slm-20230201
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UNITED STATES
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): February 1, 2023

SLM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
001-13251
52-2013874
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(Commission File Number)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
300 Continental Drive
Newark,
Delaware
19713
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (302) 451-0200
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $.20 per shareSLMThe NASDAQ Global Select Market
Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B, par value $.20 per shareSLMBPThe NASDAQ Global Select Market

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
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.




ITEM 2.02    RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

On February 1, 2023, SLM Corporation issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022. The press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein.
The press release at Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein is being furnished and shall not be deemed "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as otherwise expressly stated in such filing.


ITEM 9.01    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

(d) Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Description
 99.1*
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL)
*Furnished herewith.









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 hereunto duly authorized.

                        
SLM CORPORATION
Date: February 1, 2023By:/s/ STEVEN J. MCGARRY
Steven J. McGarry
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


                

                            
                    




Document

Exhibit 99.1
https://cdn.kscope.io/833f150a6a475c2dde692664985c0cef-smbla03a.jpg
News Release
For Immediate Release

SALLIE MAE REPORTS FOURTH-QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR 2022 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Fourth-Quarter GAAP Net Loss Attributable to Common Stock of $81 Million, $0.33 Loss Per Share; Full-Year 2022 GAAP Net Income Attributable to Common Stock of $460 Million, $1.76 Per Diluted Share
Impacting Earnings Per Share for the Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2022 Were the Fourth-Quarter Provision for Credit Losses of $297 Million and the Write Down of $60 Million of the Value of an Investment in Non-Marketable Equity Securities
Repurchased 40 Million Shares of Common Stock in Full-Year 2022;
14% Reduction in Total Common Stock Outstanding Since January 1, 2022

Full-Year Net Interest Margin of 5.31%, Up 10% From Year-Ago Period

Full-Year 2022 Private Education Loan Originations of $6.0 Billion,
Up 10% From Year-Ago Period


NEWARK, Del., Feb. 1, 2023 - Sallie Mae (Nasdaq: SLM), formally SLM Corporation, today released fourth-quarter and full-year 2022 financial results. Highlights of those results are included in the attached supplement. Complete financial results are available at www.SallieMae.com/investors.

Sallie Mae will host an earnings conference call tomorrow, Feb. 2, 2023, at 8 a.m. ET. Executives will be on hand to discuss various highlights of the quarter and to answer questions related to Sallie Mae’s performance. A live audio webcast of the conference call and presentation slides may be accessed at www.SallieMae.com/investors and the hosting website at: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/hsm8g7qs.

Participants may also register for the earnings conference call at: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIca989e7e50294634aadee18aa7b44a65. Once registration is completed, participants will be provided a dial-in number with a personalized conference code to access the call. Please dial in 15 minutes prior to the start time.

A replay of the webcast will be available via the company’s investor website approximately two hours after the call’s conclusion.

Sallie Mae (Nasdaq: SLM) believes education and life-long learning, in all forms, help people achieve great things. As the leader in private student lending, we provide financing and know-how to support access to college and offer products and resources to help customers make new goals and experiences, beyond college, happen. Learn more at SallieMae.com. Commonly known as Sallie Mae, SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.
Contacts:
Media
Rick Castellano, 302-451-2541, rick.castellano@SallieMae.com

Investors
Melissa Bronaugh, 571-526-2455, melissa.bronaugh@SallieMae.com



https://cdn.kscope.io/833f150a6a475c2dde692664985c0cef-smbla03a.jpg
Sallie Mae Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2022 Financial Results

Fourth-Quarter GAAP Net Loss Attributable to Common Stock of $81 Million, $0.33 Loss Per Share; Full-Year 2022 GAAP Net Income Attributable to Common Stock of $460 Million,
$1.76 Per Diluted Share
Impacting Earnings Per Share for the Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2022 Were the Fourth-Quarter Provision for Credit Losses of $297 Million and the Write Down of $60 Million of the Value of an Investment in Non-Marketable Equity Securities
Repurchased 40 Million Shares of Common Stock in Full-Year 2022;
14% Reduction in Total Common Stock Outstanding Since January 1, 2022

Full-Year Net Interest Margin of 5.31%, Up 10% From Year-Ago Period

Full-Year 2022 Private Education Loan Originations of $6.0 Billion,
Up 10% From Year-Ago Period

“We executed on our strategic priorities and core business in 2022 – growing originations, expanding net interest margin, returning a significant amount of capital to shareholders, and rigorously managing expenses in an uncertain macroeconomic environment. While credit performance remains a focus, the overall strength of our franchise and investments in our processes, programs, and people should position us to deliver continued shareholder value and long-term success.”
Jonathan Witter, CEO, Sallie Mae

Fourth-Quarter 2022 Highlights vs. Fourth-Quarter 2021 Highlights

Core Business Strategy Results:
GAAP net loss of $77 million, down 125%.
Net interest income of $381 million, up 4%.
Private education loan originations of $819 million, up 11%.
Average private education loans outstanding of $20.3 billion, down 5%.
Average yield on the private education loan portfolio was 10.12%, up 181 basis points.
Private education loan provisions for credit losses, including amounts for unfunded commitments, was $297 million, compared with a negative provision of $16 million.
Private education loans held-for-investment in forbearance were 1.8% of private education loans held-for-investment in repayment and forbearance, down from 1.9%.
Private education loans held-for-investment delinquencies as a percentage of private education loans held-for-investment in repayment were 3.8%, up from 3.3%.
Total operating expenses of $138 million, up from $125 million.

Progress on our Balance Sheet and Capital Allocation:
Repurchased 10 million shares of common stock under share repurchase programs in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared with 14 million shares of common stock repurchased in the year-ago period.
Paid fourth-quarter common stock dividend of $0.11 per share, unchanged from the fourth quarter of 2021.

Investor Contact:
Melissa Bronaugh, 571-526-2455
melissa.bronaugh@SallieMae.com
Media Contact:
Rick Castellano, 302-451-2541
rick.castellano@SallieMae.com


1



The following are significant items or events that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2022:

Provisions for Credit Losses
    Provision for credit losses in the fourth quarter of 2022 was $297 million, compared with a negative provision of $15 million in the year-ago quarter. The net increase in the provision for credit losses was driven by a number of factors, including new loan commitments, slower prepayment speeds, model changes, environmental factors, expectation of higher future losses related to the previously announced credit administration practices changes, and previously disclosed staffing and operational issues. The company expects the foregoing issues to persist in 2023 and to a lesser extent in 2024.

Progress on Balance Sheet and Capital Allocation
    Share Repurchases
   
In the fourth quarter of 2022, the company repurchased 10 million shares of its common stock at a total cost of $155 million, or an average purchase price of $16.25 per share, under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan authorized under its share repurchase programs.

From Jan. 1, 2020 through Dec. 31, 2022, the company repurchased 187 million shares of common stock under its repurchase programs, which represents a 44% reduction in the total number of shares outstanding on Jan. 1, 2020. The full-year 2022 repurchases were 40 million shares at an average purchase price of $17.58 per share, which is a 14% decrease in shares outstanding since the beginning of 2022. There was $581 million of capacity remaining under the 2022 Share Repurchase Program at Dec. 31, 2022.

Impairment of Non-Marketable Equity Securities
    Loss on non-marketable equity securities
   
During the fourth quarter of 2022, the company determined that an investment in non-marketable equity securities was impaired. As such, the company wrote down the value based upon an estimate of the value of these securities and recorded a loss of $60 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.

The following provides guidance on the company’s performance in 2023.

Guidance*
   For 2023, the company expects the following:
Full-year diluted Non-GAAP “Core Earnings” per common share of $2.50 - $2.70.**
Full-year Private Education Loan originations year-over-year growth of 5% - 6%.
Full-year total loan portfolio net charge-offs of $345 million - $385 million.
Full-year non-interest expenses of $610 million - $620 million.

* See page 5 for a cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements.
** See Non-GAAP “Core Earnings” to GAAP Reconciliation on page 9 for a description of non-GAAP “Core Earnings”. GAAP net income attributable to SLM Corporation common stock is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. However, this GAAP measure is not accessible on a forward-looking basis because the company is unable to estimate the net impact of derivative accounting and the associated net tax expense (benefit) for future periods.













2


Quarterly and Full-Year
 Financial Highlights

Q4 2022Q3 2022Q4 202120222021
Income Statement ($ millions)
Total interest income$584$520$458$2,032$1,777
Total interest expense20215091543382
Net interest income3813703671,4891,395
Less: provisions for credit losses297208(15)633(33)
Total non-interest income (loss)(41)95153335632
Total non-interest expenses140152125559520
Income tax expense (benefit)(19)30104162380
Net income (loss)(77)753064691,161
Preferred stock dividends32195
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock(81)733054601,156
Non-GAAP “Core Earnings” adjustments to GAAP(1)
118
Non-GAAP “Core Earnings” net income (loss) attributable to common stock(1)
(81)733064601,173
Ending Balances ($ millions)
Private Education Loans held for investment, net$19,020$18,981$19,625$19,020$19,625
FFELP Loans held for investment, net607641693607693
Credit Cards held for investment, net2323
Deposits21,44821,27720,82821,44820,828
-Brokered9,87710,23210,1239,87710,123
-Retail and other11,57111,04510,70511,57110,705
Key Performance Metrics
Net interest margin5.37%5.27%5.13%5.31%4.81%
Yield - Total interest-earning assets8.21%7.42%6.40%7.24%6.13%
Private Education Loans10.12%9.43%8.31%9.14%8.25%
Credit Cards7.54%4.77%4.12%5.10%4.67%
Cost of Funds3.00%2.27%1.36%2.05%1.42%
Return on Assets (“ROA”)(2)
(1.1)%1.0%4.2%1.6%3.9%
Non-GAAP “Core Earnings” ROA(3)
(1.1)%1.0%4.2%1.6%4.0%
Return on Common Equity (“ROCE”)(4)
(18.8)%16.7%62.3%25.4%53.9%
Non-GAAP “Core Earnings” ROCE(5)
(18.8)%16.7%62.6%25.4%54.7%
Per Common Share
GAAP diluted earnings (loss) per common share$(0.33)$0.29$1.04$1.76$3.61
Non-GAAP “Core Earnings” diluted earnings (loss) per common share(1)
$(0.33)$0.29$1.05$1.76$3.67
Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (millions)245254293262320


3



Footnotes:

(1) Sallie Mae provides non-GAAP “Core Earnings” because it is one of several measures management uses to evaluate management performance and allocate corporate resources. The difference between non-GAAP “Core Earnings” and GAAP net income is driven by mark-to-fair value unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts recognized in GAAP, but not in non-GAAP “Core Earnings” results. See the Non-GAAP “Core Earnings” to GAAP Reconciliation in this press release for a full reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP “Core Earnings.” Non-GAAP “Core Earnings” exclude periodic unrealized gains and losses caused by the mark-to-fair value valuations on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under GAAP, but include current period accruals on the derivative instruments. Under GAAP, for our derivatives held to maturity, the cumulative net unrealized gain or loss over the life of the contract will be equal to $0. Management believes the company’s derivatives are effective economic hedges, and, as such, they are a critical element of the company’s interest rate risk management strategy. Our non-GAAP “Core Earnings” are not defined terms within GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

(2) We calculate and report our Return on Assets (“ROA”) as the ratio of (a) GAAP net income (loss) numerator (annualized) to (b) the GAAP total average assets denominator.

(3) We calculate and report our non-GAAP “Core Earnings” Return on Assets (“Non-GAAP Core Earnings ROA”) as the ratio of (a) non-GAAP “Core Earnings” net income (loss) numerator (annualized) to (b) the GAAP total average assets denominator.

(4) We calculate and report our Return on Common Equity (“ROCE”) as the ratio of (a) GAAP net income (loss) attributable to common stock numerator (annualized) to (b) the net denominator, which consists of GAAP total average equity less total average preferred stock.

(5) We calculate and report our non-GAAP “Core Earnings” Return on Common Equity (“Non-GAAP Core Earnings ROCE”) as the ratio of (a) non-GAAP “Core Earnings” net income (loss) attributable to common stock numerator (annualized) to (b) the net denominator, which consists of GAAP total average equity less total average preferred stock.










***



























4




This press release contains “forward-looking statements” and information based on management’s current expectations as of the date of this release. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs, opinions, or expectations and statements that assume or are dependent upon future events, are forward-looking statements. This includes, but is not limited to: statements regarding future developments surrounding COVID-19 or any other pandemic, including, without limitation, statements regarding the potential impact of COVID-19 or any other pandemic on the company’s business, results of operations, financial condition, and/or cash flows; the company’s expectation and ability to pay a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock in the future, subject to the determination by the company’s Board of Directors, and based on an evaluation of the company’s earnings, financial condition and requirements, business conditions, capital allocation determinations, and other factors, risks, and uncertainties; the company’s 2023 guidance; the company’s three-year horizon outlook; the company’s expectation and ability to execute loan sales and share repurchases; the company’s projections regarding originations, net charge-offs, non-interest expenses, earnings, balance sheet position, and other metrics; any estimates related to accounting standard changes; and any estimates related to the impact of credit administration practices changes, including the results of simulations or other behavioral observations. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those reflected in such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the risks and uncertainties set forth in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2021 (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Feb. 24, 2022) and subsequent filings with the SEC; the societal, business, and legislative/regulatory impact of pandemics and other public heath crises; increases in financing costs; limits on liquidity; increases in costs associated with compliance with laws and regulations; failure to comply with consumer protection, banking and other laws; changes in accounting standards and the impact of related changes in significant accounting estimates, including any regarding the measurement of our allowance for credit losses and the related provision expense; any adverse outcomes in any significant litigation to which the company is a party; credit risk associated with the company’s exposure to third parties, including counterparties to the company’s derivative transactions; and changes in the terms of education loans and the educational credit marketplace (including changes resulting from new laws and the implementation of existing laws). We could also be affected by, among other things: changes in our funding costs and availability; reductions to our credit ratings; cybersecurity incidents, cyberattacks, and other failures or breaches of our operating systems or infrastructure, including those of third-party vendors; damage to our reputation; risks associated with restructuring initiatives, including failures to successfully implement cost-cutting programs and the adverse effects of such initiatives on our business; changes in the demand for educational financing or in financing preferences of lenders, educational institutions, students, and their families; changes in law and regulations with respect to the student lending business and financial institutions generally; changes in banking rules and regulations, including increased capital requirements; increased competition from banks and other consumer lenders; the creditworthiness of our customers; changes in the general interest rate environment, including the rate relationships among relevant money-market instruments and those of our earning assets versus our funding arrangements; rates of prepayments on the loans that we own; changes in general economic conditions and our ability to successfully effectuate any acquisitions; and other strategic initiatives. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements also requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions, including estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates or assumptions may prove to be incorrect. All forward-looking statements contained in this release are qualified by these cautionary statements and are made only as of the date of this release. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to conform such statements to actual results or changes in our expectations.


Information on COVID-19 Impact on Sallie Mae
The COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented and has had a significant impact on the economic environment globally and in the United States. There is a significant amount of uncertainty as to the length and breadth of the impact to the U.S. economy and, consequently, on the company. Please refer to Item 1A. “Risk Factors — Pandemic Risk” in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2021 (filed with the SEC on Feb. 24, 2022), for risks associated with COVID-19. Also, see above for a cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements.


















5



SLM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
As of December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
20222021
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$4,616,117 $4,334,603 
Investments:
Trading investments at fair value (cost of $47,554 and $29,049, respectively )
55,903 37,465 
Available-for-sale investments at fair value (cost of $2,554,332 and $2,535,568, respectively)
2,342,089 2,517,956 
Other investments94,716 140,037 
Total investments2,492,708 2,695,458 
Loans held for investment (net of allowance for losses of $1,357,075 and $1,165,335, respectively)
19,626,868 20,341,283 
Loans held for sale29,448 — 
Restricted cash156,719 210,741 
Other interest-earning assets11,162 9,655 
Accrued interest receivable1,202,059 1,205,667 
Premises and equipment, net140,728 150,516 
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets, net118,273 — 
Income taxes receivable, net380,058 239,578 
Tax indemnification receivable2,816 8,047 
Other assets34,073 26,351 
Total assets$28,811,029 $29,221,899 
Liabilities
Deposits$21,448,071 $20,828,124 
Long-term borrowings5,235,114 5,930,990 
Other liabilities400,874 313,074 
Total liabilities27,084,059 27,072,188 
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Preferred stock, par value $0.20 per share, 20 million shares authorized:
Series B: 2.5 million and 2.5 million shares issued, respectively, at stated value of $100 per share
251,070 251,070 
Common stock, par value $0.20 per share, 1.125 billion shares authorized: 435.1 million and 432.0 million shares issued, respectively
87,025 86,403 
Additional paid-in capital1,109,072 1,074,384 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax benefit of $(30,160) and $(5,707), respectively)
(93,870)(17,897)
Retained earnings3,163,640 2,817,134 
Total SLM Corporation stockholders’ equity before treasury stock4,516,937 4,211,094 
Less: Common stock held in treasury at cost: 194.4 million and 153.1 million shares, respectively
(2,789,967)(2,061,383)
Total equity1,726,970 2,149,711 
Total liabilities and equity$28,811,029 $29,221,899 
 


6





 
SLM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
Quarters EndedYears Ended
 December 31,December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)2022202120222021
Interest income:
Loans$527,143 $452,466 $1,914,554 $1,756,945 
Investments11,052 4,597 35,304 13,859 
Cash and cash equivalents45,405 1,378 81,722 6,040 
Total interest income583,600 458,441 2,031,580 1,776,844 
Interest expense:
Deposits153,441 49,887 368,914 225,370 
Interest expense on short-term borrowings3,054 4,585 11,956 18,945 
Interest expense on long-term borrowings45,674 36,619 161,929 137,763 
Total interest expense202,169 91,091 542,799 382,078 
Net interest income381,431 367,350 1,488,781 1,394,766 
Less: provisions for credit losses297,260 (15,309)633,453 (32,957)
Net interest income after provisions for credit losses84,171 382,659 855,328 1,427,723 
Non-interest income (loss):
Gains on sales of loans, net2,894 145,535 327,750 548,315 
Gains (losses) on securities, net(58,245)666 (60,267)39,096 
Gains (losses) on derivatives and hedging activities, net— (17)(5)144 
Other income 14,708 6,577 67,160 44,894 
Total non-interest income (loss)(40,643)152,761 334,638 632,449 
Non-interest expenses:
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits67,359 57,895 270,354 258,321 
FDIC assessment fees9,438 5,734 20,939 23,368 
Other operating expenses60,965 61,866 260,169 236,964 
Total operating expenses137,762 125,495 551,462 518,653 
Acquired intangible assets amortization expense2,301 — 7,779 — 
Restructuring expenses— — — 1,255 
Total non-interest expenses140,063 125,495 559,241 519,908 
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)(96,535)409,925 630,725 1,540,264 
Income tax expense (benefit)(19,492)103,660 161,711 379,751 
Net income (loss)(77,043)306,265 469,014 1,160,513 
Preferred stock dividends3,466 1,177 9,029 4,736 
Net income (loss) attributable to SLM Corporation common stock$(80,509)$305,088 $459,985 $1,155,777 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share$(0.33)$1.06 $1.78 $3.67 
Average common shares outstanding244,615 287,828 258,439 314,993 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share$(0.33)$1.04 $1.76 $3.61 
Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding244,615 292,756 261,503 319,912 
Declared dividends per common share$0.11 $0.11 $0.44 $0.20 

7




SLM CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)
Quarters EndedYears Ended
December 31,December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)2022202120222021
Net income (loss)$(77,043)$306,265 $469,014 $1,160,513 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments3,773 (16,350)(194,157)(26,606)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges(4,517)18,737 93,731 48,111 
Total unrealized gains (losses)(744)2,387 (100,426)21,505 
Income tax (expense) benefit351 (581)24,453 (5,202)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (expense) benefit(393)1,806 (75,973)16,303 
Total comprehensive income (loss)$(77,436)$308,071 $393,041 $1,176,816 

8



Non-GAAP “Core Earnings” to GAAP Reconciliation
The following table reflects adjustments associated with our derivative activities.
Quarters EndedYears Ended
December 31,December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)2022202120222021
Non-GAAP “Core Earnings” adjustments to GAAP:
GAAP net income (loss)$(77,043)$306,265 $469,014 $1,160,513 
Preferred stock dividends3,466 1,177 9,029 4,736 
GAAP net income (loss) attributable to SLM Corporation common stock$(80,509)$305,088 $459,985 $1,155,777 
Adjustments:
Net impact of derivative accounting(1)
— 1,833 248 23,216 
Net tax expense(2)
— 443 60 5,615 
Total non-GAAP “Core Earnings” adjustments to GAAP— 1,390 188 17,601 
Non-GAAP “Core Earnings” (loss) attributable to SLM Corporation common stock$(80,509)$306,478 $460,173 $1,173,378 
GAAP diluted earnings (loss) per common share$(0.33)$1.04 $1.76 $3.61 
Derivative adjustments, net of tax— 0.01 — 0.06 
Non-GAAP “Core Earnings” diluted earnings (loss) per common share$(0.33)$1.05 $1.76 $3.67 
(1) Derivative Accounting: Non-GAAP “Core Earnings” exclude periodic unrealized gains and losses caused by the mark-to-fair value valuations on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under GAAP, but include current period accruals on the derivative instruments. Under GAAP, for our derivatives held to maturity, the cumulative net unrealized gain or loss over the life of the contract will equal $0.

(2) Non-GAAP “Core Earnings” tax rate is based on the effective tax rate at Sallie Mae Bank, where the derivative instruments are held.


The following table reflects our provisions for credit losses and total portfolio net charge-offs:
Quarters EndedYears Ended
December 31,December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)2022202120222021
Provisions for credit losses$297,260 $(15,309)$633,453 $(32,957)
Total portfolio net charge-offs(117,293)(61,181)(389,502)(200,762)

We evaluate management’s performance internally using a measure that starts with non-GAAP “Core Earnings” net income as disclosed above for a period, and further adjusting it by increasing it by the impact of GAAP provisions for credit losses and decreasing it by the total portfolio net charge-offs recorded in that period, net of the tax impact of these adjustments.









9


Average Balance Sheets
The following table reflects the rates earned on interest-earning assets and paid on interest-bearing liabilities and reflects our net interest margin on a consolidated basis.  
        
 Quarters Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
 2022202120222021
(Dollars in thousands)BalanceRateBalanceRateBalanceRateBalanceRate
Average Assets    
Private Education Loans$20,254,373 10.12 %$21,285,836 8.31 %$20,576,737 9.14 %$20,968,061 8.25 %
FFELP Loans628,187 6.03 701,953 3.46 662,194 4.62 718,186 3.43 
Credit Cards29,521 7.54 21,396 4.12 28,547 5.10 14,982 4.67 
Taxable securities2,380,810 1.84 2,540,127 0.72 2,509,215 1.41 2,142,025 0.65 
Cash and other short-term investments4,898,994 3.69 3,849,812 0.19 4,284,442 1.93 5,139,731 0.14 
Total interest-earning assets28,191,885 8.21 %28,399,124 6.40 %28,061,135 7.24 %28,982,985 6.13 %
Non-interest-earning assets629,678 578,335 605,447 636,691 
Total assets$28,821,563 $28,977,459 $28,666,582 $29,619,676 
 
Average Liabilities and Equity
Brokered deposits$10,044,571 2.75 %$10,223,973 1.26 %$9,871,787 1.95 %$11,015,170 1.35 %
Retail and other deposits11,293,695 3.10 10,559,488 0.64 11,109,675 1.65 10,540,170 0.70 
Other interest-bearing liabilities(1)
5,420,742 3.24 5,850,024 2.83 5,517,489 3.03 5,390,098 2.94 
Total interest-bearing liabilities26,759,008 3.00 %26,633,485 1.36 %26,498,951 2.05 %26,945,438 1.42 %
Non-interest-bearing liabilities111,315 149,253 107,611 279,344 
Equity1,951,240 2,194,721 2,060,020 2,394,894 
Total liabilities and equity$28,821,563 $28,977,459 $28,666,582 $29,619,676 
 
Net interest margin5.37 %5.13 %5.31 %4.81 %



(1)     Includes the average balance of our unsecured borrowings, as well as secured borrowings and amortization expense of transaction costs related to our term asset-backed securitizations and our Secured Borrowing Facility.

10



Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (“EPS”) are calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS calculations follows.

Quarters EndedYears Ended
 December 31, December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)2022202120222021
Numerator:
Net income (loss)$(77,043)$306,265 $469,014 $1,160,513 
Preferred stock dividends3,466 1,177 9,029 4,736 
Net income (loss) attributable to SLM Corporation common stock$(80,509)$305,088 $459,985 $1,155,777 
Denominator:
Weighted average shares used to compute basic EPS244,615 287,828 258,439 314,993 
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) (1)(2)
— 4,928 3,064 4,919 
Weighted average shares used to compute diluted EPS244,615 292,756 261,503 319,912 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share$(0.33)$1.06 $1.78 $3.67 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share$(0.33)$1.04 $1.76 $3.61 

    

(1)     Includes the potential dilutive effect of additional common shares that are issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units and the outstanding commitment to issue shares under the ESPP, determined by the treasury stock method.
(2)  For the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022, securities covering approximately 5 million and 1 million shares, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive. For the quarter and year ended December 31, 2021, securities covering approximately 1 million shares, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive.

11


Allowance for Credit Losses Metrics
Quarter Ended December 31, 2022
(dollars in thousands)
FFELP 
Loans
Private
Education
Loans
Credit
Cards
Total
Allowance for Credit Losses
Beginning balance$3,811 $1,190,427 $— $1,194,238 
Transfer from unfunded commitment liability(1)
— 40,719 — 40,719 
Provisions:
Provision for current period(130)241,781 666 242,317 
Loan sale reduction to provision— (2,906)— (2,906)
Total provisions(2)
(130)238,875 666 239,411 
Net charge-offs:
Charge-offs(237)(127,717)(666)(128,620)
Recoveries— 11,327 — 11,327 
Net charge-offs(237)(116,390)(666)(117,293)
Ending Balance$3,444 $1,353,631 $— $1,357,075 
Allowance:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment$— $— $— $— 
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment$3,444 $1,353,631 $— $1,357,075 
Loans:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment$— $— $— $— 
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment$609,050 $20,303,688 $— $20,912,738 
Accrued interest to be capitalized:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment$— $— $— $— 
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment$— $936,837 $— $936,837 
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment (annualized)(3)
0.20 %3.15 %— %
Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance and accrued interest to be capitalized0.57 %6.37 %— %
Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment and accrued interest to be capitalized on loans in repayment(3)
0.76 %8.76 %— %
Allowance coverage of net charge-offs (annualized)3.63 2.91 — 
Ending total loans, gross$609,050 $20,303,688 $— 
Average loans in repayment(3)
$472,495 $14,788,127 $— 
Ending loans in repayment(3)
$453,915 $15,129,550 $— 
Accrued interest to be capitalized on loans in repayment(4)
$— $324,384 $— 

(1)  See “Unfunded Loan Commitments” on page 16 for a summary of the activity in the allowance for and balance of unfunded loan commitments, respectively.
(2) Below is a reconciliation of the provisions for credit losses reported in the consolidated statements of income. When a new loan commitment is made, we record the CECL allowance as a liability for unfunded loan commitments by recording a provision for credit losses. When the loan is funded, we transfer that liability to the allowance for credit losses.
Consolidated Statements of Income
Provisions for Credit Losses Reconciliation
Quarter Ended December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands)
Private Education Loan provisions for credit losses:
Provisions for loan losses$238,875 
Provisions for unfunded loan commitments57,849 
Total Private Education Loan provisions for credit losses296,724 
Other impacts to the provisions for credit losses:
FFELP Loans(130)
Credit Cards666 
Total536 
Provisions for credit losses reported in consolidated statements of income$297,260 
(3) Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only or fixed payments, as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status after any applicable grace period.
(4) Accrued interest to be capitalized on loans in repayment includes interest on loans that are in repayment but have not yet entered into full principal and interest repayment status after any applicable grace period (but, for purposes of the table, does not include interest on those loans while they are in forbearance).
12


Quarter Ended December 31, 2021
(dollars in thousands)
FFELP
Loans
Private Education
Loans
Credit
Cards
Total
Allowance for Credit Losses
Beginning balance$4,206 $1,209,460 $1,741 $1,215,407 
Transfer from unfunded commitment liability(1)
— 39,606 — 39,606 
Provisions:
Provision for current period(57)27,071 614 27,628 
Loan sale reduction to provision— (56,125)— (56,125)
Total provisions(2)
(57)(29,054)614 (28,497)
Net charge-offs:
Charge-offs(72)(68,552)(76)(68,700)
Recoveries— 7,517 7,519 
Net charge-offs(72)(61,035)(74)(61,181)
Ending Balance$4,077 $1,158,977 $2,281 $1,165,335 
Allowance:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment$— $47,712 $— $47,712 
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment$4,077 $1,111,265 $2,281 $1,117,623 
Loans:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment$— $1,057,665 $— $1,057,665 
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment$695,216 $19,659,198 $25,014 $20,379,428 
Accrued interest to be capitalized:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment$— $— $— $— 
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment$— $947,391 $— $947,391 
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment (annualized)(3)
0.05 %1.58 %1.38 %
Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance and accrued interest to be capitalized0.59 %5.35 %9.12 %
Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment and accrued interest to be capitalized on loans in repayment(3)
0.74 %7.32 %9.12 %
Allowance coverage of net charge-offs (annualized)14.16 4.75 7.71 
Ending total loans, gross$695,216 $20,716,863 $25,014 
Average loans in repayment(3)
$537,621 $15,492,265 $21,469 
Ending loans in repayment(3)
$553,980 $15,511,212 $25,014 
Accrued interest to be capitalized on loans in repayment(4)
$— $312,537 $— 

(1)     See “Unfunded Loan Commitments” on page 16 for a summary of the activity in the allowance for and balance of unfunded loan commitments, respectively.
(2)     Below is a reconciliation of the provisions for credit losses reported in the consolidated statements of income. When a new loan commitment is made, we record the CECL allowance as a liability for unfunded loan commitments by recording a provision for credit losses. When the loan is funded, we transfer that liability to the allowance for credit losses.

Consolidated Statements of Income
Provisions for Credit Losses Reconciliation
Quarter Ended December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands)
Private Education Loan provisions for credit losses:
Provisions for loan losses$(29,054)
Provisions for unfunded loan commitments13,188 
Total Private Education Loan provisions for credit losses(15,866)
Other impacts to the provisions for credit losses:
FFELP Loans(57)
Credit Cards614 
Total557 
Provisions for credit losses reported in consolidated statements of income$(15,309)
(3)     Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only or fixed payments, as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status after any applicable grace period.
(4) Accrued interest to be capitalized on loans in repayment includes interest on loans that are in repayment but have not yet entered into full principal and interest repayment status after any applicable grace period (but, for purposes of the table, does not include interest on those loans while they are in forbearance).


13



Year Ended December 31, 2022
(dollars in thousands)
FFELP
Loans
Private
Education
Loans
Credit
Cards
Total
Allowance for Credit Losses
Beginning balance$4,077 $1,158,977 $2,281 $1,165,335 
Transfer from unfunded commitment liability(1)
— 344,310 — 344,310 
Provisions:
Provision for current period(20)410,254 3,301 413,535 
Loan sale reduction to provision— (174,231)— (174,231)
Loans transferred to held-for-sale— — (2,372)(2,372)
Total provisions(2)
(20)236,023 929 236,932 
Net charge-offs:
Charge-offs(613)(427,416)(3,215)(431,244)
Recoveries— 41,737 41,742 
Net charge-offs(613)(385,679)(3,210)(389,502)
Ending Balance$3,444 $1,353,631 $— $1,357,075 
Allowance:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment$— $— $— $— 
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment$3,444 $1,353,631 $— $1,357,075 
Loans:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment$— $— $— $— 
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment$609,050 $20,303,688 $— $20,912,738 
Accrued interest to be capitalized:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment$— $— $— $— 
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment$— $936,837 $— $936,837 
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment(3)
0.12 %2.55 %— %
Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance and accrued interest to be capitalized0.57 %6.37 %— %
Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment and accrued interest to be capitalized on loans in repayment(3)
0.76 %8.76 %— %
Allowance coverage of net charge-offs5.62 3.51 — 
Ending total loans, gross$609,050 $20,303,688 $— 
Average loans in repayment(3)
$517,139 $15,103,123 $— 
Ending loans in repayment(3)
$453,915 $15,129,550 $— 
Accrued interest to be capitalized on loans in repayment(4)
$— $324,384 $— 
(1) See “Unfunded Loan Commitments” on page 16 for a summary of the activity in the allowance for and balance of unfunded loan commitments, respectively.
(2) Below is a reconciliation of the provisions for credit losses reported in the consolidated statements of income. When a new loan commitment is made, we record the CECL allowance as a liability for unfunded loan commitments by recording a provision for credit losses. When the loan is funded, we transfer that liability to the allowance for credit losses.
Consolidated Statements of Income
Provisions for Credit Losses Reconciliation
Year Ended December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands)
Private Education Loan provisions for credit losses:
Provisions for loan losses$236,023 
Provisions for unfunded loan commitments396,521 
Total Private Education Loan provisions for credit losses632,544 
Other impacts to the provisions for credit losses:
FFELP Loans(20)
Credit Cards929 
Total909 
Provisions for credit losses reported in consolidated statements of income$633,453 
(3) Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only or fixed payments, as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status after any applicable grace period.
(4) Accrued interest to be capitalized on loans in repayment includes interest on loans that are in repayment but have not yet entered into full principal and interest repayment status after any applicable grace period (but, for purposes of the table, does not include interest on those loans while they are in forbearance).
14


Year Ended December 31, 2021
(dollars in thousands)
FFELP
Loans
Private
Education
Loans
Credit
Cards
Total
Allowance for Credit Losses
Beginning balance$4,378 $1,355,844 $1,501 $1,361,723 
Transfer from unfunded commitment liability(1)
— 301,655 — 301,655 
Provisions:
Provision for current period20 (233,852)1,124 (232,708)
Loan sale reduction to provision— (66,460)— (66,460)
Loans transferred to held-for-sale— 1,887 — 1,887 
Total provisions(2)
20 (298,425)1,124 (297,281)
Net charge-offs:
Charge-offs(321)(229,591)(356)(230,268)
Recoveries— 29,494 12 29,506 
Net charge-offs(321)(200,097)(344)(200,762)
Ending Balance$4,077 $1,158,977 $2,281 $1,165,335 
Allowance:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment$— $47,712 $— $47,712 
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment$4,077 $1,111,265 $2,281 $1,117,623 
Loans:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment$— $1,057,665 $— $1,057,665 
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment$695,216 $19,659,198 $25,014 $20,379,428 
Accrued interest to be capitalized:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment$— $— $— $— 
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment$— $947,391 $— $947,391 
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment(3)
0.06 %1.33 %2.24 %
Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance and accrued interest to be capitalized0.59 %5.35 %9.12 %
Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment and accrued interest to be capitalized on loans in repayment(3)
0.74 %7.32 %9.12 %
Allowance coverage of net charge-offs12.70 5.79 6.63 
Ending total loans, gross$695,216 $20,716,863 $25,014 
Average loans in repayment(3)
$545,689 $15,019,869 $15,343 
Ending loans in repayment(3)
$553,980 $15,511,212 $25,014 
Accrued interest to be capitalized on loans in repayment(4)
$— $312,537 $— 
(1) See “Unfunded Loan Commitments” on page 16 for a summary of the activity in the allowance for and balance of unfunded loan commitments, respectively.
(2) Below is a reconciliation of the provisions for credit losses reported in the consolidated statements of income. When a new loan commitment is made, we record the CECL allowance as a liability for unfunded loan commitments by recording a provision for credit losses. When the loan is funded, we transfer that liability to the allowance for credit losses.
Consolidated Statements of Income
Provisions for Credit Losses Reconciliation
Year Ended December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands)
Private Education Loan provisions for credit losses:
Provisions for loan losses$(298,425)
Provisions for unfunded loan commitments264,324 
Total Private Education Loan provisions for credit losses(34,101)
Other impacts to the provisions for credit losses:
FFELP Loans20 
Credit Cards1,124 
Total1,144 
Provisions for credit losses reported in consolidated statements of income$(32,957)

(3) Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only or fixed payments, as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status after any applicable grace period.
(4) Accrued interest to be capitalized on loans in repayment includes interest on loans that are in repayment but have not yet entered into full principal and interest repayment status after any applicable grace period (but, for purposes of the table, does not include interest on those loans while they are in forbearance).
15



Charge-offs increased in both the quarter and year-end periods ending December 31, 2022 compared with the respective year-ago periods because of a combination of factors, including the previously announced credit administration practices changes the company implemented in 2021 that imposed additional requirements for those borrowers requesting forbearance, as well as a shortage and lack of tenured collections staff, and other operational challenges during much of 2022. In the fourth quarter of 2022, we charged off $13 million of delinquent loans that had received certain grants of forbearance under previous credit administration practices (which have been discontinued) and which were classified as a loss and charged off prior to their reaching 120 days delinquent. Also contributing to the increase in the full-year 2022 charge-offs compared with the prior year were $59 million in losses on loans whose borrowers took a “gap year” during the pandemic. “Gap year” loan losses refer to losses on loans from borrowers who took a “gap year” during the COVID pandemic and entered full principal and interest repayment status starting in late 2021 and early 2022. Losses on these “gap year” loans were higher than expected and contributed to the higher charge-offs in 2022.

Unfunded Loan Commitments
20222021
Quarters Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
AllowanceUnfunded CommitmentsAllowanceUnfunded Commitments
Beginning Balance$107,794 $2,216,926 $99,131 $1,963,592 
Provisions/New commitments - net(1)
25,654 596,676 14,518 549,052 
Other provision items32,195 — (1,329)— 
Transfer - funded loans(2)
(40,719)(817,794)(39,607)(735,668)
Ending Balance$124,924 $1,995,808 $72,713 $1,776,976 
20222021
Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
AllowanceUnfunded CommitmentsAllowanceUnfunded Commitments
Beginning Balance$72,713 $1,776,976 $110,044 $1,673,018 
Provisions/New commitments - net(1)
365,359 6,180,805 232,822 5,512,841 
Other provision items31,162 — 31,502 — 
Transfer - funded loans(2)
(344,310)(5,961,973)(301,655)(5,408,883)
Ending Balance$124,924 $1,995,808 $72,713 $1,776,976 


(1) Net of expirations of commitments unused.
(2) When a loan commitment is funded, its related liability for credit losses (which originally was recorded as a provision for unfunded loan commitments) is transferred to the allowance for credit losses.



16


Private Education Loans Held for Investment - Key Credit Quality Indicators

    
Private Education Loans Held for Investment
As of December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Credit Quality Indicators
20222021
Balance(1)
% of Balance
Balance(1)
% of Balance
Cosigners:
With cosigner$17,689,003 87 %$18,191,664 88 %
Without cosigner2,614,685 13 2,525,199 12 
Total$20,303,688 100 %$20,716,863 100 %
FICO at Original Approval(2):
Less than 670$1,553,602 %$1,525,117 %
670-6993,038,659 15 3,144,099 15 
700-7496,591,619 32 6,800,534 33 
Greater than or equal to 7509,119,808 45 9,247,113 45 
Total$20,303,688 100 %$20,716,863 100 %
FICO-Refreshed(2)(3):
Less than 670$2,363,090 12 %$2,087,817 10 %
670-6992,437,243 12 2,383,369 12 
700-7495,915,687 29 6,172,753 30 
Greater than or equal to 7509,587,668 47 10,072,924 48 
Total$20,303,688 100 %$20,716,863 100 %
Seasoning(4):
1-12 payments$4,460,121 22 %$4,602,746 22 %
13-24 payments3,550,854 18 3,544,689 17 
25-36 payments2,239,312 11 2,524,369 12 
37-48 payments1,684,452 1,743,203 
More than 48 payments3,473,896 17 3,397,442 16 
Not yet in repayment4,895,053 24 4,904,414 25 
Total$20,303,688 100 %$20,716,863 100 %

(1)Balance represents gross Private Education Loans held for investment.
(2)Represents the higher credit score of the cosigner or the borrower.
(3)Represents the FICO score updated as of the respective fourth-quarter.
(4)Number of months in active repayment (whether interest only payment, fixed payment, or full principal and interest payment status) for which a scheduled payment was due.
17



Delinquencies - Private Education Loans Held for Investment

The following table provides information regarding the loan status of our Private Education Loans held for investment. Loans in repayment include loans making interest only or fixed payments, as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status after any applicable grace period (but for purposes of the following table, do not include those loans while they are in forbearance).

Private Education Loans Held for Investment
As of December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
20222021
Balance%Balance%
Loans in-school/grace/deferment(1)
$4,895,053 $4,904,414 
Loans in forbearance(2)
279,085 301,237 
Loans in repayment and percentage of each status:
Loans current
14,559,347 96.2 %15,005,773 96.7 %
Loans delinquent 30-59 days(3)
287,308 1.9 308,559 2.0 
Loans delinquent 60-89 days(3)
147,505 1.0 116,947 0.8 
Loans 90 days or greater past due(3)
135,390 0.9 79,933 0.5 
Total Private Education Loans in repayment15,129,550 100.0 %15,511,212 100.0 %
Total Private Education Loans, gross20,303,688 20,716,863 
Private Education Loans deferred origination costs and unamortized premium/(discount)69,656 67,488 
Total Private Education Loans20,373,344 20,784,351 
Private Education Loans allowance for losses(1,353,631)(1,158,977)
Private Education Loans, net$19,019,713 $19,625,374 
Percentage of Private Education Loans in repayment74.5 %74.9 %
Delinquencies as a percentage of Private Education Loans in repayment3.8 %3.3 %
Loans in forbearance as a percentage of Private Education Loans in repayment and forbearance1.8 %1.9 %
(1)Deferment includes customers who have returned to school or are engaged in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on the loans (e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation).
(2)Loans for customers who have requested extension of grace period generally during employment transition or who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors, consistent with established loan program servicing policies and procedures.
(3)The period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due.

18




Summary of Our Loans Held for Investment Portfolio
Ending Loans Held for Investment Balances, net

As of December 31, 2022
(dollars in thousands)
Private
Education
Loans
FFELP
Loans
Total Loans Held for Investment
Total loan portfolio:   
In-school(1)
$3,659,323 $57 $3,659,380 
Grace, repayment and other(2)
16,644,365 608,993 17,253,358 
Total, gross20,303,688 609,050 20,912,738 
Deferred origination costs and unamortized premium/(discount)69,656 1,549 71,205 
Allowance for credit losses(1,353,631)(3,444)(1,357,075)
Total loans held for investment portfolio, net$19,019,713 $607,155 $19,626,868 
 
% of total97 %%100 %

As of December 31, 2021
(dollars in thousands)
Private
Education
Loans
FFELP
Loans
Credit
Cards
Total Loans Held for Investment
Total loan portfolio:   
In-school(1)
$3,544,030 $82 $— $3,544,112 
Grace, repayment and other(2)
17,172,833 695,134 25,014 17,892,981 
Total, gross20,716,863 695,216 25,014 21,437,093 
Deferred origination costs and unamortized premium/(discount)67,488 1,815 222 69,525 
Allowance for credit losses(1,158,977)(4,077)(2,281)(1,165,335)
Total loans held for investment portfolio, net$19,625,374 $692,954 $22,955 $20,341,283 
   
% of total97 %%— %100 %
(1)      Loans for customers still attending school and who are not yet required to make payments on the loans.

(2)     Includes loans in deferment or forbearance. Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only or fixed payments, as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status after any applicable grace period.
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Average Loans Held for Investment Balances (net of unamortized premium/discount)
Quarters Ended
December 31,
Years Ended
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)2022202120222021
Private Education Loans$20,254,373 97 %$21,285,836 97 %$20,576,737 97 %$20,968,061 97 %
FFELP Loans628,187 701,953 662,194 718,186 
Credit Cards29,521 — 21,396 — 28,547 — 14,982 — 
Total portfolio$20,912,081 100 %$22,009,185 100 %$21,267,478 100 %$21,701,229 100 %


Loans Held for Investment, Net Activity

Quarter Ended December 31, 2022
(dollars in thousands)
 Private
Education
Loans
FFELP
Loans
Credit
Cards
Total Loans Held for Investment, net
Beginning balance$18,980,852 $641,450 $— $19,622,302 
Acquisitions and originations:
Fixed-rate660,899 — — 660,899 
Variable-rate166,107 — — 166,107 
Total acquisitions and originations827,006 — — 827,006 
Capitalized interest and deferred origination cost premium amortization247,425 5,933 — 253,358 
Sales
(50,544)— — (50,544)
Loan consolidations to third parties(258,314)(27,649)— (285,963)
Allowance(163,204)367 — (162,837)
Transfer to loans held-for-sale— — — — 
Repayments and other(563,508)(12,946)— (576,454)
Ending balance$19,019,713 $607,155 $— $19,626,868 



Quarter Ended December 31, 2021
(dollars in thousands)
 Private
Education
Loans
FFELP
Loans
Credit
Cards
Total Loans Held for Investment, net
Beginning balance$20,561,961 $703,355 $16,211 $21,281,527 
Acquisitions and originations:
Fixed-rate456,861 — — 456,861 
Variable-rate286,933 — 23,839 310,772 
Total acquisitions and originations743,794 — 23,839 767,633 
Capitalized interest and deferred origination cost premium amortization300,267 6,230 (72)306,425 
Sales
(987,798)— — (987,798)
Loan consolidations to third parties(448,550)(6,711)— (455,261)
Allowance50,484 129 (541)50,072 
Repayments and other(594,784)(10,049)(16,482)(621,315)
Ending balance$19,625,374 $692,954 $22,955 $20,341,283 





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Year Ended December 31, 2022
(dollars in thousands)
 Private
Education
Loans
FFELP
Loans
Credit
Cards
Total Loans Held for Investment, net
Beginning balance$19,625,374 $692,954 $22,955 $20,341,283 
Acquisitions and originations:
Fixed-rate4,189,269 — — 4,189,269 
Variable-rate1,809,301 — 82,819 1,892,120 
Total acquisitions and originations5,998,570 — 82,819 6,081,389 
Capitalized interest and deferred origination cost premium amortization550,474 24,642 (195)574,921 
Sales
(3,136,302)— — (3,136,302)
Loan consolidations to third parties(1,384,950)(61,529)— (1,446,479)
Allowance(194,654)633 2,281 (191,740)
Transfer to loans held-for-sale— — (28,905)(28,905)
Repayments and other(2,438,799)(49,545)(78,955)(2,567,299)
Ending balance$19,019,713 $607,155 $— $19,626,868 


Year Ended December 31, 2021
(dollars in thousands)
 Private
Education
Loans
FFELP
Loans
Credit
Cards
Total Loans Held for Investment, net
Beginning balance$18,436,968 $735,208 $10,967 $19,183,143 
Acquisitions and originations:
Fixed-rate3,027,440 — — 3,027,440 
Variable-rate2,421,082 — 63,323 2,484,405 
Total acquisitions and originations5,448,522 — 63,323 5,511,845 
Capitalized interest and deferred origination cost premium amortization597,416 27,252 (323)624,345 
Sales
(1,138,726)— — (1,138,726)
Loan consolidations to third parties(1,583,691)(27,031)— (1,610,722)
Allowance196,868 300 (780)196,388 
Transfer from loans held-for-sale25,040 — — 25,040 
Repayments and other(2,357,023)(42,775)(50,232)(2,450,030)
Ending balance$19,625,374 $692,954 $22,955 $20,341,283 
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Private Education Loan Originations
The following table summarizes our Private Education Loan originations. Originations represent loans that were funded or acquired during the period presented.

Quarters Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
2022%2021%
Smart Option - interest only(1)
$150,762 19 %$139,338 19 %
Smart Option - fixed pay(1)
270,918 33 236,906 32 
Smart Option - deferred(1)
305,442 37 259,031 35 
Graduate Loan(2)
92,070 11 92,213 13 
Parent Loan(3)
76 — 9,367 
Total Private Education Loan originations$819,268 100 %$736,855 100 %
Percentage of loans with a cosigner82.3 %82.5 %
Average FICO at approval(4)
747 749 

Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
2022%2021%
Smart Option - interest only(1)
$1,146,365 19 %$1,128,176 21 %
Smart Option - fixed pay(1)
1,950,048 33 1,685,519 31 
Smart Option - deferred(1)
2,330,719 39 1,996,461 36 
Graduate Loan(2)
516,877 525,050 10 
Parent Loan(3)
30,515 87,325 
Total Private Education Loan originations$5,974,524 100 %$5,422,531 100 %
Percentage of loans with a cosigner86.0 %86.2 %
Average FICO at approval(4)
747 750 



(1) Interest only, fixed pay and deferred describe the payment option while in school or in grace period. See Item 1. “Business - Our Business - Private Education Loans” in the 2021 Form 10-K for a further discussion.
(2) For the quarter ended December 31, 2022, the Graduate Loan originations include $0.1 million of Parent Loans and $4.6 million of Smart Option Loans where the student was in a graduate status. For the quarter ended December 31, 2021, the Graduate Loan originations include $1.0 million of Parent Loans and $4.2 million of Smart Option Loans where the student was in a graduate status. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Graduate Loan originations include $1.8 million of Parent Loans and $29.1 million of Smart Option Loans where the student was in a graduate status. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Graduate Loan originations include $5.8 million of Parent Loans and $24.4 million of Smart Option Loans where the student was in a graduate status.
(3) In December 2021, we discontinued offering our Parent Loan product. Applications for those loans received before the offering termination date were processed, with final disbursements under those loans occurring in mid-December 2022.
(4) Represents the higher credit score of the cosigner or the borrower.
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Deposits
Interest-bearing deposits are summarized as follows:
 
 20222021
As of December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
Year-End Weighted
Average Stated Rate(1)
Amount
Year-End Weighted
Average Stated Rate(1)
Money market$10,977,242 3.75 %$10,473,569 0.69 %
Savings982,586 3.15 959,122 0.43 
Certificates of deposit9,486,819 2.57 9,394,001 1.20 
Deposits - interest bearing$21,446,647 $20,826,692 
        (1) Includes the effect of interest rate swaps in effective hedge relationships.

Regulatory Capital

Under regulations issued by the FDIC and other federal banking agencies, banking organizations that adopted CECL during the 2020 calendar year, including Sallie Mae Bank (the “Bank”), could elect to delay for two years, and then phase in over the following three years, the effects on regulatory capital of CECL relative to the incurred loss methodology. The Bank elected to use this option. Therefore, the regulatory capital impact of the Bank’s transition adjustments recorded on January 1, 2020 from the adoption of CECL, and 25 percent of the ongoing impact of CECL on the Bank’s allowance for credit losses, retained earnings, and average total consolidated assets, each as reported for regulatory capital purposes (collectively, the “adjusted transition amounts”), were deferred for the two-year period ending January 1, 2022. On January 1, 2022, 25 percent of the adjusted transition amounts was phased in for regulatory capital purposes. On January 1 of each year from 2023 to 2025, the adjusted transition amounts will continue to be phased in for regulatory capital purposes at a rate of 25 percent per year, with the phased-in amounts included in regulatory capital at the beginning of each year. The Bank’s January 1, 2020 CECL transition amounts increased the company’s allowance for credit losses by $1.1 billion, increased the liability representing its off-balance sheet exposure for unfunded commitments by $116 million, and increased its deferred tax asset by $306 million, resulting in a cumulative effect adjustment that reduced retained earnings by $953 million. This transition adjustment was inclusive of qualitative adjustments incorporated into the company’s CECL allowance as necessary, to address any limitations in the models used.
At December 31, 2022, the adjusted transition amounts that were deferred and are being phased in for regulatory capital purposes are as follows:
Transition AmountsAdjustments for the Year EndedAdjustments for the Year EndedPhase-In Amounts for the Year EndedRemaining Adjusted Transition Amounts to be Phased-In
(Dollars in thousands)January 1, 2020December 31, 2020December 31, 2021December 31, 2022December 31, 2022
Retained earnings$952,639 $(57,859)$(58,429)$(209,088)$627,263 
Allowance for credit losses1,143,053 (55,811)(49,097)(259,536)778,609 
Liability for unfunded commitments115,758 (2,048)(9,333)(26,094)78,283 
Deferred tax asset306,171 — — (76,542)229,629 




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The Bank’s required and actual regulatory capital amounts and ratios under U.S. Basel III are shown in the following table. The following capital amounts and ratios are based upon the Bank’s average assets and risk-weighted assets, as indicated.

(Dollars in thousands)Actual
U.S. Basel III
Minimum Requirements Plus Buffer(1)(2)
AmountRatioAmountRatio
As of December 31, 2022(3):
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)$3,040,662 12.9 %$1,645,807 >7.0 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)$3,040,662 12.9 %$1,998,480 >8.5 %
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)$3,338,645 14.2 %$2,468,711 >10.5 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)$3,040,662 10.3 %$1,185,280 >4.0 %
As of December 31, 2021:
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)$3,314,657 14.1 %$1,643,132 >7.0 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)$3,314,657 14.1 %$1,995,232 >8.5 %
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)$3,410,183 14.5 %$2,464,699 >10.5 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)$3,314,657 11.1 %$1,198,808 >4.0 %
             
(1)     Reflects the U.S. Basel III minimum required ratio plus the applicable capital conservation buffer.
(2)    The Bank’s regulatory capital ratios also exceeded all applicable standards for the Bank to qualify as “well capitalized” under the prompt corrective action framework.
(3)    For December 31, 2022, the actual amounts and the actual ratios include the adjusted transition amounts discussed above that were phased in at the beginning of 2022.
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