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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 16, 2003

   

SLM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

   

DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  File No. 001-13251
(Commission File Number)
  52-2013874
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)

   

11600 Sallie Mae Drive, Reston, Virginia
(Address of principal executive offices)
  20193
(zip code)

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

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)




Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

2


Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure

        The following information is furnished pursuant to Item 12, "Disclosure of Results of Operations and Financial Condition."

        On October 16, 2003, SLM Corporation issued a press release with respect to its earnings for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2003, which is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. Additional information for the quarter, which is available on the Registrant's website at www.salliemae.com/investor/corpreports.html, is furnished as Exhibit 99.2.


SIGNATURES

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

  SLM CORPORATION

 

By:

/s/  
C.E. ANDREWS      
    Name:   C.E. Andrews
    Title:   Executive Vice President, Accounting and Risk Management

Dated: October 16, 2003

3


SLM CORPORATION

Form 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.

  Description
99.1   Press Release dated October 16, 2003
99.2   Additional Information Available on the Registrant's Website



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SIGNATURES

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Exhibit 99.1

LOGO   N E W S        R E L E A S E

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Media Contacts:   Investor Contacts:
    Tom Joyce
703/810-5610
Martha Holler
703/810-5178
  Jeff Heinz
703/810-7751
Nam Vu
703/810-7723

SLM CORPORATION (NYSE: SLM) LOAN ORIGINATIONS EXCEED $5.1 BILLION, GROWTH OF 24-PERCENT

Company's Total Managed Portfolio Tops $85 Billion

RESTON, Va., Oct. 16, 2003—SLM Corporation (NYSE: SLM), commonly known as Sallie Mae, today reported third-quarter results that include a record $5.1 billion in preferred channel loan originations, a 24-percent increase from the year-ago quarter. These originations through the company's family brands are a leading indicator of future acquisition volume.

        "We continue to put assets on our books at a faster rate than we expected," said Albert L. Lord, vice chairman and chief executive officer. "With colleges creating new seats and students responding to the low interest rates of the federal loan program, we see strong growth continuing for several years."

        Sallie Mae reports financial results on a GAAP basis and also presents certain non-GAAP or "core cash" performance measures. The company's equity investors, credit rating agencies and debt capital providers use these "core cash" measures to monitor the company's business performance.

        Sallie Mae reported third-quarter 2003 GAAP net income of $480 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, after cumulative effect of accounting change, compared to a loss of $(62) million, or $(.14) per diluted share (split adjusted), in the year-ago period. For the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2003, GAAP net income was $1.3 billion compared to $486 million in the year-ago period.

        "Core cash" net income for the quarter was $228 million, or $.49 per diluted share, up from $194 million or $.40 per diluted share (split adjusted) in the year-ago quarter, a per share increase of 23 percent. "Core cash" net interest income was $404 million for the quarter, a 13-percent increase from the year-ago quarter's $358 million.

        "Core cash" other income, which consists primarily of fees earned from guarantor servicing and debt management, was $168 million for the 2003 third quarter, up from $137 million for the prior quarter and from $134 million for the year-ago quarter. "Core cash" operating expenses were $177 million for the quarter, down from $183 million in the prior quarter, and up from $169 million in the year-ago quarter.

        A description of the "core cash" treatment and a full reconciliation to the GAAP income statement can be found at www.salliemae.com.

        Total equity for the company at Sept. 30, 2003, was $2.6 billion, an increase of $820 million from the year ago total of $1.8 billion. Tangible capital was 2.06 percent of managed assets, compared to 1.41 percent as of Sept. 30, 2002. The company continues to dissolve the government-sponsored entity (GSE), and at quarter end, more than 70 percent of managed student loans were funded through non-GSE sources.

        In May, the company announced a three-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of two additional shares for every one share already outstanding effective June 20, 2003.

        The company will host its regular earnings conference call today at noon. Sallie Mae executives will be on hand to discuss various highlights of the quarter and to answer questions related to the



company's performance. Individuals interested in participating should call the following number today, Oct. 16, 2003, starting at 11:45 a.m. EDT: (877) 356-5689 (USA and Canada) or (706) 679-0623 (International). The conference call will be replayed continuously beginning Thursday, Oct. 16, at 3:30 p.m. EDT and concluding at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Oct. 23. Please dial (800) 642-1687 (USA and Canada) or dial (706) 645-9291 (International) and use access code 2854518. In addition, there will be a live audio Web cast of the conference call, which may be accessed at www.salliemae.com. A replay will be available 30-45 minutes after the live broadcast.

***

Statements in this release referring to expectations as to future market share, the successful consummation of any business acquisitions and other future developments are forward-looking statements, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in the terms of student loans and the educational credit marketplace arising from the implementation of applicable laws and regulations, and from changes in such laws and regulations, changes in the demand for educational financing or in financing preferences of educational institutions, students and their families, and changes in the general interest rate environment. For more information, see the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

***

SLM Corporation (NYSE: SLM), commonly known as Sallie Mae, is the nation's leading provider of education funding, managing more than $85 billion in student loans for more than seven million borrowers. The company primarily provides federally guaranteed student loans originated under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), and offers comprehensive information and resources to guide students, parents and guidance professionals through the financial aid process. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the company opened its doors in May 1973 as a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) called the Student Loan Marketing Association, and began the privatization process in 1997. Since then, Sallie Mae's parent company name has changed, most recently to SLM Corporation. Through its specialized subsidiaries and divisions, the company also provides an array of consumer credit loans, including those for lifelong learning and K-12 education, and business and technical outsourcing services for colleges and universities. More information is available at http://www.salliemae.com. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, other than the Student Loan Marketing Association, are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States.

###


Sallie Mae            •            11600 Sallie Mae Drive             •            Reston,  Va 20193            •            www.salliemae.com



SLM CORPORATION
Supplemental Earnings Disclosure
September 30, 2003
(Dollars in millions, except earnings per share)

 
  Quarters ended
  Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

  2003
  2002
 
Net income (loss)   $ 480   $ 373   $ (62 ) $ 1,269   $ 486  
"Core cash" net income     228     210     194     641     544  

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share, after cumulative effect of accounting change*

 

$

1.04

 

$

..80

 

$

(.14

)

$

2.71

 

$

1.00

 
"Core cash" diluted earnings per common share*     .49     .44     .40     1.36     1.12  

Return on assets

 

 

3.50

%

 

2.91

%

 

(.50

)%

 

3.27

%

 

1.32

%
"Core cash" return on assets     .94     .93     .94     .95     .90  

Student loan spread

 

 

2.22

%

 

2.41

%

 

2.31

%

 

2.29

%

 

2.49

%
"Core cash" student loan spread     1.92     1.93     1.88     1.93     1.88  

Average on-balance sheet student loans

 

$

44,839

 

$

44,173

 

$

43,862

 

$

44,393

 

$

42,835

 
Average off-balance sheet student loans     39,803     37,811     32,705     37,631     31,790  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Average managed student loans   $ 84,642   $ 81,984   $ 76,567   $ 82,024   $ 74,625  
   
 
 
 
 
 

Ending on-balance sheet student loans, net

 

$

45,684

 

$

42,993

 

$

44,466

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Ending off-balance sheet student loans, net     40,127     40,121     32,648              
   
 
 
             
Ending managed student loans, net   $ 85,811   $ 83,114   $ 77,114              
   
 
 
             

Ending managed FFELP student loans, net

 

$

78,097

 

$

76,107

 

$

71,636

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Ending managed private credit student loans, net     7,714     7,007     5,478              
   
 
 
             
Ending managed student loans, net   $ 85,811   $ 83,114   $ 77,114              
   
 
 
             
*
In May 2003, the Company announced a three-for-one stock split of the Company's common stock to be effected in the form of a stock dividend. The additional shares were distributed on June 20, 2003 for all shareholders of record on June 6, 2003. All share and per share amounts presented have been retroactively restated for the stock split. Stockholders' equity has been restated to give retroactive recognition to the stock split for all periods presented, by reclassifying from additional paid-in capital to common stock, the par value of the additional shares issued as a result of the stock split.

Sallie Mae reports pro forma "core cash" earnings, which the Company believes provide additional insights into its business. "Core cash" earnings reflect only current period adjustments to GAAP earnings as described below. Accordingly, the Company's "core cash" earnings presentation does not represent another comprehensive basis of accounting. The differences between GAAP and "core cash" earnings calculations are as follows:

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

2)
Floor Income: The Company earns Floor Income on its student loan portfolio in certain declining interest rate environments. The timing and amount (if any) of Floor Income are uncertain and in excess of expected spreads, and therefore the Company excludes such income from "core cash" earnings.

3)
SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities": The Company employs certain hedging transactions to match the interest rate characteristics of its managed assets and liabilities. The Company believes that these hedging transactions (generally called derivatives) are financially prudent and create effective economic hedges, but not all qualify for "hedge treatment" under GAAP's SFAS No. 133 and, therefore, the derivative side must be marked-to-market through earnings with no offsetting mark-to-market of the hedged item. "Core cash" earnings exclude the periodic unrealized gains and losses caused by the one-sided valuations, and recognize the economic effect of these hedges, which results in any cash paid or received being recognized ratably as an expense or revenue over the hedged item's life.

4)
SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity": Under SFAS No. 150, equity forward contracts that allow a net settlement option either in cash or the Company's stock are required to be accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 133 as derivatives. As a result, the Company now accounts for its equity forward contracts as derivatives in accordance with SFAS No. 133 and periodically marks them to market through earnings. In accordance with SFAS No. 150, equity forward contracts that were entered into prior to June 1, 2003 and outstanding at July 1, 2003, were marked-to-market on July 1, and resulted in a gain which was reflected as a "cumulative effect of accounting change." This gain has been excluded from "core cash" results; subsequent changes in fair value after July 1, 2003 are also excluded from "core cash" earnings as discussed in the SFAS No. 133 discussion above.

5)
Other items: "Core cash" earnings exclude the amortization of acquired intangibles, as well as gains and losses on certain sales of securities and derivative contracts.


SLM CORPORATION
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

Assets                  
Federally insured student loans (net of allowance for losses of $49,538, $46,429 and $43,016, respectively)   $ 40,654,139   $ 38,694,429   $ 38,987,863
Private credit student loans (net of allowance for losses of $185,378, $174,212 and $186,231, respectively)     5,029,310     4,299,024     5,477,853
Academic facilities financings and other loans     1,093,900     1,177,178     1,330,303
Cash and investments     7,383,960     7,190,775     5,312,247
Retained Interest in securitized receivables     2,749,130     2,985,777     1,785,311
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets     581,208     583,676     578,552
Other assets     2,444,911     3,251,914     2,052,530
   
 
 
Total assets   $ 59,936,558   $ 58,182,773   $ 55,524,659
   
 
 
Liabilities                  
Short-term borrowings   $ 22,995,312   $ 24,619,758   $ 28,662,628
Long-term notes     31,259,011     28,049,326     22,158,235
Other liabilities     3,038,251     3,147,517     2,879,430
   
 
 
Total liabilities     57,292,574     55,816,601     53,700,293
   
 
 
Commitments and contingencies*                  

Stockholders' equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Preferred stock, par value $.20 per share, 20,000 shares authorized: 3,300; 3,300; and 3,300 shares, respectively, issued at stated value of $50 per share     165,000     165,000     165,000
Common stock, par value $.20 per share, 1,125,000 shares authorized: 471,278; 638,983; and 619,125 shares, respectively, issued     94,256     127,797     123,825
Additional paid-in capital     1,442,919     1,359,082     941,175
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax     568,381     689,220     606,838
Retained earnings     755,687     3,386,218     2,452,857
   
 
 
Stockholders' equity before treasury stock     3,026,243     5,727,317     4,289,695
Common stock held in treasury at cost: 20,643; 188,491; and 158,508 shares, respectively     382,259     3,361,145     2,465,329
   
 
 
Total stockholders' equity     2,643,984     2,366,172     1,824,366
   
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 59,936,558   $ 58,182,773   $ 55,524,659
   
 
 
*
Commitments to purchase loans, lines of credit, letters of credit, and academic facilities financing letters of credit were $37.3 billion, $.9 billion, $2.1 billion, and $45.5 million, respectively, at September 30, 2003.


SLM CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  Quarters ended
  Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

  2003
  2002
 
Interest income:                                
  Student loans   $ 424,938   $ 451,589   $ 504,456   $ 1,312,777   $ 1,573,096  
  Academic facilities financings and other loans     19,050     19,290     21,643     58,546     70,061  
  Investments     39,204     42,034     28,829     109,499     108,704  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest income     483,192     512,913     554,928     1,480,822     1,751,861  
Interest expense     232,978     246,727     300,615     723,794     928,245  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income     250,214     266,186     254,313     757,028     823,616  
Less: provision for losses     41,695     36,449     34,771     120,689     82,558  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income after provision for losses     208,519     229,737     219,542     636,339     741,058  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Other income:                                
  Gains on student loan securitizations     39,454     314,220     17,819     659,477     75,838  
  Servicing and securitization revenue     74,812     137,057     121,185     349,348     495,923  
  Losses on sales of securities, net     (6,457 )   (26,660 )   (62,854 )   (114,677 )   (188,463 )
  Derivative market value adjustment     250,342     (29,546 )   (365,917 )   335,162     (254,519 )
  Guarantor servicing fees     40,323     25,259     27,679     100,776     78,118  
  Debt management fees     78,275     52,684     47,642     189,772     137,017  
  Other     53,368     61,126     63,494     168,922     168,527  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total other income (loss)     530,117     534,140     (150,952 )   1,688,780     512,441  
Operating expenses     184,205     189,867     174,309     553,437     509,052  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes (benefit) and cumulative effect of accounting change     554,431     574,010     (105,719 )   1,771,682     744,447  
Income taxes (benefit)     204,514     201,316     (43,340 )   632,522     258,481  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change     349,917     372,694     (62,379 )   1,139,160     485,966  
Cumulative effect of accounting change     129,971             129,971      
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)     479,888     372,694     (62,379 )   1,269,131     485,966  
Preferred stock dividends     2,875     2,875     2,875     8,625     8,625  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock   $ 477,013   $ 369,819   $ (65,254 ) $ 1,260,506   $ 477,341  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:                                
  Before cumulative effect of accounting change   $ .77   $ .82   $ (.14 ) $ 2.50   $ 1.03  
  Cumulative effect of accounting change     .29             .28      
   
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share, after cumulative effect of accounting change   $ 1.06   $ .82   $ (.14 ) $ 2.78   $ 1.03  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Average common shares outstanding     450,725     452,174     461,159     453,139     463,630  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:                                
  Before cumulative effect of accounting change   $ .76   $ .80   $ (.14 ) $ 2.43   $ 1.00  
  Cumulative effect of accounting change     .28             .28      
   
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share, after cumulative effect of accounting change   $ 1.04   $ .80   $ (.14 ) $ 2.71   $ 1.00  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding     460,647     465,132     461,159     465,125     475,631  
   
 
 
 
 
 


SLM CORPORATION
Pro-Forma "Core Cash"
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  Quarters ended
  Nine months ended
September 30,

 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

  2003
  2002
 
  (Unaudited)

  (Unaudited)

  (Unaudited)

  (Unaudited)

  (Unaudited)

Interest income:                              
  Managed student loans   $ 751,197   $ 754,300   $ 812,480   $ 2,247,840   $ 2,436,104
  Academic facilities financings and other loans     19,050     19,290     21,643     58,546     70,061
  Investments     43,973     43,892     28,031     117,108     108,308
   
 
 
 
 
Total managed interest income     814,220     817,482     862,154     2,423,494     2,614,473
Managed interest expense     410,112     424,274     503,901     1,253,728     1,572,224
   
 
 
 
 
Net managed interest income     404,108     393,208     358,253     1,169,766     1,042,249
Less: provision for losses     42,817     29,150     34,771     103,573     96,804
   
 
 
 
 
Net managed interest income after provision for losses     361,291     364,058     323,482     1,066,193     945,445
   
 
 
 
 
Other income:                              
  Guarantor servicing fees     40,323     25,259     27,679     100,776     78,118
  Debt management fees     78,275     52,684     47,642     189,772     137,017
  Other     49,253     58,685     58,627     161,143     163,933
   
 
 
 
 
Total other income     167,851     136,628     133,948     451,691     379,068
Operating expenses     177,229     183,283     168,678     533,249     492,185
   
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes     351,913     317,403     288,752     984,635     832,328
Income taxes     123,533     107,841     94,822     343,403     288,714
   
 
 
 
 
"Core cash" net income     228,380     209,562     193,930     641,232     543,614
Preferred stock dividends     2,875     2,875     2,875     8,625     8,625
   
 
 
 
 
"Core cash" net income attributable to common stock   $ 225,505   $ 206,687   $ 191,055   $ 632,607   $ 534,989
   
 
 
 
 
"Core cash" basic earnings per common share   $ .50   $ .46   $ .41   $ 1.40   $ 1.15
   
 
 
 
 
Average common shares outstanding     450,725     452,174     461,159     453,139     463,630
   
 
 
 
 
"Core cash" diluted earnings per common share   $ .49   $ .44   $ .40   $ 1.36   $ 1.12
   
 
 
 
 
Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding     460,647     465,132     472,074     465,125     475,631
   
 
 
 
 


SLM CORPORATION
Pro-Forma "Core Cash"
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to "Core Cash" Net Income
(In thousands)

 
  Quarters ended
  Nine months ended
September 30,

 
 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

  2003
  2002
 
 
  (Unaudited)

  (Unaudited)

  (Unaudited)

  (Unaudited)

  (Unaudited)

 
GAAP net income (loss)   $ 479,888   $ 372,694   $ (62,379 ) $ 1,269,131   $ 485,966  
"Core cash" adjustments:                                
  Net interest income on securitized loans     177,964     195,991     130,437     541,020     559,145  
  Floor income on managed loans     (61,420 )   (103,128 )   (51,399 )   (237,643 )   (424,250 )
  Provision for losses on securitized loans     (1,122 )   7,299         17,116     (14,246 )
  Gains on student loan securitizations     (39,454 )   (314,220 )   (17,819 )   (659,477 )   (75,838 )
  Servicing and securitization revenue     (74,812 )   (137,057 )   (121,184 )   (349,348 )   (495,923 )
  Losses on sales of securities, net     4,278     4,373     49,394     80,942     153,903  
  Amortization of acquired intangibles     7,060     6,716     5,786     20,548     17,358  
  Net impact of derivative accounting     (211,870 )   84,090     400,499     (195,172 )   370,904  
  Other     (3,142 )   (671 )   (1,243 )   (5,033 )   (3,172 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total "core cash" adjustments before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change     (202,518 )   (256,607 )   394,471     (787,047 )   87,881  
Net tax effect (A)     80,981     93,475     (138,162 )   289,119     (30,233 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total "core cash" adjustments before cumulative effect of accounting change     (121,537 )   (163,132 )   256,309     (497,928 )   57,648  
Cumulative effect of accounting change     (129,971 )           (129,971 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total "core cash" adjustments     (251,508 )   (163,132 )   256,309     (627,899 )   57,648  
   
 
 
 
 
 
"Core cash" net income   $ 228,380   $ 209,562   $ 193,930   $ 641,232   $ 543,614  
   
 
 
 
 
 

(A)
Such tax effect is based upon the Company's marginal tax rate for the respective period.



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SLM CORPORATION Supplemental Earnings Disclosure September 30, 2003 (Dollars in millions, except earnings per share)
SLM CORPORATION Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except per share amounts)
SLM CORPORATION Consolidated Statements of Income (In thousands, except per share amounts)
SLM CORPORATION Pro-Forma "Core Cash" Consolidated Statements of Income (In thousands, except per share amounts)
SLM CORPORATION Pro-Forma "Core Cash" Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to "Core Cash" Net Income (In thousands)

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Exhibit 99.2


SLM CORPORATION
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
THIRD QUARTER 2003
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

        The following supplemental information should be read in connection with SLM Corporation's (the "Company") press release of third quarter 2003 earnings, dated October 16, 2003.

        Statements in this Supplemental Financial Information release, which refer to expectations as to future developments, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in the terms of student loans and the educational credit marketplace arising from the implementation of applicable laws and regulations and from changes in such laws and regulations; changes in the demand for educational financing or in financing preferences of educational institutions, students and their families; and changes in the general interest rate environment. For more information, see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

        Definitions for capitalized terms in this document can be found in the Company's 2002 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 27, 2003.

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

        Certain reclassifications have been made to the balances as of and for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2002, to be consistent with classifications adopted for 2003.

THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

        In addition to evaluating our financial information based on generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), management, credit rating agencies, lenders and analysts also evaluate us on certain non-GAAP-based performance measures, which we refer to as "core cash" performance measures. Under these "core cash" performance measures, management analyzes the student loan portfolio on a Managed Basis and treats securitization transactions as financings versus sales. As such, the securitization gain on sale and subsequent servicing and securitization revenue are eliminated from income, and net interest income from securitized loans is recognized.

        When calculating these "core cash" performance measures we eliminate the benefit of Floor Income and use pre- Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," accounting for our derivative transactions, whereby we treat our derivatives as effective hedges and eliminate the derivative market value adjustment from our income statement. These "core cash" performance measures also eliminate the net benefit of Floor Income. We also exclude certain transactions that management does not consider part of our core business, such as gains or losses on certain sales of securities and derivative contracts, and the amortization of acquired intangible assets.

        A detailed presentation and discussion of "core cash" results of operations, including a reconciliation of GAAP net income to "core cash" net income, is included herein under "Core Cash" Results of Operations. The following key measurements are presented on a "core cash" basis for the



quarters ended September 30, 2003, June 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 except for GAAP diluted earnings (loss) per share.

 
  Quarters ended
  Nine months ended
 
 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

  September 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

 
GAAP diluted earnings (loss) per share, after cumulative effect of accounting change   $ 1.04   $ .80   $ (.14 ) $ 2.71   $ 1.00  
"Core cash" diluted earnings per share   $ .49   $ .44   $ .40   $ 1.36   $ 1.12  
Managed student loan spread     1.92 %   1.93 %   1.88 %   1.93 %   1.88 %
"Core cash" fee and other income   $ 168   $ 137   $ 134   $ 452   $ 379  
"Core cash" operating expenses   $ 177   $ 183   $ 169   $ 533   $ 492  
Managed student loan acquisitions   $ 5,142   $ 4,807   $ 4,033   $ 15,297   $ 13,015  
Preferred Channel originations   $ 5,083   $ 1,899   $ 4,101   $ 11,905   $ 9,714  
Loans securitized   $ 9,024   $ 6,760   $ 2,829   $ 22,106   $ 7,859  
Managed student loans outstanding, net   $ 85,811   $ 83,114   $ 77,114   $ 85,811   $ 77,114  

        The main drivers of the growth in our "core cash" earnings include the growth in the Managed student loan portfolio, stable student loan spreads and increasing fee and other income. In the third quarter of 2003, we reported "core cash" diluted earnings per share ("EPS") of $.49, which was a 23 percent increase over the third quarter of 2002 and an 11 percent increase over the prior quarter's "core cash" EPS.

        The growth in our Managed student loans outstanding is an important driver of future earnings growth. In the third quarter of 2003, our Managed student loan portfolio grew by $2.7 billion from $83.1 billion at June 30, 2003 to $85.8 billion at September 30, 2003. This growth in the student loan portfolio was fueled by the $5.1 billion in new student loans acquired in the third quarter of 2003, a 27 percent increase over the $4.0 billion acquired in the third quarter of 2002 and a 7 percent increase from the $4.8 billion acquired in the second quarter of 2003.

        In the second quarter of 2003, we delayed the processing of most of the Consolidation Loan applications received after April 21, 2003 to allow borrowers to take advantage of the new lower interest rate that took effect on July 1, 2003. This shifted our acquisition of Consolidation Loans to the third quarter, resulting in a net increase in Consolidation Loans of $196 million for the quarter. Net runoff of Consolidation Loans from the second quarter of 2003 was $246 million, and net runoff in the third quarter of 2002 was $62 million.

        During the third quarter of 2003, our "core cash" student loan spread, which measures the spread on our Managed portfolio of student loans exclusive of Floor Income, was 1.92 percent versus 1.93 percent in the prior quarter and 1.88 percent in the year-ago quarter. The decrease in the "core cash" student loan spread is due primarily to a higher relative cost of funds and the growth in Consolidation Loan Rebate Fees. The negative impact from these fees is partially offset by lower student loan premium amortization and by lower borrower benefits on Consolidation Loans. The increase in the "core cash" student loan spread versus the prior year is due to growth in higher yielding private credit student loans and higher amortization of the upfront payment of Floor Income Contracts.

        We continue to expand our guarantor servicing and debt management services. These businesses generated revenue of $118 million in the third quarter of 2003, an increase of 55 percent over the year-ago quarter and a 53 percent increase over the prior quarter. The 53 percent increase in guarantor servicing and debt management fee revenue versus the prior quarter is mainly due to seasonal factors in the guarantor servicing business and to an increase in debt management fees caused by the second

2


quarter suspension of the Federal Direct Loan Program's ("FDLP") Consolidation Loan disbursements until after the July 1 borrower interest rate reset, which deferred $7 million of default portfolio management fees to the third quarter. The growth in other income versus the year-ago quarter is due to the continued growth of our debt management business and the increase in mortgage origination fees caused mainly by the acquisition of Pioneer Mortgage in the second quarter of 2003.

        In the third quarter of 2003, "core cash" operating expenses were $177 million versus $169 million in the year-ago quarter and $183 million in the second quarter of 2003. The decrease in operating expenses versus the prior quarter was primarily due to lower legal fees caused by an insurance reimbursement, lower mortgage origination expenses from lower originations and to a second quarter accrual of severance costs for an information technology outsourcing initiative. The $8 million increase versus the prior year can mainly be attributed to the growth in the business and an increase in mortgage operating expenses due to the acquisition of Pioneer Mortgage in the second quarter of 2003, increased servicing and debt management expenses consistent with the growth in borrowers and the growth in the debt management business.

        We repurchased 1.5 million common shares in the third quarter of 2003 primarily through equity forward settlements. We also issued 1.6 million shares related to our benefit plans. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, we have repurchased 21.6 million shares, and issued 8.5 million shares under our benefit plans. Common stock outstanding at September 30, 2003 was 451 million shares.

        During the third quarter of 2003, we completed four securitizations totaling $9.0 billion, of which two were securitizations of FFELP Stafford/PLUS loans totaling $3.5 billion, and two were securitizations of Consolidation Loans totaling $5.5 billion. The two Consolidation Loan securitizations did not meet the criteria of being a qualifying special purpose entity ("QSPE") and are accounted for on-balance sheet as variable interest entities. As a result, no gain or loss was recorded on these transactions.

3


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following table presents the GAAP statements of income for the quarters ended September 30, 2003, June 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.

Condensed Statements of Income

 
  Quarters ended
  Nine months ended
 
 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

  September 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

 
Student loans   $ 425   $ 452   $ 505   $ 1,313   $ 1,573  
Academic facilities financings and other loans     19     19     22     59     70  
Investments     39     42     28     109     109  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest income     483     513     555     1,481     1,752  
Interest expense     233     247     301     724     928  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income     250     266     254     757     824  

Less: provision for losses

 

 

42

 

 

36

 

 

34

 

 

121

 

 

83

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income after provision for losses     208     230     220     636     741  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Other income:                                
  Gains on student loan securitizations     39     314     18     659     76  
  Servicing and securitization revenue     75     137     121     349     496  
  Losses on sales of securities, net     (6 )   (26 )   (63 )   (114 )   (189 )
  Derivative market value adjustment     250     (29 )   (366 )   335     (255 )
  Guarantor servicing fees     40     25     28     101     78  
  Debt management fees     78     52     48     190     137  
  Other     54     61     63     169     169  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total other income (loss)     530     534     (151 )   1,689     512  
Operating expenses     184     190     174     553     509  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change     554     574     (105 )   1,772     744  
Income taxes (benefit)     204     201     (43 )   633     258  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change     350     373     (62 )   1,139     486  
Cumulative effect of accounting change     130             130      
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)     480     373     (62 )   1,269     486  
Preferred stock dividends     3     3     3     8     9  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock   $ 477   $ 370   $ (65 ) $ 1,261   $ 477  
   
 
 
 
 
 

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Before cumulative effect of accounting change   $ .76   $ .80   $ (.14 ) $ 2.43   $ 1.00  
  Cumulative effect of accounting change     .28             .28      
   
 
 
 
 
 

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share, after cumulative effect of accounting change

 

$

1.04

 

$

..80

 

$

(.14

)

$

2.71

 

$

1.00

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

4


On-Balance Sheet Student Loan Spread

        The following table analyzes the reported earnings from student loans on-balance sheet for the quarters ended September 30, 2003, June 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.

On-Balance Sheet Student Loan Spread Analysis

 
  Quarters ended
  Nine months ended
 
 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

  September 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

 
Student loan yields, before Floor Income     4.17 %   4.36 %   4.91 %   4.32 %   5.08 %
Floor Income     .33     .42     .37     .35     .61  
Consolidation Loan Rebate Fees     (.51 )   (.46 )   (.41 )   (.49 )   (.38 )
Offset Fees     (.07 )   (.08 )   (.09 )   (.07 )   (.10 )
Borrower benefits     (.08 )   (.08 )   (.08 )   (.08 )   (.08 )
Premium and origination fee amortization     (.08 )   (.06 )   (.14 )   (.08 )   (.22 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Student loan net yield     3.76     4.10     4.56     3.95     4.91  
Student loan cost of funds     (1.54 )   (1.69 )   (2.25 )   (1.66 )   (2.42 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Student loan spread     2.22 %   2.41 %   2.31 %   2.29 %   2.49 %
   
 
 
 
 
 

Student loan average balance

 

$

44,839

 

$

44,173

 

$

43,862

 

$

44,393

 

$

42,835

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

        The decrease in the student loan spread in the third quarter of 2003 versus the prior quarter and the third quarter of 2002 was mainly due to the fluctuations in the amount of Floor Income discussed below. The decrease in the student loan spread, exclusive of Floor Income, versus both the prior quarter and the year-ago quarter is primarily due to a higher relative cost of funds and the growth in the Consolidation Loans. Consolidation Loans have lower spreads due to the 105 basis point Consolidation Loan Rebate Fee, which is partially offset by the longer average life of Consolidation Loans, that lengthens the premium amortization period resulting in lower student loan premium amortization expense per period. The third quarter student loan spread was also adversely impacted by higher premium write-offs from the increase in Consolidations into FDLP, caused primarily by the FDLP's temporary suspension of disbursements for new consolidations in the second quarter of 2003.

On-Balance Sheet Floor Income

        We earned $37 million or 33 basis points of Floor Income in the third quarter of 2003, of which $1 million relates to Variable Rate loans and $36 million relates to Fixed Rate loans, primarily Consolidation Loans. In comparison, we realized $40 million or 37 basis points in Floor Income in the year-ago quarter ($1 million from Variable Rate loans and $39 million from Fixed Rate loans), and $46 million or 42 basis points of Floor Income in the prior quarter ($16 million from Variable Rate loans and $30 million from Fixed Rate loans). The reduction in on-balance sheet Fixed Rate Floor Income from the year-ago quarter is mainly due to the increase in the notional value of Floor Income Contracts as Floor Income earned on the underlying student loans is passed through to counterparties and reduces the net amount of Floor Income earned and to the off-balance sheet securitizations of Consolidation Loans. The upfront payment received on Floor Income contracts is included in the derivative market value adjustment, and is effectively recognized in income over the life of the contract. This reduction was offset by the increase in Consolidation Loans.

5



Net Interest Margin and Net Interest Income

        The net interest margin for the third quarters of 2003 and 2002 and the second quarter of 2003 was 1.86 percent, 2.11 percent and 2.12 percent, respectively. The fluctuations in the net interest margin were largely driven by the fluctuations in the student loan spread discussed above, particularly the decrease of Floor Income versus the prior quarter and the year-ago quarter.

        The net interest margin was also negatively impacted by the increase in lower yielding short-term investments caused by the increase in non-GSE funding. Investments held in the third quarter outside of the GSE that are in excess of our normal liquidity needs are expected to be replaced in the fourth quarter by assets that will be transferred from the GSE. We also experienced higher relative funding costs from the increase in non-GSE funding as a percentage of total on-balance sheet funding. The following table reflects the rates earned on assets and paid on liabilities for the quarters ended September 30, 2003, June 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.

 
  Quarters ended
 
 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

 
 
  Amount
  Rate
  Amount
  Rate
  Amount
  Rate
 
Average Assets                                
Student loans   $ 44,839   3.76 % $ 44,173   4.10 % $ 43,862   4.56 %
Academic facilities financings and other loans     1,135   7.09     1,162   7.13     1,289   7.30  
Investments     8,032   2.01     6,041   3.02     4,213   3.24  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest earning assets     54,006   3.57 %   51,376   4.04 %   49,364   4.52 %
         
       
       
 
Non-interest earning assets     6,561         5,856         4,385      
   
     
     
     
Total assets   $ 60,567       $ 57,232       $ 53,749      
   
     
     
     

Average Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Six-month floating rate notes   $ 3,087   1.06 % $ 2,985   1.18 % $ 3,062   1.77 %
Other short-term borrowings     24,729   1.46     21,573   1.71     25,965   2.01  
Long-term notes     26,892   1.97     27,675   2.11     20,492   3.01  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest bearing liabilities     54,708   1.69 %   52,233   1.89 %   49,519   2.41 %
         
       
       
 
Non-interest bearing liabilities     3,078         2,743         2,450      
Stockholders' equity     2,781         2,256         1,780      
   
     
     
     
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 60,567       $ 57,232       $ 53,749      
   
     
     
     
Net interest margin         1.86 %       2.12 %       2.11 %
         
       
       
 

6


 
  Nine months ended
 
 
  September 30, 2003
  September 30, 2002
 
 
  Amount
  Rate
  Amount
  Rate
 
Average Assets                      
Student loans   $ 44,393   3.95 % $ 42,835   4.91 %
Academic facilities financings and other loans     1,154   7.27     1,529   6.74  
Investments     6,114   2.54     4,818   3.30  
   
 
 
 
 
Total interest earning assets     51,661   3.86 %   49,182   4.81 %
         
       
 
Non-interest earning assets     5,882         4,658      
   
     
     
Total assets   $ 57,543       $ 53,840      
   
     
     
Average Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                      
Six-month floating rate notes   $ 2,987   1.17 % $ 2,994   1.86 %
Other short-term borrowings     23,068   1.56     27,580   2.13  
Long-term notes     26,226   2.19     19,099   3.14  
   
 
 
 
 
Total interest bearing liabilities     52,281   1.85 %   49,673   2.50 %
         
       
 
Non-interest bearing liabilities     2,886         2,337      
Stockholders' equity     2,376         1,830      
   
     
     
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 57,543       $ 53,840      
   
     
     
Net interest margin         1.99 %       2.29 %
         
       
 

7


Securitization Program

        During the third quarter 2003, we completed four securitizations totaling $9.0 billion. We completed two securitizations of FFELP Stafford/PLUS loans totaling $3.5 billion and two securitizations of Consolidation Loans totaling $5.5 billion. The two Consolidation Loan transactions did not meet the requirements of being QSPEs and were therefore accounted for on-balance sheet as variable interest entities. As a result, no gain or loss was recorded on these transactions. During the second quarter of 2003 we completed four securitizations, one of which did not receive sale treatment. In the third quarter of 2002, we completed two securitizations, both of which received sale treatment. The following table summarizes securitization activity for the quarters ended September 30, 2003, June 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.

 
  Quarters ended
 
 
  September 30, 2003
  June 30, 2003
  September 30, 2002
 
 
  Number of
Transactions

  Amount
Securitized

  Gain %
  Number of
Transactions

  Amount
Securitized

  Gain %
  Number of
Transactions

  Amount
Securitized

  Gain %
 
FFELP Stafford/PLUS loans   2   $ 3,511   1.12 % 1   $ 1,005   1.32 % 2   $ 2,829   .63 %
Consolidation Loans           1     2,251   9.59          
Private credit student loans           1     1,248   6.82          
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total securitization sales   2     3,511   1.12 % 3     4,504   6.98 % 2     2,829   .63 %
             
           
           
 

On-balance sheet securitization of Consolidation Loans

 

2

 

 

5,513

 

 

 

1

 

 

2,256

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
Total loans securitized   4   $ 9,024       4   $ 6,760       2   $ 2,829      
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
  Nine months ended
 
 
  September 30, 2003
  September 30, 2002
 
 
  Number of
Transactions

  Amount
Securitized

  Gain %
  Number of
Transactions

  Amount
Securitized

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

        The increase in the gain for the third quarter of 2003 securitizations versus the year ago quarter's securitizations is primarily attributable to lower relative costs of funds on the 2003 transactions and lower premium write-offs.

8


Servicing and Securitization Revenue

        Servicing and securitization revenue, the ongoing revenue from securitized loan pools, includes the interest earned on the Residual Interest asset, the revenue we receive for servicing the loans in the securitization trusts, and Embedded Floor Income on securitized student loans not previously included in the gain on sale calculation.

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

 
  Quarters ended
  Nine months ended
 
 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

  September 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

 
Servicing revenue   $ 81   $ 77   $ 71   $ 233   $ 207  
Securitization revenue, before Embedded Floor Income     18     44     39     103     71  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Servicing and securitization revenue, before Embedded Floor Income     99     121     110     336     278  
   
 
 
 
 
 

Embedded Floor Income

 

 

79

 

 

102

 

 

29

 

 

260

 

 

276

 
Less:                                
  Payments on Floor Contracts     (55 )   (46 )   (18 )   (137 )   (58 )
  Floor Income previously recognized in gain calculation     (48 )   (40 )       (110 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 

Net Embedded Floor Income

 

 

(24

)

 

16

 

 

11

 

 

13

 

 

218

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

Total servicing and securitization revenue

 

$

75

 

$

137

 

$

121

 

$

349

 

$

496

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

Average off-balance sheet student loans

 

$

39,803

 

$

37,811

 

$

32,705

 

$

37,631

 

$

31,790

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

        Servicing and securitization revenue was .75 percent of the average balance of securitized loans in the third quarter of 2003, 1.45 percent in the prior quarter and 1.47 percent in the corresponding year-ago quarter. The decrease in servicing and securitization revenue for the third quarter before the impact of Embedded Floor Income is primarily due to payments on basis swaps hedging cash flows on securitized loans. The income or expense that is accrued on the hedged item that offsets the basis swap payments is accrued over time as a yield adjustment to the interest earned on the Residual Interest asset.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Total equity was $2.6 billion at September 30, 2003, an increase of $278 million from June 30, 2003. Our tangible capital was 2.06 percent and 1.81 percent of Managed assets at September 30, 2003 and June 30, 2003, respectively. At September 30, 2003, total capital included the cumulative effect of SFAS No. 133, which decreased capital on a timing basis by 19 percent, offset by a 29 percent increase to capital due to the change in fair value of the Embedded Floor Income component of the Retained Interest.

        We repurchased 1.5 million common shares during the third quarter of 2003 primarily through equity forward settlements. We also issued 1.6 million shares related to benefit plans. At September 30, 2003, the total common shares that could potentially be acquired over the next five years under outstanding equity forward contracts was 40.2 million shares at an average price of $35.39 per share.

9



We have remaining authority to enter into additional share repurchases and equity forward contracts for 17 million shares.

        For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, we have repurchased 21.6 million shares, and issued 8.5 million shares under our benefit plans. Common stock outstanding at September 30, 2003 was 451 million shares.

Equity Forward Contracts

        The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") recently issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity," which covers the accounting for equity forwards. Under SFAS No. 150, equity forward contracts that allow a net settlement option either in cash or the Company's stock are required to be accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 133 as derivatives. Those equity forward contracts that require physical settlement only (cash for shares) must be accounted for as a liability. Our existing contracts provide for net share or net cash settlement options, so as a result, we now account for our equity forward contracts as derivatives in accordance with SFAS No. 133 and periodically mark them to market through earnings. In accordance with SFAS No. 150, equity forward contracts that we entered into prior to June 1, 2003 and outstanding at July 1, 2003, were marked-to-market on July 1, and we recorded a gain of $130 million which was reflected as a "cumulative effect of accounting change." We typically pay a "cost to carry" each month to the counterparty based on LIBOR plus a spread or at a fixed interest rate and net of dividends received. This cost will be treated as part of the mark-to-market of the equity forward contracts through earnings. The transition gain was reduced by the cumulative cost of carry on those positions that was previously recognized in additional paid-in capital. In the third quarter of 2003, we recognized a $15 million loss related to the mark-to-market of our equity forward contracts.

Retirement of Treasury Stock and Stock Split

        In July 2003, the Board of Directors voted to retire 170 million shares of common stock held in treasury, effective in September 2003. Based on an average price of $18.04 per share, this retirement decreased the balance in treasury stock by $3.1 billion, with corresponding decreases of $34 million in common stock and $3.0 billion in retained earnings.

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

Leveraged Leases

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

10



"CORE CASH" RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Explanation of Adjustments to GAAP

        In accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the SEC, we prepare financial statements in accordance with GAAP. As discussed under "Financial Highlights," in addition to evaluating the Company's GAAP-based financial information, management, credit rating agencies, lenders and analysts also evaluate the Company on certain non-GAAP performance measures that we refer to as "core cash" results of operations. The Company reports pro forma "core cash" earnings, which the Company believes provide additional insights into its business. "Core cash" earnings reflect only current period adjustments to GAAP earnings as described below. Accordingly, the Company's "core cash" earnings presentation does not represent another comprehensive basis of accounting. A more detailed discussion of the differences between GAAP earnings and "core cash" earnings calculations follows.

Securitizations

        For those securitizations treated as sales, we record a Residual Interest asset that equals the present value of the estimated future net cash flows from the portfolio of loans sold and, at the same time, we record a gain on the sale calculated as the difference between the relative fair value and the carrying value of the assets sold. The gain on sale effectively accelerates income recognition of the pool of student loans securitized while the ultimate realization of such income remains dependent on their actual performance over time. Fees earned for servicing the loan portfolios and interest earned on the Residual Interest asset are recognized over the life of the securitization as servicing and securitization revenue. For "core cash" results of operations, we treat securitization transactions as financings and eliminate the securitization gain on sale and subsequent servicing and securitization revenue from income. We then recognize the net interest income from securitized loans as if they remained on-balance sheet, so that the performance of the portfolio of loans is measured on a Managed Basis.

Floor Income

        In low interest rate environments when our student loans are earning at the fixed borrower rate and the interest on our floating rate debt is continuing to decline, we earn additional spread income that we refer to as "Floor Income." The timing and amount of Floor Income is uncertain and tied to interest rate fluctuations, so we exclude such income from our "core cash" results of operations.

Derivative Accounting

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

        Our Floor Income Contracts are written options. SFAS No. 133's hedge criteria regarding effectiveness when using written options is more stringent than other hedging relationships. Because the paydown of principal of the student loans underlying the Embedded Floor Income in our student loans does not exactly match the change in the notional amount of our written Floor Income Contracts, the

11



written Floor Income Contracts do not qualify as effective hedges under SFAS No. 133. The Floor Income Contracts effectively fix the amount of Floor Income we will earn over the contract period, thus eliminating the timing and uncertainty associated with Floor Income for that period. Prior to SFAS No. 133, we accounted for Floor Income Contracts as hedges and amortized the upfront cash compensation ratably over the lives of the contracts. Under SFAS No. 133, the upfront payment is deemed a liability and changes in fair value are recorded through income throughout the life of the contract. The changes in the value of Floor Income Contracts is caused by changing interest rates that cause the underlying student loans to earn varying amounts of or no Floor Income, which is transferred to the counterparties. The change in the market value of the Floor Income Contracts is economically offset by the change in value of the student loan portfolio earning Floor Income, but that offsetting change in value is not recognized under SFAS No. 133.

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

        The following tables present the "core cash" statements of income and the reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to "core cash" net income for the quarters ended September 30, 2003, June 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.

12


"Core Cash" Statements of Income

 
  Quarters ended
  Nine months ended
 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

  September 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

Managed federally insured student loans   $ 632   $ 644   $ 718   $ 1,920   $ 2,190
Managed private credit student loans     119     110     94     328     246
Academic facilities financings and other loans     19     19     22     59     70
Investments     44     44     28     117     109
   
 
 
 
 
Total Managed interest income     814     817     862     2,424     2,615
Managed interest expense     410     424     504     1,254     1,572
   
 
 
 
 
Net managed interest income     404     393     358     1,170     1,043
Less: provision for losses     43     29     34     104     97
   
 
 
 
 
Net Managed interest income after provision for losses     361     364     324     1,066     946
   
 
 
 
 
Other income:                              
  Guarantor servicing fees     40     25     28     101     78
  Debt management fees     78     52     48     190     137
  Other     50     60     58     161     164
   
 
 
 
 
Total other income     168     137     134     452     379
Operating expenses     177     183     169     533     492
   
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes     352     318     289     985     833
Income taxes     124     108     95     344     289
   
 
 
 
 
"Core cash" net income     228     210     194     641     544
Preferred stock dividends     3     3     3     8     9
   
 
 
 
 
"Core cash" net income attributable to common stock   $ 225   $ 207   $ 191   $ 633   $ 535
   
 
 
 
 
"Core cash" diluted earnings per common share   $ .49   $ .44   $ .40   $ 1.36   $ 1.12
   
 
 
 
 

13


Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to "Core Cash" Net Income

 
  Quarters ended
  Nine months ended
 
 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

  September 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

 
GAAP net income (loss)   $ 480   $ 373   $ (62 ) $ 1,269   $ 486  
   
 
 
 
 
 
"Core cash" adjustments:                                
  Net interest income on securitized loans     178     196     130     541     559  
  Floor income on Managed loans     (61 )   (103 )   (51 )   (238 )   (424 )
  Provision for losses on securitized loans     (1 )   7         17     (14 )
  Gains on student loan securitizations     (39 )   (314 )   (18 )   (659 )   (76 )
  Servicing and securitization revenue     (75 )   (137 )   (121 )   (349 )   (496 )
  Losses on sales of securities, net     4     4     49     81     154  
  Amortization of acquired intangibles     7     7     6     21     17  
  Net impact of derivative accounting     (212 )   84     400     (195 )   371  
  Other     (4 )   (1 )   (1 )   (6 )   (3 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total "core cash" adjustments before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change     (203 )   (257 )   394     (787 )   88  
Net tax effect (A)     81     94     (138 )   289     (30 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total "core cash" adjustments before cumulative effect of accounting change     (122 )   (163 )   256     (498 )   58  
Cumulative effect of accounting change     (130 )           (130 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total "core cash" adjustments     (252 )   (163 )   256     (628 )   58  
   
 
 
 
 
 
"Core cash" net income   $ 228   $ 210   $ 194   $ 641   $ 544  
   
 
 
 
 
 

(A)
Such tax effect is based upon our marginal tax rate for the respective period.

        In the third quarter of 2003, we recognized $212 million of net, pre-tax mark-to-market gains due to the net impact of SFAS No. 133 derivative accounting versus $84 million of net, pre-tax losses in the second quarter 2003 and $400 million of net, pre-tax losses in the third quarter 2002. The table below quantifies the impact of SFAS No. 133 derivative accounting on our net income for the quarters ended September 30, 2003, June 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 when compared with the accounting principles employed in all years prior to the SFAS No. 133 implementation. Gains and losses on certain closed derivative positions that previously qualified as hedges were capitalized and amortized over the term of the hedged item. Under

14



SFAS No. 133, these amounts are recorded immediately. The adjustments to "core cash" net income for the net impact of SFAS No. 133 derivative accounting are summarized as follows:

 
  Quarters ended
  Nine months ended
 
 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

  September 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

 
Reversal of SFAS No. 133 income statement items:                                
  Derivative market value adjustment included in other income   $ (250 ) $ 29     366   $ (335 )   255  
  Amortization of derivative items included in other comprehensive income at transition                     1  
"Core cash" derivative adjustments:                                
  Amortization of premiums on Floor Income Contracts cap hedges in net interest income     42     39     24     122     89  
  Reversal of amortization of Floor Income Contracts de-designated as effective hedges on December 31, 2000 in net interest income         1     2     2     8  
  Reversal of impact of Eurodollar futures contracts and Floor Income Contracts in gain/loss on sales of securities, net     1     21     10     31     31  
  Amortization of closed Eurodollar futures contracts in net interest income     (5 )   (6 )   (2 )   (15 )   (13 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total net impact of SFAS No. 133 derivative accounting   $ (212 ) $ 84   $ 400   $ (195 ) $ 371  
   
 
 
 
 
 

        The entire net impact of SFAS No. 133 derivative accounting has been excluded for "core cash" results.

        In accordance with SFAS No. 150, equity forward contracts that we entered into prior to June 1, 2003 and outstanding at July 1, 2003, were marked-to-market on July 1, and we recorded a gain of $130 million which was reflected as a "cumulative effect of accounting change." This gain has been excluded for "core cash" results.

15



"Core Cash" Student Loan Spread

        The following table analyzes the reported earnings from our portfolio of Managed student loans, which includes loans both on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet in securitization trusts and excludes Floor Income.

 
  Quarters ended
  Nine months ended
 
 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

  September 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

 
"Core cash" student loan yields     4.13 %   4.31 %   4.87 %   4.29 %   5.05 %
Consolidation Loan Rebate Fees     (.36 )   (.35 )   (.27 )   (.35 )   (.25 )
Offset Fees     (.04 )   (.04 )   (.05 )   (.04 )   (.06 )
Borrower benefits     (.09 )   (.12 )   (.11 )   (.11 )   (.11 )
Premium and origination fee amortization     (.12 )   (.11 )   (.23 )   (.13 )   (.26 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
"Core cash" student loan net yield     3.52     3.69     4.21     3.66     4.37  
"Core cash" student loan cost of funds     (1.60 )   (1.76 )   (2.33 )   (1.73 )   (2.49 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
"Core cash" student loan spread     1.92 %   1.93 %   1.88 %   1.93 %   1.88 %
   
 
 
 
 
 

Average Balances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
On-balance sheet student loans   $ 44,839   $ 44,173   $ 43,862   $ 44,393   $ 42,835  
Securitized student loans     39,803     37,811     32,705     37,631     31,790  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Managed student loans   $ 84,642   $ 81,984   $ 76,567   $ 82,024   $ 74,625  
   
 
 
 
 
 

        The decrease in the third quarter of 2003 "core cash" student loan spread versus the second quarter of 2003 can primarily be attributed to a higher relative cost of funds and the growth in Consolidation Loans. Consolidation Loans have lower spreads due to the 105 basis point Consolidation Loan Rebate Fees, that is partially offset by lower premium amortization expense caused by the longer average life of Consolidation Loans. Consolidation Loans also have lower borrower benefits. The third quarter "core cash" student loan spread was also lowered by higher premium write-offs from the increase in consolidations into FDLP, caused primarily by the FDLP's temporary suspension of disbursements for new consolidations in the second quarter of 2003.

        The increase in the "core cash" student loan spread in the third quarter of 2003 versus the third quarter of 2002 is mainly due to an increase in the amortization of the upfront cash received from Fixed Rate Floor Income contracts and to the increase in the amortization of the loan discount on private credit student loans. These increases were partially offset by the growth in Consolidation Loans for reasons discussed above and a higher relative cost of funds.

16



Allowance for Private Credit Student Loan Losses—Managed Basis

        An analysis of our Managed allowance for loan losses for private credit student loans for the quarters ended September 30, 2003, June 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 is presented in the following table.

 
  Quarters ended
  Nine months ended
 
 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

  September 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

 
Balance at beginning of period   $ 242   $ 232   $ 181   $ 207   $ 208  
Provision for Managed private credit student loan losses     32     27     32     91     66  
Other                 7     (36 )

Charge-offs

 

 

(22

)

 

(19

)

 

(33

)

 

(60

)

 

(61

)
Recoveries     3     2     6     10     9  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Charge-offs, net of recoveries     (19 )   (17 )   (27 )   (50 )   (52 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of period   $ 255   $ 242   $ 186   $ 255   $ 186  
   
 
 
 
 
 

Net charge-offs as a percentage of average Managed private credit student loans (annualized)

 

 

..97

%

 

..96

%

 

1.95

%

 

..95

%

 

1.38

%
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average Managed private credit student loans in repayment (annualized)     2.01 %   1.90 %   3.62 %   1.89 %   2.48 %
Private credit allowance as a percentage of average Managed private credit student loans     3.36 %   3.46 %   3.42 %   3.66 %   3.73 %
Private credit allowance as a percentage of the ending balance of Managed private credit student loans     3.20 %   3.34 %   3.29 %   3.20 %   3.29 %
Private credit allowance as a percentage of Managed private credit student loans in repayment     6.92 %   6.67 %   6.27 %   6.92 %   6.27 %
Average balance of Managed private credit student loans in repayment   $ 3,658   $ 3,520   $ 2,935   $ 3,494   $ 2,782  
Average balance of Managed private credit student loans   $ 7,595   $ 6,990   $ 5,447   $ 6,977   $ 4,998  
Ending balance of Managed private credit student loans   $ 7,969   $ 7,249   $ 5,664   $ 7,969   $ 5,664  

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

17


Delinquencies—Managed Basis

        The table below shows our private credit student loan delinquency trends for September 30, 2003, June 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 on a Managed Basis. Delinquencies have the potential to adversely impact earnings if the account charges off and results in increased servicing and collection costs.

 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

 
Index

 
  Balance
  %
  Balance
  %
  Balance
  %
 
Loans in-school/grace/deferment(1)   $ 3,818       $ 3,202       $ 2,376      
Loans in forbearance(2)     463         418         318      
Loans in repayment and percentage of each status:                                
  Loans current     3,385   92 %   3,356   92 %   2,720   91 %
  Loans delinquent 30-59 days(3)     127   3     110   3     108   4  
  Loans delinquent 60-89 days     74   2     62   2     56   2  
  Loans delinquent 90 days or greater     102   3     101   3     86   3  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Managed private credit student loans in repayment     3,688   100 %   3,629   100 %   2,970   100 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Managed private credit student loans     7,969         7,249         5,664      
Managed private credit student loan allowance for losses     (255 )       (242 )       (186 )    
   
     
     
     
Managed private credit student loans, net   $ 7,714       $ 7,007       $ 5,478      
   
     
     
     

Percentage of Managed private credit student loans in repayment

 

 

46

%

 

 

 

50

%

 

 

 

52

%

 

 
   
     
     
     

Delinquencies as a percentage of Managed private credit student loans in repayment

 

 

8

%

 

 

 

8

%

 

 

 

8

%

 

 
   
     
     
     

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

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

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

"Core Cash" Other Income

        When compared with GAAP other income, "core cash" other income excludes gains on student loan securitizations, servicing and securitization revenue, the derivative market value adjustment per SFAS No. 133 and certain gains and losses on sales of investment securities and student loans. The following table summarizes the components of "core cash" other income for the quarters ended September 30, 2003, June 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.

18



Guarantor Servicing Fees, Debt Management Fees and Other Income

 
  Quarters ended
  Nine months ended
 
  September 30,
2003

  June 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

  September 30,
2003

  September 30,
2002

Guarantor servicing and debt management fees:                              
  Guarantor servicing fees   $ 40   $ 25   $ 28   $ 101   $ 78
  Debt management fees     78     52     48     190     137
   
 
 
 
 
Total guarantor servicing and debt management fees   $ 118   $ 77   $ 76   $ 291   $ 215
   
 
 
 
 

Other income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Late fees   $ 18   $ 15   $ 14   $ 50   $ 43
  Third party servicing fees     15     14     16     43     45
  Mortgage and consumer loan fees     13     15     4     34     8
  Other     4     16     24     34     68
   
 
 
 
 
Total other income   $ 50   $ 60   $ 58   $ 161   $ 164
   
 
 
 
 

        The $15 million increase in guarantor servicing fees in the third quarter of 2003 versus the prior quarter is mainly due to seasonal factors and to the growth in the guarantor servicing business. The $12 million increase versus the year-ago quarter is due to the growth in the business, and modification to the manner in which revenue is recognized, thus reducing origination processing fees in the third quarter of 2002. The increase in debt management fees in the third quarter of 2003 versus the year-ago quarter and the second quarter of 2003 is primarily due to the growth in the business, improved performance in rehabilitating student loans and the effect of the FDLP's suspension of their Consolidation Loan program in the second quarter, which deferred $7 million of default portfolio management fees to the third quarter. We earn default portfolio management fees when defaulted Stafford loans are consolidated with the FDLP.

        The $9 million increase in mortgage and consumer loan fees in the third quarter of 2003 versus the year-ago quarter is mainly attributed to an increase in gains on sales of mortgage loans due to the acquisition of Pioneer Mortgage in the second quarter of 2003.

        In the third quarter of 2003, we changed our method of accounting for fees earned by performing information technology enhancements under an agreement with United Student Aid Funds, Inc. ("USA Funds"). Under the new accounting method, we will earn revenue ratably over the contract term upon completion of the project. We previously recognized revenue as services were performed. This change resulted in an $18 million deferral of revenue previously recognized under this contract and is reflected in "Other" in the above table. These fees were previously reflected in "Guarantor Servicing Fees."

"Core Cash" Operating Expenses

        In the third quarter of 2003, "core cash" operating expenses were $177 million versus $169 million in the year-ago quarter and $183 million in the second quarter of 2003. The decrease in operating expenses versus the prior quarter was primarily due to lower legal fees caused by an insurance reimbursement, lower mortgage origination expenses from lower originations, and to a second quarter accrual of severance costs for an information technology outsourcing initiative. The $8 million increase versus the prior year can mainly be attributed to an increase in mortgage operating expenses due to the acquisition of Pioneer Mortgage in the second quarter of 2003, increased servicing and debt management expenses consistent with the growth in borrowers and the growth in the debt management business.

19


MANAGED STUDENT LOAN ACQUISITIONS

        The following tables summarize the components of both our on-balance sheet and our Managed student loan acquisitions for the quarters ended September 30, 2003, June 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 and the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.

 
  Quarter ended
September 30, 2003

 
 
  FFELP
  Private
  Total
 
Preferred Channel   $ 2,647   $ 797   $ 3,444  
Other commitment clients     93     33     126  
Spot purchases     176     2     178  
Consolidations from third parties     811     40     851  
Consolidations from securitized trusts     2,540         2,540  
Capitalized interest and other     257     (10 )   247  
   
 
 
 
Total on-balance sheet student loan acquisitions     6,524     862     7,386  
Consolidations to SLM Corporation from securitized trusts     (2,540 )       (2,540 )
Capitalized interest and other — securitized trusts     278     18     296  
   
 
 
 
Total Managed student loan acquisitions   $ 4,262   $ 880   $ 5,142  
   
 
 
 
 
  Quarter ended
June 30, 2003

 
 
  FFELP
  Private
  Total
 
Preferred Channel   $ 3,034   $ 686   $ 3,720  
Other commitment clients     117         117  
Spot purchases     384         384  
Consolidations from third parties     167         167  
Consolidations from securitized trusts     617         617  
Capitalized interest and other     250     21     271  
   
 
 
 
Total on-balance sheet student loan acquisitions     4,569     707     5,276  
Consolidations to SLM Corporation from securitized trusts     (617 )       (617 )
Capitalized interest and other — securitized trusts     145     3     148  
   
 
 
 
Total Managed student loan acquisitions   $ 4,097   $ 710   $ 4,807  
   
 
 
 
 
  Quarter ended
September 30, 2002

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

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  Nine months ended
September 30, 2003

 
 
  FFELP
  Private
  Total
 
Preferred Channel   $ 8,996   $ 2,325   $ 11,321  
Other commitment clients     266     33     299  
Spot purchases     613     2     615  
Consolidations from third parties     1,609     40     1,649  
Consolidations from securitized trusts     4,490         4,490  
Capitalized interest and other     771     29     800  
   
 
 
 
Total on-balance sheet student loan acquisitions     16,745     2,429     19,174  
Consolidations to SLM Corporation from securitized trusts     (4,490 )       (4,490 )
Capitalized interest and other — securitized trusts     582     31     613  
   
 
 
 
Total Managed student loan acquisitions   $ 12,837   $ 2,460   $ 15,297  
   
 
 
 
 
  Nine months ended
September 30, 2002

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

        We purchased and originated $5.1 billion of student loans in the third quarter of 2003 compared with $4.0 billion in the year-ago quarter and $4.8 billion in the prior quarter. In both June 2003 and 2002, we delayed the processing of disbursement for Consolidation Loans to allow borrowers to take advantage of lower interest rates that took effect on July 1.

        In the third quarter of 2003, our Preferred Channel originations totaled $5.1 billion versus $4.1 billion in the year-ago quarter and $1.9 billion in the prior quarter. The pipeline of loans currently serviced on our servicing systems and committed for purchase by us was $5.9 billion at September 30, 2003 versus $5.2 billion at September 30, 2002 and $4.4 billion at June 30, 2003.

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SLM CORPORATION SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION THIRD QUARTER 2003 (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)