnings per shareIncrease in basic and diluted earnings per share$0.02 $0.09 $0.00 $0.07 
(a)On March 15, 2023, the Company terminated its entire derivative portfolio hedging loans earning fixed rate floor income. The table above excludes the impact of these derivatives for the entire period.
 Asset and funding index mismatches
Increase of
10 basis points
Increase of
30 basis points
 
 DollarsPercentDollarsPercent
 Three months ended March 31, 2023
Effect on earnings: 
Decrease in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlements$(1,113)(3.6)%$(3,339)(10.7)%
Impact of derivative settlements777 2.5 2,330 7.5 
Decrease in net income before taxes$(336)(1.1)%$(1,009)(3.2)%
Decrease in basic and diluted earnings per share$(0.01)$(0.02)

 Asset and funding index mismatches
Increase of
10 basis points
Increase of
30 basis points
Increase of
10 basis points
Increase of
30 basis points
 DollarsPercentDollarsPercentDollarsPercentDollarsPercent
 Three months ended March 31, 2024Three months ended March 31, 2023
Effect on earnings: 
Decrease in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlements$(1,017)(1.0)%$(3,050)(3.2)%$(1,113)(3.6)%$(3,339)(10.7)%
Impact of derivative settlements783 0.8 2,349 2.5 777 2.5 2,330 7.5 
Decrease in net income before taxes$(234)(0.2)%$(701)(0.7)%$(336)(1.1)%$(1,009)(3.2)%
Decrease in basic and diluted earnings per share$ (0.00)$(0.01)$(0.01)$(0.02)
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Interest Rate Risk - Nelnet Bank
To manage Nelnet Bank's risk from fluctuations in market interest rates, the Company actively monitors interest rates and other interest sensitive components to minimize the impact that changes in interest rates have on the fair value of assets, net income, and cash flow. To achieve this objective, the Company manages and mitigates Nelnet Bank’s exposure to fluctuations in market interest rates through several techniques, including managing the maturity, repricing, and mix of fixed and variable rate assets and liabilities.liabilities and the use of derivative instruments.
The following table presents Nelnet Bank's loan assets, asset-backed security investments, and deposits by rate characteristics:
As of March 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022 As of March 31, 2024As of December 31, 2023
DollarsPercentDollarsPercent DollarsPercentDollarsPercent
Fixed-rate loan assetsFixed-rate loan assets$364,818 $341,776 
Fixed-rate investmentsFixed-rate investments142,152 123,809 
Fixed-rate investments
Fixed-rate investments
Total fixed-rate assets
Total fixed-rate assets
Total fixed-rate assetsTotal fixed-rate assets506,970 51.9 %465,585 52.2 %546,522 50.3 50.3 %458,928 47.7 47.7 %
Variable-rate loan assetsVariable-rate loan assets74,189 78,019 
Variable-rate investmentsVariable-rate investments395,259 347,559 
Variable-rate investments
Variable-rate investments
Total variable rate assets
Total variable rate assets
Total variable rate assetsTotal variable rate assets469,448 48.1 425,578 47.8 
Total assetsTotal assets$976,418 100.0 %$891,163 100.0 %Total assets$1,085,529 100.0 100.0 %$962,520 100.0 100.0 %
Fixed-rate depositsFixed-rate deposits$284,387 32.7 %$336,040 42.6 %
Variable-rate deposits585,391 67.3 453,604 57.4 
Fixed-rate deposits
Fixed-rate deposits$279,331 29.1 %$280,736 33.1 %
Variable-rate deposits (a)
Total depositsTotal deposits$869,778 100.0 %$789,644 100.0 %Total deposits$960,633 100.0 100.0 %$847,564 100.0 100.0 %
(a)    Nelnet Bank uses derivative instruments to hedge exposure to variability in cash flows of variable rate deposits to minimize the exposure to volatility in cash flows from future changes in interest rates. The derivatives are not reflected in the above table. See note 4 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for a summary of Nelnet Bank's derivatives outstanding as of March 31, 2024.
Interest Rate and Market Risk - Investments
The following table presents the rates earned on the Company’s available-for-sale debt securities (investments) and debt facilities used to fund a portion of such investments. The table below excludes securities (investments) held by Nelnet Bank.
Three months ended March 31,
20232022
Average balanceInterest income/ expenseAverage yields/ ratesAverage balanceInterest income/ expenseAverage yields/ rates
Three months ended March 31,
Three months ended March 31,
Three months ended March 31,
202420242023
Average balanceAverage balanceInterest income/ expenseAverage yields/ ratesAverage balanceInterest income/ expenseAverage yields/ rates
Investments:Investments:
Asset-backed securities available-for-sale (a) (b)
Asset-backed securities available-for-sale (a) (b)
Asset-backed securities available-for-sale (a) (b)Asset-backed securities available-for-sale (a) (b)$1,309,752 17,486 5.41 %$1,092,640 3,242 1.20 %$863,634 14,012 14,012 6.51 6.51 %$1,309,752 17,486 17,486 5.41 5.41 %
Debt funding asset-backed securities available-for-sale:Debt funding asset-backed securities available-for-sale:
Debt funding asset-backed securities available-for-sale:
Debt funding asset-backed securities available-for-sale:
Participation agreement - variable rate (c)Participation agreement - variable rate (c)$365,115 5,059 5.62 %$256,535 560 0.89 %
Repurchases agreements - variable rate (d)511,759 6,768 5.36 404,040 1,031 1.03 
$876,874 11,827 5.47 $660,575 1,591 0.98 
Participation agreement - variable rate (c)
Participation agreement - variable rate (c)$91 4.41 %$365,115 5,059 5.62 %
Repurchase agreements - variable rate (d)
$
(a)    The Company has repurchased certain of its own FFELP loan asset-backed securities (bonds and notes payable) in the secondary market. For accounting purposes, these notes are eliminated in consolidation and are not included in the Company's consolidated financial statements. However, these securities remain legally outstanding at the trust level and the Company could sell these notes to third parties or redeem the notes at par as cash is generated by the trust estate. Upon a sale of these notes to third parties, the Company would obtain cash proceeds equal to the market value of the notes on the date of such sale. The table above includes these repurchased bonds.
(b)    The majority of the Company’s asset-backed securities earn floating rates with expected returns of approximately LIBORSOFR + 100 to 350 basis points to maturity. As of March 31, 2023, $259.42024, $212.3 million (par value) of the Company’s asset-backed securities earn a weighted average fixed rate of 3.23%3.17%.
(c)    Interest incurred by the Company on amounts borrowed under the participation agreement is at a variable rate of LIBORSOFR + 62.5 basis points.
(d)    Interest incurred by the Company on amounts borrowed under the repurchase agreements is at a variable rate of LIBOR + 70.0 to 90.0 basis points or SOFR + 75.0100 to 141.0140 basis points.
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The Company’s portfolio of asset-backed investment securities has limited liquidity, and the Company could incur a significant loss if the investments were sold prior to maturity at an amount less than the original purchase price. As of March 31, 2023,2024, the netgross unrealized loss on the Company’s available-for-sale debt securities was $35.2$27.8 million, and the aggregate fair value of available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses was $852.6$482.7 million. The Company currently has the intent and ability to retain these investments, and none of the unrealized losses were due to credit losses. See note 5 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information.
ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company's principal executive and principal financial officers, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of March 31, 2023.2024. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2023.2024.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 20232024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There have been no material changes from the information referred to in the Legal Proceedings section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20222023 under Part I, Item 3 of such Form 10-K.
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes from the risk factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20222023 in response to Part I, Item 1A of such Form 10-K.
ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Stock Repurchases
The following table summarizes the repurchases of Class A common stock during the first quarter of 20232024 by the Company or any “affiliated purchaser” of the Company, as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Certain share repurchases included in the table below were made pursuant to a trading plan adopted by the Company in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
PeriodTotal number of shares purchased (a)Average price paid per shareTotal number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs (b)Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (b)
January 1 - January 31, 2023— $— — 4,467,021 
February 1 - February 28, 2023— — — 4,467,021 
March 1 - March 31, 202336,513 90.43 — 4,467,021 
Total36,513 $90.43 — 
PeriodTotal number of shares purchased (a)Average price paid per share (b)Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs (c)Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (c)
January 1 - January 31, 202413,523 $82.79 13,523 4,167,651 
February 1 - February 29, 2024— — — 4,167,651 
March 1 - March 31, 2024383,201 89.03 342,884 3,824,767 
Total396,724 $88.82 356,407 
(a)    The total number of shares includesincludes: (i) shares repurchased pursuant to the stock repurchase program discussed in footnote (c) below; and (ii) shares owned and tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted shares. Shares of Class A common stock tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations included 36,51340,317 shares in March 2023.2024. Unless otherwise indicated, shares owned and tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations were purchased at the closing price of the Company'sCompany’s shares on the date of vesting.
(b)    The average price of shares repurchased excludes excise taxes.
(c)    On May 9, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to repurchase up to a total of five million shares of the Company's Class A common stock during the three-year period ending May 8, 2025.
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Working capital and dividend restrictions/limitations
The Company's $495.0 million unsecured line of credit, which is available through September 22, 2026, imposes restrictions on the payment of dividends through covenants requiring a minimum consolidated net worth and a minimum level of unencumbered cash, cash equivalent investments, and available borrowing capacity under the line of credit. In addition, trust indentures and other financing agreements governing debt issued by the Company's lending subsidiaries generally have
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limitations on the amounts of funds that can be transferred to the Company by its subsidiaries through cash dividends at certain times. Further, Nelnet Bank is subject to laws and regulations that restrict the ability of Nelnet Bank to pay dividends to the Company, and authorize regulatory authorities to prohibit or limit the payment of dividends by Nelnet Bank to the Company. These provisions do not currently materially limit the Company's ability to pay dividends, and, based on the Company's current financial condition and recent results of operations, the Company does not currently anticipate that these provisions will materially limit the future payment of dividends.
ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
The following table describes contracts, instructions, or written plans for the purchase or sale of the Company's securities adopted by the Company's directors or executive officers during the first quarter of 2024, each of which is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c), referred to as Rule 10b5-1 trading plans.
Name and TitleDate of Adoption of Rule 10b5-1 Trading PlanScheduled Expiration Date of Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plan (a)Aggregate Number of Securities to Be Purchased or Sold
Kathleen A. Farrell
Director
3/6/20243/5/2025Sale of 1,700 shares of Class A common stock
(a) A trading plan may also expire on such earlier date as all transactions under the trading plan are completed.
ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS
10.110.1*+
10.2
10.3#
31.1*
31.2*
32**
101.INS*Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104*Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
*Filed herewith
**Furnished herewith
#+Certain portionsFiled herewith for purposes of this exhibit have been omitted pursuantproviding a complete set of all documents to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K.the Third Amended and Restated Guaranty related to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, both dated September 22, 2021.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. 
 NELNET, INC. 
    
Date:May 8, 20239, 2024By:/s/ JEFFREY R. NOORDHOEK 
 Name:Jeffrey R. Noordhoek 
 Title:
Chief Executive Officer
Principal Executive Officer
 
    
Date:May 8, 20239, 2024By:/s/ JAMES D. KRUGER 
Name:James D. Kruger 
 Title: 
Chief Financial Officer
Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
 


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