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 June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from  to . 
Commission File Number: 001-31924
NELNET, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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 July 31, 2020,April 30, 2021, there were 27,152,82827,370,797 and 11,171,60911,154,171 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
June 30, 2020March 31, 2021


 
 Item 1.
 Item 2.
3226
 Item 3.
 Item 4.
    
 
Item 1.
 Item 1A.
 Item 2.
 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
June 30, 2020December 31, 2019 March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Assets:Assets:  Assets:  
Loans and accrued interest receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $209,445 and
$61,914, respectively)
$20,460,873  21,402,868  
Loans and accrued interest receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $157,394 and
$175,698, respectively)
Loans and accrued interest receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $157,394 and
$175,698, respectively)
$19,737,530 20,185,656 
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 party14,242  13,922  Cash and cash equivalents - not held at a related party50,586 33,292 
Cash and cash equivalents - held at a related partyCash and cash equivalents - held at a related party53,298  119,984  Cash and cash equivalents - held at a related party93,643 87,957 
Total cash and cash equivalentsTotal cash and cash equivalents67,540  133,906  Total cash and cash equivalents144,229 121,249 
InvestmentsInvestments449,700  247,099  Investments973,099 992,940 
Restricted cashRestricted cash585,236  650,939  Restricted cash609,881 553,175 
Restricted cash - due to customersRestricted cash - due to customers268,539  437,756  Restricted cash - due to customers193,081 283,971 
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,901 and $4,455, respectively)73,783  115,391  
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,091 and $1,824, respectively)Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,091 and $1,824, respectively)80,283 76,460 
GoodwillGoodwill156,912  156,912  Goodwill142,092 142,092 
Intangible assets, netIntangible assets, net66,733  81,532  Intangible assets, net66,718 75,070 
Property and equipment, netProperty and equipment, net350,043  348,259  Property and equipment, net130,450 123,527 
Other assetsOther assets131,849  134,308  Other assets89,845 92,020 
Total assetsTotal assets$22,611,208  23,708,970  Total assets$22,167,208 22,646,160 
Liabilities:Liabilities:  Liabilities:  
Bonds and notes payableBonds and notes payable$19,726,158  20,529,054  Bonds and notes payable$18,754,715 19,320,726 
Accrued interest payableAccrued interest payable32,760  47,285  Accrued interest payable5,527 28,701 
Bank depositsBank deposits111,830 54,633 
Other liabilitiesOther liabilities242,965  303,781  Other liabilities315,454 312,280 
Due to customersDue to customers268,539  437,756  Due to customers230,581 301,471 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities20,270,422  21,317,876  Total liabilities19,418,107 20,017,811 
Commitments and contingenciesCommitments and contingenciesCommitments and contingencies00
Equity:Equity:Equity:
Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity: Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:   Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity:  
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; 0 shares issued or outstandingPreferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; 0 shares issued or outstanding—  —  Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; 0 shares issued or outstanding
Common stock:Common stock:Common stock:
Class A, $0.01 par value. Authorized 600,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 27,232,836
shares and 28,458,495 shares, respectively
272  285  
Class B, convertible, $0.01 par value. Authorized 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
11,171,609 shares and 11,271,609 shares, respectively
112  113  
Class A, $0.01 par value. Authorized 600,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 27,367,797
shares and 27,193,154 shares, respectively
Class A, $0.01 par value. Authorized 600,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 27,367,797
shares and 27,193,154 shares, respectively
274 272 
Class B, convertible, $0.01 par value. Authorized 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
11,154,171 shares and 11,155,571 shares, respectively
Class B, convertible, $0.01 par value. Authorized 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
11,154,171 shares and 11,155,571 shares, respectively
112 112 
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital1,867  5,715  Additional paid-in capital5,859 3,794 
Retained earningsRetained earnings2,331,312  2,377,627  Retained earnings2,736,923 2,621,762 
Accumulated other comprehensive earningsAccumulated other comprehensive earnings3,233  2,972  Accumulated other comprehensive earnings9,022 6,102 
Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equityTotal Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity2,336,796  2,386,712  Total Nelnet, Inc. shareholders' equity2,752,190 2,632,042 
Noncontrolling interestsNoncontrolling interests3,990  4,382  Noncontrolling interests(3,089)(3,693)
Total equityTotal equity2,340,786  2,391,094  Total equity2,749,101 2,628,349 
Total liabilities and equityTotal liabilities and equity$22,611,208  23,708,970  Total liabilities and equity$22,167,208 22,646,160 
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:Supplemental information - assets and liabilities of consolidated education and other lending
variable interest entities:
Loans and accrued interest receivableLoans and accrued interest receivable$20,488,321  21,399,382  Loans and accrued interest receivable$19,575,058 20,132,996 
Restricted cashRestricted cash567,064  639,816  Restricted cash551,983 499,223 
Other assets30  31  
Bonds and notes payableBonds and notes payable(19,856,362) (20,742,798) Bonds and notes payable(18,888,943)(19,355,375)
Accrued interest payable and other liabilitiesAccrued interest payable and other liabilities(97,523) (162,494) Accrued interest payable and other liabilities(67,348)(83,127)
Net assets of consolidated education and other lending variable interest entitiesNet assets of consolidated education and other lending variable interest entities$1,101,530  1,133,937  Net assets of consolidated education and other lending variable interest entities$1,170,750 1,193,717 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2



NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONSCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)(Dollars in thousands, except share data)(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Three months endedSix months ended Three months ended
June 30,June 30, March 31,
2020201920202019 20212020
Interest income:Interest income:  Interest income:  
Loan interestLoan interest$146,140  238,222  327,933  480,555  Loan interest$124,117 181,793 
Investment interestInvestment interest5,743  8,566  13,141  16,819  Investment interest4,986 7,398 
Total interest incomeTotal interest income151,883  246,788  341,074  497,374  Total interest income129,103 189,191 
Interest expense:Interest expense: Interest expense: 
Interest on bonds and notes payable85,248  186,963  219,366  378,733  
Interest on bonds and notes payable and bank depositsInterest on bonds and notes payable and bank deposits27,773 134,118 
Net interest incomeNet interest income66,635  59,825  121,708  118,641  Net interest income101,330 55,073 
Less provision for loan losses2,999  9,000  79,297  16,000  
Less (negative provision) provision for loan lossesLess (negative provision) provision for loan losses(17,048)76,299 
Net interest income after provision for loan lossesNet interest income after provision for loan losses63,636  50,825  42,411  102,641  Net interest income after provision for loan losses118,378 (21,226)
Other income/expense:Other income/expense: Other income/expense: 
Loan servicing and systems revenueLoan servicing and systems revenue111,042  113,985  223,778  228,883  Loan servicing and systems revenue111,517 112,735 
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenueEducation technology, services, and payment processing revenue59,304  60,342  142,979  139,502  Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue95,258 83,675 
Communications revenueCommunications revenue18,998  15,758  37,179  30,300  Communications revenue18,181 
OtherOther(4,604)8,281 
Gain on sale of loansGain on sale of loans—  1,712  18,206  1,712  Gain on sale of loans18,206 
Other income60,127  14,440  68,408  23,507  
Impairment expense(332) —  (34,419) —  
Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, netImpairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net2,436 (34,087)
Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, netDerivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net1,910  (24,088) (14,455) (35,628) Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net34,505 (16,365)
Total other income/expenseTotal other income/expense251,049  182,149  441,676  388,276  Total other income/expense239,112 190,626 
Cost of services:Cost of services:Cost of services:
Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing servicesCost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services15,376  15,871  38,181  36,930  Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services27,052 22,806 
Cost to provide communications servicesCost to provide communications services5,743  5,101  11,325  9,860  Cost to provide communications services5,582 
Total cost of servicesTotal cost of services21,119  20,972  49,506  46,790  Total cost of services27,052 28,388 
Operating expenses:Operating expenses:  Operating expenses:  
Salaries and benefitsSalaries and benefits119,247  111,214  239,125  222,272  Salaries and benefits115,791 119,878 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization29,393  24,484  57,041  48,697  Depreciation and amortization20,184 27,648 
Other expensesOther expenses37,052  45,417  80,439  89,233  Other expenses36,698 43,384 
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses185,692  181,115  376,605  360,202  Total operating expenses172,673 190,910 
Income before income taxes107,874  30,887  57,976  83,925  
Income tax expense21,264  6,209  11,131  17,600  
Net income86,610  24,678  46,845  66,325  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(128) (59) (895) (115) 
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$86,482  24,619  45,950  66,210  
Income (loss) before income taxesIncome (loss) before income taxes157,765 (49,898)
Income tax (expense) benefitIncome tax (expense) benefit(34,861)10,133 
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)122,904 (39,765)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests694 (767)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$123,598 (40,532)
Earnings per common share:Earnings per common share:Earnings per common share:
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic and diluted$2.21  0.61  1.16  1.65  
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic and dilutedNet income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc. shareholders - basic and diluted$3.20 (1.01)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and dilutedWeighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted39,203,404  40,050,065  39,579,459  40,210,787  Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted38,603,555 39,955,514 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3



NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three months endedSix months ended
June 30,June 30,
2020201920202019
Net income$86,610  24,678  46,845  66,325  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, net3,236  (537) 221  (972) 
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses recognized in net income, net(112) —  123  —  
Income tax effect(750) 129  (83) 233  
Total other comprehensive income (loss)2,374  (408) 261  (739) 
Comprehensive income88,984  24,270  47,106  65,586  
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(128) (59) (895) (115) 
Comprehensive income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$88,856  24,211  46,211  65,471  
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Net income (loss)$122,904 (39,765)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net changes related to foreign currency translation adjustments$
Net changes related to available-for-sale debt securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) during period, net4,349 (3,015)
Reclassification of (gains) losses to net income, net(508)235 
Income tax effect(922)2,919 667 (2,113)
Other comprehensive income (loss)2,920 (2,113)
Comprehensive income (loss)125,824 (41,878)
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests694 (767)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$126,518 (42,645)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4



NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITYCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITYCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)(Dollars in thousands, except share data)(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)
Nelnet, Inc. Shareholders Nelnet, Inc. Shareholders
Preferred stock sharesCommon stock sharesPreferred stockClass A common stockClass B common stockAdditional paid-in capital Retained earningsAccumulated other comprehensive (loss) earningsNoncontrolling interestsTotal equity Preferred stock sharesCommon stock sharesPreferred stockClass A common stockClass B common stockAdditional paid-in capital Retained earningsAccumulated other comprehensive (loss) earningsNoncontrolling interestsTotal equity
Class AClass BPreferred stock sharesClass AClass BPreferred stockClass A common stockClass B common stockAdditional paid-in capital Retained earningsAccumulated other comprehensive (loss) earningsNoncontrolling interestsTotal equity
Balance as of March 31, 2019—  28,628,528  11,459,641  $—  286  115  636  2,321,407  3,552  4,298  2,330,294  
Balance as of December 31, 2019Balance as of December 31, 201928,458,495 11,271,609 $285 113 5,715 2,377,627 2,972 4,382 2,391,094 
Issuance of noncontrolling interestsIssuance of noncontrolling interests—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  26  26  Issuance of noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — — 26 26 
Net income—  —  —  —  —  —  —  24,619  —  59  24,678  
Net (loss) incomeNet (loss) income— — — — — — — (40,532)— 767 (39,765)
Other comprehensive lossOther comprehensive loss—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  (408) —  (408) Other comprehensive loss— — — — — — — — (2,113)— (2,113)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  (91) (91) 
Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.18 per share—  —  —  —  —  —  —  (7,172) —  —  (7,172) 
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures—  10,138  —  —  —  —  1,384  —  —  —  1,384  
Compensation expense for stock based awards—  —  —  —  —  —  1,590  —  —  —  1,590  
Repurchase of common stock—  (419,140) —  —  (4) —  (1,940) (21,739) —  —  (23,683) 
Conversion of common stock—  180,000  (180,000) —   (2) —  —  —  —  —  
Balance as of June 30, 2019—  28,399,526  11,279,641  $—  284  113  1,670  2,317,115  3,144  4,292  2,326,618  
Balance as of March 31, 2020—  28,582,032  11,271,609  $—  286  113  9,140  2,310,282  859  5,120  2,325,800  
Issuance of noncontrolling interests—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  26  26  
Net income—  —  —  —  —  —  —  86,482  —  128  86,610  
Other comprehensive income—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  2,374  —  2,374  
Distribution to noncontrolling interestsDistribution to noncontrolling interests—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  (534) (534) Distribution to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — — (55)(55)
Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.20 per shareCash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.20 per share—  —  —  —  —  —  —  (7,733) —  —  (7,733) Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.20 per share— — — — — — — (7,946)— — (7,946)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeituresIssuance of common stock, net of forfeitures—  23,853  —  —  —  —  1,660  —  —  —  1,660  Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures— 148,422 — — — 2,940 — — — 2,941 
Compensation expense for stock based awardsCompensation expense for stock based awards—  —  —  —  —  —  1,857  —  —  —  1,857  Compensation expense for stock based awards— — — — — — 1,738 — — — 1,738 
Repurchase of common stockRepurchase of common stock—  (1,473,049) —  —  (15) —  (10,790) (56,469) —  —  (67,274) Repurchase of common stock— (24,885)— — — — (1,253)— — — (1,253)
Conversion of common stock—  100,000  (100,000) —   (1) —  —  —  —  —  
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest—  —  —  —  —  —  —  (1,250) —  (750) (2,000) 
Balance as of June 30, 2020—  27,232,836  11,171,609  $—  272  112  1,867  2,331,312  3,233  3,990  2,340,786  
Impact of adoption of new accounting standardImpact of adoption of new accounting standard— — — — — — — (18,867)— — (18,867)
Balance as of March 31, 2020Balance as of March 31, 202028,582,032 11,271,609 $286 113 9,140 2,310,282 859 5,120 2,325,800 
Balance as of December 31, 2020Balance as of December 31, 202027,193,154 11,155,571 $272 112 3,794 2,621,762 6,102 (3,693)2,628,349 
Issuance of noncontrolling interestsIssuance of noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — — 1,400 1,400 
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)— — — — — — — 123,598 — (694)122,904 
Other comprehensive incomeOther comprehensive income— — — — — — — — 2,920 — 2,920 
Distribution to noncontrolling interestsDistribution to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — — — (102)(102)
Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.22 per shareCash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.22 per share— — — — — — — (8,437)— — (8,437)
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeituresIssuance of common stock, net of forfeitures— 199,442 — — — 2,089 — — — 2,091 
Compensation expense for stock based awardsCompensation expense for stock based awards— — — — — — 1,985 — — — 1,985 
Repurchase of common stockRepurchase of common stock— (26,199)— — — — (2,009)— — — (2,009)
Conversion of common stockConversion of common stock— 1,400 (1,400)— — — — — — — 
Balance as of March 31, 2021Balance as of March 31, 202127,367,797 11,154,171 $274 112 5,859 2,736,923 9,022 (3,089)2,749,101 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5


NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED 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 capitalRetained earningsAccumulated other comprehensive (loss) earningsNoncontrolling interestsTotal equity
Class AClass B
Balance as of December 31, 2018—  28,798,464  11,459,641  $—  288  115  622  2,299,556  3,883  10,315  2,314,779  
Issuance of noncontrolling interests—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  52  52  
Net income—  —  —  —  —  —  —  66,210  —  115  66,325  
Other comprehensive loss—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  (739) —  (739) 
Distribution to noncontrolling interests—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  (113) (113) 
Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.36 per share—  —  —  —  —  —  —  (14,403) —  —  (14,403) 
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures—  141,529  —  —   —  3,876  —  —  —  3,877  
Compensation expense for stock based awards—  —  —  —  —  —  2,958  —  —  —  2,958  
Repurchase of common stock—  (720,467) —  —  (7) —  (5,786) (34,248) —  —  (40,041) 
Impact of adoption of new accounting standard—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  (6,077) (6,077) 
Conversion of common stock—  180,000  (180,000) —   (2) —  —  —  —  —  
Balance as of June 30, 2019—  28,399,526  11,279,641  $—  284  113  1,670  2,317,115  3,144  4,292  2,326,618  
Balance as of December 31, 2019—  28,458,495  11,271,609  $—  285  113  5,715  2,377,627  2,972  4,382  2,391,094  
Issuance of noncontrolling interests—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  52  52  
Net income—  —  —  —  —  —  —  45,950  —  895  46,845  
Other comprehensive income—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  261  —  261  
Distribution to noncontrolling interests—  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  —  (589) (589) 
Cash dividends on Class A and Class B common stock - $0.40 per share—  —  —  —  —  —  —  (15,679) —  —  (15,679) 
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures—  172,275  —  —   —  4,600  —  —  —  4,601  
Compensation expense for stock based awards—  —  —  —  —  —  3,595  —  —  —  3,595  
Repurchase of common stock—  (1,497,934) —  —  (15) —  (12,043) (56,469) —  —  (68,527) 
Impact of adoption of new accounting standard—  —  —  —  —  —  —  (18,867) —  —  (18,867) 
Conversion of common stock—  100,000  (100,000) —   (1) —  —  —  —  —  
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest—  —  —  —  —  —  —  (1,250) —  (750) (2,000) 
Balance as of June 30, 2020—  27,232,836  11,171,609  $—  272  112  1,867  2,331,312  3,233  3,990  2,340,786  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.








5



NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
 Three months ended
March 31,
 20212020
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$123,598 (40,532)
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests(694)767 
Net income (loss)122,904 (39,765)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:  
Depreciation and amortization, including debt discounts and loan premiums and deferred origination costs38,415 48,763 
Loan discount accretion(7,218)(9,442)
(Negative provision) provision for loan losses(17,048)76,299 
Derivative market value adjustments(38,809)20,602 
Proceeds from (payments to) clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net38,081 (20,386)
Gain from sale of loans(18,206)
Loss from investments, net13,849 4,046 
Purchases of equity securities - trading(13,512)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)15,405 (26,000)
Non-cash compensation expense2,052 1,857 
(Negative provision) provision for beneficial interests and impairment expense(2,436)34,087 
Increase in loan and investment accrued interest receivable(114)(33,167)
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable(3,831)52,185 
Decrease in other assets, net5,147 31,363 
Decrease (increase) in the carrying amount of ROU asset1,418 (1,000)
Decrease in accrued interest payable(23,174)(3,411)
Decrease in other liabilities(10,375)(42,047)
Decrease in the carrying amount of lease liability(1,247)(2,382)
Decrease in due to customers(70,849)(217,851)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities48,658 (144,455)
Cash flows from investing activities, net of acquisition:  
Purchases and originations of loans(152,329)(409,404)
Purchases of loans from a related party(19,731)(41,217)
Net proceeds from loan repayments, claims, and capitalized interest637,275 517,347 
Proceeds from sale of loans90,461 
Purchases of available-for-sale securities(44,335)(29,658)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities18,077 22,197 
Proceeds from beneficial interest in loan securitizations8,603 11,264 
Purchases of other investments(71,590)(32,892)
Proceeds from other investments110,290 3,135 
Purchases of property and equipment(17,898)(25,561)
Net cash provided by investing activities$468,362 105,672 
6


NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
 Six months ended
June 30,
 20202019
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$45,950  66,210  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests895  115  
Net income46,845  66,325  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:  
Depreciation and amortization, including debt discounts and loan premiums and deferred origination costs99,282  94,121  
Loan discount accretion(19,196) (18,806) 
Provision for loan losses79,297  16,000  
Derivative market value adjustments24,513  67,635  
Proceeds from termination of derivative instruments—  2,119  
Payments to clearinghouse - initial and variation margin, net(24,453) (77,229) 
Gain on sale of loans(18,206) (1,712) 
Gain from investments, net(48,402) (2,970) 
(Gain) loss on repurchases and extinguishment of debt(403) 1,801  
Deferred income tax benefit(14,762) (15,023) 
Non-cash compensation expense3,581  3,138  
Impairment expense34,419  —  
Increase in accrued interest receivable(123,276) (44,967) 
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable41,608  (5,972) 
Decrease (increase) in other assets, net22,992  (6,065) 
Decrease in the carrying amount of ROU asset5,948  4,307  
Decrease in accrued interest payable(14,525) (5,208) 
Decrease in other liabilities(26,817) (504) 
Decrease in the carrying amount of lease liability(4,829) (4,164) 
Decrease in due to customers(169,217) (90,661) 
Net cash used in operating activities(105,601) (17,835) 
Cash flows from investing activities:  
Purchases of loans(872,987) (997,123) 
Purchases of loans from a related party(75,118) (32,580) 
Net proceeds from loan repayments, claims, and capitalized interest1,800,286  1,889,084  
Proceeds from sale of loans90,465  42,215  
Purchases of available-for-sale securities(112,675) (1,010) 
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities23,372  192  
Proceeds from beneficial interest in loan securitizations21,765  968  
Purchases of other investments(117,598) (26,314) 
Proceeds from other investments6,770  23,763  
Purchases of property and equipment(46,994) (43,715) 
Net cash provided by investing activities717,286  855,480  
Cash flows from financing activities:  
Payments on bonds and notes payable(2,073,710) (2,007,483) 
Proceeds from issuance of bonds and notes payable1,252,360  1,092,186  
Payments of debt issuance costs(5,863) (5,515) 
Payments to extinguish debt—  (1,394) 
Dividends paid(15,679) (14,403) 
Repurchases of common stock(68,527) (40,041) 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock781  724  
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest(2,000) —  
Distribution to noncontrolling interests(333) (113) 
Net cash used in financing activities(912,971) (976,039) 
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash(301,286) (138,394) 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period1,222,601  1,192,391  
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period$921,315  1,053,997  
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
Three months ended
March 31,
20212020
Cash flows from financing activities:  
Payments on bonds and notes payable$(584,303)(1,263,204)
Proceeds from issuance of bonds and notes payable7,800 1,193,388 
Payments of debt issuance costs(614)(4,854)
Increase in bank deposits, net57,197 
Dividends paid(8,437)(7,946)
Repurchases of common stock(2,009)(1,253)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock381 411 
Issuance of noncontrolling interests1,940 
Distribution to noncontrolling interests(102)(22)
Net cash used in financing activities(528,147)(83,480)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(77)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash(11,204)(122,263)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period958,395 1,222,601 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period$947,191 1,100,338 

7


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash disbursements made for interest$39,686 125,184 
Cash disbursements made for income taxes, net of refunds and credits received (a)$199 80 
Cash disbursements made for operating leases$2,098 2,702 
Non-cash operating, investing, and financing activity:
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations$740 1,411 
Receipt of beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations$38,490 
Distribution to noncontrolling interest$33 
NELNET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
Six months ended
June 30,
20202019
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash disbursements made for interest$209,170  354,902  
Cash disbursements made for income taxes, net of refunds and credits received$7,949  11,529  
Cash disbursements made for operating leases$5,442  4,792  
Noncash operating, investing, and financing activity:
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations$3,265  3,298  
Receipt of beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations$38,490  7,921  
Distribution to noncontrolling interest$33  —  
Supplemental disclosures(a) For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, the Company utilized $2.0 million and $9.4 million, respectively, of noncash activities regarding the adoption of the new accounting standard for measurement of credit losses on financial instruments on January 1, 2020 are contained in note 1.federal and state tax credits related primarily to renewable energy.
The following table provides 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 ofAs ofAs ofAs ofAs of
June 30, 2020December 31, 2019June 30, 2019December 31, 2018March 31, 2021December 31, 2020March 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Total cash and cash equivalentsTotal cash and cash equivalents$67,540  133,906  84,400  121,347  Total cash and cash equivalents$144,229 121,249 204,844 133,906 
Restricted cashRestricted cash585,236  650,939  690,580  701,366  Restricted cash609,881 553,175 675,589 650,939 
Restricted cash - due to customersRestricted cash - due to customers268,539  437,756  279,017  369,678  Restricted cash - due to customers193,081 283,971 219,905 437,756 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cashCash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$921,315  1,222,601  1,053,997  1,192,391  Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$947,191 958,395 1,100,338 1,222,601 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


87


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 June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020 and 2019 have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 20192020 and, in the opinion of the Company’s management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations for the interim periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2020.2021. 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, 20192020 (the "2019"2020 Annual Report").
Reclassifications
Certain amounts previously reported have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications include:
Reclassifying the line item "accrued interest receivable" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet to "loans and accrued interest receivable" and "investments"; and
Reclassifying "gain on sale of loans" that was previously included in "other income" to a new line item on the Company's consolidated statements of income.
Accounting Standard Adopted in 2020
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASC 326”), which replaces the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss ("CECL") methodology. Since its original issuance in 2016, the FASB has issued several updates to the original ASU.
The CECL methodology utilizes a lifetime “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired, including, for the Company, loans receivable, accounts receivable, and held-to-maturity beneficial interests in loan securitizations. The expected credit losses are adjusted each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. In addition, ASC 326 made changes to the accounting for available-for-sale debt securities. For available-for-sale debt securities where fair value is less than amortized cost, credit-related impairment, if any, is recognized through an allowance for credit losses and adjusted each period for changes in credit risk.
On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under ASC 326 (recognizing estimated credit losses expected to occur over the asset's remaining life) while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP (recognizing estimated credit losses using an incurred loss model); therefore, the comparative information for 2019 is not comparable to the information presented for 2020. Adoption of the new guidance primarily impacted the allowance for loan losses related to the Company's loan portfolio. Upon adoption, the Company recorded an increase to the allowance for loan losses of $91.0 million, which included a reclassification of the non-accretable discount balance and premiums related to loans purchased with evidence of credit deterioration, and decreased retained earnings, net of tax, by $18.9 million. The following table illustrates the impact of the adoption of ASC 326.
9


Balances at
December 31, 2019
Impact of ASC 326 adoptionBalances at
January 1, 2020
Assets
Loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance
Loans receivable$20,798,719  —  20,798,719  
Accrued interest receivable733,497  —  733,497  
Loan discount, net(35,036) 33,790  (1,246) 
Non-accretable discount(32,398) 32,398  —  
Allowance for loan losses(61,914) (91,014) (152,928) 
Loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance21,402,868  (24,826) 21,378,042  
Liabilities
Other liabilities (deferred taxes)303,781  (5,958) 297,823  
Equity
Retained earnings2,377,627  (18,868) 2,358,759  

The Company adopted ASC 326 using the prospective transition approach for loans receivable purchased with credit deterioration ("PCD") that were previously classified as purchased credit impaired ("PCI"). In accordance with the standard, the Company did not reassess whether PCI assets met the criteria of PCD assets as of the date of adoption. On January 1, 2020, the unamortized cost basis of the PCD assets were adjusted to reflect the addition of $32.4 million in the allowance for loan losses (as reflected in the table above). The remaining noncredit premium on these loans as of January 1, 2020 (based on the adjusted amortized cost basis) will be amortized into interest income over the life of the loans. Changes to the allowance for loan losses on these loans after adoption are recorded through provision expense.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Affected by Implementation of ASC 326
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans as of the balance sheet date. Such allowance is based on the credit losses expected to arise over the life of the asset which includes consideration of prepayments. Loans are charged off when management determines the loan is uncollectible. Charge-offs are recognized as a reduction to the allowance for loan losses. Expected recoveries of amounts previously charged off, not to exceed the aggregate of the amount previously charged off, are included in the estimate of the allowance for loan losses at the balance sheet date.
The Company aggregates loans with similar risk characteristics into homogeneous pools to estimate its expected credit losses. The Company continuously evaluates such pooling decisions and adjusts as needed from period to period as risk characteristics change.
The Company determines its estimated credit losses for the following financial assets as follows:
Loans receivable
Management has determined that the federally insured, private education, and consumer loan portfolios each meet the definition of a portfolio segment, which is defined as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic method for determining its allowance for loan losses. Accordingly, the portfolio segment disclosures are presented on this basis in note 2 for each of these portfolios. The Company does not disaggregate its portfolio segment loan portfolios into classes of financing receivables.
The Company utilizes an undiscounted cash flow methodology in determining its lifetime expected credit losses on its federally insured and private education loan portfolios and a remaining life methodology for its consumer loan portfolio. Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The Company has determined that, for modeling current expected credit losses, in general, the Company can reasonably estimate expected losses that incorporate current and forecasted economic conditions up to a one-year period. After this "reasonable and supportable" period, the Company uses a reversion period to the Company's actual long-term historical loss experience over a full economic life cycle. Historical credit loss experience provides
10


the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Qualitative and quantitative adjustments to historical loss information are made separately on each of the Company’s federally insured, private education, and consumer loan portfolios.
Qualitative and quantitative adjustments related to current conditions and the reasonable and supportable forecast period consider all of the following for the Company’s federally insured loan portfolio: loans in repayment versus those in nonpaying status; delinquency status; trends in defaults in the portfolio based on Company and industry data; past experience; trends in student loan claims rejected for payment by guarantors; changes in federal student loan programs; current economic conditions, including changes in unemployment rates; and other relevant qualitative factors. The federal government guarantees 97 percent of the principal of and the interest on federally insured student loans disbursed on and after July 1, 2006 (and 98 percent for those loans disbursed on and after October 1, 1993 and prior to July 1, 2006), which limits the Company’s loss exposure on the outstanding balance of the Company’s federally insured portfolio. Student loans disbursed prior to October 1, 1993 are fully insured.
Qualitative and quantitative adjustments related to current conditions and the reasonable and supportable forecast period consider all of the following for the Company’s private education loans: loans in repayment versus those in a nonpaying status; delinquency status; type of program; trends in defaults in the portfolio based on Company and industry data; past experience; current economic conditions, including changes in unemployment rates and gross domestic product growth; and other relevant qualitative factors. The Company places private education loans on nonaccrual status when the collection of principal and interest is 90 days past due and charges off the loan when the collection of principal and interest is 120 days past due. Collections, if any, are reflected as a recovery through the allowance for loan losses.
Qualitative and quantitative adjustments related to current conditions and a reasonable and supportable forecast period consider all of the following for the Company's consumer loans: delinquency status; type of program; trends in defaults in the portfolio based on Company and industry data; past experience; current economic conditions; and other relevant qualitative factors. The Company places consumer loans on nonaccrual status when the collection of principal and interest is 90 days past due and charges off the loan when the collection of principal and interest is 120 days or 180 days past due, depending on type of loan program. Collections, if any, are reflected as a recovery through the allowance for loan losses.
Purchased Loans Receivable with Credit Deterioration (“PCD”)
The Company has purchased federally insured rehabilitation loans that have experienced more than insignificant credit deterioration since origination. Rehabilitation loans are loans that have previously defaulted, but for which the borrower has made a specified number of on-time payments. Although rehabilitation loans benefit from the same guarantees as other federally insured loans, rehabilitation loans have generally experienced redefault rates that are higher than default rates for federally insured loans that have not previously defaulted. These PCD loans are recorded at the amount paid. An allowance for loan losses is determined using the same methodology as for other loans held for investment. The sum of the loans’ purchase price and allowance for loan losses becomes its initial amortized cost basis. The difference between the initial amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a noncredit discount or premium, which is amortized or accreted into interest income over the life of the loan. Subsequent changes to the allowance for credit losses are recorded through provision expense.
Loan Accrued Interest Receivable
The Company has elected to present its loan accrued interest receivable balance combined in its consolidated balance sheets with the loans receivable amortized cost balance.
For the Company’s federally insured loan portfolio, the Company has elected to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. For federally insured loans, accrued interest receivable is typically charged-off when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become greater than 270 days past due. Charge-offs of accrued interest receivable are recognized as a reduction to the allowance for loan losses.
For the Company’s private education and consumer loan portfolios, the Company has elected not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. For private education and consumer loans, the accrual of interest is discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due. Charge-offs of accrued interest receivable are recognized by reversing interest income.
11


2.  Loans and Accrued Interest Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses
Loans and accrued interest receivable consisted of the following:
As ofAs ofAs ofAs of
June 30, 2020December 31, 2019 March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Federally insured student loans:Federally insured student loans:Federally insured student loans:
Stafford and otherStafford and other$4,439,492  4,684,314  Stafford and other$4,283,566 4,383,000 
ConsolidationConsolidation14,948,379  15,644,229  Consolidation14,321,817 14,746,173 
TotalTotal19,387,871  20,328,543  Total18,605,383 19,129,173 
Private education loansPrivate education loans293,218  244,258  Private education loans314,048 320,589 
Private education loans - Nelnet BankPrivate education loans - Nelnet Bank79,231 17,543 
Consumer loansConsumer loans149,308  225,918  Consumer loans110,792 109,346 
19,830,397  20,798,719   19,109,454 19,576,651 
Accrued interest receivableAccrued interest receivable856,880  733,497  Accrued interest receivable794,561 794,611 
Loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costsLoan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs(16,959) (35,036) Loan discount, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred origination costs(9,091)(9,908)
Non-accretable discount—  (32,398) 
Allowance for loan losses:Allowance for loan losses:Allowance for loan losses:
Federally insured loansFederally insured loans(144,829) (36,763) Federally insured loans(121,846)(128,590)
Private education loansPrivate education loans(25,535) (9,597) Private education loans(20,670)(19,529)
Private education loans - Nelnet BankPrivate education loans - Nelnet Bank(744)(323)
Consumer loansConsumer loans(39,081) (15,554) Consumer loans(14,134)(27,256)
$20,460,873  21,402,868   $19,737,530 20,185,656 
On January 30, 2020, the Company sold $124.2 million (par value) of consumer loans to an unrelated third party who securitized such loans. The Company recognized a $18.2 million (pre-tax) gain as part of this transaction. As partial consideration received for the consumer loans sold, the Company received a 31.4 percent residual interest in the consumer loan securitization that is included in "investments" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
Subsequent to June 30, 2020, the Company made the decision to sell an additional $60.8 million (par value) of consumer loans to an unrelated third party who securitized such loans. As of June 30, 2020, these loans were classified as held for investment and are included in the table above. As partial consideration received for the consumer loans sold, the Company received a 25.4 percent residual interest in the consumer loan securitization. The Company currently anticipates recognizing a gain in the third quarter of 2020 of $14.8 million (pre-tax) from the sale of those loans.

128


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 periodImpact of ASC 326 adoptionProvision for loan lossesCharge-offsRecoveriesInitial allowance on loans purchased with credit deterioration (a)Loan saleBalance at end of periodBalance at beginning of periodImpact of ASC 326 adoptionProvision (negative provision) for loan lossesCharge-offsRecoveriesInitial allowance on loans purchased with credit deterioration (a)Loan salesBalance at end of period
Three months ended June 30, 2020 Three months ended March 31, 2021
Federally insured loansFederally insured loans$146,759  —  (1,950) (6,080) —  6,100  —  144,829  Federally insured loans$128,590 — (7,483)(61)800 121,846 
Private education loansPrivate education loans23,056  —  2,322  (26) 183  —  —  25,535  Private education loans19,529 — 1,431 (493)202 20,670 
Private education loans - Nelnet BankPrivate education loans - Nelnet Bank323 — 422 (1)744 
Consumer loansConsumer loans39,053  —  2,627  (2,820) 221  —  —  39,081  Consumer loans27,256 — (11,418)(1,950)246 14,134 
$208,868  —  2,999  (8,926) 404  6,100  —  209,445  $175,698 — (17,048)(2,504)448 800 157,394 
Three months ended June 30, 2019Three months ended March 31, 2020
Federally insured loansFederally insured loans$40,934  —  2,000  (3,878) —  —  —  39,056  Federally insured loans$36,763 72,291 39,323 (6,318)4,700 146,759 
Private education loansPrivate education loans10,587  —  —  (588) 158  —  —  10,157  Private education loans9,597 4,797 9,800 (1,330)192 23,056 
Consumer loansConsumer loans10,257  —  7,000  (2,652) 273  —  (1,500) 13,378  Consumer loans15,554 13,926 27,176 (4,350)247 (13,500)39,053 
$61,778  —  9,000  (7,118) 431  —  (1,500) 62,591  $61,914 91,014 76,299 (11,998)439 4,700 (13,500)208,868 
Six months ended June 30, 2020
Federally insured loans$36,763  72,291  37,373  (12,398) —  10,800  —  144,829  
Private education loans9,597  4,797  12,121  (1,355) 375  —  —  25,535  
Consumer loans15,554  13,926  29,803  (7,170) 468  —  (13,500) 39,081  
$61,914  91,014  79,297  (20,923) 843  10,800  (13,500) 209,445  
Six months ended June 30, 2019
Federally insured loans$42,310  —  4,000  (7,254) —  —  —  39,056  
Private education loans10,838  —  —  (1,070) 389  —  —  10,157  
Consumer loans7,240  —  12,000  (4,658) 296  —  (1,500) 13,378  
$60,388  —  16,000  (12,982) 685  —  (1,500) 62,591  
a) During the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company acquired $292.7$54.0 million (par value) and $583.9$291.2 million (par value), respectively, of federally insured rehabilitation loans. These loans that met the definition of PCD loans when they were purchased by the Company. The Company estimated that the expected credit losses relating to these loans was $6.1 million and $10.8 million, respectively, at the time of purchase. The noncredit discount recorded as part of these acquisitions will be recognized into interest income using an effective yield over the life of the loans.
InBeginning in March 2020, the rapid outbreak of the respiratorycoronavirus disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus, coronavirus 2019 or COVID-19 ("COVID-19"), was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization and a national emergency by the President, andhas caused significant disruptions in the U.S. and world economies. Apart from the impact of the adoption of ASC 326 effective January 1, 2020, the Company’s allowance for loan losses increased during the first quarter of 2020 primarily as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on current and forecasted economic conditions.
The Company'sCompany recorded a negative provision expensefor loan losses for its federally insured and consumer loan portfolios for the three months ended June 30, 2020 was also impacted by the Company'sMarch 31, 2021 due to management's estimate of certain continued improved economic conditions (including the improvement in certain macroeconomic variables (unemployment rates, gross domestic product, and consumer price index) used in the Company's loan loss models) as of June 30, 2020 than what wasMarch 31, 2021 in comparison to management's estimate of economic conditions used by the Company to determine the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2020. The Company recorded a provision expense on its private education loan portfolio during the three months ended March 31, 2020. These2021 as a result of an increase of loans in forbearance, which was partially offset by management's estimate of certain continued improved economic conditions were partially offset by the Company extending its reversion period (to the Company's actual long-term historical loss experience) as of June 30, 2020, as the Company currently believes the economy will take longer to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic than what was originally estimated as of March 31, 2020.
The Company's total2021 in comparison to management's estimate of economic conditions used to determine the allowance for loan losses as of $209.4 million at June 30, 2020 represents reserves equal to 0.7% of the Company's federally insured loans (or 29.1% of the risk sharing component of the loans that is not covered by the federal guaranty), 8.7% of the Company's private education loans, and 26.2% of the Company's consumer loans.December 31, 2020.

139


Loan Status and Delinquencies
The key credit quality indicators for the Company's federally insured, private education, and consumer 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 table below shows the Company’s loan status and delinquency amounts.
As of June 30, 2020As of December 31, 2019As of June 30, 2019
Federally insured loans:    
Loans in-school/grace/deferment$936,746  4.8 % $1,074,678  5.3 % $1,222,021  5.8 %
Loans in forbearance5,370,466  27.7   1,339,821  6.6   1,420,120  6.7  
Loans in repayment status:  
Loans current12,984,175  99.3 %15,410,993  86.0 %16,055,368  86.7 %
Loans delinquent 31-60 days2,057  —  650,796  3.6  677,113  3.7  
Loans delinquent 61-90 days165  —  428,879  2.4  443,988  2.4  
Loans delinquent 91-120 days23  —  310,851  1.7  269,688  1.5  
Loans delinquent 121-270 days101  —  812,107  4.5  755,093  4.1  
Loans delinquent 271 days or greater94,138  0.7  300,418  1.8  310,741  1.6  
Total loans in repayment13,080,659  67.5  100.0 %17,914,044  88.1  100.0 %18,511,991  87.5  100.0 %
Total federally insured loans19,387,871  100.0 % 20,328,543  100.0 % 21,154,132  100.0 %
Accrued interest receivable853,473  730,059  720,887  
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums and deferred origination costs(19,116) (35,822) (38,808) 
Non-accretable discount (a)—  (28,036) (28,527) 
Allowance for loan losses(144,829) (36,763) (39,056) 
Total federally insured loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$20,077,399  $20,957,981  $21,768,628  
Private education loans:
Loans in-school/grace/deferment$3,971  1.3 %$4,493  1.8 %$3,912  2.0 %
Loans in forbearance21,890  7.5  3,108  1.3  1,143  0.6  
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current265,720  99.4 %227,013  95.9 %183,414  94.7 %
Loans delinquent 31-60 days680  0.2  2,814  1.2  3,491  1.8  
Loans delinquent 61-90 days244  0.1  1,694  0.7  1,658  0.9  
Loans delinquent 91 days or greater713  0.3  5,136  2.2  5,134  2.6  
Total loans in repayment267,357  91.2  100.0 %236,657  96.9  100.0 %193,697  97.4  100.0 %
Total private education loans293,218  100.0 % 244,258  100.0 % 198,752  100.0 %
Accrued interest receivable1,961  1,558  1,113  
Loan premium, net of unaccreted discount813  46  (880) 
Non-accretable discount (a)—  (4,362) (5,008) 
Allowance for loan losses(25,535) (9,597) (10,157) 
Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$270,457  $231,903  $183,820  
Consumer loans:
Loans in deferment$3,274  2.2 %$—  $—  
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current142,540  97.6 %220,404  97.5 %234,944  98.8 %
Loans delinquent 31-60 days938  0.7  2,046  0.9  1,254  0.5  
Loans delinquent 61-90 days1,078  0.7  1,545  0.7  824  0.3  
Loans delinquent 91 days or greater1,478  1.0  1,923  0.9  930  0.4  
Total loans in repayment146,034  97.8  100.0 %225,918  100.0 %237,952  100.0 %
Total consumer loans149,308  100.0 %225,918  237,952  
Accrued interest receivable1,446  1,880  1,846  
Loan premium1,344  740  736  
Allowance for loan losses(39,081) (15,554) (13,378) 
Total consumer loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$113,017  $212,984  $227,156  
(a) Upon adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020, the Company reclassified the non-accretable discount balance related to loans purchased with evidence of credit deterioration to allowance for loan losses.
As of March 31, 2021As of December 31, 2020As of March 31, 2020
Federally insured loans:    
Loans in-school/grace/deferment$1,006,605 5.4 % $1,036,028 5.4 % $1,111,139 5.5 %
Loans in forbearance1,936,553 10.4  1,973,175 10.3  2,131,735 10.6 
Loans in repayment status:  
Loans current13,787,038 88.0 %13,683,054 84.9 %14,618,767 86.3 %
Loans delinquent 31-60 days425,599 2.7 633,411 3.9 581,665 3.4 
Loans delinquent 61-90 days234,871 1.5 307,936 1.9 405,575 2.4 
Loans delinquent 91-120 days125,471 0.8 800,257 5.0 267,145 1.6 
Loans delinquent 121-270 days1,026,050 6.6 674,975 4.2 756,241 4.5 
Loans delinquent 271 days or greater63,196 0.4 20,337 0.1 312,785 1.8 
Total loans in repayment15,662,225 84.2 100.0 %16,119,970 84.3 100.0 %16,942,178 83.9 100.0 %
Total federally insured loans18,605,383 100.0 % 19,129,173 100.0 % 20,185,052 100.0 %
Accrued interest receivable791,199 791,453 763,924 
Loan discount, net of unamortized premiums and deferred origination costs(14,608)(14,505)(5,732)
Allowance for loan losses(121,846)(128,590)(146,759)
Total federally insured loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$19,260,128 $19,777,531 $20,796,485 
Private education loans:
Loans in-school/grace/deferment$10,405 3.3 %$5,049 1.6 %$4,783 1.7 %
Loans in forbearance7,567 2.4 2,359 0.7 11,428 4.2 
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current292,840 98.9 %310,036 99.0 %252,611 97.9 %
Loans delinquent 31-60 days1,343 0.5 1,099 0.4 1,606 0.6 
Loans delinquent 61-90 days843 0.3 675 0.2 961 0.4 
Loans delinquent 91 days or greater1,050 0.3 1,371 0.4 2,821 1.1 
Total loans in repayment296,076 94.3 100.0 %313,181 97.7 100.0 %257,999 94.1 100.0 %
Total private education loans314,048 100.0 % 320,589 100.0 % 274,210 100.0 %
Accrued interest receivable2,303 2,131 1,716 
Loan premium, net of unaccreted discount2,673 2,691 (138)
Allowance for loan losses(20,670)(19,529)(23,056)
Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$298,354 $305,882 $252,732 
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank:
Loans in-school/grace/deferment$82 0.1 %$%
Loans in forbearance29 29 0.2 
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current79,120 100.0 %17,514 100.0 %
Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Loans delinquent 91 days or greater
Total loans in repayment79,120 99.9 100.0 %17,514 99.8 100.0 %
Total private education loans79,231 100.0 %17,543 100.0 %
Accrued interest receivable125 26 
Loan premium, net of unaccreted discount999 266 
Allowance for loan losses(744)(323)
Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$79,611 $17,512 
1410


On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") was signed into law. The CARES Act, among other things, provides broad relief, effective March 13, 2020 through September 30, 2020, for borrowers that have student loans owned by the Department of Education (the "Department"). This relief package excluded Federal Family Education Loan Program ("FFELP" or "FFEL Program"), private education, and consumer loans. Although the Company's loans are excluded from the provisions of the CARES Act, the Company is providing relief for its borrowers.
Consumer loans:
Loans in deferment$306 0.3 %$829 0.8 %$
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current108,126 97.9 %105,650 97.4 %141,840 97.3 %
Loans delinquent 31-60 days760 0.7 954 0.9 1,525 1.0 
Loans delinquent 61-90 days577 0.5 804 0.7 851 0.6 
Loans delinquent 91 days or greater1,023 0.9 1,109 1.0 1,587 1.1 
Total loans in repayment110,486 99.7 100.0 %108,517 99.2 100.0 %145,803 100.0 %
Total consumer loans110,792 100.0 %109,346 100.0 %145,803 
Accrued interest receivable934 1,001 1,133 
Loan premium1,845 1,640 1,108 
Allowance for loan losses(14,134)(27,256)(39,053)
Total consumer loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$99,437 $84,731 $108,991 
For the Company's federally insured and private education loans, effective March 13, 2020 through June 30, 2020, the Company proactively applied a 90 day natural disaster forbearance to any loan that was 31-269 days past due (for federally insured loans) and 80 days past due (for private education loans), and to any current loan upon request. Beginning July 1, 2020, the Company discontinued proactively applying 90 day natural disaster forbearances on past due loans. However, the Company will continue to apply a natural disaster forbearance with an end date of September 30, 2020, to any federally insured and private education loan upon request.
In addition, for private education loans, effective March 13, 2020 through September 30, 2020, the Company is delaying final demand letters and default activity, while replacing collection calls with borrower outreach on relief options. For both federally insured and private education loans, effective March 13, 2020 through September 30, 2020, borrower late fees are being waived and borrower payments made after March 13, 2020 are refunded upon a borrower's request.
For the majority of the Company's consumer loans, borrowers are generally being offered, upon request and/or documented evidence of financial distress, a two-month deferral of payments, with an option of additional deferrals if the COVID-19 pandemic continues. In addition, effective March 13, 2020 through September 30, 2020, the majority of fees (non-sufficient funds, late charges, check fees) and credit bureau reporting are currently suspended. The specific relief terms on the Company's consumer loan portfolio vary depending on the loan program and servicer of such loans.
The Company will continue to review whether additional and/or extended borrower relief policies and activities are needed.
Nonaccrual Status
The Company does not place federally insured loans on nonaccrual status due to the government guaranty. The amortized cost of private and consumer loans on nonaccrual status, as well as the allowance for loan losses related to such loans, as of December 31, 20192020 and June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, was not material.

15
11


Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
The following table presents the amortized cost of the Company's private education and consumer loans by loan status and delinquency amount as of June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 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.
Six months ended June 30, 20202019201820172016Prior YearsTotal
Private education loans:
Loans in school/grace/deferment$—  386  —  —  405  3,180  3,971  
Loans in forbearance—  6,947  169  —  641  14,133  21,890  
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current32,868  90,929  1,021  —  5,638  135,264  265,720  
Loans delinquent 31-60 days—  59  —  —  —  621  680  
Loans delinquent 61-90 days—  —  —  —  —  244  244  
Loans delinquent 91 days or greater—  —  —  —  —  713  713  
Total loans in repayment32,868  90,988  1,021  —  5,638  136,842  267,357  
Total private education loans$32,868  98,321  1,190  —  6,684  154,155  293,218  
Accrued interest receivable1,961  
Loan premium, net of unaccreted discount813  
Allowance for loan losses(25,535) 
Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$270,457  
Consumer loans:
Loans in deferment$—  1,352  1,893  29  —  —  3,274  
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current76,002  29,953  31,955  4,630  —  —  142,540  
Loans delinquent 31-60 days349  348  178  63  —  —  938  
Loans delinquent 61-90 days289  447  297  45  —  —  1,078  
Loans delinquent 91 days or greater211  652  586  29  —  —  1,478  
Total loans in repayment76,851  31,400  33,016  4,767  —  —  146,034  
Total consumer loans$76,851  32,752  34,909  4,796  —  —  149,308  
Accrued interest receivable1,446  
Loan premium1,344  
Allowance for loan losses(39,081) 
Total consumer loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$113,017  

Three months ended March 31, 20212020201920182017Prior yearsTotal
Private education loans:
Loans in school/grace/deferment$216 2,159 4,948 3,082 10,405 
Loans in forbearance488 1,288 131 5,660 7,567 
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current1,069 101,577 67,914 636 121,644 292,840 
Loans delinquent 31-60 days10 114 1,219 1,343 
Loans delinquent 61-90 days59 784 843 
Loans delinquent 91 days or greater120 930 1,050 
Total loans in repayment1,069 101,587 68,207 636 124,577 296,076 
Total private education loans$1,285 104,234 74,443 767 133,319 314,048 
Accrued interest receivable2,303 
Loan premium, net of unaccreted discount2,673 
Allowance for loan losses(20,670)
Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$298,354 
Private education loans - Nelnet Bank:
Loans in school/grace/deferment$82 82 
Loans in forbearance29 29 
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current62,647 16,473 79,120 
Loans delinquent 31-60 days
Loans delinquent 61-90 days
Loans delinquent 91 days or greater
Total loans in repayment62,647 16,473 79,120 
Total private education loans$62,729 16,502 79,231 
Accrued interest receivable125 
Loan premium, net of unaccreted discount999 
Allowance for loan losses(744)
Total private education loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$79,611 
Consumer loans:
Loans in deferment$33 177 96 306 
Loans in repayment status:
Loans current18,713 51,409 18,771 17,360 1,873 108,126 
Loans delinquent 31-60 days339 272 120 29 760 
Loans delinquent 61-90 days311 185 64 17 577 
Loans delinquent 91 days or greater312 297 404 10 1,023 
Total loans in repayment18,713 52,371 19,525 17,948 1,929 110,486 
Total consumer loans$18,713 52,404 19,702 18,044 1,929 110,792 
Accrued interest receivable934 
Loan premium1,845 
Allowance for loan losses(14,134)
Total consumer loans and accrued interest receivable, net of allowance for loan losses$99,437 
1612



3.  Bonds and Notes Payable
The following tables summarize the Company’s outstanding debt obligations by type of instrument:
As of June 30, 2020 As of March 31, 2021
Carrying
amount
Interest rate
range
Final maturity
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$17,838,950  0.39% - 2.08%5/27/25 - 3/26/68Bonds and notes based on indices$16,716,369 0.19% - 2.11%5/27/25 - 10/25/68
Bonds and notes based on auctionBonds and notes based on auction757,925  0.36% - 2.69%3/22/32 - 11/26/46Bonds and notes based on auction747,075 1.07% - 2.15%3/22/32 - 11/26/46
Total FFELP variable-rate bonds and notesTotal FFELP variable-rate bonds and notes18,596,875  Total FFELP variable-rate bonds and notes17,463,444 
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizationsFixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations760,063  1.83% - 3.45%10/25/67 / 4/25/68Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations915,947 1.42% - 3.45%10/25/67 / 8/27/68
FFELP warehouse facilitiesFFELP warehouse facilities201,126  0.79% / 0.93%11/22/21 / 2/26/23FFELP warehouse facilities247,018 0.23%5/20/22 / 2/26/24
Private education loan warehouse facilityPrivate education loan warehouse facility107,355  0.95%2/13/22Private education loan warehouse facility158,197 0.26%2/13/23
Consumer loan warehouse facility73,571  0.83%4/23/22
Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizationsVariable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations59,811  1.65% / 1.93%12/26/40 / 6/25/49Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations44,844 1.65% / 1.86%12/26/40 / 6/25/49
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizationFixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization42,942  3.60% / 5.35%12/26/40 / 12/28/43Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization35,196 3.60% / 5.35%12/26/40 / 12/28/43
Unsecured line of creditUnsecured line of credit30,000  1.69%12/16/24Unsecured line of credit012/16/24
Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities20,381  3.55%9/15/61
Other borrowingsOther borrowings91,702  0.86% / 1.93%5/4/21 / 5/30/22Other borrowings118,537 0.81% / 1.86%5/4/21 / 5/30/22
19,983,826     18,983,183   
Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costsDiscount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs(257,668) Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs(228,468)
TotalTotal$19,726,158  Total$18,754,715 

As of December 31, 2019 As of December 31, 2020
Carrying
amount
Interest rate
range
Final maturity
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$18,428,998  1.98% - 3.61%5/27/25 - 1/25/68Bonds and notes based on indices$17,127,643 0.28% - 2.05%5/27/25 - 10/25/68
Bonds and notes based on auctionBonds and notes based on auction768,626  2.75% - 3.60%3/22/32 - 11/26/46Bonds and notes based on auction749,925 1.12% - 2.14%3/22/32 - 11/26/46
Total FFELP variable-rate bonds and notesTotal FFELP variable-rate bonds and notes19,197,624  Total FFELP variable-rate bonds and notes17,877,568 
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizationsFixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations512,836  2.00% - 3.45%10/25/67 / 11/25/67Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in FFELP loan asset-backed securitizations923,076 1.42% - 3.45%10/25/67 - 8/27/68
FFELP warehouse facilitiesFFELP warehouse facilities778,094  1.98% / 2.07%5/20/21 / 5/31/22FFELP warehouse facilities252,165 0.27% / 0.31%5/20/22 / 2/26/23
Private education loan warehouse facilityPrivate education loan warehouse facility150,397 0.28%2/13/22
Consumer loan warehouse facilityConsumer loan warehouse facility116,570  1.99%4/23/22Consumer loan warehouse facility25,809 0.28%4/23/22
Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizationsVariable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations73,308  3.15% / 3.54%12/26/40 / 6/25/49Variable-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizations49,025 1.65% / 1.90%12/26/40 / 6/25/49
Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitizationFixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization49,367  3.60% / 5.35%12/26/40 / 12/28/43Fixed-rate bonds and notes issued in private education loan asset-backed securitization37,251 3.60% / 5.35%12/26/40 / 12/28/43
Unsecured line of creditUnsecured line of credit50,000  3.29%12/16/24Unsecured line of credit120,000 1.65%12/16/24
Unsecured debt - Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities20,381  5.28%9/15/61
Other borrowingsOther borrowings5,000  3.44%5/30/22Other borrowings123,558 0.84% / 1.90%5/4/21 / 5/30/22
20,803,180     19,558,849   
Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costsDiscount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs(274,126) Discount on bonds and notes payable and debt issuance costs(238,123)
TotalTotal$20,529,054  Total$19,320,726 


1713


FFELP Warehouse Facilities
The Company funds the majority of its FFELP loan acquisitions using its FFELP warehouse facilities. Student loan warehousing allows the Company to buy and manage student loans prior to transferring them into more permanent financing arrangements.
As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company had two FFELP warehouse facilities as summarized below.
NFSLW-I (a)NHELP-II (b)TotalNFSLW-INHELP-II (a)Total
Maximum financing amountMaximum financing amount$300,000  250,000  550,000  Maximum financing amount$260,000 50,000 310,000 
Amount outstandingAmount outstanding102,387  98,739  201,126  Amount outstanding247,018 247,018 
Amount availableAmount available$197,613  151,261  348,874  Amount available$12,982 50,000 62,982 
Expiration of liquidity provisionsExpiration of liquidity provisionsNovember 20, 2020February 26, 2021Expiration of liquidity provisionsMay 20, 2021February 26, 2022
Final maturity dateFinal maturity dateNovember 22, 2021February 26, 2023Final maturity dateMay 20, 2022February 26, 2024
Advanced as equity supportAdvanced as equity support$7,346  8,683  16,029  Advanced as equity support$20,529 20,529 

(a)    On May 20,February 26, 2021, the Company extended the expiration of liquidity provisions and the maturity date for this warehouse facility an additional year to February 26, 2022 and February 26, 2024, respectively.

Private Education Loan Warehouse Facility
During 2020, the Company obtained a private education loan warehouse facility that had an aggregate maximum financing amount available of $200.0 million. On February 12, 2021, the Company decreased the maximum financing amount available for this warehouse facility to $300$175.0 million extended the expiration of liquidity provisions to November 20, 2020, and extended the maturity date to November 22, 2021.
(b) On May 29, 2020, the Company decreased the maximum financing amount for this warehouse facility to $250 million, extended the expiration of liquidity provisions to February 26, 2021, and extended thefinal maturity date to February 26, 2023.
Asset-Backed Securitizations
The following table summarizes the asset-backed securitization transactions completed during the first six months of 2020.
2020-12020-22020-3Total
Date securities issued2/20/203/11/203/19/20
Total original principal amount$435,600  272,100  352,600  1,060,300  
Class A senior notes:
Total principal amount$424,600  264,300  343,600  1,032,500  
Bond discount—  (44) (1,503) (1,547) 
Issue price$424,600  264,256  342,097  1,030,953  
Cost of funds1-month LIBOR plus 0.74%1.83%1-month LIBOR plus 0.92%
Final maturity date3/26/684/25/683/26/68
Class B subordinated notes:
Total principal amount$11,000  7,800  9,000  27,800  
Bond discount—  (574) (284) (858) 
Issue price$11,000  7,226  8,716  26,942  
Cost of funds1-month LIBOR plus 1.75%2.50%1-month LIBOR plus 1.90%
Final maturity date3/26/684/25/683/26/68
Private Education Loan Warehouse Facility
On13, 2022 and February 13, 2020, the Company closed on a private education loan2023, respectively. As of March 31, 2021, $158.2 million was outstanding under this warehouse facility with an aggregate maximum financing amountand $16.8 million was available of $100.0 million. On March 20, 2020, the facility was amended to increase the maximum financing amount to $200.0 million.for future funding. The facility has an advance rate of 80 to 90 percent liquidity provisions through February 13, 2021, and, a final maturity date of February 13, 2022. As of June 30, 2020, $107.4 million was outstanding under this warehouse facility and $92.6 million was available for future funding. Additionally, as of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company had $12.4$17.0 million advanced as equity support under this facility.
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Consumer Loan Warehouse Facility
The Company hashad a $100.0 million consumer loan warehouse facility that has an aggregate maximum financing amount available of $200.0 million, an advance rate of 70 or 75 percent depending on the type of collateral and subject to certain concentration limits, liquidity provisions to April 23,facility. On March 31, 2021, and a final maturity date of April 23, 2022. As of June 30, 2020, $73.6 million was outstanding under this warehouse facility and $126.4 million was available for future funding. Additionally, as of June 30, 2020, the Company had $24.7 million advanced as equity support underterminated this facility.
Unsecured Line of Credit
The Company has a $455.0 million unsecured line of credit that has a maturity date of December 16, 2024. As of June 30, 2020, $30.0 millionMarch 31, 2021, 0 amount was outstanding on the line of credit and $425.0$455.0 million was available for future use. The line of credit provides that the Company may increase the aggregate financing commitments, through the existing lenders and/or through new lenders, up to a total of $550.0 million, subject to certain conditions.
Other Borrowings
During the second quarter of 2020, theThe Company entered intohas an 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 student loan asset-backed securities. As of June 30, 2020, $86.7March 31, 2021, $113.5 million of student 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. The Company can participate student loan asset-backed securities to Union Bank to the extent of availability under the grantor trusts, up to $100.0 million or an amount in excess of $100.0 million if mutually agreed to by both parties. Student loan asset-backed securities under this agreement have been accounted for by the Company as a secured borrowing.
Accrued Interest Liability
During the first quarter of 2021, the Company reversed a historical accrued interest liability of $23.8 million on certain bonds, which liability the Company determined is no longer probable of being required to be paid. The liability was initially recorded when certain asset-backed securitizations were acquired in 2011 and 2013. The reduction of this liability is reflected in (a reduction of) "interest on bonds and notes payable and bank deposits" in the consolidated statements of operations.

14


4.  Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk. Derivative instruments used as part of the Company's risk management strategy are further described in note 56 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 20192020 Annual Report. A tabular presentation of such derivatives outstanding as of June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and December 31, 20192020 is presented below.
Basis Swaps
The following table summarizes the Company’s outstanding basis swaps as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020, in which the Company receives three-month LIBOR set discretely in advance and pays one-month LIBOR plus or minus a spread as defined in the agreements (the "1:3 Basis Swaps").
MaturityMaturityNotional amountMaturityNotional amount
As ofAs of
June 30, 2020December 31, 2019
2020$—  1,000,000  
20212021250,000  250,000  2021$250,000 
202220222,000,000  2,000,000  (a)20222,000,000 
20232023750,000  750,000  2023750,000 
202420241,750,000  1,750,000  20241,750,000 
202620261,150,000  1,150,000  20261,150,000 
20272027250,000  250,000  2027250,000 
$6,150,000  7,150,000  
$6,150,000 
(a) $750 million of the notional amount of these derivatives had forward effective start dates in May 2020.
The weighted average rate paid by the Company on the 1:3 Basis Swaps as of June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and December 31, 20192020 was one-month LIBOR plus 9.1 basis points and 9.7 basis points, respectively.
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points.
Interest Rate Swaps – Floor Income Hedges
The following table summarizes the outstanding derivative instruments used by the Company to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income.
As of June 30, 2020As of December 31, 2019As of March 31, 2021As of December 31, 2020
MaturityMaturityNotional amountWeighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)(d)Notional amountWeighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)MaturityNotional amountWeighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)Notional amountWeighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)
MaturityNotional amountWeighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)Notional amountWeighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)
2020$—  — %$1,500,000  1.01 %
20212021600,000  2.15  600,000  2.15  2021$600,000 2.15 %$600,000 2.15 %
2022 (b)2022 (b)500,000  0.94  250,000  1.65  2022 (b)500,000 0.94 500,000 0.94 
2023 (c)400,000  1.00  150,000  2.25  
20232023900,000 0.62 900,000 0.62 
2024 (c)2024 (c)2,500,000 0.35 2,000,000 0.32 
20252025500,000 0.35 500,000 0.35 
$5,000,000 0.67 %$4,500,000 0.70 %
$1,500,000  1.44 %$2,500,000  1.42 %

(a)    For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR.
(b)    $250.0 million of the derivatives outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020 have forward effective start dates in June 2021.
(c)    $500.0 million of the derivatives outstanding at March 31, 2021 and $250.0 million of derivatives entered into in MayDecember 31, 2020 have forward effective start dates in August 2020.June 2021.
(c) $250.0 million of derivatives entered into in May 2020 have forward effective start dates in July 2020.
(d) Excluding the derivatives with forward effective start dates, the weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company as of June 30, 2020, on its $750.0 million floor income derivative portfolio was 2.17%.
15

Interest Rate Caps

In June 2015 and June 2019, the Company paid $2.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for interest rate cap contracts to mitigate a rise in interest rates and its impact on earnings related to its student loan portfolio earning a fixed rate. In the event that the one-month LIBOR or three-month LIBOR rate rises above the applicable strike rate, the Company will receive monthly payments related to the spread difference. The following table summarizes these derivative instruments as of June 30, 2020.
Notional AmountStrike rateMaturity date
$125,000 2.50% (1-month LIBOR)July 15, 2020
150,000 4.99% (1-month LIBOR)July 15, 2020
500,000 2.25% (3-month LIBOR)September 25, 2020
Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives - Statements of IncomeOperations
The following table summarizes the components of "derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net" included in the consolidated statements of income.operations.
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
2020201920202019 20212020
Settlements:Settlements:  Settlements:  
1:3 basis swaps1:3 basis swaps$7,129  807  9,242  3,140  1:3 basis swaps$(19)2,112 
Interest rate swaps - floor income hedgesInterest rate swaps - floor income hedges(1,308) 12,165  816  28,867  Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges(4,285)2,125 
Total settlements - income (expense)5,821  12,972  10,058  32,007  
Total settlements - (expense) incomeTotal settlements - (expense) income(4,304)4,237 
Change in fair value:Change in fair value:  Change in fair value:  
1:3 basis swaps1:3 basis swaps(2,872)  (1,314) (2,209) 1:3 basis swaps2,799 1,558 
Interest rate swaps - floor income hedgesInterest rate swaps - floor income hedges(1,039) (36,851) (23,199) (63,563) Interest rate swaps - floor income hedges36,010 (22,160)
Interest rate swap options - floor income hedges—  (88) —  (1,464) 
Interest rate caps—  (125) —  (399) 
Total change in fair value - income (expense)Total change in fair value - income (expense)(3,911) (37,060) (24,513) (67,635) Total change in fair value - income (expense)38,809 (20,602)
Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net - income (expense)Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net - income (expense)$1,910  (24,088) (14,455) (35,628) Derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net - income (expense)$34,505 (16,365)

2016


5.  Investments
A summary of the Company's investments follows:
As of June 30, 2020As of December 31, 2019As of March 31, 2021As of December 31, 2020
Amortized costGross unrealized gainsGross unrealized lossesFair valueAmortized costGross unrealized gainsGross unrealized lossesFair valueAmortized costGross unrealized gainsGross unrealized lossesFair valueAmortized costGross unrealized gainsGross unrealized lossesFair value
Amortized costGross unrealized gainsGross unrealized lossesFair value
Investments (at fair value):Investments (at fair value):Investments (at fair value):
Student loan asset-backed and other debt securities - available-for-sale (a)Student loan asset-backed and other debt securities - available-for-sale (a)$137,970  4,571  (316) 142,225  48,790  3,911  —  52,701  Student loan asset-backed and other debt securities - available-for-sale (a)$367,343 11,879 (9)379,213 340,578 8,042 (13)348,607 
Equity securitiesEquity securities27,291  5,345  (2,664) 29,972  9,622  4,561  (1,283) 12,900  Equity securities53,044 10,430 (3,621)59,853 36,227 8,768 (2,954)42,041 
Total investments (at fair value)Total investments (at fair value)$165,261  9,916  (2,980) 172,197  58,412  8,472  (1,283) 65,601  Total investments (at fair value)$420,387 22,309 (3,630)439,066 376,805 16,810 (2,967)390,648 
Other Investments (not measured at fair value):Other Investments (not measured at fair value):Other Investments (not measured at fair value):
Venture capital and funds:Venture capital and funds:Venture capital and funds:
Measurement alternativeMeasurement alternative143,224  72,760  Measurement alternative145,440 144,795 
Equity method14,906  15,379  
Equity method (b)Equity method (b)59,583 14,018 
OtherOther539  1,301  Other1,328 894 
Total venture capital and fundsTotal venture capital and funds158,669  89,440  Total venture capital and funds206,351 159,707 
Real estate and solar:
Real estateReal estate
Equity methodEquity method55,611  51,721  Equity method49,527 50,291 
Other856  867  
Total real estate and solar56,467  52,588  
Beneficial interest in federally insured loan securitizations (b)32,396  —  
Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations, net of allowance for credit losses of $24,837 as of June 30, 2020 (b)24,676  33,187  
Notes receivable (c)Notes receivable (c)17,344 847 
Total real estateTotal real estate66,871 51,138 
Investment in ALLO:Investment in ALLO:
Voting interest/equity method (d)Voting interest/equity method (d)107,177 129,396 
Preferred membership interest and accrued and unpaid preferred return (e)Preferred membership interest and accrued and unpaid preferred return (e)131,237 228,916 
Total investment in ALLOTotal investment in ALLO238,414 358,312 
Solar (f)Solar (f)(34,091)(30,373)
Beneficial interest in federally insured loan securitizations (g)Beneficial interest in federally insured loan securitizations (g)29,228 30,377 
Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations, net of allowance for credit losses of $4,449 as of December 31, 2020 (g)Beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations, net of allowance for credit losses of $4,449 as of December 31, 2020 (g)22,936 27,954 
Tax liens and affordable housingTax liens and affordable housing5,295  6,283  Tax liens and affordable housing4,324 5,177 
Total investments (not measured at fair value)Total investments (not measured at fair value)277,503  181,498  Total investments (not measured at fair value)534,033 602,292 
Total investmentsTotal investments$449,700  $247,099  Total investments$973,099 $992,940 

(a)    As of June 30, 2020, $86.7March 31, 2021, $113.5 million (par value) of student loan asset-backed securities were subject to participation interests held by Union Bank, as discussed in note 3 under "Other Borrowings."
(b)    In December of 2020, Wells Fargo announced the sale of its approximately $10.0 billion portfolio of private education student loans representing approximately 445,000 borrowers. The Company has entered into agreements to participate in a joint venture to acquire the portfolio. As of March 31, 2021, the Company has invested $44.7 million in the joint venture and is accounting for this investment under the equity method of accounting.
(c)    On February 26, 2021, the Company received a $13.0 million promissory note from Telegraph Flats, LLC ("Telegraph Flats"). The Company owns 50% of Telegraph Flats. Telegraph Flats is an entity that was established for the sole purpose of acquiring, developing, and owning a multi-family and commercial real estate property in Lincoln, Nebraska. The promissory note carries an interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus 1.75% and has a maturity date of August 26, 2021.
(d)    The Company accounts for its voting membership interests in ALLO Communications LLC ("ALLO") under the Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value ("HLBV") method of accounting. The HLBV method of accounting is used by the Company for equity method investments when the liquidation rights and priorities as defined by an equity investment agreement differ from what is reflected by the underlying percentage ownership or voting interests. The Company applies
17


the HLBV method using a balance sheet approach. A calculation is prepared at each balance sheet date to determine the amount that the Company would receive if an equity investment entity were to liquidate its net assets and distribute that cash to the investors based on the contractually defined liquidation priorities. The difference between the calculated liquidation distribution amounts at the beginning and the end of the reporting period, after adjusting for capital contributions and distributions, is the Company’s share of the earnings or losses from the equity investment for the period. Because the Company will be able to utilize certain tax losses related to ALLO’s operations, the equity investment agreements for the Company have liquidation rights and priorities that are sufficiently different from the voting membership interests percentages such that the HLBV method of accounting was deemed appropriate. Accordingly, the recognition of earnings or losses during any reporting period related to the Company’s equity investment in ALLO may or may not reflect its voting membership interests percentage and could vary substantially from those calculated based on the Company’s voting membership interests in ALLO.
During the three month period ended March 31, 2021, the Company recognized a loss of $22.2 million under the HLBV method of accounting on its ALLO voting membership interests investment. Assuming ALLO continues its planned growth in existing and new communities, it will continue to invest substantial amounts in property and equipment to build the network and connect customers. The resulting recognition of depreciation and development costs could result in continuing net operating losses by ALLO under generally accepted accounting principles. Applying the HLBV method of accounting, the Company will continue to recognize a significant portion of ALLO’s anticipated losses over the next several years.
(e)    The preferred membership interests of ALLO held by the Company earn a preferred annual return of 6.25 percent. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recognized income on its ALLO preferred membership interests of $2.3 million.
On January 19, 2021, ALLO closed on certain private debt financing facilities from unrelated third-party lenders providing for aggregate financing of up to $230.0 million. With proceeds from this transaction, ALLO redeemed a portion of its non-voting preferred membership interests held by the Company in exchange for an aggregate redemption price payment to the Company of $100.0 million.
Under the October 2020 recapitalization agreements for ALLO, the parties have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts (which expressly excludes requiring ALLO to raise any additional equity financing or sell any assets) to cause ALLO to redeem, on or before April 2024, the remaining preferred membership interests of ALLO held by the Company, plus the amount of accrued and unpaid preferred return on such interests.
(f)    The Company makes investments in entities that promote renewable energy sources (solar). The Company's investments in these entities generate a return primarily through the realization of federal income tax credits, operating cash flows, and other tax benefits, such as tax deductions from operating losses of the investments, over specified time periods which range from 5 to 6 years. As of March 31, 2021, the Company has funded $151.8 million in solar investments. The carrying value of the Company's solar investments are reduced by tax credits earned when the solar project is placed in service. The solar investment balance at March 31, 2021 represents total tax credits earned on solar projects placed in service through March 31, 2021 being larger than total payments made by the Company on such projects. The Company is committed to fund an additional $42.8 million on these projects.
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. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized pre-tax losses of $1.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively, on its solar investments. These losses are included in "other" in "other income/expense" on the consolidated statements of operations.
(g)    The Company has purchased partial ownership in certain federally insured and consumer loan securitizations. As of the latest remittance reports filed by the various trusts prior to June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company's ownership correlates to approximately $545$500 million and $270$230 million of federally insured and consumer loans, respectively, included in these securitizations.
Investment in Agile Sports Technologies, Inc. (doing business as "Hudl")
On May 20, 2020, the Company made an additional equity investment of approximately $26 million in Hudl, as one of the participants in an equity raise completed by Hudl. Prior to the additional 2020 investment, the Company had direct and indirect equity ownership interests in Hudl of less than 20%, which did not materially change as a result of this transaction. 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. As a result of Hudl’s equity raise, the Company recognized a $51.0 million (pre-tax) gain during the three months ended June 30, 2020 to adjust its carrying value to reflect the May 20, 2020 transaction value. This gain is included in "other income" on the consolidated statements of income.
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.
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Impairment Expense
During the three months ended March 31,first quarter of 2020, the Company recorded a total of $34.1 million (pre-tax) in impairment charges related to its investments, which included $26.3 million and $7.8 million in impairmentsprovision charge related to the Company's beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations and several of its venture capital investments, respectively. As of March 31, 2020, the Company's estimate of future cash flows from the beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations was lower than previously anticipated due to the expectation of increased consumer loan defaults within such securitizations due to the distressed economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. TheDue to improved economic conditions, the Company measuredhas reduced the allowance for credit losses onrelated to the consumer loan beneficial interests, including reducing such allowance by comparing$2.4 million during the present valuefirst quarter of expected cash flows to2021. As of March 31, 2021, the amortized cost basis and recordedCompany no longer has an allowance for credit losses of $26.3 million, which representedassociated with the amount by which the fair value was less than the amortized cost basis. Additionally, as of March 31, 2020, the Company identified several venture capital investments, a majority of which were accounted for under the measurement alternative, that were also negatively impacted by the distressed economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic during the first quarter of 2020, and estimated that the fair value of such investments was significantly reduced from their previous carrying value.
During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recorded a $0.3 million (pre-tax) impairment chargeconsumer loan beneficial interests. The activity related to a real estate investment. No additional impairment charges were considered necessary by the Company asallowance for credit losses related to the consumer loan beneficial interests is included in “impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net” on the consolidated statements of June 30, 2020.operations.
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6. Intangible Assets
A summaryIntangible assets consisted of the Company's intangible assets follows:following:
Weighted average remaining useful life as of June 30, 2020 (months)
As ofAs of
June 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Amortizable intangible assets, net:  
Customer relationships (net of accumulated amortization of $73,827 and $60,553, respectively)81$58,626  71,900  
Trade names (net of accumulated amortization of $3,334 and $2,792, respectively)716,936  7,478  
Computer software (net of accumulated amortization of $4,216 and $3,233, respectively)81,171  2,154  
Total - amortizable intangible assets, net78$66,733  81,532  
Weighted average remaining useful life as of
March 31, 2021 (months)
As ofAs of
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Amortizable intangible assets, net:  
Customer relationships (net of accumulated amortization of $90,282 and $83,419, respectively)102$60,110 66,974 
Computer software (net of accumulated amortization of $2,082 and $4,127, respectively)335,775 6,430 
Trade names (net of accumulated amortization of $4,288 and $3,455, respectively)3833 1,666 
Total - amortizable intangible assets, net95$66,718 75,070 

The Company recorded amortization expense on its intangible assets of $7.4$8.4 million and $8.3$7.4 million during the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively, and $14.8 million and $16.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company will continue to amortize intangible assets over their remaining useful lives. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company estimates it will record amortization expense as follows:
2020 (July 1 - December 31)$16,011  
202119,687  
2021 (April 1 - December 31)2021 (April 1 - December 31)$14,690 
202220226,431  20229,939 
202320236,184  20239,830 
202420245,771  20247,457 
2025 and thereafter12,649  
202520254,644 
2026 and thereafter2026 and thereafter20,158 
$66,733   $66,718 

7. Goodwill
The carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 20192020 and June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 by reportable operating segment was as follows:
Loan Servicing and SystemsEducation Technology, Services, and Payment ProcessingCommunicationsAsset Generation and ManagementCorporate and Other ActivitiesTotal
Goodwill balance$23,639  70,278  21,112  41,883  —  156,912  
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Loan Servicing and SystemsEducation Technology, Services, and Payment ProcessingAsset Generation and ManagementNelnet BankCorporate and Other ActivitiesTotal
Goodwill balance$23,639 76,570 41,883 142,092 

8. Property and Equipment
A summaryProperty and equipment consisted of the Company's property and equipment follows:following:
As ofAs ofAs ofAs of
Useful lifeJune 30, 2020December 31, 2019Useful lifeMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Non-communications:
Computer equipment and softwareComputer equipment and software1-5 years$177,513  160,319  Computer equipment and software1-5 years$188,378 172,664 
Building and building improvementsBuilding and building improvements5-48 years38,883  37,904  Building and building improvements5-48 years52,806 52,444 
Office furniture and equipmentOffice furniture and equipment1-10 years22,049  21,245  Office furniture and equipment1-10 years22,502 21,899 
Leasehold improvementsLeasehold improvements1-15 years9,080  9,517  Leasehold improvements1-15 years9,167 9,168 
Transportation equipmentTransportation equipment5-10 years5,032  5,049  Transportation equipment5-10 years4,857 4,857 
LandLand1,400  1,400  Land3,642 3,642 
Construction in progressConstruction in progress21,070  13,738  Construction in progress20,549 18,478 
275,027  249,172  301,901 283,152 
Accumulated depreciation - non-communications(162,981) (142,270) 
Non-communications, net property and equipment112,046  106,902  
Accumulated depreciationAccumulated depreciation(171,451)(159,625)
Total property and equipment, netTotal property and equipment, net$130,450 123,527 
Communications:
Network plant and fiber4-15 years265,189  254,560  
Customer located property2-4 years29,976  27,011  
Central office5-15 years19,011  17,672  
Transportation equipment4-10 years6,895  6,611  
Computer equipment and software1-5 years6,064  5,574  
Other1-39 years3,737  3,702  
Land70  70  
Construction in progress1,620  54  
332,562  315,254  
Accumulated depreciation - communications(94,565) (73,897) 
Communications, net property and equipment237,997  241,357  
Total property and equipment, net$350,043  348,259  
The Company recorded depreciation expense on its property and equipment of $22.0$11.8 million and $16.2$20.3 million during the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively, and $42.3 million and $31.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
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9.  Earnings per Common Share
Presented below is a summary of the components used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share. The Company applies the two-class method in computing both basic and diluted earnings per share, which requires the calculation of separate earnings per share amounts for common stock and unvested share-based awards. Unvested share-based awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered securities which participate in undistributed earnings with common stock.
Three months ended June 30, Three months ended March 31,
2020201920212020
Common shareholdersUnvested restricted stock shareholdersTotalCommon shareholdersUnvested restricted stock shareholdersTotalCommon shareholdersUnvested restricted stock shareholdersTotalCommon shareholdersUnvested restricted stock shareholdersTotal
Numerator:Numerator:Numerator:
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$85,243  1,239  86,482  24,292  327  24,619  
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$121,766 1,832 123,598 (39,974)(558)(40,532)
Denominator:Denominator:Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and dilutedWeighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted38,641,794  561,610  39,203,404  39,518,652  531,413  40,050,065  Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted38,031,267 572,288 38,603,555 39,405,454 550,060 39,955,514 
Earnings per share - basic and dilutedEarnings per share - basic and diluted$2.21  2.21  2.21  0.61  0.61  0.61  Earnings per share - basic and diluted$3.20 3.20 3.20 (1.01)(1.01)(1.01)
Six months ended June 30,
20202019
Common shareholdersUnvested restricted stock shareholdersTotalCommon shareholdersUnvested restricted stock shareholdersTotal
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$45,305  645  45,950  65,346  864  66,210  
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted39,023,624  555,835  39,579,459  39,685,958  524,829  40,210,787  
Earnings per share - basic and diluted$1.16  1.16  1.16  1.65  1.65  1.65  

2420


10.  Segment Reporting
See note 1415 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 20192020 Annual Report for a description of the Company's operating segments. The following tables include the results of each of the Company's operating segments reconciled to the consolidated financial statements.
Three months ended June 30, 2020 Three months ended March 31, 2021
Loan Servicing and SystemsEducation Technology, Services, and Payment ProcessingCommunicationsAsset
Generation and
Management
Corporate and Other ActivitiesEliminationsTotalLoan Servicing and SystemsEducation Technology, Services, and Payment ProcessingCommunications (a)Asset
Generation and
Management
Nelnet BankCorporate and Other ActivitiesEliminationsTotal
Total interest incomeTotal interest income$52  420  —  150,583  1,196  (368) 151,883  Total interest income$34 263 126,402 1,376 1,246 (218)129,103 
Interest expenseInterest expense28  21  —  84,489  1,078  (368) 85,248  Interest expense23 26,950 194 824 (218)27,773 
Net interest income (expense)Net interest income (expense)24  399  —  66,094  118  —  66,635  Net interest income (expense)11 263 99,452 1,182 422 101,330 
Less provision for loan losses—  —  —  2,999  —  —  2,999  
Less (negative provision) provision for loan lossesLess (negative provision) provision for loan losses(17,470)422 (17,048)
Net interest income after provision for loan lossesNet interest income after provision for loan losses24  399  —  63,095  118  —  63,636  Net interest income after provision for loan losses11 263 116,922 760 422 118,378 
Other income/expense:Other income/expense:Other income/expense:
Loan servicing and systems revenueLoan servicing and systems revenue111,042  —  —  —  —  —  111,042  Loan servicing and systems revenue111,517 111,517 
Intersegment revenueIntersegment revenue8,537   —  —  —  (8,540) —  Intersegment revenue8,268 (8,271)
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenueEducation technology, services, and payment processing revenue—  59,304  —  —  —  —  59,304  Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue95,258 95,258 
Communications revenueCommunications revenue—  —  18,998  —  —  —  18,998  Communications revenue
OtherOther1,113 445 22 (6,184)(4,604)
Gain on sale of loansGain on sale of loans—  —  —  —  —  —  —  Gain on sale of loans
Other income1,914  —  392  732  57,089  —  60,127  
Impairment expense—  —  —  —  (332) —  (332) 
Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, netImpairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net2,436 2,436 
Derivative settlements, netDerivative settlements, net—  —  —  5,821  —  —  5,821  Derivative settlements, net(4,304)(4,304)
Derivative market value adjustments, netDerivative market value adjustments, net—  —  —  (3,911) —  —  (3,911) Derivative market value adjustments, net38,809 38,809 
Total other income/expenseTotal other income/expense121,493  59,307  19,390  2,642  56,757  (8,540) 251,049  Total other income/expense120,898 95,261 37,386 22 (6,184)(8,271)239,112 
Cost of services:Cost of services:Cost of services:
Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing servicesCost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services—  15,376  —  —  —  —  15,376  Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services27,052 27,052 
Cost to provide communications servicesCost to provide communications services—  —  5,743  —  —  —  5,743  Cost to provide communications services
Total cost of servicesTotal cost of services—  15,376  5,743  —  —  —  21,119  Total cost of services27,052 27,052 
Operating expenses:Operating expenses:Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefitsSalaries and benefits68,401  24,522  5,570  421  20,334  —  119,247  Salaries and benefits66,458 25,941 495 1,488 21,409 115,791 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization9,142  2,362  10,824  —  7,065  —  29,393  Depreciation and amortization8,192 3,071 8,920 20,184 
Other expensesOther expenses13,380  2,326  3,774  4,863  12,710  —  37,052  Other expenses13,285 4,822 3,777 545 14,272 36,698 
Intersegment expenses, netIntersegment expenses, net15,996  3,429  536  9,055  (20,476) (8,540) —  Intersegment expenses, net16,890 3,664 8,427 (20,713)(8,271)
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses106,919  32,639  20,704  14,339  19,633  (8,540) 185,692  Total operating expenses104,825 37,498 12,699 2,036 23,888 (8,271)172,673 
Income (loss) before income taxesIncome (loss) before income taxes14,598  11,691  (7,057) 51,398  37,242  —  107,874  Income (loss) before income taxes16,084 30,974 141,609 (1,254)(29,650)157,765 
Income tax (expense) benefit(3,504) (2,806) 1,694  (12,336) (4,312) —  (21,264) 
Income tax (expense) benefit (b)Income tax (expense) benefit (b)(3,860)(7,434)(33,987)286 10,133 (34,861)
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)11,094  8,885  (5,363) 39,062  32,930  —  86,610  Net income (loss)12,224 23,540 107,622 (968)(19,517)122,904 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests—  —  —  —  (128) —  (128) 
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests(17)711 694 
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$11,094  8,885  (5,363) 39,062  32,802  —  86,482  Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$12,224 23,540 107,622 (968)(19,534)711 123,598 
Total assets as of June 30, 2020$221,313  351,392  301,741  21,136,268  732,994  (132,500) 22,611,208  
Total assets as of March 31, 2021Total assets as of March 31, 2021$191,910 372,315 20,367,532 296,908 1,148,560 (210,017)22,167,208 

(a) On December 21, 2020, the Company deconsolidated ALLO from the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 2020 Annual Report for a description of the transaction and a summary of the deconsolidation impact. Accordingly, there are no operating results for the (former) Communications operating segment in 2021.
(b) Income taxes for the Nelnet Bank operating segment reflect Nelnet Bank's actual tax expense/benefit as allocated and reflected in its Call Report filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Income taxes for all other operating segments are allocated based on 24% of that segment's income before taxes. The difference between the consolidated income tax expense and the sum of taxes calculated for each operating segment is included in income taxes in Corporate and Other Activities.

2521


Three months ended June 30, 2019 Three months ended March 31, 2020
Loan Servicing and SystemsEducation Technology, Services, and Payment ProcessingCommunications
Asset
Generation and
Management
Corporate and Other
Activities
EliminationsTotalLoan Servicing and SystemsEducation Technology, Services, and Payment ProcessingCommunications
Asset
Generation and
Management
Nelnet Bank (a)Corporate and Other
Activities
EliminationsTotal
Total interest incomeTotal interest income$550  1,659   243,295  2,258  (974) 246,788  Total interest income$317 1,991 185,926 1,555 (598)189,191 
Interest expenseInterest expense19  11  —  184,035  3,872  (974) 186,963  Interest expense44 17 133,249 1,407 (598)134,118 
Net interest income (expense)Net interest income (expense)531  1,648   59,260  (1,614) —  59,825  Net interest income (expense)273 1,974 52,677 148 55,073 
Less provision for loan losses—  —  —  9,000  —  —  9,000  
Less (negative provision) provision for loan lossesLess (negative provision) provision for loan losses76,299 76,299 
Net interest income after provision for loan lossesNet interest income after provision for loan losses531  1,648   50,260  (1,614) —  50,825  Net interest income after provision for loan losses273 1,974 (23,622)148 (21,226)
Other income/expense:Other income/expense:Other income/expense:
Loan servicing and systems revenueLoan servicing and systems revenue113,985  —  —  —  —  —  113,985  Loan servicing and systems revenue112,735 112,735 
Intersegment revenueIntersegment revenue11,598  —  —  —  —  (11,598) —  Intersegment revenue11,054 11 (11,065)
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenueEducation technology, services, and payment processing revenue—  60,342  —  —  —  —  60,342  Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue83,675 83,675 
Communications revenueCommunications revenue—  —  15,758  —  —  —  15,758  Communications revenue18,181 18,181 
OtherOther2,630 353 3,215 2,083 8,281 
Gain on sale of loansGain on sale of loans—  —  —  1,712  —  —  1,712  Gain on sale of loans18,206 18,206 
Other income2,277  —  362  3,176  8,624  —  14,440  
Impairment expense—  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, netImpairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net(26,303)(7,783)(34,087)
Derivative settlements, netDerivative settlements, net—  —  —  12,972  —  —  12,972  Derivative settlements, net4,237 4,237 
Derivative market value adjustments, netDerivative market value adjustments, net—  —  —  (37,060) —  —  (37,060) Derivative market value adjustments, net(20,602)(20,602)
Total other income/expenseTotal other income/expense127,860  60,342  16,120  (19,200) 8,624  (11,598) 182,149  Total other income/expense126,419 83,686 18,534 (21,247)(5,700)(11,065)190,626 
Cost of services:Cost of services:Cost of services:
Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing servicesCost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services—  15,871  —  —  —  —  15,871  Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services22,806 22,806 
Cost to provide communications servicesCost to provide communications services—  —  5,101  —  —  —  5,101  Cost to provide communications services5,582 5,582 
Total cost of servicesTotal cost of services—  15,871  5,101  —  —  —  20,972  Total cost of services22,806 5,582 28,388 
Operating expenses:Operating expenses:Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefitsSalaries and benefits66,496  22,823  5,192  382  16,321  —  111,214  Salaries and benefits70,493 23,696 5,416 443 19,830 119,878 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization8,799  3,324  7,737  —  4,623  —  24,484  Depreciation and amortization8,848 2,387 10,507 5,907 27,648 
Other expensesOther expenses17,118  5,805  3,865  6,207  12,423  —  45,417  Other expenses17,489 6,092 3,689 3,717 12,398 43,384 
Intersegment expenses, netIntersegment expenses, net13,604  3,148  716  11,665  (17,535) (11,598) —  Intersegment expenses, net16,239 3,327 624 11,916 (21,041)(11,065)
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses106,017  35,100  17,510  18,254  15,832  (11,598) 181,115  Total operating expenses113,069 35,502 20,236 16,076 17,094 (11,065)190,910 
Income (loss) before income taxesIncome (loss) before income taxes22,374  11,019  (6,490) 12,806  (8,822) —  30,887  Income (loss) before income taxes13,623 27,352 (7,284)(60,945)(22,646)(49,898)
Income tax (expense) benefitIncome tax (expense) benefit(5,370) (2,645) 1,558  (3,074) 3,321  —  (6,209) Income tax (expense) benefit(3,269)(6,565)1,748 14,627 3,592 10,133 
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)17,004  8,374  (4,932) 9,732  (5,501) —  24,678  Net income (loss)10,354 20,787 (5,536)(46,318)(19,054)(39,765)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests—  —  —  —  (59) —  (59) 
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests(767)(767)
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$17,004  8,374  (4,932) 9,732  (5,560) —  24,619  Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$10,354 20,787 (5,536)(46,318)(19,821)(40,532)
Total assets as of June 30, 2019$267,611  336,896  302,873  22,907,234  595,623  (190,437) 24,219,800  
Total assets as of March 31, 2020Total assets as of March 31, 2020$223,021 302,631 301,440 21,905,150 679,390 (131,004)23,280,628 

(a) Nelnet Bank launched operations on November 2, 2020. Accordingly, there are no operating results for the Nelnet Bank operating segment in the three months ended March 31, 2020.


26


Six months ended June 30, 2020
Loan Servicing and SystemsEducation Technology, Services, and Payment ProcessingCommunicationsAsset
Generation and
Management
Corporate and Other ActivitiesEliminationsTotal
Total interest income$369  2,411  —  336,509  2,751  (967) 341,074  
Interest expense73  38  —  217,737  2,485  (967) 219,366  
Net interest income (expense)296  2,373  —  118,772  266  —  121,708  
Less provision for loan losses—  —  —  79,297  —  —  79,297  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses296  2,373  —  39,475  266  —  42,411  
Other income/expense:
Loan servicing and systems revenue223,778  —  —  —  —  —  223,778  
Intersegment revenue19,591  14  —  —  —  (19,605) —  
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue—  142,979  —  —  —  —  142,979  
Communications revenue—  —  37,179  —  —  —  37,179  
Gain on sale of loans—  —  —  18,206  —  —  18,206  
Other income4,544  —  745  3,947  59,172  —  68,408  
Impairment expense—  —  —  (26,303) (8,116) —  (34,419) 
Derivative settlements, net—  —  —  10,058  —  —  10,058  
Derivative market value adjustments, net—  —  —  (24,513) —  —  (24,513) 
Total other income/expense247,913  142,993  37,924  (18,605) 51,056  (19,605) 441,676  
Cost of services:
Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services—  38,181  —  —  —  —  38,181  
Cost to provide communications services—  —  11,325  —  —  —  11,325  
Total cost of services—  38,181  11,325  —  —  —  49,506  
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits138,894  48,218  10,986  863  40,163  —  239,125  
Depreciation and amortization17,990  4,749  21,330  —  12,972  —  57,041  
Other expenses30,870  8,418  7,463  8,581  25,108  —  80,439  
Intersegment expenses, net32,235  6,756  1,160  20,971  (41,517) (19,605) —  
Total operating expenses219,989  68,141  40,939  30,415  36,726  (19,605) 376,605  
Income (loss) before income taxes28,220  39,044  (14,340) (9,545) 14,596  —  57,976  
Income tax (expense) benefit(6,773) (9,371) 3,442  2,291  (720) —  (11,131) 
Net income (loss)21,447  29,673  (10,898) (7,254) 13,876  —  46,845  
  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests—  —  —  —  (895) —  (895) 
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$21,447  29,673  (10,898) (7,254) 12,981  —  45,950  
Total assets as of June 30, 2020$221,313  351,392  301,741  21,136,268  732,994  (132,500) 22,611,208  



27


Six months ended June 30, 2019
Loan Servicing and SystemsEducation Technology, Services, and Payment ProcessingCommunicationsAsset
Generation and
Management
Corporate and Other ActivitiesEliminationsTotal
Total interest income$1,047  3,676   490,162  4,310  (1,824) 497,374  
Interest expense19  19  —  372,834  7,685  (1,824) 378,733  
Net interest income (expense)1,028  3,657   117,328  (3,375) —  118,641  
Less provision for loan losses—  —  —  16,000  —  —  16,000  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses1,028  3,657   101,328  (3,375) —  102,641  
Other income/expense:
Loan servicing and systems revenue228,883  —  —  —  —  —  228,883  
Intersegment revenue23,815  —  —  —  —  (23,815) —  
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue—  139,502  —  —  —  —  139,502  
Communications revenue—  —  30,300  —  —  —  30,300  
Gain on sale of loans—  —  —  1,712  —  —  1,712  
Other income4,350  —  487  6,701  11,969  —  23,507  
Impairment expense—  —  —  —  —  —  —  
Derivative settlements, net—  —  —  32,007  —  —  32,007  
Derivative market value adjustments, net—  —  —  (67,635) —  —  (67,635) 
Total other income/expense257,048  139,502  30,787  (27,215) 11,969  (23,815) 388,276  
Cost of services:
Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services—  36,930  —  —  —  —  36,930  
Cost to provide communications services—  —  9,860  —  —  —  9,860  
Total cost of services—  36,930  9,860  —  —  —  46,790  
Operating expenses:
Salaries and benefits132,715  45,830  9,929  760  33,038  —  222,272  
Depreciation and amortization17,671  6,835  15,099  —  9,093  —  48,697  
Other expenses36,047  11,116  7,342  10,044  24,685  —  89,233  
Intersegment expenses, net27,362  6,447  1,380  23,952  (35,326) (23,815) —  
Total operating expenses213,795  70,228  33,750  34,756  31,490  (23,815) 360,202  
Income (loss) before income taxes44,281  36,001  (12,820) 39,357  (22,896) —  83,925  
Income tax (expense) benefit(10,628) (8,640) 3,077  (9,446) 8,037  —  (17,600) 
Net income (loss)33,653  27,361  (9,743) 29,911  (14,859) —  66,325  
  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests—  —  —  —  (115) —  (115) 
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$33,653  27,361  (9,743) 29,911  (14,974) —  66,210  
Total assets as of June 30, 2019$267,611  336,896  302,873  22,907,234  595,623  (190,437) 24,219,800  

2822



11. Disaggregated Revenue and Deferred Revenue
The following tables provide disaggregated revenue by service offering and/or customer type for the Company's fee-based reportable operating segments.segments (except ALLO).
Loan Servicing and Systems
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30, Three months ended March 31,
2020201920202019 20212020
Government servicing - NelnetGovernment servicing - Nelnet$37,360  40,459  76,010  80,099  Government servicing - Nelnet$34,872 38,650 
Government servicing - Great LakesGovernment servicing - Great Lakes45,213  45,973  91,660  93,050  Government servicing - Great Lakes43,302 46,446 
Private education and consumer loan servicingPrivate education and consumer loan servicing8,196  8,985  16,805  18,465  Private education and consumer loan servicing8,548 8,609 
FFELP servicingFFELP servicing4,917  6,424  10,531  13,119  FFELP servicing4,670 5,614 
Software servicesSoftware services10,651  10,021  21,969  19,762  Software services8,454 11,318 
Outsourced services and other4,705  2,123  6,803  4,388  
Outsourced servicesOutsourced services11,671 2,098 
Loan servicing and systems revenueLoan servicing and systems revenue$111,042  113,985  223,778  228,883  Loan servicing and systems revenue$111,517 112,735 
Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30, Three months ended March 31,
2020201920202019 20212020
Tuition payment plan servicesTuition payment plan services$22,947  24,655  54,534  54,829  Tuition payment plan services$29,550 31,587 
Payment processingPayment processing21,168  21,311  52,910  50,290  Payment processing33,038 31,742 
Education technology and servicesEducation technology and services14,927  14,096  34,980  33,805  Education technology and services32,322 20,054 
OtherOther262  280  555  578  Other348 292 
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenueEducation technology, services, and payment processing revenue$59,304  60,342  142,979  139,502  Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue$95,258 83,675 
Communications
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
2020201920202019
Internet$11,930  9,297  23,125  17,726  
Television4,218  4,050  8,440  7,939  
Telephone2,812  2,395  5,502  4,575  
Other38  16  112  60  
Communications revenue$18,998  15,758  37,179  30,300  
Residential revenue$14,209  11,890  27,766  22,955  
Business revenue4,619  3,816  9,091  7,230  
Other170  52  322  115  
Communications revenue$18,998  15,758  37,179  30,300  

Other IncomeIncome/Expense
The following table provides the components of "other" in "other income"income/expense" on the consolidated statements of income:operations:
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Gain on investments, net of losses$53,151  4,258  49,286  3,831  
Income/gains from investments, netIncome/gains from investments, net$8,498 (1,025)
Investment advisory servicesInvestment advisory services2,697 2,802 
ALLO preferred returnALLO preferred return2,321 
Management fee revenueManagement fee revenue1,914  2,277  4,544  4,350  Management fee revenue1,113 2,630 
Investment advisory services922  731  3,724  1,441  
Borrower late fee incomeBorrower late fee income319  3,161  3,506  6,674  Borrower late fee income442 3,188 
Loss from ALLO voting membership interests investmentLoss from ALLO voting membership interests investment(22,219)
Loss from solar investmentsLoss from solar investments(1,679)(2,839)
OtherOther4,223 3,525 
$(4,604)8,281 
Other3,821  4,013  7,348  7,211  
Other income$60,127  14,440  68,408  23,507  

2923


Deferred Revenue
Activity in the deferred revenue balance, which is included in "other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets, is shown below:
Loan Servicing and SystemsEducation Technology, Services, and Payment ProcessingCommunicationsCorporate and Other ActivitiesTotal
Three months ended June 30, 2020
Balance, beginning of period$2,195  19,640  3,414  1,640  26,889  
Deferral of revenue800  22,340  10,640  879  34,659  
Recognition of revenue(880) (22,056) (10,326) (843) (34,105) 
Balance, end of period$2,115  19,924  3,728  1,676  27,443  
Three months ended June 30, 2019
Balance, beginning of period$3,947  18,498  2,756  1,552  26,753  
Deferral of revenue764  24,770  8,798  841  35,173  
Recognition of revenue(1,396) (21,779) (8,474) (782) (32,431) 
Balance, end of period$3,315  21,489  3,080  1,611  29,495  
Six months ended June 30, 2020
Balance, beginning of period$2,712  32,074  3,232  1,628  39,646  
Deferral of revenue1,182  37,420  20,567  1,734  60,903  
Recognition of revenue(1,779) (49,570) (20,071) (1,686) (73,106) 
Balance, end of period$2,115  19,924  3,728  1,676  27,443  
Six months ended June 30, 2019
Balance, beginning of period$4,413  30,556  2,551  1,602  39,122  
Deferral of revenue1,880  38,732  17,064  1,577  59,253  
Recognition of revenue(2,978) (47,799) (16,535) (1,568) (68,880) 
Balance, end of period$3,315  21,489  3,080  1,611  29,495  

12.  Major Customer
Nelnet Servicing, LLC ("Nelnet Servicing") and Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. ("Great Lakes"), a subsidiarysubsidiaries of the Company, earnseach earn loan servicing revenue from a servicing contract with the Department.Department of Education (the "Department"). Revenue earned by Nelnet Servicing related to this contract was $37.4$34.9 million and $40.5$38.7 million for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, and $76.0 million and $80.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In addition, Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. ("Great Lakes"), which was acquired by the Company on February 7, 2018, also earns loan servicing revenue from a similar servicing contract with the Department. Revenue earned by Great Lakes related to this contract was $45.2$43.3 million and $46.0$46.4 million for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, and $91.7 million and $93.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes'The current servicing contracts with the Department previously provided for expirationare currently scheduled to expire on June 16, 2019. On November 26, 2019, Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes each received extensions from the Department on their contracts through December 14, 2020. The most current contract extensions also2021, but provide the potential for 2an additional six-month extensionsextension at the Department'sDepartment’s discretion through December 14, 2021. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, signed into law on December 27, 2020, provides that the Department may extend the period of performance for the servicing contracts scheduled to expire on December 14, 2021 for up to two additional years to December 14, 2023.
The Department is conducting a contract procurement process entitled Next Generation Financial Services Environment (“NextGen”) for a new framework for the servicing of all student loans owned by the Department. On January 15, 2019, the Department issued solicitations for threecertain NextGen components:
components, including the NextGen Enhanced Processing Solution ("EPS"(“EPS”)
NextGen Business Process Operations ("BPO")
NextGen Optimal Processing Solution ("OPS")
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On April 1, 2019 and October 4, 2019, the Company responded to the EPS solicitation component. On January 16, 2020, the Department released an amendment to the EPS solicitation component and the Company responded on February 3, 2020. In addition, on August 1, 2019, the Company responded to the BPO solicitation component. On January 10, 2020, the Department released an amendment to the BPO solicitation component and the Company responded on January 30, 2020. The EPS solicitation component, which was for a transitional technology servicing system and certain processing functions the Department planned to use under NextGen to service the Department's student loan customers, for a period of time before eventually moving to OPS inand the future. However, on April 3, 2020, the Department cancelled the OPS solicitation component. The BPO solicitation componentNextGen Business Processing Operations (“BPO”), which is for the back office and call center operational functions for servicing the Department's student loan customers.
On March 30, 2020, the Company received a letter from the Department notifying the Company that the Company's proposal in response to the EPS component had been determined to be outside of the competitive range and would receive no further consideration for an award. On April 13, 2020, the Company filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office ("GAO") challenging the Department's decision to cancel the OPS solicitation component without amending the EPS solicitation component. On April 27, 2020, the Company filed a supplemental protest challenging a number of bases for the Department's competitive range exclusion of the Company's proposal from the EPS solicitation component. On July 10, 2020, the Department cancelled the solicitation for the EPS component. In its cancellation description, the Department indicated that it continues to be committed to the goals and vision of NextGen, and that it will be introducing a new solicitation to continue the NextGen strategy in the future. Based on the Department's cancellation of the EPS procurement, on July 14, 2020, the GAO dismissed the Company's protests as moot. The Company fully intends to compete for the servicing system solution as the Department proceeds with their NextGen strategy.
On June 18, 2020, the Company received a letter from the Department notifying the Company that the Company's proposal in response to the BPO solicitation component was determined to be ineligible for award, claiming the Company's response did not meet certain requirements related to small business participation. The Company immediately requested a debriefing regarding the Department's basis for this decision. Prior to providing the Company a debriefing, on June 24, 2020, the Department awarded and signed contracts with five other companies in connection with the BPO solicitation. On July 13, 2020, the Company filed a protest with the GAO challenging on a number of bases the Department's determination that the Company's BPO response did not meet small business participation requirements. In addition, on July 20, 2020, the Company filed a supplemental protest challenging the Department's decision to proceed with awards of contracts for the BPO component, when it cancelled the EPS component and a new EPS solicitation is expected to be released. On July 24,10, 2020, the Department providedcancelled the Company a debriefing regardingsolicitation for the EPS component. In the Department's June 18, 2020 decisiondescription of its cancellation of the EPS solicitation component, the Department indicated that it continues to eliminatebe committed to the Company fromgoals and vision of NextGen, and that it would be introducing a new solicitation to continue the BPO competition.NextGen strategy in the future. On JulyOctober 28, 2020, the Company filedDepartment issued a second supplemental protest challengingnew federal loan servicing solicitation for an Interim Servicing Solution ("ISS"). ISS was a follow-on to the existing contracts, which would award a full system and servicing solution to two providers. Under ISS, the selected providers would have provided the technology platform to host the Department's student loan portfolio; customer service (including contact centers) and back-office processing; digital engagement layer including borrower-facing website and mobile-applications; intake, imaging, and fulfillment; and portfolio-level operations. As the companies awarded BPO decision. Under applicable law,contracts are onboarded, contact center and back-office operations would have shifted from the ISS contract awards to other partiesthe BPO providers. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 contains provisions directing certain aspects of the NextGen process, including that any new federal student loan servicing environment shall provide for the BPO component are subjectparticipation of multiple student loan servicers and the allocation of borrower accounts to a stayeligible student loan servicers based on performance, and directed the suspension of performance untilawarding any ISS contract for at least 90 days. On January 9, 2021, the protests are resolved. A decision byDepartment suspended the GAO is due on or before October 22, 2020.
The Company cannot predictISS solicitation. In the outcomeDepartment’s description of the current protests regarding the BPO component, or the timing, nature, or ultimate outcomesuspension, it indicated that in consideration of the Department's NextGen contract procurement process.Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the Government is reassessing its needs and will amend or cancel the subject solicitation in the future.

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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 June 30, 2020As of December 31, 2019 As of March 31, 2021As of December 31, 2020
Level 1Level 2TotalLevel 1Level 2Total Level 1Level 2TotalLevel 1Level 2Total
Assets:Assets:   Assets:   
Investments:Investments:Investments:
Student loan asset-backed securities -
available-for-sale
$—  142,122  142,122  —  52,597  52,597  
Student loan asset-backed debt securities - available-for-saleStudent loan asset-backed debt securities - available-for-sale$379,110 379,110 348,504 348,504 
Equity securities(a)Equity securities(a) —    —   Equity securities(a)28,296 28,296 10,114 10,114 
Equity securities measured at net asset value (a)(b)Equity securities measured at net asset value (a)(b)29,966  12,894  Equity securities measured at net asset value (a)(b)31,557 31,927 
Debt securities - available-for-saleDebt securities - available-for-sale103  —  103  104  —  104  Debt securities - available-for-sale103 103 103 103 
Total investmentsTotal investments109  142,122  172,197  110  52,597  65,601  Total investments28,399 379,110 439,066 10,217 348,504 390,648 
Total assetsTotal assets$109  142,122  172,197  110  52,597  65,601  Total assets$28,399 379,110 439,066 10,217 348,504 390,648 

(a) As of March 31, 2021, $13.5 million and $14.8 million of equity securities were classified as trading and available-for-sale, respectively. All equity securities as of December 31, 2020 were classified as available-for-sale.
(b) 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.
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The following table summarizes the fair values of all of the Company’s financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets:
As of June 30, 2020 As of March 31, 2021
Fair valueCarrying valueLevel 1Level 2Level 3 Fair valueCarrying valueLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Financial assets:Financial assets:    Financial assets:    
Loans receivableLoans receivable$20,017,543  19,603,993  —  —  20,017,543  Loans receivable$20,247,318 18,942,969 20,247,318 
Accrued loan interest receivableAccrued loan interest receivable856,880  856,880  —  856,880  —  Accrued loan interest receivable794,561 794,561 794,561 
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents67,540  67,540  67,540  —  —  Cash and cash equivalents144,229 144,229 144,229 
Investments (at fair value)Investments (at fair value)172,197  172,197  109  142,122  —  Investments (at fair value)439,066 439,066 28,399 379,110 
Beneficial interest in loan securitizationsBeneficial interest in loan securitizations57,072  57,072  —  —  57,072  Beneficial interest in loan securitizations71,514 52,164 71,514 
Restricted cashRestricted cash585,236  585,236  585,236  —  —  Restricted cash609,881 609,881 609,881 
Restricted cash – due to customersRestricted cash – due to customers268,539  268,539  268,539  —  —  Restricted cash – due to customers193,081 193,081 193,081 
Financial liabilities:Financial liabilities:  Financial liabilities:  
Bonds and notes payableBonds and notes payable19,064,071  19,726,158  —  19,064,071  —  Bonds and notes payable18,968,284 18,754,715 18,968,284 
Accrued interest payableAccrued interest payable32,760  32,760  —  32,760  —  Accrued interest payable5,527 5,527 5,527 
Bank depositsBank deposits111,398 111,830 45,147 66,251 
Due to customersDue to customers268,539  268,539  268,539  —  —  Due to customers230,581 230,581 230,581 

As of December 31, 2019 As of December 31, 2020
Fair valueCarrying valueLevel 1Level 2Level 3 Fair valueCarrying valueLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Financial assets:Financial assets:    Financial assets:    
Loans receivableLoans receivable$21,477,630  20,669,371  —  —  21,477,630  Loans receivable$20,454,132 19,391,045 20,454,132 
Accrued loan interest receivableAccrued loan interest receivable733,497  733,497  —  733,497  —  Accrued loan interest receivable794,611 794,611 794,611 
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents133,906  133,906  133,906  —  —  Cash and cash equivalents121,249 121,249 121,249 
Investments (at fair value)Investments (at fair value)65,601  65,601  110  52,597  —  Investments (at fair value)390,648 390,648 10,217 348,504 
Beneficial interest in loan securitizationsBeneficial interest in loan securitizations33,258  33,187  —  —  33,258  Beneficial interest in loan securitizations58,709 58,331 58,709 
Restricted cashRestricted cash650,939  650,939  650,939  —  —  Restricted cash553,175 553,175 553,175 
Restricted cash – due to customersRestricted cash – due to customers437,756  437,756  437,756  —  —  Restricted cash – due to customers283,971 283,971 283,971 
Financial liabilities:Financial liabilities:  Financial liabilities:  
Bonds and notes payableBonds and notes payable20,479,095  20,529,054  —  20,479,095  —  Bonds and notes payable19,270,810 19,320,726 19,270,810 
Accrued interest payableAccrued interest payable47,285  47,285  —  47,285  —  Accrued interest payable28,701 28,701 28,701 
Bank depositsBank deposits54,599 54,633 48,422 6,177 
Due to customersDue to customers437,756  437,756  437,756  —  —  Due to customers301,471 301,471 301,471 

The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and liabilities are described in note 2122 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 20192020 Annual Report.
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ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and 2019.2020. 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 20192020 Annual Report.
Forward-looking and cautionary statements
This report contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on management's current expectations as of the date of this document. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's plans and expectations for future financial condition, results of operations or economic performance, or that address management's plans and objectives for future operations, and statements that assume or are dependent upon future events, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “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.
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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 20192020 Annual Report and subsequent reports filed by the Company with the SEC, including the "Risk Factors" section of this report, and elsewhere in this report, and include such risks and uncertainties as:
risks and uncertainties related to the severity, magnitude, and duration of the COVID-19coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic, including changes in the macroeconomic environment and consumer behavior, restrictions on business, educational, individual, or travel activities intended to slow the spread of the pandemic, and volatility in market conditions resulting from the pandemic, including interest rates, the value of equities, and other financial assets;
risks related to the ability to successfully maintain and increase allocated volumes of student loans serviced by the Company under existing and any future servicing contracts with the U.S. Department of Education (the "Department"), which current contracts accounted for 3027 percent of the Company's revenue in 2019,2020, risks to the Company related to the Department's initiatives to procure new contracts for federal student loan servicing, including the pending and uncertain nature of the Department's NextGen and ISS procurement processprocesses (under which awards of new NextGen contracts have been made to other service providers) and the impact of the reported cancellation by the Department of the previous EPS component of NextGen, the uncertain timing and nature of the outcome of the Company's protests of the reported decision by the Department as to the Company's proposal for the BPO component of NextGen and a protest by another interested party regarding the BPO solicitation,, the possibility that awards or other evaluations of proposals may be challenged by various interested parties and may not be finalized or implemented within the currently anticipatedfor an extended period of time frame or at all, risks that the Company may not be successful in obtaining any of such potential new contracts, 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"), and private education and consumer loans;
loan portfolio risks such as interest rate basis and repricing risk resulting from the fact that the interest rate characteristics of the student loan assets do not match the interest rate characteristics of the funding for those assets, the risk of loss of floor income on certain student loans originated under the FFEL Program, risks related to the use of derivatives to manage exposure to interest rate fluctuations, uncertainties regarding the expected benefits from purchased securitized and unsecuritized FFELP, private education, and consumer loans, or investment interests therein, and initiatives to purchase additional FFELP, private education, and consumer loans, and risks from changes in levels of loan prepayment or default rates;
financing and liquidity risks, including risks of changes in the general interest rate environment, including the availability of any relevant money market index rate such as LIBOR or the relationship between the relevant money market index rate and the rate at which the Company's assets and liabilities are priced, and changes in the securitization and other financing markets for loans, including adverse changes resulting from unanticipated repayment trends on student loans in FFELPthe Company's securitization trusts that could accelerate or delay repayment of the associated bonds, which may increase the costs or limit the availability of financings necessary to purchase, refinance, or continue to hold student loans;
26


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, such as changes resulting from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") and the expected decline over time in FFELP loan interest income and fee-based revenues due to the discontinuation of new FFELP loan originations in 2010 and potential government initiatives or legislative proposals to consolidate existing FFELP loans to the Federal Direct Loan Program, or otherwise allow FFELP loans to be refinanced with Federal Direct Loan Program loans;loans, or create additional loan forgiveness or broad debt cancellation programs;
risks related to a breach of or failure in the Company's operational or information systems or infrastructure, or those of third-party vendors, including cybersecurity risks related to the potential disclosure of confidential loan borrower and other customer information, the potential disruption of the Company's systems or those of third-party vendors or customers, and/or the potential damage to the Company's reputation resulting from cyber-breaches;
uncertainties inherent in forecasting future cash flows from student loan assets and related asset-backed securitizations;
risks and uncertainties related to the ability of ALLO Communications LLC to successfully expand its fiber network and market share in existing service areas and additional communities and manage related construction risks;
risks that the conditions to the reported approval of federal deposit insurance and an industrial bank charter for Nelnet Bank may not be satisfied within a reasonable timeframe or at all, thus delaying or preventing Nelnet Bank from commencing
33


operations, and the uncertain nature of the expected benefits from obtaining an industrial bank charter,the November 2020 launch of Nelnet Bank operations, including the ability to successfully launchconduct banking operations and achieve expected market penetration;
risks related to the expected benefits to the Company and to ALLO Communications LLC (“ALLO”) from the recapitalization and additional funding for ALLO and the Company’s continuing investment in 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;
risks and uncertainties related to other initiatives to pursue additional strategic investments, acquisitions, and other activities, such as the completed and additional planned transactions associated with the sale by Wells Fargo of its private education loan portfolio (including potential errors in converting loan servicing portfolio acquisitions to the Company's servicing platform), including activities that are intended to diversify the Company both within and outside of its historical core education-related businesses; and
risks and uncertainties associated with litigation matters and with maintaining compliance with the extensive regulatory requirements applicable to the Company's businesses, reputational and other risks, including the risk of increased regulatory costs resulting from the politicization of student loan servicing, and uncertainties inherent in the estimates and assumptions about future events that management is required to make in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements.
All forward-looking statements contained in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements and are made only as of the date of this document. Although the Company may from time to time voluntarily update or revise its prior forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in the Company's expectations, the Company disclaims any commitment to do so except as required by securities laws.law.
OVERVIEW
The Company is a diverse company with a purpose to serve others and a vision to make customers' dreams possible by delivering customer focused products and services. The largest operating businesses engage in loan servicing;servicing and education technology, services, and payment processing;processing, and the Company also has a significant investment in communications. 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 real estate, early-stage and emerging growth companies, and renewable energy.
27


GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP Net Income, Excluding Adjustments
The Company prepares its financial statements and presents its financial results in accordance with U.S. 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 (loss) to net income (loss), 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 June 30,Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
202020192020201920212020
GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$86,482  24,619  45,950  66,210  
GAAP net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.GAAP net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$123,598 (40,532)
Realized and unrealized derivative market value adjustmentsRealized and unrealized derivative market value adjustments3,911  37,060  24,513  67,635  Realized and unrealized derivative market value adjustments(38,809)20,602 
Tax effect (a)Tax effect (a)(939) (8,894) (5,883) (16,232) Tax effect (a)9,314 (4,944)
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments (b)$89,454  52,785  64,580  117,613  
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments (b)Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments (b)$94,103 (24,874)
Earnings per share:Earnings per share:Earnings per share:
GAAP net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$2.21  0.61  1.16  1.65  
GAAP net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.GAAP net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc.$3.20 (1.01)
Realized and unrealized derivative market value adjustmentsRealized and unrealized derivative market value adjustments0.10  0.93  0.62  1.68  Realized and unrealized derivative market value adjustments(1.01)0.52 
Tax effect (a)Tax effect (a)(0.03) (0.22) (0.15) (0.41) Tax effect (a)0.25 (0.13)
Net income attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments (b)$2.28  1.32  1.63  2.92  
Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments (b)Net income (loss) attributable to Nelnet, Inc., excluding derivative market value adjustments (b)$2.44 (0.62)
(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.
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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. 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.
GAAP net income increased for the three months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 compared to the same period in 20192020 primarily due to the following factors:
The recognition of a $51.0$97.1 million ($38.873.8 million after tax) gainof certain expenses during the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, consisting of the recognition of an incremental provision for loan losses of $63.0 million ($47.9 million after tax), provision expense of $26.3 million ($20.0 million after tax) related to adjust the carrying value of the Company's investment in Hudl to reflect Hudl's May 2020 equity raise transaction value;certain consumer loan beneficial interest securitizations, and $7.8 million ($5.9 million after tax) impairment expense on certain venture capital investments.
TheAn increase of $45.5 million ($34.6 million after tax) in net interest income due to improved loan spread (including derivative settlements) on the Company's loan portfolio and related derivative settlements;in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to 2020, including an increase in fixed rate floor income.
A decrease in net lossesgain of $38.8 million ($29.5 million after tax) related to changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting.accounting in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to a net loss of $20.6 million ($15.7 million after tax) in 2020.
These factors were partially offset by the following items:
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TheA decrease of $23.8 million ($18.1 million after tax) in interest expense during the average balancefirst quarter of loans due to the amortization of the FFELP loan portfolio; and
The decrease in net income from the Company's Loan Servicing and Systems operating segment due to a decrease in revenue2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemicCompany reversing a historical accrued interest liability on certain bonds, which liability the Company determined is no longer probable of being required to be paid. The liability was initially recorded when certain asset-backed securitizations were acquired in 2011 and incurring additional costs to meet increased service and security standards under the Department servicing contracts.
GAAP net income decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 primarily due to the following factors:
The recognition of an incremental provision for loan losses totaling $63.0 million ($47.9 million after tax) in the first quarter of 2020 related to the increase in expected life of loan defaults as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;2013.
The recognition of $34.1$17.0 million ($25.913.0 million after tax) of impairment chargesnegative provision for loan losses on the Company's loan portfolio in the first quarter of 2020 related to the Company's beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations and2021 as a result of management's estimate of certain venture capital investments due to adversecontinued improved economic conditions resulting fromas of March 31, 2021 in comparison to management's estimate of certain economic conditions used to determine the COVID-19 pandemic;allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2020.
The decrease inrecognition of net investment gains during the average balancefirst quarter of loans due to2021 of $8.5 million ($6.5 million after tax), primarily from the amortizationsale of the FFELP loan portfolio;certain real estate investments.
The decreaserecognition of a net loss by ALLO of $7.3 million ($5.5 million after tax) during the three months ended March 31, 2020. ALLO was deconsolidated in loan spread on the Company's loan portfolio and related derivative settlements; andDecember 2020.
The decreaseAn increase in net income in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to 2020 of $3.6 million ($2.8 million after tax) and $2.5 million ($1.9 million after tax) from the Company'sEducation Technology, Services, and Payment Processing and Loan Servicing and Systems operating segment due to a decrease in revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and incurring additional costs to meet increased service and security standards under the Department servicing contracts.segments, respectively.
These factors were partially offset by the following items:
The recognition of a $51.0net loss of $19.9 million ($38.815.1 million after tax) gain induring the secondfirst quarter of 20202021 related to adjust the carrying value of the Company's investmentinvestments in Hudl to reflect Hudl's May 2020 equity raise transaction value;ALLO.
The recognition of a $18.2 million ($13.8 million after tax) gain from the sale of consumer loans in the first quarter of 2020; and2020.
A decrease of $10.4 million ($7.9 million after tax) in net losses relatedinterest income due to changesthe decrease in the fair valuesaverage balance of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting.loans in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to 2020 as a result of the amortization of the FFELP loan portfolio.
Operating Results
The Company earns net interest income on its loan portfolio, consisting primarily of FFELP loans, in its Asset Generation and Management ("AGM") operating segment. This segment is expected to generate a stable net interest margin and significant amounts of cash as the FFELP portfolio amortizes. As of June 30, 2020, the CompanyMarch 31, 2021, AGM had a $19.8$19.0 billion loan portfolio that management anticipates will amortize over the next approximately 20 years and has a weighted average remaining life of 10.89.5 years. The Company actively works to maximize the amount and timing of cash flows generated by its FFELP portfolio and seeks to acquire additional loan assets to leverage its servicing scale and expertise to generate incremental earnings and cash
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flow. However, due to the continued amortization of the Company’s FFELP loan portfolio, over time, the Company's net income generated by the AGM segment will continue to decrease. The Company currently believes that in the short-term it will most likely not be able to invest the excess cash generated from the FFELP loan portfolio into assets that immediately generate the rates of return historically realized from that portfolio.
In addition, the Company earns fee-based revenue through the following reportable operating segments:
Loan Servicing and Systems ("LSS") - referred to as Nelnet Diversified Services ("NDS")
Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing ("ETS&PP") - referred to as Nelnet Business SolutionsServices ("NBS")
Communications - referredFurther, the Company earned communications revenue through ALLO, formerly a majority owned subsidiary of the Company prior to a recapitalization of ALLO resulting in the deconsolidation of ALLO from the Company’s financial statements on December 21, 2020. The recapitalization of ALLO was not considered a strategic shift in the Company’s involvement with ALLO, and ALLO’s results of operations, prior to the deconsolidation, are presented by the Company as ALLO Communicationsa reportable operating segment.
On November 2, 2020, the Company obtained final approval for federal deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("ALLO"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 Utah-chartered industrial bank franchise focused on the private education loan marketplace, with a home office in Salt Lake City, Utah. Nelnet Bank’s operations are presented by the Company as a reportable operating segment.
Other business activities and operating segments that are not reportable are combined and included in Corporate and Other Activities ("Corporate"). Corporate and Other Activities also includes income earned on certain investments and interest expense incurred on unsecured and other corporate related debt transactions. In addition, the Corporate segment includes direct incremental costs associated with Nelnet Bank prior to the UDFI’s approval for its bank charter and certain shared service and
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support costs incurred by the Company that will not be reflected in Nelnet Bank’s operating results through 2023 (the bank’s de novo period). Such Nelnet Bank-related costs included in the Corporate segment totaled $0.7 million (pre-tax) and $1.2 million (pre-tax) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The information below provides the operating results for each reportable operating segment for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020 and 2019 (dollars in millions). See "Results of Operations" for each reportable operating segment (except ALLO) under this Item 2 for additional detail.
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LSS (a)ETS&PPALLO (b)AGM (c)Bank (c)
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(a)    Revenue includes intersegment revenue.
(b)    On December 21, 2020, the Company deconsolidated ALLO from the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the 2020 Annual Report for a description of the transaction and a summary of the deconsolidation impact. Accordingly, there are no operating results for the (former) Communications operating segment in 2021.
(c)    Total revenue includes "net interest income" and "total other income/expense" from the Company's segment statements of operations, excluding a COVID-19 related impairment expense during the six months ended June 30, 2020 of $26.3 million, and the impact from changes in fair values of derivatives. Net income (loss) excludes changes in fair values of derivatives, net of tax. For information regarding the exclusion of the impact from changes in fair values of derivatives, see "GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP Net Income, Excluding Adjustments" above.
Certain events and transactions fromCOVID-19
Beginning in March 2020, which have impacted, will impact, or could impact the operating results of the Company, are discussed below.
Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic
The rapid outbreak of the respiratory disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus, coronavirus 2019 or COVID-19 (“COVID-19”), was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020 and a national emergency by the President on March 13, 2020. Beginning on March 15, 2020,resulted in many businesses and schools closedclosing or reducedreducing hours throughout the U.S. to combat the spread of COVID-19, and states and local jurisdictions implementedimplementing various containment efforts, including lockdowns on non-essential business and other business restrictions, stay-at-home orders, and shelter-in-place orders. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption to the U.S. and world economies, including significantly higher unemployment and underemployment, significantly lower interest rates, and equity market valuations, and extreme volatility in
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the U.S. and world markets. While certain COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and have become widely available for use in the U.S., the Company is unable to predict how widely utilized the vaccines will be or how effective they will be in preventing the spread of COVID-19. As a result, ofalthough the COVID-19 outbreak and federal, state, and local government responses to COVID-19,economy has improved since the Company has experienced and may in the future experience various disruptions and impacts to the Company's businesses and results of operations. The following provides a summary of how COVID-19 has impacted and may impact the Company's business and operating results.
Corporate
The Company has implemented adjustments to its operations designed to keep employees safe and comply with federal, state, and local guidelines, including those regarding social distancing. As of March 25, 2020, the majority of our 6,600 associates were working and continue to work from home. Substantially all Company associates working from home are able to connect to their work environment virtually and continue to serve our customers.
The Company has investments in real estate, early-stage and emerging growth companies (venture capital investments), and renewable energy (solar). The Company identified several venture capital investments that were negatively impacted by the distressedpandemic began, it is still uncertain when or if normal pre-pandemic economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and recognized impairment charges on such investments of $7.8 million (pre-tax) during the first quarter of 2020.
Loan Servicing and Systems
The CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020, among other things, provides broad relief for federal student loan borrowers. Under the CARES Act, federal student loan payments and interest accruals were suspended until September 30, 2020 for all borrowers that have loans owned by the Department. The Department instructed servicers to apply the benefits of the law retroactively to March 13, 2020, when the President declared a state of emergency related to COVID-19. Although the Company will receive less revenue per borrower through September 30, 2020 based on borrower status, the Company currently anticipates more borrowers being in a current status subsequent to September 30, 2020, at which time the Company's revenue per borrower will increase. Currently, the Company anticipates no adverse impact to the total amount of revenue earned during 2020 under the Department servicing contracts as a result of the CARES Act. However, servicing revenue was negatively impacted in the second quarter of 2020, is expected to be lower in the third quarter of 2020, and is currently expected to be higher in the fourth quarter of 2020, than in corresponding prior periods. While federal student loan payments are suspended, the Company's operating expenses have been and will continue to be lower due to a significant reduction of borrower statement printing and postage costs. In addition, during the second quarter of 2020, revenue from the Department for originating consolidation loans was adversely impacted as a result of borrowers receiving relief on their existing loans, thus not initiating a consolidation. The Company currently anticipates this revenue will continue to be negatively impacted while student loan payments and interest accruals are suspended.
During the second quarter of 2020, FFELP, private education, and consumer loan servicing revenue was adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due to reduced or eliminated delinquency outreach to borrowers, holds on claim filings, and reduced or eliminated late fees processing. In addition, origination fee revenue was negatively impacted as borrowers are less likely to refinance their loans when they are receiving certain relief measures from their current lender. The Company anticipates this trend will continue in future periods that are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the magnitude based on the extent to which existing or additional borrower relief policies and activities are implemented or extended by servicing customers.
If the student loan borrower relief provisions of the CARES Act were potentially extended past September 30, 2020 and/or new legislative or regulatory student loan borrower relief measures similar to such provisions of the CARES Act were to become effective, the levels and timing of future servicing revenues could continue to be impacted in a similar manner through the extended period of time that such provisions or measures are in effect.
Due to decreased servicing and transaction activity as a result of suspended payments under the CARES Act as discussed above, the Company has been able to transition associates to help state agencies process unemployment claims and conduct certain health tracing support activities. These contracts were awarded to the Company as a result of the Company's technology, security, compliance, and other capabilities needed to conduct such activities.
Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing
This segment has been and will continue to be impacted by COVID-19 through lower interest rate levels, which reduce earnings for this business compared to recent historical results as the tuition funds held in custody for schools produce less interest earnings. If interest rates remain at current levels, the Company anticipates this segment will earn minimal interest income in future periods. In addition, as a result of COVID-19, demand for certain of the Company's products and services during the second quarter of 2020 was negatively impacted. Enrollment declines in higher education and K-12 schools, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, could continue to negatively impact schools' demand for the Company's products and services in future periods.
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Communications
As a result of COVID-19, ALLO has experienced increased demand from new and existing residential customers to support connectivity needs primarily for work and learn from home applications. Along with offering 60 days free for eligible customers, ALLO has partnered with school districts to provide more connectivity to students, often at discounted rates. ALLO signed the FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge and did not suspend customers for non-payment, charge late fees, and apply suspension fees during the period from March 15, 2020 to June 30, 2020.
A prolonged economic downturn as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic could adversely impact customers’ ability to pay for ALLO services. However, to date the impact has been minimal as the services ALLO provides are viewed as critical by both residential and business customers. Due to losses from COVID-19, in the future some businesses may not be able to re-open, which would adversely impact ALLO’soperations will resume. The results of operations and cash flow.
In view of the importance of ALLO's technicians being able to connect new customers while maintaining social distance and protecting community and associate health and safety, ALLO has adjusted operational procedures by implementing associate health checks, following CDC and local health official safety protocols, facilitating customer screening, and adjusting the installation process to limit the timediscussion below should be read in the home or business as much as possible.
Asset Generation and Management
AGM's results were adversely impacted during the first quarter of 2020 as a result of COVID-19 due to:
An incremental increase in the provision for loan losses of $63.0 million (pre-tax) resulting from an increase in expected life of loan defaults due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A $26.3 million (pre-tax) impairment charge recognized on the Company's beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations. The Company's estimate of future cash flows from the beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations was lower than originally anticipated due to the expectation of increased consumer loan defaults within such securitizations due to the distressed economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, during the first quarter of 2020, variable loan spread on the Company's federal student loan portfolio decreased due to a widening of the basis between the asset and debt indices in which the Company earns interest on its loans and funds such loans. The significant widening during the first quarter of 2020 was the result of a significant decrease in interest rates in March 2020 as a result of COVID-19. In a declining interest rate environment, student loan spread is compressed, 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. As the Company's debt reset at lower interest rates during the second quarter of 2020, the Company's variable loan spread increased.
During the first half of the second quarter of 2020, interest rates continued to decrease. As the Company's debt continues to reset to these lower interest rates during the third quarter of 2020, the Company expects variable loan spread will continue to increase from current levels. In addition, as a result of the decrease in interest rates in March 2020 and the first half of the second quarter of 2020, the Company has received and anticipates to continue to receive an increase in fixed rate floor income earned on its federally insured student loan portfolio.
The CARES Act, among other things, provides broad relief, effective March 13, 2020, for borrowers that have student loans owned by the Department of Education. This relief package excluded FFELP, private education, and consumer loans. Althoughconjunction with the Company’s loans are excluded from2020 Annual Report, including the provisions of the CARES Act, the Company is providing relief for its borrowers.
For the Company's federally insured and private education loans, effective March 13, 2020 through June 30, 2020, the Company proactively applied a 90 day natural disaster forbearance to any loan that was 31-269 days past due (for federally insured loans) and 80 days past due (for private education loans), and to any current loan upon request. Beginning July 1, 2020, the Company discontinued proactively applying 90 day natural disaster forbearances on past due loans. However, the Company will continue to apply a natural disaster forbearance with an end date of September 30, 2020, to any federally insured and private education loan upon request. Federally insured loansinformation included in forbearance increased to $5.4 billion, or 27.7% of the portfolio, at June 30, 2020, compared to $1.3 billion, or 6.6% of the portfolio, as of December 31, 2019. Private education loans in forbearance increased to $21.9 million, or 7.5% of the portfolio, at June 30, 2020, compared to $3.1 million, or 1.3% of the portfolio, at December 31, 2019. Federally insured and private education loans in forbearance declined in June 2020 from May peaks of $6.0 billion and $38.6 million, respectively. The Company anticipates that loans in forbearance will continue to decline in the third and fourth quarters of 2020, absent any intervening policy change, when borrowers are currently scheduled to exit forbearance. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, most borrowers continue to make payments according to their payment plans.
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In addition, for private education loans, effective March 13, 2020 through September 30, 2020, the Company is delaying final demand letters and default activity, while replacing collection calls with borrower outreach on relief options. For both federally insured and private education loans, effective March 13, 2020 through September 30, 2020, borrower late fees are being waived and borrower payments made after March 13, 2020 are refunded upon a borrower's request.
For the majority of the Company's consumer loans, borrowers are generally being offered, upon request and/or documented evidence of financial distress, a two-month deferral of payments, with an option of additional deferrals if the COVID-19 pandemic continues. In addition, effective March 13, 2020 through September 30, 2020, the majority of fees (non-sufficient funds, late charges, check fees) and credit bureau reporting are currently suspended. The specific relief terms on the Company's consumer loan portfolio vary depending on the loan program and servicer of such loans.
The Company will continue to review whether additional and/or extended borrower relief policies and activities are needed.
The Company is not contractually committed to acquire FFELP, private education, or consumer loans, so the Company has been and will continue to be selective as to which, if any, loans it purchases during the current period of economic uncertainty. As a result of the economic uncertainty, the Company has identified certain opportunities to deploy capital. In March and April 2020, the Company purchased residual interests in certain FFELP securitizations for $33.5 million. In addition, the Company has purchased $89.3 million of investments in student loan asset-backed securities during the six months ended June 30, 2020 (net of proceeds from sales of such securities). A majority of the student loan asset-backed securities purchases were funded via a participation agreement with Union Bank (a related party).
Liquidity
The Company currently believes its cash and anticipated cash generated from operations on an annual basis will be sufficient to fund its operating expenses and business activities for the foreseeable future. In addition, the Company does not currently believe the COVID-19 pandemic will have any impact regarding compliance with covenants on any of the Company's debt facilities, including its unsecured line of credit.
See further discussion regarding the Company’s strong liquidity position below.
Other Risks and Uncertainties
The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and continues to evolve. The extent to which COVID-19 may impact the Company's businesses depends on future developments, which are highly uncertain, subject to various risks, and cannot be predicted with confidence, such as the ultimate spread, severity, and duration of the pandemic, travel restrictions, stay-at-home or other similar orders and social distancing in the United States and other countries, business and/or school closures and disruptions, and the effectiveness of actions taken in the United States and other countries to contain and treat the virus. For additional information on the risks and uncertainties regarding the impacts of COVID-19, see Part II, Item 1A. "Risk“Risk Factors -– Operations – The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted our results of operations, and couldis expected to continue to adversely impact our results of operations, as well as adversely impact our businesses, financial condition, and/or cash flows" in this report.
Investment in Agile Sports Technologies, Inc. (doing business as "Hudl")
On May 20, 2020, the Company made an additional equity investmentflows” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of approximately $26.0 million in Hudl, as oneFinancial Condition and Results of the participants in an equity raise completed by Hudl. Prior to the additional 2020 investment, the Company had direct and indirect equity ownership interests in HudlOperations – Overview – Impacts of less than 20%, which did not materially change as a result of this transaction. 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. As a result of Hudl’s equity raise, the Company recognized a $51.0 million (pre-tax) gain during the three months ended June 30, 2020 to adjust its carrying value to reflect the May 20, 2020 transaction value. This gain is included in "other income" on the consolidated statements of income.
Department of Education NextGen Procurement
Nelnet Servicing, LLC ("Nelnet Servicing"), a subsidiary of the Company, earns loan servicing revenue from a servicing contract with the Department. Revenue earned by Nelnet Servicing related to this contract was $37.4 million and $40.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, and $76.0 million and $80.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In addition, Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. ("Great Lakes"), which was acquired by the Company on February 7, 2018, also earns loan servicing revenue from a similar servicing contract with the Department. Revenue earned by Great Lakes related to this contract was $45.2 million and $46.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, and $91.7 million and $93.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.COVID-19 Pandemic.”
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Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes' servicing contracts with the Department previously provided for expiration on June 16, 2019. On November 26, 2019, Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes each received extensions from the Department on their contracts through December 14, 2020. The most current contract extensions also provide the potential for two additional six-month extensions at the Department's discretion through December 14, 2021.
The Department is conducting a contract procurement process entitled Next Generation Financial Services Environment (“NextGen”) for a new framework for the servicing of all student loans owned by the Department. On January 15, 2019, the Department issued solicitations for three NextGen components:
NextGen Enhanced Processing Solution ("EPS")
NextGen Business Process Operations ("BPO")
NextGen Optimal Processing Solution ("OPS")
On April 1, 2019 and October 4, 2019, the Company responded to the EPS solicitation component. On January 16, 2020, the Department released an amendment to the EPS solicitation component and the Company responded on February 3, 2020. In addition, on August 1, 2019, the Company responded to the BPO solicitation component. On January 10, 2020, the Department released an amendment to the BPO solicitation component and the Company responded on January 30, 2020. The EPS solicitation component was for a transitional technology system and certain processing functions the Department planned to use under NextGen to service the Department's student loan customers for a period of time before eventually moving to OPS in the future. However, on April 3, 2020, the Department cancelled the OPS solicitation component. The BPO solicitation component is for the back office and call center operational functions for servicing the Department's student loan customers.
On March 30, 2020, the Company received a letter from the Department notifying the Company that the Company's proposal in response to the EPS component had been determined to be outside of the competitive range and would receive no further consideration for an award. On April 13, 2020, the Company filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office ("GAO") challenging the Department's decision to cancel the OPS solicitation component without amending the EPS solicitation component. On April 27, 2020, the Company filed a supplemental protest challenging a number of bases for the Department's competitive range exclusion of the Company's proposal from the EPS solicitation component. On July 10, 2020, the Department cancelled the solicitation for the EPS component. In its cancellation description, the Department indicated that it continues to be committed to the goals and vision of NextGen, and that it will be introducing a new solicitation to continue the NextGen strategy in the future. Based on the Department's cancellation of the EPS procurement, on July 14, 2020, the GAO dismissed the Company's protests as moot. The Company fully intends to compete for the servicing system solution as the Department proceeds with their NextGen strategy.
On June 18, 2020, the Company received a letter from the Department notifying the Company that the Company's proposal in response to the BPO solicitation component was determined to be ineligible for award, claiming the Company's response did not meet certain requirements related to small business participation. The Company immediately requested a debriefing regarding the Department's basis for this decision. Prior to providing the Company a debriefing, on June 24, 2020, the Department awarded and signed contracts with five other companies in connection with the BPO solicitation. On July 13, 2020, the Company filed a protest with the GAO challenging on a number of bases the Department's determination that the Company's BPO response did not meet small business participation requirements. In addition, on July 20, 2020, the Company filed a supplemental protest challenging the Department's decision to proceed with awards of contracts for the BPO component, when it cancelled the EPS component and a new EPS solicitation is expected to be released. On July 24, 2020, the Department provided the Company a debriefing regarding the Department's June 18, 2020 decision to eliminate the Company from the BPO competition. On July 28, 2020, the Company filed a second supplemental protest challenging the Department's BPO decision. Under applicable law, contract awards to other parties for the BPO component are subject to a stay of performance until the protests are resolved. A decision by the GAO is due on or before October 22, 2020.
The Company cannot predict the outcome of the current protests regarding the BPO component, or the timing, nature, or ultimate outcome of the Department's NextGen contract procurement process.
Adoption of New Accounting Standard for Credit Losses
On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASC 326”), which replaces the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology.
The CECL methodology utilizes a lifetime “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The expected credit losses are adjusted each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses.
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The new guidance primarily impacted the allowance for loan losses related to the Company’s loan portfolio. Upon adoption, the Company recorded an increase to the allowance for loan losses of $91.0 million, which included a reclassification of the non-accretable discount balance and premiums related to loans purchased with evidence of credit deterioration, and decreased retained earnings, net of tax, by $18.9 million. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under ASC 326 (recognizing estimated credit losses expected to occur over the asset's remaining life) while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP (recognizing estimated credit losses using an incurred loss model); therefore, the comparative information for 2019 is not comparable to the information presented for 2020.
Nelnet Bank
On March 18, 2020, the Company announced that it received notification of approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) Board of Directors for federal deposit insurance and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions (“UDFI”) in connection with the establishment of Nelnet Bank as a Utah-chartered industrial bank. Nelnet Bank would operate as an internet bank franchise focused on the private education loan marketplace, with a home office in Draper, Utah.
The approval from the FDIC and UDFI is subject to a number of conditions, including compliance with the terms of the orders from the FDIC and UDFI. In addition, Nelnet Bank will have to meet a readiness review by the FDIC and UDFI before commencing operations. Although a formal timeline has not been established for these items, the Company currently believes Nelnet Bank could be approved and operational by the fourth quarter of 2020.
On June 26, 2020, 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 percent; (ii) provide and maintain a revolving line of credit for the benefit of Nelnet Bank in an amount equal to the greater of either 10 percent 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.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company incurred incremental direct costs associated with Nelnet Bank of $1.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively. Nelnet Bank will be funded with an initial capital commitment of $100.0 million from the Company. Nelnet Bank will operate as a separate subsidiary of the Company, and the industrial bank charter will allow the Company to maintain its other diversified business offerings.
Liquidity
As of June 30, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $67.5 million. In addition, the Company had a portfolio of available-for-sale investments, consisting primarily of student loan asset-backed securities, with a fair value of $142.2 million as of June 30, 2020. As of June 30, 2020, the Company has participated $86.7 million of these securities, and such participation is reflected as debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
The Company has a $455.0 million unsecured line of credit with a maturity date of December 16, 2024. As of June 30, 2020, the unsecured line of credit had $30.0 million outstanding and $425.0 million was available for future use. The line of credit provides that the Company may increase the aggregate financing commitments, through the existing lenders and/or through new lenders, up to a total of $550.0 million, subject to certain conditions.
The majority of the Company’s portfolio of student loans is funded in asset-backed securitizations that will generate significant earnings and cash flow over the life of these transactions. As of June 30, 2020, the Company currently expects future undiscounted cash flows from its securitization portfolio to be approximately $2.28 billion, of which approximately $1.51 billion will be generated over the next 5 1/2 years (through 2025).
During the first six months of 2020, the Company completed three FFELP asset-backed securitizations totaling $1.1 billion.
As of June 30, 2020, the Company had $348.9 million, $92.6 million, and $126.4 million of capacity under its FFELP, private education, and consumer loan warehouse facilities, respectively, to purchase additional loans.
Subsequent to June 30, 2020, the Company made the decision to sell an additional $60.8 million (par value) of consumer loans to an unrelated third party, who securitized such loans. As partial consideration received for the consumer loans sold, the Company received a 25.4 percent residual interest in the consumer loan securitization. The Company currently anticipates recognizing a gain in the third quarter of 2020 of $14.8 million (pre-tax) from the sale
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of these loans. After the completion of this loan sale, $46.8 million was outstanding under the Company's consumer loan warehouse facility and $153.2 million was available for future funding.
The Company has a stock repurchase program to purchase up to a total of five million shares of the Company’s Class A common stock during the three-year period ending May 7, 2022. Year to date, through June 30, 2020, the Company has repurchased 1,497,934 shares of stock for $68.5 million ($45.75 per share), of which the vast majority was purchased during the second quarter of 2020. As of June 30, 2020, 3.3 million shares remained authorized for repurchase under the Company's stock repurchase program.
The Company paid a second quarter 2020 cash dividend on the Company's Class A and Class B common stock of $0.20 per share. In addition, the Company's Board of Directors has declared a third quarter 2020 cash dividend on the Company's outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock of $0.20 per share. The third quarter cash dividend will be paid on September 15, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 1, 2020.
The Company intends to use its strong liquidity position to capitalize on market opportunities, including FFELP, private education, and consumer loan acquisitions; strategic acquisitions and investments, including anticipated capital commitments to Nelnet Bank; expansion of ALLO’s telecommunications network; 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.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
An analysis of the Company's operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 compared to the same periodsperiod in 20192020 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.basis (except for ALLO, which was deconsolidated from the Company's consolidated financial statements in December 2020).
Three months endedSix months ended Three months ended
June 30,June 30, March 31,
2020201920202019Additional information 20212020Additional information
Loan interestLoan interest$146,140  238,222  327,933  480,555  Decrease was due primarily to decreases in the gross yield earned on loans and the average balance of loans, partially offset by an increase in gross fixed rate floor income due to lower interest rates in 2020 as compared to 2019.Loan interest$124,117 181,793 Decrease was due primarily to decreases in the gross yield earned on loans and the average balance of loans, partially offset by an increase in gross fixed rate floor income due to lower interest rates in 2021 as compared to 2020.
Investment interestInvestment interest5,743  8,566  13,141  16,819  Includes income from unrestricted interest-earning deposits and investments and funds in asset-backed securitizations. Decrease was due to a decrease in interest rates.Investment interest4,986 7,398 Includes income from unrestricted interest-earning deposits and investments and funds in asset-backed securitizations. Decrease was due to a decrease in interest rates.
Total interest incomeTotal interest income151,883  246,788  341,074  497,374  Total interest income129,103 189,191 
Interest expenseInterest expense85,248  186,963  219,366  378,733  Decrease was due primarily to a decrease in cost of funds and a decrease in the average balance of debt outstanding.Interest expense27,773 134,118 Decrease was due primarily to a decrease in cost of funds and a decrease in the average balance of debt outstanding. In addition, during the first quarter of 2021, the Company reduced interest expense by $23.8 million as a result of reversing a historical accrued interest liability on certain bonds, which liability the Company determined is no longer probable of being required to be paid. The liability was initially recorded when certain asset-backed securitizations were acquired in 2011 and 2013.
Net interest incomeNet interest income66,635  59,825  121,708  118,641  See table below for additional analysis.Net interest income101,330 55,073 See table below for additional analysis.
Less provision for loan losses2,999  9,000  79,297  16,000  The increase during the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 was due to provision expense recognized in the first quarter of 2020 as a result of an increase in expected defaults as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and an increased provision for loan losses on loans acquired in 2020 to reflect life of loan expected losses as compared to loans acquired in 2019 for which the provision for loan losses was recognized based upon an incurred loss methodology.
Less (negative provision) provision for loan lossesLess (negative provision) provision for loan losses(17,048)76,299 The Company recognized negative provision in the first quarter of 2021 due to management's estimate of improved economic conditions as of March 31, 2021 in comparison to management's estimate of economic conditions used to determine the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2020. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company recognized an incremental provision of $63.0 million as a result of an increase in expected defaults due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Net interest income after provision for
loan losses
Net interest income after provision for
loan losses
63,636  50,825  42,411  102,641  Net interest income after provision for
loan losses
118,378 (21,226)
Other income/expense:Other income/expense:    Other income/expense:  
LSS revenueLSS revenue111,042  113,985  223,778  228,883  See LSS operating segment - results of operations.LSS revenue111,517 112,735 See LSS operating segment - results of operations.
ETS&PP revenueETS&PP revenue59,304  60,342  142,979  139,502  See ETS&PP operating segment - results of operations.ETS&PP revenue95,258 83,675 See ETS&PP operating segment - results of operations.
Communications revenueCommunications revenue18,998  15,758  37,179  30,300  See Communications operating segment - results of operations.Communications revenue— 18,181 As discussed above, on December 21, 2020, the Company deconsolidated ALLO from the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
OtherOther(4,604)8,281 See table below for the components of "other."
Gain on sale of loansGain on sale of loans—  1,712  18,206  1,712  The Company sold a portfolio of consumer loans in the first quarter of 2020 and the second quarter of 2019 and recognized gains of $18.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively.Gain on sale of loans— 18,206 The Company sold a portfolio of consumer loans in January 2020 and recognized a gain of $18.2 million.
Other income60,127  14,440  68,408  23,507  See table below for the components of "other income."
Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, netImpairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net2,436 (34,087)During the first quarter of 2020, the Company recognized impairments of $26.3 million and $7.8 million related to beneficial interest in consumer loan securitization investments and several venture capital investments, respectively. Such impairments were the result of impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company reversed the remaining allowance of $2.4 million related to the beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations due to continued improved economic conditions.
Derivative settlements, netDerivative settlements, net(4,304)4,237 The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. Derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company's net interest income. See table below for additional analysis.
Derivative market value adjustments, netDerivative market value adjustments, net38,809 (20,602)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 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 the Company's floor income interest rate swaps.
Total other income/expenseTotal other income/expense239,112 190,626 
Cost of services:Cost of services:
Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing servicesCost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services27,052 22,806 Represents primarily direct costs to provide payment processing and instructional services in the ETS&PP operating segment. Increase in 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily due to additional instructional services costs.
Cost to provide communications servicesCost to provide communications services— 5,582 As discussed above, on December 21, 2020, the Company deconsolidated ALLO from the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Total cost of servicesTotal cost of services27,052 28,388 
4231


Impairment expense(332) —  (34,419) —  During the first quarter of 2020, the Company recognized impairments of $26.3 million and $7.8 million related to beneficial interest in consumer loan securitization investments and several venture capital investments, respectively. Such impairments were the result of impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Derivative settlements, net5,821  12,972  10,058  32,007  The Company maintains an overall risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate volatility. Derivative settlements for each applicable period should be evaluated with the Company's net interest income. See table below for additional analysis.
Derivative market value adjustments, net(3,911) (37,060) (24,513) (67,635) 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 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 the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. During the first quarter of 2020 and first and second quarters of 2019, there were significant decreases in the forward yield curve resulting in decreases in the fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps that resulted in a loss during these periods. Although the decrease in the forward yield curve was more substantial in 2020 as compared to 2019, the notional amount of derivatives outstanding during 2020 was much lower than compared to 2019.
Total other income/expense251,049  182,149  441,676  388,276  
Cost of services:
Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services15,376  15,871  38,181  36,930  Represents primarily direct costs to provide payment processing services in the ETS&PP operating segment.
Cost to provide communications services5,743  5,101  11,325  9,860  Represents costs of services primarily associated with television programming costs in the Communications operating segment.
Total cost of services21,119  20,972  49,506  46,790  
Operating expenses:    
Salaries and benefits119,247  111,214  239,125  222,272  Increases were due to (i) increases in personnel in the LSS and corporate operating segments to meet increased service and security standards under the Department servicing contracts; (ii) increases in personnel in the LSS operating segment to develop a new private education and consumer loan servicing system; (iii) increases in personnel to support the growth in the customer base and the development of new technologies in the ETS&PP operating segment; and (iv) a decrease in the amount of salary and benefit costs capitalized in 2020 as compared to 2019 at ALLO. See each individual operating segment results of operations discussion for additional information.
Depreciation and amortization29,393  24,484  57,041  48,697  Increases were primarily due to additional depreciation expense at ALLO.
Other expenses37,052  45,417  80,439  89,233  Other expenses includes expenses necessary for operations, such as postage and distribution, consulting and professional fees, occupancy, communications, and certain information technology-related costs. Decreases were due to (i) cost savings in the LSS segment from an increase in the adoption of electronic borrower statements and correspondence and a decrease in printing and postage while loan payments were suspended as a result of COVID-19 borrower relief efforts; and (ii) reduction of travel expenses and the cancellation of on-site conferences in the ETS&PP segment. See each individual operating segment results of operations discussion for additional information.
Total operating expenses185,692  181,115  376,605  360,202  
Income before income taxes107,874  30,887  57,976  83,925  
Income tax expense21,264  6,209  11,131  17,600  The effective tax rate was 19.7% and 20.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and 19.5% and 21.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company currently expects its effective tax rate for 2020 will range between 19 and 21 percent.
Net income86,610  24,678  46,845  66,325  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(128) (59) (895) (115) 
Net income attributable to
Nelnet, Inc.
$86,482  24,619  45,950  66,210  
Operating expenses:  
Salaries and benefits115,791 119,878 Decrease was due to a decrease in contact center operations and support in the LSS operating segment as a result of federal student loan payments being suspended under the CARES Act and the deconsolidation of ALLO from the Company's consolidated financial statements. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in expenses in the ETS&PP operating segment due to an increase in headcount to support the growth of its customer base, the investment in the development of new technologies, and businesses it acquired in December 2020.
Depreciation and amortization20,184 27,648 Decrease was primarily due to the deconsolidation of ALLO from the Company's consolidated financial statements on December 21, 2020, resulting in no depreciation expense being recorded in 2021 for ALLO.
Other expenses36,698 43,384 Other expenses includes expenses necessary for operations, such as postage and distribution, consulting and professional fees, occupancy, communications, and certain information technology-related costs. Decrease was due to (i) cost savings in the LSS segment from an increase in the adoption of electronic borrower statements and correspondence and a decrease in printing and postage while loan payments are suspended as a result of COVID-19 borrower relief efforts; (ii) reduction of travel in the ETS&PP segment; and (iii) the deconsolidation of ALLO in December 2020. See the LSS and ETS&PP operating segment results of operations discussions for additional information.
Total operating expenses172,673 190,910 
Income (loss) before income taxes157,765 (49,898)
Income tax (expense) benefit(34,861)10,133 The effective tax rate was 22.0% and 20.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company currently expects its effective tax rate for 2021 will range between 21 and 23 percent.
Net income (loss)122,904 (39,765)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests694 (767)
Net income (loss) attributable to
     Nelnet, Inc.
$123,598 (40,532)


32


The following table summarizes the components of “net interest income” and “derivative settlements, net.”
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 as presented in the table below. Net interest income (net of settlements on derivatives) is a non-
43


GAAPnon-GAAP financial measure, and 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 2021 and 2020 and 2019periods presented in the table under the caption "Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives - Statements of Income"Operations" in note 4 and in the table below.
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30, Three months ended March 31,
2020201920202019Additional information 20212020Additional information
Variable loan interest marginVariable loan interest margin$30,133  44,310  60,499  88,260  Represents the yield the Company receives on its loan portfolio less the cost of funding these loans. Variable loan spread is also impacted by the amortization/accretion of loan premiums and discounts and the 1.05% per year consolidation loan rebate fee paid to the Department. See AGM operating segment - results of operations.Variable loan interest margin$61,444 30,367 Represents the yield the Company receives on its loan portfolio less the cost of funding these loans. Variable loan spread is also impacted by the amortization/accretion of loan premiums and discounts and the 1.05% per year consolidation loan rebate fee paid to the Department. See AGM operating segment - results of operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, variable loan interest margin also includes a reduction of interest expense of $23.8 million as a result of reversing a historical accrued interest liability on certain bonds, which liability the Company determined is no longer probable of being required to be paid. The liability was initially recorded when certain asset-backed securitizations were acquired in 2011 and 2013.
Settlements on associated derivativesSettlements on associated derivatives7,129  807  9,242  3,140  Represents the net settlements received related to the Company’s 1:3 basis swaps.Settlements on associated derivatives(19)2,112 Represents the net settlements (paid) 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 derivatives37,262  45,117  69,741  91,400  Variable loan interest margin, net of settlements on derivatives61,425 32,479 
Fixed rate floor incomeFixed rate floor income31,866  10,840  50,625  21,265  The Company has a portfolio of student loans that are earning interest at a fixed borrower rate which exceeds the statutorily defined variable lender rates, generating fixed rate floor income. See Item 3, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk" for additional information.Fixed rate floor income35,539 18,758 The Company has a portfolio of student loans that are earning interest at a fixed borrower rate which exceeds the statutorily defined variable lender rates, generating fixed rate floor income. See Item 3, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk" for additional information.
Settlements on associated derivativesSettlements on associated derivatives(1,308) 12,165  816  28,867  Represents the net settlements received (paid) related to the Company’s floor income interest rate swaps.Settlements on associated derivatives(4,285)2,125 Represents the net settlements (paid) received related to the Company’s floor income interest rate swaps.
Fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivativesFixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives30,558  23,005  51,441  50,132  Fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives31,254 20,883 
Investment interestInvestment interest5,743  8,566  13,141  16,819   Investment interest4,986 7,398  
Corporate debt interest expenseCorporate debt interest expense(1,107) (3,891) (2,557) (7,703) Includes interest expense on the Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities and unsecured line of credit. Decrease due to a decrease in interest rates and in the average balance outstanding on the Company's unsecured line of credit.Corporate debt interest expense(639)(1,450)Includes interest expense on the Company's unsecured line of credit, asset-backed securities participation agreement, and Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities. Decrease was due to a decrease in interest rates and in the average balance outstanding on the Company's unsecured line of credit. In addition, in October 2020, the Company redeemed all the outstanding $20.4 million of Hybrid Securities. These items were partially offset by interest expense incurred on the asset-backed securities participation agreement that was executed in May of 2020.
Net interest income (net of settlements on derivatives)Net interest income (net of settlements on derivatives)$72,456  72,797  131,766  150,648  Net interest income (net of settlements on derivatives)$97,026 59,310 

4433


The following table summarizes the components of "other" in "other income."income/expense" on the consolidated statements of operations.
 Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
 2020201920202019
Gain on investments, net of losses (a)$53,151  4,258  49,286  3,831  
Management fee revenue (b)1,914  2,277  4,544  4,350  
Investment advisory services (c)922  731  3,724  1,441  
Borrower late fee income (d)319  3,161  3,506  6,674  
Other3,821  4,013  7,348  7,211  
  Other income$60,127  14,440  68,408  23,507  
 Three months ended March 31,
 20212020
Income/gains from investments, net$8,498 (1,025)
Investment advisory services (a)2,697 2,802 
ALLO preferred return (b)2,321 — 
Management fee revenue (c)1,113 2,630 
Borrower late fee income (d)442 3,188 
Loss from ALLO voting membership interests investment (e)(22,219)— 
Loss from solar investments (f)(1,679)(2,839)
Other4,223 3,525 
$(4,604)8,281 

(a) During the second quarter of 2020, the Company recognized a $51.0 million (pre-tax) gain to adjust the carrying value of its investment in Hudl to reflect Hudl's May 2020 equity raise transaction value.
(b) Represents revenue earned from providing administrative support and marketing services primarily to Great Lakes’ former parent company in accordance with a contract that expires in January 2021. Decrease for the three months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 was due to a reduction in administrative support for Great Lakes’ former parent company. Increase for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 was due to an increase in marketing and administrative support provided to other clients primarily in the first quarter of 2020.
(c)(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 earns annual fees of 25 basis points on the majority of the outstanding balance of asset-backed securities under management and up to 50 percent of the gains from the sale of asset-backed securities or asset-backed securities being called prior to the full contractual maturity for which it provides advisory services. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the outstanding balance of asset-backed securities under management subject to these arrangements was $1.3$1.4 billion. In addition, WRCM earns annual management fees of five basis points for certain other investments under management. The increase in advisoryCompany currently anticipates that assets under management will decrease from current levels and that opportunities to earn meaningful performance fees in 2020 as comparedfuture periods will be more limited.
(b)    Represents the Company's income on its preferred membership interests in ALLO, which was deconsolidated from the Company's financial statements in December 2020. As of March 31, 2021, the amount of preferred membership interests held by the Company was $129.7 million and earns a preferred annual return of 6.25 percent.
(c)    Represents revenue earned from providing administrative support and marketing services primarily to 2019 was the result of an increaseGreat Lakes’ former parent company under a contract that expired in performance fees earned.January 2021.
(d)    Represents borrower late fees earned by the AGM operating segment. The decrease in borrower late fees for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 as compared to the same periodsperiod in 20192020 was due to the Company suspending borrower late fees effective March 13, 2020 to provide borrowers relief as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
(e)    Represents the Company's loss on its voting membership interests in ALLO. The Company accounts for its voting membership interests investment in ALLO under the Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value ("HLBV") method of accounting. Applying the HLBV method of accounting, the Company will continue to recognize a significant portion of ALLO’s anticipated losses over the next several years due to expected investments by ALLO of substantial amounts in property and equipment to build its communications network and connect customers.
(f)    Represents the Company's share of income or loss from solar investments accounted for 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.




45
34




LOAN SERVICING AND SYSTEMS OPERATING SEGMENT – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Loan Servicing Volumes
As ofAs of
December 31,
2018
March 31,
2019
June 30,
2019
September 30,
2019
December 31,
2019
March 31,
2020
June 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
March 31,
2020
June 30,
2020
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2020
March 31,
2021
Servicing volume (dollars in millions):Servicing volume (dollars in millions):Servicing volume (dollars in millions):
Nelnet:Nelnet:Nelnet:
GovernmentGovernment$179,507  183,093  181,682  184,399  183,790  185,477  185,315  Government$183,790 185,477 185,315 189,932 191,678 195,875 
FFELPFFELP36,748  35,917  35,003  33,981  33,185  32,326  31,392  FFELP33,185 32,326 31,392 31,122 30,763 30,084 
Private and consumerPrivate and consumer15,666  16,065  16,025  16,286  16,033  16,364  16,223  Private and consumer16,033 16,364 16,223 16,267 16,226 21,397 
Great Lakes:Great Lakes:Great Lakes:
GovernmentGovernment232,694  237,050  236,500  240,268  239,980  243,205  243,609  Government239,980 243,205 243,609 249,723 251,570 257,806 
TotalTotal$464,615  472,125  469,210  474,934  472,988  477,372  476,539  Total$472,988 477,372 476,539 487,044 490,237 505,162 
Number of servicing borrowers:Number of servicing borrowers:Number of servicing borrowers:
Nelnet:Nelnet:Nelnet:
GovernmentGovernment5,771,923  5,708,582  5,592,989  5,635,653  5,574,001  5,498,872  5,496,662  Government5,574,001 5,498,872 5,496,662 5,604,685 5,645,946 5,664,094 
FFELPFFELP1,709,853  1,650,785  1,588,530  1,529,392  1,478,703  1,423,286  1,370,007  FFELP1,478,703 1,423,286 1,370,007 1,332,908 1,300,677 1,233,461 
Private and consumerPrivate and consumer696,933  699,768  693,410  701,299  682,836  670,702  653,281  Private and consumer682,836 670,702 653,281 649,258 636,136 882,477 
Great Lakes:Great Lakes:Great Lakes:
GovernmentGovernment7,458,684  7,385,284  7,300,691  7,430,165  7,396,657  7,344,509  7,346,691  Government7,396,657 7,344,509 7,346,691 7,542,679 7,605,984 7,637,270 
TotalTotal15,637,393  15,444,419  15,175,620  15,296,509  15,132,197  14,937,369  14,866,641  Total15,132,197 14,937,369 14,866,641 15,129,530 15,188,743 15,417,302 
Number of remote hosted borrowers:Number of remote hosted borrowers:6,393,151  6,332,261  6,211,132  6,457,296  6,433,324  6,354,158  6,264,559  Number of remote hosted borrowers:6,433,324 6,354,158 6,264,559 6,251,598 6,555,841 4,307,342 


Government Loan Servicing
Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes' servicing contracts with the Department previously provided for expirationare currently scheduled to expire on June 16, 2019. On November 26, 2019, Nelnet Servicing and Great Lakes each received extensions from the Department on their contracts through December 14, 2020. The most current contract extensions also2021, but provide the potential for twoan additional six-month extensionsextension at the Department's discretion through December 14, 2021. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, signed into law on December 27, 2020, provides that the Department may extend the period of performance for the servicing contracts scheduled to expire on December 14, 2021 for up to two additional years to December 14, 2023. The Department is conducting a contract procurement process for a new framework for the servicing of all student loans owned by the Department. See "Overview - Departmentnote 12 of Education NextGen Procurement" abovethe notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information.
The Department currently allocates new loan volume amongPrivate Education Loan Servicing
In December of 2020, Wells Fargo announced the sale of its servicers based on certain performance metrics that measure the satisfaction among separate customer groups, including borrowers and Department personnel who workapproximately $10.0 billion portfolio of private education student loans representing approximately 445,000 borrowers. In conjunction with the servicers, and that measuresale, the successCompany was selected as servicer of keepingthe portfolio. During March 2021, approximately 261,000 borrowers were converted to the Company's servicing platform, with the remaining borrowers converted in an on-time repayment status and helping borrowers avoid default. Under the most recently publicly announced performance metric measurements used by the Department for the quarterly periods July 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019, Great Lakes’ and Nelnet Servicing’s overall rankings among the nine current servicers for the Department were tied for first and tied for third, respectively. Based on these results, Great Lakes’ and Nelnet Servicing’s allocation of new student loan servicing volumes for the period March 1, 2020 through August 31, 2020 are 19 percent and 10 percent, respectively.April 2021.
4635


Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30, Three months ended March 31,
2020201920202019Additional information 20212020Additional information
Net interest incomeNet interest income$24  531  296  1,028  Decrease was due to lower interest rates in 2020 as compared to 2019.Net interest income$11273Decrease was due to lower interest rates in 2021 as compared to 2020.
Loan servicing and systems revenueLoan servicing and systems revenue111,042  113,985  223,778  228,883  See table below for additional information.Loan servicing and systems revenue111,517112,735See table below for additional information.
Intersegment servicing revenueIntersegment servicing revenue8,537  11,598  19,591  23,815  Represents revenue earned by the LSS operating segment as a result of servicing loans for the AGM operating segment. Decrease was due to the impact of borrower relief policies implemented by AGM in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the expected amortization of AGM's FFELP portfolio. FFELP intersegment servicing revenue will continue to decrease as AGM's FFELP portfolio pays off.Intersegment servicing revenue8,26811,054Represents revenue earned by the LSS operating segment as a result of servicing loans for the AGM and Nelnet Bank operating segments. Decrease in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to the impact of borrower relief policies implemented by AGM in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the expected amortization of AGM's FFELP portfolio. FFELP intersegment servicing revenue will continue to decrease as AGM's FFELP portfolio pays off.
Other incomeOther income1,914  2,277  4,544  4,350  Represents revenue earned from providing administrative support and marketing services primarily to Great Lakes’ former parent company in accordance with a contract that expires in January 2021. Decrease for the three months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 was due to a reduction in administrative support for Great Lakes’ former parent company. Increase for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 was due to an increase in marketing and administrative support provided to other clients primarily in the first quarter of 2020.Other income1,1132,630Represents revenue earned from providing administrative support and marketing services primarily to Great Lakes’ former parent company under a contract that expired in January 2021.
Total other incomeTotal other income121,493  127,860  247,913  257,048  Total other income120,898126,419
Salaries and benefitsSalaries and benefits68,401  66,496  138,894  132,715  Increase was due to an increase in headcount to provide enhanced service levels to borrowers under the Department servicing contracts, and to develop a new private education and consumer loan servicing system.Salaries and benefits66,45870,493Decrease in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to a decrease in contact center operations and support as a result of federal student loan payments being suspended (through September 30, 2021) under the CARES Act. The Company currently expects salaries and benefits will increase as it prepares for the provisions of the CARES Act to expire.
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization9,142  8,799  17,990  17,671  Depreciation and amortization8,1928,848Decrease in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to certain purchases to integrate Great Lakes and expand servicing capacity becoming fully depreciated.
Other expensesOther expenses13,380  17,118  30,870  36,047  Decrease for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019 was due to cost savings as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting CARES Act, primarily associated with the fact that while student loan payments are suspended there is a significant reduction of borrower statement printing and postage costs. See "Overview - Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic - Loan Servicing and Systems" above for additional information. Decrease was also due to cost savings from an increase in the adoption of electronic borrower statements and correspondence. Decrease for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 was also due to a decrease in the provision for servicing losses.Other expenses13,28517,489Decrease in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to cost savings as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting CARES Act, primarily associated with the fact that while student loan payments are suspended there is a significant reduction of borrower statement printing and postage costs. The Company currently expects these costs will increase when the provisions of the CARES Act expire, currently scheduled for September 30, 2021. Decrease was also due to cost savings from an increase in the adoption of electronic borrower statements and correspondence.
Intersegment expensesIntersegment expenses15,996  13,604  32,235  27,362  Intersegment expenses represent costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services. Increase was due to an increase in security service levels related to the Department servicing contracts.Intersegment expenses16,89016,239Intersegment expenses represent 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 expenses106,919  106,017  219,989  213,795  Total operating expenses104,825113,069
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes14,598  22,374  28,220  44,281  Income before income taxes16,08413,623
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense(3,504) (5,370) (6,773) (10,628) Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.Income tax expense(3,860)(3,269)Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net incomeNet income$11,094  17,004  21,447  33,653  The LSS segment incurred additional costs during 2020 to meet increased service and security standards under the Department servicing contracts. In addition, revenue in 2020 has been negatively impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the segment's net income and operating margin decreased in 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019.Net income$12,22410,354

Before tax operating marginBefore tax operating margin12.0 %17.5 %11.4 %17.2 %Before tax operating margin13.3 %10.8 %Before tax operating margin is a measure of before tax operating profitability as a percentage of revenue, and for the LSS segment 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 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 increased in 2021 as compared to 2020 primarily due to operating expenses decreasing as a result of federal student loan payments being suspended under the CARES Act as discussed above. The Company currently expects these costs will increase as it prepares for the provisions of the CARES Act to expire.

4736


Loan servicing and systems revenue
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30, Three months ended March 31,
2020201920202019Additional information 20212020Additional information
Government servicing - NelnetGovernment servicing - Nelnet$37,360  40,459  76,010  80,099  Represents revenue from Nelnet Servicing's Department servicing contract. Decrease was due to a decrease in revenue from the administration of the Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge program, decrease in fees earned from the Department for originating consolidation loans, and decrease in revenue earned per borrower as a result of certain provisions included in the CARES Act. See "Overview - Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic - Loan Servicing and Systems" above for additional information.Government servicing - Nelnet$34,872 38,650 Represents revenue from Nelnet Servicing's Department servicing contract. Decrease in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to a decrease in revenue from the administration of the Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge program, decrease in fees earned from the Department for originating consolidation loans, and decrease in revenue earned per borrower as a result of certain provisions included in the CARES Act.
Government servicing - Great LakesGovernment servicing - Great Lakes45,213  45,973  91,660  93,050  Represents revenue from the Great Lakes' Department servicing contract. Decrease was due to a decrease in fees earned from the Department for originating consolidation loans and decrease in revenue earned per borrower as a result of certain provisions included in the CARES Act. See "Overview - Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic - Loan Servicing and Systems" above for additional information.Government servicing - Great Lakes43,302 46,446 Represents revenue from Great Lakes' Department servicing contract. Decrease in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to a decrease in fees earned from the Department for originating consolidation loans and decrease in revenue earned per borrower as a result of certain provisions included in the CARES Act.
Private education and consumer loan servicingPrivate education and consumer loan servicing8,196  8,985  16,805  18,465  Decrease was due to a decrease in the number of borrowers serviced, a decrease in origination fees, and the impact of borrower relief policies implemented by private lenders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. See "Overview - Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic - Loan Servicing and Systems" above for additional information.Private education and consumer loan servicing8,548 8,609 Decrease in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to a decrease in the number of legacy borrowers serviced, a decrease in origination fees, and the impact of borrower relief policies implemented by private lenders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in borrowers as a result of the Wells Fargo private education loan conversion activity in March 2021. The private education loans converted in 2021 reflect revenue from the conversation date, and thus does not reflect a full quarter of revenue. See "Private Education Loan Servicing" included above under "Loan Servicing and Systems Operating Segment - Results of Operations."
FFELP servicingFFELP servicing4,917  6,424  10,531  13,119  Decrease was due to a decrease in the number of borrowers serviced and the impact of borrower relief policies implemented by lenders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. See "Overview - Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic - Loan Servicing and Systems" above for additional information. Over time, FFELP servicing revenue will continue to decrease as third-party customers' FFELP portfolios pay off.FFELP servicing4,670 5,614 Decrease in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to a decrease in the number of borrowers serviced and the impact of borrower relief policies implemented by lenders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time, FFELP servicing revenue will continue to decrease as third-party customers' FFELP portfolios pay off.
Software servicesSoftware services10,651  10,021  21,969  19,762  Increase was due to an increase in borrowers and services in which the Company provides hosted FFELP guarantee activities.Software services8,454 11,318 The decrease in revenue in 2021 as compared to 2020 was due to many of the services provided under the Company's remote hosted servicing and system support contract with Great Lakes' former parent, representing 2.3 million borrowers, decreasing and/or expiring in January 2021. This decrease in revenue was partially offset by an increase in the number of remote hosted servicing borrowers in 2021 as compared to 2020.
Outsourced services and other4,705  2,123  6,803  4,388  The majority of this revenue relates to providing contact center outsourcing activities. Increase was due to providing temporary outsourcing services to state agencies to process unemployment claims and conduct certain health tracing support activities. See "Overview - Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic - Loan Servicing and Systems" above for additional information.
Outsourced servicesOutsourced services11,671 2,098 The majority of this revenue relates to providing contact center and back office operational outsourcing activities. Increase in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to shorter-term contracts with state agencies to process unemployment claims and conduct certain health tracing support activities (including vaccination registration support). Revenue from providing these services to state agencies was $9.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Loan servicing and systems revenueLoan servicing and systems revenue$111,042  113,985  223,778  228,883  Loan servicing and systems revenue$111,517 112,735 

4837


EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY, SERVICES, AND PAYMENT PROCESSING OPERATING SEGMENT – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
As discussed further in the Company's 20192020 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 pre-tax operating margin are higher in the first quarter as compared to the remainder of the year.
On December 31, 2020, the Company acquired HigherSchool Instructional Services, a services company that provides supplemental instructional services and educational professional development for K-12 schools in New York City, and CD2 LLC, a platform technology solution that includes learning management, collaboration/workflow, gamification, customer management/document storage, and employee boarding. The results of HigherSchool Instructional Services and CD2 LLC are reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Revenue recognized by these acquisitions during the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $8.0 million.
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30, Three months ended March 31,
2020201920202019Additional information 20212020Additional information
Net interest incomeNet interest income$399  1,648  2,373  3,657  Decrease was due to a decrease in interest rates in 2020 as compared with 2019, including the significant drop in interest rates in March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If interest rates remain at current levels, the Company anticipates this segment will earn minimal interest income in future periods.Net interest income$263 1,974 Represents interest income on tuition funds held in custody for schools. Decrease was due to a decrease in interest rates in 2021 as compared with 2020. If interest rates remain at current levels, the Company anticipates this segment will earn minimal interest income in future periods.
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenueEducation technology, services, and payment processing revenue59,304  60,342  142,979  139,502  See table below for additional information.Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue95,258 83,675 See table below for additional information.
Intersegment revenueIntersegment revenue —  14  —  Intersegment revenue11 
Total other incomeTotal other income59,307  60,342  142,993  139,502  Total other income95,261 83,686 
Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing servicesCost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services15,376  15,871  38,181  36,930  See table below for additional information.Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services27,052 22,806 See table below for additional information.
Salaries and benefitsSalaries and benefits24,522  22,823  48,218  45,830  Increase was due to an increase in headcount to support the growth of its customer base and investment in the development of new technologies. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in headcount due to operating efficiencies gained related to the acquisition of TMS in November 2018.Salaries and benefits25,941 23,696 Increase in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to an increase in headcount to support the growth of the customer base, the investment in the development of new technologies, and the acquisitions of HigherSchool Instructional Services and CD2 LLC.
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization2,362  3,324  4,749  6,835  Amortization of intangible assets related to business acquisitions was $2.2 million and $3.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $4.4 million and $6.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.Depreciation and amortization3,071 2,387 Represents primarily amortization of intangible assets from prior business acquisitions. Amortization of intangible assets related to business acquisitions was $2.9 million and $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Other expensesOther expenses2,326  5,805  8,418  11,116  Decrease was due to a reduction of travel expenses and the cancellation of on-site conferences as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.Other expenses4,822 6,092 Decrease in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to a reduction of travel expenses due to COVID-19. In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recognized an additional expense to increase the allowance for doubtful accounts for the increased risk of uncollectible balances due to uncertain economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Intersegment expenses, netIntersegment expenses, net3,429  3,148  6,756  6,447  Intersegment expenses represent 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, net3,664 3,327 Intersegment expenses represent 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 expenses32,639  35,100  68,141  70,228  Total operating expenses37,498 35,502 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes11,691  11,019  39,044  36,001  Income before income taxes30,974 27,352 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense(2,806) (2,645) (9,371) (8,640) Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.Income tax expense(7,434)(6,565)Represents income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net incomeNet income$8,885  8,374  29,673  27,361  Net income$23,540 20,787 


4938


Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue
The following table provides disaggregated revenue by service offering and before tax operating margin for each reporting period.
 Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
 2020201920202019Additional information
Tuition payment plan services$22,947  24,655  54,534  54,829  Revenue recognized during the first six months of 2020 is primarily related to payment plans for the 2019-2020 academic year for K-12 schools and the spring and summer 2020 semester for institutions of higher education. As a result, fees for the majority of payment plans were received and are based on school enrollments prior to the conditions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, tuition payment plan services revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2020 decreased as compared to the same period in 2019. Enrollment declines in higher education and K-12 schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic could negatively impact tuition payment plan revenue in future periods.
Payment processing21,168  21,311  52,910  50,290  Decrease in revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 was due to a decrease in the volume of payments processed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrollment declines in higher education and K-12 schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic beginning with the fall 2020 academic term could result in a corresponding decline in the volume of payments processed, which would negatively impact payment processing revenue in future periods.
Education technology and services14,927  14,096  34,980  33,805  
Increase was due to an increase from FACTS Student Information System (“SIS”) software subscriptions and an increase in volume for the Nelnet Campus Commerce refunds service. The growth rate in the Company’s financial needs assessment service was flat compared to 2019, resulting in an overall growth rate that was lower than historical periods. The COVID-19 pandemic could negatively impact enrollments and schools’ demand for certain of the Company’s products and services, which would negatively impact the Company’s revenue in future periods.
Other262  280  555  578  
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue59,304  60,342  142,979  139,502  
Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services15,376  15,871  38,181  36,930  Costs primarily relate to payment processing revenue and such costs decrease/increase in relationship to payment revenue.
Net revenue$43,928  44,471  104,798  102,572  
Before tax operating margin26.6 %24.8 %37.3 %35.1 %
50


COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING SEGMENT – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
 2020201920202019Additional information
Net interest income$—   —   
Communications revenue18,998  15,758  37,179  30,300  Communications revenue is derived primarily from the sale of pure fiber optic services to residential and business customers in Nebraska and Colorado, including internet, television, and telephone services. Increase was due to additional residential households and businesses served as a result of the completion of the Lincoln, Nebraska network build out in 2019 and continued maturity of ALLO's existing markets. See additional financial and operating data for ALLO in the tables below.
Other income392  362  745  487  
Total other income19,390  16,120  37,924  30,787  
Cost to provide communications services5,743  5,101  11,325  9,860  Cost of services are primarily associated with television programming costs. Other costs include connectivity, franchise, and other regulatory costs directly related to providing internet and voice services.
Salaries and benefits5,570  5,192  10,986  9,929  Certain salary and benefit costs qualify for capitalization as ALLO develops its network. Overall, there was a decrease in gross salaries and benefits paid in 2020 as compared to 2019 due to a decrease in headcount. However, the amount of costs capitalized in 2020 was lower than 2019, resulting in an overall increase in salaries and benefits, net of capitalized costs.
Depreciation and amortization10,824  7,737  21,330  15,099  Depreciation reflects the allocation of the costs of ALLO's property and equipment over the period in which such assets are used. A significant amount of property and equipment purchases have been made to support the Lincoln, Nebraska network expansion. The gross property and equipment balances related to this segment as of June 30, 2020, December 31, 2019, June 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018 were $332.6 million, $315.3 million, $298.2 million and $273.9 million, respectively. Amortization reflects the allocation of costs related to intangible assets recorded at fair value as of the date the Company acquired ALLO over their estimated useful lives.
Other expenses3,774  3,865  7,463  7,342  Other expenses includes selling, general, and administrative expenses necessary for operations, such as advertising, occupancy, professional services, construction materials, and personal property taxes. Decrease for the three months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 was due to a reduction in travel expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Intersegment expenses536  716  1,160  1,380  Intersegment expenses represent costs for certain corporate activities and services that are allocated to each operating segment based on estimated use of such activities and services.
Total operating expenses20,704  17,510  40,939  33,750  
Loss before income taxes(7,057) (6,490) (14,340) (12,820) 
Income tax benefit1,694  1,558  3,442  3,077  Represents income tax benefit at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net loss$(5,363) (4,932) (10,898) (9,743) The Company anticipates this operating segment will be dilutive to consolidated earnings as it continues to develop and add customers to its network in Lincoln, Nebraska and other communities, due to large upfront capital expenditures and associated depreciation and upfront customer acquisition costs.
Additional information:
Net loss$(5,363) (4,932) (10,898) (9,743) 
Net interest income—  (1) —  (3) 
Income tax benefit(1,694) (1,558) (3,442) (3,077) 
Depreciation and amortization10,824  7,737  21,330  15,099  
Earnings before interest, income
       taxes, depreciation, and
       amortization (EBITDA)
$3,767  1,246  6,990  2,276  For additional information regarding this non-GAAP measure, see the table below.
 Three months ended March 31,
 20212020Additional information
Tuition payment plan services$29,55031,587Revenue recognized during the first three months of 2021 was primarily related to payment plans for the 2020-2021 academic year for K-12 schools and the spring 2021 semester for institutions of higher education. Revenues from tuition payment plans for these terms were impacted by COVID-19 resulting in lower volumes of plans compared to historical periods.
Payment processing33,03831,742Payment volumes in the first quarter of 2021 increased as compared to 2020 in both the K-12 and higher education markets. The increase in volumes in the higher education market was driven primarily by growth in volumes from existing customers.
Education technology and services32,32220,054Increase in 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily the result of the 2020 acquisitions. Additionally, revenues from the Company’s application and enrollment products, grant and aid assessments, and FACTS Education instructional and professional development services increased compared to the prior year.
Other348292
Education technology, services, and payment processing revenue95,25883,675
Cost to provide education technology, services, and payment processing services27,05222,806Costs primarily relate to payment processing revenue and such costs decrease/increase in relationship to payment revenue. Costs to provide instructional services are also included as a component of this expense and were the primary driver in the increase in 2021 compared to 2020 due to the acquisition of HigherSchool Instructional Services and growth in the FACTS Education Solutions division.
Net revenue$68,20660,869
Before tax operating margin45.4 %44.9 %Before tax operating margin is a measure of before tax operating profitability as a percentage of revenue, and for the ETS&PP segment is calculated as income before income taxes 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.

51


Proposed Community College Legislation
Certain financial and operating dataOn April 28, 2021, President Biden announced the American Families Plan, which includes a proposal for ALLO is summarizedCongress to approve funding to allow students to enroll in community college at no tuition cost. If such proposal were to become effective, this segment's revenue earned from community colleges would be adversely impacted. Community colleges represented approximately 10% of total segment revenues (and net revenue) for the tables below.
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30, 2020
2020201920202019
Residential revenue$14,209  74.8 %$11,890  75.5 %$27,766  74.6 %$22,955  75.7 %
Business revenue4,619  24.3  3,816  24.2  9,091  24.5  7,230  23.9  
Other revenue170  0.9  52  0.3  322  0.9  115  0.4  
Communications revenue$18,998  100.0 %$15,758  100.0 %$37,179  100.0 %$30,300  100.0 %
Internet$11,930  62.8 %$9,297  59.0 %$23,125  62.2 %$17,726  58.5 %
Television4,218  22.2  4,05025.7  8,440  22.7  7,939  26.2  
Telephone2,812  14.8  2,39515.2  5,502  14.8  4,575  15.1  
Other38  0.2  160.1  112  0.3  60  0.2  
Communications revenue$18,998  100.0 %$15,758  100.0 %$37,179  100.0 %$30,300  100.0 %
Net loss$(5,363) (4,932) (10,898) (9,743) 
EBITDA (a)3,767  1,246  6,990  2,276  
Capital expenditures10,077  15,040  17,240  26,998  

As of
June 30, 2020March 31, 2020December 31, 2019September 30, 2019June 30, 2019March 31, 2019December 31, 2018
Residential customer information:
Households served53,067  49,684  47,744  45,228  42,760  40,338  37,351  
Households passed (b)144,869  143,505  140,986  137,269  132,984  127,253  122,396  
Households served/passed36.6 %34.6 %33.9 %32.9 %32.2 %31.7 %30.5 %
Total households in current markets and new markets announced (c)171,121  171,121  160,884  159,974  159,974  152,840  152,840  

(a) Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") is a supplemental non-GAAP performance measure that is frequently used in capital-intensive industries such as telecommunications. ALLO's management uses EBITDA to compare ALLO's performance to that of its competitors and to eliminate certain non-cash and non-operating items in order to consistently measure performance from period to period. EBITDA excludes interest and income taxes because these items are associated with a company's particular capitalization and tax structures. EBITDA also excludes depreciation and amortization expense because these non-cash expenses primarily reflect the impact of historical capital investments, as opposed to the cash impacts of capital expenditures made in recent periods, which may be evaluated through cash flow measures. The Company reports EBITDA for ALLO because the Company believes that it provides useful additional information for investors regarding a key metric used by management to assess ALLO's performance. There are limitations to using EBITDA as a performance measure, including the difficulty associated with comparing companies that use similar performance measures whose calculations may differ from ALLO's calculations. In addition, EBITDA should not be considered a substitute for other measures of financial performance, such as net income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of EBITDA from net income (loss) under GAAP is presented under "Summary and Comparison of Operating Results" in the table above.
(b) Represents the number of single residence homes, apartments, and condominiums that ALLO already serves and those in which ALLO has the capacity to connect to its network distribution system without further material extensions to the transmission lines, but have not been connected.
(c) During the first quarter of 2020, ALLO announced plans to expand its network to make services available in Norfolk, Nebraska. ALLO is now in twelve communities, including ten in Nebraska and two in Colorado.year ended December 31, 2020.
5239


ASSET GENERATION AND MANAGEMENT OPERATING SEGMENT – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Loan Portfolio
As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the CompanyAGM operating segment had a $19.8$19.0 billion loan portfolio, consisting primarily of federally insured loans, that management anticipates will amortize over the next approximately 20 years and has a weighted average remaining life of 10.89.5 years. For a summary of the Company’s loan portfolio as of June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2019,2020, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Loan Activity
The following table sets forth the activity of loans:
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30, Three months ended March 31,
2020201920202019 20212020
Beginning balanceBeginning balance$20,605,065  22,082,643  20,798,719  22,520,498  Beginning balance$19,559,108 20,798,719 
Loan acquisitions:Loan acquisitions:Loan acquisitions:
Federally insured student loansFederally insured student loans460,513  570,092  809,574  840,107  Federally insured student loans64,731 349,061 
Private education loansPrivate education loans33,303  —  80,908  —  Private education loans23,038 47,605 
Consumer loansConsumer loans22,980  114,633  85,811  184,754  Consumer loans19,456 62,831 
Total loan acquisitionsTotal loan acquisitions516,796  684,725  976,293  1,024,861  Total loan acquisitions107,225 459,497 
Repayments, claims, capitalized interest, and otherRepayments, claims, capitalized interest, and other(1,124,686) (873,466) (1,437,265) (1,378,186) Repayments, claims, capitalized interest, and other(406,565)(312,579)
Consolidation loans lost to external partiesConsolidation loans lost to external parties(166,778) (255,386) (383,105) (528,657) Consolidation loans lost to external parties(229,545)(216,327)
Consumer loans soldConsumer loans sold—  (47,680) (124,245) (47,680) Consumer loans sold— (124,245)
Ending balanceEnding balance$19,830,397  21,590,836  19,830,397  21,590,836  Ending balance$19,030,223 20,605,065 

The Company has also purchased partial ownership in certain federally insured and consumer loan securitizations. As of the latest remittance reports filed by the various trusts prior to March 31, 2021, the Company’s ownership correlates to approximately $500 million and $230 million of federally insured and consumer loans, respectively, included in these securitizations.
The Company's federally insured student loan acquisitions include the purchase of rehabilitated loans purchased from guaranty agencies. After a guaranty agency rehabilitates a federally insured student loan, the agency sells the rehabilitated loan to a private lender, such as the Company. On March 30, 2021, the Department suspended collections on defaulted federally insured student loans held by guaranty agencies and reduced the interest rate on such loans to zero percent, effectively suspending interest payments. The collections pause and adjusted interest rate are both retroactive to March 13, 2020, when the President first declared a national emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company currently believes these relief efforts will negatively impact the amount of rehabilitated loans the Company will have the opportunity to purchase in future periods.
Allowance for Loan Losses and Loan Delinquencies
On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASC 326”), which replaces the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology.
The CECL methodology utilizes a lifetime “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The expected credit losses are adjusted each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses.
Upon adoption, the Company recorded an increase to the allowance for loan losses of $91.0 million, which included a reclassification of the non-accretable discount balance and premiums related to loans purchased with evidence of credit deterioration, and decreased retained earnings, net of tax, by $18.9 million. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under ASC 326 (recognizing estimated credit losses expected to occur over the asset's remaining life) while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP (recognizing estimated credit losses using an incurred loss model); therefore, the comparative information for 2019 is not comparable to the information presented for 2020.
Management has determined that each of the federally insured, private education, and consumer loan portfolios meet the definition of a portfolio segment, which is defined as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic method for determining its allowance for credit losses.
For a summary of the Company's activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2021 and 2020, and 2019, and a summary of the Company's loan status and delinquency amounts as of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, December 31, 2019,2020, and June 30, 2019,March 31, 2020, see note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part 1,I, Item 1 of this report.
ProvisionThe Company recorded a negative provision for loan losses was $3.0for its federally insured and consumer loan portfolios of $7.5 million and $9.0$11.4 million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $79.3 million and $16.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The increase in the provision for loan losses for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 wasMarch 31, 2021 due to an incremental provision recorded in the first quarter of 2020 of $63.0 million for the increase in expected defaults as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and an increased provision for loan losses on loans acquired in 2020 to reflect life of loan expected losses as compared to loans acquired during 2019 in which the provision for loan losses was recognized based upon an incurred loss methodology.
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The Company's provision expense for the three months ended June 30, 2020 was also impacted by the Company'smanagement's estimate of certain continued improved economic conditions (including the improvement in certain macroeconomic variables (unemployment rates, gross domestic product, and consumer price index) used in the Company's loan loss models) as of June 30, 2020 than what wasMarch 31, 2021 in comparison to management's estimate of economic conditions used by the Company to determine the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2020. The Company recorded a $1.4 million provision expense on its private education loan portfolio during the three months ended March 31, 2020. These2021 as a result of an increase of loans in forbearance, which was partially offset by management's estimate of certain continued improved economic conditions were partially offset by the Company extending its reversion period (to the Company's actual long-term historical loss experience) as of June 30, 2020, as the Company currently believes the economy will take longer to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic than what was originally estimated as of March 31, 2021 in comparison to management's estimate of economic conditions used to determine the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2020.
The Company'sAGM's total allowance for loan losses of $209.4$156.7 million at June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 represents reserves equal to 0.7% of the Company'sAGM's federally insured loans (or 29.1%25.5% of the risk sharing component of the loans that is not covered by the federal guaranty), 8.7%6.6% of the Company'sAGM's private education loans, and 26.2%12.8% of the Company'sAGM's consumer loans.
40


Loan Spread Analysis
The following table analyzes the loan spread on the Company’sAGM’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 June 30,Six months ended June 30, Three months ended March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Variable loan yield, grossVariable loan yield, gross3.09 %5.00 %3.55 %5.02 %Variable loan yield, gross2.71 %3.98 %
Consolidation rebate feesConsolidation rebate fees(0.84) (0.84) (0.83) (0.84) Consolidation rebate fees(0.84)(0.83)
Discount accretion, net of premium and deferred origination costs amortizationDiscount accretion, net of premium and deferred origination costs amortization0.02  0.02  0.02  0.02  Discount accretion, net of premium and deferred origination costs amortization0.00 0.01 
Variable loan yield, netVariable loan yield, net2.27  4.18  2.74  4.20  Variable loan yield, net1.87 3.16 
Loan cost of funds - interest expense(a)Loan cost of funds - interest expense(a)(1.67) (3.42) (2.14) (3.44) Loan cost of funds - interest expense(a)(1.07)(2.58)
Loan cost of funds - derivative settlements (a) (b)0.14  0.02  0.09  0.03  
Loan cost of funds - derivative settlements (b) (c)Loan cost of funds - derivative settlements (b) (c)(0.00 )0.04 
Variable loan spreadVariable loan spread0.74  0.78  0.69  0.79  Variable loan spread0.80 0.62 
Fixed rate floor income, grossFixed rate floor income, gross0.63  0.20  0.49  0.19  Fixed rate floor income, gross0.74 0.36 
Fixed rate floor income - derivative settlements (a) (c)(0.02) 0.23  0.01  0.27  
Fixed rate floor income - derivative settlements (b) (d)Fixed rate floor income - derivative settlements (b) (d)(0.09)0.04 
Fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivativesFixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives0.61  0.43  0.50  0.46  Fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives0.65 0.40 
Core loan spread (d)Core loan spread (d)1.35 %1.21 %1.19 %1.25 %Core loan spread (d)1.45 %1.02 %
Average balance of loans$20,242,054  21,837,774  20,517,906  22,075,522  
Average balance of debt outstanding20,217,401  21,536,878  20,417,086  21,761,723  
Average balance of AGM's loansAverage balance of AGM's loans$19,494,002 20,793,758 
Average balance of AGM's debt outstandingAverage balance of AGM's debt outstanding19,156,797 20,616,771 

(a)     In the first quarter of 2021, the Company reversed a historical accrued interest liability of $23.8 million on certain bonds, which liability the Company determined is no longer probable of being required to be paid. The liability was initially recorded when certain asset-backed securitizations were acquired in 2011 and 2013. The reduction of this liability is reflected in (a reduction of) "interest on bonds and notes payable and bank deposits" in the consolidated statements of operations and the impact of this reduction to interest expense was excluded in the table above.
(b)    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 it 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 20202021 and 20192020 periods presented in the table under the caption "Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives - Statements of Income"Operations" in note 4 and in this table.
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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 June 30,Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Core loan spreadCore loan spread1.35 %1.21 %1.19 %1.25 %Core loan spread1.45 %1.02 %
Derivative settlements (1:3 basis swaps)Derivative settlements (1:3 basis swaps)(0.14) (0.02) (0.09) (0.03) Derivative settlements (1:3 basis swaps)0.00 (0.04)
Derivative settlements (fixed rate floor income)Derivative settlements (fixed rate floor income)0.02  (0.23) (0.01) (0.27) Derivative settlements (fixed rate floor income)0.09 (0.04)
Loan spreadLoan spread1.23 %0.96 %1.09 %0.95 %Loan spread1.54 %0.94 %

(b)(c)    Derivative settlements consist of net settlements (paid) received related to the Company’s 1:3 basis swaps.
(c)(d)    Derivative settlements consist of net settlements (paid) received related to the Company’s floor income interest rate swaps.
(d) Core loan spread, excluding consumer loans, would have been 1.24% and 1.16% for the three months ended June 30, 2020
41

and 2019, respectively, and 1.10% and 1.17% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

A trend analysis of the Company'sAGM's core and variable loan spreads is summarized below.
nni-20200630_g2.jpgnni-20210331_g3.jpg
(a)    The interest earned on a large portion of the Company'sAGM's FFELP student loan assets is indexed to the one-month LIBOR rate. The CompanyAGM funds a portion of its assets with three-month LIBOR indexed floating rate securities. The relationship between the indices in which the CompanyAGM earns interest on its loans and funds such loans has a significant impact on loan spread. This table (the right axis) shows the difference between the Company'sAGM's liability base rate and the one-month LIBOR rate by quarter. See Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk,” which provides additional detail on the Company’sAGM’s FFELP student loan assets and related funding for those assets.
Variable loan spread decreasedincreased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 asMarch 31, 2021 compared to the same periodsperiod in 20192020 due to a wideningnarrowing 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). The significant widening during the first and second quartersquarter of 2020 was the result of thea significant decrease in interest rates during March 2020 and the first half of the second quarter of 2020. In a declining interest rate environment, student loan spread is compressed, 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. As the Company's debt resets at lower interest rates, the Company expects variable loan spread to increase from current levels. See Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk,” which provides additional detail on the Company’sAGM’s FFELP student loan assets and related funding for those assets.
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The difference between variable loan spread and core loan spread is fixed rate floor income earned on a portion of the Company'sAGM's federally insured student loan portfolio. A summary of fixed rate floor income and its contribution to core loan spread follows:
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30, Three months ended March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Fixed rate floor income, grossFixed rate floor income, gross$31,866  10,840  50,625  21,265  Fixed rate floor income, gross$35,539 18,758 
Derivative settlements (a)Derivative settlements (a)(1,308) 12,165  816  28,867  Derivative settlements (a)(4,285)2,125 
Fixed rate floor income, netFixed rate floor income, net$30,558  23,005  51,441  50,132  Fixed rate floor income, net$31,254 20,883 
Fixed rate floor income contribution to spread, netFixed rate floor income contribution to spread, net0.61 %0.43 %0.50 %0.46 %Fixed rate floor income contribution to spread, net0.65 %0.40 %
(a)    Includes settlement payments onDerivative settlements consist of net settlements (paid) received related to the Company's derivatives used to hedge student loans earning fixed rate floor income.
The increase in gross fixed rate floor income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 compared to the same periodsperiod in 20192020 was due to lower interest rates in 20202021 as compared to 2019.2020. The Company has a portfolio of derivative instruments in which
42


the Company pays a fixed rate and receives a floating rate to economically hedge a portion of loans earning fixed rate floor income. The decreasechange from being in a net derivative settlements received frompositive settlement position on such derivatives during the floor income interest rate swapsfirst quarter of 2020 to being in 2020 as compared to 2019a net negative settlement position during the first quarter of 2021 was due to a decrease in the notional amount of derivatives outstanding and a decrease in interest rates. The Company anticipates receiving increased levels of gross fixed rate floor income in future periods as a result of the significant drop in interest rates in the first and second quarters of 2020. This increase will be partially offset by an increase in net settlements paid on derivatives used to hedge these loans. See Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk,” which provides additional detail on the Company’s portfolio earning fixed rate floor income and the derivatives used by the Company to hedge these loans.
Interest Rate Risk - Replacement of LIBOR as a Benchmark Rate
On March 5, 2021, the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (the “IBA”), which administers LIBOR, published the results of a consultation confirming its intention to cease the publication of LIBOR (i) after June 30, 2023 in the case of U.S. Dollar LIBOR rates for one-month, three-month, and certain other tenors, and (ii) after December 31, 2021 in all other cases. Also on March 5, 2021, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates the IBA, announced that it does not intend to sustain LIBOR by requiring panel banks to continue providing quotations of LIBOR beyond the dates for which they have notified their departure from IBA’s LIBOR quotation scheme, or to require IBA to publish LIBOR beyond such dates. As a result, immediately after the announced LIBOR discontinuation dates specified above, respectively, LIBOR will no longer be representative of the underlying market and economic reality that the rates are intended to measure. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the interest earned on a principal amount of $18.0$17.3 billion inof the Company’s FFELP student loan asset portfolio was indexed to one-month LIBOR, and the interest paid on a principal amount of $17.8$16.7 billion of the Company’s FFELP student loan asset-backed debt securities was indexed to one-month or three-month LIBOR. In addition, the majority of the Company’s derivative financial instrument transactions used to manage LIBOR interest rate risks are indexed to LIBOR. There is significant uncertainty regarding the availability ofNew LIBOR as a benchmark ratecontracts are generally not expected to be entered into after 2021, and anyDecember 31, 2021. A 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, as well as the Company’s LIBOR-indexed derivative instruments. See Item 1A, "Risk Factors - Loan Portfolio - Interest rate risk - replacement of LIBOR as a benchmark rate" in the Company's 20192020 Annual Report.Report for additional information.
Summary and Comparison of Operating Results
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30, Three months ended March 31,
2020201920202019Additional information 20212020Additional information
Net interest income after provision for loan losses$63,095  50,260  39,475  101,328  See table below for additional analysis.
Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan lossesNet interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses$116,922 (23,622)See table below for additional analysis.
Other incomeOther income445 3,215 Represents primarily borrower late fees. The decrease in borrower late fees in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to the Company suspending borrower late fees effective March 13, 2020 to provide borrowers relief as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gain on sale of loansGain on sale of loans—  1,712  18,206  1,712  The Company sold a portfolio of consumer loans in the first quarter of 2020 and second quarter of 2019 and recognized a gain of $18.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively.Gain on sale of loans— 18,206 The Company sold a portfolio of consumer loans in January 2020 and recognized a gain of $18.2 million.
Other income732  3,176  3,947  6,701  Represents primarily borrower late fees. The decrease in borrower late fees for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019 was due to the Company suspending borrower late fees effective March 13, 2020 to provide borrowers relief as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. See "Overview - Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic - Asset Generation and Management" above for additional information.
Impairment expense—  —  (26,303) —  In March 2020, the Company recognized an impairment of its beneficial interest in consumer loan securitization investments as a result of the expected impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. See note 5 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Impairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, netImpairment expense and provision for beneficial interests, net2,436 (26,303)In March 2020, the Company recognized a provision expense of $26.3 million related to its beneficial interest in consumer loan securitization investments as a result of the expected impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first quarter of 2021, $2.4 million of such provision was reversed due to improved economic conditions.
Derivative settlements, netDerivative settlements, net5,821  12,972  10,058  32,007  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.Derivative settlements, net(4,304)4,237 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.
Derivative market value adjustments, netDerivative market value adjustments, net38,809 (20,602)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 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 the Company's floor income interest rate swaps.
Total other income/expenseTotal other income/expense37,386 (21,247)
Salaries and benefitsSalaries and benefits495 443 
Other expensesOther expenses3,777 3,717 The primary component of other expenses is servicing fees paid to third parties.
Intersegment expensesIntersegment expenses8,427 11,916 Amounts include fees paid to the LSS operating segment for the servicing of the Company’s loan portfolio. These amounts exceed the actual cost of servicing the loans. The decrease in servicing fees in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to the expected amortization of the Company's FFELP portfolio and a decrease in certain servicing activities due to borrower relief initiatives and policies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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.
5643


Derivative market value adjustments, net(3,911) (37,060) (24,513) (67,635) 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 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 the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. During the first quarter of 2020 and first and second quarters of 2019, there were significant decreases in the forward yield curve resulting in decreases in the fair value of the Company's floor income interest rate swaps that resulted in a loss during these periods. Although the decreases in the forward yield curve were more substantial in 2020 as compared to 2019, the notional amount of derivatives outstanding during 2020 was much lower than compared to 2019.
Total other income/expense2,642  (19,200) (18,605) (27,215) 
Salaries and benefits421  382  863  760  
Other expenses4,863  6,207  8,581  10,044  The primary component of other expenses is servicing fees paid to third parties. During the second quarter of 2019, the Company recognized $1.8 million of expenses to extinguish asset-backed notes from certain securitizations prior to their contractual maturity. Excluding these costs, other expenses increased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019 due to an increase in third party servicing costs in connection with the Company's consumer loan portfolio.
Intersegment expenses9,055  11,665  20,971  23,952  Amounts include fees paid to the LSS operating segment for the servicing of the Company’s loan portfolio. These amounts exceed the actual cost of servicing the loans. The decrease in servicing fees for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019 was due to the expected amortization of the Company's FFELP portfolio and a decrease in certain servicing activities due to borrower relief initiatives and policies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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.
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses14,339  18,254  30,415  34,756  Total operating expenses, excluding the $1.8 million of expenses recognized in the second quarter of 2019 related to the extinguishment of debt prior to their contractual maturity (as described above), were 28 basis points and 30 basis points of the average balance of loans for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and 30 basis points for both the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.Total operating expenses12,699 16,076 Total operating expenses were 26 basis points and 31 basis points of the average balance of loans for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The decrease in 2021 as compared to 2020 was due to a decrease in certain servicing activities due to borrower relief initiatives and policies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Income (loss) before income taxesIncome (loss) before income taxes51,398  12,806  (9,545) 39,357  


Income (loss) before income taxes141,609 (60,945)


Income tax (expense) benefitIncome tax (expense) benefit(12,336) (3,074) 2,291  (9,446) Represents income tax (expense) benefit at an effective tax rate of 24%.Income tax (expense) benefit(33,987)14,627 Represents income tax (expense) benefit at an effective tax rate of 24%.
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$39,062  9,732  (7,254) 29,911  Net income (loss)$107,622 (46,318)
Additional information:Additional information:Additional information:
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$39,062  9,732  (7,254) 29,911  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 increase in net income for the three months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 was due to (i) an increase in core loan spread; (ii) a decrease in operating expenses; and (iii) a decrease in provision for loan losses. These items were partially offset by (i) a decrease in the average balance of loans in 2020 as compared to 2019 and (ii) a decrease in borrower late fees. The decrease in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 was due to (i) the impairment of the Company's beneficial interest in consumer loan securitizations recognized in 2020; (ii) the decrease in core loan spread and the average balance of loans in 2020 as compared to 2019; (iii) an incremental provision for loan losses in 2020 of $63.0 million (pre-tax) related to the increase in expected defaults as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and (iv) an increased provision for loan losses on loans acquired in 2020 to reflect life of loan expected losses as compared to loans acquired during 2019 for which the provision for loan losses was recognized based upon an incurred loss methodology. These items were partially offset by a td8.2 million (pre-tax) gain in 2020 from the sale of consumer loans.Net income (loss)$107,622 (46,318)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 increase in GAAP and non-GAAP net income was due to (i) an increase in core loan spread; (ii) a decrease in interest expense in 2021 as a result of reversing a historical accrued interest liability on certain bonds; and (iii) the recognition of a negative provision in the first quarter of 2021 related to loans and consumer loan residual investments as compared to provision expense on such assets in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These items were partially offset by (i) a decrease in the average balance of loans in 2021 as compared to 2020 and (ii) a gain in 2020 from the sale of consumer loans.
Derivative market value adjustments, netDerivative market value adjustments, net3,911  37,060  24,513  67,635  Derivative market value adjustments, net(38,809)20,602 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 increase in GAAP and non-GAAP net income was due to (i) an increase in core loan spread; (ii) a decrease in interest expense in 2021 as a result of reversing a historical accrued interest liability on certain bonds; and (iii) the recognition of a negative provision in the first quarter of 2021 related to loans and consumer loan residual investments as compared to provision expense on such assets in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These items were partially offset by (i) a decrease in the average balance of loans in 2021 as compared to 2020 and (ii) a gain in 2020 from the sale of consumer loans.
Tax effectTax effect(939) (8,894) (5,883) (16,232) Tax effect9,314 (4,944)
Net income, excluding derivative market value adjustments$42,034  37,898  11,376  81,314  
Net income (loss), excluding derivative market value adjustmentsNet income (loss), excluding derivative market value adjustments$78,127 (30,660)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 increase in GAAP and non-GAAP net income was due to (i) an increase in core loan spread; (ii) a decrease in interest expense in 2021 as a result of reversing a historical accrued interest liability on certain bonds; and (iii) the recognition of a negative provision in the first quarter of 2021 related to loans and consumer loan residual investments as compared to provision expense on such assets in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These items were partially offset by (i) a decrease in the average balance of loans in 2021 as compared to 2020 and (ii) a gain in 2020 from the sale of consumer loans.
5744



Net interest income after provision for loan losses, net of settlements on derivatives
The following table summarizes the components of "net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses" and "derivative settlements, net."
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30, Three months ended March 31,
2020201920202019Additional information 20212020Additional information
Variable interest income, grossVariable interest income, gross$155,646  271,983  361,156  549,006  Decrease was due to a decrease in the gross yield earned on loans and a decrease in the average balance of loans.Variable interest income, gross$129,170 205,512 Decrease in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to a decrease in the gross yield earned on loans and a decrease in the average balance of loans.
Consolidation rebate feesConsolidation rebate fees(42,387) (45,647) (85,524) (92,138) Decrease was due to a decrease in the average consolidation loan balance.Consolidation rebate fees(41,073)(43,137)Decrease in 2021 compared to 2020 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
1,015  1,046  1,675  2,421  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 amortization
118 660 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, net114,274  227,382  277,307  459,289  Variable interest income, net88,215 163,035 
Interest on bonds and notes
payable
Interest on bonds and notes
payable
(84,141) (183,072) (216,808) (371,029) Decrease was due to a decrease in cost of funds and a decrease in the average balance of debt outstanding.Interest on bonds and notes
payable
(26,771)(132,668)Decrease in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to a decrease in cost of funds and a decrease in the average balance of debt outstanding. In addition, during the first quarter of 2021, the Company reduced interest expense by $23.8 million as a result of reversing a historical accrued interest liability on certain bonds.
Derivative settlements, net (a)Derivative settlements, net (a)7,129  807  9,242  3,140  Derivative settlements include the net settlements received related to the Company’s 1:3 basis swaps.Derivative settlements, net (a)(19)2,112 Derivative settlements include the net settlements (paid) received related to the Company’s 1:3 basis swaps.
Variable loan interest margin,
net of settlements on
derivatives (a)
Variable loan interest margin,
net of settlements on
derivatives (a)
37,262  45,117  69,741  91,400  Variable loan interest margin,
net of settlements on
derivatives (a)
61,425 32,479 
Fixed rate floor income, grossFixed rate floor income, gross31,866  10,840  50,625  21,265  Fixed rate floor income increased due to lower interest rates in 2020 as compared to 2019.Fixed rate floor income, gross35,539 18,758 Fixed rate floor income increased in 2021 compared to 2020 due to lower interest rates in 2021 as compared to 2020.
Derivative settlements, net (a)Derivative settlements, net (a)(1,308) 12,165  816  28,867  Derivative settlements include the settlements received (paid) related to the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. Decrease in settlements was due to a decrease in the notional amount of derivatives outstanding and lower interest rates in 2020 as compared to 2019.Derivative settlements, net (a)(4,285)2,125 Derivative settlements include the settlements (paid) received related to the Company's floor income interest rate swaps. The change from being in a net positive settlement position on such derivatives during the first quarter of 2020 to being in a net negative settlement position during the first quarter of 2021 was due to a decrease in interest rates.
Fixed rate floor income, net of
settlements on derivatives
Fixed rate floor income, net of
settlements on derivatives
30,558  23,005  51,441  50,132  Fixed rate floor income, net of settlements on derivatives31,254 20,883 
Core loan interest income (a)Core loan interest income (a)67,820  68,122  121,182  141,532  Core loan interest income (a)92,679 53,362 
Investment interestInvestment interest4,443  5,073  8,577  9,608  Decrease was due to lower interest rates in 2020 as compared to 2019.Investment interest2,648 4,133 Decrease in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to lower interest rates and lower weighted average cash and restricted cash balances in 2021 as compared to 2020.
Intercompany interestIntercompany interest(348) (963) (929) (1,805) Intercompany interest(179)(581)Decrease in 2021 compared to 2020 was due to lower interest rates and lower weighted average debt outstanding in 2021 as compared to 2020.
Negative provision (provision) for
loan losses - federally insured
loans
1,950  (2,000) (37,373) (4,000) See "Allowance for Loan Losses and Loan Delinquencies" included above under "Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment - Results of Operations."
Provision for loan losses - federally insured loansProvision for loan losses - federally insured loans7,483 (39,323)See "Allowance for Loan Losses and Loan Delinquencies" included above under "Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment - Results of Operations."
Provision for loan losses -
private education loans
Provision for loan losses -
private education loans
(2,322) —  (12,121) —  Provision for loan losses - private education loans(1,431)(9,800)See "Allowance for Loan Losses and Loan Delinquencies" included above under "Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment - Results of Operations."
Provision for loan losses -
consumer loans
Provision for loan losses -
consumer loans
(2,627) (7,000) (29,803) (12,000) See "Allowance for Loan Losses and Loan Delinquencies" included above under "Asset Generation and Management Operating Segment - Results of Operations."Provision for loan losses - consumer loans11,418 (27,176)
Net interest income after provision
for loan losses (net of
settlements on derivatives) (a)
$68,916  63,232  49,533  133,335  
Net interest income (loss) after
provision for loan losses (net of
settlements on derivatives) (a)
Net interest income (loss) after
provision for loan losses (net of
settlements on derivatives) (a)
$112,618 (19,385)Increase in 2021 as compared to 2020 was due to (i) an increase in core loan spread; (ii) a decrease in interest expense in 2021 as a result of reversing a historical accrued interest liability on certain bonds; and (iii) the recognition of a negative provision for loan losses in 2021 as compared to provision for loan losses in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These items were partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of loans.
(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 on 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 as presented in this table. Core loan interest income and net interest income after provision for loan losses (net of settlements on derivatives) are non-GAAP financial measures, and 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.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 referred to in the "Additional information" column of this table, for the 20202021 and 20192020 periods presented in the table under the caption "Consolidated Financial Statement Impact Related to Derivatives - Statements of Income"Operations" in note 4 and in this table.

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45


NELNET BANK OPERATING SEGMENT – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Loan Portfolio
As of March 31, 2021, Nelnet Bank had a $79.2 million loan portfolio, consisting of private education loans.
As of March 31, 2021, Nelnet Bank's allowance for loan losses on its portfolio was $0.7 million, which represents a reserve equal to 0.9% of Nelnet Bank's private education loan portfolio. There were no charge offs recognized by the bank during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
The following table sets forth the activity in Nelnet Bank's loan portfolio:
Three months ended
March 31, 2021
Beginning balance:$17,543 
Originations64,909 
Repayments(1,995)
Sales to AGM segment(1,226)
Ending balance:$79,231 

Deposits
As of March 31, 2021, Nelnet Bank had $190.3 million of deposits. All of Nelnet Bank’s deposits are interest-bearing deposits and consist of brokered certificates of deposit (CDs), intercompany savings deposits, and retail and other savings deposits and CDs. The intercompany deposits are deposits from Nelnet, Inc. (Parent Company) and its subsidiaries and include a pledged deposit of $40.0 million from Nelnet, Inc. (Parent Company), as required under the Capital and Liquidity Maintenance Agreement with the FDIC, deposits required for intercompany transactions, operating deposits, and Nelnet Business Services custodial deposits consisting of tuition payments collected which are subsequently remitted to the appropriate school. Retail and other deposits include savings deposits from Educational 529 College Savings and Health Savings plans and commercial and institutional CDs. Union Bank and Trust Company ("Union Bank"), a related party, is the program manager for the College Savings plans.
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, 2021
BalanceRate
Average assets
Private education loans$43,746 3.37 %
Cash and investments215,613 1.91 
Total interest-earning assets259,359 2.15 %
Non-interest-earning assets6,541 
Total assets$265,900 
Average liabilities and equity
Brokered deposits2,984 0.55 %
Intercompany deposits56,684 0.28 
Retail and other deposits101,462 0.60 
Total interest-bearing liabilities161,130 0.49 %
Non-interest-bearing liabilities2,870 
Equity101,900 
Total liabilities and equity$265,900 

46


Regulatory Capital Requirements
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, and financial condition. On January 1, 2020, the Community Bank Leverage Ratio ("CBLR") framework, as issued jointly by the OCC, 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, 2021 with a leverage ratio of 38.6%. 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.
Summary of Operating Results
On November 2, 2020, Nelnet Bank obtained final approval for federal deposit insurance from the FDIC and for a bank charter from the UDFI and Nelnet Bank launched operations. Nelnet Bank's operations are presented by the Company as a reportable operating segment. Costs associated with Nelnet Bank prior to November 2, 2020 are included in the Corporate operating segment. In addition, certain shared service and support costs incurred by the Company are not and will not be reflected as part of the Nelnet Bank operating segment through 2023 (the bank's de novo period). The shared service and support costs incurred by the Company related to Nelnet Bank and not reflected in the bank's operating segment were $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Three months ended
March 31, 2021Additional information
Total interest income$1,376 Represents interest earned on Nelnet Bank's private education student loans and investments.
Interest expense194 Represents interest expense on deposits.
Net interest income1,182 
Less: Provision for loan losses422 Represents provision expense during the period, primarily related to loans originated during the current period.
Net interest income after provision for loan losses760 
Other income22 
Salaries and benefits1,488 Represents salaries and benefits of Nelnet Bank associates and third-party contract labor.
Other expenses545 Represents various expenses such as postage, consulting and professional fees, occupancy, certain information technology-related costs, insurance, marketing, and other operating expenses.
Intersegment expensesRepresents servicing costs paid to the LSS operating segment.
Total operating expenses2,036 
Loss before income taxes(1,254)
Income tax benefit286 Represents income tax benefit at an effective tax rate of 22.8%.
Net loss$(968)



47


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company’s Loan Servicing and Systems, and Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing 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. 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 capital needs to expand ALLO's communications network in the Company's Communications operating segment.
Sources of Liquidity
The Company has historically generated positive cash flow from operations. For the year ended December 31, 2020 and the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company’s net cash provided by operating activities was $212.8 million and $48.7 million, respectively.
As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $67.5$144.2 million. The Company also had a portfolio of available-for-sale investments, consisting primarily of student loan asset-backed securities (classified as available-for-sale) with a fair value of $142.2$379.2 million as of June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. The Company invests excess cash in student loan asset-backed securities, and the cash proceeds from the sale of these securities could be used for operating and/or other investing opportunities.
Cash and investments held by Nelnet Bank are generally not available for Company activities outside of Nelnet Bank. Excluding Nelnet Bank, cash and cash equivalents and the fair value of student-loan asset backed securities as of March 31, 2021 was $120.5 million and $187.9 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company hashad participated $86.7$113.5 million of theseits student-loan asset backed securities, and such participation is reflected as debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
The Company also has a $455.0 million unsecured line of credit that matures on December 16, 2024. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, there was $30.0 millionno amount outstanding on the unsecured line of credit and $425.0$455.0 million was available for future use. The line of credit provides that the Company may increase the aggregate financing commitments, through the existing lenders and/or through new lenders, up to a total of $550.0 million, subject to certain conditions. In addition, the Company has a $22.0 million secured line of credit agreement that matures on May 30, 2022. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the secured line of credit had $5.0 million outstanding and $17.0 million was available for future use.
In addition, the Company has retained certain of its own asset-backed securities upon their initial issuance or 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 June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company holds $14.6$24.3 million (par value) of its own asset-backed securities.
The Company intends to use its liquidity position to capitalize on market opportunities, including FFELP, private education, and consumer loan acquisitions;acquisitions (or investment interests therein); strategic acquisitions and investments, including anticipated capital commitments to Nelnet Bank; expansion of ALLO's telecommunications network;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.
Cash Flows
On a calendar year annual basis,During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company has historically generated positive cash flow from operations. However, during the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company used $105.6$48.7 million in operating activities, compared to using $17.8$144.5 million for the same period in 2019.
As part of the Company’s Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing operating segment, the Company collects tuition payments and subsequently remits these payments to the appropriate schools. Cash collected for customers and the related liability are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. These accounts fluctuate with the fall and spring school terms based on the timing of when the Company collects tuition payments from customers and remits such payments to schools, resulting in these balances being significantly lower as of June 30 as compared to the balances as of December 31.2020. The “due to customers” liability account decreased $169.2 million and $90.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. These decreases negatively impacted cash used in operating activities in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows for these periods.
Excluding the impact of the decrease in the "due to customers" liability account, the Company generated $63.6 million from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to generating $72.9 million from operating activities for the same period in 2019. The decreaseincrease in such cash flows from operating activities was due to:
The decreaseincrease in net income;
Adjustments to net income for the impact of gains from the sale of loans during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and the non-cash change in deferred income taxes;
Proceeds from the Company's clearinghouse for margin payments on derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to payments to the clearinghouse in 2020; and
The impact of changes to the due to customers liability account, other liabilities, and accrued interest receivable during the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020.
These factors were partially offset by:
The adjustments to net income for derivative market value adjustments;
Adjustments to net income for the impact of the gains from sale of loans and investments; and
The impact of changes to accrued interest receivable and other liabilities during the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019.
5948


These factors were partially offset by:
Adjustments to net income for the impact of the non-cash provision for loan losses, beneficial interests, and impairment charges;
A decrease in net payments to the Company's clearinghouse for margin payments on derivatives; and
The impact of changes to accounts receivable, and other assets, and accrued interest payable during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period in 2019.2020.
The primary items included in the statement of cash flows for investing activities are the purchase and repayment of loans. The primary items included in financing activities are the proceeds from the issuance of and payments on bonds and notes payable used to fund loans. Cash provided by investing activities and used in financing activities for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 was $717.3$468.4 million and $913.0$528.1 million, respectively. Cash provided by investing activities and used in financing activities for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2019March 31, 2020 was $855.5$105.7 million and $976.0$83.5 million, 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 the Company's debt obligations outstanding that are secured by loan assets and related collateral.
 As of June 30, 2020March 31, 2021
Carrying amountFinal maturity
Bonds and notes issued in asset-backed securitizations$19,459,69118,459,431 5/27/25 - 4/10/25/68
FFELP and private education and consumer loan warehouse facilities382,052 405,215 11/22/215/20/22 - 2/26/2324
 $19,841,74318,864,646  

Bonds and Notes Issued in Asset-backed Securitizations
The majority of the Company’s portfolio of student loans is funded in asset-backed securitizations that are structured to substantially match the maturity of the funded assets, thereby minimizing liquidity risk. 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 the Company receives on the loans and cost of financing within these transactions, and (ii) the servicing and administration fees the Company earns from these transactions, the Company has created a portfolio that will generate earnings and significant cash flow over the life of these transactions.
As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, based on cash flow models developed to reflect management’s current estimate of, among other factors, prepayments, defaults, deferment, forbearance, and interest rates, the Company currently expects future undiscounted cash flows from its portfolio to be approximately $2.28$2.17 billion as detailed below.
The forecasted cash flow presented below includes all loans funded in asset-backed securitizations as of June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company had $19.3$18.4 billion of loans included in asset-backed securitizations, which represented 97.396.8 percent of its total loan portfolio. The forecasted cash flow does not include cash flows that the Company expects to receive related to loans funded in its warehouse facilities as of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, private education and consumer loans funded with operating cash, and loans acquired subsequent to June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021, and loans owned by Nelnet Bank.

6049


Asset-backed Securitization Cash Flow Forecast
$2.282.17 billion
(dollars in millions)
nni-20200630_g3.jpgnni-20210331_g4.jpg
The forecasted future undiscounted cash flows of approximately $2.28$2.17 billion include approximately $1.14$1.19 billion (as of June 30, 2020)March 31, 2021) 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" and "restricted cash." The difference between the total estimated future undiscounted cash flows and the overcollateralization of approximately $1.14$0.98 billion, or approximately $0.87$0.74 billion after income taxes based on the estimated effective tax rate, is expected to be accretive to the Company's June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 balance of consolidated shareholders' equity.
Two of the Company’s asset-backed securitizations as of June 30, 2020 are structured as “Turbo Transactions” which require all cash generated from the student loans (including excess spread) to be directed toward payment of interest and any outstanding principal generally until such time as all principal on the notes has been paid in full. Once the notes in such transactions are paid in full, the remaining unencumbered student loans (and other remaining assets, if any) in the securitizations will be released to the Company, at which time the Company will have the option to refinance or sell these assets, or retain them on the balance sheet as unencumbered assets.
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 that are generally consistent with those utilized in the Company’s recent asset-backed securitization transactions. If management used a prepayment rate assumption two times greater than what was used to forecast the cash flow, the cash flow forecast would be reduced by approximately $180$140 million to $210$175 million.
Interest rates: The Company funds a large portion of its student loans with three-month LIBOR indexed floating rate securities. Meanwhile, the interest earned on the Company’s student loan assets is indexed primarily to a one-month LIBOR rate. The different interest rate characteristics of the Company’s loan assets and liabilities funding these assets result in basis risk. The Company’s cash flow forecast assumes three-month LIBOR will exceed one-month LIBOR by 12 basis points for the life of the portfolio, which approximates the historical relationship between these indices. If the forecast is computed assuming
61


a spread of 24 basis points between three-month and one-month LIBOR for the life of the portfolio, the cash flow forecast would be reduced by approximately $25$45 million to $45$70 million. As the percentage of the Company's outstanding debt financed by three-month LIBOR declines, the Company's basis risk will be reduced.
ThereLIBOR is significant uncertainty regardingin the availabilityprocess of LIBORbeing discontinued as a benchmark rate, after 2021, and any 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 "Interest Rate Risk - Replacement of LIBOR as a Benchmark Rate" above and Item 1A, "Risk Factors - Loan Portfolio -
50


Interest rate risk - replacement of LIBOR as a benchmark rate" in the Company's 20192020 Annual Report. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic may impact forecasted cash flows from the Company's asset-backed securitizations. See Part II, Item 1A. "Risk Factors - The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted our results of operations, and could continue to adversely impact our results of operations, as well as adversely impact our businesses, financial condition, and/or cash flows" in this report.Report for additional information.
The Company uses the current forward interest rate yield curve to forecast cash flows. A change in the forward interest rate curve would impact the future cash flows generated from the portfolio. An increase in future interest rates will reduce the amount of fixed rate floor income the Company is currently receiving. The Company attempts to mitigate the impact of a rise in short-term rates by hedging interest rate risks. The forecasted cash flow does not include cash flows the Company expects to pay/receive related to derivative instruments used by the Company to manage interest rate risk. See Item 3, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Interest Rate Risk."
Warehouse Facilities
The Company funds a portion of its FFELP loan acquisitions using its FFELP warehouse facilities. Student loan warehousing allows the Company to buy and manage student loans prior to transferring them into more permanent financing arrangements. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company had two FFELP warehouse facilities with an aggregate maximum financing amount available of $550.0$310.0 million, of which $201.1$247.0 million was outstanding and $348.9$63.0 million was available for additional funding. One warehouse facility has a static advance rate until the expiration date of the liquidity provisions (November(May 20, 2020)2021). 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 (November 22, 2021)(May 20, 2022). The other warehouse facility has a static advance rate that requires initial equity for loan funding and does not require increased equity based on market movements. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company had $16.0$20.5 million advanced as equity support on these facilities. For further discussion of the Company's FFELP warehouse facilities outstanding at June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, see note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
On February 13, 2020, theThe Company closed onhas a private education loan warehouse facility withthat, as of March 31, 2021, had an aggregate maximum financing amount available of $100.0 million. On March 20, 2020, the facility was amended to increase the maximum financing amount to $200.0 million. The facility has$175.0 million, an advance rate of 80 to 90 percent, liquidity provisions through February 13, 2021,2022, and a final maturity date of February 13, 2022.2023. As of June 30, 2020, $107.4March 31, 2021, $158.2 million was outstanding under this warehouse facility, and $92.6$16.8 million was available for future funding. Additionally, as of June 30, 2020, the Company had $12.4funding, and $17.0 million was advanced as equity support under this facility.
The Company has a consumer loan warehouse facility that has an aggregate maximum financing amount available of $200.0 million, an advance rate of 70 or 75 percent depending on the type of collateral and subject to certain concentration limits, liquidity provisions to April 23, 2021, and a final maturity date of April 23, 2022. As of June 30, 2020, $73.6 million was outstanding under this facility and $126.4 million was available for future funding. Additionally, as of June 30, 2020, the Company had $24.7 million advanced as equity support under this facility.
Subsequent to June 30, 2020, the Company made the decision to sell an additional $60.8 million (par value) of consumer loans to an unrelated third party, who securitized such loans. As partial consideration received for the consumer loans sold, the Company received a 25.4 percent residual interest in the consumer loan securitization. The Company currently anticipates recognizing a gain in the third quarter of 2020 of $14.8 million (pre-tax) from the sale of these loans. After the completion of this loan sale, $46.8 million was outstanding under the Company's consumer loan warehouse facility and $153.2 million was available for future funding.support.
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.
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The Company had a $100.0 million consumer loan warehouse facility that was terminated on March 31, 2021. The Company used operating cash to pay off the $20.7 million outstanding balance on this facility upon its termination.
Other Uses of Liquidity
The Company no longer originates new FFELP loans, but continues to acquire FFELP loan portfolios from third parties and believes additional loan purchase opportunities exist, including opportunities to purchase private education and consumer loans (or investment interests therein).
In December of 2020, Wells Fargo announced the sale of its approximately $10.0 billion portfolio of private education student loans representing approximately 445,000 borrowers. In conjunction with the sale, the Company was selected as servicer of the portfolio. During March 2021, approximately 261,000 borrowers were converted to the Company's servicing platform, with the remaining borrowers converted in April 2021. In addition, the Company has entered into agreements to participate in a joint venture to acquire the portfolio. In total (during March and April 2021), the Company has invested approximately $70 million in the joint venture for an approximate 8 percent of the interest in the loans. In addition, the Company will serve as the sponsor and administrator for loan securitizations on behalf of the purchaser group as the loans are securitized, and provide the required level of risk retention as the loans are permanently financed.
The Company plans to fund additional loan acquisitions and related investments using current cash and investments; using its unsecured line of credit, using its Union Bank student loan participation agreement (as described below); using its Union Bank student loan asset-backed securities participation agreement (as described below) and/or establishing similar secured 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.
Union Bank Participation Agreement
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 June 30, 2020, $925.3 March 31, 2021, $945.8
51


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 Transactions
During the first six months of 2020, the Company completed three FFELP asset-backed securitizations totaling $1.1 billion (par value). The proceeds from these transactions were used primarily to refinance student loans included in the Company's FFELP warehouse facilities. See note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional information on these securitizations.
The Company, through its subsidiaries, has historically funded student loans by completing asset-backed securitizations. Fitch Ratings, Standard & Poor's, and Moody's Investors Service have recently downgraded and placed numerous tranches of FFELP securitizations by various issuers, including certain tranches of prior FFELP securitizations issued by subsidiaries of the Company, on review for potential downgrade due to principal payments and prepayments on the underlying student loans coming in slower than initial expectations, and the resulting risk that certain principal maturities on those FFELP securitizations may not be met by the final maturity dates, which could result in an event of default under the underlying securitization agreements. The decrease in principal payments and prepayments is due to significant increases in forbearances resulting from a contraction in economic activity and an increase in unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Such rating actions have caused the spreads on FFELP securitizations in general to widen and have reduced the liquidity in the secondary market for FFELP securitizations.
The ultimate impact of these developments on the Company’s current and future securitizations is uncertain. Depending on future rating agency actions and market conditions, the Company currently anticipates continuing to access the asset-backed securitization market. Such asset-backed securitization transactions would be used to refinance student loans included in its warehouse facilities, loans purchased from third parties, and/or student loans in its existing asset-backed securitizations.
Liquidity Impact Related to Hedging Activities
The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage interest rate sensitivity. By using derivative instruments,There were no asset-backed securitization transactions completed during the Company is exposed to market risk which could impact its liquidity. Based on the derivative portfolio outstanding asfirst three months of June 30, 2020, the Company does not currently anticipate any movement in interest rates having a material impact on its capital or liquidity profile, nor does the Company expect that any movement in interest rates would have a material impact on its ability to meet potential collateral deposits with its counterparties and/or make variation margin payments to its third-party clearinghouse. However, if interest rates move materially and negatively impact the fair value of the Company's derivative portfolio, the replacement of LIBOR as a benchmark rate has significant adverse impacts on the Company's derivatives, or if the Company enters into additional derivatives for which the fair value becomes negative, the Company could be required to deposit additional collateral with its derivative instrument counterparties and/or make variation margin payments to its third-party clearinghouse. The collateral deposits or variation margin, if significant, could negatively impact the Company's liquidity and capital resources. In addition, clearing rules require the Company to post amounts of liquid collateral when executing new derivative instruments, which could prevent or limit the Company from utilizing additional derivative instruments to manage interest rate sensitivity and risks. 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.
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Liquidity Impact Related to the Communications Operating Segment
ALLO has made significant investments in its communications network and currently provides fiber directly to homes and businesses in communities in Nebraska and Colorado. ALLO plans to continue to increase market share and revenue in its existing markets and is currently evaluating opportunities to expand to other communities in the Midwest. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, ALLO's capital expenditures were $17.2 million. The Company currently anticipates total ALLO network capital expenditures for the remainder of 2020 (July 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020) will be approximately $20 million. However, this amount could change based on customer demand for ALLO's services. The Company currently plans to use cash from operating activities and its third-party unsecured line of credit to fund ALLO's capital expenditures, as well as potentially other third-party financing alternatives.2021.
Liquidity Impact Related to Nelnet Bank
On March 18,November 2, 2020, the Company announced that it received notification ofobtained final approval from the FDIC Board of Directors for federal deposit insurance from the FDIC and for a bank charter from the UDFI in connection with the establishment of Nelnet Bank, as a Utah-chartered industrial bank.and Nelnet Bank would operatelaunched operations. Nelnet Bank was funded by the Company with an initial capital contribution of $100.0 million, consisting of $55.9 million of cash and $44.1 million of student loan asset-backed securities. In addition, the Company made a pledged deposit of $40.0 million with Nelnet Bank, as required under an internet bank franchise focused on the private education loan marketplace,agreement with a home office in Draper, Utah.
The approval from the FDIC and UDFI is subjectdiscussed below.
Prior to a number of conditions, including compliance with the terms of the orders from the FDIC and UDFI. In addition, Nelnet Bank will have to meet a readiness review by the FDIC and UDFI before commencing operations. Although a formal timeline has not been established for these items, the Company currently believes Nelnet Bank could be approved and operational by the fourth quarter of 2020.
On June 26, 2020,approval, 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 percent; (ii) provide and maintain a revolving line of creditan irrevocable asset liquidity takeout commitment for the benefit of Nelnet Bank in an amount equal to the greater of either 10 percent 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.
Based on the current business plan for Nelnet Bank will be funded with anand its strong financial condition after the first few months of operations, the Company currently believes that the initial capital commitmentcontribution of $100.0 million from the Company.and pledged deposit of $40.0 million should provide sufficient capital and liquidity to Nelnet Bank will operate asfor the next two to three years.
Liquidity Impact Related to ALLO Communications LLC
As previously disclosed, on October 1, 2020, the Company entered into various agreements with SDC, a separate subsidiarythird party global digital infrastructure investor, and ALLO, for various transactions contemplated by the parties in connection with a recapitalization and additional funding for ALLO. After completion of the initial transactions subject to these agreements, SDC, the Company, and members of ALLO's management own approximately 48 percent, 45 percent, and 7 percent, respectively, of the industrial bank charteroutstanding voting membership interests of ALLO, and upon the receipt of regulatory approvals for the transactions on December 21, 2020 the Company deconsolidated ALLO from the Company's consolidated financial statements. In addition, on January 19, 2021, ALLO closed on certain private debt financing facilities from unrelated third-party lenders providing for aggregate financing of up to $230.0 million. With proceeds from this transaction, ALLO redeemed a portion of its non-voting preferred membership interests held by the Company in exchange for an aggregate redemption price payment to the Company of $100.0 million.
The agreements among the Company, SDC, and ALLO provide that they will allowuse commercially reasonable efforts (which expressly excludes requiring ALLO to raise any additional equity financing or sell any assets) to cause ALLO to redeem, on or before April 2024, the remaining non-voting preferred membership interests of ALLO held by the Company, plus the amount of accrued and unpaid preferred return on such interests. As of March 31, 2021, the outstanding preferred membership interests and accrued and unpaid preferred return of ALLO held by the Company was $131.2 million. The non-voting preferred membership interests earn a preferred annual return of 6.25 percent.
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. However, ALLO has obtained third-party debt financing to support its
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current growth plans, and thus the Company currently believes additional equity contributions to ALLO are not likely in the immediate future.
Liquidity Impact Related to Hedging Activities
The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage interest rate sensitivity. By using derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to market risk which could impact its liquidity. Based on the derivative portfolio outstanding as of March 31, 2021, the Company does not currently anticipate any movement in interest rates having a material impact on its capital or liquidity profile, nor does the Company expect that any movement in interest rates would have a material impact on its ability to make variation margin payments to its third-party clearinghouse. However, if interest rates move materially and negatively impact the fair value of the Company's derivative portfolio, the replacement of LIBOR as a benchmark rate has significant adverse impacts on the Company's derivatives, or if the Company enters into additional derivatives for which the fair value becomes negative, the Company could be required to make variation margin payments to its third-party clearinghouse. The variation margin, if significant, could negatively impact the Company's liquidity and capital resources. In addition, clearing rules require the Company to maintain its other diversified business offerings.post amounts of liquid collateral when executing new derivative instruments, which could prevent or limit the Company from utilizing additional derivative instruments to manage interest rate sensitivity and risks. 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.
Other Debt Facilities
As discussed above, the Company has a $455.0 million unsecured line of credit with a maturity date of December 16, 2024. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the unsecured line of credit had $30.0 millionno amount outstanding and $425.0$455.0 million was available for future use. The Company also has a $22.0 million secured line of credit agreement with a maturity date of May 30, 2022. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the secured line of credit had $5.0 million outstanding with $17.0 million available for future use. The line of credit is secured by several Company-owned properties. Upon the maturity date of these facilities, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain these lines of credit, increase the amount outstanding under the lines, or find alternative funding if necessary.
The Company has issued Junior Subordinated Hybrid Securities (the "Hybrid Securities") that have a final maturity of September 15, 2061. The Hybrid Securities are unsecured obligations of the Company. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had $20.4 million of Hybrid Securities that remain outstanding.
During the second quarter of 2020, the Company entered into an agreement with Union Bank, as trustee for various grantor trusts, under which Union Bank has agreed to purchase from the Company participation interests in student loan asset-backed securities. As of June 30, 2020, $86.7March 31, 2021, $113.5 million of student loan asset-backed securities were subject to outstanding participation interests held by Union Bank, as trustee, under this agreement. This participation agreement has been accounted for by the Company as a secured borrowing. Upon termination or expiration of this agreement, the Company would expect to use operating cash, consider the sale of assets, or transfer collateral to satisfy any remaining obligations.
For further discussion of these debt facilities described above, see note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
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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 7, 2022. As of June 30, 2020, 3,335,819March 31, 2021, 3,246,732 shares remained authorized for repurchase under the Company's stock repurchase program. Shares may be repurchased from time to time depending on various factors, including share prices and other potential uses of liquidity.
Shares repurchased by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 20202021 are shown below. CertainSuch shares were repurchased from employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of these repurchases were made pursuant to a trading plan adopted by the Company in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. For additional information onrestricted stock, repurchases during the second quarter of 2020, see "Stock Repurchases" under Part II, Item 2 of this report.
Total shares repurchasedPurchase price
(in thousands)
Average price of shares repurchased (per share)
Quarter ended March 31, 202024,885  $1,253  50.36  
Quarter ended June 30, 20201,473,049  67,274  45.67  
  Total1,497,934  $68,527  45.75  
Included in the shares repurchased during the quarter ended June 30, 2020 in the table above are a total of 100,000 shares of Class A common stock the Company purchased on May 27, 2020 from Shelby J. Butterfield, a significant shareholderand not as part of the Company. The shares were purchased at a discount to the closing market price of the Company's Class A common stock as of May 27, 2020, and the transaction was separately approved by the Company's Board of Directors. Immediately prior to the Company's repurchase of such shares from Ms. Butterfield, the repurchased shares were shares of the Company's Class B common stock that Ms. Butterfield converted to shares of Class A common stock.program.
Total shares repurchasedPurchase price
(in thousands)
Average price of shares repurchased (per share)
Quarter ended March 31, 202126,199 $2,009 76.70 

Dividends
On JuneMarch 15, 2020,2021, the Company paid a secondfirst quarter 20202021 cash dividend on the Company's Class A and Class B common stock of $0.20$0.22 per share. In addition, the Company's Board of Directors has declared a thirdsecond quarter 20202021 cash dividend on the Company's outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock of $0.20$0.22 per share. The thirdsecond quarter cash dividend will be paid on September 15, 2020June 14, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 1, 2020.May 31, 2021.
The Company currently plans to continue making regular quarterly dividend payments, subject to future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, and other factors. In addition, the payment of dividends is subject to the terms of the Company’s outstanding Hybrid Securities, which generally provide that if the Company defers interest payments on those securities it cannot pay dividends on its capital stock.
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ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
(All dollars are in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Interest Rate Risk
The Company’s primary market risk exposure arises from fluctuations in its borrowing and lending rates, the spread between which could impact the Company due to shifts in market interest rates.
The following table sets forth the Company’s loan assets and debt instruments by rate characteristics:
As of June 30, 2020As of December 31, 2019 As of March 31, 2021As of December 31, 2020
DollarsPercentDollarsPercent DollarsPercentDollarsPercent
Fixed-rate loan assetsFixed-rate loan assets$6,905,489  34.8 %$3,647,365  17.5 %Fixed-rate loan assets$8,470,975 44.3 %$8,737,346 44.6 %
Variable-rate loan assetsVariable-rate loan assets12,924,908  65.2  17,151,354  82.5  Variable-rate loan assets10,638,479 55.7 10,839,305 55.4 
TotalTotal$19,830,397  100.0 %$20,798,719  100.0 %Total$19,109,454 100.0 %$19,576,651 100.0 %
Fixed-rate debt instrumentsFixed-rate debt instruments$803,005  4.0 %$562,203  2.7 %Fixed-rate debt instruments$951,143 5.0 %$960,327 4.9 %
Variable-rate debt instrumentsVariable-rate debt instruments19,180,821  96.0  20,240,977  97.3  Variable-rate debt instruments18,032,040 95.0 18,598,522 95.1 
TotalTotal$19,983,826  100.0 %$20,803,180  100.0 %Total$18,983,183 100.0 %$19,558,849 100.0 %
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
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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.
As a result of the significant drop in interest rates in March 2020, and the first half of the second quarter of 2020, the Company earned $3.9 million and $4.8$0.9 million of variable-rate floor income on approximately $1.4 billion of FFELP loans during the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2020. Since the borrower rate reset on July 1, 2020, respectively. Thethe Company no longer earns such variable-rate floor income on these loans, since the borrower rate reset on July 1, 2020 to reflectreflecting the lower interest rate environment. No variable-rate floor income was earned by the Company in 2019.
A summary of fixed rate floor income earned by the Company follows.
Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,Three months ended March 31,
202020192020201920212020
Fixed rate floor income, grossFixed rate floor income, gross$31,866  10,840  50,625  21,265  Fixed rate floor income, gross$35,539 18,758 
Derivative settlements (a)Derivative settlements (a)(1,308) 12,165  816  28,867  Derivative settlements (a)(4,285)2,125 
Fixed rate floor income, netFixed rate floor income, net$30,558  23,005  51,441  50,132  Fixed rate floor income, net$31,254 20,883 
(a)    Includes settlement payments onDerivative settlements consist of settlements (paid) received related to the Company's derivatives used to hedge student loans earning fixed rate floor income.
Gross fixed rate floor income increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 as compared to the same periodsperiod in 20192020 due to lower interest rates in 20202021 as compared to 2019.2020.
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.
The decreasechange from being in a net derivative settlements received frompositive settlement position on such derivatives during the floor income interest rate swaps forfirst quarter of 2020 to being in a net negative settlement position during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the same periods in 2019first quarter of 2021 was due to a decrease in the notional amount of derivatives outstanding and a decrease in interest rates.
The Company anticipates receiving increased levels of gross fixed rate floor income in future periods as a result of the significant drop in interest rates in March 2020 and the second quarter of 2020. This increase will be partially offset by an increase in net settlements paid on derivatives used to hedge these loans.
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The following graph depicts fixed rate floor income for a borrower with a fixed rate of 6.75% and a SAP rate of 2.64%:
nni-20210331_g5.jpg
The following table shows the Company’s federally insured student loan assets that were earning fixed rate floor income as of June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021.
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
< 3.0%< 3.0%2.88%0.24%$1,148,014 
3.0 - 3.49%3.0 - 3.49%3.27 %0.73 %$985,604  3.0 - 3.49%3.19%0.55%1,457,170 
3.5 - 3.99%3.5 - 3.99%3.66 %1.02 %1,374,119  3.5 - 3.99%3.65%1.01%1,399,853 
4.0 - 4.49%4.0 - 4.49%4.20 %1.56 %1,081,053  4.0 - 4.49%4.20%1.56%1,048,179 
4.5 - 4.99%4.5 - 4.99%4.71 %2.07 %678,431  4.5 - 4.99%4.71%2.07%652,729 
5.0 - 5.49%5.0 - 5.49%5.22 %2.58 %443,610  5.0 - 5.49%5.22%2.58%435,515 
5.5 - 5.99%5.5 - 5.99%5.67 %3.03 %302,021  5.5 - 5.99%5.67%3.03%292,332 
6.0 - 6.49%6.0 - 6.49%6.19 %3.55 %347,076  6.0 - 6.49%6.19%3.55%335,607 
6.5 - 6.99%6.5 - 6.99%6.70 %4.06 %339,097  6.5 - 6.99%6.70%4.06%328,879 
7.0 - 7.49%7.0 - 7.49%7.17 %4.53 %120,445  7.0 - 7.49%7.17%4.53%121,487 
7.5 - 7.99%7.5 - 7.99%7.71 %5.07 %216,190  7.5 - 7.99%7.71%5.07%221,019 
8.0 - 8.99%8.0 - 8.99%8.18 %5.54 %512,420  8.0 - 8.99%8.18%5.54%525,096 
> 9.0%> 9.0%9.05 %6.41 %195,264  > 9.0%9.05%6.41%198,084 
$6,595,330  $8,163,964 

(a) The estimated variable conversion rate is the estimated short-term interest rate at which loans would convert to a variable rate. As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the weighted average estimated variable conversion rate was 2.35%1.94% and the short-term interest rate was 3712 basis points.

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The following table summarizes the outstanding derivative instruments as of June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 used by the Company to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income.
MaturityMaturityNotional amountWeighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)(d)MaturityNotional amountWeighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)
MaturityNotional amountWeighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)
20212021$600,000  2.15 %2021$600,000 2.15 %
2022 (b)2022 (b)500,000  0.94  2022 (b)500,000 0.94 
2023 (c)400,000  1.00  
20232023900,000 0.62 
2024 (c)2024 (c)2,500,000 0.35 
20252025500,000 0.35 
$5,000,000 0.67 %
$1,500,000  1.44 %
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(a)    For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR.
(b)    $250.0 million of these derivatives have forward effective start dates in each of August 2020 and June 2021.
(c)     $250.0$500.0 million of these derivatives have forward effective start dates in July 2020.
(d) Excluding the derivatives with forward effective start dates, the weighted average fixed rate paid by the Company as of June 30, 2020 on its $750 million floor income derivative portfolio was 2.17%.2021.
The Company is also exposed to interest rate risk in the form of basis risk and repricing risk because the interest rate characteristics of the Company’s assets do not match the interest rate characteristics of the funding for those assets. The following table presents the Company’s FFELP student loan assets and related funding for those assets arranged by underlying indices as of June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021.
IndexIndexFrequency of variable resetsAssetsFunding of student loan assetsIndexFrequency of variable resetsAssetsFunding of student loan assets
1 month LIBOR (a)1 month LIBOR (a)Daily$18,007,201  —  1 month LIBOR (a)Daily$17,313,992 — 
3 month H15 financial commercial paper3 month H15 financial commercial paperDaily786,316  —  3 month H15 financial commercial paperDaily710,549 — 
3 month Treasury bill3 month Treasury billDaily594,354  —  3 month Treasury billDaily580,842 — 
1 month LIBOR1 month LIBORMonthly—  10,911,193  1 month LIBORMonthly— 10,446,455 
3 month LIBOR (a)3 month LIBOR (a)Quarterly—  6,927,757  3 month LIBOR (a)Quarterly— 6,269,914 
Fixed rateFixed rate—  760,063  Fixed rate— 915,947 
Auction-rate (b)Auction-rate (b)Varies—  757,925  Auction-rate (b)Varies— 747,075 
Asset-backed commercial paper (c)Asset-backed commercial paper (c)Varies—  201,126  Asset-backed commercial paper (c)Varies— 247,018 
Other (d)Other (d)1,408,662  1,238,469  Other (d)1,332,125 1,311,099 
 $20,796,533  20,796,533    $19,937,508 19,937,508 

(a)    The Company has certain basis swaps outstanding in which the Company receives three-month LIBOR and pays one-month LIBOR plus or minus a spread as defined in the agreements (the "1:3 Basis Swaps"). The Company entered into these derivative instruments to better match the interest rate characteristics on its student loan assets and the debt funding such assets. The following table summarizes the 1:3 Basis Swaps outstanding as of June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021.
MaturityNotional amount (i)
2021$250,000 
20222,000,000 
2023750,000 
20241,750,000 
20261,150,000 
2027250,000 
$6,150,000 

(i)    The weighted average rate paid by the Company on the 1:3 Basis Swaps as of June 30, 2020March 31, 2021 was one-month LIBOR plus 9.1 basis points.
(b)    As of June 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, the Company was sponsor for $757.9$747.1 million of outstanding asset-backed securities that were set and provide for interest rates to be periodically reset via a "dutch auction" (“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 LIBOR or Treasury Securities, or the Net Loan Rate as defined in the financing documents.
(c)    The interest rates on the Company's warehouse facilities are indexed to asset-backed commercial paper rates.
(d)    Assets include accrued interest receivable and restricted cash. Funding represents overcollateralization (equity) and other liabilities included in FFELP asset-backed securitizations and warehouse facilities.
ThereLIBOR is significant uncertainty regardingin the availabilityprocess of LIBORbeing discontinued as a benchmark rate, after 2021, and any 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 "Interest Rate Risk - Replacement of LIBOR as a Benchmark Rate" under Item 2 above and Item 1A, "Risk Factors - Loan Portfolio - Interest rate risk - replacement of LIBOR as a benchmark rate" in the Company's 20192020 Annual Report.Report for additional information.
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Sensitivity Analysis
The following tables summarize the effect on the Company’s earnings, based upon a sensitivity analysis performed by the Company assuming hypothetical increases in interest rates of 100 basis points and 300 basis points while funding spreads remain constant. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was performed assuming the funding index increases 10 basis points and 30 basis points while holding the asset index constant, if the funding index is different than the asset index. The sensitivity analysis was performed on the Company’s variable rate assets (including loans earning fixed rate floor income) and liabilities. The analysis includes the effects of the Company’s derivative instruments in existence during these periods.
 Interest ratesAsset and funding index mismatches
Change from increase of
100 basis points
Change from increase of
300 basis points
Increase of
10 basis points
Increase of
30 basis points
 
 DollarsPercentDollarsPercentDollarsPercentDollarsPercent
 Three months ended June 30, 2020
Effect on earnings:   
Decrease in pre-tax net income before
impact of derivative settlements
$(16,334) (15.1)%$(31,420) (29.1)%$(1,780) (1.6)%$(5,343) (5.0)%
Impact of derivative settlements1,865  1.7  5,594  5.2  1,429  1.3  4,286  4.0  
Increase (decrease) in net income
before taxes
$(14,469) (13.4)%$(25,826) (23.9)%$(351) (0.3)%$(1,057) (1.0)%
Increase (decrease) in basic and
diluted earnings per share
$(0.28) $(0.50) $(0.01) $(0.02) 
 Three months ended June 30, 2019
Effect on earnings:   
Decrease in pre-tax net income before
impact of derivative settlements
$(4,352) (14.1)%$(7,962) (25.8)%$(2,429) (7.9)%$(7,286) (23.6)%
Impact of derivative settlements7,067  22.9  21,201  68.6  1,705  5.5  5,114  16.6  
Increase (decrease) in net income
before taxes
$2,715  8.8 %$13,239  42.8 %$(724) (2.4)%$(2,172) (7.0)%
Increase (decrease) in basic and
diluted earnings per share
$0.05  $0.25  $(0.01) $(0.04) 
 Six months ended June 30, 2020
Effect on earnings:   
Decrease in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlements$(26,249) (45.3)%$(47,972) (82.7)%$(3,754) (6.5)%$(11,267) (19.4)%
Impact of derivative settlements6,216  10.7  18,647  32.2  3,020  5.2  9,060  15.6  
Increase (decrease) in net income before taxes$(20,033) (34.6)%$(29,325) (50.5)%$(734) (1.3)%$(2,207) (3.8)%
Increase (decrease) in basic and
   diluted earnings per share
$(0.38) $(0.56) $(0.01) $(0.04) 
 Six months ended June 30, 2019
Effect on earnings:        
Decrease in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlements$(7,822) (9.3)%$(13,246) (15.8)%$(5,000) (6.0)%$(14,999) (17.9)%
Impact of derivative settlements16,190  19.3  48,571  57.9  3,554  4.2  10,662  12.6  
Increase (decrease) in net income before taxes$8,368  10.0 %$35,325  42.1 %$(1,446) (1.8)%$(4,337) (5.2)%
Increase (decrease) in basic and
   diluted earnings per share
$0.16  $0.67  $(0.03) $(0.08) 

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 Interest ratesAsset and funding index mismatches
Change from increase of
100 basis points
Change from increase of
300 basis points
Increase of
10 basis points
Increase of
30 basis points
 
 DollarsPercentDollarsPercentDollarsPercentDollarsPercent
 Three months ended March 31, 2021
Effect on earnings:   
Decrease in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlements$(14,282)(9.1)%$(26,218)(16.6)%$(1,605)(1.0)%$(4,814)(3.1)%
Impact of derivative settlements9,130 5.8 27,390 17.3 1,516 1.0 4,549 2.9 
Increase (decrease) in net income before taxes$(5,152)(3.3)%$1,172 0.7 %$(89)— %$(265)(0.2)%
Increase (decrease) in basic and diluted earnings per share$(0.10)$0.02 $— $(0.01)
 Three months ended March 31, 2020
Effect on earnings:   
Decrease in pre-tax net income before
   impact of derivative settlements
$(9,915)(19.9)%$(16,552)(33.2)%$(1,974)(4.0)%$(5,924)(11.9)%
Impact of derivative settlements4,351 8.7 13,053 26.2 1,591 3.2 4,774 9.6 
Increase (decrease) in net income
   before taxes
$(5,564)(11.2)%$(3,499)(7.0)%$(383)(0.8)%$(1,150)(2.3)%
Increase (decrease) in basic and
   diluted earnings per share
$(0.11)$(0.07)$(0.01)$(0.02)
Financial Statement Impact – Derivatives
For a table summarizing the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income,operations, including the components of "derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net" included in the consolidated statements of income,operations, see note 4 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and ProceduresStock Repurchases
The Company’s management, with the participationBoard of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program to repurchase up to a total of five million shares of the Company's principal executiveClass A common stock during the three-year period ending May 7, 2022. As of March 31, 2021, 3,246,732 shares remained authorized for repurchase under the Company's stock repurchase program. Shares may be repurchased from time to time depending on various factors, including share prices and principal financial officers, evaluatedother potential uses of liquidity.
Shares repurchased by the effectivenessCompany during the three months ended March 31, 2021 are shown below. Such shares were repurchased from employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock, and not as part 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 June 30, 2020. 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 June 30, 2020.stock repurchase program.
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 June 30, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company has not experienced any material impact to its internal control over financial reporting despite the fact that the majority of its employees are working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company is continually monitoring and assessing the effect of the COVID-19 situation on its internal controls to minimize the impact on their design and operating effectiveness.
Effective January 1, 2020, the Company implemented ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. As a result, management made the following significant modifications to the Company's internal control over financial reporting environment, including changes to accounting policies and procedures, operational processes, and documentation practices:
(a) Updated written policies and procedures addressing selected methods and policies for developing the allowance for loan losses and determining significant judgments, including the data used; assessment of risk; and identification of significant assumptions in the allowance estimation process.
(b) Developed a process to evaluate whether adjustments to the selected methodology are necessary based on historical information, current economic conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.
(c) Updated documentation for assumptions and data used to develop its loss rates, including evaluation of the relevance and reliability of any external data; amount and timing of expected cash flows; and remaining life of loan methodologies.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Total shares repurchasedPurchase price
(in thousands)
Average price of shares repurchased (per share)
Quarter ended March 31, 202126,199 $2,009 76.70 

Dividends
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There have been no material changes fromOn March 15, 2021, the information set forth in the Legal Proceedings section ofCompany paid a first quarter 2021 cash dividend on the Company's Annual ReportClass A and Class B common stock of $0.22 per share. In addition, the Company's Board of Directors has declared a second quarter 2021 cash dividend on Form 10-K for the year ended DecemberCompany's outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock of $0.22 per share. The second quarter cash dividend will be paid on June 14, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 31, 2019 under Item 3 of Part I of such Form 10-K.
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS2021.
The following risk factors provide supplements and updates to the risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 in response to Item 1A of Part I of such Form 10-K, and the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 in response to Item 1A of Part II of such Form 10-Q:
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted our results of operations, and could continue to adversely impact our results of operations, as well as adversely impact our businesses, financial condition, and/or cash flows.
The rapid outbreak of the respiratory disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus, coronavirus 2019 or COVID-19 (“COVID-19”), was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020 and a national emergency by the President on March 13, 2020. Beginning on March 15, 2020, many businesses and schools closed or reduced hours throughout the U.S. to combat the spread of COVID-19, and states and local jurisdictions implemented various containment efforts, including lockdowns on non-essential business, stay-at-home orders, and shelter-in-place orders. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption to the U.S. and world economies, including significantly higher unemployment and underemployment, significantly lower interest rates and equity market valuations, and extreme volatility in
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the U.S. and world markets. These effects have adversely impacted our results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020, and if these effects continue for a prolonged period or result in sustained economic stress or recession, they could have a material adverse impact on us in a number of ways related to credit, interest rates, operations, and other risks as described in more detail below.
Credit Risks
COVID-19 is having far reaching, negative impacts on individuals, businesses, and, consequently, the overall economy. Specifically, COVID-19 has materially disrupted business operations, resulting in significantly higher levels of unemployment or underemployment. As a result, many individual student and consumer borrowers have experienced financial hardship, making it difficult, if not impossible, to meet loan payment obligations without temporary assistance, and we expect that more borrowers will be similarly affected the longer the COVID-19 pandemic continues. We are monitoring key metrics as early warning indicators of financial hardship, including changes in weekly unemployment claims, enrollment in auto-debit payments, requests for new forbearances, enrollment in hardship paymentCompany currently plans and early delinquency metrics.
Due to these circumstances, in the first quarter of 2020, we recognized an increase to the expense provision for loan losses of $63.0 million (pre-tax) and an impairment charge on our beneficial interest in consumer loans securitizations of $26.3 million (pre-tax). The increase in the provision for loan losses and impairment expense were based on an evaluation of current and forecasted economic conditions, directly taking into consideration the negative impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. economy. We evaluated and considered several forecasted economic scenarios when making these adjustments. We also considered the characteristics of our loan portfolios and their expected behavior in the forecasted economic scenarios. We update our evaluation of current and forecasted economic conditions each reporting period and adjust our allowance for loan losses as appropriate. If future economic conditions as a result of COVID-19 are significantly worse than what was assumed as a part of these assessments, specifically related to the severity and length of the downturn and the timing and extent of subsequent recovery, it could result in additional allowance for loan losses and impairment charges being recorded in future periods.
Interest Rate Risks
Our net interest income and profitability have been and could further be negatively affected by volatility in interest rates caused by uncertainties stemming from COVID-19. In March 2020, the Federal Reserve lowered the target range for the federal funds rate to a range from 0 to 0.25 percent, citing concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on markets and stress in the energy sector. A prolonged period of extremely volatile and unstable market conditions would likely increase our funding costs and negatively affect market risk mitigation strategies. Higher income volatility from changes in interest rates and spreads to benchmark indices has caused and could cause a loss of net interest income and adverse changes in current fair value measurements of our assets and liabilities. Fluctuations in interest rates have impacted and will continue to impact both the level of income and expense recorded on most of our assets and liabilities and the value of all interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our net income, operating results, or financial condition.
For example, during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, we experienced a decrease in variable loan spread due to a significant widening of the basis between the asset and debt indices in which we earn interest on our loans and fund such loans. This widening was the result of a significant decrease in interest rates beginning in March 2020 as a result of COVID-19. In a declining interest rate environment, student loan spread is compressed, due to the timing of interest rate resets on our assets occurring daily in contrast to the timing of the interest resets on our debt that occurs either monthly or quarterly. Although such compression is generally expected to be mitigated over time as interest rates on our debt are reset to reflect the lower interest rate environment, interest rate volatility may continue to have an adverse impact on us.
Operational Risks
The majority of our employees have had to move to a work-from-home environment. We have never had to run our operations to such extent remotely for an extended period of time, and it is possible we will encounter significant challenges to running our businesses. Our operations rely on the efficient and secure collection, processing, storage, and transmission of personal, confidential, and other information in a significant number of customer transactions on a continuous basis through our computer systems and networks and those of our third-party service providers. Unanticipated issues arising from handling personal, confidential, and other information from a less efficient work-from-home environment could adversely impact our operations and lead to greater risks for us, including cybersecurity risks.
Beginning in March 2020, schools largely moved to on-line classes for their students. It is unclear at this time how many schools will be back to on-campus learning beginning with the 2020/2021 academic year and/or if schools decide to conduct on-campus learning, if they will have to move back to on-line classes during the academic term if the COVID-19 pandemic increases in severity. Student loan application volumes have begun to decrease and our current expectation is that new student
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loan volumes will decline in 2020 compared with 2019. The magnitude of the expected decline depends upon many factors, including the economic impact caused by the pandemic coupled with uncertainty regarding on-line versus in person classes. A decline in school enrollments has also reduced demand for our education technologies, services, and payment processing products and services, and continued declines over subsequent academic periods could have a similar impact.
Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) signed into law on March 27, 2020, federal student loan payments and interest accruals were suspended on all loans owned by the Department of Education (the “Department”) until September 30, 2020. The Department instructed us and other student loan servicers to apply the benefits of the law retroactively to March 13, 2020, when the President declared a state of emergency related to COVID-19. Although we will receive less servicing revenue per borrower through September 30, 2020 based on borrower status, we currently anticipate more borrowers being in a current status subsequent to September 30, 2020, at which time our revenue per borrower is expected to increase. We do not currently anticipate an adverse impact from the CARES Act on the total amount of revenue to be earned during 2020 under our Department servicing contracts. However, servicing revenue was negatively impacted in the second quarter of 2020, is expected to be lower in the third quarter of 2020, and is currently expected to be higher in the fourth quarter of 2020, than in corresponding prior periods. While federal student loan payments are suspended, our operating expenses have been and will continue to be lower due to a significant reduction of borrower statement printing and postage costs. In addition, during the second quarter of 2020, revenue from the Department for originating consolidation loans was adversely impacted as a result of borrowers receiving relief on their existing loans, thus not initiating a consolidation. We currently anticipate this revenue will continue to be negatively impacted while student loan payments and interest accruals are suspended.
Beginning in the second quarter of 2020, FFELP, private education, and consumer loan servicing revenue was adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to reduced or eliminated delinquency outreach to borrowers, holds on claim filings, and reduced or eliminated late fees processing. In addition, origination fee revenue was negatively impacted as borrowers are less likely to refinance their loans when they are receiving certain relief measures from their current lender. We anticipate this trend will continue in future periods that are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the magnitude based on the extent to which existing or additional borrower relief policies and activities are implemented or extended by servicing customers.
If the student loan borrower relief provisions of the CARES Act were potentially extended past September 30, 2020 and/or new legislative or regulatory student loan borrower relief measures similar to such provisions of the CARES Act were to become effective, the levels and timing of future servicing revenues could continue to be impacted in a similar manner through the extended period of time that such provisions or measures are in effect.
Although the CARES Act does not apply to our FFELP loans, private education loans, or consumer loans, several states have announced various initiatives to suspend payment obligations for private education loan borrowers in those states, and we are proactively providing relief for our FFELP, private education, and consumer loan borrowers. In addition, there currently are federal legislative proposals that would provide borrower relief with respect to privately-held FFELP loans, such as our FFELP loans. Due to uncertainties regarding, among other things, the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and any new legislation, regulations, guidance, or widely accepted practices with respect to relief to loan borrowers, we are not able to estimate the ultimate impact that debt relief measures will have on our results of operations.
The CARES Act and other COVID-19-related borrower relief measures have resulted in, and may continue to result in, certain processing and other changes within our loan servicing operations, including the processing of automatic forbearances, special payment instructions, and special credit reporting. Such changes involve additional regulatory and other complexities, uncertainties, and matters of interpretation. Currently, we are defending a putative class action brought by student loan borrowers alleging that Great Lakes furnishing of certain information to credit reporting agencies was inaccurate under the CARES Act. We deny any wrongdoing. In addition, such COVID-19 regulatory measures and associated operational changes increase the risk that noncompliance with applicable laws, regulations, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guidance could result in penalties, litigation, reputation damage, and a loss of customers.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We currently believe our liquidity and capital resources position is strong, and we expect to be able to fund our business operations for the foreseeable future. We also currently plan to continue making regular quarterly dividend payments, on our Class A and Class B common stock, subject to future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, and other factors. However, if circumstances surrounding COVID-19 continue
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ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
(All dollars are in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Interest Rate Risk
The Company’s primary market risk exposure arises from fluctuations in its borrowing and lending rates, the spread between which could impact the Company due to changeshifts in significantly adverse waysmarket interest rates.
The following table sets forth the Company’s loan assets and debt instruments by rate characteristics:
 As of March 31, 2021As of December 31, 2020
 DollarsPercentDollarsPercent
Fixed-rate loan assets$8,470,975 44.3 %$8,737,346 44.6 %
Variable-rate loan assets10,638,479 55.7 10,839,305 55.4 
Total$19,109,454 100.0 %$19,576,651 100.0 %
Fixed-rate debt instruments$951,143 5.0 %$960,327 4.9 %
Variable-rate debt instruments18,032,040 95.0 18,598,522 95.1 
Total$18,983,183 100.0 %$19,558,849 100.0 %
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 ifdeclining interest rate environments, when the pandemicfixed 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, our liquiditywhich the Company refers to as fixed rate floor income, and capital resources position could be materiallyfor 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 adversely affected, which could adverselyvariable rate floor income for those loans to the Department.
As a result of the significant drop in interest rates in March 2020, the Company earned $0.9 million of variable-rate floor income on $1.4 billion of FFELP loans during the three months ended March 31, 2020. Since the borrower rate reset on July 1, 2020, the Company no longer earns such variable-rate floor income on these loans, reflecting the lower interest rate environment.
A summary of fixed rate floor income earned by the Company follows.
Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Fixed rate floor income, gross$35,539 18,758 
Derivative settlements (a)(4,285)2,125 
Fixed rate floor income, net$31,254 20,883 
(a)    Derivative settlements consist of settlements (paid) received related to the Company's derivatives used to hedge student loans earning fixed rate floor income.
Gross fixed rate floor income increased for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020 due to lower interest rates in 2021 as compared to 2020.
Absent the use of derivative instruments, a rise in interest rates will reduce the amount of floor income received and has an impact our businesses, cash flows (including forecasted cash flowson earnings due to interest margin compression caused by increasing financing costs, until such time as the federally insured loans earn interest at a variable rate in accordance with their SAP formulas. In higher interest rate environments, where the interest rate rises above the borrower rate and fixed rate loans effectively become variable rate loans, the impact of the rate fluctuations is reduced.
The change from our asset-backed securitizations), and overall financial condition, and could also resultbeing in a reduction, suspension, or discontinuationnet positive settlement position on such derivatives during the first quarter of quarterly dividend payments on our Class A and Class B common stock.2020 to being in a net negative settlement position during the first quarter of 2021 was due to a decrease in interest rates.
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We have historically fundedThe following graph depicts fixed rate floor income for a borrower with a fixed rate of 6.75% and a SAP rate of 2.64%:
nni-20210331_g5.jpg
The following table shows the Company’s federally insured student loan assets that were earning fixed rate floor income as of March 31, 2021.
Fixed interest rate rangeBorrower/lender weighted average yieldEstimated variable conversion rate (a)Loan balance
< 3.0%2.88%0.24%$1,148,014 
3.0 - 3.49%3.19%0.55%1,457,170 
3.5 - 3.99%3.65%1.01%1,399,853 
4.0 - 4.49%4.20%1.56%1,048,179 
4.5 - 4.99%4.71%2.07%652,729 
5.0 - 5.49%5.22%2.58%435,515 
5.5 - 5.99%5.67%3.03%292,332 
6.0 - 6.49%6.19%3.55%335,607 
6.5 - 6.99%6.70%4.06%328,879 
7.0 - 7.49%7.17%4.53%121,487 
7.5 - 7.99%7.71%5.07%221,019 
8.0 - 8.99%8.18%5.54%525,096 
> 9.0%9.05%6.41%198,084 
$8,163,964 

(a) The estimated variable conversion rate is the estimated short-term interest rate at which loans by completing asset-backed securitizations. Fitch Ratings, Standard & Poor's, and Moody’s Investors Service have recently downgraded and placed numerous trancheswould convert to a variable rate. As of FFELP securitizations by various issuers, including certain tranches of prior FFELP securitizations issued by us, on review for potential downgrade due to principal payments and prepayments onMarch 31, 2021, the underlying student loans coming in slower than initial expectations,weighted average estimated variable conversion rate was 1.94% and the resulting risk that certain principal maturities on those FFELP securitizations may not be met by the final maturity dates, which could result in an event of default under the underlying securitization agreements. The decrease in principal payments and prepayments is due to significant increases in forbearances resulting from a contraction in economic activity and an increase in unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Such rating actions have caused the spreads on FFELP securitizations in general to widen and have reduced the liquidity in the secondary market for FFELP securitizations. Such actions could adversely affect our ability to access the asset-backed securities market, or make new securitization transactions more expensive by requiring us to pay a higher spread over LIBOR when pricing new bonds.
* * * * *
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our businesses, results of operations, financial condition, and/or cash flows will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and largely beyond our control, including, among others: the scope, severity, and duration of the pandemic; the number of our employees, borrowers, customers, and vendors adversely affected by the pandemic; the impact of the pandemic on schools, student enrollment, and the need for student and consumer loans; the broader public health and economic dislocations resulting from the pandemic; the actions taken by governmental authorities to limit the public health, financial, and economic impacts of the pandemic; any further legislative or regulatory changes that suspend or reduce payments or cancel or discharge obligations for student or consumer loan borrowers; any reputational damage related to the broader reception and perception of our response to the pandemic; and the impact of the pandemic on local, U.S., and world economies. However, as with many other businesses, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, or any other pandemic, on our businesses could be material and adverse. To the extent that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to adversely affect the U.S. and world economies and/or adversely affects our businesses, results of operations, financial condition, and/or cash flows, it may also have the effect of increasing the likelihood and/or magnitude of other risks described in the "Risk Factors" section of our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K or risks described in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Our largest fee-based customer, the Department of Education, represented 30 percent of our revenue in 2019. Failure to extend the Department contracts or obtain new Department contracts in the Department's NextGen procurement process, our inability to consistently surpass competitor performance metrics, or unfavorable contract modifications or interpretations, could significantly lower servicing revenue and hinder future service opportunities.
Our subsidiaries Nelnet Servicing, LLC (“Nelnet Servicing”) and Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. (“Great Lakes”) are two of four large private sector companies (referred to as Title IV Additional Servicers, or “TIVAS”) that have student loan servicing contracts awarded by the Department in June 2009 to provide additional servicing capacity for loans owned by the Department. The Department also has contracts with 31 not-for-profit (“NFP”) entities to service student loans, although currently five NFP servicers service the volume allocated to these 31 entities. As of June 30, 2020, Nelnet Servicingshort-term interest rate was servicing $185.3 billion of student loans for 5.5 million borrowers under its contract, and Great Lakes was servicing $243.6 billion of student loans for 7.3 million borrowers under its contract. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized a total of $343.6 million in revenue from the Department under these contracts, which represented 30 percent of our revenue. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, we recognized a total of $82.6 million and $167.7 million in revenue from the Department under these contracts, respectively.
The current servicing contracts with the Department expire on December 14, 2020 and provide the potential for two additional six-month extensions at the Department’s discretion through December 14, 2021.
The Department is conducting a contract procurement process entitled Next Generation Financial Services Environment (“NextGen”) for a new framework for the servicing of all student loans owned by the Department. On January 15, 2019, the Department issued solicitations for three NextGen components:12 basis points.

NextGen Enhanced Processing Solution ("EPS")
NextGen Business Process Operations ("BPO")
NextGen Optimal Processing Solution ("OPS")
On April 1, 2019 and October 4, 2019, we responded to the EPS solicitation component. On January 16, 2020, the Department released an amendment to the EPS solicitation component and we responded on February 3, 2020. In addition, on August 1, 2019, we responded to the BPO solicitation component. On January 10, 2020, the Department released an amendment to the BPO solicitation component and we responded on January 30, 2020. The EPS solicitation component was for a transitional
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technology systemThe following table summarizes the outstanding derivative instruments as of March 31, 2021 used by the Company to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income.
MaturityNotional amountWeighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)
2021$600,000 2.15 %
2022 (b)500,000 0.94 
2023900,000 0.62 
2024 (c)2,500,000 0.35 
2025500,000 0.35 
$5,000,000 0.67 %

(a)    For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR.
(b)    $250.0 million of these derivatives have forward effective start dates in June 2021.
(c)     $500.0 million of these derivatives have forward effective start dates in June 2021.
The Company is also exposed to interest rate risk in the form of basis risk and certain processing functionsrepricing risk because the Department planned to use under NextGen to serviceinterest rate characteristics of the Department'sCompany’s assets do not match the interest rate characteristics of the funding for those assets. The following table presents the Company’s FFELP student loan customersassets and related funding for those assets arranged by underlying indices as of March 31, 2021.
IndexFrequency of variable resetsAssetsFunding of student loan assets
1 month LIBOR (a)Daily$17,313,992 — 
3 month H15 financial commercial paperDaily710,549 — 
3 month Treasury billDaily580,842 — 
1 month LIBORMonthly— 10,446,455 
3 month LIBOR (a)Quarterly— 6,269,914 
Fixed rate— 915,947 
Auction-rate (b)Varies— 747,075 
Asset-backed commercial paper (c)Varies— 247,018 
Other (d)1,332,125 1,311,099 
  $19,937,508 19,937,508 

(a)    The Company has certain basis swaps outstanding in which the Company receives three-month LIBOR and pays one-month LIBOR plus or minus a period of time before eventually moving to OPSspread as defined in the future. However,agreements (the "1:3 Basis Swaps"). The Company entered into these derivative instruments to better match the interest rate characteristics on April 3, 2020, the Department cancelled the OPS solicitation component. The BPO solicitation component is for the back office and call center operational functions for servicing the Department'sits student loan customers.assets and the debt funding such assets. The following table summarizes the 1:3 Basis Swaps outstanding as of March 31, 2021.
On
MaturityNotional amount (i)
2021$250,000 
20222,000,000 
2023750,000 
20241,750,000 
20261,150,000 
2027250,000 
$6,150,000 

(i)    The weighted average rate paid by the Company on the 1:3 Basis Swaps as of March 30, 2020, we received31, 2021 was one-month LIBOR plus 9.1 basis points.
(b)    As of March 31, 2021, the Company was sponsor for $747.1 million of outstanding asset-backed securities that were set and provide for interest rates to be periodically reset via a letter"dutch auction" (“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 LIBOR or Treasury Securities, or the Net Loan Rate as defined in the financing documents.
(c)    The interest rates on the Company's warehouse facilities are indexed to asset-backed commercial paper rates.
(d)    Assets include accrued interest receivable and restricted cash. Funding represents overcollateralization (equity) and other liabilities included in FFELP asset-backed securitizations and warehouse facilities.
LIBOR is in the process of being discontinued as a benchmark rate, and any market transition away from the Department notifying us that our proposalcurrent LIBOR framework could result in response to the EPS component had been determined to be outside of the competitive range and would receive no further consideration for an award. On April 13, 2020, we filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office ("GAO") challenging the Department's decision to cancel the OPS solicitation component without amending the EPS solicitation component. On April 27, 2020, we filed a supplemental protest challenging a number of bases for the Department's competitive range exclusion of our proposal from the EPS solicitation component. On July 10, 2020, the Department cancelled the solicitation for the EPS component. In its cancellation description, the Department indicated that it continues to be committed to the goals and vision of NextGen, and that it will be introducing a new solicitation to continue the NextGen strategy in the future. Based on the Department's cancellation of the EPS procurement, on July 14, 2020, the GAO dismissed our protests as moot. We fully intend to compete for the servicing system solution as the Department proceeds with their NextGen strategy.
On June 18, 2020, we received a letter from the Department notifying us that our proposal in response to the BPO solicitation component was determined to be ineligible for award, claiming our response did not meet certain requirements related to small business participation. We immediately requested a debriefing regarding the Department's basis for this decision. Prior to providing us a debriefing, on June 24, 2020, the Department awarded and signed contracts with five other companies in connection with the BPO solicitation. On July 13, 2020, we filed a protest with the GAO challenging on a number of bases the Department's determination that our BPO response did not meet small business participation requirements. In addition, on July 20, 2020, we filed a supplemental protest challenging the Department's decision to proceed with awards of contracts for the BPO component, when it cancelled the EPS component and a new EPS solicitation is expected to be released. On July 24, 2020, the Department provided us a debriefing regarding the Department's June 18, 2020 decision to eliminate us from the BPO competition. On July 28, 2020, we filed a second supplemental protest challenging the Department's BPO decision. Under applicable law, contract awards to other parties for the BPO component are subject to a stay of performance until the protests are resolved. A decision by the GAO is due on or before October 22, 2020.
In the event that our servicing contracts are not extended beyond the current expiration date or we are not chosen as a subsequent servicer, loan servicing revenue would decrease significantly. There are significant risks to us and uncertainties regarding the current Department contracts and potential future Department contracts, including the pending and uncertain nature of the Department's awards of new contracts to other service providers and its current NextGen contract procurement process and the impact of the cancellation by the Department of the EPS component, which could be subject to potential delays, further cancellations, or material changes to the structureinterest rate characteristics of the contract procurement process; the uncertain timingCompany's LIBOR-indexed assets and naturefunding for those assets. See "Interest Rate Risk - Replacement of the outcomeLIBOR as a Benchmark Rate" under Item 2 above and Item 1A, "Risk Factors - Loan Portfolio - Interest rate risk - replacement of our protests related to the BPO component andLIBOR as a protest by another interested party regarding the BPO solicitation; the possibility that new contract awards and other evaluations of proposals may be challenged by various interested parties and may not be finalized or implemented within the currently anticipated time frame or at all; risks that we may not be successful in obtaining any new contracts with the Department; and risks and uncertainties as to the terms and requirements under a potential new contract or contracts with the Department. We cannot predict the outcome of the current protests regarding the BPO component, or the timing, nature, or ultimate outcome of the Department's NextGen contract procurement process.
New loan volume is currently allocated among the four TIVAS and five NFP servicers based on certain performance metrics established by the Department and compared among all loan servicers in this group. The amount of future allocations of new loan volume could be negatively impacted if we are unable to consistently surpass comparable competitor and/or other performance metrics.
In the event the current Department servicing contracts become subject to unfavorable modifications or interpretations by the Department, loan servicing revenue could decrease significantly and/or operating costs to serve the contracts could increase significantly. For example, as of January 2020, a change instituted by the Department required enrollmentbenchmark rate" in the Ongoing Security Authorization (OSA) program that requires quarterly control assessments. The OSA program replaced the previous Authority to Operate (ATO) triennial assessment process. Because the OSA program is a novel process, we may encounter unforeseen issues with the Department, including differing interpretations on compliance controls and reporting requirements. Our inability to remediate any such issues to the satisfaction of the Department may cause a temporary or permanent injunction on servicing student loans under the contracts.
Additionally, we are partially dependent on the existing Department contracts to broaden servicing operations with the Department, other federal and state agencies, and commercial clients. The size and importance of these contracts provide us the scale and infrastructure needed to profitably expand into new business opportunities. Failure to extend the Department contractsCompany's 2020 Annual Report for additional information.
7456


beyondSensitivity Analysis
The following tables summarize the current expiration date, or obtain new Department contracts, could significantly hinder future opportunities, as well as resulteffect on the Company’s earnings, based upon a sensitivity analysis performed by the Company assuming hypothetical increases in potential restructuring charges that may be necessaryinterest rates of 100 basis points and 300 basis points while funding spreads remain constant. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was performed assuming the funding index increases 10 basis points and 30 basis points while holding the asset index constant, if the funding index is different than the asset index. The sensitivity analysis was performed on the Company’s variable rate assets (including loans earning fixed rate floor income) and liabilities. The analysis includes the effects of the Company’s derivative instruments in existence during these periods.
 Interest ratesAsset and funding index mismatches
Change from increase of
100 basis points
Change from increase of
300 basis points
Increase of
10 basis points
Increase of
30 basis points
 
 DollarsPercentDollarsPercentDollarsPercentDollarsPercent
 Three months ended March 31, 2021
Effect on earnings:   
Decrease in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlements$(14,282)(9.1)%$(26,218)(16.6)%$(1,605)(1.0)%$(4,814)(3.1)%
Impact of derivative settlements9,130 5.8 27,390 17.3 1,516 1.0 4,549 2.9 
Increase (decrease) in net income before taxes$(5,152)(3.3)%$1,172 0.7 %$(89)— %$(265)(0.2)%
Increase (decrease) in basic and diluted earnings per share$(0.10)$0.02 $— $(0.01)
 Three months ended March 31, 2020
Effect on earnings:   
Decrease in pre-tax net income before
   impact of derivative settlements
$(9,915)(19.9)%$(16,552)(33.2)%$(1,974)(4.0)%$(5,924)(11.9)%
Impact of derivative settlements4,351 8.7 13,053 26.2 1,591 3.2 4,774 9.6 
Increase (decrease) in net income
   before taxes
$(5,564)(11.2)%$(3,499)(7.0)%$(383)(0.8)%$(1,150)(2.3)%
Increase (decrease) in basic and
   diluted earnings per share
$(0.11)$(0.07)$(0.01)$(0.02)
Financial Statement Impact – Derivatives
For a table summarizing the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations, including the components of "derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net" included in the consolidated statements of operations, see note 4 of the notes to re-align our cost structure with our servicing operations.consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES4.  CONTROLS AND USE OF PROCEEDSPROCEDURES
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 7, 2022. As of March 31, 2021, 3,246,732 shares remained authorized for repurchase under the Company's stock repurchase program. Shares may be repurchased from time to time depending on various factors, including share prices and other potential uses of liquidity.
Shares repurchased by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2021 are shown below. Such shares were repurchased from employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock, and not as part of the stock repurchase program.
Total shares repurchasedPurchase price
(in thousands)
Average price of shares repurchased (per share)
Quarter ended March 31, 202126,199 $2,009 76.70 

Dividends
On March 15, 2021, the Company paid a first quarter 2021 cash dividend on the Company's Class A and Class B common stock of $0.22 per share. In addition, the Company's Board of Directors has declared a second quarter 2021 cash dividend on the Company's outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock of $0.22 per share. The second quarter cash dividend will be paid on June 14, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 31, 2021.
The Company currently plans to continue making regular quarterly dividend payments, subject to future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, and other factors.
53


ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
(All dollars are in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise noted)
Interest Rate Risk
The Company’s primary market risk exposure arises from fluctuations in its borrowing and lending rates, the spread between which could impact the Company due to shifts in market interest rates.
The following table sets forth the Company’s loan assets and debt instruments by rate characteristics:
 As of March 31, 2021As of December 31, 2020
 DollarsPercentDollarsPercent
Fixed-rate loan assets$8,470,975 44.3 %$8,737,346 44.6 %
Variable-rate loan assets10,638,479 55.7 10,839,305 55.4 
Total$19,109,454 100.0 %$19,576,651 100.0 %
Fixed-rate debt instruments$951,143 5.0 %$960,327 4.9 %
Variable-rate debt instruments18,032,040 95.0 18,598,522 95.1 
Total$18,983,183 100.0 %$19,558,849 100.0 %
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.
As a result of the significant drop in interest rates in March 2020, the Company earned $0.9 million of variable-rate floor income on $1.4 billion of FFELP loans during the three months ended March 31, 2020. Since the borrower rate reset on July 1, 2020, the Company no longer earns such variable-rate floor income on these loans, reflecting the lower interest rate environment.
A summary of fixed rate floor income earned by the Company follows.
Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Fixed rate floor income, gross$35,539 18,758 
Derivative settlements (a)(4,285)2,125 
Fixed rate floor income, net$31,254 20,883 
(a)    Derivative settlements consist of settlements (paid) received related to the Company's derivatives used to hedge student loans earning fixed rate floor income.
Gross fixed rate floor income increased for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020 due to lower interest rates in 2021 as compared to 2020.
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.
The change from being in a net positive settlement position on such derivatives during the first quarter of 2020 to being in a net negative settlement position during the first quarter of 2021 was due to a decrease in interest rates.
54


The following graph depicts fixed rate floor income for a borrower with a fixed rate of 6.75% and a SAP rate of 2.64%:
nni-20210331_g5.jpg
The following table shows the Company’s federally insured student loan assets that were earning fixed rate floor income as of March 31, 2021.
Fixed interest rate rangeBorrower/lender weighted average yieldEstimated variable conversion rate (a)Loan balance
< 3.0%2.88%0.24%$1,148,014 
3.0 - 3.49%3.19%0.55%1,457,170 
3.5 - 3.99%3.65%1.01%1,399,853 
4.0 - 4.49%4.20%1.56%1,048,179 
4.5 - 4.99%4.71%2.07%652,729 
5.0 - 5.49%5.22%2.58%435,515 
5.5 - 5.99%5.67%3.03%292,332 
6.0 - 6.49%6.19%3.55%335,607 
6.5 - 6.99%6.70%4.06%328,879 
7.0 - 7.49%7.17%4.53%121,487 
7.5 - 7.99%7.71%5.07%221,019 
8.0 - 8.99%8.18%5.54%525,096 
> 9.0%9.05%6.41%198,084 
$8,163,964 

(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, 2021, the weighted average estimated variable conversion rate was 1.94% and the short-term interest rate was 12 basis points.

55


The following table summarizes the outstanding derivative instruments as of March 31, 2021 used by the Company to economically hedge loans earning fixed rate floor income.
MaturityNotional amountWeighted average fixed rate paid by the Company (a)
2021$600,000 2.15 %
2022 (b)500,000 0.94 
2023900,000 0.62 
2024 (c)2,500,000 0.35 
2025500,000 0.35 
$5,000,000 0.67 %

(a)    For all interest rate derivatives, the Company receives discrete three-month LIBOR.
(b)    $250.0 million of these derivatives have forward effective start dates in June 2021.
(c)     $500.0 million of these derivatives have forward effective start dates in June 2021.
The Company is also exposed to interest rate risk in the form of basis risk and repricing risk because the interest rate characteristics of the Company’s assets do not match the interest rate characteristics of the funding for those assets. The following table presents the Company’s FFELP student loan assets and related funding for those assets arranged by underlying indices as of March 31, 2021.
IndexFrequency of variable resetsAssetsFunding of student loan assets
1 month LIBOR (a)Daily$17,313,992 — 
3 month H15 financial commercial paperDaily710,549 — 
3 month Treasury billDaily580,842 — 
1 month LIBORMonthly— 10,446,455 
3 month LIBOR (a)Quarterly— 6,269,914 
Fixed rate— 915,947 
Auction-rate (b)Varies— 747,075 
Asset-backed commercial paper (c)Varies— 247,018 
Other (d)1,332,125 1,311,099 
  $19,937,508 19,937,508 

(a)    The Company has certain basis swaps outstanding in which the Company receives three-month LIBOR and pays one-month LIBOR plus or minus a spread as defined in the agreements (the "1:3 Basis Swaps"). The Company entered into these derivative instruments to better match the interest rate characteristics on its student loan assets and the debt funding such assets. The following table summarizes the 1:3 Basis Swaps outstanding as of March 31, 2021.
MaturityNotional amount (i)
2021$250,000 
20222,000,000 
2023750,000 
20241,750,000 
20261,150,000 
2027250,000 
$6,150,000 

(i)    The weighted average rate paid by the Company on the 1:3 Basis Swaps as of March 31, 2021 was one-month LIBOR plus 9.1 basis points.
(b)    As of March 31, 2021, the Company was sponsor for $747.1 million of outstanding asset-backed securities that were set and provide for interest rates to be periodically reset via a "dutch auction" (“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 LIBOR or Treasury Securities, or the Net Loan Rate as defined in the financing documents.
(c)    The interest rates on the Company's warehouse facilities are indexed to asset-backed commercial paper rates.
(d)    Assets include accrued interest receivable and restricted cash. Funding represents overcollateralization (equity) and other liabilities included in FFELP asset-backed securitizations and warehouse facilities.
LIBOR is in the process of being discontinued as a benchmark rate, and any 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 "Interest Rate Risk - Replacement of LIBOR as a Benchmark Rate" under Item 2 above and Item 1A, "Risk Factors - Loan Portfolio - Interest rate risk - replacement of LIBOR as a benchmark rate" in the Company's 2020 Annual Report for additional information.
56


Sensitivity Analysis
The following tables summarize the effect on the Company’s earnings, based upon a sensitivity analysis performed by the Company assuming hypothetical increases in interest rates of 100 basis points and 300 basis points while funding spreads remain constant. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was performed assuming the funding index increases 10 basis points and 30 basis points while holding the asset index constant, if the funding index is different than the asset index. The sensitivity analysis was performed on the Company’s variable rate assets (including loans earning fixed rate floor income) and liabilities. The analysis includes the effects of the Company’s derivative instruments in existence during these periods.
 Interest ratesAsset and funding index mismatches
Change from increase of
100 basis points
Change from increase of
300 basis points
Increase of
10 basis points
Increase of
30 basis points
 
 DollarsPercentDollarsPercentDollarsPercentDollarsPercent
 Three months ended March 31, 2021
Effect on earnings:   
Decrease in pre-tax net income before impact of derivative settlements$(14,282)(9.1)%$(26,218)(16.6)%$(1,605)(1.0)%$(4,814)(3.1)%
Impact of derivative settlements9,130 5.8 27,390 17.3 1,516 1.0 4,549 2.9 
Increase (decrease) in net income before taxes$(5,152)(3.3)%$1,172 0.7 %$(89)— %$(265)(0.2)%
Increase (decrease) in basic and diluted earnings per share$(0.10)$0.02 $— $(0.01)
 Three months ended March 31, 2020
Effect on earnings:   
Decrease in pre-tax net income before
   impact of derivative settlements
$(9,915)(19.9)%$(16,552)(33.2)%$(1,974)(4.0)%$(5,924)(11.9)%
Impact of derivative settlements4,351 8.7 13,053 26.2 1,591 3.2 4,774 9.6 
Increase (decrease) in net income
   before taxes
$(5,564)(11.2)%$(3,499)(7.0)%$(383)(0.8)%$(1,150)(2.3)%
Increase (decrease) in basic and
   diluted earnings per share
$(0.11)$(0.07)$(0.01)$(0.02)
Financial Statement Impact – Derivatives
For a table summarizing the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations, including the components of "derivative market value adjustments and derivative settlements, net" included in the consolidated statements of operations, see note 4 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
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, 2021. 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, 2021.
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, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

57


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, 2020 under Item 3 of Part I 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, 2020 in response to Item 1A of Part I 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 secondfirst quarter of 20202021 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)
April 1 - April 30, 2020687,123  $44.30  686,601  4,117,276  
May 1 - May 31, 2020507,317  46.86  507,317  3,609,959  
June 1 - June 30, 2020278,609  46.87  274,140  3,335,819  
Total1,473,049  $45.67  1,468,058  
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, 202118 $71.22 — 3,246,732 
February 1 - February 28, 2021— — — 3,246,732 
March 1 - March 31, 202126,181 76.70 — 3,246,732 
Total26,199 $76.70 — 
(a) The total number of shares includes: (i) shares repurchased pursuant to the stock repurchase program discussed in footnote (b) below; and (ii)consist of shares owned and tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted shares. Shares purchased pursuant to the applicable stock repurchase program discussed in footnote (b) below during May included a total of 100,000 shares of Class A common stock purchased from a certain significant shareholder in a privately negotiated transaction on May 27, 2020. Shares of Class A common stock tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations included 522 shares, 0 shares, and 4,469 shares in April, May, and June 2020, respectively. Unless otherwise indicated, shares owned and tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations were purchased at the closing price of the Company's shares on the date of vesting.
(b) On May 8, 2019, 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 7, 2022.
Working capital and dividend restrictions/limitations
The Company's $455.0 million unsecured line of credit, which is available through December 16, 2024, 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 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 the Company is subjectNelnet Bank to the terms of the Company's outstanding junior subordinated hybrid securities, which generally provide that if the Company defers interest payments on those securities it cannot pay dividends on its capital stock.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.
75


ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS
10.1
10.2*+
31.1*
31.2*
32**
10.1*
10.2*
10.3*
10.4*+
10.5*+
10.6*+
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.
58


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
+Filed herewith for purposes of providing a complete set of all amendment documents to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with U.S. Bank National Association and various Lenders signatory thereto. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and all prior amendment documents thereto have been previously filed.
*   Filed herewith
** Furnished herewith
+ A schedule or similar attachment to this exhibit has been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K

7659


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:August 6, 2020May 10, 2021By:/s/ JEFFREY R. NOORDHOEK 
 Name:Jeffrey R. Noordhoek 
 Title:
Chief Executive Officer
Principal Executive Officer
 
    

Date:August 6, 2020May 10, 2021By:/s/ JAMES D. KRUGER 
Name:James D. Kruger 
 Title: 
Chief Financial Officer
Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
 


7760