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National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation

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FY2019 Annual Report · National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation
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UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
Washington, D.C. 20549
__________________________
FORM 10-K
__________________________

   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 
OR 

   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number:  1-7102
__________________________
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
__________________________

District of Columbia
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

52-0891669
(I.R.S. employer identification no.)

20701 Cooperative Way, Dulles, Virginia, 20166

(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (703) 467-1800
__________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class
7.35% Collateral Trust Bonds, due 2026
5.50% Subordinated Notes, due 2064

Trading Symbol(s)
 NRUC 26
NRUC

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes 

   No 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. 

Yes 

   No 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such 
filing requirements for the past 90 days. 

   No 

Yes 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of 
Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such 
files). 

   No 

Yes 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an 
emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth 
company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 

Large accelerated filer  

Accelerated filer  

Non-accelerated filer   

  Smaller reporting company 

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transaction period for complying with any 
new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). 

Yes 

   No 

The Registrant is a tax-exempt cooperative and therefore does not issue capital stock.

 
 
 
PART I
Item 1.

Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.

PART II
Item 5.

Item 6.
Item 7.

Item 7A.
Item 8.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Page

   Business.............................................................................................................................................
Overview ....................................................................................................................................
Our Business ..............................................................................................................................
Loan Programs ...........................................................................................................................
Guarantee Programs ...................................................................................................................
Investment Policy.......................................................................................................................
Industry.......................................................................................................................................
Lending Competition..................................................................................................................
Regulation ..................................................................................................................................
Members.....................................................................................................................................
Tax Status ...................................................................................................................................
Allocation and Retirement of Patronage Capital........................................................................
Employees ..................................................................................................................................
Available Information.................................................................................................................
   Risk Factors .......................................................................................................................................
   Unresolved Staff Comments..............................................................................................................
   Properties...........................................................................................................................................
   Legal Proceedings .............................................................................................................................
   Mine Safety Disclosures....................................................................................................................

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 
Equity Securities................................................................................................................................
   Selected Financial Data .....................................................................................................................

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
(“MD&A”) ........................................................................................................................................
Introduction ................................................................................................................................
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates ...............................................................................
Recent Accounting Changes and Other Developments..............................................................
Consolidated Results of Operations ...........................................................................................
Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis ........................................................................................
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements...............................................................................................
Risk Management.......................................................................................................................
Credit Risk..................................................................................................................................
Liquidity Risk.............................................................................................................................
Market Risk ................................................................................................................................
Operational Risk.........................................................................................................................
Non-GAAP Financial Measures.................................................................................................
   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ..........................................................
   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data .................................................................................
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm..............................................................
Consolidated Statements of Operations .....................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.................................................................

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Consolidated Balance Sheets .....................................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity .........................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ....................................................................................
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..............................................................................
Note   1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ......................................................
Note   2 — Variable Interest Entities ......................................................................................
Note   3 — Investment Securities ...........................................................................................
Note   4 — Loans....................................................................................................................
Note   5 — Allowance for Loan Losses..................................................................................
Note   6 — Short-Term Borrowings .......................................................................................
Note   7 — Long-Term Debt...................................................................................................
Note   8 — Subordinated Deferrable Debt .............................................................................
Note   9 — Members’ Subordinated Certificates....................................................................
Note 10 — Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities...................................................
Note 11 — Equity ...................................................................................................................
Note 12 — Employee Benefits ...............................................................................................
Note 13 — Guarantees............................................................................................................
Note 14 — Fair Value Measurement ......................................................................................
Note 15 — Business Segments...............................................................................................
Supplementary Data................................................................................................................
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure............
   Controls and Procedures....................................................................................................................
   Other Information..............................................................................................................................

   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ................................................................
   Executive Compensation ...................................................................................................................
   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 

Matters...............................................................................................................................................
   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence ..................................
   Principal Accounting Fees and Services............................................................................................

   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules...........................................................................................
Form 10-K Summary.........................................................................................................................

Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.

PART III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.

Item 13.
Item 14.

PART IV
Item 15.
Item 16.

EXHIBIT INDEX ....................................................................................................................................................
SIGNATURES .........................................................................................................................................................

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85
85
97
98
104
111
113
116
118
119
121
124
127
129
131
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138
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140

141
151

163
163
166

167
167

168
172

ii

 
 
 
 
 
Table
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INDEX OF MD&A TABLES

 Description
Average Balances, Interest Income/Interest Expense and Average Yield/Cost.......................................
Rate/Volume Analysis of Changes in Interest Income/Interest Expense ................................................
Non-Interest Income ...............................................................................................................................
Derivative Average Notional Amounts and Average Interest Rates........................................................
Derivative Gains (Losses) .......................................................................................................................
Non-Interest Expense ..............................................................................................................................
Loans Outstanding by Type and Member Class......................................................................................
Historical Retention Rate and Repricing Selection.................................................................................
Long-Term Loan Scheduled Principal Payments....................................................................................
Debt Product Types .................................................................................................................................
Total Debt Outstanding and Weighted-Average Interest Rates...............................................................
Member Investments...............................................................................................................................
Collateral Pledged ...................................................................................................................................
Unencumbered Loans .............................................................................................................................
Equity ......................................................................................................................................................
Guarantees Outstanding ..........................................................................................................................
Maturities of Guarantee Obligations.......................................................................................................
Unadvanced Loan Commitments............................................................................................................
Notional Maturities of Unadvanced Loan Commitments .......................................................................
Maturities of Notional Amount of Unconditional Committed Lines of Credit.......................................
Loan Portfolio Security Profile ...............................................................................................................
Loan Geographic Concentration .............................................................................................................
Loan Exposure to 20 Largest Borrowers ................................................................................................
Troubled Debt Restructured Loans .........................................................................................................
Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries).................................................................................................................
Allowance for Loan Losses.....................................................................................................................
Rating Triggers for Derivatives...............................................................................................................
Available Liquidity..................................................................................................................................
Committed Bank Revolving Line of Credit Agreements........................................................................
Short-Term Borrowings—Funding Sources ...........................................................................................
Short-Term Borrowings ..........................................................................................................................
Issuances and Repayments of Long-Term and Subordinated Debt ........................................................
Projected Sources and Uses of Liquidity from Debt and Investment Activity .......................................
Contractual Obligations ..........................................................................................................................
Credit Ratings .........................................................................................................................................
Financial Covenant Ratios Under Committed Bank Revolving Lines of Credit Agreements................
Financial Ratios Under Debt Indentures .................................................................................................
Interest Rate Gap Analysis......................................................................................................................
Financial Instruments ..............................................................................................................................
Loan Repricing........................................................................................................................................
Adjusted Financial Measures—Income Statement .................................................................................
TIER and Adjusted TIER ........................................................................................................................
Adjusted Financial Measures—Balance Sheet .......................................................................................
Debt-to-Equity Ratio...............................................................................................................................
Members’ Equity.....................................................................................................................................

Page
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iii

  
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”) contains certain statements that are considered “forward-looking 
statements” within the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-
looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, are 
generally identified by our use of words such as “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “project,” “estimate,” 
“anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “continue,” “potential,” “opportunity” and similar expressions, whether in the negative or 
affirmative. All statements about future expectations or projections, including statements about loan volume, the 
appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses, operating income and expenses, leverage and debt-to-equity ratios, 
borrower financial performance, impaired loans, and sources and uses of liquidity, are forward-looking statements. Although 
we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, actual 
results and performance may differ materially from our forward-looking statements due to several factors. Factors that could 
cause future results to vary from our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, general economic 
conditions, legislative changes including those that could affect our tax status, governmental monetary and fiscal policies, 
demand for our loan products, lending competition, changes in the quality or composition of our loan portfolio, changes in 
our ability to access external financing, changes in the credit ratings on our debt, valuation of collateral supporting impaired 
loans, charges associated with our operation or disposition of foreclosed assets, technological changes within the rural 
electric utility industry, regulatory and economic conditions in the rural electric industry, nonperformance of counterparties 
to our derivative agreements, the costs and effects of legal or governmental proceedings involving us or our members and 
the factors listed and described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Report. Except as required by law, we undertake no 
obligation to update or publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or 
changes in expectations after the date on which the statement is made.

PART I

Item 1.  Business

OVERVIEW

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (“CFC”) is a member-owned cooperative association incorporated 
under the laws of the District of Columbia in April 1969. CFC’s principal purpose is to provide its members with financing 
to supplement the loan programs of the Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) of the United States Department of Agriculture 
(“USDA”). CFC makes loans to its rural electric members so they can acquire, construct and operate electric distribution, 
generation and transmission (“power supply”) systems and related facilities. CFC also provides its members with credit 
enhancements in the form of letters of credit and guarantees of debt obligations. As a cooperative, CFC is owned by and 
exclusively serves its membership, which consists of not-for-profit entities or subsidiaries or affiliates of not-for-profit 
entities. CFC is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a member-
owned cooperative, CFC’s objective is not to maximize profit, but rather to offer members cost-based financial products and 
services. As described below under “Allocation and Retirement of Patronage Capital,” CFC annually allocates its net 
earnings, which consist of net income excluding the effect of certain noncash accounting entries, to: (i) a cooperative 
educational fund; (ii) a general reserve, if necessary; (iii) members based on each member’s patronage of CFC’s loan 
programs during the year; and (iv) a members’ capital reserve. CFC funds its activities primarily through a combination of 
public and private issuances of debt securities, member investments and retained equity. As a Section 501(c)(4) tax-exempt, 
member-owned cooperative, we cannot issue equity securities.

Our financial statements include the consolidated accounts of CFC, National Cooperative Services Corporation (“NCSC”), 
Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (“RTFC”) and subsidiaries created and controlled by CFC to hold foreclosed assets 
resulting from defaulted loans or bankruptcy. We did not carry any foreclosed assets on our consolidated balance sheet as of 
May 31, 2019 or May 31, 2018. Unless stated otherwise, references to “we,” “our” or “us” relate to CFC and its 
consolidated entities. All references to members within this document include members, associates and affiliates of CFC and 
its consolidated entities, except where indicated otherwise. 

NCSC is a taxable cooperative incorporated in 1981 in the District of Columbia as a member-owned cooperative 
association. The principal purpose of NCSC is to provide financing to its members, entities eligible to be members of CFC 
and the for-profit and not-for-profit entities that are owned, operated or controlled by, or provide significant benefit to Class 

1

A, B and C members of CFC. See “Members” below for a description of our member classes. NCSC’s membership consists 
of distribution systems, power supply systems and statewide and regional associations that were members of CFC as of 
May 31, 2019. CFC, which is the primary source of funding for NCSC, manages NCSC’s business operations under a 
management agreement that is automatically renewable on an annual basis unless terminated by either party. NCSC pays 
CFC a fee and, in exchange, CFC reimburses NCSC for loan losses under a guarantee agreement. As a taxable cooperative, 
NCSC pays income tax based on its reported taxable income and deductions. NCSC is headquartered with CFC in Dulles, 
Virginia. 

RTFC is a taxable Subchapter T cooperative association originally incorporated in South Dakota in 1987 and reincorporated 
as a member-owned cooperative association in the District of Columbia in 2005. RTFC’s principal purpose is to provide 
financing for its rural telecommunications members and their affiliates. RTFC’s membership consists of a combination of 
not-for-profit and for-profit entities. CFC is the sole lender to and manages RTFC’s business operations through a 
management agreement that is automatically renewable on an annual basis unless terminated by either party. RTFC pays 
CFC a fee and, in exchange, CFC reimburses RTFC for loan losses under a guarantee agreement. As permitted under 
Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code, RTFC pays income tax based on its taxable income, excluding patronage-
sourced earnings allocated to its patrons. RTFC is headquartered with CFC in Dulles, Virginia.

Our principal operations are currently organized for management reporting purposes into three business segments: CFC, 
NCSC and RTFC. We provide information on the financial performance of our business segments in “Note 15—Business 
Segments.”  

OUR BUSINESS

Our business strategy and policies are set by our board of directors and may be amended or revised from time to time by the 
board of directors. We are a nonprofit tax-exempt cooperative finance organization, whose primary focus is to provide our 
members with the credit products they need to fund their operations. As such, our business focuses on lending to electric 
systems and securing access to capital through diverse funding sources at rates that allow us to offer cost-based credit 
products to our members.

Focus on Electric Lending

CFC focuses on lending to its member electric utility cooperatives. Substantially all of our electric cooperative borrowers 
continue to demonstrate stable operating performance and strong financial ratios. Our electric cooperative members 
experience limited competition as they generally operate in exclusive territories and the majority are not rate regulated. 
Loans to electric utility organizations represented approximately 99% of total loans outstanding as of both May 31, 2019 
and 2018, respectively. 

Maintain Diversified Funding Sources 

We strive to maintain diversified funding sources beyond capital market offerings of debt securities. We offer various short- 
and long-term unsecured investment products to our members and affiliates, including commercial paper, select notes, daily 
liquidity fund notes, medium-term notes and subordinated certificates. We continue to issue debt securities, such as secured 
collateral trust bonds, unsecured medium-term notes and dealer commercial paper, in the capital markets. We also have 
access to funds through bank revolving line of credit arrangements, government-guaranteed programs such as funding from 
the Federal Financing Bank that is guaranteed by RUS through the Guaranteed Underwriter Program of the USDA (the 
“Guaranteed Underwriter Program”), as well as private placement note purchase agreements with the Federal Agricultural 
Mortgage Corporation (“Farmer Mac”). We provide additional information on our funding sources in “Item 7. MD&A—
Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis,” “Item 7. MD&A—Liquidity Risk,” “Note 6—Short-Term Borrowings,” “Note 7—
Long-Term Debt,” “Note 8—Subordinated Deferrable Debt” and “Note 9—Members’ Subordinated Certificates.” 

2

LOAN PROGRAMS

CFC lends to its members and associates. NCSC lends to its members, entities eligible to be members of CFC and its 
associates, for-profit and nonprofit entities that are owned, operated or controlled by, or provide significant benefit, to CFC 
members. RTFC lends to its members, associates and organizations affiliated with its members and associates. See “Item 1. 
Business—Members” for additional information on the entities that comprise our membership. Loans to NCSC associates 
may require a guarantee of repayment to NCSC from the CFC member cooperative with which it is affiliated. CFC, NCSC 
and RTFC loans generally contain provisions that restrict further borrower advances or trigger an event of default if there is 
any material adverse change in the business or condition, financial or otherwise, of the borrower. 

CFC Loan Programs

Long-Term Loans

CFC’s long-term loans generally have the following characteristics:

terms of up to 35 years on a senior secured basis;

• 
•  amortizing, bullet maturity or serial payment structures;
• 

the property, plant and equipment financed by and securing the long-term loan has a useful life equal to or in excess of the 
loan maturity;
flexibility for the borrower to select a fixed interest rate for periods of one to 35 years or a variable interest rate; and
the ability for the borrower to select various tranches with either a fixed or variable interest rate for each tranche.

• 
• 

Borrowers typically have the option of selecting a fixed or variable interest rate at the time of each advance on long-term 
loan facilities. When selecting a fixed rate, the borrower has the option to choose a fixed rate for a term of one year through 
the final maturity of the loan. When the selected fixed interest rate term expires, the borrower may select another fixed rate 
for a term of one year through the remaining loan maturity or the current variable rate. Long-term fixed rates are set daily 
for new loan advances and loans that reprice. The fixed rate on each loan is generally determined on the day the loan is 
advanced or repriced based on the term selected. The variable rate is set on the first day of each month.

To be in compliance with the covenants in the loan agreement and eligible for loan advances, distribution systems generally 
must maintain an average modified debt service coverage ratio, as defined in the loan agreement, of 1.35 or greater. CFC 
may make long-term loans to distribution systems, on a case-by-case basis, that do not meet these general criteria. Power 
supply systems generally are required: (i) to maintain an average modified debt service coverage ratio, as defined in the loan 
agreement, of 1.00 or greater; (ii) to establish and collect rates and other revenue in an amount to yield margins for interest, 
as defined in an indenture, in each fiscal year sufficient to equal at least 1.00; or (iii) both. CFC may make long-term loans 
to power supply systems, on a case-by-case basis, that may include other requirements, such as maintenance of a minimum 
equity level.

Line of Credit Loans

Line of credit loans are designed primarily to assist borrowers with liquidity and cash management and are generally 
advanced at variable interest rates. Line of credit loans are typically revolving facilities. Certain line of credit loans require 
the borrower to pay off the principal balance for at least five consecutive business days at least once during each 12-month 
period. Line of credit loans are generally unsecured and may be conditional or unconditional facilities. 

Line of credit loans also are made available as interim financing when a member either receives RUS approval to obtain a 
loan and is awaiting its initial advance of funds or submits a loan application that is pending approval from RUS (sometimes 
referred to as “bridge loans”). In these cases, when the borrower receives the RUS loan advance, the funds must be used to 
repay the bridge loans.

Syndicated Line of Credit Loans

A syndicated line of credit loan is typically a large financing offered by a group of lenders that work together to provide 
funds for a single borrower. Syndicated loans are generally unsecured, floating-rate loans that can be provided on a 

3

revolving or term basis for tenors that range from several months to five years. Syndicated financings are arranged for 
borrowers on a case-by-case basis. CFC may act as lead lender, arranger and/or administrative agent for the syndicated 
facilities. CFC will syndicate these line of credit facilities on a best effort basis.

NCSC Loan Programs

Long-Term Loans

NCSC’s long-term loans generally have the following characteristics:

terms of up to 35 years on a senior secured or unsecured basis;

• 
•  amortizing, bullet maturity or serial payment structures;
• 

the property, plant and equipment financed by and securing the long-term loan has a useful life equal to or in excess of the 
loan maturity;
flexibility for the borrower to select a fixed interest rate for periods of one to 35 years or a variable interest rate; and
the ability for the borrower to select various tranches with either a fixed or variable interest rate for each tranche.

• 
• 

NCSC allows borrowers to select a fixed interest rate or a variable interest rate at the time of each advance on long-term 
loan facilities. When selecting a fixed rate, the borrower has the option to choose a fixed rate for a term of one year through 
the final maturity of the loan. When the selected fixed interest rate term expires, the borrower may select another fixed rate 
for a term of one year through the remaining loan maturity or the current variable rate. The fixed rate on a loan generally is 
determined on the day the loan is advanced or repriced based on the term selected. The variable rate is set on the first day of 
each month. 

Line of Credit Loans

NCSC also provides revolving line of credit loans to assist borrowers with liquidity and cash management on terms similar 
to those provided by CFC as described herein.  

RTFC Loan Programs

Long-Term Loans

RTFC primarily makes long-term loans to rural local exchange carriers or holding companies of rural local exchange 
carriers for debt refinancing, construction or upgrades of infrastructure, acquisitions and other corporate purposes. Most of 
these rural telecommunications companies have diversified their operations and also provide broadband services. 

RTFC’s long-term loans generally have the following characteristics:

terms not exceeding 10 years on a senior secured basis;

• 
•  amortizing or bullet maturity payment structures;
• 

the property, plant and equipment financed by and securing the long-term loan has a useful life equal to or in excess of the 
loan maturity;
flexibility for the borrower to select a fixed interest rate for periods from one year to the final loan maturity or a variable 
interest rate; and
the ability for the borrower to select various tranches with either a fixed or variable interest rate for each tranche.

• 

• 

When a selected fixed interest rate term expires, generally the borrower may select another fixed-rate term or the current 
variable rate. The fixed rate on a loan is generally determined on the day the loan is advanced or converted to a fixed rate 
based on the term selected. The variable rate is set on the first day of each month.

To borrow from RTFC, a rural telecommunication system generally must be able to demonstrate the ability to achieve and 
maintain an annual debt service coverage ratio of 1.25. RTFC may make long-term loans to rural telecommunication 
systems, on a case-by-case basis, that do not meet this general criterion.

4

 
Line of Credit Loans

RTFC also provides revolving line of credit loans to assist borrowers with liquidity and cash management on terms similar 
to those provided by CFC as described herein.  

Loan Features and Options

Interest Rates 

As a member-owned cooperative finance organization, we are a cost-based lender. As such, our interest rates are set based 
on a yield that we believe will generate a reasonable level of earnings to cover our cost of funding, general and 
administrative expenses and loan loss provision. Various standardized discounts may reduce the stated interest rates for 
borrowers meeting certain criteria related to performance, volume, collateral and equity requirements.

Conversion Option

Generally, a borrower may convert a long-term loan from a variable interest rate to a fixed interest rate at any time without a 
fee and convert a long-term loan from a fixed rate to another fixed rate or to a variable rate at any time based on current loan 
policies.

Prepayment Option

Generally, borrowers may prepay long-term fixed-rate loans at any time, subject to payment of an administrative fee and a 
make-whole premium, and prepay long-term variable-rate loans at any time, subject to payment of an administrative fee. 
Line of credit loans may be prepaid at any time without a fee.

Loan Security

Long-term loans made by CFC typically are senior secured on parity with other secured lenders (primarily RUS), if any, by 
all assets and revenue of the borrower, subject to standard liens typical in utility mortgages such as those related to taxes, 
worker’s compensation awards, mechanics’ and similar liens, rights-of-way and governmental rights. We are able to obtain 
liens on parity with liens for the benefit of RUS because RUS’ form of mortgage expressly provides for other lenders such 
as CFC to have a parity lien position if the borrower satisfies certain conditions or obtains a written lien accommodation 
from RUS. When we make loans to borrowers that have existing loans from RUS, we generally require those borrowers to 
either obtain such a lien accommodation or satisfy the conditions necessary for our loan to be secured on parity under the 
mortgage with the loan from RUS. As noted above, CFC line of credit loans generally are unsecured.

We provide additional information on our loan programs in “Item 7. MD&A—Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis,” “Item 
7. MD&A—Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” and “Item 7. MD&A—Credit Risk.”

GUARANTEE PROGRAMS

When we guarantee our members’ debt obligations, we use the same credit policies and monitoring procedures for 
guarantees as for loans. If a member system defaults in its obligation to pay debt service, then we are obligated to pay any 
required amounts under our guarantees. Meeting our guarantee obligations satisfies the underlying obligation of our member 
systems and prevents the exercise of remedies by the guarantee beneficiary based upon a payment default by a member 
system. The member system is required to repay any amount advanced by us with interest pursuant to the documents 
evidencing the member system’s reimbursement obligation. We were not required to perform pursuant to any of our 
guarantee obligations during the year ended May 31, 2019.

Guarantees of Long-Term Tax-Exempt Bonds

We guarantee debt issued for our members’ construction or acquisition of pollution control, solid waste disposal, industrial 
development and electric distribution facilities. Governmental authorities issue such debt on a nonrecourse basis and the 

5

interest thereon is exempt from federal taxation. The proceeds of the offering are made available to the member system, 
which in turn is obligated to pay the governmental authority amounts sufficient to service the debt. 

If a system defaults for failure to make the debt payments and any available debt service reserve funds have been exhausted, 
we are obligated to pay scheduled debt service under our guarantee. Such payment will prevent the occurrence of an event 
of payment default that would otherwise permit acceleration of the bond issue. The system is required to repay any amount 
that we advance pursuant to our guarantee plus interest on that advance. This repayment obligation, together with the 
interest thereon, is typically senior secured on parity with other lenders (including, in most cases, RUS), by a lien on 
substantially all of the system’s assets. If the security instrument is a common mortgage with RUS, then in general, we may 
not exercise remedies for up to two years following default. However, if the debt is accelerated under the common mortgage 
because of a determination that the related interest is not tax-exempt, the system’s obligation to reimburse us for any 
guarantee payments will be treated as a long-term loan. The system is required to pay us initial and/or ongoing guarantee 
fees in connection with these transactions.

Certain guaranteed long-term debt bears interest at variable rates that are adjusted at intervals of one to 270 days including 
weekly, every five weeks or semi-annually to a level favorable to their resale or auction at par. If funding sources are 
available, the member that issued the debt may choose a fixed interest rate on the debt. When the variable rate is reset, 
holders of variable-rate debt have the right to tender the debt for purchase at par. In some transactions, we have committed 
to purchase this debt as liquidity provider if it cannot otherwise be re-marketed. If we hold the securities, the member 
cooperative pays us the interest earned on the bonds or interest calculated based on our short-term variable interest rate, 
whichever is greater. The system is required to pay us stand-by liquidity fees in connection with these transactions. 

Letters of Credit

In exchange for a fee, we issue irrevocable letters of credit to support members’ obligations to energy marketers, other third 
parties and to the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service. Each letter of credit is supported by a reimbursement 
agreement with the member on whose behalf the letter of credit was issued. In the event a beneficiary draws on a letter of 
credit, the agreement generally requires the member to reimburse us within one year from the date of the draw, with interest 
accruing from the draw date at our line of credit variable interest rate.

The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has designated CFC as an acceptable source for letters of credit in 
support of USDA and FCC programs that encourage deployment of high-speed broadband services throughout rural 
America. The designation allows CFC to provide credit support for rural electric and telecommunication cooperatives that 
participate in programs designed to increase deployment of broadband services to underserved rural areas.

Other Guarantees

We may provide other guarantees as requested by our members. Other guarantees are generally unsecured with guarantee 
fees payable to us.

We provide additional information on our guarantee programs and outstanding guarantee amounts as of May 31, 2019 and 
2018 in “Item 7. MD&A—Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” and “Note 13—Guarantees.” 

6

INVESTMENT POLICY

We invest funds in accordance with policies adopted by our board of directors. Pursuant to our current investment policy, an 
Investment Management Committee was established to oversee and administer our investments with the objective of 
seeking returns consistent with the preservation of principal and maintenance of adequate liquidity. The Investment 
Management Committee may direct funds to be invested in: direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed by, the United 
States or agencies thereof and investments in government-sponsored enterprises, certain financial institutions in the form of 
overnight investment products and Eurodollar deposits, bankers’ acceptances, certificates of deposit, working capital 
acceptances or other deposits. Other permitted investments include highly rated obligations, such as commercial paper, 
certain obligations of foreign governments, municipal securities, asset backed securities, mortgage-backed securities and 
certain corporate bonds. In addition, we may invest in overnight or term repurchase agreements. Investments are 
denominated in US dollars exclusively. All of these investments are subject to requirements, and limitations set forth in our 
investment policy.

INDUSTRY

Overview

Since the enactment of the Rural Electrification Act in 1936, RUS has financed the construction of electric generating 
plants, transmission facilities and distribution systems to provide electricity to rural areas. Today, with CFC membership 
comprised, in part, of rural electric utility systems in 49 states and three U.S. territories, the percentage of farms and 
residences in rural areas of the United States receiving central station electric service increased from 11% in 1934 to almost 
100% currently.   

RUS provides loans, guarantees and other forms of financial assistance to rural electric system borrowers. Under the Rural 
Electrification Act, RUS is authorized to make direct loans to systems that qualify for the hardship program (5% interest 
rate), the municipal rate program (based on a municipal government obligation index) and a Treasury rate program (at 
Treasury plus 0.125%). RUS also is authorized to guarantee loans that bear interest at a rate agreed upon by the borrower 
and the lender (which generally has been the Federal Financing Bank). RUS exercises oversight of borrowers’ operations. Its 
loans and guarantees are secured by a mortgage or indenture on substantially all of the system’s assets and revenue.

Leading up to CFC’s formation in 1969, there was a growing need for capital for electric cooperatives to build new electric 
facilities due to growth in rural America. The electric cooperatives formed CFC to provide a supplemental financing source 
to RUS loan programs and to mitigate uncertainty related to government funding. 

CFC aggregates the combined strength of its rural electric member cooperatives to access the public capital markets and 
other funding sources. CFC works cooperatively with RUS; however, CFC is not a federal agency or a government-
sponsored enterprise. Our members are not required to have outstanding loans from RUS as a condition of borrowing from 
CFC. CFC meets the financial needs of its rural electric members by:

•  providing financing to RUS-eligible rural electric systems for infrastructure, including for those facilities that are not 

eligible for financing from RUS;

•  providing bridge loans required by borrowers in anticipation of receiving RUS funding;
•  providing financial products not otherwise available from RUS, including lines of credit, letters of credit, guarantees on 
tax-exempt financing, weather-related disaster recovery lines of credit, unsecured loans and investment products such as 
commercial paper, member capital securities, select notes and medium-term notes; and

•  meeting the financing needs of those rural electric systems that repay or prepay their RUS loans and replace the 

government loans with private capital.

Many electric cooperatives are making investments in fiber to support core electric plant communications.  Some of these 
electric cooperatives are leveraging these fiber assets to offer broadband services, either directly or through partnering with 
local telecommunication companies and others.

7

Electric Member Operating Environment

In general, electric cooperatives have not been significantly impacted by the effects of retail deregulation. There were 19 
states that had adopted programs that allow consumers to choose their supplier of electricity as of May 31, 2019. Depending 
on the state, the choices can range from being limited to commercial and industrial consumers to “retail choice” for all 
consumers. In most states, cooperatives have been exempted from or have been allowed to opt out of the regulations 
allowing for competition. In states offering retail competition, it is important to note that while consumers may be able to 
choose their energy supplier, the electric utility still receives compensation for the necessary service of delivering electricity 
to consumers through its utility transmission and distribution plant.  

The electric industry is facing a potential decrease to kilowatt-hour sales due to technology advances that increase energy 
efficiency of all appliances and devices used in the home and in businesses as well as from distributed generation in the 
form of rooftop solar and home generators (“behind-the-meter generation”). Electric cooperatives are facing the same 
issues, but in general to a lesser extent than investor-owned power systems. Electric cooperatives have options available to 
mitigate the impact of such issues, such as rate structures to ensure that costs are appropriately recovered for grid and other 
necessary ancillary services. To date, we have not seen negative impacts in the electric cooperative financial results due to 
behind-the-meter generation.

Regulatory Oversight

There are 11 states in which some or all electric cooperatives are subject to state regulatory oversight of their rates and 
tariffs (terms and conditions) by state utility commissions. Those states are Arizona, Arkansas, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, 
Maine, Maryland, New Mexico, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia. 

Regulatory jurisdiction by state commissions generally includes rate and tariff regulation, the issuance of securities and the 
enforcement of service territory as provided for by state law.

Parts II and III of the Federal Power Act (“FPA”) provide the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) with 
regulatory authority over three aspects of electric power: 

• 
• 
• 

the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce; 
the sale of electric energy at wholesale in interstate commerce; and
the approval and enforcement of reliability standards affecting all users, owners and operators of the bulk power system.

The FERC also regulates the issuance of securities by public utilities under the FPA provided the state commission does not.

Our distribution and power supply members are subject to regulation by various federal, regional, state and local authorities 
with respect to the environmental effects of their operations. At the federal level, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
(“EPA”) from time to time proposes rulemakings that could force the electric utility industry to incur capital costs to comply 
with potential new regulations and possibly retire coal-fired generating capacity. Since there are only 11 states in which 
some or all electric cooperatives are subject to state regulatory oversight of their rates and tariffs, in most cases any 
associated costs of compliance can be passed on to cooperative consumers without additional regulatory approval. On 
June 19, 2019, the EPA issued the final Affordable Clean Energy (“ACE”) rule. The ACE rule replaces the 2015 Clean 
Power Plan, which was stayed by the U.S. Supreme Court and never went into effect. Falling under Section 111(d) of the 
Federal Clean Air Act, the ACE rule addresses existing sources of emissions and sets a framework under which states should 
develop plans establishing standards of performance for their existing emissions sources and then submit those plans to the 
EPA for approval. States will have three years from the date of the final rule to prepare and submit a plan that establishes a 
standard of performance. It is expected that certain states and environmental groups will challenge the ACE rule in federal 
litigation.   

8

LENDING COMPETITION

RUS is the largest lender to electric cooperatives. RUS provides long-term secured loans. CFC provides financial products 
and services, primarily in the form of long-term secured and short-term unsecured loans, to its electric cooperative members 
to supplement RUS financing, to provide loans to members that have elected not to borrow from RUS, and to bridge long-
term financing provided by RUS. 

CFC’s primary competitor is CoBank, ACB, a federally chartered instrumentality of the United States that is a member of 
the Farm Credit System. CFC also competes with banks, other financial institutions and the capital markets to provide loans 
and other financial products to our members. As a result, we are competing with the customer service, pricing and funding 
options our members are able to obtain from these sources. We attempt to minimize the effect of competition by offering a 
variety of loan options and value-added services and by leveraging the working relationships developed with the majority of 
our members over the past 50 years. Further, on an annual basis, we allocate substantially all net earnings to members (i) in 
the form of patronage capital, which reduces our members’ effective cost of borrowing, and (ii) through the members’ 
capital reserve. The value-added services that we provide include, but are not limited to, benchmarking tools, financial 
models, publications and various conferences, meetings and training workshops. 

In order to meet other financing needs of our members, we offer options that include credit support in the form of letters of 
credit and guarantees, loan syndications and loan participations. Our credit products are tailored to meet the specific needs 
of each member cooperative, and we often offer specific transaction structures that our competitors do not provide. CFC 
also offers certain risk mitigation products and interest rate discounts on secured, long-term loans for its members that meet 
certain criteria, including performance, volume, collateral and equity requirements.

CFC has established certain funds to benefit its members. Since 1981, CFC has set aside a portion of its annual net earnings 
in a cooperative educational fund to promote awareness and appreciation of the cooperative principles. As directed by the 
CFC Board of Directors, a portion of the contributions to the fund are distributed through the electric cooperative statewide 
associations. Since 1986, CFC has supported its members’ efforts to protect their service territories from erosion or takeover 
by other utilities through assistance from the cooperative system integrity fund, which is funded through voluntary 
contributions from members. Amounts from the integrity fund are distributed to applicants who establish that: (i) all or a 
significant portion of their consumers, services or facilities face a hostile threat of acquisition or annexation by a competing 
entity; (ii) face a significant threat in their ability to continue to provide non-electric energy services to customers; or (iii) 
are facing regulatory, judicial or legislative challenges that threaten their existence under the cooperative business model.

Our rural electric borrowers are mostly private companies; thus, the overall size of the rural electric lending market cannot 
be determined from public information. We estimate the size of the overall rural electric lending market from the annual 
financial and statistical reports filed with us by our members using calendar year data; however, there are certain limitations 
with regard to these estimates, including the following:

•  while the underlying data included in the financial and statistical reports may be audited, the preparation of the financial 

and statistical reports is not audited;
in some cases, not all members provide the annual financial and statistical reports on a timely basis to be included in 
summarized results; and
the financial and statistical reports do not include comprehensive data on indebtedness by lenders other than RUS.

• 

• 

The following table displays long-term debt outstanding to CFC, RUS and other lenders in the electric cooperative industry 
as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, based on financial data reported to us by our electric utility cooperative members. The 
data as of December 31, 2018 was provided  by 812 distribution systems and 54 power supply systems, while the data as of 
December 31, 2017 was provided by 812 distribution systems and 58 power supply systems. 

9

(Dollars in thousands)
Total long-term debt reported by members:(1)

December 31,

2018

2017

Debt
Outstanding

% of Total

Debt
Outstanding

% of Total

Distribution .............................................................
Power supply...........................................................
Less: Long-term debt funded by RUS ....................
Members’ non-RUS long-term debt........................

$ 49,464,999

44,876,633
(40,039,961)
$ 54,301,671

$ 48,147,703

47,862,984
(39,180,420)
$ 56,830,267

Funding source of members’ long-term debt:

Long-term debt funded by CFC ..............................
Long-term debt funded by other lenders.................
Members’ non-RUS long-term debt........................

$ 22,897,749

31,403,922

$ 54,301,671

42% $ 22,671,264
58
34,159,003
100% $ 56,830,267

40%

60

100%

____________________________

(1)

 Reported amounts are based on member-provided information, which may not have been subject to audit by an independent accounting firm. 

Members’ long-term debt funded by CFC, by type, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 is summarized further below.

December 31,

2018

2017

(Dollars in thousands)
Distribution................................................................
Power supply .............................................................
Long-term debt funded by CFC ................................

Debt
Outstanding
$ 18,782,014

4,115,735

$ 22,897,749

% of Total

Debt
Outstanding

% of Total

82% $ 18,489,086
18
4,182,178
100% $ 22,671,264

82%

18

100%

We are not able to specifically identify the amount of debt our members have outstanding to CoBank, ACB, from either the 
annual financial and statistical reports our members file with us or from CoBank, ACB’s public disclosure; however, we  
believe CoBank, ACB, is the additional lender, along with CFC and RUS, with significant long-term debt outstanding to 
rural electric cooperatives.

REGULATION

General

CFC, NCSC and RTFC are not subject to direct federal regulatory oversight or supervision with regard to lending. CFC, 
NCSC and RTFC are subject to state and local jurisdiction commercial lending and tax laws that pertain to business 
conducted in each state, including but not limited to lending laws, usury laws and laws governing mortgages. These state 
and local laws regulate the manner in which we make loans and conduct other types of transactions. The statutes, regulations 
and policies to which the companies are subject may change at any time. In addition, the interpretation and application by 
regulators of the laws and regulations to which we are subject may change from time to time. Certain of our contractual 
arrangements, such as those pertaining to funding obtained through the Guaranteed Underwriter Program, provide for the 
Federal Financing Bank and RUS to periodically review and assess CFC’s compliance with program terms and conditions. 

Derivatives Regulation

CFC engages in over-the-counter derivative transactions to manage interest rate risk. As an end user of derivative financial 
instruments, CFC is subject to regulations that apply to derivatives generally. The Dodd-Frank Act (“DFA”), enacted July 
2010, resulted in, among other things, comprehensive regulation of the over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives market. The 
DFA provides for an extensive framework for the regulation of OTC derivatives, including mandatory clearing, exchange 

10

 
 
trading and transaction reporting of certain OTC derivatives. Subsequent to the enactment of the DFA, the U.S. 
Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) issued a final rule, “Clearing Exemption for Certain Swaps Entered 
into by Cooperatives,” which created an exemption from mandatory clearing for cooperatives.  The CFTC’s final rule, 
“Margin Requirements for Uncleared Swaps for Swap Dealers and Major Swap Participants,” includes an exemption from 
margin requirements for uncleared swaps for cooperatives that are financial end users. CFC is an exempt cooperative end 
user of derivative financial instruments and does not participate in the derivatives markets for speculative, trading or 
investing purposes and does not make a market in derivatives.

MEMBERS

Our consolidated membership, after taking into consideration entities that are members of both CFC and NCSC and 
eliminating memberships between CFC, NCSC and RTFC, totaled 1,447 members and 222 associates as of May 31, 2019. 

CFC

CFC’s bylaws provide that cooperative or nonprofit corporations, public corporations, utility districts and other public 
bodies that received or are eligible to receive a loan or commitment for a loan from RUS or any successor agency (as well as 
subsidiaries, federations or statewide and regional associations that are wholly owned or controlled by such entities) are 
eligible for membership. One of the criteria for eligibility for RUS financing is a “rural area” test. CFC relies on the 
definition of “rural” as specified in the Rural Electrification Act, as amended. “Rural” is defined in the Rural Electrification 
Act as any area other than a city, town or unincorporated area that has a population of less than 20,000, or any area within 
the service area of a borrower who, at the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, had an 
outstanding RUS electric loan. The definition of “rural” under the act permits an area to be defined as “rural” regardless of 
the development of such area subsequent to the approval of the outstanding loan. Thus, those entities that received or qualify 
for financing from RUS are eligible to apply for membership, upon approval of membership by the CFC Board of Directors,  
and subsequently to borrow from CFC regardless of whether there is an outstanding loan with RUS. There are no 
requirements to maintain membership, although the board has the authority to suspend a member under certain 
circumstances. CFC has not suspended a member to date.

CFC has the following types of members, all of which are not-for-profit entities or subsidiaries or affiliates of not-for-profit 
entities. 

Class A – Distribution Systems

Cooperative or nonprofit corporations, public corporations, utility districts and other public bodies, which received or are 
eligible to receive a loan or commitment for a loan from RUS or any successor agency, and that are engaged or planning to 
engage in furnishing utility services to their members and patrons for their use as ultimate consumers. The majority of our 
distribution system members are consumer-owned electric cooperatives.

Distribution systems are utilities engaged in retail sales of electricity to residential and commercial consumers in their 
defined service areas. Such sales are generally on an exclusive basis using the distribution system’s infrastructure, including 
substations, wires and related support systems. Distribution systems vary in size from small systems that serve a few 
thousand customers to large systems that serve more than 200,000 customers. Thus, the amount of loan funding required by 
different distribution systems varies significantly. Distribution systems may serve customers in more than one state.

Most distribution systems have long-term power purchase contracts with their power supply systems, which are owned and 
controlled by the member distribution systems. Wholesale power for resale also comes from other sources, including power 
supply contracts with government agencies, investor-owned utilities and other entities, and, in some cases, the distribution 
systems own generating facilities.

Class B – Power Supply Systems

Cooperative or nonprofit corporations that are federations of Class A members or of other Class B members, or both, or that 
are owned and controlled by Class A members or by other Class B members, or both, and that are engaged or planning to 

11

engage in furnishing utility services primarily to Class A members or other Class B members. Our power supply system 
members are member-owned electric cooperatives.

The power supply systems vary in size from one with thousands of megawatts of power generation capacity to systems that 
have no generating capacity, which generally operate transmission lines to supply certain distribution systems or manage 
power supply purchase arrangements for the benefit of their distribution system members. Thus, the amount of loan funding 
required by different power supply systems varies significantly. Power supply members may serve distribution systems 
located in more than one state.

The wholesale power supply contracts with their distribution system members permit the power supply system, subject to 
regulatory approval in certain instances, to establish rates to produce revenue sufficient to cover debt service, to meet the 
cost of operation and maintenance of all power supply systems and related facilities and to pay the cost of any power and 
energy purchased for resale.

Class C – Statewide and Regional Associations

Statewide and regional associations that are wholly owned or controlled by Class A members or Class B members, or both, or 
that are wholly owned subsidiaries of a CFC member, and that do not furnish utility services but supply other forms of service 
to their members. Certain states have an organization that represents and serves the distribution systems and power supply 
systems located in the state. Such statewide organizations provide training and legislative, regulatory, media and related services. 

Class D – National Associations of Cooperatives

National associations of cooperatives that are Class A, Class B and Class C members, provided said national associations have, 
at the time of admission to membership in CFC, members domiciled in at least 80% of the states in the United States. National 
Rural Electric Cooperative Association (“NRECA”) is our sole Class D member. NRECA provides training, sponsors regional 
and national meetings, and provides legislative, regulatory, media and related services for nearly all rural electric cooperatives.

CFC Class A, B, C and D members are eligible to vote on matters put to a vote of the membership. 

CFC’s membership as of May 31, 2019 consisted of:

•  842 Class A distribution systems;
•  67 Class B power supply systems;
•  64 Class C statewide and regional associations, including NCSC; and
•  1 Class D national association of cooperatives.

In addition, CFC has associates that are nonprofit groups or entities organized on a cooperative basis that are owned, 
controlled or operated by Class A, B, C or D members and are engaged in or plan to engage in furnishing non-electric 
services primarily for the benefit of the ultimate consumers of CFC members. CFC had 46 associates, including RTFC, as of 
May 31, 2019. Associates are not eligible to vote on matters put to a vote of the membership.

NCSC

Membership in NCSC includes organizations that are Class A, B or C members of CFC, or eligible for such membership 
and are approved for membership by the NCSC Board of Directors. 

NCSC’s membership consisted of 441 distribution systems, two power supply systems and five statewide associations as of 
May 31, 2019. All of NCSC’s members also were CFC members. CFC, however, is not a member of NCSC. In addition to 
members, NCSC had 171 associates as of May 31, 2019. NCSC’s associates may include members of CFC, entities eligible 
to be members of CFC and for-profit and not-for-profit entities that are owned, controlled or operated by or provide 
significant benefit to Class A, B and C members of CFC.

12

RTFC

Membership in RTFC is limited to cooperative corporations, nonprofit corporations, private corporations, public 
corporations, utility districts and other public bodies that are approved by the RTFC Board of Directors and are actively 
borrowing or are eligible to borrow from RUS’s traditional infrastructure loan program. These companies must be engaged 
directly or indirectly in furnishing telephone services as the licensed incumbent carrier. Holding companies, subsidiaries and 
other organizations that are owned, controlled or operated by members are referred to as affiliates, and are eligible to borrow 
from RTFC. Associates are organizations that provide non-telephone or non-telecommunications services to rural 
telecommunications companies that are approved by the RTFC Board of Directors. Neither affiliates nor associates are 
eligible to vote at meetings of the members. 

RTFC’s membership consisted of 474 members as of May 31, 2019. RTFC also had six associates as of May 31, 2019. CFC 
is not a member of RTFC.

The business affairs of CFC, NCSC and RTFC are governed by separate boards of directors for each entity. We provide 
additional information on CFC’s corporate governance in “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate 
Governance.”

TAX STATUS

In 1969, CFC obtained a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service recognizing CFC’s exemption from the payment of 
federal income taxes as an organization described under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. In order for CFC 
to maintain its exemption under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, CFC must be “not organized for profit” 
and must be “operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare” within the meaning of that section of the tax code. 
The Internal Revenue Service determined that CFC is an organization that is “operated exclusively for the promotion of 
social welfare” because the ultimate beneficiaries of its lending activities, like those of the RUS loan program, are the 
consumers of electricity produced by rural electric systems, the communities served by these systems and the nation as a 
whole.

As an organization described under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, no part of CFC’s net earnings can inure 
to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. This requirement is referred to as the private inurement prohibition 
and was added to Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code in 1996. A legislative exception allows organizations like 
CFC to continue to make allocations of net earnings to members in accordance with its cooperative status.

CFC believes its operations have not changed materially from those described to the Internal Revenue Service in its 
exemption filing. CFC reviews the impact on operations of any new activity or potential change in product offerings or 
business in general to determine whether such change in activity or operations would be inconsistent with its status as an 
organization described under Section 501(c)(4).

NCSC is a taxable cooperative that pays income tax based on its taxable income and deductions.

RTFC is a taxable cooperative under Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code and is not subject to income taxes on 
income from patronage sources that is allocated to its borrowers, as long as the allocation is properly noticed and at least 
20% of the amount allocated is retired in cash prior to filing the applicable tax return. RTFC pays income tax based on its 
taxable income and deductions, excluding amounts allocated to its borrowers.

ALLOCATION AND RETIREMENT OF PATRONAGE CAPITAL

District of Columbia cooperative law requires cooperatives to allocate net earnings to patrons, to a general reserve in an 
amount sufficient to maintain a balance of at least 50% of paid-up capital and to a cooperative educational fund, as well as 
permits additional allocations to board-approved reserves. District of Columbia cooperative law also requires that a 
cooperative’s net earnings be allocated to all patrons in proportion to their individual patronage and each patron’s allocation 
be distributed to the patron unless the patron agrees that the cooperative may retain its share as additional capital.

13

CFC

Annually, the CFC Board of Directors allocates its net earnings to its patrons in the form of patronage capital, to a 
cooperative educational fund, to a general reserve, if necessary, and to other board-approved reserves. Net earnings are 
calculated by adjusting net income to exclude the noncash effects of the accounting for derivative financial instruments. Net 
losses, if any, are not allocated to board approved reserves or members and do not affect amounts previously allocated as 
patronage capital or to the reserves. Net earnings are first applied against prior-period losses, if any, before an allocation of 
patronage capital is made. CFC has never experienced an adjusted net loss.

An allocation to the general reserve is made, if necessary, to maintain the balance of the general reserve at 50% of the 
membership fees collected. CFC’s bylaws require the allocation to the cooperative educational fund to be at least 0.25% of 
its net earnings. Funds from the cooperative educational fund are disbursed annually to statewide cooperative organizations 
to fund the teaching of cooperative principles and for other cooperative education programs.

Currently, CFC has one additional board-approved reserve, the members’ capital reserve. The CFC Board of Directors 
determines the amount of net earnings that is allocated to the members’ capital reserve, if any. The members’ capital reserve 
represents net earnings that CFC holds to increase equity retention. The net earnings held in the members’ capital reserve 
have not been specifically allocated to members, but may be allocated to individual members in the future as patronage 
capital if authorized by the CFC Board of Directors.

All remaining net earnings are allocated to CFC’s members in the form of patronage capital. The amount of net earnings 
allocated to each member is based on the member’s patronage of CFC’s lending programs during the year. No interest is 
earned by members on allocated patronage capital. There is no effect on CFC’s total equity as a result of allocating net 
earnings to members in the form of patronage capital or to board-approved reserves. The CFC Board of Directors has voted 
annually on whether or not to retire a portion of the patronage capital allocation. Upon retirement, patronage capital is paid 
out in cash to the members to which it was allocated. CFC’s total equity is reduced by the amount of patronage capital 
retired to its members and by amounts disbursed from board-approved reserves.

Pursuant to CFC’s bylaws, the CFC Board of Directors determines the method, basis, priority and order of retirement of 
amounts allocated. The current policy of the CFC Board of Directors is to retire 50% of the prior fiscal year’s allocated net 
earnings following the end of each fiscal year and to hold the remaining 50% for 25 years to fund operations. The amount 
and timing of future retirements remains subject to annual approval by the CFC Board of Directors, and may be affected by 
CFC’s financial condition and other factors. The CFC Board of Directors has the authority to change the current practice for 
allocating and retiring net earnings at any time, subject to applicable cooperative law.

NCSC

In accordance with District of Columbia cooperative law and its bylaws and board policies, NCSC allocates its net earnings 
to a cooperative educational fund, to a general reserve, if necessary, and to other board-approved reserves. Net earnings are 
calculated by adjusting net income to exclude the noncash effects of the accounting for derivative financial instruments. Net 
losses, if any, are not allocated to board-approved reserves and do not affect amounts previously allocated to the reserves. 

Pursuant to NCSC’s bylaws, the NCSC Board of Directors shall determine the method, basis, priority and order of amounts 
allocated. An allocation to the general reserve is made, if necessary, to maintain the balance of the general reserve at 50% of 
the membership fees collected. There is no effect on NCSC's total equity due to the allocation of net earnings to board-
approved reserves. NCSC’s bylaws require the allocation to the cooperative educational fund to be at least 0.25% of its net 
earnings. Funds from the cooperative educational fund are disbursed annually to fund the teaching of cooperative principles 
and for other cooperative education programs.

RTFC

In accordance with District of Columbia cooperative law and its bylaws and board policies, RTFC allocates its net earnings 
to its patrons, a cooperative educational fund and a general reserve, if necessary. Net losses are not allocated to members and 
do not affect amounts previously allocated as patronage capital or to the reserves. Current period earnings are first applied 
against any prior year losses before allocating patronage capital. 

14

 
 
Pursuant to RTFC’s bylaws, the RTFC Board of Directors shall determine the method, basis, priority and order of retirement 
of amounts allocated. RTFC’s bylaws require that it allocate at least 1% of net earnings to a cooperative educational fund. 
Funds from the cooperative educational fund are disbursed annually to fund the teaching of cooperative principles and for 
other cooperative education programs. An allocation to the general reserve is made, if necessary, to maintain the balance of 
the general reserve at 50% of the membership fees collected. The remainder is allocated to borrowers in proportion to their 
patronage. RTFC provides notice to its members of the amount allocated and retires 20% of the allocation for that year in 
cash prior to the filing of the applicable tax return. Any additional amounts are retired as determined by the RTFC Board of 
Directors with due regard for RTFC’s financial condition. There is no effect on RTFC's total equity due to the allocation of 
net earnings to members or board-approved reserves. The retirement of amounts previously allocated to members or 
amounts disbursed from board-approved reserves reduces RTFC's total equity.

EMPLOYEES

We had 257 employees as of May 31, 2019. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to 
these reports, are available for free at www.nrucfc.coop as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed 
with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These reports also are available for free on the 
SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information posted on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity are subject to various risks and uncertainties inherent in our 
business. If any of the events or circumstances described in the following risks actually occur, our business, liquidity, 
financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. The risks described below are the risks we consider 
to be material to our business. Other risks and uncertainties, including those not currently known to us, could also negatively 
impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. You should consider the following risks together with all 
of the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

RISK FACTORS

If we are unable to access the capital markets or other external sources for funding, our liquidity position may be 
negatively affected and we may not have sufficient funds to meet all of our financial obligations as they become due. 

We depend on access to the capital markets and other sources of financing, such as our bank revolving credit agreements, 
investments from our members, private debt issuances through Farmer Mac and through the Guaranteed Underwriter 
Program, to fund new loan advances and refinance our long- and short-term debt and, if necessary, to fulfill our obligations 
under our guarantee and repurchase agreements. Market disruptions, downgrades to our long-term and/or short-term debt 
ratings, adverse changes in our business or performance, downturns in the electric industry and other events over which we 
have no control may deny or limit our access to the capital markets and/or subject us to higher costs for such funding. Our 
access to other sources of funding also could be limited by the same factors, by adverse changes in the business or 
performance of our members, by the banks committed to our revolving credit agreements or Farmer Mac, or by changes in 
federal law or the Guaranteed Underwriter Program. Our funding needs are determined primarily by scheduled short- and 
long-term debt maturities and the amount of our loan advances to our borrowers relative to the scheduled payment 
amortization of loans previously made by us. If we are unable to timely issue debt into the capital markets or obtain funding 
from other sources, we may not have the funds to meet all of our obligations as they become due.

A reduction in the credit ratings for our debt could adversely affect our liquidity and/or cost of debt.

Our credit ratings are important to maintaining our liquidity position. We currently contract with three nationally recognized 
statistical rating organizations to receive ratings for our secured and unsecured debt and our commercial paper. In order to 
access the commercial paper markets at current levels, we believe that we need to maintain our current ratings for 
commercial paper of P-1 from Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), A-1 from S&P Global Inc. (“S&P”) and F1 from 
15

Fitch Ratings Inc. (“Fitch”). Changes in rating agencies’ rating methodology, actions by governmental entities or others, 
losses from impaired loans and other factors could adversely affect the credit ratings on our debt. A reduction in our credit 
ratings could adversely affect our liquidity and competitive position, increase our borrowing costs or limit our access to the 
capital markets and the sources of financing available to us. A significant increase in our cost of borrowings and interest 
expense could cause us to sustain losses or impair our liquidity by requiring us to seek other sources of financing, which 
may be difficult to obtain.

Our ability to maintain compliance with the covenants related to our revolving credit agreements, collateral trust bond 
and medium-term note indentures and debt agreements could affect our ability to retire patronage capital, result in the 
acceleration of the repayment of certain debt obligations, adversely impact our credit ratings and hinder our ability to 
obtain financing. 

We must maintain compliance with all covenants and conditions related to our revolving credit agreements and debt 
indentures. We are required to maintain a minimum average adjusted times interest earned ratio (“adjusted TIER”) for the 
six most recent fiscal quarters of 1.025 and an adjusted leverage ratio of no more than 10-to-1. In addition, we must 
maintain loans pledged as collateral for various debt issuances at or below 150% of the related secured debt outstanding as a 
condition to borrowing under our revolving credit agreements. If we were unable to borrow under the revolving credit 
agreements, our short-term debt ratings would likely decline, and our ability to issue commercial paper could become 
significantly impaired. Our revolving credit agreements also require that we earn a minimum annual adjusted TIER of 1.05 
in order to retire patronage capital to members. See “Item 7. MD&A—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional 
information on our adjusted measures and a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measures. 

Pursuant to our collateral trust bond indentures, we are required to maintain eligible pledged collateral at least equal to 
100% of the principal amount of the bonds issued under the indenture. Pursuant to one of our collateral trust bond 
indentures and our medium-term note indenture, we are required to limit senior indebtedness to 20 times the sum of our 
members’ equity, subordinated deferrable debt and members’ subordinated certificates. If we were in default under our 
collateral trust bond or medium-term note indentures, the existing holders of these securities have the right to accelerate the 
repayment of the full amount of the outstanding debt of the security before the stated maturity of such debt. That 
acceleration of debt repayments poses a significant liquidity risk, as we might not have enough cash or committed credit 
available to repay the debt. In addition, if we are not in compliance with the collateral trust bond and medium-term note 
covenants, we would be unable to issue new debt securities under such indentures. If we were unable to issue new collateral 
trust bonds and medium-term notes, our ability to fund new loan advances and refinance maturing debt would be impaired.

We are required to pledge eligible distribution system or power supply system loans as collateral equal to at least 100% of 
the outstanding balance of debt issued under a revolving note purchase agreement with Farmer Mac. We also are required to 
pledge distribution or power supply loans as collateral equal to at least 100% of the outstanding balance of debt under the 
Guaranteed Underwriter Program. Collateral coverage less than 100% for either of these debt programs constitutes an event 
of default, which if not cured within 30 days, could result in creditors accelerating the repayment of the outstanding debt 
principal before the stated maturity. An acceleration of the repayment of debt could pose a liquidity risk if we had 
insufficient cash or committed credit available to repay the debt. In addition, we would be unable to issue new debt 
securities under the applicable debt agreement, which could impair our ability to fund new loan advances and refinance 
maturing debt.

Changes in the level and direction of interest rates or our ability to successfully manage interest rate risk could adversely 
affect our financial results and condition.

Our earnings are largely dependent on net interest income. Our interest rate risk exposure is primarily related to the funding 
of a fixed-rate loan portfolio. We have a matched funding objective that is intended to manage the funding of asset and 
liability repricing terms within a range of total assets based on the current environment and extended outlook for interest 
rates. We maintain a limited unmatched position, or interest rate gap, on our fixed-rate assets within a targeted range of 
adjusted total assets to provide us with funding flexibility. 

Our primary strategies for managing interest rate risk include the use of derivatives and limiting the amount of interest rate 
gap between fixed-rate assets and fixed-rate liabilities to a specified percentage of total assets based on prevailing market 
conditions. We face the risk that changes in interest rates could reduce our net interest income and our earnings, especially if 
actual conditions turn out to be materially different than those we assumed. Fluctuations in interest rates, including changes 

16

in the relationship between short-term rates and long-term rates may affect the pricing of loans to borrowers and our cost of 
funds, which could adversely affect the difference between the interest that we earn on assets and the interest we pay on 
liabilities used to fund assets. Such changes may also affect our ability to hedge various forms of market and interest rate 
risk and may decrease the effectiveness of those hedges in helping to manage such risks, which could cause our interest rate 
gap to exceed our targeted range and have an adverse impact on net interest income, earnings and cash flows. See “Item 7. 
MD&A—Market Risk” for additional information.

The uncertainty as to the nature of potential changes or other reforms in the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) 
benchmark interest rate may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We have loans, derivative contracts, debt securities and other financial instruments with attributes that are either directly or 
indirectly dependent on the LIBOR. In 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates 
LIBOR, announced that the FCA intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit the rates required to calculate 
LIBOR after 2021. This announcement indicates that the continuation of LIBOR on the current basis cannot and will not be 
guaranteed after 2021. Consequently, at this time, it is not possible to predict whether and to what extent banks will continue 
to provide submissions for the calculation of LIBOR. Similarly, it is not possible to predict whether LIBOR will continue to 
be viewed as an acceptable market benchmark, what rate or rates may become accepted alternatives to LIBOR or what the 
effect of any such changes in views or alternatives may be on the markets for LIBOR-indexed financial instruments. The 
replacement of LIBOR creates operational and market risks which will become clear as replacement choices are developed. 
We will continue to assess all of our contracts and financial instruments that are directly or indirectly dependent on LIBOR 
to determine the impact the replacement of LIBOR will have on us. Uncertainty as to the nature of such potential changes or 
other reforms may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to credit risk that a borrower or other counterparty may not be able to meet its contractual obligations in 
accordance with agreed-upon terms, which could result in significantly higher, unexpected losses.  

Our loan portfolio, which represents the largest component of assets on our balance sheet, accounts for the substantial 
majority of exposure to credit risk. We had total loans outstanding of $25,906 million as of May 31, 2019. We reserve for 
credit losses in our loan portfolio by establishing an allowance for loan losses through a provision charge to earnings. The 
amount of the allowance for loan losses, which was $18 million as of May 31, 2019, is based on our assessment of credit 
losses inherent in our loan portfolio as of each balance sheet date, taking into consideration management's continuing 
evaluation of credit risk related to: industry concentrations; macro-economic conditions; specific credit risks; loan loss 
experience; current loan portfolio quality; present political and regulatory conditions; and unidentified losses and risks 
inherent in the current loan portfolio. We consider the process for determining the amount of the allowance as one of our 
critical accounting policies because it involves significant judgments and assumptions about highly complex and inherently 
uncertain matters, and the use of reasonably different estimates and assumptions could have a material impact on our results 
of operations or financial condition. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses appropriately reflects credit 
losses inherent in our loan portfolio as of May 31, 2019. However, our actual credit losses could exceed our estimate of 
probable losses due to changes in economic conditions that adversely affect borrowers, new information regarding existing 
loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control. In those cases, we 
may be required to increase the allowance for loan losses through an increase in the provision for loan losses, which would 
reduce net income and may have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Adverse changes, developments or uncertainties in the rural electric utility industry could adversely impact the 
operations or financial performance of our member electric cooperatives, which, in turn, could have an adverse impact 
on our financial results.

Our focus as a tax-exempt, member-owned finance cooperative is on lending to our rural member electric utility 
cooperatives, which is the primary source of our revenue. As a result of lending primarily to our members, we have a loan 
portfolio with single-industry concentration. Loans to rural electric utility cooperatives accounted for approximately 99% of 
our total loans outstanding as of May 31, 2019. While we historically have experienced limited defaults and very low credit 
losses in our electric utility loan portfolio, factors that have a negative impact on the operations of our member rural electric 
cooperatives, including but not limited to, the price and availability of alternative energy sources and weather conditions, 
such as hurricanes, tornados or other weather-related events, could cause a deterioration in their financial performance and 
the value of the collateral securing their loans, which could impair their ability to repay us in accordance with the terms of 
their loans. In such case, it may be necessary to increase our allowance for loan losses, which would result in an increase in 
the provision for loan losses and a decrease in our net income.

17

   
We may obtain entities or other assets through foreclosure, which would subject us to the same performance and 
financial risks as any other owner or operator of similar businesses or assets.

As a financial institution, from time to time we may obtain entities and assets of borrowers in default through foreclosure 
proceedings. If we become the owner and operator of entities or assets obtained through foreclosure, we are subject to the 
same performance and financial risks as any other owner or operator of similar assets or entities. In particular, the value of 
the foreclosed assets or entities may deteriorate and have a negative impact on our results of operations. We assess 
foreclosed assets, if any, for impairment periodically as required under generally accepted accounting principles in the 
United States (“GAAP”). Impairment charges, if required, represent a reduction to earnings in the period of the charge. 
There may be substantial judgment used in the determination of whether such assets are impaired and in the calculation of 
the amount of the impairment. In addition, when foreclosed assets are sold to a third party, the sale price we receive may be 
below the amount previously recorded in our financial statements, which will result in a loss being recorded in the period of 
the sale.

The nonperformance of our derivative counterparties could impair our financial results.

We use interest rate swaps to manage our interest rate risk. There is a risk that the counterparties to these agreements will 
not perform as agreed, which could adversely affect our results of operations. The nonperformance of a counterparty on an 
agreement would result in the derivative no longer being an effective risk management tool, which could negatively affect 
our overall interest rate risk position. In addition, if a counterparty fails to perform on our derivative obligation, we could 
incur a financial loss to replace the derivative with another counterparty and/or a loss through the failure of the counterparty 
to pay us amounts owed. We were in a net payable position for all of our interest rate swaps, after taking into consideration 
master netting agreements, of $351 million as of May 31, 2019.

A decline in our credit rating could trigger payments under our derivative agreements, which could impair our financial 
results.

We have certain interest rate swaps that contain credit risk-related contingent features referred to as rating triggers. Under 
certain rating triggers, if the credit rating for either counterparty falls to the level specified in the agreement, the other 
counterparty may, but is not obligated to, terminate the agreement. If either counterparty terminates the agreement, a net 
payment may be due from one counterparty to the other based on the prevailing fair value, excluding credit risk, of the 
underlying derivative instrument. These rating triggers are based on our senior unsecured credit ratings by Moody’s and 
S&P. Based on our interest rate swap agreements subject to rating triggers, if all agreements for which we owe amounts 
were terminated as of May 31, 2019 and our senior unsecured ratings fell below Baa3 by Moody’s or below BBB- by S&P, 
we would have been required to make a payment of up to $253 million as of that date. In addition, if our senior unsecured 
ratings fell below Baa3 by Moody’s, below BBB- by S&P or below BBB- by Fitch, we would have been required to make a 
payment of up to $20 million as of that date. In calculating the required payments, we only considered agreements that, 
when netted for each counterparty pursuant to a master netting agreement, would require a payment upon termination. In the 
event that we are required to make a payment as a result of a rating trigger, it could have a material adverse impact on our 
financial results.

Advances in technology may change the way electricity is generated and transmitted, which could adversely affect the 
business operations of our members and negatively impact the credit quality of our loan portfolio and financial results. 

Advances in technology could reduce demand for power supply systems and distribution services. The development of 
alternative technologies that produce electricity, including solar cells, wind power and microturbines, has expanded and 
could ultimately provide affordable alternative sources of electricity and permit end users to adopt distributed generation 
systems that would allow them to generate electricity for their own use. As these and other technologies, including energy 
conservation measures, are created, developed and improved, the quantity and frequency of electricity usage by rural 
customers could decline. Advances in technology and conservation that cause our electric system members’ power supply, 
transmission and/or distribution facilities to become obsolete prior to the maturity of loans secured by these assets could 
have an adverse impact on the ability of our members to repay such loans, which could result in an increase in 
nonperforming or restructured loans. These conditions could negatively impact the credit quality of our loan portfolio and 
financial results.

18

Breaches of our information technology systems, or those managed by third parties, may damage relationships with our 
members or subject us to reputational, financial, legal or operational consequences. 

Cyber-related attacks pose a risk to the security of our members’ strategic business information and the confidentiality and 
integrity of our data, which includes strategic and proprietary information. Security breaches may occur through the actions 
of third parties, employee error, malfeasance, technology failures or other irregularities. Any such breach or unauthorized 
access could result in a loss of this information, a loss of integrity of this information, a delay or inability to provide service 
of affected products, damage to our reputation, including a loss of confidence in the security of our products and services, 
and significant legal and financial exposure. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade 
service or sabotage systems change frequently, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate 
preventative measures. As a result, cyber-related attacks may remain undetected for an extended period and may be costly to 
remediate.    

Our business depends on the reliable and secure operation of computer systems, network infrastructure, and other 
information technology managed by third parties including, but not limited to: our service providers for external storage and 
processing of our information on cloud-based systems; our consulting and advisory firms and contractors that have access to 
our confidential and proprietary data; and administrators for our employee payroll and benefits management. We have 
limited control and visibility over third-party systems that we rely on for our business. The occurrence of a cyber-related 
attack, breach, unauthorized access, or other cybersecurity event could result in damage to our third parties’ operations. The 
failure of third parties to provide services agreed upon through service level agreements, whether as a result of the 
occurrence of a cyber-related attack or other event, could result in the loss of access to our data, the loss of integrity of our 
data, disruptions to our corporate functions, loss of business opportunities, reputational damage, or otherwise adversely 
impact our financial results and result in significant costs and liabilities.   

While CFC maintains insurance coverage that, subject to policy terms and conditions, covers certain aspects of cyber risks, 
including business interruptions caused by cyber-related attacks on information technology systems managed by third 
parties, such insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses. Our failure to comply with applicable laws and 
regulations regarding data security and privacy could result in fines, sanctions and litigation. Additionally, new regulation in 
the areas of data security and privacy may increase our costs and our members’ costs.

Loss of our tax-exempt status could adversely affect our earnings.

CFC has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as an organization for which income is exempt from federal 
taxation under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code (other than any net income from an unrelated trade or 
business). In order to maintain CFC’s tax-exempt status, it must continue to operate exclusively for the promotion of social 
welfare by operating on a cooperative basis for the benefit of its members by providing them cost-based financial products 
and services consistent with sound financial management, and no part of CFC’s net earnings may inure to the benefit of any 
private shareholder or individual other than the allocation or return of net earnings or capital to its members in accordance 
with CFC’s bylaws and incorporating statute in effect in 1996. 

If CFC were to lose its status as a 501(c)(4) organization, it would become a taxable cooperative and would be required to 
pay income tax based on its taxable income. If this event occurred, we would evaluate all options available to modify CFC’s 
structure and/or operations to minimize any potential tax liability.

As a tax-exempt cooperative and nonbank financial institution, our lending activities are not subject to the regulations 
and oversight of U.S. financial regulators such as the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or 
the Office of Comptroller of Currency. Because we are not under the purview of such regulation, we could engage in 
activities that could expose us to greater credit, market and liquidity risk, reduce our safety and soundness and adversely 
affect our financial results. 

Financial institutions subject to regulations, oversight and monitoring by U.S. financial regulators are required to maintain 
specified levels of capital and may be restricted from engaging in certain lending-related and other activities that could 
adversely affect the safety and soundness of the financial institution or are considered conflicts of interest. As a tax-exempt, 
nonbank financial institution, we are not subject to the same oversight and supervision. There is no federal financial 
regulator that monitors compliance with our risk policies and practices or that identifies and addresses potential deficiencies 
that could adversely affect our financial results. Without regulatory oversight and monitoring, there is a greater potential for 
us to engage in activities that could pose a risk to our safety and soundness relative to regulated financial institutions. 

19

Competition from other lenders could adversely impact our financial results.

We compete with other lenders for the portion of the rural utility loan demand for which RUS will not lend and for loans to 
members that have elected not to borrow from RUS. The primary competition for the non-RUS loan volume is from 
CoBank, ACB, a federally chartered instrumentality of the United States that is a member of the Farm Credit System. As a 
government-sponsored enterprise, CoBank, ACB has the benefit of an implied government guarantee with respect to its 
funding. Competition may limit our ability to raise rates to adequately cover increases in costs, which could have an adverse 
impact on our results of operations, and increasing interest rates to cover costs could cause a reduction in new lending 
business.

Our elected directors also serve as officers or directors of certain of our individual member cooperatives, which may 
result in a potential conflict of interest with respect to loans, guarantees and extensions of credit that we may make to or 
on behalf of such member cooperatives.

In accordance with our charter documents and the purpose for which we were formed, we lend only to our members and 
associates. CFC’s directors are elected or appointed from our membership, with 10 director positions filled by directors of 
members, 10 director positions filled by general managers or chief executive officers of members, two positions appointed 
by NRECA and one at-large position that must, among other things, be a director, financial officer, general manager or chief 
executive of one of our members. CFC currently has loans outstanding to members that are affiliated with CFC directors and 
may periodically extend new loans to such members. The relationship of CFC’s directors to our members may give rise to 
conflicts of interests from time to time. See “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director 
Independence—Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons” for a description of our policies with regard to 
approval of loans to members affiliated with CFC directors.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. 

Properties

CFC owns an office building with approximately 141,000 gross square footage that serves as its headquarters in Loudoun 
County, Virginia.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

From time to time, CFC is subject to certain legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business, including 
litigation with borrowers related to enforcement or collection actions. Management presently believes that the ultimate 
outcome of these proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, will not materially harm our financial position, liquidity, or 
results of operations. CFC establishes reserves for specific legal matters when it determines that the likelihood of an 
unfavorable outcome is probable and the loss is reasonably estimable. Accordingly, no reserve has been recorded with 
respect to any legal proceedings at this time. 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 

Securities

Not applicable.

20

Item 6.   Selected Financial Data

The following table provides a summary of consolidated selected financial data for the fiscal five-year period ended
May 31, 2019. In addition to financial measures determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in 
the United States (“GAAP”), management also evaluates performance based on certain non-GAAP measures and metrics, 
which we refer to as “adjusted” measures. Certain financial covenant provisions in our credit agreements are also based on 
non-GAAP financial measures. Our key non-GAAP financial measures are adjusted net income, adjusted net interest 
income, adjusted interest expense, adjusted net interest yield, adjusted times interest earned ratio (“adjusted TIER”) and 
adjusted debt-to-equity ratio. The most comparable GAAP measures are net income, net interest income, interest expense, 
net interest yield, TIER and debt-to-equity ratio, respectively. The primary adjustments we make to calculate these non-
GAAP measures consist of (i) adjusting interest expense and net interest income to include the impact of net periodic 
derivative cash settlements expense; (ii) adjusting net income, senior debt and total equity to exclude the non-cash impact of 
the accounting for derivative financial instruments; (iii) adjusting senior debt to exclude the amount that funds CFC member 
loans guaranteed by RUS, subordinated deferrable debt and members’ subordinated certificates; and (iv) adjusting total 
equity to include subordinated deferrable debt and members’ subordinated certificates and exclude cumulative derivative 
forward value gains and losses and accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). We believe our non-GAAP 
adjusted measures, which are not a substitute for GAAP and may not be consistent with similarly titled non-GAAP measures 
used by other companies, provide meaningful information and are useful to investors because management evaluates 
performance based on these metrics, and certain financial covenants in our committed bank revolving line of credit 
agreements and debt indentures are based on adjusted measures. See “Item 7. MD&A—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for 
a detailed reconciliation of these adjusted measures to the most comparable GAAP measures.

Five-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data(1)

(Dollars in thousands)
Statement of operations
Interest income ..............................
Interest expense .............................
Net interest income........................
Fee and other income.....................
Total revenue .................................
Benefit (provision) for loan losses
Derivative gains (losses)(2) ............
Results of operations of

foreclosed assets ........................

Unrealized losses on equity

securities ....................................
Operating expenses(3) .....................
Other non-interest expense ............
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax benefit (expense).........
Net income (loss)...........................

Adjusted operational financial
measures
Adjusted interest expense(4) ...........
Adjusted net interest income(4) ......
Adjusted net income(4) ...................

Selected ratios

Fixed-charge coverage ratio/

TIER(5) .......................................
Adjusted TIER(4)............................
Net interest yield(6) ........................
Adjusted net interest yield(4)(7).......
Net charge-off rate(8)......................

Year Ended May 31,

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

Change

2019 vs.
2018

2018 vs.
2017

$ 1,135,670
(836,209)
299,461
15,355
314,816
1,266
(363,341)

$ 1,077,357
(792,735)
284,622
17,578
302,200
18,575
231,721

$ 1,036,634
(741,738)
294,896
19,713
314,609
(5,978)
94,903

$ 1,012,636
(681,850)
330,786
21,785
352,571
646
(309,841)

$

952,976
(635,684)
317,292
36,783
354,075
21,954
(196,999)

   5%
5
5
(13)
4
(93)
**

—

—

(1,749)

(6,899)

(120,148)

—

(1,799)
(93,166)
(8,775)
(150,999)
(211)
$ (151,210)

—
(90,884)
(1,943)
459,669
(2,305)
$ 457,364

—
(86,226)
(1,756)
313,803
(1,704)
$ 312,099

—
(86,343)
(1,593)
(51,459)
(57)
(51,516)

$

—
(76,530)
(870)
(18,518)
(409)
(18,927)

$

**
3
352
**
(91)
**

   4%
7
(3)
(11)
(4)
**
144

**

—
5
11
46
35
47

$ (879,820)
255,850
168,520

$ (867,016)
210,341
151,362

$ (826,216)
210,418
132,718

$ (770,608)
242,028
169,567

$ (718,590)
234,386
95,166

   1%
22
11

   5%
—
14

0.82
1.19
1.14%
0.97
0.00

1.58
1.17
1.12%
0.83
0.00

21

1.42
1.16
1.20%
0.86
0.01

0.92
1.22
1.43%
1.05
0.00

0.97
1.13
1.47%
1.08
0.00

(76) bps
2
2
14
0

16 bps
1
(8)
(3)
(1)

(Dollars in thousands)
Balance sheet

Cash, cash equivalents and
restricted cash ................................
Investment securities .....................
Loans to members(9) ......................
Allowance for loan losses..............
Loans to members, net...................
Total assets.....................................
Short-term borrowings...................
Long-term debt ..............................
Subordinated deferrable debt.........

Members’ subordinated
certificates......................................
Total debt outstanding ...................
Total liabilities...............................
Total equity....................................
Guarantees(10).................................

Selected ratios period end
Allowance coverage ratio(11)..........
Debt-to-equity ratio(12)...................
Adjusted debt-to-equity ratio(4)......
____________________________

Year Ended May 31,

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$ 186,204
652,977
25,916,904
(17,535)
25,899,369
27,124,372
3,607,726
19,210,793
986,020

1,357,129
25,161,668
25,820,490
1,303,882
837,435

$ 238,824
609,851
25,178,608
(18,801)
25,159,807
26,690,204
3,795,910
18,714,960
742,410

1,379,982
24,633,262
25,184,351
1,505,853
805,161

$ 188,421
92,554
24,367,044
(37,376)
24,329,668
25,205,692
3,342,900
17,955,594
742,274

1,419,025
23,459,793
24,106,887
1,098,805
889,617

$ 209,168
87,940
23,162,696
(33,258)
23,129,438
24,270,200
2,938,848
17,473,603
742,212

1,443,810
22,598,473
23,452,822
817,378
909,208

$

249,321
84,472
21,469,017
(33,690)
21,435,327
22,846,059
3,127,754
16,244,794
395,699

1,505,420
21,273,667
21,934,273
911,786
986,500

Change

2019 vs.
2018

2018 vs.
2017

   (22)%    27%

7
3
(7)
3
2
(5)
3
33

(2)
2
3
(13)
4

559
3
(50)
3
6
14
4
—

(3)
5
4
37
(9)

0.07%
19.80
5.73

0.07%
16.72
6.18

0.15%
21.94
5.95

0.14%
28.69
5.82

0.16% — bps
24.06
6.26

308
(45)

(8) bps
(522)
23

**Calculation of percentage change is not meaningful.
 (1)

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform to the current period presentation. 

 (2)

Consists of interest rate swap cash settlements expense and forward value gains (losses). Derivative cash settlement amounts represent net periodic 
contractual interest accruals related to derivatives not designated for hedge accounting. Derivative forward value gains (losses) represent changes in fair 
value during the period, excluding net periodic contractual interest accruals, related to derivatives not designated for hedge accounting and expense 
amounts reclassified into income related to the cumulative transition loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income on June 1, 2001, as a 
result of the adoption of the derivative accounting guidance that required derivatives to be reported at fair value on the balance sheet. 

 (3)

Consists of salaries and employee benefits and the other general and administrative expenses components of non-interest expense, each of which are 
presented separately on our consolidated statements of operations. 

 (4)

See “Item 7. MD&A—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for details on the calculation of these non-GAAP adjusted measures and the reconciliation to 
the most comparable GAAP measures.

 (5)

Calculated based on net income (loss) plus interest expense for the period divided by interest expense for the period. The fixed-charge coverage ratios 
and TIER were the same during each period presented because we did not have any capitalized interest during these periods.

 (6)

Calculated based on net interest income for the period divided by average interest-earning assets for the period.

 (7)

Calculated based on adjusted net interest income for the period divided by average interest-earning assets for the period. 

 (8)

Calculated based on net charge-offs (recoveries) for the period divided by average total outstanding loans for the period. 

 (9)

(10)

(11)

Consists of the outstanding principal balance of member loans plus unamortized deferred loan origination costs, which totaled $11 million as of May 31, 
2019, 2018 and 2017, and $10 million as of both May 31, 2016 and 2015.
Reflects the total amount of member obligations for which CFC has guaranteed payment to a third party as of the end of each period. This amount 
represents our maximum exposure to loss, which significantly exceeds the guarantee liability recorded on our consolidated balance sheets. See “Note 13
—Guarantees” for additional information.  
Calculated based on the allowance for loan losses at period end divided by total outstanding loans at period end.

(12)

Calculated based on total liabilities at period end divided by total equity at period end.

22

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”)

INTRODUCTION

Our financial statements include the consolidated accounts of CFC, NCSC, RTFC and any subsidiaries created and 
controlled by CFC to hold foreclosed assets resulting from defaulted loans or bankruptcy. CFC did not hold and did not have 
any subsidiaries or other entities that held foreclosed assets as of either May 31, 2019 or May 31, 2018. See “Item 1. 
Business—Overview” for information on the business activities of each of these entities. Unless stated otherwise, references 
to “we,” “our” or “us” relate to CFC and its consolidated entities. All references to members within this document include 
members, associates and affiliates of CFC and its consolidated entities.  

Our principal operations are currently organized for management reporting purposes into three business segments: CFC, 
NCSC and RTFC. Loans to members totaled $25,917 million as of May 31, 2019, of which 96% was attributable to CFC. 
We generated total revenue, which consists of net interest income and fee and other income, of $315 million and $302 
million for fiscal years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, of which 99% and 97% were attributable to CFC. We 
provide information on the financial performance of each of our business segments in “Note 15—Business Segments.” 

Management monitors a variety of key indicators to evaluate our business performance. In addition to financial measures 
determined in accordance with GAAP, management also evaluates performance based on certain non-GAAP measures and 
metrics, which we refer to as “adjusted” measures. We identify our non-GAAP measures and discuss why these measures 
are useful in “Item 6. Selected Financial Data.” We provide a reconciliation of our non-GAAP measures to the most 
comparable GAAP measures below under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” 

The following MD&A is intended to provide the reader with an understanding of our consolidated results of operations, 
financial condition and liquidity by discussing the factors influencing changes from period to period and the key measures 
used by management to evaluate performance, such as net interest income, net interest yield, loan growth, debt-to-equity 
ratio, credit quality metrics and also non-GAAP measures. The MD&A section is provided as a supplement to, and should 
be read in conjunction with, our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes in this Annual Report on Form 
10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019, and the additional information contained elsewhere in this Report, including 
the risk factors discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Our primary objective as a member-owned cooperative lender is to provide cost-based financial products to our rural electric 
members while maintaining a sound financial position required for investment-grade credit ratings on our debt instruments. 
Our objective is not to maximize net income; therefore, the rates we charge our member-borrowers reflect our funding costs 
plus a spread to cover our operating expenses, a provision for loan losses and earnings sufficient to achieve interest coverage 
to meet our financial objectives. Our goal is to earn an annual minimum adjusted TIER of 1.10 and to maintain an adjusted 
debt-to-equity ratio at approximately or below 6.00-to-1.

We are subject to period-to-period volatility in our reported GAAP results due to changes in market conditions and 
differences in the way our financial assets and liabilities are accounted for under GAAP. Our financial assets and liabilities 
expose us to interest-rate risk. We use derivatives, primarily interest rate swaps, as part of our strategy in managing this risk. 
Our derivatives are intended to economically hedge and manage the interest-rate sensitivity mismatch between our financial 
assets and liabilities. We are required under GAAP to carry derivatives at fair value on our consolidated balance sheet; 
however, the financial assets and liabilities for which we use derivatives to economically hedge are carried at amortized 
cost. Changes in interest rates and the shape of the yield curve result in periodic fluctuations in the fair value of our 
derivatives, which may cause volatility in our earnings because we do not apply hedge accounting for our interest rate 
swaps. As a result, the mark-to-market changes in our interest rate swaps are recorded in earnings. Because our derivative 
portfolio consists of a higher proportion of pay-fixed swaps than receive-fixed swaps, we generally record derivative losses 
when interest rates decline and derivative gains when interest rates rise. This earnings volatility generally is not indicative of 
the underlying economics of our business, as the derivative forward fair value gains or losses recorded each period may or 
may not be realized over time, depending on the terms of our derivative instruments and future changes in market conditions 

23

that impact the periodic cash settlement amounts of our interest rate swaps. As such, management uses our adjusted non-
GAAP results to evaluate our operating performance. Our adjusted results include realized net periodic interest rate swap 
settlement amounts but exclude the impact of unrealized forward fair value gains and losses. Our financial debt covenants 
are also based on our non-GAAP adjusted results, as the forward fair value gains and losses related to our interest rate swaps 
do not affect our cash flows, liquidity or ability to service our debt. 

Financial Performance

Reported Results

We reported a net loss of $151 million for fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 (“fiscal year 2019”), which resulted in a TIER of 
0.82. In comparison, we reported net income of $457 million and a TIER of 1.58 for fiscal year ended May 31, 2018 (“fiscal 
year 2018”). The significant variance between our reported results for the current fiscal year and the prior fiscal year was 
primarily attributable to mark-to-market changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments. Our debt-to-equity ratio 
increased to 19.80 as of May 31, 2019, from 16.72 as of May 31, 2018, primarily due to the decrease in equity resulting 
from our reported net loss of $151 million for fiscal year 2019 and the patronage capital retirement of $48 million in August 
2018.

The variance of $609 million between our reported net loss of $151 million for fiscal year 2019 and our net income of $457 
million for fiscal year 2018 was driven by a shift in derivative fair value changes of $595 million. We recorded derivative 
losses of $363 million in fiscal year 2019, due to decreases in the fair value of our pay-fixed swaps attributable to a decline 
in medium and longer-term interest rates during the second half of fiscal year 2019. Short-term interest rates rose and 
exceeded medium and longer-term interest rates during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019, which resulted in an inverted 
yield curve. In comparison, we reported derivative gains of $232 million in fiscal year 2018 due to a rise in interest rates 
across the swap yield curve. Net interest income, which accounted for 95% and 94% of total revenue for fiscal years 2019 
and 2018, respectively, increased $15 million, or 5%, primarily attributable to the combined impact of an increase in the net 
interest yield of 2 basis points, or 2%, to 1.14%, and an increase in our average interest-earning assets of $942 million, or 
4%. The increase in the net interest yield reflected an increase in the average yield on our interest-earning assets of 7 basis 
points to 4.31%, which was largely offset by an increase in our average cost of funds of 6 basis points to 3.36%, both of 
which were largely due to the increase in short-term interest rates that resulted in higher average yields on line of credit and 
variable-rate loans and a higher average cost on short-term and variable-rate funding. On July 12, 2018, we early redeemed 
$300 million of the $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 10.375% collateral trust bonds and repaid the remaining $700 
million principal amount of these bonds on the maturity date of November 1, 2018. We replaced this high-cost debt with 
lower-cost funding. While we experienced an overall increase in our average cost of funds during fiscal year 2019, resulting 
primarily from the increase in the average cost of our short-term and variable-rate funding, the cost savings from the 
repayment of the 10.375% collateral trust bonds mitigated this increase. 

Other factors affecting the variance between our current year results and the prior fiscal year include a loss on the early 
redemption of the 10.375% collateral trust bonds of $7 million attributable to the premium paid to redeem the bonds and a 
decrease in the benefit for loan losses of $17 million. The premium paid for the early redemption of the collateral trust 
bonds was offset by the interest cost savings following the redemption. We recorded a benefit for loan losses of $1 million 
for fiscal year 2019, compared with a benefit for loan losses of $18 million for fiscal year 2018. The benefit for loan losses 
of $18 million for fiscal year 2018 was attributable to a reduction in the allowance for loan losses resulting from favorable 
changes in the loss severity rate, or recovery rate, assumptions used in determining the collective allowance for our electric 
distribution and power supply loan portfolios.

Adjusted Non-GAAP Results

Our adjusted net income totaled $169 million and our adjusted TIER was 1.19 for fiscal year 2019, compared with adjusted 
net income of $151 million and adjusted TIER of 1.17 for fiscal year 2018. Our adjusted debt-to-equity ratio decreased to 
5.73 as of May 31, 2019, from 6.18 as of May 31, 2018, primarily attributable to an increase in adjusted equity resulting 
from the issuance of subordinated deferrable debt totaling $250 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019.

The increase in adjusted net income of $18 million in fiscal year 2019 from fiscal year 2018 was attributable to an increase 
in adjusted net interest income of $46 million, or 22%, which was partially offset by the reduction in the benefit for loan 

24

losses of $17 million and the loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $7 million. The increase in adjusted net interest 
income was driven by an increase in the adjusted net interest yield of 14 basis points, or 17%, to 0.97%, coupled with the 
increase in average interest-earning assets of 4%. The increase in the adjusted net interest yield reflected the combined 
impact of an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets of 7 basis points to 4.31% and a reduction in our 
adjusted average cost of funds of 7 basis points to 3.54%. This reduction was largely due to the interest savings from the 
repayment of the $1 billion aggregate principal amount of the 10.375% collateral trust bonds, the replacement of this debt 
with lower-cost funding and a decrease in the net periodic derivative settlement expense amounts on our interest rate swaps 
resulting from higher short-term interest rates, which together more than offset the increase in the average cost of our short-
term, variable-rate borrowings resulting from the increase in short-term interest rates. 

See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information on our adjusted measures, including a reconciliation of 
these measures to the most comparable GAAP measures.

Lending Activity

Loans to members totaled $25,917 million as of May 31, 2019, an increase of $738 million, or 3%, from May 31, 2018. 
CFC distribution loans and power supply loans increased by $603 million and $182 million, respectively, which was 
partially offset by a decrease in NCSC and RTFC loans of $43 million and $18 million, respectively. Long-term and line-of-
credit revolving loans accounted for $425 million and $313 million, respectively, of the $738 million increase in loans. 
Based on our historical experience, however, long-term loans typically account for the substantial majority of loan growth.  

Long-term loan advances totaled $1,843 million during fiscal year 2019, with approximately 87% of those advances for 
capital expenditures by members and 10% for the refinancing of loans made by other lenders. In comparison, long-term loan 
advances totaled $2,203 million during fiscal year 2018, with approximately 67% of those advances for capital expenditures 
by members and 24% for the refinancing of loans made by other lenders. The decrease in long-term loan advances from the 
same prior-year period primarily resulted from weaker demand from borrowers to refinance other lender debt. CFC had 
long-term fixed-rate loans totaling $761 million that were scheduled to reprice during fiscal year 2019. Of this total, $568 
million repriced to a new long-term fixed rate; $124 million repriced to a long-term variable rate; and $69 million was 
repaid in full.  

Credit Quality

The overall credit quality of our loan portfolio remained high as of May 31, 2019, as evidenced by our strong credit 
performance metrics. We had no delinquent or nonperforming loans as of May 31, 2019, and we have not experienced any 
charge-offs for two consecutive fiscal years. Outstanding loans to electric utility organizations represented approximately 
99% of total outstanding loan portfolio as of May 31, 2019, unchanged from May 31, 2018. We historically have had limited 
defaults and losses on loans in our electric utility loan portfolio. We generally lend to members on a senior secured basis, 
which reduces the risk of loss in the event of a borrower default. Of our total loans outstanding, 92% were secured and 8% 
were unsecured as of May 31, 2019, compared with 93% secured and 7% unsecured as of May 31, 2018. The allowance for 
loan losses was $18 million and $19 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and the allowance coverage ratio 
was 0.07% as of each date.

Financing Activity

We issue debt primarily to fund growth in our loan portfolio. As such, our outstanding debt volume generally increases and 
decreases in response to member loan demand. Total debt outstanding increased by $528 million, or 2%, from the prior 
fiscal year end due to an increase in borrowings to fund the increase in loans to members. The increase was primarily 
attributable to a net increase in borrowings under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program of $554 million, a net increase in 
subordinated deferrable debt of $244 million, a net increase in Farmer Mac notes payable of $163 million and a net increase 
in member commercial paper, select notes and daily liquidity fund notes of $51 million. These increases were partially offset 
by net decreases in collateral trust bonds outstanding of $255 million, dealer commercial paper of $120 million and dealer 
medium-term notes of $61 million. Outstanding dealer commercial paper of $945 million as of May 31, 2019 was below our 
targeted limit of $1,250 million.

25

Outlook for the Next 12 Months

We currently expect that our net interest income, adjusted net interest income, tier, adjusted tier, net interest yield and 
adjusted net interest yield will increase over the next 12 months, largely due to the cost savings from the repayment of the 
$1 billion aggregate principal amount of 10.375% collateral trust bonds, which matured on November 1, 2018, and the 
replacement of this debt with lower-cost funding.

Long-term debt scheduled to mature over the next 12 months totaled $1,638 million as of May 31, 2019, consisting of 
$1,416 million of fixed-rate debt at a weighted average cost of 2.26% and $222 million of variable-rate debt. We believe we 
have sufficient liquidity from the combination of existing cash and cash equivalents, member loan repayments, committed 
bank revolving lines of credit, committed loan facilities under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program, revolving note 
purchase agreements with Farmer Mac and our ability to issue debt in the capital markets, to our members and in private 
placements to meet the demand for member loan advances and satisfy our obligations to repay long-term debt maturing over 
the next 12 months. As of May 31, 2019, sources of liquidity readily available for access totaled $6,945 million, consisting 
of (i) $178 million in cash and cash equivalents; (ii) up to $1,350 million available under committed loan facilities under the 
Guaranteed Underwriter Program; (iii) up to $2,972 million available for access under committed bank revolving line of 
credit agreements; (iv) up to $2,145 million available under a revolving note purchase agreement with Farmer Mac, subject 
to market conditions; and (v) up to $300 million available under a committed revolving note purchase agreement with 
Farmer Mac. 

We believe we can continue to roll over outstanding member short-term debt of $2,663 million as of May 31, 2019, based 
on our expectation that our members will continue to reinvest their excess cash in our commercial paper, daily liquidity fund 
notes, select notes and medium-term notes. We expect to continue accessing the dealer commercial paper market to help 
meet our liquidity needs. Although the intra-period amount of outstanding dealer commercial paper may fluctuate based on 
our liquidity requirements, we intend to manage our short-term wholesale funding risk by maintaining outstanding dealer 
commercial paper at an amount near or below $1,250 million for the foreseeable future. We expect to continue to be in 
compliance with the covenants under our committed bank revolving line of credit agreements, which will allow us to 
mitigate roll-over risk as we can draw on these facilities to repay dealer or member commercial paper that cannot be 
refinanced with similar debt. 

While we are not subject to bank regulatory capital rules, we generally aim to maintain an adjusted debt-to-equity ratio at 
approximately or below 6.00-to-1. As discussed above, we issued $250 million of subordinated deferrable debt in the fourth 
quarter of fiscal year 2019. Subordinated debt is treated in the same manner as equity in calculating our adjusted debt-to-
equity ratio, pursuant to the financial covenants under our revolving bank line of credit agreements, as further discussed 
below under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” The subordinated deferrable debt issuance contributed to a reduction in our 
adjusted debt-to-equity ratio to 5.73 as of May 31, 2019, from 6.18 as of May 31, 2018. Based on our projection of loan 
advances and adjusted equity over the next 12 months, we anticipate that our adjusted debt-to-equity ratio will remain below 
our target threshold of 6.00-to-1.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make a number of judgments, 
estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of assets, liabilities, income and expenses in the consolidated financial 
statements. Understanding our accounting policies and the extent to which we use management’s judgment and estimates in 
applying these policies is integral to understanding our financial statements. We provide a discussion of our significant 
accounting policies under “Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” 

We have identified certain accounting policies as critical because they involve significant judgments and assumptions about 
highly complex and inherently uncertain matters, and the use of reasonably different estimates and assumptions could have a 
material impact on our results of operations or financial condition. Our most critical accounting policies and estimates 
involve the determination of the allowance for loan losses and fair value. We evaluate our critical accounting estimates and 
judgments required by our policies on an ongoing basis and update them as necessary based on changing conditions. 
Management has discussed significant judgments and assumptions in applying our critical accounting policies with the 
Audit Committee of our board of directors. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for a discussion of the risks associated with 
management’s judgments and estimates in applying our accounting policies and methods. 

26

Allowance for Loan Losses

We maintain an allowance for loan losses that represents management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in our loan 
portfolio as of each balance sheet date. Our allowance for loan losses consists of a collective allowance for loans in our 
portfolio that are not individually impaired and a specific allowance for loans identified as individually impaired. Our 
allowance for loan losses was $18 million and $19 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and the allowance 
coverage ratio was 0.07% as of each date. The methodology used to estimate the allowance for loan losses is described in 
“Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” 

Key Assumptions

Determining the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses is subject to numerous estimates and assumptions requiring 
significant management judgment about matters that involve a high degree of subjectivity and are difficult to predict. The 
key assumptions in determining our collective allowance that require significant management judgment and may have a 
material impact on the amount of the allowance include: our evaluation of the risk profile of various loan portfolio segments 
and internally assigned borrower risk ratings; the estimated loss emergence period; the probability of default; loss severity or 
recovery rate in the event of default for each portfolio segment; and management’s judgment in the selection and evaluation 
of qualitative factors to assess the overall current level of exposure within our loan portfolio. 

As discussed below in “Credit Risk—Loan Portfolio Credit Risk,” CFC has experienced only 16 defaults in its 50-year 
history. In addition, we have had no defaults in our electric utility loan portfolio during the past five fiscal years. 
As such, we have a limited history of defaults to develop reasonable and supportable estimated probability of default rates 
for our existing loan portfolio. We therefore utilize third-party default data for the utility sector as a proxy to estimate 
probability of default rates for our loan portfolio segments. However, we utilize our internal historical loss experience to 
estimate loss given default, or the recovery rate, for each of our loan portfolio segments, as we believe it provides a more 
reliable estimate than third-party loss severity data due to the organizational structure and operating environment of rural 
utility cooperatives, our lending practice of generally requiring a senior security position on the assets and revenues of 
borrowers for long-term loans, the approach we take in working with borrowers that may be experiencing operational or 
financial issues and other factors discussed under “Credit Risk—Loan Portfolio Credit Risk.”

The key assumptions in determining our specific allowance that require significant management judgment and may have a 
material impact on the amount of the allowance include estimating the amount and timing of expected cash flows from 
impaired loans and estimating the value of underlying collateral, each of which impacts loss severity and certain cash flow 
assumptions. The degree to which any particular assumption affects the allowance for loan losses depends on the severity of 
the change and its relationship to the other assumptions. We regularly evaluate the underlying assumptions used in 
determining the allowance for loan losses and periodically update our assumptions to better reflect present conditions, 
including current trends in credit performance and borrower risk profile,   portfolio concentration risk, changes in risk-
management practices, changes in the regulatory environment, general economic trends and other factors specific to our 
loan portfolio segments. We did not change the nature of the underlying assumptions and inputs used in determining our 
allowance for loan losses during fiscal year 2019.

Sensitivity Analysis

As noted above, our allowance for credit losses is sensitive to a variety of factors. While management uses its best judgment 
to assess loss data and other factors to determine the allowance for loan losses, changes in our loss assumptions, adjustments 
to assigned borrower risk ratings, the use of alternate external data sources or other factors could affect our estimate of 
probable credit losses inherent in the portfolio as of each balance sheet date, which would also impact the related provision 
for loan losses recognized in our consolidated statements of operations. For example, changes in the inputs below, without 
taking into consideration the impact of other potential offsetting or correlated inputs, would have the following effect on our 
allowance of loan losses as of May 31, 2019.

•  A 10% increase or decrease in the default rates for all of our portfolio segments would result in a corresponding increase 

or decrease of approximately $2 million.

•  A 1% increase or decrease in the recovery rates for all of our portfolio segments would result in a corresponding decrease 

or increase of approximately $4 million.

27

•  A one-notch downgrade in the internal borrower risk ratings for our entire loan portfolio would result in an increase of 

approximately $17 million, while a one-notch upgrade would result in a decrease of approximately $11 million.

These sensitivity analyses are intended to provide an indication of the isolated impact of hypothetical alternative 
assumptions on our allowance for loan losses. Because management evaluates a variety of factors and inputs in determining  
the allowance for loan losses, these sensitivity analyses are not considered probable and do not imply an expectation of 
future changes in loss rates or borrower risk ratings. Given current processes employed in estimating the allowance for loan 
losses, management believes the inherent loss rates and currently assigned risk ratings are appropriate. It is possible that 
others performing the analyses, given the same information, may at any point in time reach different reasonable conclusions 
that could be significant to our consolidated financial statements.

We provide information on our allowance for loan losses under “Credit Risk—Allowance for Loan Losses” and  “Note 5—
Allowance for Loan Losses.” Also refer to “Credit Risk—Loan and Guarantee Portfolio Credit Risk—Credit Quality” and
“Note 4—Loans” for information on the credit performance and quality of our loan portfolios.

Fair Value

Certain of our financial instruments are carried at fair value on our consolidated balance sheet, with changes in fair value 
recorded either through earnings or other comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with applicable accounting standards. 
These include our equity securities and derivatives. The determination of fair value is important for certain other assets that 
are periodically evaluated for impairment using fair value, such as individually impaired loans.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction 
between market participants on the measurement date (also referred to as an exit price). The fair value accounting guidance 
provides a three-level fair value hierarchy for classifying fair value measurement techniques. This hierarchy is based on the 
markets in which the assets or liabilities trade and whether the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value 
are observable or unobservable. Fair value measurement is assigned a level based on the lowest level of any input that is 
significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are summarized below:

Level 1:  Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2:  Observable market-based inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 3:  Unobservable inputs

The degree of management judgment involved in determining fair value is dependent upon the availability of quoted prices 
in active markets or observable market parameters. When quoted prices and observable data in active markets are not fully 
available, management’s judgment is necessary to estimate fair value. Changes in market conditions, such as reduced 
liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities, may reduce the availability and reliability of 
quoted prices or observable data used to determine fair value. 

Significant judgment may be required to determine whether certain assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified 
as Level 2 or Level 3. In making this determination, we consider all available information that market participants use to 
measure fair value, including observable market data, indications of market liquidity and orderliness, and our understanding 
of the valuation techniques and significant inputs used. Based upon the specific facts and circumstances, judgments are 
made regarding the significance of Level 3 inputs used in determining the fair value of the asset or liability in its entirety. If 
Level 3 inputs are considered significant, the valuation technique is classified as Level 3. The process for determining fair 
value using unobservable inputs is generally more subjective and involves a high degree of management judgment and 
assumptions.

Financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, which consisted primarily of equity securities, deferred 
compensation investments and derivatives, represented approximately 1% of our total assets as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, 
and 2% and 1%, respectively, of total liabilities as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. The fair value of these financial instruments 
was determined using either Level 1 or 2 inputs. We did not have any financial instruments recorded at fair value on a 
recurring basis for which the fair value was determined using Level 3 inputs as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. 
We discuss the valuation inputs and assumptions used in determining the fair value, including the extent to which we have 
relied on significant unobservable inputs to estimate fair value, in “Note 14—Fair Value Measurement.”

28

RECENT ACCOUNTING CHANGES AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

Recent Accounting Changes

See “Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for information on accounting standards adopted during the 
current year, as well as recently issued accounting standards not yet required to be adopted and the expected impact of the 
adoption of these accounting standards. To the extent we believe the adoption of new accounting standards has had or will 
have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition or liquidity, we also discuss the impact 
in the applicable section(s) of this MD&A. 

Other Developments

SEC Rule—FAST Act Modernization and Simplification of Regulation S-K

In March 2019, the SEC adopted amendments to modernize and simplify certain disclosure requirements in Regulation S-K
FAST Act Modernization and Simplification of Regulation S-K and related rules and forms. The amendments, which, 
among other things, change the requirements for the content of MD&A and change the process for redacting confidential 
information in certain exhibits, are intended to improve the readability and navigability of disclosure documents and 
discourage repetition and disclosure of immaterial information. The final rule became effective May 2, 2019. 

The provisions of the rule that have the most significant impact on our disclosures under Regulation S-K and the content of 
this Report include: (i) the elimination of the requirement to disclose business segment information in “Item 1. Business” 
because this information is also required to be disclosed in the financial statements; (ii) the elimination of the requirement to 
include in MD&A a discussion of the earliest year for registrants that provide financial statements covering three years in 
their filings, as such discussion is already included in prior filings; and (iii) a requirement that registrants identify the 
location in the prior filing where the omitted discussion can be found.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The section below provides a comparative discussion of our consolidated results of operations between fiscal year 2019 and 
2018. Following this section, we provide a comparative analysis of our consolidated balance sheets as of May 31, 2019 and 
2018. You should read these sections together with our “Executive Summary—Outlook for the Next 12 Months” where we 
discuss trends and other factors that we expect will affect our future results of operations. See “Item 7. MD&A—
Consolidated Results of Operations ” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018 for a 
comparative discussion of our consolidated results of operations between fiscal year 2018 and 2017.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income represents the difference between the interest income earned on our interest-earning assets, which 
includes loans and investment securities, and the interest expense on our interest-bearing liabilities. Our net interest yield 
represents the difference between the yield on our interest-earning assets and the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities plus 
the impact from non-interest bearing funding. We expect net interest income and our net interest yield to fluctuate based on 
changes in interest rates and changes in the amount and composition of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing 
liabilities. We do not fund each individual loan with specific debt. Rather, we attempt to minimize costs and maximize 
efficiency by proportionately funding large aggregated amounts of loans.

Table 1 presents average balances for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, and for each major category of our interest-earning 
assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the interest income earned or interest expense incurred, and the average yield or cost. 
Table 1 also presents non-GAAP adjusted interest expense, adjusted net interest income and adjusted net interest yield, 
which reflect the inclusion of net accrued periodic derivative cash settlements expense in interest expense. We provide 
reconciliations of our non-GAAP adjusted measures to the most comparable GAAP measures under “Non-GAAP Financial 
Measures.”

29

Table 1: Average Balances, Interest Income/Interest Expense and Average Yield/Cost

(Dollars in thousands)

Assets:
Long-term fixed-rate loans(1) ...
Long-term variable-rate loans ..

Line of credit loans ...................
TDR loans (2).............................
Other income, net(3) ..................
Total loans.................................
Cash, time deposits and
investment securities.................
Total interest-earning assets ..
Other assets, less allowance for
loan losses.............................
Total assets................................

Liabilities:

Year Ended May 31,

2019

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average
Balance

Average
Yield/
Cost

Average
Balance

2018

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average
Yield/
Cost

Average
Balance

2017

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average
Yield/
Cost

$ 22,811,905

$1,012,277

4.44% $ 22,570,209

$1,000,492

4.43% $ 21,896,200

$ 980,173

4.48%

1,093,455

1,609,629

12,183

41,219

57,847

846

—

(1,128)

25,527,172

1,111,061

3.77

3.59

6.94

—

4.35

925,910

1,402,555

12,885

27,152

38,195

889

—

(1,185)

24,911,559

1,065,543

2.93

2.72

6.90

—

4.28

799,412

1,124,471

14,349

19,902

25,389

905

—

(1,082)

23,834,432

1,025,287

2.49

2.26

6.31

—

4.30

838,599

24,609

2.93

512,517

11,814

2.31

734,095

11,347

1.55

$ 26,365,771

$1,135,670

4.31% $ 25,424,076

$1,077,357

4.24% $ 24,568,527

$1,036,634

4.22%

879,817

$ 27,245,588

644,563

$ 26,068,639

574,682

$ 25,143,209

Short-term borrowings..............

$ 3,729,239

$

92,854

2.49% $ 3,294,573

$

50,616

1.54% $ 3,185,084

$

26,684

0.84%

Medium-term notes...................

3,813,666

133,797

Collateral trust bonds................
Guaranteed Underwriter

Program notes payable..........
Farmer Mac notes payable........

Other notes payable ..................

Subordinated deferrable debt....

Subordinated certificates ..........

1,369,051

7,334,957

273,413

5,045,478

147,895

2,807,705

28,044

759,838

90,942

1,237

38,628

57,443

3.51

3.73

2.93

3.24

4.41

5.08

4.20

3,361,484

7,625,182

111,814

336,079

4,956,417

140,551

2,578,793

33,742

742,336

1,396,449

56,004

1,509

37,661

58,501

3.33

4.41

2.84

2.17

4.47

5.07

4.19

3,345,410

99,022

7,293,251

340,854

4,873,520

142,661

2,355,324

39,314

742,203

1,433,657

33,488

1,780

37,657

59,592

2.96

4.67

2.93

1.42

4.53

5.07

4.16

Total interest-bearing
liabilities...................................

$ 24,887,978

$ 836,209

3.36% $ 23,988,976

$ 792,735

3.30% $ 23,267,763

$ 741,738

3.19%

Other liabilities .........................

816,074

Total liabilities ..........................

25,704,052

Total equity...............................

1,541,536

Total liabilities and equity ........

$ 27,245,588

822,745

24,811,721

1,256,918

$ 26,068,639

921,749

24,189,512

953,697

$ 25,143,209

Net interest spread(4) .................
Impact of non-interest bearing 
funding(5)...............................
Net interest income/net interest 
yield(6) ...................................

Adjusted net interest income/
adjusted net interest yield:

Interest income .........................

Interest expense ........................
Add: Net accrued periodic 

derivative cash settlement(7)..

Adjusted interest expense/

adjusted average cost(8) .........
Adjusted net interest spread(4)...
Impact of non-interest bearing

funding..................................

Adjusted net interest income/

adjusted net interest yield(9) ..

0.95%

0.19

0.94%

0.18

1.03%

0.17

$ 299,461

1.14%

$ 284,622

1.12%

$ 294,896

1.20%

$1,135,670

4.31%

$1,077,357

4.24%

$1,036,634

4.22%

836,209

3.36

792,735

3.30

741,738

3.19

43,611

0.40

74,281

0.69

84,478

0.80

$ 879,820

3.54%

0.77%

0.20

$ 867,016

3.61%

0.63%

0.20

$ 826,216

3.55%

0.67%

0.19

$ 255,850

0.97%

$ 210,341

0.83%

$ 210,418

0.86%

30

____________________________

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

Interest income on long-term, fixed-rate loans includes loan conversion fees, which are generally deferred and recognized as interest income using the 
effective interest method. 

Troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) loans.

Consists of late payment fees and net amortization of deferred loan fees and loan origination costs.

Net interest spread represents the difference between the average yield on total average interest-earning assets and the average cost of total average 
interest-bearing liabilities. Adjusted net interest spread represents the difference between the average yield on total average interest-earning assets and 
the adjusted average cost of total average interest-bearing liabilities.

Includes other liabilities and equity.

Net interest yield is calculated based on net interest income for the period divided by total average interest-earning assets for the period.

Represents the impact of net accrued periodic interest rate swap settlements during the period. This amount is added to interest expense to derive non-
GAAP adjusted interest expense. The average (benefit)/cost associated with derivatives is calculated based on net accrued periodic interest rate swap 
settlements during the period divided by the average outstanding notional amount of derivatives during the period. The average outstanding notional 
amount of interest rate swaps was $10,968 million, $10,816 million and $10,590 million for fiscal year 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

Adjusted interest expense represents interest expense plus net accrued periodic interest rate swap cash settlements expense during the period. Net accrued 
periodic derivative cash settlements are reported on our consolidated statements of operations as a component of derivative gains (losses). Adjusted 
average cost is calculated based on adjusted interest expense for the period divided by total average interest-bearing liabilities during the period. 

Adjusted net interest yield is calculated based on adjusted net interest income for the period divided by total average interest-earning assets for the 
period. 

Table 2 displays the change in net interest income between periods and the extent to which the variance is attributable to: (i) 
changes in the volume of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities or (ii) changes in the interest rates of 
these assets and liabilities. The table also presents the change in adjusted net interest income between periods. Changes that 
are not solely due to either volume or rate are allocated to these categories on a pro-rata basis based on the absolute value of 
the change due to average volume and average rate.

31

 
Table 2: Rate/Volume Analysis of Changes in Interest Income/Interest Expense 

(Dollars in thousands)
Interest income:
Long-term fixed-rate loans..........................
Long-term variable-rate loans .....................
Line of credit loans .....................................
Restructured loans.......................................
Other income, net ........................................
Total loans ...................................................
Cash, time deposits and investment

securities ..................................................
Interest income ............................................

Interest expense:
Short-term borrowings ................................
Medium-term notes .....................................
Collateral trust bonds ..................................
Guaranteed Underwriter Program notes

payable.....................................................
Farmer Mac notes payable ..........................
Other notes payable.....................................
Subordinated deferrable debt ......................
Subordinated certificates.............................
Interest expense...........................................
Net interest income .....................................

Adjusted net interest income:
Interest income ............................................
Interest expense...........................................
Net accrued periodic derivative cash 

settlements expense(2) ..............................
Adjusted interest expense(3).........................
Adjusted net interest income.......................
____________________________

2019 vs. 2018

2018 vs. 2017

Total

Variance due to:

(1)

Total

Variance due to:

(1)

Variance

Volume

Rate

Variance

Volume

Rate

$

11,785

$

10,714

$

1,071

$ 20,319

$ 30,172

$

14,067

19,652

(43)

57

4,913

5,639
(48)
—

9,154

14,013

5

57

45,518

21,218

24,300

7,250

12,806
(16)
(103)
40,256

3,149

6,279
(92)
—

39,508

(9,853)
4,101

6,527

76
(103)
748

12,795

7,516

5,279

467

$

58,313

$

28,734

$ 29,579

$ 40,723

(3,425)
$ 36,083

$

3,892

4,640

$

42,238

$

6,678

$ 35,560

$ 23,932

$

21,983

(62,666)

15,041
(12,792)

6,942
(49,874)

12,792
(4,775)

7,344

34,938

(272)

967

(1,058)

43,474

2,526

4,971
(255)
888
(1,148)
15,909

4,818

29,967
(17)
79

90

27,565

$

14,839

$

12,825

$

2,014

(2,110)
22,516
(271)
4
(1,091)
50,997

3,177
(252)
7
(1,547)
20,718
$ (10,274) $ 15,365

917

476

15,513

2,427

$ 23,015

12,316
(20,288)

(4,537)
19,339
(19)
(3)
456

30,279
$ (25,639)

$

58,313

$

28,734

$ 29,579

$ 40,723

$ 36,083

$

4,640

43,474

15,909

27,565

50,997

20,718

30,279

(30,670)
12,804

1,047
16,956

$

45,509

$

11,778

(31,717)
(4,152)
$ 33,731

(10,197)
40,800

1,802
22,520
(77) $ 13,563

$

(11,999)
18,280
$ (13,640)

(1)

(2)

The changes for each category of interest income and interest expense are divided between the portion of change attributable to the variance in volume 
and the portion of change attributable to the variance in rate for that category. The amount attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate has 
been allocated to each category based on the proportionate absolute dollar amount of change for that category.

For net accrued periodic derivative cash settlements, the variance due to average volume represents the change in derivative cash settlements resulting 
from the change in the average notional amount of derivative contracts outstanding. The variance due to average rate represents the change in derivative 
cash settlements resulting from the net difference between the average rate paid and the average rate received for interest rate swaps during the period.

(3) 

See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information on our adjusted non-GAAP measures.

Reported Net Interest Income

Reported net interest income of $299 million for fiscal year 2019 was up $15 million, or 5%, from fiscal year 2018, driven 
by an increase in average interest-earning assets of 4%, coupled with an increase in the net interest yield of 2% (2 basis 
points) to 1.14%.

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  Average Interest-Earning Assets:  The increase in average interest-earning assets of 4% during fiscal year 2019 was 

attributable to growth in average total loans of $616 million, or 2%, over the prior fiscal year and an expansion of our 
investment securities portfolio.

•  Net Interest Yield:  The increase of 2 basis points in the net interest yield in fiscal year 2019 reflected the combined 

impact of an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets of 7 basis points to 4.31%, which was partially offset 
by an increase in the average cost of funds of 6 basis points to 3.36%. The increase in the average yield on interest-
earning assets was primarily attributable to higher rates on our line of credit and variable-rate loans due to a rise in short-
term interest rates. On July 12, 2018, we early redeemed $300 million aggregate principal amount of our 10.375% 
collateral trust bonds and repaid the remaining $700 million principal amount of these bonds on the maturity date of 
November 1, 2018. We replaced this high-cost debt with lower-cost funding. While we experienced an overall increase in 
our average cost of funds during fiscal year 2019, largely due to the increase in the average cost of our short-term and 
variable-rate funding, the cost savings from the repayment of the 10.375% collateral trust bonds and replacement with 
lower-cost funding mitigated this increase. The 3-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and federal funds 
target rate, which are benchmark rates used as references in establishing pricing for line of credit and variable-rate loans 
and determining the cost of our short-term and variable-rate borrowings, were both 2.50% as of May 31, 2019. The 3-
month LIBOR rate was up 18 basis points from May 31, 2018, while the federal funds target rate was up 75 basis points. 

Adjusted Net Interest Income

Adjusted net interest income of $256 million for fiscal year 2019 was up $46 million, or 22%, from fiscal year 2018, driven 
by an increase in the adjusted net interest yield of 17% (14 basis points) to 0.97% and the increase in average interest-
earning assets of 4%. The increase in the adjusted net interest yield was primarily due to the combined impact of an increase 
in the average yield on interest-earning assets of 7 basis points to 4.31% and a reduction in our adjusted average cost of 
funds of 7 basis points to 3.54%. As noted above, the increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets was attributable 
to higher rates on our line of credit and variable-rate loans due to the rise in short-term interest rates. The reduction in our 
adjusted average cost of funds was largely attributable to the cost savings from the early redemption and maturity of the $1 
billion aggregate principal amount of the 10.375% collateral trust bonds, the replacement of this debt with lower-cost 
funding and a decrease in net periodic derivative cash settlements expense amounts. Together these amounts more than 
offset the increase in the average cost of our short-term, variable-rate borrowings resulting from higher short-term interest 
rates throughout the fiscal year.

Net periodic derivative cash settlements expense totaled $44 million in fiscal year 2019, a decrease of $31 million, or 41%, 
from $74 million in fiscal years 2018. Pay-fixed swaps represent the substantial majority of our derivatives portfolio. The 
floating rate payments on our interest rate swaps are typically determined based on the 3-month LIBOR. The increase in the 
3-month LIBOR rate resulted in an increase in the periodic floating rate interest payments due to us on our pay-fixed, 
receive-variable swaps and a significant reduction in our net periodic derivative cash settlements expense in fiscal year 
2019. 

We include net accrued periodic derivative cash settlements during the period in the calculation of our adjusted average cost 
of funds, which, as a result, also impacts the calculation of adjusted net interest income and adjusted net interest yield. See 
“Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information on our adjusted measures, including a reconciliation of these 
measures to the most comparable GAAP measures.

Provision for Loan Losses

Our provision for loan losses in each period is primarily driven by the level of allowance that we determine is necessary for 
probable incurred loan losses inherent in our loan portfolio as of each balance sheet date. The allowance for loan losses was 
$18 million and $19 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

We recorded a benefit for loan losses of $1 million in fiscal year 2019. In comparison, we recorded a benefit of $18 million 
in fiscal year 2018, which was due to an allowance release attributable to increases in the recovery rate assumptions used in 
determining the collective allowance for our electric distribution and power supply loan portfolios. The increase in the 
recovery rate assumptions were based on management’s assessment of the most recent credit performance of electric utility 
loan portfolios, including consecutive fiscal years in which we had no payment defaults, delinquent loans, nonperforming 

33

loans or charge-offs in our electric utility loan portfolios, and the overall credit quality of these portfolios. The credit quality 
and performance statistics of our loan portfolio continues to remain strong. We had no payment defaults or charge-offs 
during fiscal year 2019, and no delinquent loans or nonperforming loans in our loan portfolio as of May 31, 2019. 

We provide additional information on our allowance for loan losses under “Credit Risk—Allowance for Loan Losses” and 
“Note 5—Allowance for Loan Losses” of this Report. For additional information on our allowance methodology, see 
“Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” above and “Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of this 
Report.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income consists of fee and other income, gains and losses on derivatives not accounted for in hedge accounting
relationships and results of operations of foreclosed assets.

Table 3 presents the components of non-interest income (loss) recorded in our consolidated results of operations for fiscal 
years 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Table 3: Non-Interest Income

(Dollars in thousands)
Non-interest income (loss):

Year Ended May 31,

2019

2018

2017

Fee and other income.......................................................

Derivative gains (losses)..................................................

Results of operations of foreclosed assets .......................

Unrealized losses on equity securities.............................

Total non-interest income (loss) ......................................

$

$

15,355
(363,341)
—
(1,799)
(349,785)

$

$

17,578

$

231,721

—

—

19,713

94,903
(1,749)
—

249,299

$

112,867

The significant variances in non-interest income (loss) between years were primarily attributable to changes in net derivative 
gains (losses) recognized in our consolidated statements of operations. 

Derivative Gains (Losses)

Our derivative instruments are an integral part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Our principal purpose in using 
derivatives is to manage our aggregate interest rate risk profile within prescribed risk parameters. The derivative instruments 
we use primarily include interest rate swaps, which we typically hold to maturity. In addition, we may on occasion use 
treasury locks to manage the interest rate risk associated with debt that is scheduled to reprice in the future. The primary 
factors affecting the fair value of our derivatives and derivative gains (losses) recorded in our results of operations include 
changes in interest rates, the shape of the swap curve and the composition of our derivative portfolio. We generally do not 
designate our interest rate swaps, which currently account for the substantial majority of our derivatives, for hedge 
accounting. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps are reported in our condensed consolidated 
statements of operations under derivative gains (losses). However, we typically designate treasury locks as cash flow 
hedges. We did not have any derivatives designated as accounting hedges as of May 31, 2019.

We currently use two types of interest rate swap agreements: (i) we pay a fixed rate of interest and receive a variable rate of 
interest (“pay-fixed swaps”); and (ii) we pay a variable rate of interest and receive a fixed rate of interest (“receive-fixed 
swaps”). The interest amounts are based on a specified notional balance, which is used for calculation purposes only. 
The benchmark variable rate for the substantial majority of the floating rate payments under our swap agreements is 3-
month LIBOR. 

Table 4 displays the average notional amount outstanding, by swap agreement type, and the weighted-average interest rate 
paid and received for interest rate swap settlements during fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017. As indicated in Table 4, our 
derivative portfolio consists of a higher proportion of pay-fixed swaps than receive-fixed swaps. The profile of our interest 

34

 
rate swap portfolio, however, may change as a result of changes in market conditions and actions taken to manage exposure 
to interest rate risk.

Table 4: Derivative Average Notional Amounts and Average Interest Rates

2019

Year Ended May 31,

2018

2017

(Dollars in
thousands)

Average
Notional
Balance

Weighted-
Average
Rate Paid

Weighted-
Average
Rate 
Received

Average
Notional
Balance

Weighted-
Average
Rate Paid

Weighted-
Average
Rate 
Received

Average
Notional
Balance

Weighted-
Average
Rate Paid

Weighted-
Average
Rate 
Received

Pay-fixed swaps.......

$ 7,352,704

2.83%

2.53% $ 7,007,207

Receive-fixed swaps

3,615,781

3.15

2.53

3,808,794

Total.........................

$10,968,485

2.93%

2.53% $10,816,001

2.82%

2.16

2.58%

1.58% $ 6,675,617

2.60

3,914,479

1.94% $10,590,096

2.89%

1.34

2.32%

0.90%

2.71

1.57%

Pay-fixed swaps represented approximately 68% and 65% of the outstanding notional amount of our derivative portfolio as 
of May 31, 2019 and May 31, 2018, respectively. The average remaining maturity of our pay-fixed and receive-fixed swaps 
was 19 years and four years, respectively, as of May 31, 2019. In comparison, the average remaining maturity of our pay-
fixed and receive-fixed swaps was 19 years and five years, respectively, as of May 31, 2018.  

As interest rates decline, pay-fixed swaps generally decrease in value and result in the recognition of derivative losses, as 
the amount of interest we pay remains fixed, while the amount of interest we receive declines. In contrast, as interest rates 
rise, pay-fixed swaps generally increase in value and result in the recognition of derivative gains, as the amount of interest 
we pay remains fixed, but the amount we receive increases. With a receive-fixed swap, the opposite results occur as interest 
rates decline or rise. Because our pay-fixed and receive-fixed swaps are referenced to different maturity terms along the 
swap curve, different changes in the swap curve—parallel, flattening or steepening—will also impact the fair value of our 
derivatives. The chart below provides comparative swap curves as of May 31, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

____________________________

Benchmark rates obtained from Bloomberg. 

35

 
Table 5 presents the components of net derivative gains (losses) recorded in our consolidated results of operations. 
Derivative cash settlements expense represents the net periodic contractual interest amount for our interest-rate swaps for 
the reporting period. Derivative forward value gains (losses) represent the change in fair value of our interest rate swaps 
during the reporting period due to changes in expected future interest rates over the remaining life of our derivative 
contracts. 

Table 5: Derivative Gains (Losses)

(Dollars in thousands)
Derivative gains (losses) attributable to:

Year Ended May 31,

2019

2018

2017

Derivative cash settlements expense ...............................

Derivative forward value gains (losses) ..........................

Derivative gains (losses)..................................................

$

$

(43,611)
(319,730)
(363,341)

$

$

(74,281)
306,002

231,721

$

$

(84,478)
179,381

94,903

The net derivative losses of $363 million in fiscal year 2019 were primarily attributable to a net decrease in the fair value of 
our pay-fixed swaps resulting from a decline in medium and longer-term interest rates during the year, as depicted by the 
May 31, 2019 swap curve presented in the above chart. As medium and longer-term interest rates fell, short-term interest 
rates rose and exceeded medium and longer-term interest rates, resulting in an inverted yield curve beginning in March 
2019. The rise in the 3-month LIBOR resulted in an increase in the floating rate payments due to us on our pay-fixed, 
receive-variable swaps, which drove a significant reduction in our net periodic derivative cash settlements expense amounts 
in fiscal year 2019. 

The net derivative gains of $232 million in fiscal year 2018 resulted from a net increase in the fair value of our pay-fixed 
swaps, primarily attributable to an increase in interest rates across the swap curve. 

See “Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Derivative Instruments” and “Note 10—Derivative 
Instruments and Hedging Activities” for additional information on our derivative instruments. Also refer to “Note 14—Fair 
Value Measurement” for information on how we estimate the fair value of our derivative instruments.

Results of Operations of Foreclosed Assets

Results of operations of foreclosed assets consists of the operating results of entities controlled by CFC that hold foreclosed 
assets, impairment charges related to those entities, gains or losses related to the disposition of the assets and potential 
subsequent charges related to those assets. On July 1, 2016, we completed the sale of Caribbean Asset Holdings, LLC 
(“CAH”). As a result, we did not carry any foreclosed assets on our consolidated balance sheet as of May 31, 2019 or 
May 31, 2018. 

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense consists of salaries and employee benefit expense, general and administrative expenses, gains (losses) 
on early extinguishment of debt and other miscellaneous expenses. 

Table 6 presents the components of non-interest expense recorded in our consolidated results of operations in fiscal years 
2019, 2018 and 2017.

36

Table 6: Non-Interest Expense

(Dollars in thousands)
Non-interest expense:

Year Ended May 31,

2019

2018

2017

Salaries and employee benefits .......................................

Other general and administrative expenses .....................

Gains (losses) on early extinguishment of debt...............

Other non-interest expense ..............................................

Total non-interest expense ...............................................

$

$

(49,824) $
(43,342)
(7,100)
(1,675)
(101,941) $

(51,422) $
(39,462)
—
(1,943)
(92,827) $

(47,769)
(38,457)
192
(1,948)
(87,982)

Non-interest expense of $102 million for fiscal year 2019 increased by $9 million, or 10%, from fiscal year 2018. The 
increase was largely due to the loss on early extinguishment of debt of $7 million, attributable to the premium for the early 
redemption of $300 million of the $1 billion collateral trust bonds.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests represents 100% of the results of operations of NCSC and RTFC, 
as the members of NCSC and RTFC own or control 100% of the interest in their respective companies. The fluctuations in 
net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests are primarily due to changes in the fair value of NCSC’s derivative 
instruments recognized in NCSC’s earnings.

We recorded net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests of $2 million in fiscal year 2019, compared with net income of 
$2 million in both fiscal years 2018 and 2017. 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS

Total assets of $27,124 million as of May 31, 2019 increased by $434 million, or 2%, from May 31, 2018, primarily due to 
growth in our loan portfolio. Total liabilities of $25,820 million as of May 31, 2019 increased by $636 million, or 3%, from 
May 31, 2018, largely due to debt issuances to fund loan growth. Total equity decreased by $202 million during fiscal year 
2019 to $1,304 million as of May 31, 2019, attributable to our reported net loss of $151 million and patronage capital 
retirement of $48 million in August 2018.

Following is a discussion of changes in the major components of our assets and liabilities during fiscal year 2019. Period-
end balance sheet amounts may vary from average balance sheet amounts due to liquidity and balance sheet management 
activities that are intended to manage liquidity requirements for the company and our customers, and our market risk 
exposure in accordance with our risk appetite.

Loan Portfolio 

We offer long-term loans that provide borrowers the option to select fixed- and variable-rate loan advances and line of credit 
loans. The substantial majority of loans in our portfolio represent fixed-rate advances under secured long-term facilities with 
terms up to 35 years. Line of credit loans are typically variable-rate revolving facilities and are generally unsecured. 

Loans Outstanding

Table 7 summarizes loans to members, by loan type and by member class, for the five-year period ended May 31, 2019. As 
indicated in Table 7, long-term fixed-rate loans accounted for 89% and 90% of loans to members as of May 31, 2019 and 
2018, respectively.

37

 
Table 7: Loans Outstanding by Type and Member Class

(Dollars in millions)

Loans by type:
Long-term loans:

2019

2018

May 31,

2017

2016

2015

Amount

% of
Total

Amount

% of
Total

Amount

% of
Total

Amount

% of
Total

Amount

% of
Total

Fixed-rate ................................
Variable-rate ............................
Total long-term loans .................
Lines of credit ............................

$ 23,094
1,067
24,161
1,745

89% $22,696
4
1,040
93
23,736
7
1,432

90% $22,137
847
4
22,984
94
1,372
6

91% $21,391
757
3
22,148
94
1,005
6

93% $19,722
3
699
20,421
96
1,038
4

92%
3
95
5

Total loans outstanding ..............

$ 25,906

100% $25,168

100% $24,356

100% $23,153

100% $21,459

100%

Deferred loan origination costs ..

11 —

11 —

11 —

10 —

10 —

Loans to members ......................

$ 25,917

100% $25,179

100% $24,367

100% $23,163

100% $21,469

100%

Loans by member class:
CFC:

Distribution..............................
Power supply ...........................
Statewide and associate ...........
CFC total ....................................
NCSC .........................................
RTFC..........................................

$ 20,155
4,579

78% $19,552
18
4,397
84 —
96
3
1

24,019
786
363

78% $18,825
4,505
18
70 —
96
3
1

23,388
614
354

77% $17,674
19
4,401
58 —
96
3
1

22,130
681
342

77% $16,095
4,181
19
55 —
96
3
1

20,341
732
386

75%
20
65 —
95
3
2

24,818
743
345

Total loans outstanding ..............

$ 25,906

100% $25,168

100% $24,356

100% $23,153

100% $21,459

100%

Deferred loan origination costs ..

11 —

11 —

11 —

10 —

10 —

Loans to members ......................

$ 25,917

100% $25,179

100% $24,367

100% $23,163

100% $21,469

100%

Loans to members totaled $25,917 million as of May 31, 2019, an increase of $738 million, or 3%, from May 31, 2018. 
CFC distribution loans and power supply loans increased by $603 million and $182 million, respectively, which was 
partially offset by a decrease in NCSC and RTFC loans of $43 million and $18 million, respectively. Long-term and line-of-
credit revolving loans accounted for $425 million and $313 million, respectively, of the $738 million increase in loans. 
Based on our historical experience, however, long-term loans typically account for the substantial majority of loan growth.  

Long-term loan advances totaled $1,843 million during fiscal year 2019, with approximately 87% of those advances for 
capital expenditures by members and 10% for the refinancing of loans made by other lenders. In comparison, long-term loan 
advances totaled $2,203 million during fiscal year 2018, with approximately 67% of those advances for capital expenditures 
by members and 24% for the refinancing of loans made by other lenders. The decrease in long-term loan advances from the 
same prior-year period primarily resulted from weaker demand from borrowers to refinance other lender debt.

We provide additional information on our loan product types in “Item 1. Business—Loan Programs” and “Note 4—Loans.” 
See “Debt—Collateral Pledged” below for information on encumbered and unencumbered loans and “Credit Risk 
Management” for information on the credit risk profile of our loan portfolio.

Loan Retention Rate

Table 8 presents a comparison between the historical retention rate of CFC’s long-term fixed-rate loans that repriced in 
accordance with our standard loan provisions, during the past three fiscal years and provides information on the percentage 
of loans that repriced to either another fixed-rate term or a variable rate. The retention rate is calculated based on the 
election made by the borrower at the repricing date. The average annual retention rate of CFC’s repriced loans has been 96% 
over the last three fiscal years.

38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 8: Historical Retention Rate and Repricing Selection(1)

(Dollars in thousands)
Loans retained:

Long-term fixed rate selected ..............
Long-term variable rate selected ..........
Total loans retained by CFC ...................
Loans repaid(2) ......................................
Total ........................................................
____________________________

2019

May 31,

2018

2017

Amount

% of Total

Amount

% of Total

Amount

% of Total

$

568,252
123,636
691,888
69,250

75% $
16
91
9

741,792
157,539
899,331
4,637

82% $
17
99
1

824,415
137,835
962,250
25,076

84%
14
98
2

$

761,138

100% $

903,968

100% $

987,326

100%

(1)

(2)

 Does not include NCSC and RTFC loans.

 Includes loans totaling $1 million as of both May 31, 2018 and 2017 that were converted to new loans at the repricing date and transferred to a third 
party as part of our direct loan sale program. See “Note 4—Loans” for information on our sale of loans.

Scheduled Loan Principal Payments

Table 9 displays scheduled long-term loan principal payments as of May 31, 2019, for each of the five fiscal years 
subsequent to May 31, 2019 and thereafter.

Table 9: Long-Term Loan Scheduled Principal Payments 

Fixed Rate

Scheduled
Principal
Payments

Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate

Variable Rate

Scheduled
Principal
Payments

$

1,181,811

4.42% $

1,179,099

1,180,497

1,177,197

1,136,044

17,239,605

$

23,094,253

4.46

4.50

4.52

4.59

4.67

4.62

Total Scheduled 
Principal 
Payments(1)

$

1,253,838

1,228,785

1,231,224

1,220,043

1,184,197

72,027

49,686

50,727

42,846

48,153

803,441

18,043,046

$

1,066,880

$

24,161,133

(Dollars in thousands)

Fiscal year:
2020 ...................................
2021 ...................................
2022 ...................................
2023 ...................................
2024 ...................................
Thereafter ..........................
Total ...................................
____________________________

(1)

Excludes line of credit loans.

Debt

We utilize both short-term borrowings and long-term debt as part of our funding strategy and asset/liability interest rate risk 
management. We seek to maintain diversified funding sources across products, programs and markets to manage funding 
concentrations and reduce our liquidity or debt rollover risk. Our funding sources include a variety of secured and unsecured 
debt securities in a wide range of maturities to our members and affiliates and in the capital markets. 

Debt Product Types

We offer various short- and long-term unsecured debt securities to our members and affiliates, including commercial paper, 
select notes, daily liquidity fund notes, medium-term notes and subordinated certificates. We also issue commercial paper, 
medium-term notes and collateral trust bonds in the capital markets. Additionally, we have access to funds under borrowing 
arrangements with banks, private placements and U.S. government agencies. Table 10 displays our primary funding sources 
and their selected key attributes.

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 10:  Debt Product Types 

Debt Product Type:
Short-term funding programs:

Maturity Range

Market

Secured/
Unsecured

Commercial paper .................................
Select notes ...........................................
Daily liquidity fund notes .....................

1 to 270 days Capital markets, members and affiliates Unsecured
Unsecured
30 to 270 days Members and affiliates
Unsecured
Demand note Members and affiliates

Other funding programs:

Medium-term notes ...............................
Collateral trust bonds(1) .........................
Guaranteed Underwriter Program notes 
payable(2)............................................
Farmer Mac notes payable(3) .................
Other notes payable(4)............................
Subordinated deferrable debt(5) .............
Members’ subordinated certificates(6) ...
Revolving credit agreements.................

____________________________

9 months to 30 years Capital markets, members and affiliates Unsecured

Up to 30 years Capital markets

Up to 20 years U.S. government
Up to 30 years Private placement
Up to 30 years Private placement
Up to 45 years Capital markets
Up to 100 years Members

3 to 5 years Bank institutions

Secured

Secured
Secured
Both
Unsecured
Unsecured
Unsecured

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

Collateral trust bonds are secured by the pledge of permitted investments and eligible mortgage notes from distribution system borrowers in an amount at 
least equal to the outstanding principal amount of collateral trust bonds.

Represents notes payable under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program, which supports the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. The 
Federal Financing Bank provides the financing for these notes, and RUS provides a guarantee of repayment. We are required to pledge eligible mortgage 
notes from distribution and power supply system borrowers in an amount at least equal to the outstanding principal amount of the notes payable.

We are required to pledge eligible mortgage notes from distribution and power supply system borrowers in an amount at least equal to the outstanding 
principal amount under note purchase agreements with Farmer Mac.

Other notes payable consist of unsecured and secured Clean Renewable Energy Bonds and unsecured notes payable issued by NCSC. We are required to 
pledge eligible mortgage notes from distribution and power supply system borrowers in an amount at least equal to the outstanding principal amount 
under the Clean Renewable Energy Bonds Series 2009A note purchase agreement. 

Subordinated deferrable debt is subordinate and junior to senior debt and debt obligations we guarantee, but senior to subordinated certificates. We have 
the right at any time, and from time to time, during the term of the subordinated deferrable debt to suspend interest payments for a maximum period of 
20 consecutive quarters for $1,000 par notes, or a maximum period of 40 consecutive quarters for $25 par notes. To date, we have not exercised our 
option to suspend interest payments. We have the right to call the subordinated deferrable debt, at par, any time after 10 years for $1,000 par notes or 5 
years for $25 par notes.

Members’ subordinated certificates consist of membership subordinated certificates, loan and guarantee certificates and member capital securities, and 
are subordinated and junior to senior debt, subordinated debt and debt obligations we guarantee. Membership subordinated certificates generally mature 
100 years subsequent to issuance. Loan and guarantee subordinated certificates have the same maturity as the related long-term loan. Some certificates 
also may amortize annually based on the outstanding loan balance. Member capital securities mature 30 years subsequent to issuance. Member capital 
securities are callable at par beginning 10 years subsequent to the issuance and anytime thereafter.

Debt Outstanding

Table 11 displays the composition, by product type, of our outstanding debt and the weighted average interest rate as of 
May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Table 11 also displays the composition of our debt based on several additional selected 
attributes. 

40

Table 11: Total Debt Outstanding and Weighted-Average Interest Rates

(Dollars in thousands)
Debt product type:

Commercial paper:

Members, at par ...................................
Dealer, net of discounts........................
Total commercial paper ............................
Select notes to members ...........................
Daily liquidity fund notes to members .....
Medium-term notes:

Members, at par ...................................
Dealer, net of discounts........................
Total medium-term notes..........................
Collateral trust bonds................................
Guaranteed Underwriter Program notes

payable ..................................................
Farmer Mac notes payable........................
Other notes payable ..................................
Subordinated deferrable debt....................
Members’ subordinated certificates:

Membership subordinated certificates .
Loan and guarantee subordinated
certificates ............................................
Member capital securities ....................
Total members’ subordinated certificates .
Total debt outstanding...............................

Security type:

Unsecured debt .......................................
Secured debt ...........................................
Total........................................................

Funding source:

Members.................................................
Private placement:

Guaranteed Underwriter Program
notes payable........................................
Farmer Mac notes payable ...................
Total private placement ..........................
Capital markets.......................................
Total........................................................

Interest rate type:

Fixed-rate debt........................................
Variable-rate debt ...................................
Total........................................................

Interest rate type including the impact of
swaps:

Fixed-rate debt(1).....................................
Variable-rate debt(2) ................................
Total........................................................

Maturity classification:(3)

Short-term borrowings ...........................
Long-term and subordinated debt(4) .......
Total........................................................

2019

May 31,
2018

2017

Outstanding
Amount

Weighted-
Average
Interest 
Rate

Outstanding
Amount

Weighted-
Average
Interest 
Rate

Outstanding
Amount

Weighted-
Average
Interest 
Rate

$ 1,111,795
944,616
2,056,411
1,023,952
298,817

2.52% $ 1,202,105
2.46
1,064,266
2.49
2,266,371
2.70
780,472
2.25
400,635

1.89% $
1.87
1.88
2.04
1.50

928,158
999,691
1,927,849
696,889
527,990

625,626
2,942,045
3,567,671
7,383,732

5,410,507
3,054,914
22,515
986,020

630,474

505,485
221,170
1,357,129
$ 25,161,668

2.97
3.55
3.45
3.19

2.97
3.33
3.46
5.11

4.95

643,821
3,002,979
3,646,800
7,639,093

4,856,143
2,891,496
29,860
742,410

630,448

2.31
3.51
3.30
3.89

2.85
2.88
3.42
4.98

4.94

612,951
2,364,671
2,977,622
7,634,048

4,985,484
2,513,389
35,223
742,274

630,098

2.95
528,386
5.00
221,148
4.21
1,379,982
3.24% $24,633,262

567,830
2.93
221,097
5.00
4.18
1,419,025
3.25% $23,459,793

0.95%
0.93
0.94
1.12
0.80

1.97
3.48
3.17
4.08

2.83
1.71
3.55
4.98

4.94

3.02
5.00
4.18
3.07%

37%
63
100%

18%

21
12
33
49
100%

77%
23
100%

93%  
7
100%

14%
86
100%

41

37%
63
100%

18%

20
12
32
50
100%

74%
26
100%

87%  
13
100%

15%
85
100%

35%
65
100%

18%

21
11
32
50
100%

74%
26
100%

87%  
13
100%

14%
86
100%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
____________________________

(1) 

Includes variable-rate debt that has been swapped to a fixed rate, net of any fixed-rate debt that has been swapped to a variable rate. 

(2) 

Includes fixed-rate debt that has been swapped to a variable rate, net of any variable-rate debt that has been swapped to a fixed rate. Also includes 
commercial paper notes, which generally have maturities of less than 90 days. The interest rate on commercial paper notes does not change once the note 
has been issued; however, the interest rate for new commercial paper issuances changes daily. 

(3) 

Borrowings with an original contractual maturity of one year or less are classified as short-term borrowings. Borrowings with an original contractual 
maturity of greater than one year are classified as long-term debt.

(4) 

Consists of long-term debt, subordinated deferrable debt and total members’ subordinated debt reported on the consolidated balance sheets. Maturity 
classification is based on the original contractual maturity as of the date of issuance of the debt.

Our outstanding debt volume generally increases and decreases in response to member loan demand. As outstanding loan 
balances increased during the year ended May 31, 2019, our debt volume also increased. Total debt outstanding of $25,162 
million as of May 31, 2019, increased by $528 million, or 2%, from May 31, 2018, due to an increase in borrowings to fund 
the increase in loans to members. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in borrowings under the Guaranteed 
Underwriter Program of $554 million, a net increase in Farmer Mac notes payable of $163 million, a net increase in 
subordinated deferrable debt of $244 million and an aggregate increase in member commercial paper, select notes and daily 
liquidity fund notes of $51 million. These increases were partially offset by net decreases in collateral trust bonds of $255 
million, a decrease in dealer commercial paper outstanding of $120 million and a net decreases in medium-term notes of $79 
million. 

Below is a summary of significant financing activities during fiscal year 2019.

•  On July 12, 2018, we redeemed $300 million of the $1 billion 10.375% collateral trust bonds due November 1, 2018, at a 

premium of $7 million. We repaid the remaining $700 million of these bonds on the maturity date.

•  On July 26, 2018, we issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of dealer medium-term notes at a variable rate of 3-

month LIBOR plus 37.5 basis points due 2021.

•  On October 31, 2018, we issued $325 million aggregate principal amount of 3.90% collateral trust bonds due 2028 

and $300 million aggregate principal amount of 4.40% collateral trust bonds due 2048.

•  On November 15, 2018, we closed on a $750 million committed loan facility (“Series N”) from the Federal Financing 

Bank under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program.

•  On November 28, 2018, we amended the three-year and five-year committed bank revolving line of credit agreements to 

extend the maturity dates to November 28, 2021 and November 28, 2023, respectively, and to terminate certain third-party 
bank commitments.

•  On January 31, 2019, we issued $450 million aggregate principal amount of 3.70% collateral trust bonds due 2029 

and $500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.30% collateral trust bonds due 2049.

•  On May 6, 2019, we issued $250 million of 5.50% subordinated deferrable debt due 2064, which is fixed for the life of 

the transaction and is callable at par on or after May 15, 2024.

Member Investments

Debt securities issued to our members represent an important, stable source of funding. Table 12 displays outstanding 
member debt, by debt product type, as of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

42

Table 12: Member Investments

(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial paper .................................
Select notes............................................
Daily liquidity fund notes......................
Medium-term notes ...............................
Members’ subordinated certificates.......
Total outstanding member debt .............

Amount
$ 1,111,795

1,023,952

298,817

625,626

1,357,129

$ 4,417,319

May 31,

2019

2018

% of Total (1)

Amount

% of Total (1)

Change

54% $ 1,202,105
100
780,472

100

18

100

400,635

643,821

1,379,982

$ 4,407,015

53% $

100

100

18

100

$

(90,310)
243,480
(101,818)
(18,195)
(22,853)
10,304

Percentage of total debt outstanding......
____________________________

18%  

18%  

(1)

 Represents outstanding debt attributable to members for each debt product type as a percentage of the total outstanding debt for each debt product type.

Member investments accounted for 18% of total debt outstanding as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018. Over the last three 
fiscal years, outstanding member investments as of the end of each quarterly reporting period have averaged $4,426 million. 

Short-Term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings consist of borrowings with an original contractual maturity of one year or less and do not include the 
current portion of long-term debt. Short-term borrowings totaled $3,608 million and accounted for 14% of total debt 
outstanding as of May 31, 2019, compared with $3,796 million, or 15%, of total debt outstanding as of May 31, 2018. See 
“Liquidity Risk” below and “Note 6—Short-Term Borrowings” for information on the composition of our short-term 
borrowings. 

Long-Term and Subordinated Debt

Long-term debt, defined as debt with an original contractual maturity term of greater than one year, primarily consists of 
medium-term notes, collateral trust bonds, notes payable under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program and notes payable 
under our note purchase agreement with Farmer Mac. Subordinated debt consists of subordinated deferrable debt and 
members’ subordinated certificates. Our subordinated deferrable debt and members’ subordinated certificates have original 
contractual maturity terms of greater than one year.

Long-term and subordinated debt totaled $21,554 million and accounted for 86% of total debt outstanding as of         
May 31, 2019, compared with $20,837 million, or 85%, of total debt outstanding as of May 31, 2018. As discussed above, 
the increase in total debt outstanding, including long-term and subordinated debt, was primarily due to the issuance of debt 
to fund the growth in our loan portfolio. See Table 32 in the “Liquidity Risk” section for a summary of long-term 
subordinated debt issuances and repayments for fiscal year 2019.

Collateral Pledged 

We are required to pledge loans or other collateral in transactions under our collateral trust bond indentures, note purchase 
agreements with Farmer Mac and bond agreements under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program. We are required to maintain 
pledged collateral equal to at least 100% of the face amount of outstanding borrowings. However, as discussed below, we 
typically maintain pledged collateral in excess of the required percentage. Under the provisions of our committed bank 
revolving line of credit agreements, the excess collateral that we are allowed to pledge cannot exceed 150% of the 
outstanding borrowings under our collateral trust bond indentures, Farmer Mac note purchase agreements or the Guaranteed 
Underwriter Program. In certain cases, provided that all conditions of eligibility under the different programs are satisfied, 
we may withdraw excess pledged collateral or transfer collateral from one borrowing program to another to facilitate a new 
debt issuance. 

43

 
 
 
 
 
Table 13 displays the collateral coverage ratios as of May 31, 2019 and 2018 for the debt agreements noted above that 
require us to pledge collateral.

Table 13: Collateral Pledged 

Debt Agreement
Collateral trust bonds 1994 indenture........................
Collateral trust bonds 2007 indenture........................
Guaranteed Underwriter Program notes payable ......
Farmer Mac notes payable.........................................
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds Series 2009A.........
____________________________

Requirement/Limit

Debt Indenture
Minimum

100%

100

100

100

100

Committed Bank 
Revolving Line of 
Credit Agreements
150%

150

150

150

150

Actual(1)

May 31,

2019

2018

118%

111%

117

114

123

112

114

119

115

109

(1)

 Calculated based on the amount of collateral pledged divided by the face amount of outstanding secured debt. 

Of our total debt outstanding of $25,162 million as of May 31, 2019, $15,858 million, or 63%, was secured by pledged 
loans totaling $18,877 million. In comparison, of our total debt outstanding of $24,633 million as of May 31, 2018, $15,398 
million, or 63%, was secured by pledged loans totaling $18,145 million. Total debt outstanding on our consolidated balance 
sheet is presented net of unamortized discounts and issuance costs. However, our collateral pledging requirements are based 
on the face amount of secured outstanding debt, which does not take into consideration the impact of net unamortized 
discounts and issuance costs.

Table 14 displays the unpaid principal balance of loans pledged for secured debt, the excess collateral pledged and 
unencumbered loans as of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

Table 14: Unencumbered Loans

(Dollars in thousands)
Total loans outstanding(1).................................................................
Less:  Loans required to be pledged for secured debt (2) .................
   Loans pledged in excess of requirement(2)(3) .........................
   Total pledged loans................................................................
Unencumbered loans .......................................................................
Unencumbered loans as a percentage of total loans........................
____________________________

May 31,

2019

2018

$ 25,905,664

(16,137,357)

(2,739,248)

$ (18,876,605)

$

7,029,059

$ 25,167,494
(15,677,138)
(2,467,444)
$ (18,144,582)
7,022,912
$

27%

28%

(1)

(2)

(3)

Represents the unpaid principal amount of loans as of the end of each period presented and excludes unamortized deferred loan origination costs of $11 
million as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018.

Reflects unpaid principal balance of pledged loans. 

Excludes cash collateral pledged to secure debt. If there is an event of default under most of our indentures, we can only withdraw the excess collateral

    if we substitute cash or permitted investments of equal value.

As displayed above in Table 14, we had excess loans pledged as collateral totaling $2,739 million and $2,467 million as of 
May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We typically pledge loans in excess of the required amount for the following reasons: 
(i) our distribution and power supply loans are typically amortizing loans that require scheduled principal payments over the 
life of the loan, whereas the debt securities issued under secured indentures and agreements typically have bullet maturities; 
(ii) distribution and power supply borrowers have the option to prepay their loans; and (iii) individual loans may become 
ineligible for various reasons, some of which may be temporary.

We provide additional information on our borrowings, including the maturity profile, below in “Liquidity Risk.” Refer to 
“Note 4—Loans—Pledging of Loans” for additional information related to pledged collateral. Also refer to “Note 6—Short-

44

 
Term Borrowings,” “Note 7—Long-Term Debt,” “Note 8—Subordinated Deferrable Debt” and “Note 9—Members’ 
Subordinated Certificates” for additional information on each of our debt product types.

Equity

Table 15 presents the components of total CFC equity and total equity as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. 

Table 15: Equity

(Dollars in thousands)

Membership fees and educational fund:

Membership fees.........................................................................
Educational fund.........................................................................
Total membership fees and educational fund ..................................
Patronage capital allocated ..............................................................
Members’ capital reserve.................................................................
Total allocated equity.......................................................................
Unallocated net income (loss):

Prior year-end cumulative derivative forward value losses........
Current year derivative forward value gains (losses)(1) ..............
Current year-end cumulative derivative forward value losses....
Other unallocated net income (loss) ...........................................
Unallocated net loss.........................................................................
CFC retained equity.........................................................................
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)...........................
Total CFC equity .............................................................................
Noncontrolling interests ..................................................................
Total equity ......................................................................................
____________________________

May 31,

2019

2018

Change

$

969

$

969

$

2,013

2,982

860,578

759,097
1,622,657

(30,831)
(318,134)
(348,965)
3,190
(345,775)
1,276,882
(147)
1,276,735

27,147

1,976

2,945

811,493

687,785
1,502,223

(332,525)
301,694
(30,831)
(5,603)
(36,434)
1,465,789

8,544

1,474,333

31,520

$

1,303,882

$

1,505,853

$

—

37

37

49,085

71,312
120,434

301,694
(619,828)
(318,134)
8,793
(309,341)
(188,907)
(8,691)
(197,598)
(4,373)
(201,971)

(1)

Represents derivative forward value gains (losses) for CFC only, as total CFC equity does not include the noncontrolling interests of the variable interest 
entities NCSC and RTFC, which we are required to consolidate. See “Note 15—Business Segments” for the statements of operations for CFC. 

Total equity decreased by $202 million during fiscal year 2019 to $1,304 million as of May 31, 2019, attributable to our 
reported net loss of $151 million and patronage capital retirement of $48 million in August 2018.

In July 2019, the CFC Board of Directors authorized the allocation of fiscal year 2019 adjusted net income as follows: $97 
million to members in the form of patronage capital; $71 million to the members’ capital reserve and $1 million to the 
cooperative educational fund. The amount of patronage capital allocated each year by CFC’s Board of Directors is based on 
adjusted non-GAAP net income, which excludes the impact of derivative forward value gains (losses). We provide a 
reconciliation of our adjusted net income to our reported net income and an explanation of the adjustments below in “Non-
GAAP Financial Measures.” 

In July 2019, the CFC Board of Directors also authorized the retirement of patronage capital totaling $63 million, consisting 
of $48 million, which represented 50% of the patronage capital allocation for fiscal year 2019, and $15 million, which 
represented the portion of the allocation from fiscal year 1994 net earnings that has been held for 25 years pursuant to the 
CFC Board of Directors policy. We expect to return the $63 million to members in cash in the first quarter of fiscal year 
2020. The remaining portion of the allocated amount will be retained by CFC for 25 years under guidelines adopted by the 
CFC Board of Directors in June 2009.
In July 2018, the CFC Board of Directors also authorized the retirement of patronage capital totaling $48 million, which 
represented 50% of the patronage capital allocation for fiscal year 2018. This amount was returned to members in cash in 

45

August 2018. The remaining portion of the allocated amount will be retained by CFC for 25 years under guidelines adopted 
by the CFC Board of Directors in June 2009.

The CFC Board of Directors is required to make annual allocations of adjusted net income, if any. CFC has made annual 
retirements of allocated net earnings in 39 of the last 40 fiscal years; however, future retirements of allocated amounts are 
determined based on CFC’s financial condition. The CFC Board of Directors has the authority to change the current practice 
for allocating and retiring net earnings at any time, subject to applicable laws. See “Item 1. Business—Allocation and 
Retirement of Patronage Capital” for additional information.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

In the ordinary course of business, we engage in financial transactions that are not presented on our consolidated balance 
sheets, or may be recorded on our consolidated balance sheets in amounts that are different from the full contract or notional 
amount of the transaction. Our off-balance sheet arrangements consist primarily of guarantees of member obligations and 
unadvanced loan commitments intended to meet the financial needs of our members. 

Guarantees

We provide guarantees for certain contractual obligations of our members to assist them in obtaining various forms of 
financing. We use the same credit policies and monitoring procedures in providing guarantees as we do for loans and 
commitments. If a member defaults on its obligation, we are obligated to pay required amounts pursuant to our guarantees. 
Meeting our guarantee obligations satisfies the underlying obligation of our member systems and prevents the exercise of 
remedies by the guarantee beneficiary based upon a payment default by a member. In general, the member is required to 
repay any amount advanced by us with accrued interest, pursuant to the documents evidencing the member’s reimbursement 
obligation. Table 16 displays the notional amount of our outstanding guarantee obligations, by guarantee type and by 
company, as of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

Table 16: Guarantees Outstanding

(Dollars in thousands)

Guarantee type:

May 31,

2019

2018

Change

Long-term tax-exempt bonds ........................................................
Letters of credit .............................................................................
Other guarantees ...........................................................................
Total.................................................................................................

Company:

CFC ...............................................................................................
NCSC ............................................................................................
RTFC .............................................................................................
Total .................................................................................................

$

$

$

$

312,190

$

316,985

$

379,001

146,244

837,435

826,117

8,714

2,604

$

$

343,970

144,206

805,161

793,156

10,431

1,574

$

$

837,435

$

805,161

$

(4,795)
35,031

2,038

32,274

32,961
(1,717)
1,030

32,274

Of the total notional amount of our outstanding guarantee obligations of $837 million and $805 million as of May 31, 2019 
and 2018, respectively, 55% and 57%, respectively, were secured by a mortgage lien on substantially all of the assets and 
future revenue of our member cooperatives for which we provide guarantees.

In addition to providing a guarantee on long-term tax-exempt bonds issued by member cooperatives totaling $312 million as 
of May 31, 2019, we also were the liquidity provider on $247 million of those tax-exempt bonds. As liquidity provider, we 
may be required to purchase bonds that are tendered or put by investors. Investors provide notice to the remarketing agent 
that they will tender or put a certain amount of bonds at the next interest rate reset date. If the remarketing agent is unable to 
sell such bonds to other investors by the next interest rate reset date, we have unconditionally agreed to purchase such 
bonds. We were not required to perform as liquidity provider pursuant to these obligations during fiscal year 2019 or 2018.

46

 
 
 
 
 
 
We had outstanding letters of credit for the benefit of our members totaling $379 million as of May 31, 2019. These letters 
of credit relate to obligations for which we may be required to advance funds based on various trigger events specified in the 
letter of credit agreements. If we are required to advance funds, the member is obligated to repay the advance amount and 
accrued interest to us. In addition to these letters of credit, we had master letter of credit facilities in place under which we 
may be required to issue letters of credit to third parties for the benefit of our members up to an additional $53 million as of 
May 31, 2019. All of our master letter of credit facilities as of May 31, 2019 were subject to material adverse change clauses 
at the time of issuance. Prior to issuing a letter of credit under these facilities, we confirm that there has been no material 
adverse change in the business or condition, financial or otherwise, of the borrower since the time the loan was approved 
and that the borrower is currently in compliance with the letter of credit terms and conditions. 

Table 17 presents the maturities for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter of the notional amount of our 
outstanding guarantee obligations of $837 million as of May 31, 2019.

Table 17: Maturities of Guarantee Obligations 

(Dollars in thousands)

 Outstanding
Amount

Maturities of Guarantee Obligations

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Thereafter

Guarantees ...........................

$

837,435

$ 246,143

$ 133,015

$ 30,882

$ 159,059

$ 31,162

$ 237,174

We recorded a guarantee liability of $14 million and $11 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, for our 
guarantee and liquidity obligations associated with our members’ debt. We provide additional information about our 
guarantee obligations in “Note 13—Guarantees.” 

Unadvanced Loan Commitments

Unadvanced loan commitments represent approved and executed loan contracts for which funds have not been advanced to 
borrowers. Our line of credit commitments include both contracts that are subject to material adverse change clauses and 
contracts that are not subject to material adverse change clauses, while our long-term loan commitments are typically 
subject to material adverse change clauses.

Table 18 displays the amount of unadvanced loan commitments, which consist of line of credit and long-term loan 
commitments, as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. 

Table 18: Unadvanced Loan Commitments

(Dollars in thousands)

Line of credit commitments:

May 31,

2019

2018

Amount

% of Total

Amount

% of Total

Change

Conditional(1)........................................................
Unconditional(2)....................................................
Total line of credit unadvanced commitments.........
Total long-term loan unadvanced commitments(1) ..
Total unadvanced loan commitments ......................
____________________________

$ 4,845,306

2,943,616

7,788,922

5,448,636

$ 13,237,558

37% $ 4,835,434
22
2,857,350

59

7,692,784

41
4,952,834
100% $ 12,645,618

38% $
23

61

9,872

86,266

96,138

39
495,802
100% $ 591,940

(1)

(2)

Represents amount related to facilities that are subject to material adverse change clauses.

Represents amount related to facilities that are not subject to material adverse change clauses.

Table 19 presents the amount of unadvanced loan commitments, by loan type, as of May 31, 2019 and the maturities of the 
commitment amounts for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter.

47

 
Table 19: Notional Maturities of Unadvanced Loan Commitments

(Dollars in thousands)
Line of credit .................

Available
Balance
$ 7,788,922

Notional Maturities of Unadvanced Loan Commitments

2020
$3,998,036

2021
$ 908,628

2022
$ 488,017

2023
$1,391,887

2024
$ 872,813

Long-term loans.............

5,448,636

Total ...............................

$13,237,558

389,799
$4,387,835

736,621
$1,645,249

1,404,204
$1,892,221

1,210,164
$2,602,051

1,694,441
$2,567,254

Thereafter
$ 129,541

13,407
$ 142,948

Unadvanced line of credit commitments accounted for 59% of total unadvanced loan commitments as of May 31, 2019, 
while unadvanced long-term loan commitments accounted for 41% of total unadvanced loan commitments. Unadvanced 
line of credit commitments are typically revolving facilities for periods not to exceed five years and generally serve as 
supplemental back-up liquidity to our borrowers. Historically, borrowers have not drawn the full commitment amount for 
line of credit facilities, and we have experienced a very low utilization rate on line of credit loan facilities regardless of 
whether or not we are obligated to fund the facility where a material adverse change exists. 

Our unadvanced long-term loan commitments generally have a five-year draw period under which a borrower may advance 
funds prior to the expiration of the commitment. We expect that the majority of the long-term unadvanced loan 
commitments of $5,449 million will be advanced prior to the expiration of the commitment. 

Because we historically have experienced a very low utilization rate on line of credit loan facilities, which account for the 
majority of our total unadvanced loan commitments, we believe the unadvanced loan commitment total of $13,238 million 
as of May 31, 2019 is not necessarily representative of our future funding requirements.

Unadvanced Loan Commitments—Conditional

The majority of our line of credit commitments and all of our unadvanced long-term loan commitments include material 
adverse change clauses. Unadvanced loan commitments subject to material adverse change clauses totaled $10,294 million 
and $9,789 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and accounted for 78% and 77% of the combined total of 
unadvanced line of credit and long-term loan commitments as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Prior to making 
advances on these facilities, we confirm that there has been no material adverse change in the borrower’s business or 
condition, financial or otherwise, since the time the loan was approved and confirm that the borrower is currently in 
compliance with loan terms and conditions. In some cases, the borrower’s access to the full amount of the facility is further 
constrained by use of proceeds restrictions, imposition of borrower-specific restrictions, or by additional conditions that 
must be met prior to advancing funds. Since we generally do not charge a fee for the borrower to have an unadvanced 
amount on a loan facility that is subject to a material adverse change clause, our borrowers tend to request amounts in excess 
of their immediate estimated loan requirements. 

Unadvanced Loan Commitments—Unconditional

Unadvanced loan commitments not subject to material adverse change clauses at the time of each advance consisted of 
unadvanced committed lines of credit totaling $2,944 million and $2,857 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 
For contracts not subject to a material adverse change clause, we are generally required to advance amounts on the 
committed facilities as long as the borrower is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the facility. 

Syndicated loan facilities, where the pricing is set at a spread over a market index rate as agreed upon by all of the 
participating financial institutions based on market conditions at the time of syndication, accounted for 90% of 
unconditional line of credit commitments as of May 31, 2019. The remaining 10% represented unconditional committed line 
of credit loans, which under any new advance would be made at rates determined by us. 

Table 20 presents the maturities for each of the next five fiscal years of the notional amount of unconditional committed 
lines of credit not subject to a material adverse change clause as of May 31, 2019.

48

 
Table 20: Maturities of Notional Amount of Unconditional Committed Lines of Credit

(Dollars in thousands)
Committed lines of credit ....

$

Available
Balance
2,943,616

Notional Maturities of Unconditional Committed Lines of Credit

2020
$ 340,361

2021
$ 451,865

2022
$ 191,634

2023
$1,239,917

$

2024
719,839

RISK MANAGEMENT

Overview

We face a variety of risks that can significantly affect our financial performance, liquidity, reputation and ability to meet the 
expectations of our members, investors and other stakeholders. As a financial services company, the major categories of risk 
exposures inherent in our business activities include credit risk, liquidity risk, market risk and operational risk. These risk 
categories are summarized below.

•  Credit risk is the risk that a borrower or other counterparty will be unable to meet its obligations in accordance with 

agreed-upon terms.

•  Liquidity risk is the risk that we will be unable to fund our operations and meet our contractual obligations or that we 

will be unable to fund new loans to borrowers at a reasonable cost and tenor in a timely manner.

•  Market risk is the risk that changes in market variables, such as movements in interest rates, may adversely affect the 

match between the timing of the contractual maturities, re-pricing and prepayments of our financial assets and the related 
financial liabilities funding those assets.

•  Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal controls, processes, systems, human error 
or external events. Operational risk also includes compliance risk, fiduciary risk, reputational risk and litigation risk.

Effective risk management is critical to our overall operations and to achieving our primary objective of providing cost-
based financial products to our rural electric members while maintaining the sound financial results required for investment-
grade credit ratings on our rated debt instruments. Accordingly, we have a risk-management framework that is intended to 
govern the principal risks we face in conducting our business and the aggregate amount of risk we are willing to accept, 
referred to as risk appetite, in the context of CFC’s mission and strategic objectives and initiatives. 

Risk-Management Framework

Our risk-management framework consists of defined policies, procedures and risk tolerances that are intended to align with 
CFC’s mission. The CFC Board of Directors is responsible for risk governance by approving the enterprise risk-
management framework and providing oversight on risk policies, risk appetite and our performance against established 
goals. In fulfilling its risk governance responsibility, the CFC Board of Directors receives periodic reports on business 
activities from management. The CFC Board of Directors reviews CFC’s risk profile and management’s assessment of those 
risks throughout the year at its periodic meetings. The board also establishes CFC’s loan policies and has established a Loan 
Committee of the board comprising no fewer than 10 directors that reviews the performance of the loan portfolio in 
accordance with those policies. For additional information about the role of the CFC Board of Directors in risk governance 
and oversight, see “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.” 

Management is responsible for execution of the risk-management framework, risk policy formation and daily management 
of the risks associated with our business. Management executes its responsibility by establishing processes for identifying, 
measuring, assessing, managing, monitoring and reporting risks. Management and operating groups maintain policies and 
procedures, specific to each major risk category, to identify and measure our primary risk exposures at the transaction, 
obligor and portfolio levels and ensure that our exposures remain within prescribed limits. Management also is responsible 
for establishing and maintaining internal controls to mitigate key risks. We have a number of management-level risk 
oversight committees across the organization and groups within the organization that have a defined set of authorities and 
responsibilities specific to one or more risk types, including the Corporate Credit Committee, Credit Risk Management 

49

 
group, Treasury group, Asset Liability Committee, Investment Management Committee, Corporate Compliance, Internal 
Audit group and Disclosure Committee. These risk oversight committees and groups collectively help management facilitate 
enterprise-wide understanding and monitoring of CFC’s risk profile and the control processes with respect to our inherent 
risks. Management and the risk oversight committees periodically report actual results, significant current and emerging 
risks, initiatives and risk-management concerns to the CFC Board of Directors.

CREDIT RISK

Our loan portfolio, which represents the largest component of assets on our balance sheet, and guarantees account for the 
substantial majority of our credit risk exposure. We also engage in certain non-lending activities that may give rise to credit 
and counterparty settlement risk, including the purchase of investment securities and entering into derivative transactions to 
manage interest rate risk. Our primary credit exposure is to rural electric cooperatives that provide essential electric services 
to end-users, the majority of which are residential customers. We also have a limited portfolio of loans to not-for-profit and 
for-profit telecommunication companies.

Credit Risk Management

We manage portfolio and borrower credit risk consistent with credit policies established by the CFC Board of Directors and 
through credit underwriting, approval and monitoring processes and practices adopted by management. Our board-
established credit policies include guidelines regarding the types of credit products we offer, limits on credit we extend to 
individual borrowers, approval authorities delegated to management, and use of syndications and loan sales. We maintain an 
internal risk rating system in which we assign a rating to each borrower and credit facility. We review and update the risk 
ratings at least annually. Assigned risk ratings inform our credit approval, borrower monitoring and portfolio review 
processes. Our Corporate Credit Committee approves individual credit actions within its own authority and together with 
our Credit Risk Management group, establishes standards for credit underwriting, oversees credits deemed to be higher risk, 
reviews assigned risk ratings for accuracy, and monitors the overall credit quality and performance statistics of our loan 
portfolio. 

Loan Portfolio Credit Risk

Below we provide information on the credit risk profile of our loan portfolio, including security provisions, loan 
concentration, credit performance and our allowance for loan losses.

Security Provisions

Except when providing line of credit loans, we generally lend to our members on a senior secured basis. Long-term loans 
are generally secured on parity with other secured lenders (primarily RUS), if any, by all assets and revenue of the borrower 
with exceptions typical in utility mortgages. Line of credit loans are generally unsecured. In addition to the collateral 
pledged to secure our loans, distribution and power supply borrowers also are required to set rates charged to customers to 
achieve certain specified financial ratios. 

Table 21 presents, by loan type and by company, the amount and percentage of secured and unsecured loans in our loan 
portfolio as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. Of our total loans outstanding, 92% were secured and 8% were unsecured as of  
May 31, 2019. In comparison, of our total loans outstanding, 93% were secured and 7% were unsecured as of May 31, 2018.

50

Table 21: Loan Portfolio Security Profile(1)

(Dollars in thousands)
Loan type:
Long-term loans:

Secured

% of Total

Unsecured

% of Total

Total

May 31, 2019

Long-term fixed-rate loans..................
Long-term variable-rate loans .............
Total long-term loans.............................
Line of credit loans................................
Total loans outstanding..........................

$ 22,674,330

1,058,434
23,732,764
121,741
$ 23,854,505

98% $

419,923

2% $ 23,094,253

99
98
7
92

8,446
428,369
1,622,790
$ 2,051,159

1
2
93
8

1,066,880
24,161,133
1,744,531
$ 25,905,664

Company:
CFC........................................................
NCSC.....................................................
RTFC .....................................................
Total loans outstanding..........................

$ 22,861,414
664,618
328,473
$ 23,854,505

92% $ 1,956,262
78,270
89
16,627
95
$ 2,051,159
92

May 31, 2018

8% $ 24,817,676
742,888
11
345,100
5
$ 25,905,664
8

(Dollars in thousands)
Loan type:
Long-term loans:

Secured

% of Total

Unsecured

% of Total

Total

Long-term fixed-rate loans..................
Long-term variable-rate loans .............
Total long-term loans.............................
Line of credit loans................................
Total loans outstanding..........................

$ 22,220,087
996,970
23,217,057
69,097
$ 23,286,154

98% $
96
98
5
93

476,098
42,521
518,619
1,362,721
$ 1,881,340

2% $ 22,696,185
1,039,491
4
23,735,676
2
1,431,818
95
$ 25,167,494
7

Company:
CFC........................................................
NCSC.....................................................
RTFC .....................................................
Total loans outstanding..........................
____________________________

$ 22,233,592
703,396
349,166
$ 23,286,154

93% $ 1,784,327
83,061
89
13,952
96
$ 1,881,340
93

7% $ 24,017,919
786,457
11
363,118
4
$ 25,167,494
7

(1)

Represents the unpaid principal amount of loans as of the end of each period presented and excludes deferred loan origination costs of $11 million as of 
both May 31, 2019 and 2018.  

As part of our strategy in managing our credit risk exposure, we entered into a long-term standby purchase commitment 
agreement with Farmer Mac in fiscal year 2016. Under this agreement, we may designate certain loans to be covered under 
the commitment, as approved by Farmer Mac, and in the event any such loan later goes into payment default for at least 90 
days, upon request by us, Farmer Mac must purchase such loan at par value. The outstanding principal balance of loans 
covered under this agreement totaled $619 million as of May 31, 2019, compared with $660 million as of May 31, 2018. No 
loans have been put to Farmer Mac for purchase pursuant to this agreement. Our credit exposure is also mitigated by long-
term loans guaranteed by RUS. Guaranteed RUS loans totaled $154 million and $161 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, 
respectively.

Credit Concentration

Concentrations may exist when there are amounts loaned to borrowers engaged in similar activities or in geographic areas 
that would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions or when there are large exposures to single 
borrowers. As a tax-exempt, member-owned finance cooperative, CFC’s principal focus is to provide funding to its rural 

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
electric utility cooperative members to assist them in acquiring, constructing and operating electric distribution, power 
supply systems and related facilities. Because we lend primarily to our rural electric utility cooperative members, we have a 
loan portfolio subject to single-industry and single-obligor concentration risks. Outstanding loans to electric utility 
organizations represented approximately 99% of our total outstanding loan portfolio as of May 31, 2019, unchanged from 
May 31, 2018. Although our organizational structure and mission results in single-industry concentration, we serve a 
geographically diverse group of electric and telecommunications members throughout the United States and its territories, 
including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa and Guam. Our consolidated membership totaled 1,447 
members and 222 associates as of May 31, 2019. 

Geographic Concentration

We currently have loans outstanding to borrowers in 49 states. Texas had the largest concentration of outstanding loans to 
borrowers in any one state, with approximately 15% of total loans outstanding as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018, and also 
the largest concentration of borrowers, with 70 borrowers as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018. In addition to having the 
largest number of borrowers, Texas also had the largest concentration of electric power supply borrowers. Electric power 
supply borrowers generally require significantly more capital than electric distribution and telecommunications borrowers. 
Of our 67 electric power supply borrowers, eight were located in Texas as of May 31, 2019. 

Table 22 presents the number of CFC, NCSC and RTFC borrowers and the percentage of total loans outstanding by state or 
U.S. territory as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. 

52

Table 22: Loan Geographic Concentration

U.S. State/Territory
Texas ...................................
Missouri ..............................
Georgia................................
Colorado..............................
Kansas .................................
Florida .................................
Alaska..................................
Illinois .................................
North Dakota.......................
North Carolina.....................
South Carolina.....................
Indiana.................................
Oklahoma ............................
Kentucky .............................
Minnesota............................
Arkansas..............................
Ohio.....................................
Iowa.....................................
Alabama ..............................
Pennsylvania .......................
Wisconsin............................
Maryland .............................
Mississippi ..........................
Oregon.................................
Washington..........................
Virginia................................
Utah .....................................
Wyoming.............................
Nevada ................................
Louisiana .............................
Michigan .............................
Montana ..............................
Arizona................................
South Dakota.......................
Tennessee ............................
Idaho....................................
Hawaii .................................
Delaware .............................
New Hampshire...................
New Mexico ........................
Massachusetts......................
Vermont...............................
California ............................
New York ............................
Nebraska..............................
New Jersey ..........................
West Virginia.......................
Maine ..................................
Rhode Island .......................
District of Columbia............
Total.....................................

May 31,

2019

2018

Number of
Borrowers

% of Total 
Loans
Outstanding

Number of
Borrowers

% of Total 
Loans
Outstanding

70
48
48
26
30
17
17
29
18
28
23
37
26
25
53
20
28
39
27
17
24
2
19
22
11
19
6
13
6
10
13
25
11
31
18
12
2
3
1
16
1
5
4
7
13
2
2
3
—
1
928

15.11%
5.43
5.83
5.41
4.77
3.70
3.79
3.65
3.42
3.01
3.05
2.89
2.86
2.86
2.84
2.26
2.10
2.00
2.28
2.04
1.91
1.67
1.58
1.42
1.34
1.25
1.39
0.99
1.00
1.25
0.92
0.78
0.73
0.86
0.51
0.51
0.52
0.44
0.36
0.27
0.24
0.21
0.13
0.12
0.12
0.07
0.06
0.04
—
0.01
100.00%

70
47
47
24
31
17
17
28
17
28
24
39
27
24
53
20
28
38
27
17
23
2
19
20
10
18
6
11
8
10
12
25
11
32
19
12
2
3
1
16
1
6
4
7
13
1
2
3
1
—
921

15.31%
5.57
5.53
5.46
4.55
4.31
3.70
3.53
3.26
3.16
3.11
2.88
2.85
2.85
2.67
2.40
2.29
2.24
2.22
1.96
1.88
1.72
1.64
1.38
1.30
1.19
1.17
1.16
0.97
0.96
0.88
0.80
0.80
0.78
0.57
0.49
0.46
0.44
0.33
0.24
0.23
0.20
0.14
0.13
0.12
0.07
0.05
0.03
0.02
—
100.00%

53

 
Single-Obligor Concentration

Table 23 displays the outstanding loan exposure for the 20 largest borrowers, by company, as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. 
The 20 borrowers with the largest exposure consisted of 10 distribution systems, nine power supply systems and one NCSC 
associate as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018. The largest total exposure to a single borrower or controlled group represented 
approximately 2% of total loans outstanding as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018.

Table 23: Loan Exposure to 20 Largest Borrowers

May 31,

2019

2018

(Dollars in thousands)

Amount

% of Total

Amount

% of Total

Change

By company:
CFC ..........................................................................
NCSC .......................................................................
Total loan exposure to 20 largest borrowers ............
Less:  Loans covered under Farmer Mac standby

purchase commitment....................................
Net loan exposure to 20 largest borrowers...............

$5,369,879

245,559

5,615,438

21% $5,551,562
1
257,334

22

5,808,896

22% $ (181,683)
(11,775)
1
(193,458)

23

(360,012)
$5,255,426

(382,132)
(1)
21% $5,426,764

(2)
22,120
21% $ (171,338)

Although CFC has been exposed to single-industry and single-obligor concentrations since inception in 1969, we 
historically have experienced limited defaults and very low credit losses in our electric loan portfolio. The likelihood of 
default and loss for our electric cooperative borrowers, which account for 99% of our outstanding loans as of May 31, 2019, 
has been low due to several factors. First, as discussed above, we generally lend to our members on a senior secured basis. 
Second, electric cooperatives typically are consumer-owned, not-for-profit entities that provide an essential service to end-
users, the majority of which are residential customers. Third, electric cooperatives face limited competition, as they tend to 
operate in exclusive territories not serviced by public investor-owned utilities. Fourth, the majority operate in states where 
electric cooperatives are not subject to rate regulation. Thus, they are able to make rate adjustments to pass along increased 
costs to the end customer without first obtaining state regulatory approval, allowing them to cover operating costs and 
generate sufficient earnings and cash flows to service their debt obligations. Finally, they tend to adhere to a conservative 
business strategy model that has historically resulted in a relatively stable, resilient operating environment and overall strong 
financial performance and credit strength for the electric cooperative network.

Credit Quality

Assessing the overall credit quality of our loan portfolio and measuring our credit risk is an ongoing process that involves 
tracking payment status, the internal risk ratings of our borrowers, troubled debt restructurings, nonperforming and impaired 
loans, charge-offs and other indicators of credit risk. We monitor and subject each borrower and loan facility in our loan 
portfolio to an individual risk assessment based on quantitative and qualitative factors. Internal risk ratings and payment 
status trends are indicators, among others, of the probability of borrower default and level of credit risk in our loan portfolio.

The overall credit quality of our loan portfolio remained high, as evidenced by our strong asset performance metrics, 
including low levels of criticized exposure. As displayed in Table 21 above, 92% and 93% of our total outstanding loans 
were secured as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We had no delinquent or nonperforming loans as of May 31, 2019 
and 2018. In addition, we had no loan defaults or charge-offs during the year ended May 31, 2019.

Borrower Risk Ratings

Our borrower risk ratings are intended to align with banking regulatory agency credit risk rating definitions of pass and 
criticized classifications, with loans classified as criticized further classified as special mention, substandard or doubtful. 
Pass ratings reflect relatively low probability of default, while criticized ratings have a higher probability of default. Loans 
with borrowers classified as criticized totaled $202 million, or 0.78%, of total loans outstanding as of May 31, 2019. Of this 
amount, $176 million was classified as substandard. In comparison, loans with borrowers classified as criticized totaled 
$178 million, or 0.71%, of total loans outstanding as of May 31, 2018. Of this amount, $171 million was classified as 

54

  
 
 
 
substandard. We did not have any loans classified as doubtful as of May 31, 2019 or 2018. See “Note 4—Loans” for a 
description of each of the risk rating classifications. 

Troubled Debt Restructurings

We actively monitor problem loans and, from time to time, attempt to work with borrowers to manage such exposures 
through loan workouts or modifications that better align with the borrower’s current ability to pay. A loan restructuring or 
modification of terms is accounted for as a TDR if, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial 
difficulties, a concession is granted to the borrower that we would not otherwise consider. TDR loans generally are initially 
placed on nonaccrual status, although in many cases such loans were already on nonaccrual status prior to modification. 
Interest accrued but not collected at the date a loan is placed on nonaccrual status is reversed against earnings. These loans 
may be returned to performing status and the accrual of interest resumed if the borrower performs under the modified terms 
for an extended period of time, and we expect the borrower to continue to perform in accordance with the modified terms. In 
certain limited circumstances in which a TDR loan is current at the modification date, the loan may remain on accrual status 
at the time of modification. 

Table 24 presents the carrying value of loans modified as TDRs and the performance status of these loans as of the end of 
each of the last five fiscal years. Our last modification of a loan that met the definition of a TDR occurred in fiscal year 
2017.  Although TDR loans may be returned to performing status if the borrower performs under the modified terms of the 
loan for an extended period of time, TDR loans are considered individually impaired. 

Table 24: Troubled Debt Restructured Loans

2019

2018

May 31,

2017

2016

2015

Carrying
Amount

% of
Total
Loans

Carrying
Amount

% of
Total
Loans

Carrying
Amount

% of
Total
Loans

Carrying
Amount

% of
Total
Loans

Carrying
Amount

% of
Total
Loans

(Dollars in
thousands)

TDR loans:

CFC ....................

$ 6,261

0.03% $ 6,507

0.03% $ 6,581

0.02% $ 6,716

0.03% $ 7,221

0.03%

NCSC .................

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

294

—

RTFC ..................
Total TDR loans .

5,592
$11,853

0.02
6,092
0.05% $12,599

0.02
6,592
0.05% $13,173

0.03
10,598
0.05% $17,314

0.04
4,221
0.07% $ 11,736

0.02
0.05%

Performance
status of TDR
loans:
Performing TDR
loans..................
Nonperforming
TDR loans.........
Total TDR loans .

$11,853

0.05% $12,599

0.05% $13,173

0.05% $13,808

0.06% $ 11,736

0.05%

—
$11,853

—

—
0.05% $12,599

—

—
0.05% $13,173

—

3,506
0.05% $17,314

0.01
—
0.07% $ 11,736

—
0.05%

As indicated in Table 24 above, we did not have any TDR loans classified as nonperforming as of May 31, 2019 or 2018.  

Nonperforming Loans

In addition to TDR loans that may be classified as nonperforming, we also may have nonperforming loans that have not 
been modified as a TDR loan. We classify such loans as nonperforming at the earlier of the date when we determine: (i) 
interest or principal payments on the loan is past due 90 days or more; (ii) as a result of court proceedings, the collection of 
interest or principal payments based on the original contractual terms is not expected; or (iii) the full and timely collection of 
interest or principal is otherwise uncertain. Once a loan is classified as nonperforming, we generally place the loan on 
nonaccrual status. Interest accrued but not collected at the date a loan is placed on nonaccrual status is reversed against 
earnings. We have not had any loans classified as nonperforming, other than TDR loans, since the fiscal year ended 
May 31, 2014.

55

Net Charge-Offs

Charge-offs represent the amount of a loan that has been removed from our consolidated balance sheet when the loan is 
deemed uncollectible. Generally the amount of a charge-off is the recorded investment in excess of the fair value of the 
expected cash flows from the loan, or, if the loan is collateral dependent, the fair value of the underlying collateral securing 
the loan. We report charge-offs net of amounts recovered on previously charged off loans. Table 25 presents charge-offs, net 
of recoveries, and the net charge-off rate for each of the last five fiscal years.

Table 25: Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries)

(Dollars in thousands)

Charge-offs:

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

Year Ended May 31,

RTFC.............................................

$

— $

— $

2,119

$

— $

999

Recoveries:

CFC...............................................
RTFC.............................................
Total recoveries ...............................
Net charge-offs (recoveries)............

$

—
—
—
— $

—
—
—
— $

(159)
(100)
(259)
1,860

$

(214)
—
(214)
(214)

$

(214)
—
(214)
785

Average total loans outstanding ......

$ 25,527,172

$ 24,911,559

$ 23,834,432

$ 22,490,847

$20,821,944

Net charge-off rate(1) .......................
____________________________

0.00%

0.00%

0.01%

0.00 %

0.00%

(1)

Calculated based on annualized net charge-offs (recoveries) for the period divided by average total outstanding loans for the period.

We had no loan defaults or charge-offs during fiscal years 2019 or 2018. The gross charge-offs of $3 million over the last 
five fiscal years were all attributable to our RTFC telecommunications loan portfolio. We now have experienced an extended 
period of six consecutive fiscal years for which we have had no charge-offs in our electric utility loan portfolio.  

Historical Loan Losses

In its 50-year history, CFC has experienced only 16 defaults, of which 10 resulted in no loss and six resulted in cumulative 
historical net charge-offs of $86 million for our electric utility loan portfolio. Of this amount, $67 million was attributable to 
electric utility power supply cooperatives and $19 million was attributable to electric distribution cooperatives. We discuss 
the reasons loans to electric utility cooperatives, our principal lending market, typically have a relatively low risk of default 
above under “Credit Concentration.”

In comparison, since RTFC’s inception in 1987, we have had 15 defaults and cumulative net charge-offs attributable to 
telecommunication borrowers totaling $427 million, the most significant of which was a charge-off of $354 million in fiscal 
year 2011. This charge-off related to outstanding loans to Innovative Communications Corporation (“ICC”), a former RTFC 
member, and the transfer of ICC’s assets in foreclosure to Caribbean Asset Holdings, LLC.

Outstanding loans to electric utility organizations totaled $25,561 million and accounted for 99% of our total outstanding 
loan portfolio as of May 31, 2019, while outstanding RTFC telecommunications loans totaled $345 million and accounted 
for 1%, of our total outstanding loan portfolio as of May 31, 2019. 

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio as of each 
balance sheet date. We determine the allowance based on borrower risk ratings, historical loss experience, specific problem 
loans, economic conditions and other pertinent factors that, in management’s judgment, may affect the risk of loss in our 
loan portfolio.

56

 
Table 26 summarizes changes in the allowance for loan losses for the past five fiscal years and a comparison of the 
allowance by company as of the end of each of those years.

Table 26: Allowance for Loan Losses

(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning balance ..................................
Provision (benefit) for loan losses ......
Net (charge-offs) recoveries................
Ending balance........................................

Allowance for loan losses by company:
CFC .....................................................
NCSC ..................................................
RTFC ...................................................
Total ........................................................

$

$

$

$

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

Year Ended May 31,

$

18,801
(1,266)
—

17,535

$

37,376
(18,575)
—
18,801

13,120
2,007
2,408
17,535

$

$

12,300
2,082
4,419
18,801

$

$

$

$

33,258
5,978
(1,860)
37,376

29,499
2,910
4,967
37,376

$

$

$

$

33,690
(646)
214
33,258

24,559
3,134
5,565
33,258

$

$

$

$

56,429
(21,954)
(785)
33,690

23,716
5,441
4,533
33,690

Allowance coverage ratios:
Total loans outstanding(1) ........................
Percentage of total loans outstanding .....
Percentage of total performing TDR

loans outstanding.................................
Percentage of total nonperforming TDR
loans outstanding.................................

Percentage of loans on nonaccrual

status....................................................

___________________________

$25,905,664

$25,167,494

$24,356,330

$23,152,517

$21,459,220

0.07%

0.07%

0.15%

0.14%

0.16%

147.94

149.23

283.73

240.86

287.07

—

—

—

—

—

—

948.60

—

948.60

287.07

(1)

 Represents the unpaid principal amount of loans as of the end of each period presented and excludes unamortized deferred loan origination costs of $11 
million as of May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, and $10 million as of May 31, 2016 and 2015.

Our allowance for loan losses decreased by $1 million to $18 million as of May 31, 2019, from $19 million as of       
May 31, 2018. The allowance coverage ratio was 0.07% as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018. Loans designated as 
individually impaired totaled $12 million and $13 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and the specific 
allowance related to those loans totaled $1 million as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018. 

See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Allowance for Loan Losses” above and “Note 1—Summary of 
Significant Accounting Policies” for information on the methodology for determining our allowance for loan losses and the 
key assumptions. See “Note 4—Loans” of this Report for additional information on the credit quality of our loan portfolio. 

Counterparty Credit Risk

We are exposed to counterparty credit risk related to the performance of the parties with which we enter into financial 
transactions, primarily for derivative instruments, cash and time deposit accounts and our investment security holdings. To 
mitigate this risk, we only enter into these transactions with financial institutions with investment-grade ratings. Our cash 
and time deposits with financial institutions generally have an original maturity of less than one year. 

We manage our derivative counterparty credit risk by monitoring the overall credit worthiness of each counterparty based on 
our internal counterparty credit risk scoring model; using counterparty-specific credit risk limits; executing master netting 
arrangements; and diversifying our derivative transactions among multiple counterparties. We also require that our 
derivative counterparties be a participant in one of our committed bank revolving line of credit agreements. Our active 
derivative counterparties had credit ratings ranging from Aa2 to Baa2 by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) and from 
AA- to BBB+ by S&P Global Inc. (“S&P”) as of May 31, 2019. Our largest counterparty exposure, based on the outstanding 
57

 
notional amount, represented approximately 23% and 24% of the total outstanding notional amount of derivatives as of 
May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features

Our derivative contracts typically contain mutual early-termination provisions, generally in the form of a credit rating 
trigger. Under the mutual credit rating trigger provisions, either counterparty may, but is not obligated to, terminate and 
settle the agreement if the credit rating of the other counterparty falls below a level specified in the agreement. If a 
derivative contract is terminated, the amount to be received or paid by us would be equal to the prevailing fair value, as 
defined in the agreement, as of the termination date.  

Our senior unsecured credit ratings from Moody’s and S&P were A2 and A, respectively, as of May 31, 2019. Both Moody’s 
and S&P had our ratings on stable outlook as of May 31, 2019. Table 27 displays the notional amounts of our derivative 
contracts with rating triggers as of May 31, 2019, and the payments that would be required if the contracts were terminated 
as of that date because of a downgrade of our unsecured credit ratings or the counterparty’s unsecured credit ratings below 
A3/A-, below Baa1/BBB+, to or below Baa2/BBB, below Baa3/BBB- or to or below Ba2/BB+ by Moody’s or S&P, 
respectively. In calculating the payment amounts that would be required upon termination of the derivative contracts, we 
assumed that the amounts for each counterparty would be netted in accordance with the provisions of the counterparty’s 
master netting agreements. The net payment amounts are based on the fair value of the underlying derivative instrument, 
excluding the credit risk valuation adjustment, plus any unpaid accrued interest amounts.

Table 27: Rating Triggers for Derivatives

(Dollars in thousands)
Impact of rating downgrade trigger:

Notional
Amount

Payable Due
From CFC

Receivable
Due to CFC

Net (Payable)/
Receivable

Falls below A3/A-(1)..................................
Falls below Baa1/BBB+ ...........................
Falls to or below Baa2/BBB (2) .................
Falls below Baa3/BBB- ............................
Total ...........................................................

$

$

50,460
7,024,759

562,062

221,865
7,859,146

$

$

(9,379) $

(224,501)
(7,132)
(12,292)
(253,304) $

— $
5

—

—
5

$

(9,379)
(224,496)
(7,132)
(12,292)
(253,299)

___________________________

(1)

(2)

 Rating trigger for CFC falls below A3/A-, while rating trigger for counterparty falls below Baa1/BBB+ by Moody’s or S&P, respectively.  

 Rating trigger for CFC falls to or below Baa2/BBB, while rating trigger for counterparty falls to or below Ba2/BB+ by Moody’s or S&P, respectively.  

We have outstanding notional amount of derivatives with one counterparty subject to a ratings trigger and early termination 
provision in the event of a downgrade of CFC’s senior unsecured credit ratings below Baa3, BBB- or BBB- by Moody’s, 
S&P or Fitch Ratings Inc. (“Fitch”), respectively, which is not included in the above table, totaling $165 million as of 
May 31, 2019. These contracts were in an unrealized loss position of $20 million as of May 31, 2019. 

The aggregate fair value amount, including the credit valuation adjustment, of all interest rate swaps with rating triggers that 
were in a net liability position was $266 million as of May 31, 2019. There were no counterparties that fell below the rating 
trigger levels in our interest swap contracts as of May 31, 2019. If a counterparty has a credit rating that falls below the 
rating trigger level specified in the interest swap contract, we have the option to terminate all derivatives with the 
counterparty. However, we generally do not terminate such agreements prematurely because our interest rate swaps are 
critical to our matched funding strategy to mitigate interest rate risk. 

See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for additional information about credit risk related to our business. 

58

 
 
 
 
 
LIQUIDITY RISK

We define liquidity as the ability to convert assets into cash quickly and efficiently, maintain access to readily available 
funding and rollover or issue new debt, under both normal operating conditions and periods of CFC-specific and/or market 
stress, to ensure that we can meet borrower loan requests, pay current and future obligations and fund our operations on a 
cost-effective basis. Our primary sources of liquidity include cash flows from operations, member loan repayments, 
committed bank revolving lines of credit, committed loan facilities under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program, revolving 
note purchase agreements with Farmer Mac and our ability to issue debt in the capital markets, to our members and in 
private placements. 

Liquidity Risk Management

Our liquidity risk-management framework is designed to meet our liquidity objectives of providing a reliable source of 
funding to members, meet maturing debt and other financial obligations, issue new debt and fund our operations on a cost-
effective basis under normal operating conditions as well as under CFC-specific and/or market stress conditions. We engage 
in various activities to manage liquidity risk and achieve our liquidity objectives. Our Asset Liability Committee establishes 
guidelines that are intended to ensure that we maintain sufficient, diversified sources of liquidity to cover potential funding 
requirements as well as unanticipated contingencies. Our Treasury group develops strategies to manage our targeted 
liquidity position, projects our funding needs under various scenarios, including adverse circumstances, and monitors our 
liquidity position on an ongoing basis.

Available Liquidity

As part of our strategy in managing liquidity risk and meeting our liquidity objectives, we seek to maintain a substantial 
level of on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet sources of liquidity that are readily available for access to meet our near-
term liquidity needs. Table 28 presents the sources of our available liquidity as of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

Table 28: Available Liquidity

May 31,

2019

2018

(Dollars in millions)

Total

Accessed

Available

Total

Accessed

Available

Cash and cash equivalents ......................................
Committed bank revolving line of credit 

agreements—unsecured(1) ...................................

Guaranteed Underwriter Program committed 

facilities—secured(2)............................................
Farmer Mac revolving note purchase agreement, 
dated March 24, 2011, as amended—secured(3)..

Farmer Mac revolving note purchase agreement,

dated July 31, 2015, as amended—secured ........
Total ........................................................................
____________________________

$

178

$

— $

178

$

231

$

— $

231

2,975

3

2,972

3,085

3

3,082

7,298

5,948

1,350

6,548

5,323

1,225

5,200

3,055

2,145

5,200

2,791

2,409

300

—

300

300

100

200

$ 15,951

$ 9,006

$

6,945

$ 15,364

$ 8,217

$

7,147

(1)

(2)

(3)

The committed bank revolving line of credit agreements consist of a three-year and a five-year line of credit agreement. The accessed amount of $3 
million as of both May 31, 2019 and May 31, 2018 relates to letters of credit issued pursuant to the five-year line of credit agreement. 

The committed facilities under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program are not revolving.

Availability subject to market conditions. 

We believe we have sufficient liquidity from the available on- and off-balance sheet liquidity sources presented above in 
Table 28 and our ability to issue debt to meet demand for member loan advances and satisfy our obligations to repay long-
term debt maturing over the next 12 months.

59

Borrowing Capacity Under Current Facilities

Following is a discussion of our borrowing capacity and key terms and conditions under our revolving line of credit 
agreements with banks and committed loan facilities under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program and revolving note 
purchase agreements with Farmer Mac.

Committed Bank Revolving Line of Credit Agreements—Unsecured

Our committed bank revolving lines of credit may be used for general corporate purposes; however, we generally rely on 
them as a backup source of liquidity for our member and dealer commercial paper. We had $2,975 million of commitments 
under committed bank revolving line of credit agreements as of May 31, 2019. Under our current committed bank revolving 
line of credit agreements, we have the ability to request up to $300 million of letters of credit, which would result in a 
reduction in the remaining available amount under the facilities. 

On November 28, 2018, we amended the three-year and five-year committed bank revolving line of credit agreements to 
extend the maturity dates to November 28, 2021 and November 28, 2023, respectively, and to terminate certain third-party 
bank commitments totaling $53 million under the three-year agreement and $57 million under the five- year agreement. As a 
result, the total commitment amount from third-parties under the three-year facility and the five-year facility is $1,440 
million and $1,535 million, respectively, resulting in a combined total commitment amount under the two facilities of 
$2,975 million. 

Table 29 presents the total commitment, the net amount available for use and the outstanding letters of credit under our 
committed bank revolving line of credit agreements as of May 31, 2019. We did not have any outstanding borrowings under 
our bank revolving line of credit agreements as of May 31, 2019. 

Table 29: Committed Bank Revolving Line of Credit Agreements

(Dollars in millions)
3-year agreement .................

5-year agreement .................
Total .....................................
___________________________

Total
Commitment
1,440
$

1,535

$

2,975

$

May 31, 2019

Letters of
Credit
Outstanding

Net Available
for Advance

Maturity

$

— $

1,440 November 28, 2021

3

3

$

1,532 November 28, 2023
2,972

Annual 
Facility Fee (1)

7.5 bps

10 bps

(1)

Facility fee based on CFC’s senior unsecured credit ratings in accordance with the established pricing schedules at the inception of the related agreement.

Our committed bank revolving line of credit agreements do not contain a material adverse change clause or rating triggers 
that would limit the banks’ obligations to provide funding under the terms of the agreements; however, we must be in 
compliance with the covenants to draw on the facilities. We have been and expect to continue to be in compliance with the 
covenants under our committed bank revolving line of credit agreements. As such, we could draw on these facilities to repay 
dealer or member commercial paper that cannot be rolled over. See “Financial Ratios” and “Debt Covenants” below for 
additional information, including the specific financial ratio requirements under our committed bank revolving line of credit 
agreements.

Guaranteed Underwriter Program Committed Facilities—Secured

Under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program, we can borrow from the Federal Financing Bank and use the proceeds to make 
new loans and refinance existing indebtedness. As part of the program, we pay fees, based on outstanding borrowings, 
supporting the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. The borrowings under this program are 
guaranteed by RUS. 

On November 15, 2018, we closed on a $750 million committed loan facility (“Series N”) from the Federal Financing Bank 
under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program. Pursuant to this facility, we may borrow any time before July 15, 2023. Each 
advance is subject to quarterly amortization and a final maturity not longer than 20 years from the advance date. 

60

 
 
 
 
 
During fiscal year 2019, we borrowed $625 million under our committed loan facilities with the Federal Financing Bank. 
We had up to $1,350 million available for access under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program as of May 31, 2019. Of this 
amount, $600 million is available for advance through July 15, 2022 and $750 million is available for advance through July 
15, 2023.

We are required to pledge eligible distribution system loans or power supply system loans as collateral in an amount at least 
equal to the total outstanding borrowings under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program. See “Consolidated Balance Sheet 
Analysis—Debt—Collateral Pledged” and “Note 4—Loans” for additional information on pledged collateral.

Farmer Mac Revolving Note Purchase Agreements—Secured

As indicated in Table 28, we have two revolving note purchase agreements with Farmer Mac, which together allow us to 
borrow up to $5,500 million from Farmer Mac. Under our first revolving note purchase agreement with Farmer Mac dated 
March 24, 2011, as amended, we can borrow, subject to market conditions, up to $5,200 million at any time through January 
11, 2022, and such date shall automatically extend on each anniversary date of the closing for an additional year, unless 
prior to any such anniversary date, Farmer Mac provides us with a notice that the draw period will not be extended beyond 
the remaining term. This revolving note purchase agreement allows us to borrow, repay and re-borrow funds at any time 
through maturity, as market conditions permit, provided that the outstanding principal amount at any time does not exceed 
the total available under the agreement. Each borrowing under the note purchase agreement is evidenced by a pricing 
agreement setting forth the interest rate, maturity date and other related terms as we may negotiate with Farmer Mac at the 
time of each such borrowing. We may select a fixed rate or variable rate at the time of each advance with a maturity as 
determined in the applicable pricing agreement. We had outstanding secured notes payable totaling $3,055 million and 
$2,791 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, under the Farmer Mac revolving note purchase agreement of 
$5,200 million. We borrowed $575 million under this note purchase agreement with Farmer Mac during the year ended 
May 31, 2019. The available borrowing amount totaled $2,145 million as of May 31, 2019.

Under our second revolving note purchase agreement with Farmer Mac, dated July 31, 2015, as amended, we can borrow up 
to $300 million at any time through December 20, 2023 at a fixed spread over LIBOR. This agreement also allows us to 
borrow, repay and re-borrow funds at any time through maturity, provided that the outstanding principal amount at any time 
does not exceed the total available under the agreement. Prior to the maturity date, Farmer Mac may terminate the 
agreement upon 30 days written notice to us on periodic facility renewal dates, the first of which was January 31, 2019. 
Subsequent facility renewal dates are on each June 20 or December 20 thereafter until the maturity date. We may terminate 
the agreement upon 30 days written notice at any time. We did not have any outstanding notes payable under this revolving 
note purchase agreement with Farmer Mac as of May 31, 2019. Under the terms of the first revolving note purchase 
agreement with Farmer Mac described above, the $5,200 million commitment will increase to $5,500 million in the event 
the second revolving note purchase agreement is terminated. 

Pursuant to both Farmer Mac revolving note purchase agreements, we are required to pledge eligible distribution system or 
power supply system loans as collateral in an amount at least equal to the total principal amount of notes outstanding. See 
“Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis—Debt—Collateral Pledged” and “Note 4—Loans” for additional information on 
pledged collateral.

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term and Subordinated Debt

Additional funding is provided by short-term borrowings and issuances of long-term and subordinated debt. We rely on 
short-term borrowings as a source to meet our daily, near-term funding needs. Long-term and subordinated debt represents 
the most significant component of our funding. The issuance of long-term debt allows us to reduce our reliance on short-
term borrowings and effectively manage our refinancing and interest rate risk.

Short-Term Borrowings

Our short-term borrowings consist of commercial paper, which we offer to members and dealers, select notes and daily 
liquidity fund notes offered to members, and bank-bid notes and medium-term notes offered to members and dealers.

61

Table 30 displays the composition, by funding source, of our short-term borrowings as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. Member 
borrowings accounted for 74% of total short-term borrowings as of May 31, 2019, compared with 69% of total short-term 
borrowings as of May 31, 2018.

Table 30: Short-Term Borrowings—Funding Sources

(Dollars in thousands)

Funding source:
Members ....................................................................................
Private placement—Farmer Mac notes payable........................
Capital markets..........................................................................
Total ...........................................................................................

May 31,

2019

2018

 Outstanding
Amount

% of Total
Short-Term
Borrowings

 Outstanding
Amount

% of Total
Short-Term
Borrowings

$ 2,663,110

—

944,616

74% $ 2,631,644
—

100,000

26

1,064,266

$ 3,607,726

100% $ 3,795,910

69 %

3

28

100 %

Table 31 displays additional information on our short-term borrowings, including the maximum month-end and average 
outstanding amounts, the weighted average interest rate and the weighted average maturity, for each respective category of 
our short-term borrowings for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017. 

Table 31: Short-Term Borrowings

(Dollars in thousands)
Short-term borrowings:
Commercial paper:

May 31, 2019

Amount
Outstanding

Weighted- 
Average
Interest Rate

Weighted-
Average
Maturity

Maximum
Month-End
Outstanding
Amount

Average
Outstanding
Amount

Commercial paper to dealers, net of

discounts....................................................
Commercial paper to members, at par..........
Total commercial paper....................................
Select notes to members ...................................
Daily liquidity fund notes to members.............
Medium-term notes sold to members...............
Farmer Mac revolving facility..........................
Total short-term borrowings.............................

$

944,616
1,111,795
2,056,411
1,023,952
298,817

228,546

—
$ 3,607,726

2.46%
2.52
2.49
2.70
2.25

2.87

—
2.56

7 days
34 days
22 days
48 days
1 day

143 days

—
35 days

$ 2,277,820
1,380,324
3,209,498
1,049,349
572,898

246,676

100,000

$ 1,322,039
1,091,745
2,413,784
907,490
407,964

237,331

3,288
$ 3,969,857

62

 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Short-term borrowings:
Commercial paper:

May 31, 2018

Amount
Outstanding

Weighted- 
Average
Interest Rate

Weighted-
Average
Maturity

Maximum
Month-End
Outstanding
Amount

Average
Outstanding
Amount

Commercial paper to dealers, net of

discounts....................................................
Commercial paper to members, at par..........
Total commercial paper....................................
Select notes to members ...................................
Daily liquidity fund notes to members.............
Medium-term notes sold to members...............
Farmer Mac revolving facility..........................
Total short-term borrowings.............................

$ 1,064,266
1,202,105
2,266,371
780,472
400,635

248,432

100,000
$ 3,795,910

1.87%
1.89
1.88
2.04
1.50

1.90

2.23
1.88

14 days
34 days
25 days
44 days
1 day

150 days

61 days
35 days

May 31, 2017

$ 2,548,147
1,268,515
3,447,274
780,472
866,065

248,432

100,000

$

942,931
1,005,624
1,948,555
727,313
618,705

217,122

548
$ 3,512,243

(Dollars in thousands)
Short-term borrowings:
Commercial paper:

Amount
Outstanding

Weighted- 
Average
Interest Rate

Weighted-
Average
Maturity

Maximum
Month-End
Outstanding
Amount

Average
Outstanding
Amount

Commercial paper to dealers, net of

discounts....................................................
Commercial paper to members, at par..........
Total commercial paper....................................
Select notes to members ...................................
Daily liquidity fund notes to members.............
Medium-term notes sold to members...............
Total short-term borrowings.............................

$

999,691
928,158
1,927,849
696,889
527,990

190,172
$ 3,342,900

0.93%
0.95
0.94
1.12
0.80

1.50
0.99

13 days
24 days
18 days
43 days
1 day

144 days
28 days

$ 2,048,954
1,080,737
3,006,148
840,990
687,807

203,246

$

988,538
928,082
1,916,620
726,276
542,188

194,045
$ 3,379,129

Our short-term borrowings totaled $3,608 million and accounted for 14% of total debt outstanding as of May 31, 2019, 
compared with $3,796 million, or 15%, of total debt outstanding as of May 31, 2018. The weighted-average maturity and 
weighted-average cost of our short-term borrowings was 35 days and 2.56%, respectively, as of May 31, 2019, compared 
with 35 days and 1.88%, respectively, as of May 31, 2018. Of the total outstanding commercial paper, $945 million, or 4% 
of total debt outstanding, was issued to dealers as of May 31, 2019, compared with the $1,064 million, or 4% of total debt 
outstanding, that was issued to dealers as of May 31, 2018. Our intent is to manage our short-term wholesale funding risk by 
maintaining outstanding dealer commercial paper at an amount below $1,250 million for the foreseeable future. Member 
borrowings accounted for 74% of our total short-term borrowings as of May 31, 2019, compared with 69% of total short-
term borrowings as of May 31, 2018. 

Long-Term and Subordinated Debt

Long-term and subordinated debt represents the most significant component of our funding. The issuance of long-term debt 
allows us to reduce our reliance on short-term borrowings and effectively manage our refinancing and interest rate risk, due 
in part to the multi-year contractual maturity structure of long-term debt. In addition to access to private debt facilities, we 
also issue debt in the public capital markets. Pursuant to Rule 405 of the Securities Act, we are classified as a “well-known 
seasoned issuer.” Pursuant to our effective shelf registration statements filed with the SEC, we may offer and issue the 
following debt securities:

•  an unlimited amount of collateral trust bonds until September 2019;
•  an unlimited amount of senior and subordinated debt securities, including medium-term notes, member capital securities 

and subordinated deferrable debt, until November 2020; and

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  daily liquidity fund notes up to $20,000 million in the aggregate—with a $3,000 million limit on the aggregate principal 

amount outstanding at any time—until March 2022.

We intend to file a new registration statement registering an unlimited amount of collateral trust bonds prior to the expiration 
of the existing shelf registration statement in September 2019. Although we register member capital securities and the daily 
liquidity fund notes with the SEC, these securities are not available for sale to the general public. Medium-term notes are 
available for sale to both the general public and members. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we have contractual limitations 
with respect to the amount of senior indebtedness we may incur. 

As discussed in “Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis—Debt,” long-term and subordinated debt totaled $21,554 million 
and accounted for 86% of total debt outstanding as of May 31, 2019, compared with $20,837 million, or 85%, of total debt 
outstanding as of May 31, 2018. The increase in total debt outstanding, including long-term and subordinated debt, was 
primarily due to the issuance of debt to fund loan portfolio growth. Table 32 summarizes long-term and subordinated debt 
issuances and repayments during fiscal year 2019. 

Table 32:  Issuances and Repayments of Long-Term and Subordinated Debt(1)

(Dollars in thousands)
Long-term and subordinated debt activity:(2)
Collateral trust bonds ...................................................
Guaranteed Underwriter Program notes payable .........
Farmer Mac notes payable ...........................................
Medium-term notes sold to members...........................
Medium-term notes sold to dealers ..............................
Other notes payable ......................................................

Subordinated debt.........................................................

Members’ subordinated certificates..............................

$

Total..............................................................................
___________________________

$

Year Ended May 31, 2019

Issuances

Repayments (1)

Change

1,575,000
625,000
575,000
194,355
329,907
—

250,000

1,986
3,551,248

$

$

$

1,830,000
70,867
311,583
192,664
394,004
7,522

—

24,861
2,831,501

$

(255,000)
554,133
263,417
1,691
(64,097)
(7,522)
250,000
(22,875)
719,747

(1)

(2)

Amounts exclude unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts

Repayments include principal maturities, scheduled amortization payments, repurchases and redemptions.

We provide additional information on our financing activities above under “Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis—Debt” 
and on the weighted-average interest rates on our long-term debt and subordinated certificates in “Note 7—Long-Term 
Debt,” “Note 8—Subordinated Deferrable Debt” and “Note 9—Members’ Subordinated Certificates.”

Investment Portfolio

In addition to our primary sources of liquidity discussed above, we have an investment portfolio, composed of equity 
securities and held-to-maturity debt securities. We intend for our investment portfolio, which totaled $653 million and $710 
million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, to remain adequately liquid to serve as a contingent supplemental source 
of liquidity for unanticipated liquidity needs.

On June 12, 2019, Farmer Mac redeemed its Series B non-cumulative preferred stock at a redemption price of $25.00 per 
share, plus any declared and unpaid dividends through and including the redemption date. The amortized cost of our 
investment in the Farmer Mac Series B non-cumulative preferred stock was $25 million as of May 31, 2019, which equals 
the per share redemption price.

Pursuant to our investment policy and guidelines, all fixed-income debt securities, at the time of purchase, must be rated at 
least investment grade and on stable outlook based on external credit ratings from at least two of the leading global credit 
rating agencies, when available, or the corresponding equivalent, when not available. Securities rated investment grade, that 
is those rated Baa3 or higher by Moody’s or BBB- or higher by S&P or BBB- or higher by Fitch, are generally considered 

64

 
 
by the rating agencies to be of lower credit risk than non-investment grade securities. We have the positive intent and ability 
to hold these securities to maturity. As such, we have classified them as held to maturity on our consolidated balance sheet.
Our investment portfolio is unencumbered and structured so that securities have active secondary or resale markets under 
normal market conditions. The objective of the portfolio is to achieve returns commensurate with the level of risk assumed 
subject to CFC’s investment policy and guidelines and liquidity requirements.

We provide additional information on our investment securities in “Note 3—Investment Securities.”   

Projected Near-Term Sources and Uses of Liquidity

As discussed above, our primary sources of liquidity include cash flows from operations, member loan repayments, 
committed bank revolving lines of credit, committed loan facilities, short-term borrowings and funds from the issuance of 
long-term and subordinated debt. Our primary uses of liquidity include loan advances to members, principal and interest 
payments on borrowings, periodic settlement payments related to derivative contracts, and operating expenses. 

Table 33 below displays our projected sources and uses of cash from debt and investment activity, by quarter, over the next 
six quarters through the quarter ended November 30, 2020. Our projected liquidity position reflects our current plan to 
expand our investment portfolio. Our assumptions also include the following: (i) the estimated issuance of long-term debt, 
including collateral trust bonds and private placement of term debt, is based on maintaining a matched funding position 
within our loan portfolio with our bank revolving lines of credit serving as a backup liquidity facility for commercial paper 
and on maintaining outstanding dealer commercial paper at an amount below $1,250 million; (ii) long-term loan scheduled 
amortization payments represent the scheduled long-term loan payments for loans outstanding as of May 31, 2019, and our 
current estimate of long-term loan prepayments, which the amount and timing of are subject to change; (iii) other loan 
repayments and other loan advances primarily relate to line of credit repayments and advances; (iv) long-term debt 
maturities reflect scheduled maturities of outstanding term debt for the periods presented; and (v) long-term loan advances 
reflect our current estimate of member demand for loans, the amount and timing of which are subject to change. 

Table 33: Projected Sources and Uses of Liquidity from Debt and Investment Activity(1)

Projected Sources of Liquidity

Projected Uses of Liquidity

(Dollars in
millions)

Long-
Term
Debt
Issuance

Anticipated 
Long-Term
 Loan 
Repayments(2)

Other Loan 
Repayments(3)

Total
Projected
Sources of
Liquidity

Long-Term 
Debt 
Maturities(4)

2Q FY 2020....

3Q FY 2020....

4Q FY 2020....

1Q FY 2020....

$ 230
690
890
90
490
740
2Q FY 2021....
$ 3,130
Total ...........
____________________________

1Q FY 2021....

$

$

384
299
307
311
312
309
1,922

$

$

194
99
76
9
—
—
378

$

$

808
1,088
1,273
410
802
1,049
5,430

$

$

301
773
650
161
499
491
2,875

Long-
Term
 Loan
Advances

$

548
393
468
210
316
302
$ 2,237

Other 
Loan 
Advances(5)

Total
Projected
Uses of
Liquidity

Other 
Sources/ 
(Uses) of 
Liquidity(6)

$

$

140
5
—
—
—
—
145

$

989
1,171
1,118
371
815
793
$ 5,257

$

$

108
29
(183)
(129)
5
(275)
(445)

(1)

The dates presented represent the end of each quarterly period through the quarter ended November 30, 2020.

Anticipated long-term loan repayments include scheduled long-term loan amortizations, anticipated cash repayments at repricing date and sales.

(2) 
(3) Other loan repayments include anticipated short-term loan repayments.
(4) Long-term debt maturities also include medium-term notes with an original maturity of one year or less and expected early redemptions of debt.
(5) 

Other loan advances include anticipated short-term loan advances.

(6) 

Includes net increase or decrease to dealer commercial paper, and purchases and maturity of investments.

As displayed in Table 33, we currently project long-term advances of $1,619 million over the next 12 months, which we 
anticipate will exceed anticipated loan repayments over the same period of $1,301 million by approximately $318 million. 
The estimates presented above are developed at a particular point in time based on our expected future business growth and 
funding. Our actual results and future estimates may vary, perhaps significantly, from the current projections, as a result of 
changes in market conditions, management actions or other factors.  

65

 
Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations affect our short- and long-term liquidity needs. Table 34 displays aggregated information about 
the listed categories of our contractual obligations as of May 31, 2019. The table provides information on the contractual 
maturity profile of our debt securities based on undiscounted future cash payment amounts due pursuant to these 
obligations, aggregated by type of contractual obligation. The table excludes certain obligations where the obligation is 
short-term, such as trade payables, or where the amount is not fixed and determinable, such as derivatives subject to 
valuation based on market factors. The timing of actual future payments may differ from those presented due to a number of 
factors, such as discretionary debt redemptions or changes in interest rates that may impact our expected future cash interest 
payments. 

Table 34: Contractual Obligations(1) 

(Dollars in millions)
Short-term borrowings..............................
Long-term debt .........................................
Subordinated deferrable debt....................
Members’ subordinated certificates(2) .......
Total long-term and subordinated debt...
Contractual interest on long-term debt(3) ..
Total specified contractual obligations...

____________________________

2020
$ 3,608

2021

$

— $

2022

2023
— $ — $

2024

Thereafter

Total

— $

— $ 3,608

1,638

1,827

1,925

1,171

1,076

11,574

19,211

—

9

1,647

703

—

42

1,869

657

—

15

1,940

606

—

24

1,195

558

—

16

1,092

530

986

1,251

13,811

6,415

986

1,357

21,554

9,469

$ 5,958

$ 2,526

$ 2,546

$ 1,753

$ 1,622

$ 20,226

$ 34,631

(1)

(2)

Callable debt is included in this table at its contractual maturity.

Excludes $0.05 million in subscribed and unissued member subordinated certificates for which a payment has been received, but no certificate has been 
issued. Amortizing member loan subordinated certificates totaling $254 million are amortizing annually based on the unpaid principal balance of the 
related loan. Amortization payments on these certificates totaled $17 million in fiscal year 2019 and represented 7% of amortizing loan subordinated 
certificates outstanding.

(3) 

Represents the amounts of future interest payments on long-term and subordinated debt outstanding as of May 31, 2019, based on the contractual terms 
of the securities. These amounts were determined based on certain assumptions, including that variable-rate debt continues to accrue interest at the 
contractual rates in effect as of May 31, 2019 until maturity and redeemable debt continues to accrue interest until its contractual maturity. 

Credit Ratings

Our funding and liquidity, borrowing capacity, ability to access capital markets and other sources of funds and the cost of 
these funds are partially dependent on our credit ratings. Rating agencies base their ratings on numerous factors, including 
liquidity, capital adequacy, industry position, member support, management, asset quality, quality of earnings and the 
probability of systemic support. Significant changes in these factors could result in different ratings. Table 35 displays our 
credit ratings as of May 31, 2019. Moody's, S&P and Fitch affirmed our ratings and outlook during the third quarter of fiscal 
year 2019. Our credit ratings as of May 31, 2019 are unchanged from May 31, 2018, and as of the date of the filing of this 
Report. 

Table 35: Credit Ratings

Long-term issuer credit rating(1) ........
Senior secured debt(2).........................
Senior unsecured debt(3).....................
Subordinated debt..............................
Commercial paper .............................
Outlook ..............................................
___________________________

(1)

Based on our senior unsecured debt rating.

Moody’s
A2

A1

A2

A3

P-1

Stable

Fitch
A

  A+

A

BBB+

F1

Stable

May 31, 2019

S&P
A

A

A

BBB+

A-1

Stable

66

(2)

(3)

Applies to our collateral trust bonds.

Applies to our medium-term notes.

In order to access the commercial paper markets at attractive rates, we believe we need to maintain our current commercial 
paper credit ratings of P-1 by Moody’s, A-1 by S&P and F1 by Fitch. In addition, the notes payable to the Federal Financing 
Bank and guaranteed by RUS under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program contain a provision that if during any portion of 
the fiscal year, our senior secured credit ratings do not have at least two of the following ratings: (i) A3 or higher from 
Moody’s, (ii) A- or higher from S&P, (iii) A- or higher from Fitch, or (iv) an equivalent rating from a successor rating 
agency to any of the above rating agencies, we may not make cash patronage capital distributions in excess of 5% of total 
patronage capital. See “Credit Risk—Counterparty Credit Risk—Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features” above for 
information on credit rating provisions related to our derivative contracts. 

Financial Ratios

Our debt-to-equity ratio increased to 19.80-to-1 as of May 31, 2019, from 16.72-to-1 as of May 31, 2018, primarily due to 
increased borrowings to fund the loan growth in our loan portfolio and a decrease in equity resulting from our reported net 
loss of $151 million for fiscal year 2019 and the patronage capital retirement of $48 million in August 2018.

Our adjusted debt-to-equity ratio decreased to 5.73-to-1 as of May 31, 2019, from 6.18-to-1 as of May 31, 2018, primarily 
attributable to an increase in adjusted equity resulting from the issuance of $250 million of subordinated deferrable debt in 
the forth quarter of fiscal year 2019.

We provide a reconciliation of our adjusted debt-to-equity ratio to the most comparable GAAP measure and an explanation 
of the adjustments below in “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” 

Debt Covenants 

As part of our short-term and long-term borrowing arrangements, we are subject to various financial and operational 
covenants. If we fail to maintain specified financial ratios, such failure could constitute a default by CFC of certain debt 
covenants under our committed bank revolving line of credit agreements and senior debt indentures. We were in compliance 
with all covenants and conditions under our committed bank revolving line of credit agreements and senior debt indentures 
as of May 31, 2019. 

As discussed above in “Introduction” and “Item 6—Selected Financial Data,” the financial covenants set forth in our 
committed bank revolving line of credit agreements and senior debt indentures are based on adjusted financial measures, 
including adjusted TIER. We provide a reconciliation of adjusted TIER and other non-GAAP measures disclosed in this 
Report to the most comparable GAAP measures and an explanation of the adjustments below in “Non-GAAP Financial 
Measures.” 

Covenants—Committed Bank Revolving Line of Credit Agreements

Table 36 presents the required and actual financial ratios under our committed bank revolving line of credit agreements as of 
or for the years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018. We were required to meet the minimum adjusted TIER ratio of 1.05 in fiscal 
year 2019 in order to retire patronage capital to our members. 

Table 36: Financial Covenant Ratios Under Committed Bank Revolving Lines of Credit Agreements(1)

Financial covenant ratios:
Minimum average adjusted TIER over the six most recent fiscal 

quarters(1)........................................................................................
Minimum adjusted TIER for the most recent fiscal year ..................
Maximum ratio of adjusted senior debt to total equity......................

67

Actual

May 31,

Requirement

2019

2018

1.025

1.05

10.00

1.19

1.19

5.52

1.17

1.17

5.92

 
 
 
____________________________

(1)

Adjusted TIER is calculated based on adjusted net income (loss) plus adjusted interest expense for the period, divided by adjusted interest expense for 
the period. In addition to the adjustments made to the leverage ratio set forth under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures,” adjusted senior debt excludes 
guarantees to member systems that have certain investment-grade credit ratings from Moody’s and S&P. 

In addition to the financial covenants, our committed bank revolving line of credit agreements generally prohibit liens on 
loans to members except for liens pursuant to the following:

related to taxes that are being contested or are not delinquent;

•  under terms of our indentures;
• 
•  stemming from certain legal proceedings that are being contested in good faith;
•  created by CFC to secure guarantees by CFC of indebtedness, the interest on which is excludable from the gross income 

of the recipient for federal income tax purposes;

•  granted by any subsidiary to CFC; and
• 

to secure other indebtedness of CFC of up to $10,000 million plus an amount equal to the incremental increase in CFC’s 
allocated Guaranteed Underwriter Program obligations, provided that the aggregate amount of such indebtedness may 
not exceed $12,500 million. The amount of our secured indebtedness under this provision for all of our committed bank 
revolving line of credit agreements was $8,475 million as of May 31, 2019.

Covenants—Debt Indentures

Table 37 presents the required and actual financial ratios as defined under our 1994 collateral trust bonds indenture and our 
medium-term notes indentures in the U.S. markets as of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

Table 37: Financial Ratios Under Debt Indentures

Maximum ratio of adjusted senior debt to total equity (1)..................
____________________________

Actual

May 31,

Requirement
20.00

2019
6.62

2018

6.53

(1)

 The ratio calculation includes the adjustments made to the leverage ratio under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures,” with the exception of the adjustments 
to exclude the noncash impact of derivative financial instruments and adjustments from total liabilities and total equity.

In addition to the above financial covenant requirement, we are required to pledge collateral pursuant to the provisions of 
certain of our borrowing agreements. We provide information on collateral pledged or on deposit above under “Consolidated 
Balance Sheet Analysis—Debt—Collateral Pledged.”

MARKET RISK

Interest rate risk represents our primary source of market risk. Interest rate risk is the risk to current or anticipated earnings 
or equity arising primarily from movements in interest rates. This risk results from differences between the timing of cash 
flows on our assets and the liabilities funding those assets. The timing of cash flows of our assets is impacted by re-pricing 
characteristics, prepayments and contractual maturities. We discuss the risks related to the uncertainty as to the nature of 
potential changes or other reforms associated with the transition away from and expected replacement of LIBOR as a 
benchmark interest rate in “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”   

Interest Rate Risk Management

Our interest rate risk exposure is primarily related to the funding of the fixed-rate loan portfolio. Our Asset Liability 
Committee provides oversight for maintaining our interest rate position within a prescribed policy range using approved 
strategies. The Asset Liability Committee reviews a complete interest rate risk analysis, reviews proposed modifications, if 
any, to our interest rate risk management strategy and considers adopting strategy changes. Our Asset Liability Committee 
monitors interest rate risk and meets quarterly to review and discuss information such as national economic forecasts, 
federal funds and interest rate forecasts, interest rate gap analysis, our liquidity position, loan and debt maturities, short-term 

68

 
 
 
and long-term funding needs, anticipated loan demands, credit concentration risk, derivative counterparty exposure and 
financial forecasts. The Asset Liability Committee also discusses the composition of fixed-rate versus variable-rate loans, 
new funding opportunities, changes to the nature and mix of assets and liabilities for structural mismatches, and interest rate 
swap transactions. 

Matched Funding Objective

Our funding objective is to manage the matched funding of asset and liability repricing terms within a range of adjusted total 
assets (calculated by excluding derivative assets from total assets) deemed appropriate by the Asset Liability Committee 
based on the current environment and extended outlook for interest rates. We refer to the difference between fixed-rate loans 
scheduled for amortization or repricing and the fixed-rate liabilities and equity funding those loans as our interest rate gap. 
Our primary strategies for managing our interest rate risk include the use of derivatives and limiting the amount of fixed-rate 
assets that can be funded by variable-rate debt to a specified percentage of adjusted total assets based on market conditions.
We provide our members with many options on loans with regard to interest rates, the term for which the selected interest 
rate is in effect and the ability to convert or prepay the loan. Long-term loans generally have maturities of up to 35 years. 
Borrowers may select fixed interest rates for periods of one year through the life of the loan. We do not match fund the 
majority of our fixed-rate loans with a specific debt issuance at the time the loans are advanced. We fund the amount of 
fixed-rate assets that exceed fixed-rate debt and members’ equity with short-term debt, primarily commercial paper.

Interest Rate Gap Analysis

As part of our asset-liability management, we perform a monthly interest rate gap analysis that provides a comparison 
between the timing of cash flows, by year, for fixed-rate assets scheduled for amortization and repricing and for fixed-rate 
liabilities and members’ equity maturing. This gap analysis is a useful tool in measuring, monitoring and mitigating the 
interest rate risk inherent in the funding of fixed-rate assets with variable-rate debt and also helpful in assessing liquidity 
risk.

Table 38 displays the scheduled amortization and repricing of fixed-rate assets and outstanding fixed-rate liabilities and 
equity as of May 31, 2019. We exclude variable-rate loans from our interest rate gap analysis as we do not consider the 
interest rate risk on these loans to be significant because they are subject to repricing at least monthly. Loans with variable 
interest rates accounted for 11% and 10% of our total loan portfolio as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Fixed-rate 
liabilities include debt issued at a fixed rate, as well as variable-rate debt swapped to a fixed rate using interest rate swaps. 
Fixed-rate debt swapped to a variable rate using interest rate swaps is excluded from the analysis because it is used to match 
fund our variable-rate loans. With the exception of members’ subordinated certificates, which are generally issued with 
extended maturities, and commercial paper, our liabilities have average maturities that closely match the repricing terms (but 
not the maturities) of our fixed-rate loans.

Table 38: Interest Rate Gap Analysis

(Dollars in millions)
Asset amortization and repricing .................

Liabilities and members’ equity:

Long-term debt (1)(2) ...................................
Subordinated deferrable debt and 

subordinated certificates(2)(3) ..................
Members’ equity (4) ....................................
Total liabilities and members’ equity ...........
Gap (5) ..........................................................

Prior to
5/31/20

Two Years
6/1/20 to
5/31/22

Two Years
6/1/22 to
5/31/24

Five Years
6/1/24 to
5/31/29

10 Years
6/1/29 to
5/31/39

6/1/39 and
Thereafter

Total

$ 1,767

$ 3,243

$ 2,770

$ 5,627

$7,051

$ 3,059

$ 23,517

$ 1,825

$ 3,584

$ 2,448

$ 6,184

$4,911

$ 1,994

$ 20,946

14

—

39

22

408

23

604

102

$ 1,839

$ 3,645

$ 2,879

$ 6,890

$

(72)

$ (402)

$ (109)

$(1,263)

153

283

$5,347

$1,704

773

948

1,991

1,378

$ 3,715

$ 24,315

$ (656)

$

(798)

Cumulative gap ............................................

(72)

(474)

(583)

(1,846)

(142)

(798)

Cumulative gap as a % of total assets ..........

(0.27)% (1.75)% (2.15)% (6.81)% (0.52)% (2.94)%  

Cumulative gap as a % of adjusted total 
assets(6) .........................................................

(0.27)

(1.75)

(2.15)

(6.82)

(0.52)

(2.95)

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
____________________________

Includes long-term fixed-rate debt and the net impact of our interest rate swaps.

(1)
(2) The maturity presented for debt is based on the call date. 
(3)

Represents the amount of subordinated deferrable debt and subordinated certificates allocated to fund fixed-rate assets.

(4)

(5)

(6)

Represents the portion of members’ equity and loan loss allowance allocated to fund fixed-rate assets. See Table 45: Members’ Equity below under 
“Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of total CFC equity to members’ equity.

Calculated based on the amount of assets scheduled for amortization and repricing less total liabilities and members’ equity funding those assets.

Adjusted total assets represents total assets reported in our consolidated balance sheets less derivative assets.

When the amount of the cash flows related to fixed-rate assets scheduled for amortization and repricing exceeds the amount 
of cash flows related to the fixed-rate debt and equity funding those assets, we refer to the difference, or gap, as 
“warehousing.” When the amount of the cash flows related to fixed-rate assets scheduled for amortization and repricing is 
less than the amount of the cash flows related to the fixed-rate debt and equity funding those assets, we refer to the gap as 
“prefunding.” The amount of the gap is an indication of our interest rate and liquidity risk exposure. Our goal is to maintain 
an unmatched position related to the cash flows for fixed-rate financial assets within a targeted range of adjusted total assets. 

Because the substantial majority of our financial assets are fixed-rate, amortizing loans and these loans are primarily funded 
with bullet debt and equity, our interest rate gap analysis typically reflects a warehouse position. When we are in a 
warehouse position, we utilize some short-term borrowings to fund the scheduled amortization and repricing of our financial 
assets. However, we limit the extent to which we fund our long-term, fixed-rate loans with short-term, variable-rate debt 
because it exposes us to higher interest rate and liquidity risk.

As indicated above in Table 38, we were in a prefunded position of $798 million as of May 31, 2019, rather than our typical 
warehouse position. The primary factors that resulted in this prefunded position included a reduced level of member 
investments and our expectation that the yield curve will remain inverted or flat in the near term, which provided an 
opportunity for us to issue longer-term debt at an attractive coupon rate. We do not expect to maintain a prefunded position  
as we expect to continue to fund long-term fixed rate loans in the future.

Financial Instruments

Table 39 provides information about our financial instruments, other than derivatives, that are sensitive to changes in interest 
rates. We provide additional information on our use of derivatives and exposure in “Note 1—Summary of Significant 
Accounting Policies—Derivative Instruments” and “Note 10—Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” All of our 
financial instruments as of May 31, 2019 were entered into or contracted for purposes other than trading. For debt 
obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related average interest rates by expected maturity dates as of 
May 31, 2019. 

70

Table 39: Financial Instruments 

(Dollars in millions)
Assets:
Equity securities ....................................
Investment securities, held to maturity ..
Average rate ..................................
Long-term fixed-rate loans (1) ...............
Average rate ..................................
Long-term variable-rate loans................
Average rate ..................................
Line of credit loans ................................
Average rate ..................................

Liabilities and equity:
Short-term borrowings (2)......................
Average rate ..................................
Long-term debt ......................................
Average rate ..................................
Subordinated deferrable debt .................
Average rate ..................................
Members’ subordinated certificates (3)...
Average rate ..................................

Outstanding
Balance

Fair
Value

$
$

88
565

$
$

88
571

Principal Amortization and Maturities

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Remaining
Years

$ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $
$
$

$ 126

$ 153

$ 103

65

93

$

88
25

2.98%

2.08% 2.87% 3.00% 3.01% 3.61%

3.10%

$ 23,094

$ 22,949

$ 1,182

$ 1,179

$ 1,180

$ 1,177

$ 1,136

$17,240

$

$

4.62%
1,067

4.01%
1,745

3.78%

$ 1,067

$

4.42% 4.46% 4.50% 4.52% 4.59%
51

72

50

43

48

$

$

$

$

4.67%
803

$

$ 1,745

—
$ 1,745

—

—
$ — $ — $ — $ — $ —

—

—

—

3.78%

—

—

—

—

—

$

3,608

$ 3,608

$ 3,608

$ — $ — $ — $ — $ —

2.56%

2.56%

$ 19,211

$ 20,147

$ 1,638

—
$ 1,827

—
$ 1,925

—
$ 1,171

—
$ 1,076

—
$11,574

3.20%
986

5.11%

$

$

$ 1,005

2.36% 2.73% 2.93% 2.75% 3.18%
$ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $

1,357

$ 1,357

$

—

9

—

42

$

—

15

$

—

24

$

—

16

$

$ 1,251

4.21%

2.61% 3.73% 2.91% 3.53% 2.32%

4.29%

3.49%
986

5.11%

____________________________
(1) The principal amount of fixed-rate loans is the total of scheduled principal amortizations without consideration for loans that reprice. Includes $12 

million in TDR loans that were on accrual status as of May 31, 2019. 

(2)

 Short-term borrowings consists of commercial paper, select notes, daily liquidity fund notes, bank bid notes and medium-term notes issued with an 
original maturity of one year or less.

(3) 

Excludes $0.05 million in subscribed and unissued member subordinated certificates for which a payment has been received, but no certificate has been 
issued. Amortizing member loan subordinated certificates totaling $254 million are amortizing annually based on the unpaid principal balance of the 
related loan. The amortization payments on these certificates totaled $17 million in fiscal year 2019, which represented 7% of amortizing loan 
subordinated certificates outstanding.

Loan Repricing 

Table 40 shows long-term fixed-rate loans outstanding as of May 31, 2019, which will be subject to interest rate repricing 
during the next five fiscal years and thereafter (due to principal repayments, amounts subject to interest rate repricing may 
be lower at the actual time of interest rate repricing). 

Table 40: Loan Repricing

(Dollars in thousands)

2020........................................................

$

2021........................................................

2022........................................................

2023........................................................
2024........................................................

Thereafter...............................................

1,284,828

Total .......................................................

$

3,077,978

Repricing
Amount

Weighted-Average
Interest Rate

486,294

422,839

393,571

271,478
218,968

4.48%

4.40

4.63

4.83
4.83

5.06

4.79

71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATIONAL RISK

Operational risk represents the risk of loss resulting from conducting our operations, including, but not limited to, the 
execution of unauthorized transactions by employees; errors relating to loan documentation, transaction processing and 
technology; the inability to perfect liens on collateral; breaches of internal control and information systems; and the risk of 
fraud by employees or persons outside the company. This risk of loss also includes potential legal actions that could arise as 
a result of operational deficiencies, noncompliance with covenants in our revolving credit agreements and indentures, 
employee misconduct or adverse business decisions. In the event of a breakdown in internal controls, improper access to or 
operation of systems or improper employee actions, we could incur financial loss. Operational/business risk may also 
include breaches of our technology and information systems resulting from unauthorized access to confidential information 
or from internal or external threats, such as cyberattacks.

Operational risk is inherent in all business activities. The management of such risk is important to the achievement of our 
objectives. We maintain business policies and procedures, employee training, an internal control framework, and a 
comprehensive business continuity and disaster recovery plan that are intended to provide a sound operational environment. 
Our business policies and controls have been designed to manage operational risk at appropriate levels given our financial 
strength, the business environment and markets in which we operate, the nature of our businesses, and considering factors 
such as competition and regulation. Corporate Compliance monitors compliance with established procedures and applicable 
law that are designed to ensure adherence to generally accepted conduct, ethics and business practices defined in our 
corporate policies. We provide employee compliance training programs, including information protection, suspicious 
activity reporting and operational risk. Internal Audit examines the design and operating effectiveness of our operational, 
compliance and financial reporting internal controls on an ongoing basis.

Our business continuity and disaster recovery plan establishes the basic principles and framework necessary to ensure 
emergency response, resumption, restoration and permanent recovery of CFC’s operations and business activities during a 
business interruption event. This plan includes a duplication of our operating systems at an offsite facility coupled with an 
extensive business continuity and recovery process to leverage those remote systems. Each of our departments is required to 
develop, exercise, test and maintain business resumption plans for the recovery of business functions and processing 
resources to minimize disruption for our members and other parties with whom we do business. We conduct disaster 
recovery exercises periodically that include both the information technology group and business areas. The business 
resumption plans are based on a risk assessment that considers potential losses due to unavailability of service versus the 
cost of resumption. These plans anticipate a variety of probable scenarios ranging from local to regional crises.

As cyber-related attacks could materially affect our operations, our board of directors places particular emphasis on the 
oversight of cybersecurity risks. Each quarter, or more frequently as requested by the board of directors, management 
provides reports on CFC’s security operations, including any cybersecurity incidents, management’s efforts to manage any 
incidents, and any other information requested from management. On at least an annual basis, the board of directors reviews 
management reports concerning the disclosure controls and procedures in place to enable CFC to make accurate and timely 
disclosures about any material cybersecurity events. Additionally, upon the occurrence of a material cybersecurity incident, 
the board of directors will be notified of the event so it may properly evaluate such incident, including management’s 
remediation plan.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

In addition to financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP, management evaluates performance based on 
certain non-GAAP measures, which we refer to as “adjusted” measures. Below we provide a discussion of each of these 
non-GAAP measures and provide a reconciliation of our adjusted measures to the most comparable GAAP measures in this 
section. We believe our non-GAAP adjusted metrics, which are not a substitute for GAAP and may not be consistent with 
similarly titled non-GAAP measures used by other companies, provide meaningful information and are useful to investors 
because management uses these metrics to compare operating results across financial reporting periods, for internal 
budgeting and forecasting purposes, for compensation decisions and for short- and long-term strategic planning decisions. In 
addition, certain of the financial covenants in our committed bank revolving line of credit agreements and debt indentures 
are based on our adjusted measures.

72

Statements of Operations Non-GAAP Adjustments 

Our primary performance measure is TIER. TIER is calculated by adding the interest expense to net income prior to the 
cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and dividing that total by the interest expense. TIER is a measure of our 
ability to cover interest expense requirements on our debt. We adjust the TIER calculation to add the derivative cash 
settlements expense to the interest expense and to remove the derivative forward value gains (losses) and foreign currency 
adjustments from total net income. Adding the cash settlements expense back to interest expense also has a corresponding 
effect on our adjusted net interest income. 

We use derivatives to manage interest rate risk on our funding of the loan portfolio. The derivative cash settlements expense 
represents the amount that we receive from or pay to our counterparties based on the interest rate indexes in our derivatives 
that do not qualify for hedge accounting. We adjust the reported interest expense to include the derivative cash settlements 
expense. We use the adjusted cost of funding to set interest rates on loans to our members and believe that the interest 
expense adjusted to include derivative cash settlements expense represents our total cost of funding for the period. TIER 
calculated by adding the derivative cash settlements expense to the interest expense reflects management’s perspective on 
our operations and, therefore, we believe that it represents a useful financial measure for investors.

The derivative forward value gains (losses) and foreign currency adjustments do not represent our cash inflows or outflows 
during the current period and, therefore, do not affect our current ability to cover our debt service obligations. The derivative 
forward value gains (losses) included in the derivative gains (losses) line of the statement of operations represents a present 
value estimate of the future cash inflows or outflows that will be recognized as net cash settlements expense for all periods 
through the maturity of our derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting. We have not issued foreign-denominated 
debt since 2007, and as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no foreign currency derivative instruments outstanding.

For operational management and decision-making purposes, we subtract derivative forward value gains (losses) and foreign 
currency adjustments from our net income when calculating TIER and for other net income presentation purposes. In 
addition, since the derivative forward value gains (losses) and foreign currency adjustments do not represent current period 
cash flows, we do not allocate such funds to our members and, therefore, exclude the derivative forward value gains (losses) 
and foreign currency adjustments from net income in calculating the amount of net income to be allocated to our members. 
TIER calculated by excluding the derivative forward value gains (losses) and foreign currency adjustments from net income 
reflects management’s perspective on our operations and, therefore, we believe that it represents a useful financial measure 
for investors. 

Total equity includes the noncash impact of derivative forward value gains (losses) and foreign currency adjustments  
recorded in net income. It also includes as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income the impact of changes 
in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges as well as the remaining transition adjustment recorded when 
we adopted the accounting guidance that required all derivatives be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. In evaluating 
our debt-to-equity ratio discussed further below, we make adjustments to equity similar to the adjustments made in 
calculating TIER. We exclude from total equity the cumulative impact of changes in derivative forward value gains (losses) 
and foreign currency adjustments and amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives 
designated for cash flow hedge accounting and the remaining derivative transition adjustment to derive non-GAAP adjusted 
equity. 

Table 41 provides a reconciliation of adjusted interest expense, adjusted net interest income and adjusted net income to the 
comparable GAAP measures. The adjusted amounts are used in the calculation of our adjusted net interest yield and 
adjusted TIER for each fiscal year in the five-year period ended May 31, 2019.

73

Table 41: Adjusted Financial Measures — Income Statement 

Year Ended May 31,

(Dollars in thousands)
Interest expense........................................................
Include: Derivative cash settlements expense..........
Adjusted interest expense ........................................

2019

2018

2017
$ (836,209) $ (792,735) $ (741,738) $ (681,850) $ (635,684)
(82,906)
$ (879,820) $ (867,016) $ (826,216) $ (770,608) $ (718,590)

(43,611)

(84,478)

(88,758)

(74,281)

2015

2016

Net interest income ..................................................
Include: Derivative cash settlements expense..........
Adjusted net interest income....................................

$ 299,461
(43,611)
$ 255,850

$

$

284,622
(74,281)
210,341

Net income (loss) .....................................................
Exclude: Derivative forward value gains (losses) ...
Adjusted net income ................................................

$ (151,210) $
(319,730)
$ 168,520

$

457,364

306,002

151,362

$

$

$

$

294,896
(84,478)
210,418

$ 330,786
(88,758)
$ 242,028

$

$

317,292
(82,906)
234,386

312,099

179,381

132,718

$

(51,516) $
(221,083)
$ 169,567

$

(18,927)
(114,093)
95,166

We consider the cost of derivatives to be an inherent cost of funding and hedging our loan portfolio and, therefore, 
economically similar to the interest expense that we recognize on debt issued for funding. We therefore include derivative 
cash settlements expense in our adjusted interest expense and exclude the unrealized forward value of derivatives from our 
adjusted net income.

TIER and Adjusted TIER

Table 42 presents our TIER and adjusted TIER for each fiscal year in the five-year period ended May 31, 2019.

Table 42: TIER and Adjusted TIER

TIER (1)...........................................................
Adjusted TIER (2) ...........................................
____________________________

Year Ended May 31,

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

0.82

1.19

1.58

1.17

1.42

1.16

0.92

1.22

0.97

1.13

(1)

(2)

 TIER is calculated based on our net income (loss) plus interest expense for the period divided by interest expense for the period.

 Adjusted TIER is calculated based on adjusted net income (loss) plus adjusted interest expense for the period divided by adjusted interest expense for the 
period.

Debt-to-Equity and Adjusted Debt-to-Equity

Management relies on the adjusted debt-to-equity ratio as a key measure in managing our business. We therefore believe 
that this adjusted measure, in combination with the comparable GAAP measure, is useful to investors in evaluating 
performance. We adjust the comparable GAAP measure to: 

•  exclude debt used to fund loans that are guaranteed by RUS from total liabilities;
•  exclude from total liabilities, and add to total equity, debt with equity characteristics issued to our members and in the capital 

markets; and

•  exclude the noncash impact of derivative financial instruments and foreign currency adjustments from total liabilities and 

total equity.

We are an eligible lender under a RUS loan guarantee program. Loans issued under this program carry the U.S. 
government’s guarantee of all interest and principal payments. We have little or no risk associated with the collection of 
principal and interest payments on these loans. Therefore, we believe there is little or no risk related to the repayment of the 

74

 
liabilities used to fund RUS-guaranteed loans and we subtract such liabilities from total liabilities to calculate our adjusted 
debt-to-equity ratio. 

Members may be required to purchase subordinated certificates as a condition of membership and as a condition to 
obtaining a loan or guarantee. The subordinated certificates are accounted for as debt under GAAP. The subordinated 
certificates have long-dated maturities and pay no interest or pay interest that is below market, and under certain conditions 
we are prohibited from making interest payments to members on the subordinated certificates. For computing our adjusted 
debt-to-equity ratio we subtract members’ subordinated certificates from total liabilities and add members’ subordinated 
certificates to total equity. 

We also sell subordinated deferrable debt in the capital markets with maturities of up to 30 years and the option to defer 
interest payments. The characteristics of subordination, deferrable interest and long-dated maturity are all equity 
characteristics. In calculating our adjusted debt-to-equity ratio, we subtract subordinated deferrable debt from total liabilities 
and add it to total equity. 

We record derivative instruments at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets. For computing our adjusted debt-to-equity 
ratio we exclude the noncash impact of our derivative accounting from liabilities and equity. Also, for computing our 
adjusted debt-to-equity ratio we exclude the impact of foreign currency valuation adjustments from liabilities and equity. 
The debt-to-equity ratio adjusted to exclude the effect of foreign currency translation reflect management’s perspective on 
our operations and, therefore, we believe is a useful financial measure for investors.

Table 43 provides a reconciliation between the liabilities and equity used to calculate the debt-to-equity ratio and the 
adjusted debt-to-equity ratio as of the end of each fiscal year in the five-year period ended May 31, 2019. As indicated in the 
following table, subordinated debt is treated in the same manner as equity in calculating our adjusted-debt-to-equity ratio.

Table 43: Adjusted Financial Measures — Balance Sheet 

(Dollars in thousands)
Total liabilities ......................................................
Exclude:

2019
$ 25,820,490

2018
$ 25,184,351

2017
$24,106,887

2016
$23,452,822

2015
$21,934,273

May 31,

Derivative liabilities .........................................
Debt used to fund loans guaranteed by RUS....
Subordinated deferrable debt ...........................
Subordinated certificates ..................................
Adjusted total liabilities ...................................

391,724
153,991
986,020
1,357,129
$ 22,931,626

275,932
160,865
742,410
1,379,982
$ 22,625,162

385,337
167,395
742,274
1,419,025
$ 21,392,856

594,820
173,514
742,212
1,443,810
$ 20,498,466

408,382
179,241
395,699
1,505,420
$ 19,445,531

Total equity ...........................................................
Exclude:

Prior-year cumulative derivative forward
value losses ......................................................

Current-year derivative forward value gains
(losses) .............................................................
Accumulated other comprehensive income (1)..

Include:

Subordinated certificates ..................................
Subordinated deferrable debt ...........................
Adjusted total equity .............................................
____________________________

$ 1,303,882

$ 1,505,853

$ 1,098,805

$

817,378

$

911,786

(34,974)

(340,976)

(520,357)

(299,274)

(185,181)

(319,730)

306,002

2,571

1,980

179,381

3,702

(221,083)
4,487

(114,093)
5,371

1,357,129
986,020
$ 3,999,164

1,379,982
742,410
$ 3,661,239

1,419,025
742,274
$ 3,597,378

1,443,810
742,212
$ 3,519,270

1,505,420
395,699
$ 3,106,808

(1) 

Represents AOCI related to derivatives. See “Note 11—Equity” for the components of AOCI.

Table 44 displays the calculations of our debt-to-equity and adjusted debt-to-equity ratios as of the end of each fiscal year 
during the five-year period ended May 31, 2019.

75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 44: Debt-to-Equity Ratio

Debt-to-equity ratio (1) .......................................
Adjusted debt-to-equity ratio (2).........................
____________________________

2019

2018

19.80

5.73

16.72

6.18

May 31,

2017

21.94

5.95

2016

2015

28.69

5.82

24.06

6.26

(1) 

Calculated based on total liabilities as of the end of the period divided by total equity as of the end of the period.

(2) 

Calculated based on adjusted total liabilities at period end divided by adjusted total equity as of the end of the period.

Members’ Equity

Total CFC equity includes the noncash impact of derivative forward value gains (losses) and foreign currency adjustments  
recorded in net income. It also includes amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. We provide the 
components of accumulated other comprehensive income in “Note 11—Equity.” Because these amounts generally have not 
been realized, they are not available to members and are excluded by CFC’s Board of Directors in determining the annual 
allocation of adjusted net income to patronage capital, members’ capital reserve and other member funds. 

Table 45 provides a reconciliation of members’ equity to total CFC equity as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. 

Table 45: Members’ Equity

(Dollars in thousands)
Total CFC equity ...............................................................................
Excludes:

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)........................
Current period-end cumulative derivative forward value losses ..
Subtotal..............................................................................................
Members’ equity ................................................................................

$

$

May 31,

2019
1,276,735

2018

$

1,474,333

(147)
(348,965)
(349,112)
1,625,847

$

8,544
(30,831)
(22,287)
1,496,620

76

 
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, see “Item 7. MD&A—Market Risk” and “Note 10—
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”

Item 8. 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ............................................................................

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017..........................

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 .....

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2019 and 2018............................................................................

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017..............

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 ........................

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ....................................................................................................

Note   1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ........................................................................

Note   2 — Variable Interest Entities ........................................................................................................

Note   3 — Investment Securities .............................................................................................................

Note   4 — Loans ......................................................................................................................................

Note   5 — Allowance for Loan Losses ....................................................................................................

Note   6 — Short-Term Borrowings..........................................................................................................

Note   7 — Long-Term Debt .....................................................................................................................

Note   8 — Subordinated Deferrable Debt................................................................................................

Note   9 — Members’ Subordinated Certificates ......................................................................................

Note 10 — Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities .....................................................................

Note 11 — Equity .....................................................................................................................................

Note 12 — Employee Benefits .................................................................................................................

Note 13 — Guarantees ..............................................................................................................................

Note 14 — Fair Value Measurement.........................................................................................................

Note 15 — Business Segments .................................................................................................................

Supplementary Data .........................................................................................................................................

Page
78

79

80

81

82

83

85

85

97

98

104

111

113

116

118

119

121

124

127

129

131

134

138

77

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Members
National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation 
and subsidiaries (the Company) as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, 
comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended May 31, 2019, 
and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial 
statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, and 
the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended May 31, 2019, in 
conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm 
registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be 
independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and 
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform 
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material 
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit 
of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal 
control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s 
internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial 
statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included 
examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our 
audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as 
evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable 
basis for our opinion.

 /s/   KPMG LLP 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.

McLean, Virginia
July 31, 2019 

78

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands)
Interest income ................................................................................
Interest expense ...............................................................................
Net interest income ........................................................................
Benefit (provision) for loan losses .............................................
Net interest income after benefit (provision) for loan losses ..........
Non-interest income (loss):

Fee and other income .................................................................
Derivative gains (losses) ............................................................
Results of operations of foreclosed assets..................................
Unrealized losses on equity securities .......................................
Total non-interest income (loss)....................................................
Non-interest expense:

Salaries and employee benefits ..................................................
Other general and administrative expenses................................
Gains (losses) on early extinguishment of debt .........................
Other non-interest expense.........................................................
Total non-interest expense ............................................................
Income (loss) before income taxes ..................................................
Income tax expense .........................................................................
Net income (loss) ............................................................................
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests .....
Net income (loss) attributable to CFC .........................................

$

$

Year Ended May 31,

$

2019
1,135,670
(836,209)
299,461

1,266

300,727

$

2018

1,077,357
(792,735)
284,622

18,575

303,197

2017

1,036,634
(741,738)
294,896
(5,978)
288,918

15,355
(363,341)
—
(1,799)
(349,785)

(49,824)
(43,342)
(7,100)
(1,675)
(101,941)
(150,999)
(211)
(151,210)
1,979
(149,231)

$

17,578

231,721

—

—

19,713

94,903
(1,749)
—

249,299

112,867

(51,422)
(39,462)
—
(1,943)
(92,827)
459,669
(2,305)
457,364
(2,178)
455,186

$

(47,769)
(38,457)
192
(1,948)
(87,982)
313,803
(1,704)
312,099
(2,193)
309,906

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss) ............................................................................
Other comprehensive income (loss):

Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities ............................
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges...........................
Reclassification of losses on foreclosed assets to net income ....
Reclassification of derivative gains to net income .....................
Defined benefit plan adjustments ...............................................
Other comprehensive income (loss) ................................................
Total comprehensive income (loss)...............................................
Less: Total comprehensive (income) loss attributable to

noncontrolling interests................................................................
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CFC............

Year Ended May 31,

2019
(151,210)

$

2018

2017

$

457,364

$

312,099

—

1,059

—
(468)
(488)
103
(151,107)

(3,222)
(1,059)
—
(663)
313
(4,631)
452,733

1,979
(149,128)

$

$

(2,178)
450,555

$

4,614

—

9,823
(785)
(1,535)
12,117

324,216

(2,193)
322,023

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

80

 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

$

$

$

(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents .......................................................................
Restricted cash.........................................................................................
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash......................................
Time deposits...........................................................................................
Investment securities: ..............................................................................
Equity securities ....................................................................................
Debt securities held to maturity, at amortized cost ...............................
Total investment securities ......................................................................
Loans to members....................................................................................
Less: Allowance for loan losses..........................................................
Loans to members, net.............................................................................
Accrued interest receivable .....................................................................
Other receivables .....................................................................................
Fixed assets, net.......................................................................................
Derivative assets......................................................................................
Other assets..............................................................................................
Total assets..............................................................................................

Liabilities:
Accrued interest payable .........................................................................
Debt outstanding:

Short-term borrowings........................................................................
Long-term debt ...................................................................................
Subordinated deferrable debt..............................................................
Members’ subordinated certificates:

Membership subordinated certificates ...........................................
Loan and guarantee subordinated certificates................................
Member capital securities ..............................................................
Total members’ subordinated certificates ...........................................
Total debt outstanding .............................................................................
Deferred income ......................................................................................
Derivative liabilities ................................................................................
Other liabilities ........................................................................................
Total liabilities........................................................................................

Equity:
CFC equity:

May 31,

2019

2018

$

177,922
8,282
186,204
—

230,999
7,825
238,824
100,000

$

$

87,533
565,444
652,977
25,916,904
(17,535)
25,899,369
133,605
36,712
120,627
41,179
53,699
27,124,372

158,997

3,607,726
19,210,793
986,020

630,474
505,485
221,170
1,357,129
25,161,668

57,989

391,724

50,112

89,332
520,519
609,851
25,178,608
(18,801)
25,159,807
127,442
39,220
116,031
244,526
54,503
26,690,204

149,284

3,795,910
18,714,960
742,410

630,448
528,386
221,148
1,379,982
24,633,262
65,922

275,932

59,951

25,820,490

25,184,351

Retained equity ...................................................................................
Accumulated other comprehensive income........................................
Total CFC equity .....................................................................................
Noncontrolling interests ..........................................................................
Total equity.............................................................................................
Total liabilities and equity.....................................................................

1,276,882
(147)
1,276,735
27,147
1,303,882

$

27,124,372

$

1,465,789
8,544
1,474,333
31,520
1,505,853
26,690,204

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

81

 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Membership
Fees and
Educational
Fund

2,772
1,000

—
—
(872)
2,900
1,000
—
—
(955)
2,945

—
2,945
1,000

(Dollars in thousands)
Balance as of May 31, 2016.
Net income ...........................

Other comprehensive

income ...............................
Patronage capital retirement
Other ....................................
Balance as of May 31, 2017.
Net income ...........................
Other comprehensive loss ....
Patronage capital retirement
Other ....................................
Balance as of May 31, 2018.
Cumulative effect from

adoption of new
accounting standard ...........
Balance as of June 1, 2018.....
Net income (loss) .................

Other comprehensive

income ...............................
Patronage capital retirement
Other ....................................
Balance as of May 31, 2019.

$

$

$

$

Unallocated
Net Income
(Loss)

CFC
Retained
Equity

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

$ (513,610) $ 790,234
309,906

175,379

$

Patronage
Capital
Allocated
$ 713,853
90,441

Members’
Capital
Reserve
$ 587,219
43,086

—
(42,593)
—
$ 761,701
95,012
—
(45,220)
—
$ 811,493

—
—
—
$ 630,305
57,480
—
—
—
$ 687,785

—

—
103

—
(42,490)
(872)
$ (338,128) $1,056,778
455,186
—
(45,220)
(955)
(36,434) $1,465,789

301,694
—
—
—

$

Total
CFC
Equity
$ 791,292
309,906

Non-
controlling
Interests
26,086
$
2,193

12,117
(42,490)
(872)
$1,069,953
455,186
(4,631)
(45,220)
(955)
$1,474,333

$

—
—
573

28,852
2,178
—
—
490

$

31,520

Total
Equity
$ 817,378
312,099

12,117
(42,490)
(299)
$1,098,805
457,364
(4,631)
(45,220)
(465)
$1,505,853

1,058

—

12,117
—
—
13,175
—
(4,631)
—
—
8,544

(8,794)
(250)

—
1,474,333
— (149,231)

—
31,520
(1,979)

—
1,505,853
(151,210)

103
—
—

103
(47,507)
(963)
(147) $1,276,735

$

—
(2,908)
514
27,147

103
(50,415)
(449)
$1,303,882

$

$

$

—
811,493
96,592

—
687,785
71,312

8,794
(27,640)
(318,135)

8,794
1,474,583
(149,231)

—
—
(963)
2,982

—
(47,507)
—
$ 860,578

—
—
—
$ 759,097

—
—
—

—
(47,507)
(963)
$ (345,775) $1,276,882

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

82

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION                           

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss).................................................................................................
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating

activities:
Amortization of deferred loan fees ............................................................
Amortization of debt issuance costs and deferred charges ........................
Amortization of discount on long-term debt..............................................
Amortization of issuance costs for bank revolving lines of credit.............
Depreciation and amortization...................................................................
Provision (benefit) for loan losses .............................................................
Results of operations of foreclosed assets .................................................
Loss on early extinguishment of debt ........................................................
Unrealized losses on equity securities .......................................................
Derivative forward value (gains) losses.....................................................

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accrued interest receivable ...................................................................
Accrued interest payable .......................................................................
Deferred income....................................................................................
Other.............................................................................................................
Net cash provided by operating activities ....................................................

Cash flows from investing activities:

Year Ended May 31,

2019

2018

2017

$ (151,210) $

457,364

$

312,099

(10,009)
10,439
10,605
5,324
9,305
(1,266)
—
7,100
1,799
319,730

(6,163)
9,713
2,077
(10,401)
197,043

(11,296)
10,456
10,164
5,346
7,931
(18,575)
—
—
—
(306,002)

(15,949)
11,808
3,246
741
155,234

(14,072)
9,484
9,501
5,531
7,173
5,978
1,749
—
—
(179,381)

1,778
4,480
9,393
5,855
179,568

Advances on loans, net ...................................................................................
Investment in fixed assets...............................................................................
Net cash proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets...........................................
Net proceeds from time deposits ....................................................................
Purchases of held-to-maturity investments.....................................................
Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity investments ............................
Net cash used in investing activities...............................................................

(738,171)
(14,725)
—
100,000
(80,123)
35,340
(697,679)

(811,164)
(15,194)
—
125,000
(510,598)
1,394
(1,210,562)

(1,145,673)
(17,793)
51,042
114,000
—
—
(998,424)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings, net...........................
Proceeds from short-term borrowings with original maturity greater than
90 days ............................................................................................................
Repayments of short term-debt with original maturity greater than 90 days .
Payments for issuance costs for revolving bank lines of credit......................
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount and issuance
Payments for retirement of long-term debt.....................................................
Payments made for early extinguishment of debt...........................................
Payments for issuance costs for subordinated deferrable debt .......................
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt.................................................
Proceeds from issuance of members’ subordinated certificates .....................
Payments for retirement of members’ subordinated certificates ....................
Payments for retirement of patronage capital.................................................
Repayments for membership fees, net............................................................
Net cash provided by financing activities.......................................................
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash..........
Beginning cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash ....................................
Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.........................................

(452,618)

126,211

409,871

1,652,005
(1,387,571)
(2,382)
3,281,595
(2,806,639)
(7,100)
(6,535)
250,000
1,986
(24,861)
(49,860)
(4)
448,016
(52,620)
238,824
186,204

$

1,331,910
(1,005,111)
(2,441)
2,349,885
(1,611,002)
—
—
—
6,136
(45,180)
(44,667)
(10)
1,105,731
50,403
188,421
238,824

$

1,003,185
(1,009,004)
(2,548)
2,923,868
(2,460,730)
—
(68)
—
3,626
(28,220)
(41,871)
—
798,109
(20,747)
209,168
188,421

$

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION                           

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Year Ended May 31,

2019

2018

2017

Cash paid for interest ......................................................................................
Cash paid for income taxes.............................................................................

Noncash financing and investing activities:

Loan provided in connection with the sale of foreclosed assets.....................

$

$

801,966
112

$

766,059
321

$

712,742
407

— $

— $

60,000

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

84

 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (“CFC”) is a member-owned cooperative association incorporated 
under the laws of the District of Columbia in April 1969. CFC’s principal purpose is to provide its members with financing 
to supplement the loan programs of the Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) of the United States Department of Agriculture 
(“USDA”). CFC makes loans to its rural electric members so they can acquire, construct and operate electric distribution 
systems, generation and transmission (“power supply”) systems and related facilities. CFC also provides its members with 
credit enhancements in the form of letters of credit and guarantees of debt obligations. As a cooperative, CFC is owned by 
and exclusively serves its membership, which consists of not-for-profit entities or subsidiaries or affiliates of not-for-profit 
entities. CFC is exempt from federal income taxes.

National Cooperative Services Corporation (“NCSC”) is a taxable cooperative incorporated in 1981 in the District of 
Columbia as a member-owned cooperative association. NCSC’s principal purpose is to provide financing to members of 
CFC, entities eligible to be members of CFC and the for-profit and nonprofit entities that are owned, operated or controlled 
by or provide significant benefit to certain members of CFC. NCSC’s membership consists of distribution systems, power 
supply systems and statewide and regional associations that are members of CFC. CFC is the primary source of funding for 
NCSC and manages NCSC’s business operations under a management agreement that is automatically renewable on an 
annual basis unless terminated by either party. NCSC pays CFC a fee and, in exchange, CFC reimburses NCSC for loan 
losses under a guarantee agreement. As a taxable cooperative, NCSC pays income tax based on its reported taxable income 
and deductions. NCSC is headquartered with CFC in Dulles, Virginia. 

Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (“RTFC”) is a taxable Subchapter T cooperative association originally incorporated in 
South Dakota in 1987 and reincorporated as a member-owned cooperative association in the District of Columbia in 2005. 
RTFC’s principal purpose is to provide financing for its rural telecommunications members and their affiliates. RTFC’s 
membership consists of a combination of not-for-profit and for-profit entities. CFC is the sole lender to and manages the 
business operations of RTFC through a management agreement that is automatically renewable on an annual basis unless 
terminated by either party. RTFC pays CFC a fee and, in exchange, CFC reimburses RTFC for loan losses under a guarantee 
agreement. As permitted under Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code, RTFC pays income tax based on its net income, 
excluding patronage-sourced earnings allocated to its patrons. RTFC is headquartered with CFC in Dulles, Virginia.

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally 
accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires 
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and related disclosures during the period. 
Management's most significant estimates and assumptions involve determining the allowance for loan losses and the fair 
value of financial assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Certain reclassifications have been 
made to prior periods to conform to the current presentation.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CFC, variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where 
CFC is the primary beneficiary and subsidiary entities created and controlled by CFC to hold foreclosed assets. CFC did not 
have any entities that held foreclosed assets as of May 31, 2019 or May 31, 2018. All intercompany balances and 
transactions have been eliminated. NCSC and RTFC are VIEs that are required to be consolidated by CFC. Unless stated 
otherwise, references to “we, “our” or “us” relate to CFC and its consolidated entities. 

85

     
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Variable Interest Entities 

A VIE is an entity that has a total equity investment at risk that is not sufficient to finance its activities without additional 
subordinated financial support provided by another party, or where the group of equity holders does not have: (i) the ability 
to make decisions about the entity’s activities that most significantly impact its economic performance; (ii) the obligation to 
absorb the entity’s expected losses; or (iii) the right to receive the entity’s expected residual returns.

NCSC and RTFC meet the definition of variable interest entities because they do not have sufficient equity investment at 
risk to finance their activities without additional financial support. When evaluating an entity for possible consolidation, we 
must determine whether or not we have a variable interest in the entity. If it is determined that we do not have a variable 
interest in the entity, no further analysis is required and we do not consolidate the entity. If we have a variable interest in the 
entity, we must evaluate whether we are the primary beneficiary based on an assessment of quantitative and qualitative 
factors. We are considered the primary beneficiary holder if we have a controlling financial interest in the VIE that provides 
(i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the 
obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the 
VIE. We consolidate the results of NCSC and RTFC with CFC because CFC is the primary beneficiary holder. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash, certificates of deposit, due from banks and other investments with original maturities of less than 90 days are 
classified as cash and cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash, which consists primarily of member funds held in escrow for certain specifically designed cooperative 
programs, totaled $8 million as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018. 

Time Deposits 

Time deposits are deposits that we make with financial institutions in interest-bearing accounts. These deposits have a 
maturity of less than one year as of the reporting date and are valued at carrying value, which approximates fair value. 

Investment Securities 

We currently hold investments in equity and debt securities. We record purchases and sales of securities on a trade-date 
basis. The accounting and measurement framework for investment securities differs depending on the security type and the 
classification.

Our equity securities consist of investments in Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (“Farmer Mac”) Series A 
common stock and Farmer Mac Series A, Series B and Series C non-cumulative preferred stock. We previously had 
investments in equity securities that were classified as available for sale as of May 31, 2018. The unrealized gains and losses 
on these securities were recorded in other comprehensive income. Effective with our June 1, 2018 adoption of the financial 
instrument accounting standard on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities, unrealized 
gains and losses on equity securities are required to be recorded in earnings. Equity securities are carried at fair value on our 
consolidated balance sheets with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a component of other non-interest income. 

Our investment securities classified as HTM consist of investments in certificates of deposit with maturities greater than 90 
days, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and other asset-backed 
securities (“ABS”). We currently classify and account for our investments in debt securities as held to maturity (“HTM”) 
because we have the positive intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. If we acquire debt securities that we may 
sell prior to maturity in response to changes in our investment strategy, liquidity needs, credit risk mitigating considerations, 

86

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

market risk profile or for other reasons, we would classify such securities as available for sale. We report debt securities 
classified as HTM on our consolidated balance sheets at amortized cost. Interest income, including amortization of 
premiums and accretion of discounts, is generally recognized over the contractual life of the securities based on the effective 
yield method.

We regularly evaluate our investment securities whose fair value has declined below the amortized cost to assess whether 
the decline in fair value is other than temporary. We recognize any other-than-temporary impairment amounts in earnings. 

Loans to Members

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are considered 
as held for investment. Loans held for investment are carried at the outstanding unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized 
loan origination costs. We classify and account for loans to members as held for investment.  Deferred loan origination costs 
are amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, into interest income over the 
life of the loan.

Nonperforming Loans

A loan is considered past due if a full payment of interest and principal is not received within 30 days of its due date. Loans 
are classified as nonperforming when the collection of interest and principal has become 90 days past due;  court 
proceedings indicate that collection of interest and principal in accordance with the contractual terms is unlikely; or the full 
and timely collection of interest or principal becomes otherwise due. 

Once a loan is classified as nonperforming, we typically place the loan on nonaccrual status and reverse any accrued and 
unpaid interest recorded during the period in which the loan is classified as nonperforming. We generally apply all cash 
received during the nonaccrual period to the reduction of principal, thereby foregoing interest income recognition. The 
decision to return a loan to accrual status is determined on a case-by-case basis.

We fully charge off or write down loans to the estimated net realizable value in the period that it becomes evident that 
collectability of the full contractual amount is highly unlikely; however, our efforts to recover all charged-off amounts may 
continue. The determination to write off all or a portion of a loan balance is made based on various factors on a case-by-case 
basis including, but not limited to, cash flow analysis and the fair value of collateral securing the borrower’s loans.

Impaired Loans

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, we determine that it is probable that we will 
be unable to collect all interest and principal amounts due as scheduled in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan 
agreement, other than an insignificant delay in payment or insignificant shortfall in payment amount. Factors considered in 
determining impairment may include, but are not limited to:

the review of the borrower’s audited financial statements and interim financial statements if available,
• 
• 
the borrower’s payment history,
•  communication with the borrower,
•  economic conditions in the borrower’s service territory,
•  pending legal action involving the borrower,
• 
•  estimates of the value of the borrower’s assets that have been pledged as collateral to secure our loans.

restructure agreements between us and the borrower, and

We recognize interest income on impaired loans on a case-by-case basis. An impaired loan to a borrower that is 
nonperforming will typically be placed on nonaccrual status and we will reverse all accrued and unpaid interest. We 
generally apply all cash received during the nonaccrual period to the reduction of principal, thereby foregoing interest 

87

 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

income recognition. Interest income may be recognized on an accrual basis for restructured impaired loans where the 
borrower is performing and is expected to continue to perform based on agreed-upon terms. 

We may modify the terms of a loan to maximize the collection of amounts due when a borrower is experiencing financial 
difficulties. Concessionary modifications are classified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) unless the modification 
results in only an insignificant delay in payments to be received. All of our restructured loans are considered TDRs. 

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable credit losses inherent in our loan portfolio, 
which consists of CFC, NCSC and RTFC loan portfolio segments. Our allowance for loan losses for our portfolio segments 
consists of a collective allowance for loans that are not individually impaired and a specific allowance for loans identified as 
individually impaired. We increase or decrease the allowance for loan losses by recording a provision or benefit for loan 
losses in the statement of operations. We record charge-offs against the allowance for loan losses when management 
determines that any portion of a loan is uncollectible. We add subsequent recoveries, if any, to the allowance for loan losses. 

Collective Allowance

The collective allowance is established, by loan portfolio segment, using an internal model to estimate probable incurred 
losses as of each balance sheet date. We further stratify our loan portfolio segments and group loans into pools based on 
member borrower type—distribution, power supply, telecommunications, and statewide and associates—as we consider our 
members with the same operations to share similar risk characteristics. We delineate each of our loan pools by borrower risk 
rating and apply loss factors to the outstanding principal balance at the end of each reporting period to determine the 
collective allowance for loan losses. The loss factors consist of a probability of default, or default rate, and the loss given 
default, or loss severity or recovery, for each loan pool. We derive the total collective loss estimate by applying the default 
rate, based on a five-year loss emergence period, and recovery rate, based on our historical experience, to each loan pool. 
Following is additional information on the key inputs and assumptions used in determining our collective allowance for loan 
losses. 

• 

Internal Risk Ratings:  As part of our credit risk-management process, we regularly evaluate each borrower and loan 
facility in our loan portfolio and assign an internal risk rating. Our borrower risk rating is intended to reflect probability 
of default. We engage an independent third party to perform an annual review of a sample of borrowers and loan 
facilities to corroborate our internally assigned risk ratings. The risk ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative 
factors, including the general financial condition of the borrower; our judgment of the quality of the borrower’s 
management; our judgment of the borrower’s competitive position within its service territory and industry; our estimate 
of the potential impact of proposed regulation and litigation; and other factors specific to individual borrowers or classes 
of borrowers.

•  Loss Emergence Period:  The loss emergence period represents the average time between when a loss-triggering event, 
such as a successful new investment or expansion of services, a severe weather event or deterioration in operations,   
occurs and the problem loan is charged-off, restructured or otherwise resolved. Our loss emergence period of five years 
is based on CFC’s historical average loss emergence period. 

•  Default Rates:  Because we have a limited history of defaults to develop reasonable and supportable estimated 

probability of default rates for our existing loan portfolio, we utilize third-party default data for the utility sector as a 
proxy to estimate probability of default rates for our loan portfolio segments. The third-party default data provides 
historical expected default rates, based on credit ratings and remaining maturities of outstanding bonds, for the utility 
sector. We align our internal borrower risk ratings to the credit ratings provided in the utility default rate table and apply 
the cumulative default rates for our estimated average loss emergence period of five years to each of our loan pools. 

•  Recovery Rates: We utilize our internal historical loss experience to estimate loss given default, or the recovery rate, for 
each of our loan portfolio segments, as we believe it provides a more reliable estimate than third-party loss severity data 
due to the organizational structure and operating environment of rural utility cooperatives, our lending practice of 

88

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

generally requiring a senior security position on the assets and revenues of borrowers for long-term loans, and the 
approach we take in working with borrowers that may be experiencing operational or financial issues. The historical 
recovery rates for each portfolio segment may be adjusted based on management’s consideration and assessment of 
current conditions and relevant factors, such as recent trends in credit performance, historical variability of recovery rates 
and additional analysis of long-term loss severity experience, changes in risk management practices, current and past 
underwriting standards, specific industry issues and trends and general economic conditions.

Specific Allowance

The specific allowance for individually impaired loans that are not collateral dependent is calculated based on the difference 
between the recorded investment in the loan and the present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s 
effective interest rate. If the loan is collateral dependent, we measure the impairment based on the current fair value of the 
collateral less estimated selling costs. Loans are considered to be collateral dependent if repayment of the loan is expected to 
be provided solely by the underlying collateral and there are no other available and reliable sources of repayment. 

Unadvanced Loan Commitments

Unadvanced commitments represent amounts for which we have approved and executed loan contracts, but the funds have 
not been advanced. The majority of the unadvanced commitments reported represent amounts that are subject to material 
adverse change clauses at the time of the loan advance. Prior to making an advance on these facilities, we would confirm 
that there has been no material adverse change in the business or condition, financial or otherwise, of the borrower since the 
time the loan was approved and confirm that the borrower is currently in compliance with loan terms and conditions. The 
remaining unadvanced commitments relate to line of credit loans that are not subject to a material adverse change clause at 
the time of each loan advance. As such, we would be required to advance amounts on these committed facilities as long as 
the borrower is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the loan commitment.

Unadvanced loan commitments related to line of credit loans are typically for periods not to exceed five years and are 
generally revolving facilities used for working capital and backup liquidity purposes. Historically, we have experienced a 
very low utilization rate on line of credit loan facilities, whether or not there is a material adverse change clause. Since we 
generally do not charge a fee on the unadvanced portion of the majority of our loan facilities, our borrowers will typically 
request long-term facilities to fund construction work plans and other capital expenditures for periods of up to five years and 
draw down on the facility over that time. In addition, borrowers will typically request an amount in excess of their 
immediate estimated loan requirements to avoid the expense related to seeking additional loan funding for unexpected 
items. These factors contribute to our expectation that the majority of the unadvanced loan commitments will expire without 
being fully drawn upon and that the total unadvanced amount does not necessarily represent future cash funding
requirements.

Reserve for Unadvanced Loan Commitments

We maintain a reserve for unadvanced loan commitments and committed lines of credit. This reserve is included as a 
component of other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, and changes in the reserve are included in other non-
interest expense on our consolidated statements of operations. Our estimate of the reserve for potential losses on these 
commitments takes into consideration various factors, including the existence of a material adverse change clause, the 
historical utilization of the committed lines of credit, the probability of funding, historical loss experience on unadvanced 
loan commitments and other inputs along with management judgment consistent with the methodology used to determine 
our allowance for loan losses. 

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. We recognize depreciation expense for each category of our 
depreciable fixed assets on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life, which ranges from three to 40 years. We 

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NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

recognized depreciation expense of $9 million, $8 million and $7 million in fiscal year 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 
The following table displays the components of our fixed assets. Our headquarters facility in Loudoun County, Virginia, 
which is owned by CFC, is included as a component of building and building equipment.  

(Dollars in thousands)
Building and building equipment ...................
Furniture and fixtures .....................................
Computer software and hardware...................
Other ...............................................................
Depreciable fixed assets .................................
Less: Accumulated depreciation...................
Net depreciable fixed assets............................
Land ................................................................
Software development in progress..................
Fixed assets, net ..............................................

Assets Held for Sale

May 31,

2019

2018

$

50,167

$

6,012

71,915

1,069

129,163
(53,695)
75,468
23,796

21,363

$

120,627

$

50,210

6,080

45,389

1,006

102,685
(47,705)
54,980
23,796

37,255

116,031

An asset is classified as held for sale when (i) management commits to a plan to sell the asset or business; (ii) the asset or 
business is available for sale in its present condition; (iii) the asset or business is actively marketed for sale at a reasonable 
price; (iv) the sale is expected to be completed within one year; and (v) it is unlikely significant changes to the plan will be 
made or that the plan will be withdrawn. Long-lived assets classified as held for sale are initially measured at the lower of 
their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value less cost to sell in 
the period the held for sale criteria are met, an impairment charge is recorded equal to the amount by which the carrying 
amount exceeds the fair value less cost to sell. Subsequent changes in the long-lived asset’s fair value less cost to sell is 
reported as an adjustment to the carrying amount to the extent that the adjusted carrying amount does not exceed the 
carrying amount of the long-lived asset at the time it was initially classified as held for sale.

On March 14, 2018, CFC entered into a purchase and sale agreement (“the agreement”), which was subsequently amended, 
for the sale of a parcel of land, consisting of approximately 28 acres, located in Loudoun County, Virginia. We designated 
the property, which has a carrying value of $14 million, as held for sale and reclassified it from fixed assets, net to other 
assets on our consolidated balance sheet. On July 22, 2019, we closed on the sale of the land and received net proceeds of 
$22 million, resulting in a gain of $8 million on the sale of this property. 

Foreclosed Assets

Foreclosed assets acquired through our lending activities in satisfaction of indebtedness may be held in operating entities 
created and controlled by CFC and presented separately in our consolidated balance sheets under foreclosed assets, net. 
These assets are initially recorded at estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition. Subsequent to acquisition, foreclosed 
assets not classified as held for sale are evaluated for impairment, and the results of operations and any impairment are 
reported on our consolidated statements of operations under results of operations of foreclosed assets. When foreclosed 
assets meet the accounting criteria to be classified as held for sale, they are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less 
estimated cost to sell at the date of transfer, with the amount at the date of transfer representing the new cost basis. 
Subsequent changes are recognized in our consolidated statements of operations under results of operations of foreclosed 
assets. We also review foreclosed assets classified as held for sale each reporting period to determine whether the existing 
carrying amounts are fully recoverable in comparison to estimated fair values. We did not carry any foreclosed assets on our 
consolidated balance sheet as of May 31, 2019 or May 31, 2018.

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NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Debt

We report debt at cost net of unamortized issuance costs and discounts or premiums. Issuance costs, discounts and premiums 
are deferred and amortized into interest expense using the effective interest method or a method approximating the effective 
interest method over the legal maturity of each bond issue. Short-term borrowings consist of borrowings with an original 
contractual maturity of one year or less and do not include the current portion of long-term debt. Borrowings with an 
original contractual maturity of greater than one year are classified as long-term debt. 

Derivative Instruments

We are an end user of derivative financial instruments and do not engage in derivative trading. We use derivatives, primarily 
interest rate swaps and treasury rate locks, to manage interest rate risk. Derivatives may be privately negotiated contracts, 
which are often referred to as over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives, or they may be listed and traded on an exchange. We 
generally engage in OTC derivative transactions.

In accordance with the accounting standards for derivatives and hedging activities, we record derivative instruments at fair 
value as either a derivative asset or derivative liability on our consolidated balance sheets. We report derivative asset and 
liability amounts on a gross basis based on individual contracts, which does not take into consideration the effects of master 
netting agreements or collateral netting. Derivatives in a gain position are reported as derivative assets on our consolidated 
balance sheets, while derivatives in a loss position are reported as derivative liabilities. Accrued interest related to 
derivatives is reported on our consolidated balance sheets as a component of either accrued interest receivable or accrued 
interest payable. 

If we do not elect hedge accounting treatment, changes in the fair value of derivative instruments, which consist of net 
accrued periodic derivative cash settlements expense and derivative forward value amounts, are recognized in our 
consolidated statements of operations under derivative gains (losses). If we elect hedge accounting treatment for derivatives, 
we formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of the hedge relationship. Changes in the fair value of 
derivatives designated as qualifying fair value hedges are recorded in earnings together with offsetting changes in the fair 
value of the hedged item and any related ineffectiveness. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as qualifying 
cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”), to the extent that the hedge 
relationships are effective, and reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to earnings using the 
effective interest method over the term of the forecasted transaction. Any ineffectiveness in the hedging relationship is 
recognized as a component of derivative gains (losses) in our consolidated statement of operations.

We generally do not designate interest rate swaps, which represent the substantial majority of our derivatives, for hedge 
accounting. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps are reported in our consolidated statements of 
operations under derivative gains (losses). Net periodic cash settlements expense related to interest rate swaps are classified 
as an operating activity in our consolidated statements of cash flows.

We typically designate treasury rate locks as cash flow hedges of forecasted debt issuances or repricings. Changes in the fair 
value of treasury locks designated as cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of OCI and reclassified from AOCI into 
interest expense when the forecasted transaction occurs using the effective interest method. Any ineffectiveness is 
recognized as a component of derivative gains (losses) in our consolidated statements of operations. 

Guarantee Liability

We maintain a guarantee liability that represents our contingent and noncontingent exposure related to guarantees and 
standby liquidity obligations associated with our members’ debt. The guarantee liability is included in the other liabilities 
line item on the consolidated balance sheet, and the provision for guarantee liability is reported in non-interest expense as a 
separate line item on the consolidated statement of operations.

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NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The contingent portion of the guarantee liability represents management’s estimate of our exposure to losses within the 
guarantee portfolio. The methodology used to estimate the contingent guarantee liability is consistent with the methodology 
used to determine the allowance for loan losses.

We have recorded a noncontingent guarantee liability for all new or modified guarantees since January 1, 2003. Our 
noncontingent guarantee liability represents our obligation to stand ready to perform over the term of our guarantees and 
liquidity obligations that we have entered into or modified since January 1, 2003. Our noncontingent obligation is estimated 
based on guarantee and liquidity fees charged for guarantees issued, which represents management’s estimate of the fair 
value of our obligation to stand ready to perform. The fees are deferred and amortized using the straight-line method into 
interest income over the term of the guarantee.

Fair Value Valuation Processes

We present certain financial instruments at fair value, including equity securities and derivatives. Fair value is defined as the 
price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants 
on the measurement date (also referred to as an exit price). We have various processes and controls in place to ensure that 
fair value is reasonably estimated. We consider observable prices in the principal market in our valuations where possible. 
Fair value estimates were developed at the reporting date and may not necessarily be indicative of amounts that could 
ultimately be realized in a market transaction at a future date. With the exception of redeeming debt under early redemption 
provisions, terminating derivative instruments under early-termination provisions and allowing borrowers to prepay their 
loans, we held and intend to hold all financial instruments to maturity excluding common stock and preferred stock 
investments that have no stated maturity. 

Fair Value Hierarchy

The fair value accounting guidance provides a three-level fair value hierarchy for classifying financial instruments. This 
hierarchy is based on the markets in which the assets or liabilities trade and whether the inputs to the valuation techniques 
used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable. Fair value measurement of a financial asset or liability is 
assigned a level based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The 
three levels of the fair value hierarchy are summarized below:

•  Level 1:  Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
•  Level 2:  Observable market-based inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
•  Level 3:  Unobservable inputs

The degree of management judgment involved in determining the fair value of a financial instrument is dependent upon the 
availability of quoted prices in active markets or observable market parameters. When quoted prices and observable data in 
active markets are not fully available, management’s judgment is necessary to estimate fair value. Changes in market 
conditions, such as reduced liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities, may reduce the 
availability and reliability of quoted prices or observable data used to determine fair value. 

Membership Fees

Members are charged a one-time membership fee based on member class. CFC distribution system members, power supply 
system members and national associations of cooperatives pay a $1,000 membership fee. CFC service organization 
members pay a $200 membership fee and CFC associates pay a $1,000 fee. RTFC voting members pay a $1,000 
membership fee and RTFC associates pay a $100 fee. NCSC members pay a $100 membership fee. Membership fees are 
accounted for as members’ equity.

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NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

In the normal course of business, we are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing 
needs of our member borrowers. These financial instruments include committed lines of credit, standby letters of credit and 
guarantees of members’ obligations.

Interest Income

Interest income on loans and investments is recognized using the effective interest method. The following table presents 
interest income, by interest-earning asset category, for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017.

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

2018

2017

Year Ended May 31,

Interest income by interest-earning asset type:

Long-term fixed-rate loans(1).....................................
Long-term variable-rate loans ...............................
Line of credit loans ...............................................
TDR loans(2) ..........................................................
Other income, net(3) ...............................................
Total loans .............................................................
Cash, time deposits and investment securities ......
Total interest income ...............................................
____________________________

$

1,012,277

$

1,000,492

$

980,173

41,219

57,847

846
(1,128)
1,111,061

24,609

27,152

38,195

889
(1,185)
1,065,543

11,814

19,902

25,389

905
(1,082)
1,025,287

11,347

$

1,135,670

$

1,077,357

$

1,036,634

(1)

(2)

 Includes loan conversion fees, which are generally deferred and recognized as interest income using the effective interest method. 

 Troubled debt restructured (“TDR”) loans.

(3) Consists of late payment fees, commitment fees and net amortization of deferred loan fees and loan origination costs. 

Deferred income of $58 million and $66 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, consists primarily of deferred 
loan conversion fees totaling $52 million and $60 million, respectively. Deferred loan conversion fees are recognized in 
interest income using the effective interest method.

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NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Interest Expense

The following table presents interest expense, by debt product type, for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017.

(Dollars in thousands)
Interest expense by debt product type:(1)(2)

Short-term borrowings ..........................................
Medium-term notes ...............................................
Collateral trust bonds ............................................
Guaranteed Underwriter Program notes payable ..
Farmer Mac notes payable ....................................
Other notes payable...............................................
Subordinated deferrable debt ................................
Subordinated certificates.......................................
Total interest expense ..............................................
____________________________

Year Ended May 31,

2019

2018

2017

$

92,854

$

50,616

$

133,797

273,413

147,895

90,942

1,237

38,628

57,443

111,814

336,079

140,551

56,004

1,509

37,661

58,501

26,684

99,022

340,854

142,661

33,488

1,780

37,657

59,592

$

836,209

$

792,735

$

741,738

(1)

(2)

 Includes amortization of debt discounts and debt issuance costs, which are generally deferred and recognized as interest expense using the effective 
interest method. Issuance costs related to dealer commercial paper, however, are recognized as interest expense immediately as incurred.

 Includes fees related to funding arrangements, such as up-front fees paid to banks participating in our committed bank revolving line of credit 
agreements. Depending on the nature of the fee, amounts may be deferred and recognized as interest expense ratably over the term of the arrangement or 
recognized immediately as incurred. 

Early Extinguishment of Debt

We redeem outstanding debt early from time to time to manage liquidity and interest rate risk. When we redeem outstanding 
debt early, we recognize a gain or loss related to the difference between the amount paid to redeem the debt and the net book 
value of the extinguished debt as a component of non-interest expense in the gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt line 
item.

Income Taxes

While CFC is exempt under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, it is subject to tax on unrelated business 
taxable income. NCSC is a taxable cooperative that pays income tax on the full amount of its reportable taxable income and 
allowable deductions. RTFC is a taxable cooperative under Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code and is not subject to 
income taxes on income from patronage sources that is allocated to its borrowers, as long as the allocation is properly 
noticed and at least 20% of the amount allocated is retired in cash prior to filing the applicable tax return. 

The income tax benefit (expense) recorded in the consolidated statement of operations represents the income tax benefit 
(expense) at the applicable combined federal and state income tax rates resulting in a statutory tax rate. The federal statutory 
tax rate for both NCSC and RTFC was 21% for fiscal year 2019. The federal statutory tax rate for NCSC and RTFC was 
29% and 12%, respectively, for fiscal year 2018 and the federal statutory tax rate for NCSC and RTFC was 34% and 20%, 
respectively, for fiscal year 2017. Substantially all of the income tax expense recorded in our consolidated statements of 
operations relates to NCSC. NCSC had a deferred tax asset of $2 million as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018, primarily 
arising from differences in the accounting and tax treatment for derivatives. We believe that it is more likely than not that the 
deferred tax assets will be realized through taxable earnings. 

94

 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Recent Accounting Changes and Other Developments

Accounting Standards Adopted in Fiscal Year 2019

Statement of Cash Flows—Restricted Cash

In November 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 
2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows—Restricted Cash, which addresses the presentation of restricted cash in the statement of 
cash flows. The guidance requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change in the beginning-of-period and end-of 
period total of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. Under previous guidance, we were required to explain the total 
change in cash and cash equivalents during the period. We adopted this guidance on June 1, 2018, on a retrospective basis. 
We made corresponding changes on our consolidated balance sheet to present a total for cash and cash equivalents and 
restricted cash.

Financial Instruments—Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial 
Assets and Financial Liabilities, which amends certain aspects of the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure 
of certain financial instruments, including equity investments and liabilities measured at fair value under the fair value 
option. Under this guidance, investments in equity securities must be measured at fair value through earnings, with certain 
exceptions, and entities can no longer classify investments in equity securities as available for sale or trading. We adopted 
this guidance on June 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis and recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment that increased 
retained earnings by $9 million as a result of the transition adjustment to reclassify unrealized gains related to our equity 
securities from AOCI to retained earnings. As a result of adopting this guidance, our investments in equity securities are no 
longer classified as available for sale and unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded in earnings. Previously, our 
equity securities were classified as available for sale and unrealized holding gains and losses were recorded in other 
comprehensive income.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which modifies the guidance used to 
recognize revenue from contracts with customers for transfers of goods or services and transfers of nonfinancial assets. This 
guidance applies to all contracts with customers to provide goods or services in the ordinary course of business, except for 
certain contracts specifically excluded from the scope, including financial instruments, guarantees, insurance contracts and 
leases. As a financial institution, substantially all of our revenue is in the form of interest income derived from financial 
instruments, primarily our investments in loans and securities. We adopted this guidance on June 1, 2018. Given the scope 
exception for financial instruments, the adoption of the guidance did not have an impact on our consolidated financial 
statements or cash flows. 

Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted

Fair Value Measurement—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for 
Fair Value Measurement, which eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements 
as part of its disclosure framework project. The guidance is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after 
December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period or fiscal 
year before the effective date. The guidance is effective for us beginning June 1, 2020. We do not expect that the adoption of 
this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or cash flows.

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NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Derivatives and Hedging—Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging—Targeted Improvements to Accounting for 
Hedging Activities, which expands the types of risk management strategies that qualify for hedge accounting treatment to 
more closely align the results of hedge accounting with the economics of certain risk management activities and simplifies 
certain hedge documentation and assessment requirement. It also eliminates the concept of separately recording hedge 
ineffectiveness and expands disclosure requirements. The guidance is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning 
after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period or 
fiscal year before the effective date. The guidance is effective for us beginning June 1, 2019. Hedge accounting is elective, 
and we currently apply hedge accounting on a limited basis, specifically when we enter into treasury rate lock agreements. 
The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements or cash flows. If we continue 
to elect not to apply hedge accounting to our interest rate swaps, the guidance will not have an impact on our consolidated 
financial statements or cash flows.

Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Cost

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs, which shortens the 
amortization period for the premium on certain callable debt securities to the earliest call date rather the maturity date. The 
guidance is applicable to any individual debt security, purchased at a premium, with an explicit and noncontingent call 
feature with a fixed price on a preset date. The guidance does not impact the accounting for purchased callable debt 
securities held at a discount; the discount will continue to amortize to the maturity date. The guidance is effective for public 
entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. This update is 
effective for us on June 1, 2019. Adoption of the guidance requires modified retrospection transition as of the beginning of 
the period of adoption through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The adoption of this guidance did not 
have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or cash flows.

Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on 
Financial Instruments, which replaces the existing incurred credit loss model and establishes a single credit loss framework 
based on a current expected credit loss model for financial assets carried at amortized cost, including loans and held-to 
maturity debt securities. The current expected loss model requires an entity to estimate credit losses expected over the life of 
the credit exposure upon initial recognition of that exposure when the financial asset is originated or acquired, which will 
generally result in earlier recognition of credit losses. The guidance also amends the other-than-temporary model for 
available-for-sale debt securities by requiring the use of an allowance, rather than directly reducing the carrying value of the 
security. The new guidance also requires expanded credit quality disclosures. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years 
and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. This guidance is effective for us on June 
1, 2020. While early adoption is permitted, we do not expect to elect that option. We are continuing to evaluate the impact of 
the guidance on our consolidated financial statements, including assessing and evaluating assumptions and models to 
estimate losses. Upon adoption of the guidance on June 1, 2020, we will be required to record a cumulative effect 
adjustment to retained earnings for the impact as of the date of adoption. The impact will depend on our portfolio 
composition and credit quality at the date of adoption, as well as forecasts at that time.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which provides new guidance that is intended to improve 
financial reporting about leasing transactions. The new guidance requires the recognition of a right-of use asset and lease 
liability on the consolidated balance sheet by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous guidance. 
It also requires new disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, 
and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those 

96

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. This guidance is effective for us on June 1, 2019. The adoption of this 
guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or cash flows.

NOTE 2—VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

NCSC and RTFC meet the definition of a VIE because they do not have sufficient equity investment at risk to finance their 
activities without financial support. CFC is the primary source of funding for NCSC and the sole source of funding for 
RTFC. Under the terms of management agreements with each company, CFC manages the business operations of NCSC and 
RTFC. CFC also unconditionally guarantees full indemnification for any loan losses of NCSC and RTFC pursuant to 
guarantee agreements with each company. CFC earns management and guarantee fees from its agreements with NCSC and 
RTFC.

All loans that require NCSC board approval also require CFC board approval. CFC is not a member of NCSC and does not 
elect directors to the NCSC board. If CFC becomes a member of NCSC, it would control the nomination process for one 
NCSC director. NCSC members elect directors to the NCSC board based on one vote for each member. NCSC is a Class C 
member of CFC. All loans that require RTFC board approval also require approval by CFC for funding under RTFC’s credit 
facilities with CFC. CFC is not a member of RTFC and does not elect directors to the RTFC board. RTFC is a non-voting 
associate of CFC. RTFC members elect directors to the RTFC board based on one vote for each member. 

NCSC and RTFC creditors have no recourse against CFC in the event of a default by NCSC and RTFC, unless there is a 
guarantee agreement under which CFC has guaranteed NCSC or RTFC debt obligations to a third party. The following table 
provides information on incremental consolidated assets and liabilities of VIEs included in CFC’s consolidated financial 
statements, after intercompany eliminations, as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. 

(Dollars in thousands)
Total loans outstanding..............................................
Other assets................................................................
Total assets.................................................................

Long-term debt ..........................................................
Other liabilities ..........................................................
Total liabilities ...........................................................

May 31,

2019
1,087,988

10,963

1,098,951

6,000

33,385
39,385

$

$

$

$

2018
1,149,574

10,280

1,159,854

8,000

33,923
41,923

$

$

$

$

The following table provides information on CFC’s credit commitments to NCSC and RTFC, and its potential exposure to 
loss as of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

97

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands)
CFC credit commitments ..........................................
Outstanding commitments:

$

Borrowings payable to CFC(1) ................................
 Credit enhancements:.............................................
CFC third-party guarantees................................
Other credit enhancements.................................
Total credit enhancements(2) ...................................
Total outstanding commitments ................................
CFC available credit commitments...........................
____________________________
(1)

 Borrowings payable to CFC are eliminated in consolidation.

(2)

 Excludes interest due on these instruments.

May 31,

2019
5,500,000

2018

$

5,500,000

1,059,629

1,116,465

11,318

14,251

25,569

1,085,198

$

4,414,802

$

12,005

14,655

26,660

1,143,125

4,356,875

CFC loans to NCSC and RTFC are secured by all assets and revenue of NCSC and RTFC. CFC’s maximum potential 
exposure, including interest due, for the credit enhancements totaled $27 million. The maturities for obligations guaranteed 
by CFC extend through 2031. 

NOTE 3—INVESTMENT SECURITIES

We currently hold investments in equity and debt securities. We record purchases and sales of our investment securities on a 
trade-date basis. Investments are denominated in US dollars exclusively. The accounting and measurement framework for 
investment securities differs depending on the security type and the classification. See “Note 1—Summary of Significant 
Accounting Policies” for additional information on our investment securities

Equity Securities

The following table presents the fair value of our equity securities, all of which had readily determinable fair values, as 
of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

(Dollars in thousands)

Equity securities at fair value:

May 31,

2019

2018

Farmer Mac—Series A, B and C non-cumulative preferred stock ..........
Farmer Mac—class A common stock ......................................................
Total equity securities at fair value.............................................................

$

$

82,445

5,088

87,533

$

$

82,352

6,980

89,332

We recognized net unrealized losses on our investments in equity securities of $2 million for the year ended May 31, 2019. 
These unrealized amounts are reported as a component of non-interest income on our consolidated statements of operations.

We recorded unrealized losses on our investments in equity securities of $3 million in other comprehensive income during 
the year ended May 31, 2018. For additional information on our investments in equity securities, see “Note 1—Summary of 
Significant Accounting Policies” and “Note 11—Equity—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.”

On June 12, 2019, Farmer Mac redeemed its Series B non-cumulative preferred stock at a redemption price of $25.00 per 
share, plus any declared and unpaid dividends through and including the redemption date. The amortized cost of our 

98

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

investment in the Farmer Mac Series B non-cumulative preferred stock was $25 million as of May 31, 2019, which equals 
the per share redemption price.

Debt Securities

Pursuant to our investment policy guidelines, all fixed-income debt securities, at the time of purchase, must be rated at least 
investment grade and on stable outlook based on external credit ratings from at least two of the leading global credit rating 
agencies, when available, or the corresponding equivalent, when not available. Securities rated investment grade, that is 
those rated Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) or BBB- or higher by S&P or BBB- or higher by 
Fitch Ratings Inc. (“Fitch”), are generally considered by the rating agencies to be of lower credit risk than non-investment 
grade securities.

Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Debt Securities

The following tables present the amortized cost and fair value of our debt securities and the corresponding gross unrealized 
gains and losses, by classification category and major security type, as of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

(Dollars in thousands)

Debt securities held to maturity:

Certificates of deposit .......................................................
Commercial paper .............................................................
U.S. agency debt securities ...............................................
Corporate debt securities...................................................
Commercial MBS:

Agency............................................................................
Non-agency.....................................................................
Total commercial MBS .....................................................
U.S. state and municipality debt securities .......................
Foreign government debt securities ..................................
Other ABS(1) ......................................................................
Total debt securities, held to maturity .................................

May 31, 2019

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

Amortized Cost

$

1,000

$

— $

— $

12,395

3,207

478,578

7,255

3,453

10,708

9,608

1,254
48,694

—

108

4,989

291

—

291

352

42
290

$

565,444

$

6,072

$

—

—
(912)

—
(7)
(7)
—

—
(48)
(967) $

1,000

12,395

3,315

482,655

7,546

3,446

10,992

9,960

1,296
48,936

570,549

99

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands)

Debt securities held to maturity:

Certificates of deposit .......................................................
Commercial paper .............................................................
U.S. agency debt securities ...............................................
Corporate debt securities...................................................
Commercial MBS:

Agency............................................................................
Non-agency.....................................................................
Total commercial MBS .....................................................
U.S. state and municipality debt securities .......................
Foreign government debt securities ..................................
Other ABS(1) ......................................................................
Total debt securities, held to maturity .................................
____________________________

May 31, 2018

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

Amortized Cost

$

5,148

$

— $

9,134

2,000

455,721

7,024

3,453

10,477

2,147

1,241

34,651

—

16

714

63

3

66

24

9

11

$

520,519

$

840

$

— $

—

—
(4,595)

—
(3)
(3)
—

—
(215)
(4,813) $

5,148

9,134

2,016

451,840

7,087

3,453

10,540

2,171

1,250

34,447

516,546

(1)

Consists primarily of securities backed by auto lease loans, equipment-backed loans, auto loans and credit card loans.

Debt Securities in Gross Unrealized Loss Position

An unrealized loss exists when the fair value of an individual security is less than its amortized cost basis. The following 
table presents the fair value and gross unrealized losses for debt securities in a gross loss position, aggregated by security 
type, and the length of time the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. 
The securities are segregated between investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 
months and 12 months or more based on the point in time that the fair value declined below the amortized cost basis.

(Dollars in thousands)

Debt securities held to maturity:

Commercial paper(1) ......................................
Corporate debt securities...............................
Commercial MBS, non-agency.....................
Other ABS(2) ..................................................
Total debt securities held to maturity ..............

May 31, 2019

Unrealized Loss Position
Less than 12 Months

Unrealized Loss Position
12 Months or Longer

Total

Fair Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

—
(912)
(7)
(48)
(967)

$

2,688

$

— $

— $

— $

2,688

$

164,086

1,448

(198)
(4)
(4)

13,840
(206) $ 179,374

210,085

(714)
(3)
(44)
15,822
(761) $ 232,039

3,444

$

$

45,999

1,996

1,982

$ 52,665

$

100

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands)

Debt securities held to maturity:

Corporate debt securities..............................
Commercial MBS, non-agency....................
Other ABS(2).................................................
Total debt securities held to maturity................
____________________________

May 31, 2018

Unrealized Loss Position
Less than 12 Months

Unrealized Loss Position
12 Months or Longer

Total

Fair Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

$ 280,139

$ (4,595) $

— $

— $ 280,139

1,451

27,012

(3)
(215)

—

—

—

—

1,451

27,012

$ 308,602

$ (4,813) $

— $

— $ 308,602

$ (4,595)
(3)
(215)
$ (4,813)

(1)Unrealized losses on the commercial paper investments are less than $1,000.
(2)

Consists primarily of securities backed by auto lease loans, equipment-backed loans, auto loans and credit card loans.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

We conduct periodic reviews of all securities with unrealized losses to evaluate whether the impairment is other than 
temporary. The number of individual securities in an unrealized loss position was 187 as of May 31, 2019. We have assessed 
each security with gross unrealized losses included in the above table for credit impairment. As part of that assessment, we 
concluded that the unrealized losses are driven by changes in market interest rates rather than by adverse changes in the 
credit quality of these securities. Based on our assessment, we expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these 
securities, as we do not intend to sell any of the securities and have concluded that it is more likely than not that we will not 
be required to sell prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis. Accordingly, we currently consider the impairment of these 
securities to be temporary. 

Contractual Maturity and Yield 

The following table presents, by major security type, the remaining contractual maturity based on amortized cost and fair 
value of our HTM investment securities as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. Because borrowers may have the right to call or 
prepay certain obligations, the expected maturities of our investments may differ from the scheduled contractual maturities 
presented below. 

101

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands)

Amortized cost:

Certificates of deposit.....................................
Commercial paper ..........................................
U.S. agency debt securities ............................
Corporate debt securities ................................
Commercial MBS:

Agency .........................................................
Non-agency ..................................................
Total commercial MBS ..................................
U.S. state and municipality debt securities ....
Foreign government debt securities ...............
Other ABS(1) ...................................................
Total ..................................................................

Fair value:

Certificates of deposit.....................................
Commercial paper ..........................................
U.S. agency debt securities ............................
Corporate debt securities ................................
Commercial MBS:

Agency .........................................................
Non-agency ..................................................
Total Commercial MBS..................................
U.S. State and Municipality Debt Securities..
Foreign Government Debt Securities .............
Other ABS(1) ...................................................
Total ..................................................................

Due in 1 Year
or Less

Due >1 Year
through 5 Years

Due >5 Years
through 10 Years

Due >10
Years

Total

May 31, 2019

$

— $

1,000

$

— $

— $

12,395

—

51,923

—

—

—

—

—

510

—

2,678

414,788

310

—

310

9,608

1,254

45,730

$

$

$ 64,828

$

475,368

$

— $

1,000

12,395

—

51,818

—

2,769

418,606

—

—

—

—

—

317

—

317

9,960

1,296

—

529

11,867

6,945

—

6,945

—

—

2,454

—

—

—

—

3,453

3,453

—

—

—

1,000

12,395

3,207

478,578

7,255

3,453

10,708

9,608

1,254

48,694

21,795

$ 3,453

$

565,444

— $

— $

—

546

12,231

7,229

—

7,229

—

—

—

—

—

—

3,446

3,446

—

—

1,000

12,395

3,315

482,655

7,546

3,446

10,992

9,960

1,296

509
$ 64,722

45,916
479,864

$

$

2,511
22,517

—
$ 3,446

48,936
570,549

$

Weighted-average coupon(2) .............................

2.08%

3.10%

3.07%

3.26%

2.98%

102

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands)

Amortized cost:

May 31, 2018

Due in 1 Year
or Less

Due > 1 Year
through 5
Years

Due > 5 Years
through 10
Years

Due >10
Years

Total

Certificates of deposit .............................................
Commercial paper ...................................................
U.S. agency debt securities .....................................
Corporate debt securities.........................................
Commercial MBS:

$

5,148

9,134

—

9,111

$

— $

— $

— $ 5,148

—

2,000

—

—

—

—

9,134

2,000

377,384

69,226

— 455,721

Agency..................................................................
Non-Agency..........................................................
Total Commercial MBS ..........................................
U.S. State and Municipality Debt Securities ........
Foreign Government Debt Securities ...................
Other ABS(1)..........................................................
Total...........................................................................

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,241

33,357

7,024

—

7,024

2,147

—

1,294

—

3,453

3,453

—

—

—

7,024

3,453

10,477

2,147

1,241

34,651

$

23,393

$ 413,982

$

79,691

$

3,453

$520,519

Fair value:

Certificates of deposit .............................................
Commercial paper ...................................................
U.S. agency debt securities .....................................
Corporate debt securities.........................................
Commercial MBS:

$

5,148

9,134

—

9,056

$

— $

— $

— $ 5,148

—

2,016

—

—

—

—

9,134

2,016

373,284

69,500

— 451,840

Agency..................................................................
Non-Agency..........................................................
Total Commercial MBS ..........................................
U.S. State and Municipality Debt Securities ........
Foreign Government Debt Securities ...................
Other ABS(1)..........................................................
Total ...........................................................................

Weighted average coupon(2).......................................
____________________________

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,250

33,157

7,087

—

7,087

2,171

—

1,290

—

3,453

3,453

—

—

—

7,087

3,453

10,540

2,171

1,250

34,447

$

23,338

$ 409,707

$

80,048

$

3,453

$516,546

1.81%

2.84%

3.60%

2.74%

2.91%

(1)

(2)

Consists primarily of securities backed by auto lease loans, equipment-backed loans, auto loans and credit card loans.

Calculated based on the weighted-average coupon rate, which excludes the impact of amortization of premium and accretion of discount.

The average contractual maturity and weighted-average coupon of our HTM investment securities was three years and 
2.98%, respectively, as of May 31, 2019. The average credit rating of these securities, based on the equivalent lowest credit 
rating by Moody’s, S&P and Fitch was A2, A and A, respectively, as of May 31, 2019. 

Realized Gains and Losses

We did not sell any of our investment securities during either of the years ended May 31, 2019 and May 31, 2018, and 
therefore have not recorded any realized gains or losses.

103

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 4—LOANS

We offer loans under secured long-term facilities with terms up to 35 years and line of credit loans. Under secured long-term 
facilities, borrowers have the option of selecting a fixed- or variable-rate for a period of one to 35 years for each long-term 
loan advance. When a selected fixed interest rate term expires, the borrower may select another fixed-rate term or a variable 
rate. Line of credit loans are typically variable-rate revolving facilities and are generally unsecured. Collateral and security 
requirements for advances on loan commitments are identical to those required at the time of the initial loan approval.

The following table presents the outstanding principal balance of loans to members, including deferred loan origination 
costs, and unadvanced loan commitments by loan type and member class, as of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

May 31,

2019

2018

Loans
Outstanding

Unadvanced
Commitments (1)

Loans
Outstanding

Unadvanced
Commitments (1)

(Dollars in thousands)

Loan type:

Long-term loans:

Fixed rate.....................................................

$ 23,094,253

$

Variable rate ................................................

Total long-term loans.....................................

Lines of credit................................................

1,066,880

24,161,133

1,744,531

— $ 22,696,185
1,039,491

5,448,636

$

5,448,636

7,788,922

23,735,676

1,431,818

—

4,952,834

4,952,834

7,692,784

Total loans outstanding..................................

25,905,664

13,237,558

25,167,494

12,645,618

Deferred loan origination costs .....................

11,240

—

11,114

—

Loans to members .......................................

$ 25,916,904

$ 13,237,558

$ 25,178,608

$ 12,645,618

Member class:
CFC:

Distribution .................................................

$ 20,155,266

$

8,773,018

$ 19,551,511

$

8,188,376

Power supply...............................................

Statewide and associate...............................

Total CFC ......................................................
NCSC.............................................................

RTFC .............................................................

4,578,841

83,569

3,466,680

165,687

24,817,676

12,405,385

742,888

345,100

552,840

279,333

4,397,353

69,055

24,017,919
786,457

363,118

3,407,095

128,025

11,723,496
624,663

297,459

Total loans outstanding..................................

25,905,664

13,237,558

25,167,494

12,645,618

Deferred loan origination costs .....................

11,240

—

11,114

—

Loans to members..........................................

$ 25,916,904

$ 13,237,558

$ 25,178,608

$ 12,645,618

____________________________

(1)

The interest rate on unadvanced loan commitments is not set until an advance is made; therefore, all long-term unadvanced loan commitments are 
reported as variable-rate. However, the borrower may select either a fixed or a variable rate when an advance on a commitment is made.

Unadvanced Loan Commitments

Unadvanced loan commitments represent approved and executed loan contracts for which funds have not been advanced to 
borrowers. The following table summarizes the available balance under unadvanced loan commitments as of May 31, 2019 
and the related maturities, by fiscal year and thereafter, by loan type:

104

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands)
Line of credit loans........

Long-term loans.............

Available
Balance
$ 7,788,922
5,448,636

Total ..........................

$13,237,558

Notional Maturities of Unadvanced Loan Commitments

2020
$3,998,036

2021
$ 908,628

2022
$ 488,017

2023
$1,391,887

2024
$ 872,813

389,799
$4,387,835

736,621
$1,645,249

1,404,204
$1,892,221

1,210,164
$2,602,051

1,694,441
$2,567,254

Thereafter
$ 129,541

13,407
$ 142,948

Unadvanced line of credit commitments accounted for 59% of total unadvanced loan commitments as of May 31, 2019, 
while unadvanced long-term loan commitments accounted for 41% of total unadvanced loan commitments. Unadvanced 
line of credit commitments are typically revolving facilities for periods not to exceed five years. Unadvanced line of credit 
commitments generally serve as supplemental back-up liquidity to our borrowers. Historically, borrowers have not drawn 
the full commitment amount for line of credit facilities, and we have experienced a very low utilization rate on line of credit 
loan facilities regardless of whether or not we are obligated to fund the facility where a material adverse change exists. 

Our unadvanced long-term loan commitments have a five-year draw period under which a borrower may advance funds 
prior to the expiration of the commitment. We expect that the majority of the long-term unadvanced loan commitments of 
$5,449 million will be advanced prior to the expiration of the commitment. 

Because we historically have experienced a very low utilization rate on line of credit loan facilities, which account for the 
majority of our total unadvanced loan commitments, we believe the unadvanced loan commitment total of $13,238 million 
as of May 31, 2019 is not necessarily representative of our future funding cash requirements.

Unadvanced Loan Commitments—Conditional

The substantial majority of our line of credit commitments and all of our unadvanced long-term loan commitments include 
material adverse change clauses. Unadvanced loan commitments subject to material adverse change clauses totaled $10,294 
million and $9,789 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Prior to making an advance on these facilities, we 
confirm that there has been no material adverse change in the business or condition, financial or otherwise, of the borrower 
since the time the loan was approved and confirm that the borrower is currently in compliance with loan terms and 
conditions. In some cases, the borrower’s access to the full amount of the facility is further constrained by the designated 
purpose, imposition of borrower-specific restrictions or by additional conditions that must be met prior to advancing funds.

Unadvanced Loan Commitments—Unconditional

Unadvanced loan commitments not subject to material adverse change clauses at the time of each advance consisted of 
unadvanced committed lines of credit totaling $2,944 million and $2,857 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 
As such, we are required to advance amounts on these committed facilities as long as the borrower is in compliance with the 
terms and conditions of the facility.

The following table summarizes the available balance under unconditional committed lines of credit and the related 
maturities by fiscal year and thereafter, as of May 31, 2019. 

(Dollars in thousands)
Committed lines of credit .......

Available
Balance
$2,943,616

Notional Maturities of Unconditional Committed Lines of Credit

2020
$340,361

2021
$451,865

2022
$191,634

2023
$1,239,917

2024
$719,839

Loan Sales

We transfer, from time to time, loans to third parties under our direct loan sale program. Our transfer of loans, which is at 
par value and sold concurrently with loan closing, meets the applicable accounting criteria for sale accounting. Accordingly, 

105

 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

we remove the loans from our consolidated balance sheets when control has been surrendered and recognize a gain or loss. 
We retain the servicing performance obligations on these loans and recognize related servicing fees on an accrual basis over 
the period for which servicing activity is provided, as we believe the servicing fee represents adequate compensation. We do 
not hold any continuing interest in the loans sold to date other than servicing performance obligations. We have no 
obligation to repurchase loans from the purchaser, except in the case of breaches of representations and warranties. 

We sold CFC loans with outstanding balances totaling $35 million, $119 million and $58 million at par for cash in fiscal 
year 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We recorded immaterial losses upon the sale of these loans, attributable to the  
unamortized deferred loan origination costs associated with the transferred loans. 

Pledging of Loans 

We are required to pledge eligible mortgage notes in an amount at least equal to the outstanding balance of our secured debt. 
The following table summarizes our loans outstanding as collateral pledged to secure our collateral trust bonds, Clean 
Renewable Energy Bonds, notes payable to Farmer Mac and notes payable under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program of 
the USDA (“Guaranteed Underwriter Program”) and the amount of the corresponding debt outstanding as of May 31, 2019 
and 2018. See “Note 6—Short-Term Borrowings” and “Note 7—Long-Term Debt” for information on our borrowings. 

(Dollars in thousands)
Collateral trust bonds:

2007 indenture:

May 31,

2019

2018

Distribution system mortgage notes ...........................................................

RUS-guaranteed loans qualifying as permitted investments ......................

Total pledged collateral...............................................................................

Collateral trust bonds outstanding..............................................................

1994 indenture:

Distribution system mortgage notes ...........................................................

Collateral trust bonds outstanding ..............................................................

$

$

$

8,775,231

134,678

8,909,909

7,622,711

47,331

40,000

$

$

$

8,643,344

140,680

8,784,024

7,697,711

243,418

220,000

Farmer Mac:

Distribution and power supply system mortgage notes..............................

$

3,751,798

$

3,331,775

Notes payable outstanding..........................................................................

3,054,914

2,891,496

Clean Renewable Energy Bonds Series 2009A:

Distribution and power supply system mortgage notes..............................

Cash ............................................................................................................

Total pledged collateral...............................................................................

Notes payable outstanding..........................................................................

$

$

$

$

10,349

415

10,764

9,225

12,615

415

13,030

11,556

Federal Financing Bank:

Distribution and power supply system mortgage notes..............................

$

6,157,218

$

5,772,750

Notes payable outstanding..........................................................................

5,410,507

4,856,375

106

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Credit Concentration

As a tax-exempt, member-owned finance cooperative, CFC’s principal focus is to provide funding to its rural electric utility 
cooperative members to assist them in acquiring, constructing and operating electric distribution systems, power supply 
systems and related facilities. We serve electric and telecommunications members throughout the United States and its 
territories, including 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa and Guam. Our consolidated membership 
totaled 1,447 members and 222 associates as of May 31, 2019. Texas has the largest number of member cooperatives and 
the largest concentration of outstanding loans to borrowers in any one state, with approximately 15% of total loans 
outstanding as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018. Because we lend primarily to our rural electric utility cooperative members 
we have a loan portfolio subject to single-industry and single-obligor concentration risks. 

Loans outstanding to electric utility organizations represented approximately 99% of total loans outstanding as of May 31, 
2019, unchanged from May 31, 2018. The remaining loans outstanding in our portfolio were to RTFC members, affiliates 
and associates in the telecommunications industry. The outstanding loan exposure for our 20 largest borrowers was 
22% and 23% as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The 20 largest borrowers consisted of 10 distribution 
systems, nine power supply systems and one NCSC associate as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018. The largest total 
outstanding exposure to a single borrower or controlled group represented approximately 2% of total loans outstanding as of 
both May 31, 2019 and 2018.

As part of our strategy in managing our credit exposure, we entered into a long-term standby purchase commitment 
agreement with Farmer Mac during fiscal year 2016. Under this agreement, we may designate certain long-term loans to be 
covered under the commitment, subject to approval by Farmer Mac, and in the event any such loan later goes into payment 
default for at least 90 days, upon request by us, Farmer Mac must purchase such loan at par value. The aggregate unpaid 
principal balance of designated and Farmer Mac approved loans was $619 million and $660 million as of May 31, 2019 and 
2018, respectively. Under the agreement, we are required to pay Farmer Mac a monthly fee based on the unpaid principal 
balance of loans covered under the purchase commitment. No loans had been put to Farmer Mac for purchase, pursuant to 
this agreement, as of May 31, 2019. Also, we had long-term loans totaling $154 million and $161 million as of May 31, 
2019 and 2018, respectively, guaranteed by RUS.

Credit Quality

Assessing the overall credit quality of our loan portfolio and measuring our credit risk is an ongoing process that involves 
tracking payment status, charge-offs, troubled debt restructurings, nonperforming and impaired loans, the internal risk 
ratings of our borrowers and other indicators of credit risk. We monitor and subject each borrower and loan facility in our 
loan portfolio to an individual risk assessment based on quantitative and qualitative factors. Internal risk ratings and 
payment status trends are indicators, among others, of the probability of borrower default and level of credit risk in our loan 
portfolio.

Borrower Risk Ratings

As part of our credit risk management process, we monitor and evaluate each borrower and loan in our loan portfolio and 
assign internal borrower and loan facility risk ratings based on quantitative and qualitative assessments. Our borrower risk 
ratings are intended to assess probability of default. Each risk rating is reassessed annually following the receipt of the 
borrower’s audited financial statements; however, interim risk-rating downgrades or upgrades may occur as a result of 
significant developments or trends. Our borrower risk ratings are intended to align with banking regulatory agency credit 
risk rating definitions of pass and criticized classifications, with criticized divided between special mention, substandard and 
doubtful. Pass ratings reflect relatively low probability of default, while criticized ratings have a higher probability of 
default. Following is a description of each rating category.

107

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

•  Pass:  Borrowers that are not experiencing difficulty and/or not showing a potential or well-defined credit weakness.

•  Special Mention:  Borrowers that may be characterized by a potential credit weakness or deteriorating financial condition 

that is not sufficiently serious to warrant a classification of substandard or doubtful.

•  Substandard:  Borrowers that display a well-defined credit weakness that may jeopardize the full collection of principal 

and interest.

•  Doubtful:  Borrowers that have a well-defined credit weakness or weaknesses that make full collection of principal and 
interest, on the basis of currently known facts, conditions and collateral values, highly questionable and improbable. 

Loans to borrowers in the pass, special mention and substandard categories are generally considered not to be individually 
impaired and are included in the loan pools for determining the collective reserve component of the allowance for loan 
losses. Loans to borrowers in the doubtful category are considered to be impaired and are therefore individually assessed for 
impairment in determining the specific reserve component of the allowance for loan losses.

The following tables present total loans outstanding, by member class and borrower risk-rating category, based on the risk 
ratings used in the estimation of our allowance for loan losses as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. For purposes of these tables 
and for determining the allowance for loan losses, loans to borrowers that are supported by a full guarantee of repayment by 
the parent company are grouped in the same risk rating category of the guarantor parent company, rather than the risk rating 
category of the subsidiary borrower.

(Dollars in thousands)
CFC:

Pass

Special Mention

Substandard

Doubtful

Total

May 31, 2019

Distribution...............................

$ 20,022,193

$

10,375

$

122,698

$

— $

20,155,266

Power supply ............................

Statewide and associate ............

CFC total.....................................

NCSC..........................................

RTFC...........................................

4,530,708

68,569

24,621,470

742,888

339,508

—

15,000

25,375

—

—

48,133

—

170,831

—

5,592

—

—

—

—

—

4,578,841

83,569

24,817,676

742,888

345,100

Total loans outstanding ...............

$ 25,703,866

$

25,375

$

176,423

$

— $

25,905,664

(Dollars in thousands)
CFC:

Pass

Special Mention

Substandard

Doubtful

Total

May 31, 2018

Distribution ...............................

$ 19,429,121

$

6,853

$

115,537

$

— $

19,551,511

Power supply ............................

Statewide and associate ............

CFC total .....................................

NCSC ..........................................

RTFC...........................................

4,348,328

69,055

23,846,504

786,457

356,503

—

—

6,853

—

523

49,025

—

164,562

—

6,092

—

—

—

—

—

4,397,353

69,055

24,017,919

786,457

363,118

Total loans outstanding ...............

$ 24,989,464

$

7,376

$

170,654

$

— $

25,167,494

The substantial majority of the loans in the substandard category are attributable to loans to one electric distribution 
cooperative borrower and its subsidiary totaling $171 million and $165 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  

108

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The electric distribution cooperative owns and operates a distribution and transmission system. Several years ago, it 
established a subsidiary to deploy retail broadband service in underserved rural communities. Although the borrower has 
experienced financial difficulties due to recent net losses and liquidity constraints, the borrower and its subsidiary are 
current with regard to all principal and interest payments and have never been delinquent. The borrower, which operates in a 
territory that is not rate-regulated, increased its electric rates during fiscal year 2019. All of the loans outstanding to this 
borrower were secured under our typical collateral requirements for long-term loan advances as of May 31, 2019. Based on 
the recent rate increase, as well as other actions taken by management, we anticipate an improvement in the borrower’s 
financial performance and liquidity and currently expect to collect all principal and interest amounts due from the borrower 
and its subsidiary. Accordingly, the loans outstanding to this borrower and its subsidiary were not deemed to be impaired as 
of May 31, 2019.  

Payment Status of Loans

The following tables present the payment status of loans outstanding by member class as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. As 
indicated in the table, we did not have any past due loans as of either May 31, 2019 or May 31, 2018.

May 31, 2019

Current

30-89 Days
Past Due

90 Days or 
More
Past Due (1)

Total
Past Due

Total Loans
Outstanding

Nonaccrual
Loans

(Dollars in thousands)
CFC:

Distribution ........................
Power supply......................
Statewide and associate......
CFC total .......................
NCSC ...................................
RTFC ....................................
Total loans outstanding.........

$ 20,155,266
4,578,841
83,569
24,817,676
742,888
345,100
$ 25,905,664

$

$

— $
—
—
—
—
—
— $

— $
—
—
—
—
—
— $

— $20,155,266
4,578,841
—
—
83,569
24,817,676
—
742,888
—
—
345,100
— $25,905,664

$

$

—
—
—
—
—
—
—

Percentage of total loans.......

100.00%

—%

—%

—%

100.00%

—%

Current

30-89 Days
Past Due

90 Days or 
More
Past Due (1)

Total
Past Due

Total Loans
Outstanding

Nonaccrual
Loans

May 31, 2018

$ 19,551,511
4,397,353
69,055
24,017,919
786,457
363,118
$ 25,167,494

$

$

— $
—
—
—
—
—
— $

— $
—
—
—
—
—
— $

— $ 19,551,511
4,397,353
—
—
69,055
24,017,919
—
786,457
—
—
363,118
— $ 25,167,494

$

$

—
—
—
—
—
—
—

100.00%

—%

—%

—%

100.00%

—%

(Dollars in thousands)
CFC:

Distribution ....................
Power supply ..................
Statewide and associate ..
CFC total ...................
NCSC ................................
RTFC ................................
Total loans outstanding .....

Percentage of total loans ...
____________________________

(1)

 All loans 90 days or more past due are on nonaccrual status.

109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Troubled Debt Restructurings  

We did not have any loans modified as TDRs during the year ended May 31, 2019. The following table provides a summary 
of loans modified as TDRs in prior periods, the performance status of these loans and the unadvanced loan commitments 
related to the TDR loans, by member class, as of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

May 31,

2019

2018

Loans
Outstanding

% of Total
Loans

Unadvanced
Commitments

Loans
Outstanding

% of Total
Loans

Unadvanced
Commitments

(Dollars in thousands)
TDR loans:

Performing TDR loans:

CFC/Distribution .........................
RTFC............................................
Total performing TDR loans ...............
Total TDR loans ..................................

$

6,261

5,592

11,853

0.03% $

0.02

0.05

$

11,853

0.05% $

— $

—

—
— $

6,507

6,092

12,599

12,599

0.03% $

0.02

0.05

0.05% $

—

—

—

—

We did not have any TDR loans classified as nonperforming as of May 31, 2019 or May 31, 2018. TDR loans classified as 
performing as of May 31, 2019 and 2018 were performing in accordance with the terms of their respective restructured loan 
agreement and on accrual status as of the respective reported dates. One borrower with a TDR loan also had two line of 
credit facilities as of May 31, 2019. One line of credit facility for $6 million as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018, is restricted 
for fuel purchases only. Outstanding loans under this facility totaled $3 million as of May 31, 2019 and less than $1 million 
as of May 31, 2018, and were classified as performing as of each respective date. The other line of credit facility for $2 
million as of May 31, 2019, was put in place during fiscal year 2019 to provide bridge funding for electric work plan 
expenditures in anticipation of receiving RUS funding. Outstanding loans under this facility totaled $1 million as of May 31, 
2019, and were classified as performing.

Nonperforming Loans

In addition to TDR loans that may be classified as nonperforming, we also may have nonperforming loans that have not 
been modified as a TDR. We did not have any loans classified as nonperforming as of either May 31, 2019 or May 31, 2018. 

We had no foregone interest income for loans on nonaccrual status during the years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018. We had 
less than $1 million foregone interest income for loans on nonaccrual status during the year ended May 31, 2017.

110

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Impaired Loans

The following table provides information on loans classified as individually impaired as of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

(Dollars in thousands)
With no specific allowance recorded:

May 31,

2019

2018

Recorded
Investment

Related
Allowance

Recorded
Investment

Related
Allowance

CFC...........................................................

$

6,261

$

— $

6,507

$

—

With a specific allowance recorded:

RTFC.........................................................
Total impaired loans....................................

$

5,592
11,853

$

1,021
1,021

$

6,092
12,599

$

1,198
1,198

The following table presents, by company, the average recorded investment for individually impaired loans and the interest 
income recognized on these loans for fiscal years ended May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Average Recorded Investment 

Interest Income Recognized 

(Dollars in thousands)
CFC ............................................................
RTFC ..........................................................
Total impaired loans.................................

2019

2018

2017

2019

2018

2017

$

$

6,322

5,861

12,183

$

$

6,524

6,361

12,885

$

$

6,613

7,736

14,349

$

$

553

293

846

$

$

571

318

889

$

$

562

343

905

Net Charge-Offs

Charge-offs represent the amount of a loan that has been removed from our consolidated balance sheet when the loan is 
deemed uncollectible. Generally the amount of a charge-off is the recorded investment in excess of the fair value of the 
expected cash flows from the loan, or, if the loan is collateral dependent, the fair value of the underlying collateral securing 
the loan. We report charge-offs net of amounts recovered on previously charged off loans. We had no loan defaults or 
charge-offs during the years ended May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

NOTE 5—ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The following tables summarize changes, by company, in the allowance for loan losses as of and for the years ended
May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

(Dollars in thousands)
Balance as of May 31, 2018 ...........................
Provision (benefit) for loan losses..................
Balance as of May 31, 2019 ...........................

$

$

CFC

NCSC

RTFC

Total

12,300

820

13,120

$

$

2,082
(75)
2,007

$

$

4,419
(2,011)
2,408

$

$

18,801
(1,266)
17,535

Year Ended May 31, 2019

111

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands)
Balance as of May 31, 2017 ...........................
Benefit for loan losses ....................................
Balance as of May 31, 2018 ...........................

(Dollars in thousands)
Balance as of May 31, 2016 ...........................
Provision (benefit) for loan losses..................
Charge-offs .....................................................
Recoveries ......................................................
Balance as of May 31, 2017 ...........................

Year Ended May 31, 2018

CFC

NCSC

RTFC

Total

29,499
(17,199)
12,300

$

$

2,910
(828)
2,082

$

$

4,967
(548)
4,419

$

$

37,376
(18,575)
18,801

Year Ended May 31, 2017

CFC

NCSC

RTFC

Total

24,559

$

4,781

—

159

3,134
(224)
—

—

$

5,565

$

1,421
(2,119)
100

29,499

$

2,910

$

4,967

$

33,258

5,978
(2,119)
259

37,376

$

$

$

$

The following tables present, by company, the components of our allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment of 
the related loans as of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

(Dollars in thousands)
Ending balance of the allowance:

Collective allowance....................................
Specific allowance .......................................
Total ending balance of the allowance ...........

Recorded investment in loans:

Collectively evaluated loans ........................
Individually evaluated loans ........................
Total recorded investment in loans.................

Total recorded investment in loans, net (1)......

Allowance coverage ratio:..............................
Allowance as a percentage of total recorded

investment in loans .....................................

CFC

NCSC

RTFC

Total

May 31, 2019

$

$

$

$

$

13,120
—
13,120

24,811,415
6,261
24,817,676

24,804,556

$

$

$

$

$

2,007
—
2,007

742,888
—
742,888

740,881

$

$

$

$

$

1,387
1,021
2,408

339,508
5,592
345,100

342,692

$

$

$

$

$

16,514
1,021
17,535

25,893,811
11,853
25,905,664

25,888,129

0.05%

0.27%

0.70%

0.07%

112

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands)
Ending balance of the allowance:

Collective allowance....................................
Specific allowance .......................................
Total ending balance of the allowance ...........

Recorded investment in loans:

Collectively evaluated loans ........................
Individually evaluated loans ........................
Total recorded investment in loans.................

Total recorded investment in loans, net(1).......

Allowance coverage ratio:

Allowance as a percentage of total recorded

investment in loans .....................................

___________________________

CFC

NCSC

RTFC

Total

May 31, 2018

$

$

$

$

$

12,300
—
12,300

24,011,412
6,507
24,017,919

24,005,619

$

$

$

$

$

2,082
—
2,082

786,457
—
786,457

784,375

$

$

$

$

$

3,221
1,198
4,419

357,026
6,092
363,118

358,699

$

$

$

$

$

17,603
1,198
18,801

25,154,895
12,599
25,167,494

25,148,693

0.05%

0.26%

1.22%

0.07%

(1)

Excludes unamortized deferred loan origination costs of $11 million as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018.

As noted above in “Note 4—Loans,” we did not have any loans classified as nonperforming as of either May 31, 2019 or 
May 31, 2018. 

In addition to the allowance for loan losses, we also maintain a reserve for unadvanced loan commitments at a level 
estimated by management to provide for probable losses under these commitments as of each balance sheet date, which was 
less than $1 million as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018.

NOTE 6—SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

Short-term borrowings consist of borrowings with an original contractual maturity of one year or less and do not include the 
current portion of long-term debt. Our short-term borrowings totaled $3,608 million and accounted for 14% of total debt 
outstanding as of May 31, 2019, compared with $3,796 million, or 15%, of total debt outstanding as of May 31, 2018. The 
following table provides comparative information on our short-term borrowings and weighted-average interest rates as of 
May 31, 2019 and 2018.

113

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands)
Short-term borrowings:

May 31,

2019

2018

Amount

Weighted- 
Average
Interest Rate

Amount

Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate

Commercial paper sold through dealers, net of discounts .....
Commercial paper sold directly to members, at par ..............
Select notes ............................................................................
Daily liquidity fund notes ......................................................
Medium-term notes sold to members ....................................
Farmer Mac notes payable (1) .................................................
Total short-term borrowings.....................................................
___________________________

$

944,616

1,111,795

1,023,952

298,817

228,546

—

$ 3,607,726

2.46% $1,064,266
2.52
1,202,105

2.70

2.25

2.87

—

2.56

780,472

400,635

248,432

100,000

$3,795,910

1.87%

1.89

2.04

1.50

1.90

2.23

1.88

(1)

Advanced under the revolving note purchase agreement with Farmer Mac dated July 31, 2015. See “Note 7—Long-Term Debt” for additional 

information on this revolving note purchase agreement with Farmer Mac.

We issue commercial paper for periods of one to 270 days. We also issue select notes for periods ranging from 30 to 270 
days. Select notes are unsecured obligations that do not require backup bank lines of credit for liquidity purposes. These 
notes require a larger minimum investment than our commercial paper sold to members and, as a result, offer a higher 
interest rate than our commercial paper. We also issue daily liquidity fund notes, which are unsecured obligations that do not 
require backup bank lines of credit for liquidity purposes. We also issue medium-term notes, which represent unsecured 
obligations that may be issued through dealers in the capital markets or directly to our members.

Committed Bank Revolving Line of Credit Agreements

We had $2,975 million and $3,085 million of commitments under committed bank revolving line of credit agreements as of 
May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Under our current committed bank revolving line of credit agreements, we have the 
ability to request up to $300 million of letters of credit, which would result in a reduction in the remaining available amount 
under the facilities. 

On November 28, 2018, we amended the three-year and five-year committed bank revolving line of credit agreements to 
extend the maturity dates to November 28, 2021 and November 28, 2023, respectively, and to terminate certain third-party 
bank commitments totaling $53 million under the three-year agreement and $57 million under the five-year agreement. As a 
result, the total commitment amount from third-parties under the three-year facility and the five-year facility is $1,440 
million and $1,535 million, respectively, resulting in a combined total commitment amount under the two facilities of 
$2,975 million. 

114

 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table presents the total commitment, the net amount available for use and the outstanding letters of credit 
under our committed bank revolving line of credit agreements as of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

May 31,

2019

2018

(Dollars in millions)

Total
Commitment

Letters of
Credit
Outstanding

Net
Available
for Use

Total
Commitment

Letters of
Credit
Outstanding

Net
Available
for Use

Maturity

Annual 
Facility 
Fee (1)

3-year agreement, 2020...

$

— $

— $

— $

1,492

$

— $ 1,492 November 20, 2020

7.5 bps

3-year agreement, 2021...

Total 3-year agreement.

5-year agreement, 2022...

5-year agreement, 2023...

Total 5-year agreement.

Total............................
___________________________

1,440

1,440

—

1,535

1,535

$

2,975

$

—

—

—

3

3

3

1,440

1,440

—

1,532

—

1,492

1,593

—

1,532

1,593

$ 2,972

$

3,085

$

—

—

3

—

3

3

— November 28, 2021

7.5 bps

1,492

1,590 November 20, 2022

— November 28, 2023

10 bps

10 bps

1,590

$ 3,082

(1) 

Facility fee determined by CFC’s senior unsecured credit ratings based on the pricing schedules put in place at the inception of the related agreement.

We had no borrowings outstanding under our committed bank revolving line of credit agreements as of May 31, 2019 and 
2018, and we were in compliance with all covenants and conditions under the agreements as of each date.

115

 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 7—LONG-TERM DEBT

The following table displays long-term debt outstanding and the weighted-average interest rates, by debt type, as of 

May 31, 2019 and 2018.

May 31,

2019

Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate

Amount

Maturity
Date

Amount

2018

Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate

Maturity
Date

$ 2,962,375

3.55% 2019-2032

$ 3,026,472

3.51% 2018-2032

2019-2037

395,389

3.03

3.49

(Dollars in thousands)
Unsecured long-term debt:

Medium-term notes sold through
dealers ...........................................

Medium-term notes sold to
members........................................
Subtotal medium-term notes ...

Unamortized discount...................

Debt issuance costs .......................

Total unsecured medium-term
notes ........................................
Unsecured notes payable: .............

Unamortized discount...................

 Debt issuance costs.......................

Total unsecured notes payable.

Total unsecured long-term debt.......

Secured long-term debt:

397,080

3,359,455

(931)

(19,399)

3,339,125

13,701

(187)

(46)

13,468

3,352,593

3.97

2022-2023

3.97

3.49

Collateral trust bonds....................

7,662,711

3.19

2019-2049

Unamortized discount...................

Debt issuance costs .......................

Total collateral trust bonds ......

Guaranteed Underwriter Program
notes payable ................................

(244,643)

(34,336)

7,383,732

5,410,507

2.97

2025-2039

Debt issuance costs .......................

—

Total Guaranteed Underwriter
Program notes payable ............

Farmer Mac notes payable............

Other secured notes payable .........

Debt issuance costs .......................

Total other secured notes
payable ....................................
Total secured notes payable.....
Total secured long-term debt...........

5,410,507

3,054,914

9,225

(178)

9,047

8,474,468

15,858,200

Total long-term debt........................

$19,210,793

3.33

2.70

2019-2049

2024

3.10

3.14

3.20

116

2018-2037

2.56

3.40

3.84

2022-2023

3.84

3.40

3.89

2018-2032

2.85

2025-2038

2.90

2.74

2018-2048

2024

3,421,861
(1,256)
(22,237)

3,398,368

18,892
(277)
(68)
18,547

3,416,915

7,917,711
(250,421)
(28,197)
7,639,093

4,856,375
(232)

4,856,143

2,791,496

11,556
(243)

11,313

7,658,952

15,298,045

$18,714,960

2.87

3.39

3.39

 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table presents the amount of long-term debt maturing in each of the five fiscal years subsequent to 
May 31, 2019 and thereafter.

(Dollars in thousands)
2020 .....................................
2021 .....................................
2022 .....................................
2023 .....................................
2024 .....................................
Thereafter ............................
Total ................................

$

$

Medium-Term Notes

Amount
Maturing

1,638,048

1,827,162

1,924,953

1,170,032

1,076,118

11,574,480

19,210,793

Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate

2.36%

2.73

2.93

2.75

3.18

3.49

3.20

Medium-term notes represent unsecured obligations that may be issued through dealers in the capital markets or directly to 
our members.

Collateral Trust Bonds

Collateral trust bonds represent secured obligations sold to investors in the capital markets. Collateral trust bonds are 
secured by the pledge of mortgage notes or eligible securities in an amount at least equal to the principal balance of the 
bonds outstanding. 

On July 12, 2018, we redeemed $300 million of the $1 billion 10.375% collateral trust bonds due November 1, 2018 at a 
premium of $7 million. We repaid the remaining $700 million of these bonds on the maturity date.

On October 31, 2018, we issued $325 million aggregate principal amount of 3.90% collateral trust bonds due 2028 and $300 
million aggregate principal amount of 4.40% collateral trust bonds due 2048.

On January 31, 2019, we issued $450 million aggregate principal amount of 3.70% collateral trust bonds due 2029 and $500 
million aggregate principal amount of 4.30% collateral trust bonds due 2049.

Secured Notes Payable

We had outstanding secured notes payable totaling $5,411 million and $4,856 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, 
respectively, under bond purchase agreements with the Federal Financing Bank and a bond guarantee agreement with RUS 
issued under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program, which provides guarantees to the Federal Financing Bank. We pay RUS 
a fee of 30 basis points per year on the total amount outstanding. On November 15, 2018, we closed on a $750 million 
committed loan facility (“Series N”) from the Federal Financing Bank under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program. Pursuant 
to this facility, we may borrow any time before July 15, 2023. Each advance is subject to quarterly amortization and a final 
maturity not longer than 20 years from the advance date. During the year ended May 31, 2019, we borrowed $625 
million under our committed loan facilities with the Federal Financing Bank. We had up to $1,350 million available for 
access under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program as of May 31, 2019.

The notes outstanding under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program contain a provision that if during any portion of the fiscal 
year, our senior secured credit ratings do not have at least two of the following ratings: (i) A3 or higher from Moody’s, (ii) 

117

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A- or higher from S&P, (iii) A- or higher from Fitch, or (iv) an equivalent rating from a successor rating agency to any of the 
above rating agencies, we may not make cash patronage capital distributions in excess of 5% of total patronage capital. 
We are required to pledge eligible distribution system or power supply system loans as collateral in an amount at least equal 
to the total principal amount of notes outstanding under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program. See “Note 4—Loans” for 
additional information on the collateral pledged to secure notes payable under this program.

We have two revolving note purchase agreements with Farmer Mac, which together allow us to borrow up to $5,500 million 
from Farmer Mac. Under our first revolving note purchase agreement with Farmer Mac, dated March 24, 2011, as amended, 
we can currently borrow, subject to market conditions, up to $5,200 million at any time through January 11, 2022, and such 
date shall automatically extend on each anniversary date of the closing for an additional year, unless prior to any such 
anniversary date, Farmer Mac provides us with a notice that the draw period will not be extended beyond the remaining 
term. This revolving note purchase agreement allows us to borrow, repay and re-borrow funds at any time through maturity, 
as market conditions permit, provided that the outstanding principal amount at any time does not exceed the total available 
under the agreement. Each borrowing under the revolving note purchase agreement is evidenced by a pricing agreement 
setting forth the interest rate, maturity date and other related terms as we may negotiate with Farmer Mac at the time of each 
such borrowing. We may select a fixed rate or variable rate at the time of each advance with a maturity as determined in the 
applicable pricing agreement. Under this note purchase agreement with Farmer Mac, we had outstanding secured notes 
payable totaling $3,055 million and $2,791 million, as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We borrowed $575 
million under this note purchase agreement with Farmer Mac during the year ended May 31, 2019.

Under our second revolving note purchase agreement with Farmer Mac, dated July 31, 2015, as amended, we can borrow up 
to $300 million at any time through December 20, 2023 at a fixed spread over LIBOR. This agreement also allows us to 
borrow, repay and re-borrow funds at any time through maturity, provided that the outstanding principal amount at any time 
does not exceed the total available under the agreement. Prior to the maturity date, Farmer Mac may terminate the 
agreement upon 30 days written notice to us on periodic facility renewal dates, the first of which was January 31, 2019. 
Subsequent facility renewal dates are on each June 20 or December 20 thereafter until the maturity date. We may terminate 
the agreement upon 30 days written notice at any time. We did not have any outstanding notes payable under this revolving 
note purchase agreement with Farmer Mac as of May 31, 2019. Under the terms of the first revolving note purchase 
agreement with Farmer Mac described above, the $5,200 million commitment will increase to $5,500 million in the event 
the second revolving note purchase agreement is terminated.

We are required to pledge eligible distribution system or power supply system loans as collateral in an amount at least equal 
to the total principal amount of notes outstanding under each of our Farmer Mac revolving note purchase agreements. See 
“Note 4—Loans” for additional information on the collateral pledged to secure notes payable under these programs.

We were in compliance with all covenants and conditions under our senior debt indentures as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. 

NOTE 8—SUBORDINATED DEFERRABLE DEBT

Subordinated deferrable debt is long-term debt that is subordinated to our outstanding debt and senior to subordinated 
certificates held by our members. Our 4.75% and 5.25% subordinated debt due 2043 and 2046, respectively, was issued for 
a term of up to 30 years, pays interest semi-annually, may be called at par after 10 years, converts to a variable rate after 10 
years, and allows us to defer the payment of interest for one or more consecutive interest periods not exceeding five 
consecutive years. Our 5.50% subordinated debt due 2064 was issued for a term of up to 45 years, pays interest quarterly, 
may be called at par after five years and allows us to defer the payment of interest for one or more consecutive interest 
periods not exceeding 40 consecutive quarterly periods. To date, we have not exercised our right to defer interest payments. 

The following table presents subordinated deferrable debt outstanding and the weighted-average interest rates as of 
May 31, 2019 and 2018.

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NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

May 31,

2019

2018

(Dollars in thousands)
4.75% due 2043 with a call date of April 30, 2023 .............
5.25% due 2046 with a call date of April 20, 2026 .............
5.50% due 2064 with a call date of May 15, 2024 ..............
Debt issuance costs..............................................................
Total subordinated deferrable debt ......................................

Amount

$

400,000

350,000

250,000
(13,980)
986,020

$

Weighted- 
Average
Interest Rate

4.75% $
5.25

5.50

5.11

$

Amount

400,000

350,000

—
(7,590)
742,410

Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate

4.75%

5.25

—

4.98

NOTE 9—MEMBERS’ SUBORDINATED CERTIFICATES

Membership Subordinated Certificates

CFC members were required to purchase membership subordinated certificates as a condition of membership prior to June 
2009. Such certificates are interest-bearing, unsecured, subordinated debt. Membership certificates typically have an 
original maturity of 100 years and pay interest at 5% semi-annually. No requirement to purchase membership certificates 
has existed for NCSC or RTFC members.  

Loan and Guarantee Subordinated Certificates

Members obtaining long-term loans, certain line of credit loans or guarantees may be required to purchase additional loan or 
guarantee subordinated certificates with each such loan or guarantee based on the borrower’s debt-to-equity ratio with CFC. 
These certificates are unsecured, subordinated debt and may be interest bearing or non-interest bearing.

Under our current policy, most borrowers requesting standard loans are not required to buy subordinated certificates as a 
condition of a loan or guarantee. Borrowers meeting certain criteria, including but not limited to, high leverage ratios, or 
borrowers requesting large facilities, may be required to purchase loan or guarantee subordinated certificates or member 
capital securities (described below) as a condition of the loan. Loan subordinated certificates have the same maturity as the 
related long-term loan. Some certificates may amortize annually based on the outstanding loan balance.

The interest rates payable on guarantee subordinated certificates purchased in conjunction with our guarantee program vary 
in accordance with applicable CFC policy. Guarantee subordinated certificates have the same maturity as the related 
guarantee.

Member Capital Securities

CFC offers member capital securities to its voting members. Member capital securities are interest-bearing, unsecured 
obligations of CFC, which are subordinate to all existing and future senior and subordinated indebtedness of CFC held by 
non-members of CFC, but rank proportionally to our member subordinated certificates. Member capital securities mature 30 
years from the date of issuance, typically pay interest at 5% and are callable at par at our option 10 years from the date of 
issuance and anytime thereafter. These securities represent voluntary investments in CFC by the members.

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NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table displays members’ subordinated certificates and the weighted-average interest rates as of May 31, 2019 
and 2018.

(Dollars in thousands)

Membership subordinated certificates:

Certificates maturing 2020 through 2119 ...................
Subscribed and unissued (1).........................................
Total membership subordinated certificates ..........

Loan and guarantee subordinated certificates:

Interest-bearing loan subordinated certificates
maturing through 2045 ...............................................
Non-interest-bearing loan subordinated certificates
maturing through 2047 ...............................................
Subscribed and unissued (1).........................................
Total loan subordinated certificates .......................

Interest-bearing guarantee subordinated certificates

maturing through 2044............................................

Non-interest-bearing guarantee subordinated

certificates maturing through 2043 .........................
Total guarantee subordinated certificates...............
Total loan and guarantee subordinated certificates..........
Member capital securities:

May 31,

2019

2018

Amounts
Outstanding

Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate

Amounts
Outstanding

Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate

$

630,466

$

630,173

8

630,474

4.95%

290,259

150,152

45

440,456

2.73

47,878

17,151

65,029

505,485

4.49

2.95

5.00

4.21

275

630,448

300,738

162,263

57

463,058

48,177

17,151

65,328

528,386

221,148

$

1,379,982

4.94%

2.71

4.50

2.93

5.00

4.18

Securities maturing through 2048...............................
Total members’ subordinated certificates ........................
___________________________

221,170

$

1,357,129

(1)

 The subscribed and unissued subordinated certificates represent subordinated certificates that members are required to purchase. Upon collection of full 
payment of the subordinated certificate amount, the certificate will be reclassified from subscribed and unissued to outstanding.

The weighted-average maturity for all membership subordinated certificates outstanding was 57 years and 58 years as of 
May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The following table presents the amount of members’ subordinated certificates 
maturing in each of the five fiscal years following May 31, 2019 and thereafter.

(Dollars in thousands)
2020 ........................................
2021 ........................................

2022 ........................................

2023 ........................................

2024 ........................................

Thereafter................................

     Total ...................................
___________________________

$

$

Amount
Maturing(1)

9,178

41,776

14,471

23,922
16,457

1,251,272

1,357,076

Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate

2.61%

3.73

2.91

3.53
2.32

4.29

4.21

120

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)

Excludes $0.05 million in subscribed and unissued member subordinated certificates for which a payment has been received, but no certificate has been 
issued. Amortizing member loan subordinated certificates totaling $254 million are amortizing annually based on the unpaid principal balance of the 
related loan. Amortization payments on these certificates totaled $17 million in fiscal year 2019 and represented 7% of amortizing loan subordinated 
certificates outstanding.

NOTE 10—DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

We are an end user of derivative financial instruments and do not engage in derivative trading. We use derivatives, primarily 
interest rate swaps and Treasury rate locks, to manage interest rate risk. Derivatives may be privately negotiated contracts, 
which are often referred to as OTC derivatives, or they may be listed and traded on an exchange. We generally engage in 
OTC derivative transactions. 

Outstanding Notional Amount and Maturities of Derivatives Not Designated as Accounting Hedges

The notional amount provides an indication of the volume of our derivatives activity, but this amount is not recorded on our 
consolidated balance sheets. The notional amount is used only as the basis on which interest payments are determined and is 
not the amount exchanged. The following table shows the outstanding notional amounts and the weighted-average rate paid 
and received for our interest rate swaps, by type, as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. The substantial majority of our interest rate 
swaps use an index based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) for either the pay or receive leg of the swap 
agreement. 

(Dollars in thousands)
Pay-fixed swaps...................
Receive-fixed swaps............
Total interest rate swaps ....
Forward pay-fixed swaps ....

Notional
Amount
$ 7,379,280

3,399,000

10,778,280

65,000

Total ...................................

$10,843,280

May 31,

2019

2018

Weighted-
Average
Rate Paid

Weighted-
Average
Rate Received

Notional
Amount

Weighted-
Average
Rate Paid

Weighted-
Average
Rate Received

2.83%

3.25

2.97

2.60% $ 6,987,999
2.56
3,824,000

2.58

10,811,999

2.83%

2.93

2.86

2.30%

2.50

2.37

256,154

$11,068,153

The following table presents the maturities for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter based on the notional amount 
of our interest rate swaps as of May 31, 2019.

(Dollars in thousands)

Notional
Amount

Notional Amortization and Maturities

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Thereafter

Interest rate swaps......

$10,843,280

$1,311,765

$471,500

$764,282

$337,211

$668,924

$7,289,598

Cash Flow Hedge

In anticipation of the repricing of $100 million in notes payable outstanding under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program, we 
entered into a treasury rate lock agreement with a notional amount of $100 million on May 25, 2018. The agreement, which 
was scheduled to mature on October 12, 2018, was designated as a cash flow hedge of the forecasted transaction. We 
recorded an unrealized loss in AOCI of $1 million as of May 31, 2018 related to this cash flow hedge. On September 25, 
2018, we terminated this cash flow hedge as the forecasted transaction was no longer expected to occur. Upon termination, 
the fair value of the derivative had shifted to a gain of $1 million from a loss of $1 million as of May 31, 2018. We reversed 

121

 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

the loss recorded in AOCI and recognized the gain in earnings as a component of derivative gains on our consolidated 
statements of operations.

Impact of Derivatives on Consolidated Balance Sheets

The following table displays the fair value of the derivative assets and derivative liabilities recorded on our consolidated 
balance sheets and the related outstanding notional amount of our interest rate swaps by derivatives type as of May 31, 2019 
and 2018.

(Dollars in thousands)
Derivative assets:.................................................
Interest rate swaps .............................................

Derivative liabilities:

Treasury rate lock—cash flow hedge................
Interest rate swaps .............................................
Total derivative liabilities ....................................

$

$

$

May 31,

2019

2018

Fair Value

Notional Balance

Fair Value

Notional Balance

41,179

$

2,332,104

$

244,526

$

5,264,971

— $

— $

391,724

8,511,176

391,724

$

8,511,176

$

1,059

274,873

275,932

$

$

100,000

5,803,182

5,903,182

All of our master swap agreements include netting provisions that allow for offsetting of all contracts with a given 
counterparty in the event of default by one of the two parties. However, as indicated above, in “Note 1—Summary of 
Significant Accounting Policies,” we report derivative asset and liability amounts on a gross basis by individual contracts. 
The following table presents the gross fair value of derivative assets and liabilities reported on our consolidated balance 
sheets as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, and provides information on the impact of netting provisions and collateral pledged.

May 31, 2019

Gross Amount
of Recognized
Assets/ 
Liabilities

Gross 
Amount
Offset in the
Balance Sheet

Net Amount 
of Assets/ 
Liabilities
Presented 
in the 
Balance Sheet

Gross Amount
Not Offset in the 
Balance Sheet

Financial
Instruments

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

Net
Amount

(Dollars in thousands)
Derivative assets:

Interest rate swaps .........

$

41,179

$

— $

41,179

$

41,176

$

— $

3

Derivative liabilities:

Interest rate swaps .........

391,724

—

391,724

41,176

—

350,548

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NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

May 31, 2018

Gross Amount
of Recognized
Assets/
Liabilities

Gross
Amount
Offset in the
Balance Sheet

Net Amount
of Assets/
Liabilities
Presented
in the
Balance Sheet

Gross Amount
Not Offset in the
Balance Sheet

Financial
Instruments

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

Net
Amount

(Dollars in thousands)
Derivative assets:

Interest rate swaps .........

$

244,526

$

— $

244,526

$

196,633

$

— $

47,893

Derivative liabilities:

Treasury rate lock—
cash flow hedge.............
Interest rate swaps .........

1,059

274,873

1,059

274,873

—

196,633

—

1,059

78,240

Impact of Derivatives on Consolidated Statements of Operations

Derivative gains (losses) reported in our consolidated statements of operations consist of derivative cash settlements 
expense and derivative forward value gains (losses). Derivative cash settlements expense represents net contractual interest 
expense accruals on interest rate swaps during the period. The derivative forward value gains (losses) represent the change 
in fair value of our interest rate swaps during the reporting period due to changes in the estimate of future interest rates over 
the remaining life of our derivative contracts.

The following table presents the components of the derivative gains (losses) reported in our consolidated statements of 
operations for our interest rate swaps for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017.                                                                                                                                                                             

(Dollars in thousands)
Derivative gains (losses) attributable to: .........................
Derivative cash settlements expense ...............................
Derivative forward value gains (losses) ..........................
Derivative gains (losses)..................................................

$

$

Year Ended May 31,

2019

2018

2017

(43,611)
(319,730)
(363,341)

$

$

(74,281)
306,002

231,721

$

$

(84,478)
179,381

94,903

As noted above, during fiscal year 2018, we entered into a treasury rate lock agreement that was designated as a cash flow 
hedge of a forecasted transaction. This cash flow hedge was terminated on September 25, 2018 and a gain of $1 million was 
recorded upon termination as a component of derivative cash settlements expense in on our consolidated statements of 
operations.

Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features

Our derivative contracts typically contain mutual early-termination provisions, generally in the form of a credit rating 
trigger. Under the mutual credit rating trigger provisions, either counterparty may, but is not obligated to, terminate and 
settle the agreement if the credit rating of the other counterparty falls below a level specified in the agreement. If a 
derivative contract is terminated, the amount to be received or paid by us would be equal to the prevailing fair value, as 
defined in the agreement, as of the termination date.  

Our senior unsecured credit ratings from Moody’s and S&P were A2 and A, respectively, as of May 31, 2019. Both Moody’s 
and S&P had our ratings on stable outlook as of May 31, 2019. The following table displays the notional amounts of our 
derivative contracts with rating triggers as of May 31, 2019, and the payments that would be required if the contracts were 
terminated as of that date because of a downgrade of our unsecured credit ratings or the counterparty’s unsecured credit 

123

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ratings below A3/A-, below Baa1/BBB+, to or below Baa2/BBB, below Baa3/BBB-, or to or below Ba2/BB+ by Moody’s 
or S&P, respectively. In calculating the payment amounts that would be required upon termination of the derivative 
contracts, we assumed that the amounts for each counterparty would be netted in accordance with the provisions of the 
master netting agreements for each counterparty. The net payment amounts are based on the fair value of the underlying 
derivative instrument, excluding the credit risk valuation adjustment, plus any unpaid accrued interest amounts.

(Dollars in thousands)

Impact of rating downgrade trigger:
Falls below A3/A-(1).....................................
Falls below Baa1/BBB+ ..............................
Falls to or below Baa2/BBB (2)....................
Falls below Baa3/BBB-...............................
Total .............................................................
___________________________

$

$

Notional
Amount

Payable Due
from CFC

Receivable Due
to CFC

Net (Payable)/
Receivable

50,460

$

(9,379) $

— $

7,024,759

562,062

221,865
7,859,146

$

(224,501)
(7,132)
(12,292)
(253,304) $

5

—

—
5

$

(9,379)
(224,496)
(7,132)
(12,292)
(253,299)

(1)

(2)

Rating trigger for CFC falls below A3/A-, while rating trigger for counterparty falls below Baa1/BBB+ by Moody’s or S&P, respectively.  

Rating trigger for CFC falls to or below Baa2/BBB, while rating trigger for counterparty falls to or below Ba2/BB+ by Moody’s or S&P, respectively.  

We have outstanding notional amount of derivatives with one counterparty subject to a ratings trigger and early termination 
provision in the event of a downgrade of CFC’s senior unsecured credit ratings below Baa3, BBB- or BBB- by Moody’s, 
S&P or Fitch, respectively, which is not included in the above table, totaling $165 million as of May 31, 2019. These 
contracts were in an unrealized loss position of $20 million as of May 31, 2019. 

Our largest counterparty exposure, based on the outstanding notional amount, accounted for approximately 23% and 24% of 
the total outstanding notional amount of derivatives as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The aggregate fair value 
amount, including the credit valuation adjustment, of all interest rate swaps with rating triggers that were in a net liability 
position was $266 million as of May 31, 2019. 

NOTE 11—EQUITY

Total equity decreased by $202 million to $1,304 million as of May 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily attributable to our 
reported net loss of $151 million for the year ended May 31, 2019 and the patronage capital retirement of $48 million in 
August 2018. The following table presents the components of equity as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. 

124

 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands)
Membership fees ......................................................................................
Educational fund ......................................................................................
Total membership fees and educational fund ......................................
Patronage capital allocated ..................................................................
Members’ capital reserve.....................................................................

Unallocated net income (loss):
Prior year-end cumulative derivative forward value losses .....................
Current year derivative forward value gains (losses)(1)............................
Current year-end cumulative derivative forward value losses .................
Other unallocated net income (loss).........................................................
Unallocated net income (loss) .............................................................
CFC retained equity.............................................................................
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)...............................
Total CFC equity ......................................................................................
Noncontrolling interests ...........................................................................
Total equity...............................................................................................
____________________________

May 31,

2019

2018

$

969

$

2,013

2,982

860,578

759,097

(30,831)
(318,134)
(348,965)
3,190
(345,775)
1,276,882
(147)
1,276,735

27,147

969

1,976

2,945

811,493

687,785

(332,525)
301,694
(30,831)
(5,603)
(36,434)
1,465,789

8,544

1,474,333

31,520

$

1,303,882

$

1,505,853

(1)

 Represents derivative forward value gains (losses) for CFC only, as total CFC equity does not include the noncontrolling interests of the consolidated 
variable interest entities NCSC and RTFC. See “Note 15—Business Segments” for the statements of operations for CFC. 

District of Columbia cooperative law requires cooperatives to allocate net earnings to patrons, to a general reserve in an 
amount sufficient to maintain a balance of at least 50% of paid-in capital and to a cooperative educational fund, as well as 
permits additional allocations to board-approved reserves. District of Columbia cooperative law also requires that a 
cooperative’s net earnings be allocated to all patrons in proportion to their individual patronage and each patron’s allocation 
be distributed to the patron unless the patron agrees that the cooperative may retain its share as additional capital.
Annually, the CFC Board of Directors allocates its net earnings to its patrons in the form of patronage capital, to a 
cooperative educational fund, to a general reserve, if necessary, and to board-approved reserves. An allocation to the general 
reserve is made, if necessary, to maintain the balance of the general reserve at 50% of the membership fees collected. CFC’s 
bylaws require the allocation to the cooperative educational fund to be at least 0.25% of its net earnings. Funds from the 
cooperative educational fund are disbursed annually to statewide cooperative organizations to fund the teaching of 
cooperative principles and for other cooperative education programs. 

Currently, CFC has one additional board-approved reserve, the members’ capital reserve. The CFC Board of Directors 
determines the amount of net earnings that is allocated to the members’ capital reserve, if any. The members’ capital reserve 
represents net earnings that CFC holds to increase equity retention. The net earnings held in the members’ capital reserve 
have not been specifically allocated to members, but may be allocated to individual members in the future as patronage 
capital if authorized by the CFC Board of Directors.

All remaining net earnings are allocated to CFC’s members in the form of patronage capital. The amount of net earnings 
allocated to each member is based on the member’s patronage of CFC’s lending programs during the year. No interest is 
earned by members on allocated patronage capital. There is no effect on CFC’s total equity as a result of allocating net 
earnings to members in the form of patronage capital or to board-approved reserves. The CFC Board of Directors has voted 
annually to retire a portion of the patronage capital allocation. Upon retirement, patronage capital is paid out in cash to the 
members to whom it was allocated. CFC’s total equity is reduced by the amount of patronage capital retired to its members 

125

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

and by amounts disbursed from board-approved reserves. Net earnings are based on CFC’s adjusted net income, which 
excludes the impact of derivative forward value gains (losses).

The current policy of the CFC Board of Directors is to retire 50% of the prior year’s allocated patronage capital and hold the 
remaining 50% for 25 years. The retirement amount and timing remains subject to annual approval by the CFC Board of 
Directors.

In July 2019, the CFC Board of Directors authorized the allocation of the fiscal year 2019 net earnings as follows: $97 
million to members in the form of patronage, $71 million to the members’ capital reserve and $1 million to the cooperative 
educational fund. In July 2019, the CFC Board of Directors authorized the retirement of allocated net earnings totaling $63 
million, consisting of $48 million, which represented 50% of the patronage capital allocation for fiscal year 2019, and $15 
million, which represented the portion of the allocation from fiscal year 1994 net earnings that has been held for 25 years 
pursuant to the CFC Board of Directors policy. We expect to return this amount to members in cash in the first quarter of 
fiscal year 2020. Future allocations and retirements of net earnings may be made annually as determined by the CFC Board 
of Directors with due regard for its financial condition. The CFC Board of Directors has the authority to change the current 
practice for allocating and retiring net earnings at any time, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

In July 2018, the CFC Board of Directors authorized the allocation of the fiscal year 2018 net earnings as follows: $95 
million to members in the form of patronage capital, $57 million to the members’ capital reserve and $1 million to the 
cooperative educational fund.  

In July 2018, the CFC Board of Directors authorized the retirement of patronage capital totaling $48 million, which 
represented 50% of the fiscal year 2018 allocation of patronage capital of $95 million. We returned the $48 million to 
members in cash in August 2018. The remaining portion of the allocated amount will be retained by CFC for 25 years under 
guidelines adopted by the CFC Board of Directors in June 2009.

Total equity includes noncontrolling interest, which represents 100% of NCSC and RTFC equity, as the members of NCSC 
and RTFC own or control 100% of the interest in their respective companies. In accordance with District of Columbia 
cooperative law and its bylaws and board policies, RTFC allocates its net earnings to its patrons, a cooperative educational 
fund and a general reserve, if necessary. RTFC’s bylaws require that it allocate at least 1% of net income to a cooperative 
educational fund. Funds from the cooperative educational fund are disbursed annually to fund the teaching of cooperative 
principles and for other cooperative education programs. An allocation to the general reserve is made, if necessary, to 
maintain the balance of the general reserve at 50% of the membership fees collected. The remainder is allocated to 
borrowers in proportion to their patronage. RTFC retires at least 20% of its annual allocation, if any, to members in cash 
prior to filing the applicable tax return. Any additional amounts are retired as determined by the RTFC Board of Directors 
taking into consideration RTFC’s financial condition. 

NCSC’s bylaws require that it allocate at least 0.25% of its net earnings to a cooperative educational fund and an amount to 
the general reserve required to maintain the general reserve balance at 50% of membership fees collected. Funds from the 
cooperative educational fund are disbursed annually to fund the teaching of cooperative principles and for other cooperative 
education programs. 

The NCSC Board of Directors has the authority to determine if and when net earnings will be allocated. There is no effect 
on noncontrolling interest as a result of NCSC and RTFC allocating net earnings to members or board-approved reserves. 
There is a reduction to noncontrolling interest as a result of the cash retirement of amounts allocated to members or to 
disbursements from board-approved reserves.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following tables summarize, by component, the activity in AOCI as of and for the years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018.

126

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year Ended May 31, 2019

Unrealized 
Gains 
(Losses)
Equity 
Securities

Unrealized 
Gains
Derivatives

$

8,794

$

3,039

Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) Cash
Flow Hedges
$

(1,059) $

Unrealized
Losses
Defined
Benefit Plan

Total

(8,794)
—
—
—
— $

—
—
(468)
(468)
2,571

—
1,059
—
1,059

$

— $

Year Ended May 31, 2018

(2,230) $

8,544

—
—
(488)
(488)
(2,718) $

(8,794)
1,059
(956)
103
(147)

(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning balance .......................................
Cumulative effect of changes from

adoption of new accounting standards.....
Unrealized gains ..........................................
Gains reclassified into earnings...................
Other comprehensive income (loss) ............
Ending balance ............................................

(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning balance .......................................
Unrealized losses .........................................
(Gains) losses reclassified into earnings......
Other comprehensive income (loss) ............
Ending balance ............................................

$

$

$

Unrealized 
Gains 
(Losses)
Equity 
Securities

12,016
(3,222)
—
(3,222)
8,794

Unrealized 
Gains
Derivatives
3,531
—
(492)
(492)
3,039

$

$

Unrealized
Gains Cash
Flow Hedge
171
$
(1,059)
(171)
(1,230)
(1,059) $

$

Unrealized
Losses
Defined
Benefit Plan
$

(2,543) $
(194)
507
313
(2,230) $

Total

13,175
(4,475)
(156)
(4,631)
8,544                                                                 

We expect to reclassify less than $1 million of amounts in AOCI related to unrealized derivative gains into earnings over the 
next 12 months.

NOTE 12—EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (“NRECA”) Retirement Security Plan

CFC is a participant in the NRECA Retirement Security Plan (“the Retirement Security Plan”), a multiple-employer defined 
benefit pension plan. The employer identification number of the Retirement Security Plan is 53-0116145, and the plan 
number is 333. Plan information is available publicly through the annual Form 5500, including attachments. The Retirement 
Security Plan is a qualified plan in which all employees are eligible to participate upon completion of one year of service. 
Under this plan, participating employees are entitled to receive annually, under a 50% joint and surviving spouse annuity, 
1.70% of the average of their five highest base salaries during their participation in the plan, multiplied by the number of 
years of participation in the plan. 

The risks of participating in the multiple-employer plan are different from the risks of single-employer plans due to the 
following characteristics of the plan:

•  Assets contributed to the multiple-employer plan by one participating employer may be used to provide benefits to 

employees of other participating employers.

• 

• 

If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the 
remaining participating employers.

If CFC chooses to stop participating in the plan, CFC may be required to pay a withdrawal liability representing an 
amount based on the underfunded status of the Plan.

127

 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Because of the current funding status of the Retirement Security Plan, it is not subject to a certified zone status 
determination under the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Based on the Pension Protection Act (“PPA”) funding target and 
PPA actuarial value of the plan assets, it was more than 80% funded as of January 1, 2019, 2018 and 2017. We made 
contributions to the Retirement Security Plan of $5 million, $5 million and $4 million in fiscal year 2019, 2018 and 2017, 
respectively. In each of these years, our contribution represented less than 5% of total contributions made to the plan by all 
participating employers. Our contribution did not include a surcharge. CFC’s expense is limited to the annual premium to 
participate in the Retirement Security Plan. Because it is a multiple-employer plan, there is no funding liability for CFC for 
the plan. There were no funding improvement plans, rehabilitation plans implemented or pending and no required minimum 
contributions. There are no collective bargaining agreements in place that cover CFC’s employees. 

Pension Restoration Plan

The Pension Restoration Plan (“PRP”) is a nonqualified defined benefit plan established to provide supplemental benefits to 
certain eligible employees whose compensation exceeds the IRS limits for the qualified Retirement Security Plan. The PRP 
restores the value of the Retirement Security Plan for eligible officers to the level it would be if the IRS limits on annual pay 
and annual annuity benefits were not in place. The limit was $280,000 for calendar year 2019. The PRP which is 
administered by NRECA, was frozen as of December 31, 2014. 

The benefit and payout formula under the nonqualified PRP component of the Retirement Security Plan is similar to that 
under the qualified plan component. Under the PRP, the amount NRECA invoices us for the Retirement Security Plan is 
based on the full compensation paid to each covered employee. Upon retirement of an employee covered under the PRP, 
NRECA will calculate the retirement benefits to be paid both with and without consideration of the IRS compensation 
limits. We will then pay the nonqualified supplemental benefit to the covered employee. NRECA will provide a credit for 
supplemental benefit payments made by us to covered employees against future contributions we are required to make to the 
Retirement Security Plan. 

The three participating executive officers have satisfied the provisions established to receive the benefit from this plan. 
Since there is no longer a risk of forfeiture of the benefit under the PRP, we will make distributions of any earned benefit 
from the plan to each of the executive officers included in the plan and the distributions will be credited back to us by 
NRECA. Accordingly, the distributions have no impact on our consolidated financial statements.  

Executive Benefit Restoration Plan

NRECA restricted additional participation in the PRP in December 2014. We therefore adopted a supplemental top-hat 
Executive Benefit Restoration (“EBR”) Plan, effective January 1, 2015. The EBR Plan is a nonqualified, unfunded plan 
maintained by CFC to provide retirement benefits to a select group of executive officers whose compensation exceeds IRS 
limits for qualified defined benefit plans. There is a risk of forfeiture if participants leave the company prior to becoming 
fully vested in the EBR Plan. There were eight plan participants as of May 31, 2019. The unfunded projected benefit 
obligation of this plan, which is included on our consolidated balance sheets as a component of other liabilities, was $6 
million and $4 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We recognized pension expense for this plan of 
approximatively $1 million in each of fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Defined Contribution Plan

CFC offers a 401(k) defined contribution savings program, the 401(k) Pension Plan, to all employees who have completed a 
minimum of 1,000 hours of service in either the first 12 consecutive months or first full calendar year of employment. We 
contribute an amount up to 2% of an employee’s salary each year for all employees participating in the program with a 
minimum 2% employee contribution. We contributed approximatively $1 million to the plan in each of fiscal years 2019, 
2018 and 2017.

128

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 13—GUARANTEES

We guarantee certain contractual obligations of our members so they may obtain various forms of financing. We use the 
same credit policies and monitoring procedures in providing guarantees as we do for loans and commitments. If a member 
system defaults on its obligation to pay debt service, then we are obligated to pay any required amounts under our 
guarantees. Meeting our guarantee obligations satisfies the underlying obligation of our member systems and prevents the 
exercise of remedies by the guarantee beneficiary based upon a payment default by a member system. In general, the 
member system is required to repay any amount advanced by us with interest, pursuant to the documents evidencing the 
member system’s reimbursement obligation.

The following table summarizes total guarantees, by type of guarantee and by member class, as of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

(Dollars in thousands)
Total by type:

Long-term tax-exempt bonds(1)...........
Letters of credit(2)................................
Other guarantees .................................
Total..................................................

Total by member class:

CFC:

Distribution .........................................
Power supply ......................................
Statewide and associate ......................
CFC total ..........................................
NCSC ....................................................
RTFC .....................................................
Total..................................................

____________________________

$

$

$

$

May 31,

2019

2018

312,190
379,001
146,244
837,435

235,919
586,717
3,481
826,117
8,714
2,604
837,435

$

$

$

$

316,985
343,970
144,206
805,161

201,993
587,837
3,326
793,156
10,431
1,574
805,161

(1)

(2)

Represents the outstanding principal amount of long-term fixed-rate and variable-rate guaranteed bonds.

Reflects our maximum potential exposure for letters of credit.

We guarantee debt issued in connection with the construction or acquisition of pollution control, solid waste disposal, 
industrial development and electric distribution facilities, classified as long-term tax-exempt bonds in the table above. We 
unconditionally guarantee to the holders or to trustees for the benefit of holders of these bonds the full principal, interest, 
and in most cases, premium, if any, on each bond when due. If a member system defaults in its obligation to pay debt 
service, then we are obligated to pay any required amounts under our guarantees. Such payment will prevent the occurrence 
of an event of default that would otherwise permit acceleration of the bond issue. In general, the member system is required 
to repay any amount advanced by us with interest, pursuant to the documents evidencing the member system’s 
reimbursement obligation.

Long-term tax-exempt bonds of $312 million and $317 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, included $247 
million and $250 million, respectively, of adjustable or variable-rate bonds that may be converted to a fixed rate as specified 
in the applicable indenture for each bond offering. We are unable to determine the maximum amount of interest that we may 
be required to pay related to the remaining adjustable and variable-rate bonds. Many of these bonds have a call provision 
that allows us to call the bond in the event of a default, which would limit our exposure to future interest payments on these 
bonds. Our maximum potential exposure generally is secured by mortgage liens on the members’ assets and future revenue. 

129

 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

If a member’s debt is accelerated because of a determination that the interest thereon is not tax-exempt, the member’s 
obligation to reimburse us for any guarantee payments will be treated as a long-term loan. The remaining long-term tax-
exempt bonds of $65 million as of May 31, 2019 are fixed-rate. The maximum potential exposure for these bonds, including 
the outstanding principal of $65 million and related interest through maturity, totaled $91 million as of May 31, 2019. The 
maturities for long-term tax-exempt bonds and the related guarantees extend through calendar year 2042.

Of the outstanding letters of credit of $379 million and $344 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, $126 
million and $120 million, respectively, were secured. We did not have any letters of credit outstanding that provided for 
standby liquidity for adjustable and floating-rate tax-exempt bonds issued for the benefit of our members as of May 31, 
2019. The maturities for the outstanding letters of credit as May 31, 2019 extend through calendar year 2038. 

In addition to the letters of credit listed in the table above, under master letter of credit facilities in place as of May 31, 2019, 
we may be required to issue up to an additional $53 million in letters of credit to third parties for the benefit of our 
members. All of our master letter of credit facilities were subject to material adverse change clauses at the time of issuance 
as of May 31, 2019. Prior to issuing a letter of credit, we would confirm that there has been no material adverse change in 
the business or condition, financial or otherwise, of the borrower since the time the loan was approved and confirm that the 
borrower is currently in compliance with the letter of credit terms and conditions. 

The maximum potential exposure for other guarantees was $147 million and $145 million as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, 
respectively, all of which were unsecured. The maturities for these other guarantees listed in the table above extend through 
calendar year 2025. 

Guarantees under which our right of recovery from our members was not secured totaled $374 million and $344 million and 
represented 45% and 43% of total guarantees as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

In addition to the guarantees described above, we were also the liquidity provider for $247 million of variable-rate tax-
exempt bonds as of May 31, 2019, issued for our member cooperatives. While the bonds are in variable-rate mode, in return 
for a fee, we have unconditionally agreed to purchase bonds tendered or put for redemption if the remarketing agents are 
unable to sell such bonds to other investors. We were not required to perform as liquidity provider pursuant to these 
obligations during fiscal years 2019, 2018 or 2017.

Guarantee Liability

As of May 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded a guarantee liability of $14 million and $11 million, respectively, which 
represents the contingent and noncontingent exposures related to guarantees and liquidity obligations. The contingent 
guarantee liability was $1 million as of both May 31, 2019 and 2018, based on management’s estimate of exposure to losses 
within the guarantee portfolio. The remaining balance of the total guarantee liability of $13 million and $10 million as of 
May 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, relates to our noncontingent obligation to stand ready to perform over the term of our 
guarantees and liquidity obligations that we have entered into or modified since January 1, 2003.

The following table details the scheduled maturities of our outstanding guarantees in each of the five fiscal years following 
May 31, 2019 and thereafter:

130

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands)
2020....................................................
2021....................................................
2022....................................................
2023....................................................
2024....................................................
Thereafter ...........................................
Total .................................................

Amount
Maturing

246,143
133,015
30,882
159,059
31,162
237,174
837,435

$

$

NOTE 14—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

We use fair value measurements for the initial recording of certain assets and liabilities and periodic remeasurement of 
certain assets and liabilities on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. The accounting guidance for fair value measurements and 
disclosures establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs into the valuation techniques used to 
measure fair value. The levels of the fair value hierarchy, in priority order, include Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. We 
describe the valuation technique for each level in “Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” The following 
tables present the carrying value and fair value for all of our financial instruments, including those carried at amortized cost, 
as of May 31, 2019 and 2018. The tables also display the classification within the fair value hierarchy of the valuation 
technique used in estimating fair value.  

(Dollars in thousands)

Carrying Value

Fair Value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

May 31, 2019

Fair Value Measurement Level

Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents .......................
Restricted cash.........................................
Equity securities ......................................
Debt securities held-to-maturity ..............
Deferred compensation investments........
Loans to members, net.............................
Accrued interest receivable .....................
Debt service reserve funds.......................
Derivative assets......................................

Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings.............................
Long-term debt ........................................
Accrued interest payable .........................
Guarantee liability ...................................
Derivative liabilities ................................
Subordinated deferrable debt...................
Members’ subordinated certificates.........

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

$

177,922

$

177,922

$

177,922

$

— $

8,282

87,533

565,444

4,984

8,282

87,533

570,549

4,984

25,899,369

25,743,503

133,605
17,151

41,179

133,605
17,151

41,179

8,282

87,533

—

4,984

—

—
17,151

—

—

—

570,549

—

133,605
—

41,179

— 25,743,503

$ 3,607,726

$ 3,608,259

$

— $ 3,608,259

$

19,210,793

20,147,183

— 11,482,715

8,664,468

158,997

13,666

391,724

986,020

1,357,129

158,997

13,307

391,724

1,004,707

1,357,129

—

—

—

—

—

158,997

—

391,724

1,004,707

—

13,307

—

—

—

1,357,129

131

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands)

Carrying Value

Fair Value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

May 31, 2018

Fair Value Measurement Level

Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents .......................
Restricted cash.........................................
Time deposits...........................................
Equity securities ......................................
Debt securities held-to-maturity ..............
Deferred compensation investments........
Loans to members, net.............................
Accrued interest receivable .....................
Debt service reserve funds.......................
Derivative assets......................................

Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings.............................
Long-term debt ........................................
Accrued interest payable .........................
Guarantee liability ...................................
Derivative liabilities ................................
Subordinated deferrable debt...................
Members’ subordinated certificates.........

$

230,999

$

230,999

$

230,999

$

7,825

100,000

89,332

520,519

5,194

7,825

100,000

89,332

516,546

5,194

25,159,807

24,167,886

127,442

17,151

244,526

127,442

17,151

244,526

7,825

—

89,332

5,194

—

—

17,151

—

— $

—

100,000

—

516,546

—

—

—

—

—

—

— 24,167,886

127,442

—

244,526

—

—

—

$ 3,795,910

$ 3,795,799

$

— $ 3,695,799

$

100,000

18,714,960

18,909,276

— 11,373,216

7,536,060

149,284

10,589

275,932

742,410

149,284

10,454

275,932

766,088

1,379,982

1,380,004

—

—

—

—

—

149,284

—

275,932

766,088

—

10,454

—

—

—

1,380,004

On June 1, 2018, we adopted the accounting guidance on the overall recognition and measurement of financial assets and 
financial liabilities. This guidance eliminated the requirement to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to 
estimate the fair value of financial instruments that are measured at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheet, except 
for loans receivable where the fair value is not based on exit price. The guidance did not, however, eliminate the 
requirement to describe the valuation techniques used in estimating the fair value of financial instruments recorded at fair 
value on a recurring basis. 

Loans to Members, Net

Because of the interest rate repricing options we provide to borrowers on loan advances and other characteristics of our 
loans, there is no ready market from which to obtain fair value quotes or observable inputs for similar loans. As a result, we 
are unable to use the exit price to estimate the fair value of loans to members. We therefore estimate fair value for fixed-rate 
loans by discounting the expected future cash flows based on the current rate at which we would make a similar new loan 
for the same remaining maturity to a borrower. The assumed maturity date used in estimating the fair value of loans with a 
fixed rate for a selected rate term is the next repricing date because at the repricing date, the loan will reprice at the current 
market rate. The carrying value of our variable-rate loans adjusted for credit risk approximates fair value since variable-rate 
loans are eligible to be reset at least monthly.

The fair value of loans with different risk characteristics, specifically nonperforming and restructured loans, is estimated  
using collateral valuations or by adjusting cash flows for credit risk and discounting those cash flows using the current rates 
at which similar loans would be made by us to borrowers for the same remaining maturities. See below for information on 
how we estimate the fair value of certain impaired loans.

132

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of financial instruments reported in our consolidated financial 
statements at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 31, 2019 and 2018 and the classification of the valuation technique 
within the fair value hierarchy. 

(Dollars in thousands)
Equity securities ....................................
Deferred compensation investments......
Derivative assets....................................
Derivative liabilities ..............................

2019

Level 1

Level 2

$

87,533

$

4,984

—

—

— $

—

41,179

391,724

May 31,

2018

Total
87,533

4,984

41,179

391,724

Level 1

Level 2

Total

$

89,332

$

— $

89,332

5,194

—

—

—

244,526

275,932

5,194

244,526

275,932

Below is a description of the valuation techniques we use to estimate fair value of our financial assets and liabilities 
recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the significant inputs used in those techniques, if applicable, and the classification 
within the fair value hierarchy. 

Equity Securities

Our investments in equity securities consist of investments in Farmer Mac Class A common stock and Series A, Series B 
and Series C preferred stock. These securities are reported at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. We determine the 
fair value based on quoted prices on the stock exchange where the stock is traded. That stock exchange with respect to 
Farmer Mac Class A common stock is an active market based on the volume of shares transacted. Fair values for these 
securities are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Deferred Compensation Investments 

CFC offers a nonqualified 457(b) deferred compensation plan to highly compensated employees. Such amounts deferred by 
employees are invested by the company. The deferred compensation investments are presented as other assets in the 
consolidated balance sheets in the other assets category at fair value. We calculate fair value based on the daily published 
and quoted net asset value and these investments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. 

Derivative Instruments

Our derivatives primarily consist of over-the-counter interest rate swaps. All of our swap agreements are subject to master 
netting agreements. There is not an active secondary market for the types of interest rate swaps we use. We determine the 
fair value of our derivatives using models that incorporate observable market inputs, such as spot LIBOR rates, Eurodollar 
futures contracts and market swap rates. These inputs can vary depending on the type of derivative and nature of the 
underlying rate, price or index upon which the derivative’s value is based. The impact of counterparty nonperformance risk 
is considered when measuring the fair value of derivative assets. Internal pricing is compared against additional pricing 
sources, such as external valuation agents and other sources. Pricing variances among different pricing sources are analyzed 
and validated. The technique for determining the fair value for our interest rate swaps is classified as Level 2. 

Transfers Between Levels

We monitor the availability of observable market data to assess the appropriate classification of financial instruments within 
the fair value hierarchy and transfer between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 accordingly. Observable market data includes, but 
is not limited to, quoted prices and market transactions. Changes in economic conditions or market liquidity generally will 
drive changes in availability of observable market data. Changes in availability of observable market data, which also may 
133

 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

result in changes in the valuation technique used, are generally the cause of transfers between levels. We did not have any 
transfers between levels for financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the fiscal years ended 
May 31, 2019 and 2018.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

We may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis on our consolidated 
balance sheets. These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in 
certain circumstances, such as in the application of lower of cost or fair value accounting or when we evaluate for 
impairment. Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and still held as of May 31, 2019 and 2018 consisted of 
certain impaired loans. Fair value measurement adjustments for individually impaired loans are recorded in the provision for 
loan losses on our consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of these assets is determined based on the use of 
significant unobservable inputs, which are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. We did not have any nonrecurring 
fair value measurement adjustments recorded in earnings attributable to these assets during fiscal years 2019, 2018 or 2017.

Significant Unobservable Level 3 Inputs

Impaired Loans

We utilize the fair value of estimated cash flows or the collateral underlying the loan to determine the fair value and specific 
allowance for impaired loans. The valuation technique used to determine fair value of the impaired loans provided by both 
our internal staff and third-party specialists includes market multiples (i.e., comparable companies). The significant 
unobservable inputs used in the determination of fair value for individually impaired loans is a multiple of earnings before 
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization based on various factors (i.e., financial condition of the borrower). In 
estimating the fair value of the collateral, we may use third-party valuation specialists, internal estimates or a combination of 
both. The significant unobservable inputs for estimating the fair value of impaired collateral-dependent loans are reviewed 
by our Credit Risk Management group to assess the reasonableness of the assumptions used and the accuracy of the work 
performed. In cases where we rely on third-party inputs, we use the final unadjusted third-party valuation analysis as support 
for any adjustments to our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. 

Because of the limited amount of impaired loans as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, we do not believe that potential changes in 
the significant unobservable inputs used in the determination of the fair value for impaired loans will have a material impact 
on the fair value measurement of these assets or our results of operations.

NOTE 15—BUSINESS SEGMENTS

Our consolidated financial statements include the financial results of CFC, NCSC and RTFC and certain entities created and 
controlled by CFC to hold foreclosed assets. Separate financial statements are produced for CFC, NCSC and RTFC and are 
the primary reports that management reviews in evaluating performance. The separate financial statements for CFC 
represent the consolidation of the financial results for CFC and the entities controlled by CFC. For more detail on the 
requirement to consolidate the financial results of NCSC and RTFC see “Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting 
Policies.”

The consolidated CFC financial statements include three operating segments: CFC, NCSC and RTFC. The NCSC and RTFC 
operating segments are not required to be separately reported as the financial results of NCSC and RTFC do not meet the 
quantitative thresholds outlined by the accounting standards for segment reporting as of May 31, 2019. As a result, we have 
elected to aggregate the NCSC and RTFC financial results into a combined “Other” segment. CFC is the primary source of 
funding to NCSC. CFC is the sole source of funding to RTFC. Pursuant to a guarantee agreement, CFC has agreed to 
indemnify NCSC and RTFC for loan losses. The loan loss allowance at NCSC and RTFC is offset by a guarantee receivable 
from CFC. 

134

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following tables display segment results for the years ended May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, and assets attributable to 
each segment as of May 31, 2019 and 2018.

Year Ended May 31, 2019

(Dollars in thousands)

CFC

Other

Elimination

Consolidated

Statement of operations:
Interest income..................................................................

$

Interest expense ................................................................
Net interest income .........................................................
Benefit for loan losses ......................................................

Net interest income after benefit for loan losses ..............

$

1,126,869
(835,491)
291,378

$

51,741
(43,658)
8,083

1,266

292,644

—

8,083

(42,940) $
42,940

—

—

—

1,135,670
(836,209)
299,461

1,266

300,727

Non-interest income (loss):

Fee and other income .....................................................
Derivative losses:

  Derivative cash settlements expense..........................

  Derivative forward value losses.................................

Derivative losses ............................................................
Unrealized losses on equity securities............................
Total non-interest income (loss).....................................
Non-interest expense:

  General and administrative expenses..............................

  Losses on early extinguishment of debt..........................

  Other non-interest expense .............................................
Total non-interest expense..............................................
Loss before income taxes..................................................

Income tax expense...........................................................
Net loss .............................................................................

20,515

2,655

(7,815)

15,355

(42,618)
(318,135)
(360,753)
(1,799)
(342,037)

(91,063)
(7,100)
(1,675)
(99,838)
(149,231)
—

$

(149,231) $

(993)
(1,595)
(2,588)
—

67

(8,477)
—
(1,441)
(9,918)
(1,768)
(211)
(1,979) $

—

—

—

—
(7,815)

6,374

—

1,441

7,815

—

—

— $

(43,611)
(319,730)
(363,341)
(1,799)
(349,785)

(93,166)
(7,100)
(1,675)
(101,941)
(150,999)
(211)
(151,210)

May 31, 2019

CFC

Other

Elimination

Consolidated

Assets:
Total loans outstanding.....................................................
Deferred loan origination costs.........................................
Less: Allowance for loan losses .....................................
Loans to members, net......................................................
Other assets.......................................................................
Total assets.......................................................................

$ 25,877,305

$

1,087,988

11,240
(17,535)
25,871,010

1,214,045

—

—

1,087,988

104,890

$ 27,085,055

$

1,192,878

135

$ (1,059,629) $ 25,905,664
11,240
(17,535)
25,899,369

—

—
(1,059,629)
(93,932)

1,225,003
$ (1,153,561) $ 27,124,372

 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year Ended May 31, 2018

(Dollars in thousands)

CFC

Other

Elimination

Consolidated

Statement of operations:
Interest income..................................................................

$

Interest expense ................................................................
Net interest income .........................................................
Benefit for loan losses ......................................................

Net interest income after benefit for loan losses ..............

$

1,067,016
(791,836)
275,180

$

49,182
(39,740)
9,442

18,575

293,755

—

9,442

(38,841) $
38,841

—

—

—

1,077,357
(792,735)
284,622

18,575

303,197

Non-interest income:

Fee and other income .....................................................
Derivative gains (losses):

  Derivative cash settlements expense..........................

  Derivative forward value gains..................................

Derivative gains..............................................................
Total non-interest income...............................................
Non-interest expense:

General and administrative expenses .............................
Other non-interest expense.............................................
Total non-interest expense..............................................
Income before income taxes .............................................

Income tax expense...........................................................
Net income .......................................................................

17,369

1,372

(1,163)

17,578

(71,906)
301,694

229,788

247,157

(83,783)
(1,943)
(85,726)
455,186

—

$

455,186

$

(2,375)
4,308

1,933

3,305

(7,101)
(1,163)
(8,264)
4,483
(2,305)
2,178

—

—

—
(1,163)

—

1,163

1,163

—

—

$

— $

(74,281)
306,002

231,721

249,299

(90,884)
(1,943)
(92,827)
459,669
(2,305)
457,364

May 31, 2018

CFC

Other

Elimination

Consolidated

$ (1,116,465) $ 25,167,494
11,114
(18,801)
25,159,807

—

—
(1,116,465)
(96,176)

1,530,397
$ (1,212,641) $ 26,690,204

Assets:
Total loans outstanding.....................................................
Deferred loan origination costs.........................................
Less: Allowance for loan losses .....................................
Loans to members, net......................................................
Other assets.......................................................................
Total assets.......................................................................

$ 25,134,384

$

1,149,575

11,114
(18,801)
25,126,697

1,520,118

—

—

1,149,575

106,455

$ 26,646,815

$

1,256,030

136

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year Ended May 31, 2017

(Dollars in thousands)

CFC

Other

Elimination

Consolidated

Statement of operations:
Interest income..................................................................

$

Interest expense ................................................................
Net interest income .........................................................
Provision for loan losses...................................................

Net interest income after provision for loan losses ..........

$

1,026,302
(740,695)
285,607
(5,978)
279,629

$

43,502
(34,250)
9,252

—

9,252

(33,170) $
33,207

37

—

37

1,036,634
(741,738)
294,896
(5,978)
288,918

Non-interest income:

Fee and other income .....................................................
Derivative gains (losses):

  Derivative cash settlements expense..........................

  Derivative forward value gains..................................

Derivative gains..............................................................
Results of operations from foreclosed assets .................
Total non-interest income...............................................
Non-interest expense:

General and administrative expenses .............................
Gains on early extinguishment of debt...........................
Other non-interest expense.............................................
Total non-interest expense..............................................
Income before income taxes .............................................

Income tax expense...........................................................
Net income .......................................................................

18,858

3,528

(2,673)

19,713

(81,489)
175,379

93,890
(1,749)
110,999

(78,965)
192
(1,949)
(80,722)
309,906

—

$

309,906

$

(2,989)
4,002

1,013

—

4,541

(7,261)
—
(2,635)
(9,896)
3,897
(1,704)
2,193

—

—

—

—
(2,673)

—

—

2,636

2,636

—

—

$

— $

(84,478)
179,381

94,903
(1,749)
112,867

(86,226)
192
(1,948)
(87,982)
313,803
(1,704)
312,099

137

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Condensed quarterly financial information for fiscal years May 31, 2019 and 2018 is presented below.

(Dollars in thousands)
Interest income ..........................................
Interest expense .........................................
Net interest income ..................................
Benefit (provision) for loan losses........

Net interest income after benefit

(provision) for loan losses......................

Non-interest income (loss):

Derivative gains (losses).......................
Other non-interest income ....................
Total non-interest income (loss)..............
Non-interest expense .................................
Income (loss) before income taxes ............
Income tax expense (benefit).....................
Net income (loss) ......................................
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to

noncontrolling interests..........................
Net income (loss) attributable to CFC ...

Fiscal Year May 31, 2019

Aug 31, 2018
278,491
$

(210,231)

68,260

109

$

Nov 30, 2018
281,253
(204,166)
77,087

$

1,788

Feb 28, 2019

285,566
(207,335)
78,231
(182)

May 31, 2019
290,360
$
(214,477)
75,883
(449)

Total
$ 1,135,670
(836,209)
299,461

1,266

68,369

78,875

78,049

75,434

300,727

7,183

3,185

10,368

(30,699)

48,038

(60)

47,978

(13)

$

47,965

$

63,343

4,321

67,664
(26,570)
119,969
(243)
119,726

(132,174)
3,714
(128,460)
(21,209)
(71,620)
149
(71,471)

(301,693)
2,336
(299,357)
(23,463)
(247,386)
(57)
(247,443)

(363,341)
13,556
(349,785)
(101,941)
(150,999)
(211)
(151,210)

(466)
119,260

$

539
(70,932) $

1,919
(245,524) $

1,979
(149,231)

(Dollars in thousands)
Interest income ..........................................
Interest expense .........................................
Net interest income ..................................
Benefit (provision) for loan losses........

Net interest income after benefit

Fiscal Year May 31, 2018

Aug 31, 2017

Nov 30, 2017

Feb 28, 2018

May 31, 2018

Total

$

265,915

$

(192,731)

73,184

298

$

265,823
(195,170)
70,653

304

$

271,468
(198,071)
73,397
(1,105)

274,151
(206,763)
67,388

$ 1,077,357
(792,735)
284,622

19,078

18,575

(provision) for loan losses......................

73,482

70,957

72,292

86,466

303,197

Non-interest income (loss):

Derivative gains (losses).......................
Other non-interest income ....................
Total non-interest income (loss)..............
Non-interest expense .................................
Income before income taxes......................
Income tax expense ...................................
Net income................................................
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to

noncontrolling interest ...........................
Net income attributable to CFC.............

(46,198)

3,921

(42,277)

(22,158)

9,047

(32)

9,015

118

$

9,133

$

138

125,593

5,532

131,125
(22,532)
179,550
(827)
178,723

168,048

3,935

171,983
(22,614)
221,661
(632)
221,029

(1,150)
177,573

$

(1,614)
219,415

(15,722)
4,190
(11,532)
(25,523)
49,411
(814)
48,597

468

$

49,065

$

231,721

17,578

249,299
(92,827)
459,669
(2,305)
457,364

(2,178)
455,186

Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of 
disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 
At the end of the period covered by this Report, based on this evaluation process, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief 
Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (“we”, “our” or “us”) is responsible for 
establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) 
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed under the supervision of 
management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. 
generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and 
procedures that:

(i) 

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and 
dispositions of the assets;

(ii)  provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements 
in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of ours are being 
made only in accordance with authorizations of management and our directors;

(iii)  provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or dispositions 

of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements; and

(iv)  ensure disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to provide 
reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Exchange Act is 
accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, 
or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Any system of internal control, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including but not limited to the 
possibility that a control can be circumvented or overridden and misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be 
detected. Also, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time. Therefore, even those 
systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation 
and presentation.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2019. In making this 
assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (“2013 Framework”).

Based on management’s assessment and those criteria, management believes that we maintained effective internal control 
over financial reporting as of May 31, 2019.

This annual report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding 
internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public 
accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to furnish only 
management’s report with this annual report on Form 10-K.

139

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have 
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

By:

/s/ SHELDON C. PETERSEN

By:

/s/ J. ANDREW DON

  Sheldon C. Petersen

Chief Executive Officer
July 31, 2019

  J. Andrew Don

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

  July 31, 2019

By:

/s/ ROBERT E. GEIER

  Robert E. Geier

Vice President and Controller
July 31, 2019

Item 9B.    Other Information

None.

140

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

PART III

(a) Directors

Name
Kent D. Farmer (President of CFC) ..........................................
Dean R. Tesch (Vice President of CFC) ....................................
Alan W. Wattles (Secretary-Treasurer of CFC) .........................
Thomas A. Bailey ......................................................................
Robert Brockman.......................................................................
Chris D. Christensen..................................................................
David E. Felkel..........................................................................
Dennis Fulk ...............................................................................
Barbara E. Hampton ..................................................................
Doyle Jay Hanson......................................................................
Thomas L. Hayes.......................................................................
Bradley P. Janorschke................................................................
Jimmy A. LaFoy ........................................................................
G. Anthony Norton ....................................................................
Debra L. Robinson.....................................................................
Timothy Rodriguez....................................................................
Bradley J. Schardin....................................................................
Marsha L. Thompson.................................................................
Stephen C. Vail ..........................................................................
Bruce A. Vitosh..........................................................................
Todd P. Ware..............................................................................
Gregory D. Williams .................................................................
Curtis Wynn...............................................................................
____________________________

Age

Director
Since

Date Present
Term Expires

61

57

53

77

69

55

58

68

57

73

63

55

78

67

61

58

59

64

60

53

53

60

55

2014

2015

2016

2019

2015

2019

2018

2019

2019

2015

2014

2019

2015

2019

2016

2018

2015

2017

2014

2017

2015

2015

2017

2020

2021

2022

2022

2019
   2022(1)
2021

2022

2022

2021

2020

2022

2021

2022

2019

2021

2021

2020

2020

2020

2021

2020
    2021(1)

(1)

 Pursuant to CFC’s bylaws, NRECA determines the method of director election and length of term for the seat occupied by this director.

Under CFC’s bylaws, the board of directors shall be composed of the following individuals:
•  20 directors, which must include one general manager and one director of a member system from each of 10 districts (but 

• 
• 

no more than one director from each state except in a district where only one state has members);
two directors designated by NRECA; and
if the board determines at its discretion that an at-large director shall be elected, one at-large director who satisfies the 
requirements of an Audit Committee financial expert as defined by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and is a trustee, director, 
manager, Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of a member.

The 20 district-level directors are each elected by a vote of the members within the district for which the director serves. The 
at-large director who satisfies the requirements of an Audit Committee financial expert is elected by the vote of all members. 
All CFC directors, other than the two directors designated by NRECA, are elected for a three-year term and can serve a maximum 
of two consecutive terms. Each CFC member (other than associates) is entitled to one vote with respect to elections of directors 
in their districts.

141

 
(b) Executive Officers

Title
Name
President and Director ............................................................... Kent D. Farmer
Vice President and Director....................................................... Dean R. Tesch
Secretary-Treasurer and Director .............................................. Alan W. Wattles
Chief Executive Officer............................................................. Sheldon C. Petersen
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer....................
Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer ............. Graceann D. Clendenen
Senior Vice President, Member Services ..................................
Senior Vice President and General Counsel.............................. Roberta B. Aronson
Senior Vice President, Credit Risk Management ......................
John M. Borak
Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations .............................. Brad L. Captain
Senior Vice President, Strategic Services.................................. Steven M. Kettler
Senior Vice President, Loan Operations.................................... Robin C. Reed
Senior Vice President, Business and Industry Development..... Gregory Starheim
___________________________

J. Andrew Don

Joel Allen

Age

61

57

53

66

59

61

53

61

74

49

60

57

56

Held Present
Office Since(1)
2019

2019

2019

1995

2014

2019

2014

2014

2003

2014

2014

2016

2016

(1)

 Refers to fiscal year.

The President, Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer are elected annually by the board of directors at its first 
organizational meeting immediately following CFC’s annual membership meeting, each to serve a term of one year; the 
Chief Executive Officer serves at the pleasure of the board of directors; and the other Executive Officers serve at the 
pleasure of the Chief Executive Officer.

(c) Identification of Certain Significant Employees

Not applicable.

(d) Family Relationships

No family relationship exists between any director or executive officer and any other director or executive officer of the 
registrant.

(e) (1) and (2) Business Experience and Directorships

Mr. Farmer has been the president and CEO of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative in Fredericksburg, Virginia, since 2004 
and has been employed there in various roles, including chief operating officer and chief financial officer, since 1979. Mr. 
Farmer has been the vice chairman of the Old Dominion Electric Cooperative Board of Directors since July 2014 and on the 
University of Mary Washington Business Advisory Board since 2013. He has served as a board member of the Virginia, 
Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives since 2004. As the president and CEO of Rappahannock 
Electric Cooperative, Mr. Farmer has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative 
industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Farmer has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best 
interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Tesch has served as board chairman of Taylor Electric Cooperative in Stetsonville, Wisconsin, since August 2014.  Mr. 
Tesch also served as a director for the cooperative’s wholesale power supplier, Dairyland Power Cooperative, headquartered 
in La Crosse, Wisconsin, from June 2014 to June 2019. Mr. Tesch has been a certified financial planner since 2000 and is a 
former elementary school teacher. From 2010 to January 2019 he served as a member of the Certified Financial Planners 
Board Item Writing Group. As the board chairman of Taylor Electric Cooperative, Mr. Tesch has acquired extensive 
experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Tesch has the 
qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interest of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

142

 
 
 
Mr. Wattles has been president and chief executive officer of Monroe County Electric Co-Operative in Waterloo, Illinois 
since 2002. He has been a board member of Southern Illinois Power Cooperative since 2002. As president and chief 
executive officer of Monroe County Electric Co-Operative, Mr. Wattles has acquired extensive experience with and 
knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Wattles has the qualifications, skills and 
experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Bailey has served as a director of Vermont Electric Cooperative in Johnson, Vermont since January 2004.  From 2006 to 
2015 Mr. Bailey served as board president of Vermont Electric Cooperative.  He has operated a real estate investment 
business since 2009. As a director of Vermont Electric Cooperative, Mr. Bailey has acquired extensive experience with and 
knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Bailey has the qualifications, skills and 
experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Brockman has been a director at Wheatland Rural Electric Association in Wheatland, Wyoming since 2006. He has 
served as president and real estate broker for Keyhole Land Co. in Wheatland, Wyoming, since 1988. As a director of 
Wheatland Rural Electric Association, Mr. Brockman has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural 
electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Brockman has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary 
to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Christensen has served as a director of Norval Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Glasgow, Montana since 2004.  Mr. 
Christensen has also served as a director of the NRECA Board of Directors since 2014, and has served as NRECA board 
vice president since March 2019.  He has been a self-employed rancher since 1979.  As a director of Norval Electric 
Cooperative, Inc. and NRECA, Mr. Christensen has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric 
cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Christensen has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act 
in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Felkel has been president and CEO of Edisto Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Bamberg, South Carolina since 1997.  He has 
been a trustee on the Board of Trustees of Central Electric Power Cooperative since 1997.  As the president and CEO of 
Edisto Electric Cooperative, Mr. Felkel has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric 
cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Felkel has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the 
best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC Board.

Mr. Fulk has served as a director of Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative in Kearney, Missouri since 1993, including serving as 
board President from 2000 to 2015.  He served as a director of NW Electric Cooperative from 2014 until April 2019, serving 
as board Vice President from 2011 to April 2019.  Mr. Fulk also served as a director of the Association of Missouri Electric 
Cooperatives from 2000 until 2015, serving as board President from 2010 to 2011.  As a director of Platte-Clay Electric 
Cooperative, Mr. Fulk has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, 
therefore, we believe Mr. Fulk has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and 
to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mrs. Hampton has served as the Senior Vice President, CFO at Georgia Transmission Corporation in Tucker, Georgia since 
2005.  Mrs. Hampton has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1990. As Senior Vice President, CFO of Georgia 
Transmission Corporation, Mrs. Hampton has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric 
cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mrs. Hampton has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act 
in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board. We believe Mrs. Hampton’s experience with 
accounting principles, financial reporting rules and regulations and evaluating financial results makes her qualified to serve 
as CFC’s Audit Committee financial expert as defined by Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Mr. Hanson has been a director of Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative in Ashton, Idaho since 2005. From 1968 until 2001 
Mr. Hanson served as a cooperative extension agent for the University of Idaho and University of Wyoming. He also chaired 
the Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association Nominating Committee from 2013 until 2014. As a director of Fall River 
Rural Electric Cooperative, Mr. Hanson has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric 
cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Hanson has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in 
the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

143

Mr. Hayes has been a director of Brown County Rural Electrical Association in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota since 1997.  Mr. 
Hayes also served as the vice president of Brown County Rural Electrical Association from March 2014 to March 2016 and 
as president from 2004 to March 2014. He has been a self-employed farmer since 1973. Mr. Hayes was a director and utility 
committee chair of Cooperative Network from 1998 to 2014. As the president of Brown County Rural Electrical 
Association, Mr. Hayes has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, 
therefore, we believe Mr. Hayes has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and 
to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Janorschke has been the General Manager at Homer Electric Association, Inc. in Homer, Alaska since 2004. He has also 
been the General Manager of Alaska Electric and Energy Cooperative in Homer, Alaska, since 2004.  Mr. Janorschke has 
also served on the Board of Trustees of the Northwest Public Power Association in Vancouver, Washington, since 2014. As 
the General Manager of Homer Electric Association, Inc., Mr. Janorschke has acquired extensive experience with and 
knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Janorschke has the qualifications, skills 
and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. LaFoy has served as a director and the secretary-treasurer for Baldwin County Electric Member Corporation in Gulf 
Shores, Alabama, since July 2009. Mr. LaFoy is a certified public accountant and since 1977 has owned and operated the 
public accounting firm LaFoy & Associates. He is a founding organizer and has served as a member of the Southern States 
Bank Board since August 2007. Mr. LaFoy also was a member of the Farmers National Bank Board of Opelika from 1989 to 
2002 and the First American Bank Advisory Board from 2002 to 2006. Mr. LaFoy was a council member from 1981 until 
1986 and president from 1985 until 1986 of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. He was also a council 
member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants from 1986 until 1990. As a director and secretary-
treasurer of Baldwin County Electric Member Corporation, Mr. LaFoy has acquired extensive experience with and 
knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. LaFoy has the qualifications, skills and 
experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Norton has served as a director of Snapping Shoals Electric Membership Corporation in Covington, Georgia since 1993.  
Mr. Norton has also served as a director at Georgia Electric Membership Corporation in Tucker, Georgia, since 2009 and 
Georgia System Operations Corporation in Tucker, Georgia, since 2012. Mr. Norton has owned and operated Conyers 
Pharmacy in Conyers, Georgia from 1982 to 2018. As a director of Snapping Shoals Electric Membership Corporation, Mr. 
Norton has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we 
believe Mr. Norton has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a 
director on the CFC board.

Mrs. Robinson has served as chief executive officer and general manager of Wood County Electric Cooperative, Inc. in 
Quitman, Texas since 1997. Mrs. Robinson has also served as the Board President of East Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc. 
in Nacogdoches, Texas since July 2002 and as a director of Northeast Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Longview, Texas 
since 1997.  Mrs. Robinson is also a certified public accountant.  As chief executive officer and general manager of Wood 
County Electric Cooperative, Inc., Mrs. Robinson has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural 
electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mrs. Robinson has the qualifications, skills and experience 
necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Rodriguez has been the CEO of Kay Electric Cooperative in Blackwell, Oklahoma since 2014. He also served as COO 
of Kay Electric Cooperative from 2010 to 2014.  Mr. Rodriguez has been a CPA since 1998. As the CEO of Kay Electric 
Cooperative, Mr. Rodriguez has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry 
and, therefore, we believe Mr. Rodriguez has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of 
CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC Board.

Mr. Schardin has served as general manager of Southeastern Electric Cooperative in Marion, South Dakota since 1990. He 
chaired the Managers Advisory Committee for his cooperative’s wholesale power supplier, East River Electric Power 
Cooperative from January 2013 to 2015 and at the same time was a member of the Basin Electric Power Cooperative 
Managers Advisory Committee. Mr. Schardin has also been a member of the South Dakota Rural Electric Association 
Strategic Issues Committee since 2005 and a director on the Rural Electric Economic Development Fund Board of Directors 
since 1996. As general manager of Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Mr. Schardin has acquired extensive experience with 

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and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Schardin has the qualifications, skills 
and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mrs. Thompson has served as director of Trico Electric Cooperative in Mariana, Arizona since 2001, and has served as 
secretary of the board since 2015.  Mrs. Thompson also serves as a member of Trico Electric Cooperative’s Audit and 
Finance Committee and served as its chair from 2013 until 2015.  Additionally, Mrs. Thompson has been a director of Grand 
Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association since 2002 and served as its Board President from 2008 to 2010.  As 
secretary of the board and director of Trico Electric Cooperative, Mrs. Thompson has acquired extensive experience with 
and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mrs. Thompson has the qualifications, 
skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Vail has served as director of NineStar Connect in Greenfield, Indiana since 1999. Mr. Vail has also served as the board 
chairman of NineStar Connect from 2012 to 2016 and has served as its board vice-chairman since April 2019. Since 2011, 
he also has served as a board member of the Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives. Mr. Vail has been 
the owner of ETL Group since 2011. The ETL Group provides strategic and operational efficiency consulting services to 
business entities and non-profit organizations. Mr. Vail has held various positions at the Hancock Regional Hospital, and he 
was the senior special accounts loan officer at Farm Credit Services. He has been a member of Hancock Redevelopment 
Commission since 2010. As a former board chairman and current vice-chairman of NineStar Connect, Mr. Vail has acquired 
extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry. We, therefore, believe Mr. Vail has the 
qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Vitosh has been general manager and CEO of Norris Public Power District in Beatrice, Nebraska since 2012. From 2008 
to 2012, Mr. Vitosh was the Manager of Finance and Accounting at Norris Public Power District. Mr. Vitosh is a CPA and is 
a member of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Vitosh has also been a self-employed farmer since 
2004.  As general manager and CEO of Norris Public Power District, Mr. Vitosh has acquired extensive experience with and 
knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Vitosh has the qualifications, skills and 
experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.  We believe Mr. 
Vitosh’s experience with accounting principles, financial reporting rules and regulations and evaluating financial results 
makes him qualified to serve as the Chairman of CFC’s Audit Committee.

Mr. Ware has been president and CEO of Licking Rural Electrification-The Energy Cooperative in Newark, Ohio since 
2012. Mr. Ware was the vice president and CFO of Licking Rural Electrification-The Energy Cooperative from 2000 until 
2011. In May 2019 Mr. Ware was elected as a director of Farmer Mac, a federally chartered and publicly traded corporation 
that provides a secondary market for a variety of loans made to borrowers in rural America, where he serves on the Audit 
and Enterprise Risk Committees.  He has served as a director of Licking County United Way and Genesis Healthcare 
Foundation from 2009 to 2018.  He also served as a director of Altheirs Oil Inc. since 2005, the cooperative’s wholesale 
power supplier, Buckeye Power Cooperative, since 2012, and The Ohio State University-Newark Advisory Board since 
2016 where he currently serves as vice-chairman. He is also a member of the Buckeye Power Cooperative Executive and 
Rate Committees and the American Gas Association Leadership Council. As president and CEO of Licking Rural 
Electrification-The Energy Cooperative, Mr. Ware has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural 
electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Ware has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to 
act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Williams has been the general manager and executive vice president of Appalachian Electric Cooperative in New 
Market, Tennessee since 2010. He served as a board member of the East Tennessee Economic Development Agency from 
2010 to 2018 and has served as a board member of the Northeast Tennessee Valley Industrial Development Association 
since 2010. He also served as chairman of the board of the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association from 2015-2017. As 
general manager and executive vice president of Appalachian Electric Cooperative, Mr. Williams has acquired extensive 
experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Williams has the 
qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Wynn has been president and CEO of Roanoke Electric Membership Corporation in Aulander, North Carolina since 
1997. He has been a director on the NRECA Board of Directors since 2007, and has served as NRECA board president since 
March 2019.  Mr. Wynn also served as NRECA vice president from 2017 to 2019. Mr. Wynn has also served as a director of 
the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation and the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives since 

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1997. As president and CEO of Roanoke Electric Membership Corporation and director of NRECA, Mr. Wynn has acquired 
extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Wynn has 
the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC 
board.

Mr. Petersen joined CFC in August 1983 as an area representative. He became the director of Policy Development and 
Internal Audit in January 1990, director of Credit Analysis in November 1990 and corporate secretary on June 1, 1992. He 
became assistant to the governor on May 1, 1993. He became assistant to the governor and acting administrative officer on 
June 1, 1994. He became governor and CEO on March 1, 1995. Mr. Petersen began his career in the rural electrification 
program in 1976 as staff assistant for Nishnabotna Rural Electric Cooperative in Harlan, Iowa. He later served as general 
manager of Rock County Electric Cooperative Association in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Mr. Don joined CFC in September 1999 as Director of Loan Syndications and became Vice President of Capital Market 
Relations in June 2005. Effective June 2010, Mr. Don became CFC’s Senior Vice President and Treasurer. Effective July 1, 
2013, Mr. Don became CFC’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining CFC, he held the position 
of Vice President and Manager of the Washington, D.C. Office for The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi. Mr. Don started his 
banking career with the Bank of Montreal in New York in 1984 and subsequently was a Vice President for Corporate 
Banking for The Bank of New York from 1987 to 1990.

Ms. Clendenen joined CFC in 1982. Throughout her career with CFC, Ms. Clendenen has held various positions. She served 
as Vice President, Human Resources until February 2012. In February 2012, she became Vice President, Human Resources 
& Corporate Services until April 2014.  In April 2014, she became Senior Vice President, Corporate Services. Effective 
December 17, 2018, Ms. Clendenen became Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer.

Mr. Allen joined CFC in 1990. Throughout his career with CFC, Mr. Allen has held various positions. He served as a 
Director, Portfolio Management through 2010 and as Vice President, Portfolio Management from 2010 until April 2014, 
when he became Senior Vice President, Member Services.

Ms. Aronson joined CFC in 1995. She served as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel until June 2013. Effective July 
1, 2013, Ms. Aronson became Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Prior to joining CFC, Ms. Aronson was a partner 
at the law firm of Thompson Hine LLP.

Mr. Borak joined CFC in June 2002 as Senior Vice President, Credit Risk Management. Previously, he was with Fleet 
National Bank, Boston, Massachusetts, from 1992 to 2001 where he was a senior credit officer with risk management and 
loan approval responsibility for several industry banking portfolios including investor-owned utilities. Prior assignments at 
Fleet in Hartford, Connecticut, included Manager of Credit Review and Manager of Loan Workout.

Mr. Captain joined CFC in 1999. He served as Vice President, Government Relations until 2010 when he became Vice 
President, Corporate Communications. In January 2014, Mr. Captain became Vice President, Corporate Relations. Effective 
April 16, 2014, Mr. Captain became Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations. Prior to joining CFC, he worked as a 
Special Assistant to the Undersecretary of Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture.

Mr. Kettler joined CFC as a regional vice president in 2001. In 2010, he became Vice President, Portfolio Management. On 
April 16, 2014, Mr. Kettler became Senior Vice President, Strategic Business Development and Support. Effective July 6, 
2015, Mr. Kettler became Senior Vice President, Strategic Services.

Ms. Reed joined CFC in 1987. She served as Vice President, Portfolio Management from 2002 until 2014. On April 16, 
2014, Ms. Reed became Senior Vice President, Member Services. Effective September 14, 2015, Ms. Reed became Senior 
Vice President, Loan Operations.

Mr. Starheim joined CFC as Senior Vice President, Business and Industry Development on July 6, 2015. Prior to joining 
CFC, Mr. Starheim served as CEO and General Manager of Delaware County Electric Cooperative in upstate New York 
from 2001 until 2012. From 2012 until joining CFC, Mr. Starheim held the position of President and CEO of Kenergy Corp 
in Henderson, Kentucky.

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(f) Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

None to our knowledge.

(g) Promoters and Control Persons

Not applicable. 

(h) Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Ethics within the meaning of Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K. This Code of Ethics applies to our 
principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. This Code of Ethics is publicly 
available on our website at www.nrucfc.coop (under the link “Investor Relations/Corporate Governance”).

(i) Nominating Committee

Our board of directors does not have a standing nominating committee. As described above under “Item 10(a) Directors,” 20 
of our directors are each elected by members in the district for which the director serves. To nominate director candidates, at 
the district meeting before the meeting at which candidates are to be elected from such district, a nominating committee is 
elected composed of one person from each state within the district. Each member of the nominating committee must be a 
trustee, director or manager of one of our members. Each district nominating committee then submits names of two or more 
nominees for each position in the district for which an election is to be held. We provide members of the nominating 
committee with director guidelines to use in reviewing applications from potential candidates. One or more candidates for 
the at-large director position who satisfies the requirements of an Audit Committee financial expert are nominated by our 
board of directors if the board determines that it is appropriate to fill the seat. Our board of directors believes that it is 
appropriate for the full board of directors to nominate this director because of the position’s specific qualification 
requirements and the lack of any local district qualification requirement.

While  we  do  not  have  a  formal  policy  regarding  diversity,  the  director  guidelines  we  provide  to  each  district  nominating 
committee specify that a variety of perspectives, opinions and backgrounds is critical to the board’s ability to perform its duties 
and various roles. We recognize the value of having a board that encompasses a broad range of skills, expertise, industry 
knowledge and diversity of professional and personal experience.

(j) Audit Committee

Our Audit Committee currently consists of 12 directors: Mr. Vitosh (Chairperson), Mr. Williams (Vice Chairperson), Mr. 
Farmer (Ex Officio), Mr. Christensen, Mr. Felkel, Mrs. Hampton, Mr. Hayes, Mr. Janorschke, Mr. Norton, Mr. Tesch, Mr. 
Vail and Mr. Ware. Mrs. Hampton was designated by the board as the “Audit Committee financial expert” as defined by 
Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The members of the Audit Committee are “independent” as that term is 
defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act. Among other things, the Audit Committee reviews our financial 
statements and the disclosure under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Audit Committee meets with our independent registered public 
accounting firm, internal auditors, CEO and financial management executives to review the scope and results of audits and 
recommendations made by those persons with respect to internal and external accounting controls and specific accounting 
and financial reporting issues and to assess corporate risk. The board has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee 
that may be found on our website, www.nrucfc.coop (under the link “Investor Relations/Corporate Governance”).

The Audit Committee completed its review and discussions with management regarding our audited financial statements for 
the year ended May 31, 2019. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be 
discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301, and received from the independent accountants written disclosures and the letter 
from the independent accountant required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and discussed 
with the accountants their independence.

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Based on the review and discussions noted above, the Audit Committee recommended to the board that the audited financial 
statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2019 for filing with the U.S. 
Securities and Exchange Commission.

(k) Compensation Committee 

Role of the Compensation Committee

Our Compensation Committee currently consists of seven directors: Mr. Farmer, Mr. Tesch, Mr. Wattles, Mr. Vitosh, Mrs. 
Thompson, Mr. Felkel and Mr. Schardin. The Compensation Committee of the board of directors reviews and makes 
appropriate recommendations to the full board of directors regarding CFC’s total compensation philosophy and pay 
components, including, but not limited to, base and incentive pay programs. The Compensation Committee is also 
responsible for approving the compensation, employment agreements and perquisites for the CEO. The Compensation 
Committee annually reviews all approved corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation, evaluates performance 
in light of those goals and approves the CEO’s compensation based on this evaluation, all of which is then submitted to the 
full board of directors for ratification. The Compensation Committee has delegated authority to the CEO for evaluating the 
performance and approving the annual base compensation for all of the other named executive officers as identified in the 
“Summary Compensation Table” below. Other than the CEO, no other named executive officer makes decisions regarding 
executive compensation.

The Compensation Committee reports to the board of directors on its actions and recommendations following committee 
meetings and meets in executive session without members of management present when making specific compensation 
decisions. Although the board has delegated authority to the Compensation Committee with respect to CFC’s executive and 
general employee compensation programs and practices, the full board of directors also reviews and ratifies CFC’s 
compensation and benefit programs each year.

The Compensation Committee’s charter can be found on our website at www.nrucfc.coop (under the link “Investor 
Relations/Corporate Governance”).

The Compensation Committee’s Processes

The Compensation Committee has established a process to assist it in ensuring that CFC’s executive compensation program 
is achieving its objectives. Prior to the start of each fiscal year, the board of directors approves performance measures for the 
“corporate balanced scorecard,” which is the basis for the short-term incentive plan, and the specific goal and metrics for the 
long-term incentive plan. The Compensation Committee reviews and assesses the accomplishment of goals as of the end of 
the fiscal year and determines whether to authorize the payment of incentive compensation. This authorization is then 
submitted to the full board of directors for ratification.

The President, Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of the board of directors meet annually with the CEO to review his 
performance based on his individual achievements, contribution to CFC’s performance and other leadership 
accomplishments. In determining Mr. Petersen’s base pay, the Compensation Committee subjectively considers a variety of 
corporate performance measures, including financial metrics, portfolio management, customer satisfaction and market share, 
industry leadership, and peer group compensation data provided by the compensation consultant, as discussed below.

Role of Compensation Consultant

In fiscal year 2019, the Compensation Committee hired Mercer (US) Inc. (“Mercer US”) to advise it on the CEO’s 
compensation as compared with the compensation of CEOs of peer group organizations. Through discussions with the 
Compensation Committee, Mercer US established a peer group of companies to use in assessing the competitiveness of the 
CEO’s compensation (see “Compensation Analysis” in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section below). Mercer 
US advised the Compensation Committee through an assessment of compensation data from this peer group using a one-
year compensation analysis, which assesses CFC’s CEO compensation and the compensation of peer CEOs for the most 
recent fiscal year. The elements of compensation reviewed include current base pay, target and actual annual incentives, 
actual long term incentive granted as well as long term incentive payouts, and total direct compensation. Mercer US did not 
determine or provide the Compensation Committee with a specific recommendation on any component of executive 

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compensation; it only reviewed benchmark data and discussed what is generally occurring with executive compensation. 
Mercer US did not provide any other service to CFC in fiscal year 2019.

In fiscal year 2019, the Compensation Committee conducted an evaluation of Mercer US’ independence considering the 
relevant regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the listing standards of the New York Stock 
Exchange, and concluded that the services performed by Mercer US raised no conflicts of interest.

Role of Executive Officers

As described above, the Compensation Committee has delegated the authority for making base pay decisions for the other 
named executive officers to the CEO. The CEO exercises his judgment to set base pay rates, based on general market data, 
overall corporate performance and leadership accomplishments. For additional information about the CEO’s role in 
compensation decisions, see “Base Pay” under the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section below.

(l) Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Not applicable. 

(m) Board Leadership Structure and Role of Risk Oversight by the Board of Directors

Board Leadership Structure

The positions of CEO and president of the CFC Board of Directors are held by two separate individuals. The president must 
be a member of the board of directors and is elected annually by the board of directors. The president of the CFC Board of 
Directors has authority, among other things, to appoint members of the board to standing committees, to appoint a vice 
chairperson to each board standing committee and to appoint members to ad-hoc board committees. The president of the 
board presides over board meetings, sets meeting agendas and determines materials to be distributed to the board. 
Accordingly, the board president has substantial ability to influence the direction of the board. CFC believes that separation 
of the positions of board president and CEO reinforces the independence of the board in its oversight of CFC’s business and 
affairs. CFC also believes that this leadership structure is appropriate in light of the cooperative nature of the organization.
The board of directors appoints the CEO. The CEO is not a member of the board of directors. If the CEO position becomes 
vacant, the Chief Administrative Officer will exercise the responsibilities of the CEO until a permanent or interim CEO is 
selected by the board of directors.

Board Role in Risk Oversight

The board of directors has primary responsibility for the oversight and strategic direction of risk management. The board of 
directors has adopted a comprehensive risk management policy that describes the roles and responsibilities of the board and 
management within an established framework for identifying and managing risks. The board of directors reviews the risk 
management policy annually and updates it accordingly. The board of directors has developed a risk management 
philosophy, which is reviewed and, if appropriate, updated annually. It states CFC’s set of shared beliefs and attitudes on 
how risk is considered from strategy development and implementation to our operations. 

The board of directors has also established a risk appetite statement that includes a common understanding between the 
board of directors and management regarding acceptable risks and risk tolerances underlying the execution of CFC’s 
strategy.  The board of directors reviews the risk appetite on at least an annual basis. The risk appetite is also intended as a 
benchmark for discussing the implications of pursuing new strategies and business opportunities.

The board of directors has also approved and authorized an Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) program for CFC that 
provides a holistic view of key risks that may impact CFC’s strategic objectives. ERM provides CFC with a process that 
allows CFC to become more anticipatory and effective at evaluating and managing uncertainties. The ERM activities, which 
include risk surveys, risk assessments, and risk analyses, are executed within the context of CFC’s strategic objectives, 
mission, values, culture, risk management philosophy and risk appetite. The program provides a consistent approach for 
identifying CFC’s key risks and determining appropriate responses in light of the board of directors’ strategic objectives, 
risk appetite and tolerances. As part of the ERM program and the board of directors’ strategic planning process, the board of 

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directors periodically participates in a risk assessment process in order to evaluate each risk identified as part of the ERM 
program on the basis of likelihood and impact, and prioritize the risks in order to effectively manage CFC’s most critical 
risks. Management has primary responsibility for the execution of the ERM program in accordance with the risk philosophy, 
risk appetite and risk tolerances of the board of directors. Additionally, management is responsible for regularly evaluating 
the ERM program, making regular reports to the board of directors about its evaluation of the ERM program, and proposing 
to the board of directors changes to the ERM program to reflect best practices.

In fulfilling its risk management oversight duties, the board of directors receives periodic reports on business activities and 
risk management activities from management and from various operating groups and committees across the organization, 
including the Credit Risk Management, the Member Services, the Treasury, the Internal Audit, the Business and Technology 
Services and the Legal Services groups, as well as Corporate Compliance, the Asset Liability Committee, the Corporate 
Credit Committee, the Investment Management Committee and the Disclosure Committee. Management provides reports to 
the board of directors at each regularly scheduled board meeting, and more frequently as requested by the board of directors, 
relating to, among other things, the ongoing progress of managing risk at CFC through the ERM program, management’s 
responses for the critical business risks identified during each risk assessment process and the status of any gaps or 
deficiencies, and CFC’s risk profile and trends, as well as emerging risks and opportunities. 

The board of directors places particular emphasis on the oversight of cybersecurity risks. Each quarter, or more frequently as 
requested by the board of directors, management provides reports on CFC’s security operations, including any cybersecurity 
incidents, management’s efforts to manage any incidents, and any other information requested from management. On at 
least an annual basis, the board of directors reviews management reports concerning the disclosure controls and procedures 
in place to enable CFC to make accurate and timely disclosures about any material cybersecurity events. Additionally, upon 
the occurrence of a material cybersecurity incident, the board of directors will be notified of the event so it may properly 
evaluate such incident, including management’s remediation plan. 

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Item 11.  Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Executive Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The components of our compensation package for the named executive officers (consisting of Messrs. Petersen, Don, Evans, 
Starheim, Allen and Ms. Aronson) are consistent with those offered to all employees. Mr. Evans is reported as a named 
executive officer, however he is deceased as of September 2, 2018.

Our executive compensation program provides a balanced mix of compensation that incorporates the following key 
components:

•  annual base pay; 
•  an annual cash incentive that is based on the achievement of short-term (one-year) corporate goals;
•  a three-year cash incentive that is based on the achievement of long-term corporate goals; and
•  retirement, health and welfare and other benefit programs.

While all elements of executive compensation work together to provide a competitive compensation package, each element 
of compensation is determined independently of the other elements.

Our compensation philosophy is to provide a total compensation package for employees—base pay, short-term incentive, 
long-term incentive and benefits—that is competitive in the local employment market. However, due to the cooperative 
nature of the organization, CFC does not meet the total cash compensation levels of named executive officers of other 
financial services organizations since we do not offer stock or other equity compensation. It is important to CFC, however, 
to pay the named executive officers of CFC competitively in base pay to retain key talent.

Performance—Named executive officers receive base pay that is both market competitive and reflective of their role in 
developing, implementing and overseeing CFC’s strategy and operations. Other components of compensation—short-term 
and long-term incentives—reflect the performance of the organization and its success in achieving corporate performance 
metrics established by the board of directors.

Retention—CFC’s success is due in large part to the relationship between our employees and our members. This makes the 
retention of employees, including the named executive officers, vital to our business and long-term success. The 
compensation package, particularly the long-term incentive plan and the retirement benefits, assist in the retention of a 
highly qualified management team.

Compensation Analysis

In fiscal year 2019, Mercer (US), Inc. (“Mercer US”) was engaged by the Compensation Committee to conduct a survey to 
provide compensation data for the CEO position using 15 peer organizations identified by Mercer US through discussions 
with the Compensation Committee. Mercer US included companies in the peer group that were similar to CFC in asset size, 
industry and business description. The peer group included financial institutions that are private market, commercial and/or 
mission-driven lenders, offering full-service financing, investment and related services. The companies targeted as peer 
companies included two members of the Farm Credit system and 13 regional banks and financial services companies. 

The peer group companies had assets ranging from approximately 50% to 200% of CFC’s May 31, 2018 total assets of 
$26.7 billion, and included seven companies with greater total assets than CFC’s. The peer group consisted of financial 
services organizations New York Community Bancorp, Inc.; Signature Bank; Nelnet, Inc.; Webster Financial Corporation; 
Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.; People’s United Financial, Inc.; Bok Financial Corporation; Hancock Whitney Corporation; 
Onemain Holdings, Inc.; BankUnited, Inc.; Synovus Financial Corporation; TFS Financial Corporation; and Federal 
Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, as well as two Farm Credit System peers. Synovus Financial Corporation and 
BankUnited, Inc. were added to the peer group in fiscal year 2019, one to replace Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, Inc., 
which was removed due to its acquisition, and one in anticipation of a future merger.

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Mercer US led the Compensation Committee through an assessment of CEO compensation data for the peer group 
companies.  Mercer US’ data included both actual compensation and target compensation based on information obtained 
from each peer group company’s most recent annual report or proxy statement.
The elements of compensation reviewed include:

•  current base salary;
•  target and actual annual incentive paid in fiscal year 2018;
•  actual long-term incentive granted, which includes restricted stock awards (valued at face value on the date of grant), 
stock option awards (valued at grant date utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model), other long-term incentive 
target awards (valued at target value on date of award) and cash long-term incentive payouts (valued at actual payout on 
date of award if target value is not disclosed); 

•  sign-on awards, special awards and mega-grants annualized over the term of the employment contract or the vesting 

schedule; and

•  annualized value of retirement, perquisites and other noncash compensation.

The Compensation Committee reviewed total compensation data for the peer group for informational purposes and used this 
data solely to determine the competitiveness of our CEO base pay.

In determining the base compensation paid to our other named executive officers, the CEO reviewed national, credible third-
party compensation surveys (including the Mercer US Executive and CompAnalyst surveys) for financial services and other 
organizations of similar asset size as CFC in order to obtain a general understanding of current compensation practices and 
to ensure that the base pay component of compensation for the named executive officers other than the CEO is competitive 
with such institutions. CFC has often recruited non-CEO talent from industries outside the financial services sector. As a 
result, the CEO considers data from surveys covering a larger and broader group of for-profit companies in setting 
compensation for the other named executive officers than the Compensation Committee considers in setting compensation 
for the CEO. The CEO considered the data to gain a general understanding of current compensation practices at institutions 
of similar asset size to CFC; he did not review or consider underlying data pertaining to individual organizations comprising 
any of the survey groups. Instead, the CEO considered the aggregate compensation data to enhance his understanding of 
current practices in setting compensation at competitive levels.

Elements of Compensation

Base Pay—Our philosophy is to provide annual base pay that reflects the value of the job in the marketplace, targeted at the 
50th percentile. To attract and retain a highly skilled workforce, we must remain competitive with the pay of other 
employers that compete with us for talent.

After reviewing the performance of the organization and the evaluation of the CEO’s performance by each board member, it 
was the assessment of the Compensation Committee that the CEO and the organization performed extremely well during 
this business year. In fact, the business results met or exceeded company targets for many key metrics of performance, and 
the CEO continued to demonstrate outstanding leadership. Therefore, in recognition of his strong performance and 
leadership, the Committee increased the CEO’s base pay to $1,145,000 effective January 1, 2019.

As discussed under “Compensation Analysis” above, the CEO exercised his judgment to set the annual base pay for the 
other named executive officers based on general market data, overall company performance and individual leadership 
accomplishments.

Mr. Don, Mr. Starheim, Ms. Aronson, and Mr. Allen all performed well in their various roles as senior leaders of the 
organization. They each contributed to the achievement of corporate strategies and objectives in a positive and meaningful 
way that would typically warrant a merit-based increase in base pay and/or a one-time cash award. Mr. Allen received a 
merit increase. Mr. Don, Mr. Starheim and Ms. Aronson received a merit increase as well as a one-time cash award. The 
merit increases and/or cash awards granted are included in the total compensation table below. 

Short-Term Incentive—Our short-term cash incentive program is a one-year cash incentive that is tied to the annual 
performance of the organization as a whole. We believe that by paying a short-term incentive tied to the achievement of 
annual operating goals, all employees, including named executive officers, will focus their efforts on the most important 
strategic objectives that will help us fulfill our mission to our members and our obligations to the financial markets. 

152

Additionally, the short-term incentive pay enhances our ability to provide competitive compensation while at the same time 
tying total compensation paid to the achievement of corporate goals. Every employee participates in the short-term incentive 
program, and the corporate strategic goals are the same for all employees, including the named executive officers. The short-
term incentive program provides annual cash incentive opportunities based upon the level of the position within our base 
pay structure, ranging from 15% to 25% of base pay. Named executive officers are eligible to receive short-term cash 
incentive compensation up to 25% of their base pay. Over the last 10 years, the actual payout percentage has ranged from 
52.5% to 100% of total opportunity, with an average over the 10 years of 83.88%. This equates to a 10-year average payout 
of 16.07% of base salaries for all employees.   

Our approach to establishing corporate goals for short-term incentive compensation has not changed since the plan’s 
inception. Corporate performance is measured using a balanced scorecard approved by the board of directors prior to the 
start of the fiscal year. The balanced scorecard is a performance management tool that articulates the corporate strategy into 
specific, quantifiable and measurable goals. The goals have always been tied to enhancing service to our member-owners 
while ensuring all aspects of the business are effectively managed.

The scorecard is divided into four quadrants, reflecting crucial areas of business performance. Specific goals are established 
within those quadrants to focus all employees on the target results and measures that must be achieved if we are to succeed 
at realizing our strategic plan. The intent is to align organizational, departmental and individual initiatives to achieve a 
common set of goals.

The four quadrants for fiscal year 2019, which were the basis for the short-term incentive payment, were the same as they 
have been in previous years: Customer Engagement; Financial Ratios; Internal Process and Operations; and Learning, 
Growth and Innovation. For fiscal year 2019, the board of directors established six corporate goals within these four 
quadrants. The board of directors establishes corporate goals and measures they believe are challenging but achievable if 
each individual performs well in his or her role and we meet our internal business plan goals. 

The goals for fiscal year 2019 were:

•  Customer Engagement: Two goals supporting efforts to maintain or increase market share of borrowers in key segments 

of the loan portfolio.

•  Internal Process and Operations: One goal focused on managing CFC’s operating expense levels.
•  Financial Ratios: Two goals supporting efforts to meet or exceed established financial targets to maintain CFC’s financial 

strength.

•  Learning, Growth & Innovation: One goal focused on the development of a program to assess the effectiveness of CFC’s 

existing and new products and services. 

The determination of the extent to which the six goals were achieved and, therefore, the amount to be paid out under the 
short-term incentive plan for fiscal year 2019 was confirmed by the board of directors with the filing of this Form 10-K. The 
board determined that four goals were achieved at the target level. Each goal may carry a different weight varying between 
10% and 20% resulting in an aggregate payout of 52.5% of the total opportunity. 

Long-Term Incentive—The long-term incentive program is a three-year plan that is tied to CFC’s long-term strategic 
objectives. The long-term incentive program was implemented to create dynamic tension between short-term objectives and 
long-term goals. It is also an effective retention tool, helping us to keep key employees, and supports CFC’s efforts to 
compensate its employees at market-competitive levels.

All individuals employed by CFC on the first day of each fiscal year in which there is a long-term incentive plan in place, 
June 1, are eligible to participate in the program for the performance period beginning on that date. Under the long-term 
incentive program, performance units covering a three-year performance period are issued to each employee at the start of 
each fiscal year. The long-term incentive is paid out in one lump sum cash payment after the end of the performance period, 
subject to approval by the board of directors and the continued employment (or retirement, disability or death) of the 
participant by CFC on the date of payment. We sometimes refer to each three-year performance period as a plan cycle.

The performance measure for the active long-term incentive plans is the achievement of bond rating targets for our issuer 
credit ratings as rated by S&P Global Inc., Fitch Ratings Inc. and Moody’s Investors Service rating agencies, as outlined in 

153

    
each plan document. The value of the performance units will range from $0 to $150 per performance unit according to the 
level of CFC’s issuer credit ratings by the rating agencies. To achieve the highest value of $150, which exceeds the targeted 
value, the agencies defined in each plan would have to raise CFC’s issuer credit rating to AA (or the equivalent rating at 
Moody’s). To determine the payout value of performance units, the ratings by agencies identified in each plan are given a 
numerical value, i.e., 2 for A stable, 3 for A positive, etc. The ratings of these agencies are then averaged to achieve the final 
value of the performance units. 

The number of performance units awarded to each employee for each plan cycle is calculated by dividing a percentage, 
ranging from 15% to 25%, of the participant’s base pay for the first fiscal year of the plan cycle, by the payout value 
assigned to the target rating level. For the program cycle ending May 31, 2019, the target rating level was “A+ Stable,” 
which was assigned a payout value of $100 per performance unit. For the named executive officers, the number of 
performance units awarded for that program cycle was based on 25% of each named executive officer’s base pay for fiscal 
year 2017, the first year of the plan cycle. If the highest rating level was achieved at the end of that plan cycle, resulting in 
payout of $150 per performance unit, the long-term incentive pay for named executive officers would have been 37.5% of 
fiscal year 2017 base pay.

The following table presents the potential payout values for performance units awarded for the program cycle that ended 
May 31, 2019:

Issuer Credit Rating—Incentive-Performance Linkage

A

Negative

Stable

Positive

Negative

1

$—

2

$40

3

$60

4

$60

A+
Stable

5

$100

Positive

6

$120

AA-

$150

Rating
Outlook ............................

Numerical Score ..............
Plan Payout Unit Value....
____________________________

* The target objective is in bold.

CFC uses our issuer credit rating as the performance measure for the long-term incentive plan because stronger ratings lead 
to lower interest cost and more reliable access to the capital markets. We also believe our long-term incentive measure will 
better align management’s interests with the interests of our members and investors. Since we have no publicly held equity 
securities and our objective is to offer our members cost-based financial products and services consistent with sound 
financial management rather than to maximize net income, more traditional performance measures such as net income or 
earnings per share would not be appropriate.

As of May 31, 2019, there were three active long-term incentive plans in which named executive officers were participants. 
Performance units issued to all named executive officers in fiscal year 2017 had a payout value based on our issuer credit 
ratings in place on May 31, 2019. Performance units issued to all named executive officers in fiscal year 2018 will have a 
payout value based on issuer credit ratings in place on May 31, 2020; and performance units issued to named executive 
officers in fiscal year 2019 will have a payout value based on issuer credit ratings in place on May 31, 2021.
Payments made to the named executive officers for fiscal year 2019 were for performance units issued in fiscal year 2017 
and were based on the May 31, 2019 issuer credit rating level of A stable outlook, which has a value of $40 per performance 
unit, or 40% of the targeted opportunity (10% of fiscal year 2017 base pay).

All current plans will pay out if the three rating agencies rate our issuer credit rating at a high enough level to receive a 
payout. The payout will be based on the average of the three ratings (averages are calculated and rounded down to the next 
whole number).

Risk Assessment

The Compensation Committee conducts an annual risk assessment of the company’s compensation policies and practices, 
particularly the short-term and long-term incentive plan goals, to ensure that the policies and practices do not encourage 
excessive risk. For fiscal year 2019 the Compensation Committee concluded that our compensation policies and practices 
are not reasonably likely to provide incentives for behavior that could have a material adverse effect on the company.

154

 
 
Benefits

An important retention tool is our defined benefit pension plan, the Retirement Security Plan. CFC participates in a 
multiple-employer pension plan managed by NRECA. We balance the effectiveness of this plan as a compensation and 
retention tool with the cost of the annual premium incurred to participate in this pension plan. The value of the pension 
benefit is determined by base pay only and does not include other cash compensation.

We also offer a Pension Restoration Plan (“PRP”) and an Executive Benefit Restoration Plan (“EBR”). The PRP is a plan for 
a select group of management, to increase their retirement benefits above amounts available under the Retirement Security 
Plan, which is restricted by Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) limitations on annual pay levels and maximum annual annuity 
benefits. The PRP restores the value of the Retirement Security Plan for named executive officers to the level it would be if 
the IRS limits on annual pay and annual annuity benefits were not in place. The PRP was frozen as of December 31, 2014. 
We then established the EBR to provide a similar benefit to a select group of management. A named executive officer may 
participate in the PRP or the EBR. Unlike the Retirement Security Plan, the PRP and the EBR are unfunded, unsecured 
obligations of CFC and are not qualified for tax purposes. All six named executive officers are participants in either the PRP 
or the EBR.

Under the PRP, we pay the amount owed to the named executive officers for the pension restoration benefit; amounts paid 
are then deducted from the premium due for the next Retirement Security Plan invoice(s) to NRECA. Under the EBR, we 
will also pay any amounts owed to the named executive officers for the restoration benefit once the risk of forfeiture has 
expired; amounts will be paid directly by CFC. We record an unfunded pension obligation and an offsetting adjustment to 
AOCI for this liability.

For more information on the Retirement Security Plan, the PRP and the EBR, see the “Pension Benefits Table” and 
accompanying narrative below.

As an additional retention tool designed to assist named executive officers in deferring compensation for use in retirement, 
each named executive officer is also eligible to participate in CFC’s nonqualified 457(b) deferred compensation savings 
plan. Contributions to this plan are limited by IRS regulations. The calendar year 2019 cap for contributions is $19,000. 
There is no CFC contribution to the deferred compensation plan. For more information see “Nonqualified Deferred 
Compensation” below.

The CEO is eligible to earn retirement benefits in addition to those credited under any of the above-mentioned plans in a 
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”). This plan is an ineligible deferred compensation plan within the 
meaning of section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The account is considered unfunded and may be credited from time to 
time pursuant to the plan at the discretion of the CFC Board of Directors. During fiscal year 2019, the CFC Board of 
Directors used its discretion and credited the account. According to the terms of the SERP, the CEO became fully vested and 
those benefits were paid in full. These payments are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table below. 

Other Compensation

We provide named executive officers with other benefits, as reflected in the All Other Compensation column in the 
“Summary Compensation Table” below, that we believe are reasonable and consistent with our compensation philosophy. 
We do not provide significant perquisites or personal benefits to the named executive officers.

The Compensation Committee considers perquisites for the CEO in connection with its annual review of the CEO’s total 
compensation package described above. The perquisites provided to Mr. Petersen are limited to an annual automobile 
allowance, an annual spousal air travel allowance to permit Mr. Petersen’s spouse to accompany him on business travel, and 
home security. To provide the automobile and spousal travel perquisites in an efficient fashion, the board of directors 
authorizes an annual allowance rather than providing unlimited reimbursement or use of a company-owned vehicle. The 
amount of each allowance is authorized annually by the board of directors and is determined based on the estimated cost for 
operation and maintenance of an automobile and the anticipated cost of air travel by the CEO’s spouse. For 2019, the board 
of directors authorized an aggregate of $30,000 to cover these two allowances. We provide security for Mr. Petersen, 
including security in addition to that provided at business facilities. We believe that all company-incurred security costs are 
reasonable and necessary and for the company’s benefit.

155

Severance/Change-in-Control Agreements

Mr. Petersen, CEO, has an executive agreement with CFC under which he may continue to receive compensation and 
benefits in certain circumstances after resignation or termination of employment. The value of Mr. Petersen’s severance 
package was determined to be appropriate for a CEO and approved by the Compensation Committee as part of his 
employment contract. No other named executive officers have termination or change-in-control agreements. For more 
information on this severance arrangement, see “Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements” below.

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee of the board of directors oversees CFC’s compensation program on behalf of the board. In 
fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Compensation Committee reviewed and discussed with management the 
“Compensation Discussion and Analysis” set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on this review and 
discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the board of directors that the “Compensation Discussion and 
Analysis” be included in this Form 10-K.

Submitted by the Compensation Committee:

Kent D. Farmer
David E. Felkel
Bradley J. Schardin
Dean R. Tesch
Marsha L. Thompson
Bruce A. Vitosh
Alan W. Wattles

156

 
Summary Compensation Table

The summary compensation table below sets forth the aggregate compensation for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2019, 
2018 and 2017 earned by the named executive officers.

Salary
$ 1,118,750
1,062,171
1,017,563

Bonus(1)
$ — $
—
—

Non-Equity 
Incentive Plan 
Compensation(2)
246,293
363,015
275,172

Name and Principal Position
Sheldon C. Petersen.......

Chief Executive
Officer

J. Andrew Don...............
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial
Officer

John T. Evans(5)..............

Executive Vice
President and Chief
Operating Officer

Gregory J. Starheim(5)....
Senior Vice President,
Business and Industry
Development

Year
2019
2018
2017

2019
2018
2017

2019
2018
2017

2019
2018
2017

470,000
455,000
440,000

10,000
10,000
5,000

550,000
550,000
550,000

—
15,000
15,000

459,750
435,000
410,000

10,000
—
10,000

Roberta B. Aronson .......
Senior Vice President
and General Counsel

2019
2018
2017

406,250
392,500
375,000

10,000
—
3,600

Change in 
Pension Value 
and Nonqualified 
Deferred 
Compensation 
Earnings (3)

$

415,728
636,443
443,017

49,564
314,276
288,597

—
191,083
160,950

113,379
333,817
337,809

114,130
320,023
262,477

All Other
Compensation(4)
40,870
$
46,532
42,747

Total
$1,821,641
2,108,161
1,778,499

8,125
8,025
7,925

643,377
943,571
861,022

156,682
5,400
5,425

766,701
952,503
881,125

8,292
8,254
44,370

692,875
925,591
894,429

5,646
5,546
5,425

626,820
852,194
747,997

105,688
156,270
119,500

60,019
191,020
149,750

101,454
148,520
92,250

90,794
134,125
101,495

Joel Allen .......................
Senior Vice President
of Member Services
____________________________

2019

360,000

—

80,490

5,218

9,125

454,833

(1)

 Includes amounts given as one-time cash awards in lieu of or in addition to base pay increases. Details for 2019 can be found in “Elements of 
Compensation” in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” above. 

(2) 

Includes amounts earned during each respective fiscal year and payable as of May 31 under the long-term and short-term incentive plans. For a 
discussion of the long-term and short-term incentive plans, see “Elements of Compensation” in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” above. The 
amounts earned by each named executive officer under these incentive plans are listed above.

(3)

(4)

 Represents the aggregate change in the actuarial present value of the accumulated pension benefit under NRECA Retirement Security Plan, the multiple-
employer defined benefit pension plan in which CFC participates, during each respective fiscal year as calculated by NRECA. For Mr. Petersen, in fiscal 
years 2017, 2018 and 2019 this also includes a payment from the SERP. For a discussion of the SERP, see “Benefits” in “Compensation Discussion and 
Analysis” above.

 For Mr. Petersen for fiscal year 2019, includes (i) perquisites comprising Mr. Petersen’s automobile allowance and his spousal air travel allowance, and 
(ii) $3,770 representing the approximate aggregate incremental cost to the company for maintaining security arrangements for Mr. Petersen in addition 
to security arrangements provided at the headquarters facility. We do not believe this provides a personal benefit (other than the intended security) nor do 
we view these security arrangements as compensation to the individual. We report these security arrangements as perquisites as required under 
applicable SEC rules. The annual automobile allowance is calculated based on estimated costs associated with maintenance, use and insurance of a 
personal automobile. The annual spousal travel allowance is calculated based on the anticipated air travel for Mrs. Petersen during the fiscal year. For 
Mr. Evans for fiscal year 2019, the amount represents a payout for an accrued and unused annual leave balance at the time of his death. The remaining 
amounts included in this column represent CFC contributions on behalf of each named executive officer pursuant to the CFC 401(k) defined 
contribution plan and contributions to health savings accounts.

(5) 

Mr. Evans is deceased as of September 2, 2018 and Mr. Starheim began employment on July 6, 2015.

157

The following chart has the amounts paid to each named executive officer under the short-term and long-term incentive 
plans for the preceding three years.

Name
Sheldon C. Petersen ...........

J. Andrew Don ...................

John T. Evans .....................

Gregory J. Starheim ...........

Roberta B. Aronson............

Year
2019
2018
2017

2019
2018
2017

2019
2018
2017

2019
2018
2017

2019
2018
2017

Short-Term
Incentive Plan

Long-Term
Incentive Plan

$

$

145,773
265,495
228,932

100,520
97,520
46,240

61,688
113,750
99,000

18,769
137,500
123,750

60,454
108,750
92,250

53,274
98,125
84,375

44,000
42,520
20,500

41,250
53,520
26,000

41,000
39,770
—

37,520
36,000
17,120

Joel Allen ...........................

2019

47,250

33,240

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

We have a long-term and a short-term incentive plan for all employees, under which the named executive officers may 
receive a cash incentive up to 37.5% and 25% of salary, respectively. The incentive payouts are based on the executive 
officer’s salary for the fiscal year in which the program becomes effective. See the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” 
above for further information on these incentive plans.

The following table contains the estimated possible payouts under our short-term incentive plan and possible future payouts 
for grants issued under our long-term incentive plan during the year ended May 31, 2019.

158

Name
Sheldon C. Petersen

 Long-Term Incentive Plan (1)......
 Short-Term Incentive Plan (2) .....

J. Andrew Don

 Long-Term Incentive Plan (1)......
 Short-Term Incentive Plan (2) .....

John T. Evans

 Long-Term Incentive Plan (1)......
 Short-Term Incentive Plan (2) .....

Gregory J. Starheim

 Long-Term Incentive Plan (1)......
 Short-Term Incentive Plan (2) .....

Roberta B. Aronson

 Long-Term Incentive Plan (1)......
 Short-Term Incentive Plan (2) .....

Joel Allen

 Long-Term Incentive Plan (1)......
 Short-Term Incentive Plan (2) .....

___________________________

Estimated Future Payouts Under 
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards

Grant Date

Threshold

Target

Maximum

June 1, 2018

$

— $
—

275,000
286,250

$

412,500
286,250

June 1, 2018

June 1, 2018

June 1, 2018

June 1, 2018

June 1, 2018

—
—

—
—

—
—

—
—

—
—

117,500
117,500

137,500
137,500

112,400
117,500

100,600
102,500

90,000
90,000

176,250
117,500

206,250
137,500

168,600
117,500

150,900
102,500

135,000
90,000

(1)

 Target payouts are calculated using unit values of $100 based on our goal of achieving an average long-term senior secured credit rating of A+ stable as 
of May 31, 2021.  

(2) 

Target and maximum payouts represent 25% of May 31, 2019 base salary. For the payout earned under the fiscal year 2019 short-term incentive plan, 
see the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the “Summary Compensation Table” above.

The board of directors approved a new long-term incentive plan with grants of performance units effective June 1, 2019.  
The performance units will be calculated and issued to the named executive officers in August 2019.  The payout under 
these grants will be determined on May 31, 2022.

Employment Contracts

Pursuant to an employment agreement effective as of January 1, 2015, CFC employs Mr. Petersen as Chief Executive 
Officer on a year to year basis, unless otherwise terminated in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. The amended 
Agreement provides that CFC shall pay Mr. Petersen a base salary at an annual rate of not less than $975,000 per annum, 
plus such incentive payments (if any) as may be awarded him. In addition, pursuant to the Agreement, Mr. Petersen is 
entitled to certain payments in the event of his termination other than for cause (e.g., Mr. Petersen leaving for good reason, 
disability or termination due to death). See “Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements” below for a 
description of these provisions and for information on these amounts.

Pension Benefits Table

CFC is a participant in a multiple-employer defined benefit pension plan, the Retirement Security Plan, which is 
administered by NRECA. Since this plan is a multiple-employer plan in which CFC participates, CFC is not liable for the 
amounts shown in the table below and such amounts are not reflected in CFC’s audited financial statements. CFC’s expense 
is limited to the annual premium to participate in the Retirement Security Plan. There is no funding liability for CFC for this 
plan.

The Retirement Security Plan is a qualified plan in which all employees are eligible to participate upon completion of one 
year of service. Each of the named executive officers participates in the qualified pension plan component of the Retirement 
Security Plan. CFC reduced the value of the pension plan effective September 1, 2010. Under the current pension plan, 
participants are entitled to receive annually, under a 50% joint and surviving spouse annuity, 1.70% of the average of their 
five highest base salaries during their participation in the Retirement Security Plan, multiplied by the number of years of 

159

participation in the plan. The value of the pension benefit is determined by base pay only and does not include other cash 
compensation. Normal retirement age under the qualified pension plan is age 65; however, the plan does allow for early 
retirement with reduced benefits beginning at age 55. For early retirement, the pension benefit will be reduced by 1/15 for 
each of the first five years and 1/30 for each of the next five years by which the elected early retirement date precedes the 
normal retirement date. Benefits accrued prior to September 1, 2010, are based on a benefit level of 1.9% of the average of 
their five highest base salaries during their participation in the Retirement Security Plan and a normal retirement age of 62.

CFC also offers a PRP and an EBR. Each of the named executive officers participates in either the PRP or the EBR. The 
purpose of these plans is to increase the retirement benefits above amounts available under the Retirement Security Plan, 
which is restricted by IRS limitations on annual pay levels and maximum annual annuity benefits. The PRP and the EBR 
restore the value of the Retirement Security Plan for each officer to the level it would be if the IRS limits on annual pay and 
annual annuity benefits were not in place.

The benefit and payout formula under these restoration plans is similar to that under the qualified Retirement Security Plan. 
However, two of the named executive officers have satisfied the provisions established to receive the benefit from the PRP. 
They were grandfathered in the plan and no longer have a risk of forfeiture of the benefit under the PRP. Distributions are 
made from the plan to each of those named executive officers annually. The details of theses distributions are shown in the 
Pension Benefits table below.

In addition, the CEO is eligible for benefits under the SERP. This plan is an ineligible deferred compensation plan within the 
meaning of section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The account is considered unfunded and may be credited from time to 
time pursuant to the plan at the discretion of the CFC Board of Directors. During fiscal year 2019, the CFC Board of 
Directors used its discretion and credited the account. According to the terms of the SERP, the CEO became fully vested and 
those benefits totaling $67,141 were paid in full during fiscal year 2019, as presented in the table below.

The following table contains the years of service, the present value of the accumulated benefit for the named executive 
officers listed in the “Summary Compensation Table” as of May 31, 2019, as calculated by NRECA and distributions from 
the plans for the fiscal year then ended.

Name

Plan Name

Number of Years
of Credited 
Service (1)

Present Value of 
Accumulated 
Benefit (2)

Payments 
During Last
Fiscal Year(3)

Sheldon C. Petersen (4)................. NRECA Retirement Security Plan

9.33

$

698,389

$

325,683

SERP

J. Andrew Don............................. NRECA Retirement Security Plan
John T. Evans (3) ........................... NRECA Retirement Security Plan
Gregory J. Starheim..................... NRECA Retirement Security Plan
Roberta B. Aronson ..................... NRECA Retirement Security Plan
Joel Allen..................................... NRECA Retirement Security Plan
___________________________

—

18.66

—

13.25

22.83
27.66

—

2,080,458

—

1,253,229

1,919,408
1,831,203

67,141

—

684,532

—

—
—

(1)

 CFC is a participant in a multiple-employer pension plan. Credited years of service, therefore, includes not only years of service with CFC, but also 
years of service with another cooperative participant in the multiple-employer pension plan. All other named executive officers, except for Mr. Starheim, 
have credited years of service only with CFC.

(2) 

Amount represents the actuarial present value of the named executive officer’s accumulated benefit under this plan as of May 31, 2019, as provided by 
the plan administrator, NRECA, using interest rates ranging from 1.50% to 4.88% per annum and mortality according to tables prescribed by the IRS as 
published in Revenue Rulings 2001-62 and 2007-67.

(3)

 Distributions during fiscal year 2019 were as a result of named executive officers no longer being at risk of forfeiture with respect to these amounts 
provided under the PRP. Mr. Don, Mr. Starheim, Mr. Allen and Ms. Aronson continue to have a risk of forfeiture of the benefits under the EBR; 
therefore, no payments have been made. Mr. Evans’ distributions were as a result of his death on September 2, 2018. 

(4) 

The NRECA Pension Plan allows active employees who have reached normal retirement age to cash in their lump-sum benefit accrued through August 
31, 2010, or “quasi-retire.” Due to the quasi-retirements of Mr. Petersen in February 2015 his credited years of service was reduced and he received 12 
months of credited service in January of each year thereafter.

160

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation 

The CFC deferred compensation plan is a nonqualified deferred compensation savings program for the senior executive 
group, including each of the named executive officers, and other select management or highly compensated employees 
designated by CFC. Participants may elect to defer up to the lesser of 100% of their compensation for the year or the 
applicable IRS statutory dollar limit in effect for that calendar year. The calendar year 2019 cap for contributions is $19,000. 
During the three plan years immediately prior to the date a participant attains normal retirement age, participants may be 
eligible for a statutory catch-up provision that allows them to defer more than the annual contribution limit. Compensation 
for the purpose of this plan is defined as the total amount of compensation, including incentive pay, if any, paid by CFC. 
CFC does not make any contributions to this plan.

The accounts are credited with “earnings” based on the participants’ selection of available investment options (currently, 
eight options) within the Homestead Funds. When a participant ceases to be an employee for any reason, distribution of the 
account will generally be made in 15 substantially equal annual payments beginning approximately 60 days after 
termination (unless an election is made to change the form and timing of the payout). The participant may elect either a 
single lump sum or substantially equal annual installments paid over no less than two and no more than 14 years. The 
amount paid is based on the accumulated value of the account.

The following table summarizes information related to the nonqualified deferred compensation plan in which the named 
executive officers listed in the “Summary Compensation Table” were eligible to participate during the fiscal year ended May 
31, 2019.

$

Name
Sheldon C. Petersen .......
J. Andrew Don ...............
John T. Evans .................
Gregory J. Starheim .......
Roberta B. Aronson........
Joel Allen .......................
___________________________

Executive
Contributions
in Last
Fiscal Year (1)

Registrant
Contributions
in Last
Fiscal Year

Aggregate
Earnings in Last
Fiscal Year

$

18,708
18,500
4,625
18,708
18,500

—

— $
—
—
—
—

—

34,597
1,054
14,104
(2,888)
2,722

—

Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
$

Aggregate
Balance at Last
Fiscal Year End

— $
—
(464,860)
—
—

—

850,802
58,762
—
219,325
127,249

—

(1)

Executive contributions are also included in the fiscal year 2019 Salary column in the “Summary Compensation Table” above.

Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements

Mr. Petersen has an executive agreement with CFC under which he may continue to receive base salary and benefits in 
certain circumstances after resignation or termination of employment. No other named executive officers have termination 
or change-in-control agreements.

Mr. Petersen

Under the executive agreement with Mr. Petersen, if CFC terminates his employment without “cause,” or Mr. Petersen 
terminates his employment for “good reason” (each term as defined below), CFC is obligated to pay him a lump-sum 
payment equal to the product of three times his annual base salary at the rate in effect at the time of termination and his 
short-term incentive bonus, if any, for the previous year. Assuming a triggering event on May 31, 2019, the compensation 
payable to Mr. Petersen for termination without cause would be $4,235,250. The actual payments due on a termination 
without cause on different dates could materially differ from this estimate.

For purposes of Mr. Petersen’s executive agreement, “cause” generally means (i) the willful and continued failure by Mr. 
Petersen to perform his duties under the agreement or comply with written policies of CFC, (ii) willful conduct materially 
injurious to CFC, or (iii) conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude. “Good reason” generally means (i) a reduction in 
the rate of Mr. Petersen’s base salary, (ii) a decrease in his titles, duties or responsibilities, or the assignment of new 
responsibilities which, in either case, is materially less favorable to Mr. Petersen when compared with his titles, duties and 

161

 
responsibilities that were in effect immediately prior to such assignment, or (iii) the relocation of CFC’s principal office or 
the relocation of Mr. Petersen to a location more than 50 miles from the principal office of CFC.

This estimate does not include amounts to which the named executive officer would be entitled to upon termination, such as 
base salary to date, unpaid bonuses earned, unreimbursed expenses, paid vacation time and any other earned benefits under 
company plans.

Chief Executive Officer Pay Ratio

The fiscal year 2019 compensation ratio of the median annual total compensation of all of our employees to the annual total 
compensation of our Chief Executive Officer is as follows:

Category and Ratio
Median annual total compensation of all employees (excluding Chief
Executive Officer)...............................................................................................
Annual total compensation of Sheldon C. Petersen, Chief Executive Officer ...
Ratio of the median annual total compensation of all employees to the annual
total compensation of Sheldon C. Petersen, Chief Executive Officer ................

Total
Compensation

$

123,915

1,821,641

14.70:1.0

In determining the median employee, a listing was prepared of all active employees of CFC as of March 29, 2019. We did 
not make any assumptions, adjustments or estimates with respect to total compensation. We did not annualize the 
compensation for any part-time employees or those who were not employed by us for the full 10-month portion of the fiscal 
year. We determined the compensation of our median employee by (i) taking the total gross compensation earned fiscal year-
to-date for all active employees as of March 29, 2019, and (ii) ranking the total gross compensation of all employees, except 
the Chief Executive Officer, from lowest to highest.  

After identifying the median employee, we calculated annual total compensation for such employee using the same 
methodology we use for our named executive officers as set forth in the above Summary Compensation Table. 

Director Compensation Table

Directors receive an annual fee for their service on the CFC board. Additionally, the directors receive reimbursement for 
reasonable travel expenses. The fee is paid on a monthly basis and reimbursement for travel expenses is paid following the 
conclusion of each board meeting.

The following chart summarizes the total compensation earned by CFC’s directors during the fiscal year ended May 31, 
2019.

162

Name
Alan Wattles ..................................................
Barbara Hampton ..........................................
Bradley J. Schardin .......................................
Bradley P. Janorschke ...................................
Bruce A. Vitosh .............................................
Chris Christensen ..........................................
Curtin Rakestraw...........................................
Curtis Wynn ..................................................
David Felkel ..................................................
Dean Tesch ....................................................
Debra Robinson.............................................
Dennis Fulk ...................................................
Gordon Anthony Norton ...............................
Gregory Williams..........................................
Harry N. Park ................................................
Jay Hanson ....................................................
Jimmy LaFoy ................................................
Kent Farmer ..................................................
Marsha L. Thompson ....................................
Patrick Bridges ..............................................
Philip Carson.................................................
Robert Brockman ..........................................
Robert Hill.....................................................
Roman Gillen ................................................
Stephen Vail ..................................................
Thomas Bailey ..............................................
Thomas Hayes...............................................
Timothy Rodriguez .......................................
Todd Ware .....................................................

Total Fees Earned
56,500
$
13,750
55,000
13,750
55,000
13,750
41,250
55,000
55,000
61,000
55,000
13,750
13,750
55,000
45,750
55,000
55,000
61,000
55,000
41,250
41,250
55,000
41,250
41,250
55,000
13,750
55,000
55,000
55,000

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During the year ended May 31, 2019, there were no compensation committee interlocks or insider participation related to 
executive compensation.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Not applicable.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons

Our board of directors has established a written policy governing related-person transactions. The policy covers transactions 
between CFC, on the one hand, and its directors, executive officers or key employees and their immediate family members 
and entities of which any of our directors, executive officers or key employees (i) is an officer, director, trustee, alternative 
director or trustee or employee, (ii) control, or (iii) have a substantial interest. Under this policy, a related person transaction 
is any transaction in excess of $120,000 in which CFC was, is or is proposed to be a direct or indirect participant in which a 

163

related person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest in the transaction. Related person transactions do not 
include compensation or expense reimbursement arrangements with directors, officers or key employees (notwithstanding 
that officer compensation may be disclosed in “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director 
Independence” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, elsewhere in the CFC’s periodic reports filed with the SEC or otherwise 
disclosed publicly as a related person transaction), transactions where the related person’s interest arises only from the 
person’s position as a director of another entity that is a party to the transaction, and transactions deemed to be related 
credits. Related-person transactions are subject to review by the general counsel, or in some cases, the board of directors 
(excluding any interested director), based on whether the transaction is fair and reasonable to CFC and consistent with the 
best interests of CFC.

Related credits are extensions of credit to, or for the benefit of, related persons and entities that are made on substantially the 
same terms as, and follow underwriting procedures that are no less stringent than, those prevailing at the time for 
comparable transactions generally offered by CFC. Related credits are not subject to the procedures for transactions with 
related persons because we were established for the very purpose of extending financing to our members. We, therefore, 
enter into loan and guarantee transactions with members of which our officers and directors are officers, directors, trustees, 
alternative directors or trustees, or employees in the ordinary course of our business. All related credits are reviewed from 
time to time by our internal Corporate Credit Committee, which monitors our extensions of credit, and our independent 
third-party reviewer, which reviews our credit extension policies on an annual basis. All loans, including related credits, are 
approved in accordance with an internal credit approval matrix, with each level of risk or exposure potentially escalating the 
required approval from our lending staff to management, a credit committee or the board of directors. Related credits of 
$250,000 or less are generally approved by our lending staff or internal Corporate Credit Committee. Any related credit in 
excess of $250,000 requires approval by the full board of directors, except that any interested directors may not participate, 
directly or indirectly, in the credit approval process, and the CEO has the authority to approve emergency lines of credit and 
certain other loans and lines of credit. Notwithstanding the related-person transaction policy, the CEO will extend such loans 
and lines of credit in qualifying situations to a member of which a CFC director was a director or officer, provided that all 
such credits are underwritten in accordance with prevailing standards and terms. Such situations are typically weather 
related and must meet specific qualifying criteria. To ensure compliance with this policy, no related persons may be present 
in person or by teleconference while a related credit is being considered. Under no circumstances may we extend credit to a 
related person or any other person in the form of a personal loan.

As a cooperative, CFC was established for the very purpose of extending financing to its members, from which our directors 
must be drawn. Loans and guarantees to member systems of which directors of CFC are officers, directors, trustees, 
alternative directors or trustees, or employees, are made in the ordinary course of CFC business on the same terms, 
including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other members and 
that do not involve more than normal risk of uncollectibility or present other unfavorable features. It is anticipated that, 
consistent with its loan and guarantee policies in effect from time to time, additional loans and guarantees will be made by 
CFC to member systems and trade and service organizations of which directors of CFC or their immediate family members 
(i) are officers, directors, trustees, alternative directors or trustees or employees, (ii) control or (iii) have a substantial 
beneficial interest. CFC has adopted a policy whereby substantially all extensions of credit to such entities are approved 
only by the disinterested directors.

164

Related-Person Transactions

The following table contains the total compensation earned by CFC’s executive officers during the year ended May 31, 2019 
who are not named executive officers but meet the definition of a “related person” as described above. Total compensation 
disclosed below is made up of the same components included in the “Summary Compensation Table” under “Item 11. 
Executive Compensation.”

Name and Principal Position

Total
Compensation

Graceann D. Clendenen
Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer .....

$

629,920

Steven M. Kettler
Senior Vice President, Strategic Services..........................

John M. Borak
Senior Vice President, Credit Risk Management ..............

Robin C. Reed
Senior Vice President, Loan Operations............................

Brad L. Captain
Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations ......................

Independence Determinations

474,591

401,234

370,742

353,117

The board of directors has determined the independence of each director based on a review by the full board. The Audit 
Committee is subject to the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act. To evaluate the 
independence of our directors, the board has voluntarily adopted categorical independence standards consistent with the 
New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) standards. However, because we only list debt securities on the NYSE, we are not 
subject to most of the corporate governance listing standards of the NYSE, including the independence requirements.

No director is considered independent unless the board has affirmatively determined that he or she has no material 
relationship with CFC, either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with 
CFC. Material relationships can include banking, legal, accounting, charitable and familial relationships, among others. In 
addition, a director is not considered independent if any of the following relationships existed:

(i) 

the director is, or has been within the last three years, an employee of CFC or an immediate family member is, or 
has been within the last three years, an executive officer of CFC;

(ii)  the director has received, or has an immediate family member who has received, during any 12-month period 
within the last three years, more than $120,000 in direct compensation from CFC, other than director and 
committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service (provided that such 
compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service);

(iii) (a) the director or an immediate family member is a current partner of a firm that is CFC’s internal or external 

auditor; (b) the director is a current employee of such a firm; (c) the director has an immediate family member who 
is a current employee of such a firm and personally works on CFC’s audit; or (d) the director or an immediate 
family member was within the last three years (but is no longer) a partner or employee of such a firm and 
personally worked on CFC’s audit within that time;

(iv)  the director or an immediate family member is, or has been within the last three years, employed as an executive 

officer of another company where any of CFC’s present executive officers at the same time serves or served on that 
company’s compensation committee; or

(v)  the director is a current employee, or an immediate family member is a current executive officer, of a company that 
has made payments to, or received payments from, CFC for property or services in an amount which, in any of the 
last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1 million, or 2% of such other company’s consolidated gross revenue.

165

The board of directors also reviewed directors’ responses to a questionnaire asking about their relationships with CFC and 
its affiliates (and those of their immediate family members) and other potential conflicts of interest.

Based on the criteria above, the board of directors has determined that the directors listed below are independent for the 
period of time served by such directors during fiscal year 2019. The board determined that none of the directors listed below 
had any of the relationships listed in (i)—(v) above or any other material relationship that would compromise their 
independence.

Thomas A. Bailey     
Philip A. Carson (1) 
David E. Felkel

Doyle Jay Hanson 

Jimmy A. LaFoy  
Curtin R. Rakestraw II (1) 
Marsha L. Thompson 
Gregory D. Williams 
____________________________

Independent Directors

Patrick L. Bridges(1)
Chris D. Christensen

Dennis Fulk        

Thomas L. Hayes   

G. Anthony Norton

Bradley J. Schardin    

Stephen C. Vail      
Curtis Wynn

Robert Brockman 

Kent D. Farmer

Barbara E. Hampton
Robert M. Hill (1)   
Harry N. Park (1)
Dean R. Tesch

Bruce A. Vitosh

(1) This director served during fiscal year 2019; however, he was no longer a director as of May 31, 2019.

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services

CFC’s Audit Committee is solely responsible for the nomination, approval, compensation, evaluation and discharge of the 
independent public accountants. The independent registered public accountants report directly to the Audit Committee, and 
the Audit Committee is responsible for the resolution of disagreements between management and the independent registered 
public accountants. Consistent with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requirements, the Audit Committee has 
adopted a policy to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public 
accountants, provided such services do not impair the independent public accountant’s independence. 

KPMG, LLP was our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018. 
KPMG, LLP has advised the Audit Committee that they are independent accountants with respect to the Company, within 
the meaning of standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and federal securities laws 
administered by the SEC. The following table displays the aggregate estimated or actual fees for professional services 
provided by KPMG, LLP in fiscal years 2019 and 2018, including fees for the 2019 and 2018 audits. All services for fiscal 
years 2019 and 2018 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee. 

(Dollars in thousands)

Description of fees:
Audit fees(1)..............................................................................
Tax fees(2).................................................................................
All other fees(3) ........................................................................
Total .........................................................................................
____________________________

$

$

May 31,

2019

2018

1,589

$

1,540

13

11

15

11

1,613

$

1,566

(1) 

Audit fees for fiscal years 2019 and 2018 consist of fees for the quarterly reviews of our interim financial information and the audit of our annual 
consolidated financial statements and fees for the preparation of the stand-alone financial statements for RTFC and NCSC. Audit fees for fiscal years 
2019 and 2018 also include comfort letter fees and consents related to debt issuances and compliance work required by the independent auditors.

(2)

 Tax fees consist of assistance with matters related to tax compliance and consulting.

(3) 

All other fees for fiscal years 2019 and 2018 consist of fees for certain agreed-upon procedures. 

166

PART IV

Item 15.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a) Financial Statement Schedules

The following documents are filed as part of this Report in Part II, Item 8 and are incorporated herein by
reference.

1.  Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ..........................................................................

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017........................

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 ...

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2019 and 2018..........................................................................

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017............

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 ......................

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................................................................................................

Page
78

79

80

81

82

83

85

Supplementary Data .......................................................................................................................................

138

2.  Schedules

None.

(b)

Exhibits

An Exhibit Index has been filed as part of this Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 16.    Form 10-K Summary

Not applicable.

167

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following exhibits are incorporated by reference or filed herewith.

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
3.1

Description

— Articles of Incorporation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Form 10-K filed on 

August 28, 2014.

3.2

— Amended Bylaws as approved by the CFC Board of Directors and members on March 7, 2011. 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Form 10-Q filed on April 13, 2011.

4.1*

— Description of Securities.

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.8

4.9

— Form of Capital Term Certificate.

— Indenture dated February 15, 1994, between the Registrant and First Bank National Association as 
trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Form 10-Q filed on October 15, 2007.

— Form of indenture between CFC and Mellon Bank, N.A., as Trustee. Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on November 14, 1995 (Registration No. 
33-64231).

— Indenture dated as of December 15,1987, between CFC and Chemical Bank, as Trustee. 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR filed on 
November 24, 2008 (Registration No. 333-155631).

— First Supplemental Indenture between CFC and Chemical Bank, as Trustee. Incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on April 5, 1995 (Registration 
No. 33-58445).

— Form of indenture dated May 15, 2000, between the Registrant and Bank One Trust Company, 

National Association, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement 
on Form S-3 filed on May 25, 2000 (Registration No. 333-37940).

— First Supplemental Indenture dated March 12, 2007, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National 

Association, as  successor trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Registration 
Statement on Form S-3ASR filed on April 19, 2007 (Registration No. 333-142230).

— Indenture dated October 25, 2007, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as 
trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR filed 
on October 26, 2007 (Registration No. 333-146960).

4.10

— Indenture dated October 15, 1996, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as 
successor trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed on October 28, 1996.

10.1^

— Plan Document for CFC’s Deferred Compensation Pension Restoration Plan amended and restated 

effective January 1, 2015.

10.2^

10.3^

— Plan Document for CFC’s Deferred Compensation Program amended and restated February 1, 
2014. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our Form 10-K filed on August 28, 2014.

— Plan Document for CFC's Executive Benefit Restoration Plan dated December 9, 2014. 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed on April 13, 2015.

10.4^

— Employment Agreement between the Company and Sheldon C. Petersen, effective January 1, 2015. 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2014.

10.5^

— Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan of the Company, effective January 1, 2015. Incorporated 

by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2014.

10.6

— Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated November 19, 2015 maturing on 

November 19, 2018. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 
13, 2016.

10.7

— Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated November 19, 2015 maturing on 

November 19, 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 
13, 2016.

10.8

— Amendment No.1 dated as of November 18, 2016 to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit 
Agreement dated as of  November 19, 2015 maturing on November 19, 2019. Incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 13, 2017.

168

Exhibit No.
10.9

10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

Description

— Amendment No.1 dated as of November 18, 2016 to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit 
Agreement dated as of November 19, 2015 maturing on November 19, 2021. Incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 13, 2017.

— Amendment No. 2 dated as of November 20, 2017 to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit 
Agreement dated as of November 19, 2015 maturing on November 20, 2020.  Incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.01 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 11, 2018.

— Amendment No. 2 dated as of November 20, 2017 to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit 
Agreement dated as of November 19, 2015 maturing on November 20, 2022.  Incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.02 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 11, 2018.

— Amendment No. 3 dated as of November 28, 2018 to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit 
Agreement dated as of November 19, 2015 maturing on November 21, 2028.  Incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 11, 2019.

— Amendment No. 3 dated as of November 28, 2018 to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit 
Agreement dated as of November 19, 2015 maturing on November 28, 2023.  Incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 11, 2019.

10.14

— Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural Utilities 

Service dated June 14, 2005 for up to $1,000,000,000. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to 
our Form 10-K filed on August 24, 2005.

10.15

— Series A Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated June 14, 

2005 for up to $1,000,000,000 maturing on July 15, 2028. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 
to our Form 10-K filed on August 24, 2005.

10.16

— Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural Utilities 

Service dated April 28, 2006 for up to $1,500,000,000. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to 
our Form 10-K filed on August 25, 2006.

10.17

— Series B Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated April 28, 

2006 for up to $1,500,000,000 maturing on July 15, 2029. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 
to our Form 10-K filed on August 25, 2006.

10.18

10.19

— Series C Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural 
Utilities Service dated September 19, 2008 for up to $500,000,000. Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 4.29 to our Form 10-Q filed on October 14, 2008.

— Series C Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated September 
19, 2008 for up to $500,000,000 maturing on October 15, 2031. Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 4.32 to our Form 10-Q filed on October 14, 2008.

10.20

— Series D Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural 

Utilities Service dated as of November 10, 2010 for up to $500,000,000. Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 4.1 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 14, 2011.

10.21

— Series D Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated as of 

November 10, 2010 for up to $500,000,000 maturing on October 15, 2033. Incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 14, 2011.

10.22

— Series E Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural 

Utilities Service dated as of December 1, 2011 for up to $499,000,000. Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 17, 2012.

10.23

— Series E Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated as of 

December 1, 2011 for up to $499,000,000 maturing on October 15, 2034. Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.6 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 17, 2012.

10.24

— Series F Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural 

Utilities Service dated as of December 13, 2012 for up to $424,286,000. Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed in January 14, 2013.

10.25

— Series F Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated as of 

December 13, 2012 for up to $424,286,000 maturing on October 15, 2035. Incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Form 10-Q filed in January 14, 2013.

10.26

— Series G Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural 

Utilities Service dated as of November 21, 2013 for up to $500,000,000. Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed in January 13, 2014.

169

Exhibit No.
10.27

Description

— Series G Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated as of 

November 21, 2013 for up to $500,000,000 maturing on October 15, 2036. Incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q filed in January 13, 2014.

10.28

— Series H Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural 

Utilities Service dated as of November 18, 2014 for up to $250,000,000. Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 14, 2015.

10.29

— Series H Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated as of 

November 18, 2014 for up to $250,000,000 maturing on October 15, 2034. Incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 14, 2015.

10.30

— Series K Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural 

Utilities Service dated as of March 29, 2016 for up to $250,000,000. Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed on April 4, 2016.

10.31

— Series K Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated as of 

March 29, 2016 for up to $250,000,000 maturing on January 15, 2039. Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q filed on April 4, 2016.

10.32

— Series L Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural 

Utilities Service dated as of December 1, 2016 for up to $375,000,000. Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 13, 2017.

10.33

— Series L Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated as of 

December 1, 2016 for up to $375,000,000 maturing on October 15, 2039. Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.4 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 13, 2017.

10.34

— Series M Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural 

Utilities Service dated as of November 9, 2017 for up to $750,000,000. Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.03 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 11, 2018.

10.35

— Series M Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated as of 

November 9, 2017 for up to $750,000,000 maturing on July 15, 2042. Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.04 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 11, 2018.

10.36

— Series N Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural 

Utilities Service dated as of November 15, 2018 for up to $750,000,000. Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 11, 2019.

10.37

— Series N Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated as of 

November 15, 2018 for up to $750,000,000 maturing on July 15, 2043. Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 11, 2019.

10.38

10.39

— Fifth Amended, Restated and Consolidated Pledge Agreement dated as of November 15, 2018 
between the Registrant, the Rural Utilities Service and U.S. Bank National Association. 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 11, 2019.

— Fifth Amended, Restated and Consolidated Bond Guarantee Agreement dated as of November 15, 
2018 between the Registrant and the Rural Utilities Service. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.6 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 11, 2019.

10.40

— Amended and Restated Master Sale and Servicing Agreement, dated as of August 12, 2011, by and 

between the Registrant and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, as amended by 
Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 28, 2016. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to our 
Form 10-Q filed on January 13, 2017.

10.41

— Amended and Restated Master Note Purchase Agreement dated March 24, 2011 between the 

Registrant and Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 
to our Form 10-Q filed on April 13, 2011.

10.42

10.43

10.44

— Second Amended and Restated First Supplemental Note Purchase Agreement dated February 26, 
2018 for up to $5,500,000,000 between the Registrant and Federal Agricultural Mortgage 
Corporation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to our Form 10-Q filed on April 11, 2018.

— Second Amended, Restated and Consolidated Pledge Agreement dated July 31, 2015, between the 
Registrant, Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association. 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to our Form 10-K filed on August 26, 2015.

— Long Term Standby Commitment to Purchase dated August 31, 2015, between the Registrant and 
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 
10-Q filed on October 14, 2015.

170

Exhibit No.
10.45

10.46

10.47

23.1*

31.1*

Description

— Amendment No. 1 to Long Term Standby Commitment to Purchase, dated as of May 31, 2016, 

between the Registrant and Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation.  Incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.38 to our Form 10-K filed on August 25, 2016.

— Purchase Agreement dated September 30, 2015, between the Registrant, Caribbean Asset Holdings, 
LLC, ATN VI Holdings, LLC and Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.2 to our Form 10-Q filed on October 14, 2015.

— Amendment to Purchase Agreement dated July 1 2016, between the Registrant, Caribbean Asset 
Holdings, LLC, ATN VI Holdings, LLC and ATN International (formerly Atlantic Tele-Network, 
Inc.). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to our Form 10-K filed on August 25, 2016.

Registrant agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of all other
instruments defining the rights of holders of its long-term debt upon request.

— Consent of KPMG LLP.

— Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 

2002.

31.2*

— Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 

2002.

32.1†

— Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 

2002.

32.2†

— Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 

2002.

101.INS* — XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH* — XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL* — XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.LAB* — XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE* — XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF* — XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document

___________________________

*Indicates a document being filed with this Report.
^Identifies a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
†Indicates a document that is furnished with this Report, which shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that Section.

171

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused 
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the County of Loudoun, 
Commonwealth of Virginia, on the 31st day of July 2019.

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE

FINANCE CORPORATION

By:

/s/  SHELDON C. PETERSEN

Sheldon C. Petersen

Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

172

 
 
Signature

Title

/s/  SHELDON C. PETERSEN

Chief Executive Officer

Sheldon C. Petersen

Date

July 31, 2019

/s/  J. ANDREW DON
J. Andrew Don

/s/  ROBERT E. GEIER
Robert E. Geier

/s/  KENT D. FARMER
Kent D. Farmer

/s/  DEAN R. TESCH
Dean R. Tesch

/s/  ALAN W. WATTLES
Alan W. Wattles

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

July 31, 2019

Vice President and Controller

July 31, 2019

President and Director

July 31, 2019

Vice President and Director

July 31, 2019

Secretary-Treasurer and Director

July 31, 2019

/s/  THOMAS A. BAILEY
Thomas A. Bailey

Director

/s/  ROBERT BROCKMAN

Director

Robert Brockman

/s/  CHRIS D. CHRISTENSEN

Director

Chris D. Christensen

/s/  DAVID E. FELKEL 
David E. Felkel

/s/  DENNIS FULK
Dennis Fulk

/s/ BARBARA E. HAMPTON 
Barbara E. Hampton

/s/  DOYLE JAY HANSON
Doyle Jay Hanson

/s/  THOMAS  L. HAYES
Thomas L. Hayes

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

173

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

/s/  BRADLEY P. JANORSCHKE

Director

Bradley P. Janorschke

/s/  JIMMY A. LAFOY

Jimmy A. LaFoy

Director

/s/  G. ANTHONY NORTON

Director

G. Anthony Norton

/s/  DEBRA L. ROBINSON
Debra L. Robinson

Director

/s/  TIMOTHY RODRIGUEZ

Director

Timothy Rodriguez

/s/  BRADLEY J. SCHARDIN

Director

Bradley J. Schardin

/s/  MARSHA L. THOMPSON
Marsha L. Thompson

/s/  STEPHEN C. VAIL
Stephen C. Vail

/s/  BRUCE A. VITOSH
Bruce A. Vitosh

/s/  TODD P. WARE

Todd P. Ware

Director

Director

Director

Director

/s/  GREGORY D. WILLIAMS

Director

Gregory D. Williams

/s/  CURTIS WYNN
Curtis Wynn

Director

174

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF THE REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Description of the 5.500% Subordinated Notes due 2064 (Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes)

The following description is a summary of the 5.500% Subordinated Notes due 2064 (Subordinated 

Deferrable Interest Notes) (the “Notes”) of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (the 
“Company,” “CFC,” “we,” “us” and “our”). The following summary of specified provisions of the 1996 Indenture 
(defined below) and the Notes is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the actual provisions of the 
1996 Indenture and the Notes. 

General

On May 6, 2019, we issued $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes. The Notes were issued 

as a series of subordinated debt securities under that certain indenture dated as of October 15, 1996 (the “1996 
Indenture”), between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee (the “Notes Trustee”). The Notes 
were issued in registered form and only in denominations of?$25.00 and integral multiples in excess thereof. There is 
no limit on the amount of additional securities similar to the Notes that may be issued under the 1996 Indenture. The 
Notes are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NRUC.”

Maturity

The Notes will mature on May 15, 2064. If that day is not a business day, payment of principal and interest 

will be postponed to the next business day and no interest will accrue as a result of that postponement.

Interest Rate and Interest Payment Dates

The Notes bear interest at the annual rate of 5.500%, and we will pay accrued interest quarterly in arrears 

on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on August 15, 2019 subject to our 
rights and obligations under “Option to Extend Interest Payment Period.” Interest payments will be made to the 
persons or entities in whose names the Notes are registered at the close of business on February 1, May 1, August 1 
or November 1 (whether or not a business day), as the case may be, immediately preceding the relevant interest 
payment date. The amount of interest payable for any interest period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day 
year consisting of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any interest payment date falls on a day that is not a 
business day, the interest payment due on that date will be postponed to the next day that is a business day, and no 
additional interest will accrue as a result of that postponement.

“Business day” means any day other than (i) a Saturday or Sunday, (ii) a day on which banking institutions 

in The City of New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed, or (iii) a day on 
which the corporate trust office of the Notes Trustee is closed for business.

Option to Extend Interest Payment Period

So long as there is no event of default under the 1996 Indenture with respect to the Notes that is continuing, 

we may at any time and from time to time during the term of the Notes extend the interest payment period (such a 
period being referred to as an “extension period”) for a period not exceeding forty (40) consecutive quarterly 
periods, except that we may not extend the interest payment period beyond the maturity date, any earlier accelerated 
maturity date arising from an event of default or any other earlier redemption of the Notes. During an extension 
period, interest will continue to accrue on the Notes at the interest rate on the Notes and accrued interest on the 
Notes will bear additional interest at the interest rate on the Notes, compounded on each interest payment date, 
subject to applicable law. At the end of an extension period, unless further extended in accordance with the 
requirements below, we must pay all accrued and unpaid interest (and interest thereon). 

During any extension period we may not declare or pay any dividend or interest on, or principal of, or 

redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of our members’ subordinated 
certificates. Before the termination of any extension period, we may further extend the interest payment period, so 
long as the extension period, together with all previous and further extensions, would not exceed forty (40) 
consecutive quarterly periods or extend beyond the maturity of the Notes. No extension period (including as 
extended) may end on a day other than the last day of an interest payment period.

Upon the termination of an extension period and the payment of all amounts then due (including interest on 

unpaid interest), we may select a new extension period, subject to the above requirements. No interest during an 
extension period, except at the end thereof, shall be due and payable. We shall give the holders of the Notes and the 
Notes Trustee notice of our election of extension of an extension period at least ten business days prior to the earlier 
of?(i) the next interest payment date and (ii) the date upon which we are required to give notice to any applicable 
self-regulatory organization or to holders of the Notes of such next succeeding record or payment date for such 
interest payment.

Optional Redemption

We may redeem the Notes at any time, prior to May 15, 2024, in whole or in part, at a “make-whole” 

redemption price equal to the greater of?? (1) 100% of the principal amount being redeemed or (2) the sum of the 
present values of the remaining scheduled payments of the principal and interest (other than accrued interest) on the 
Notes being redeemed that would be due if such Notes matured on May 15, 2024, discounted to the redemption date 
on a quarterly basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 50 
basis points for the Notes plus in each of? (1) and (2) above, accrued interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.

At any time on or after May 15, 2024, we may redeem the Notes, at our option, in whole or in part, at a 

redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes then outstanding to be redeemed, plus accrued 
and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

For purposes of these redemption provisions, the following terms have the following meanings:

“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security selected by an Quotation Agent as 

having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Notes being redeemed (assuming, for this purpose, that 
the Notes matured on May 15, 2024) that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with 
customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the 
remaining term of such Notes.

“Comparable Treasury Price” means with respect to any redemption date, (A) the average of the Reference 

Treasury Dealer Quotations for the redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest Reference Treasury 
Dealer Quotations for that redemption date, or (B) if we obtain fewer than four Reference Treasury Dealer 
Quotations, the average of all the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations obtained.

“Quotation Agent” means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers appointed by CFC.

 “Reference Treasury Dealer” means (1) each of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and RBC Capital Markets, 

LLC, or their respective affiliates or successors; provided, however, that if any of them ceases to be a primary U.S. 
Government securities dealer in the United States, CFC will appoint another primary U.S. Government securities 
dealer as a substitute and (2) any other U.S. Government securities dealers selected by CFC.

“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means, for each Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption 

date, the average, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of the bid and ask prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue 
(expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Quotation Agent by the 
Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the third business day preceding the redemption date 
for the Notes being redeemed.

“Treasury Rate” means, for any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the quarterly equivalent yield 

to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as 
a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for the redemption date.

Redemption Following a Tax Event

We will have the right to redeem the Notes, at any time before May 15, 2024, in whole but not in part, at 
any time within 90 days following the occurrence and continuation of a Tax Event at a redemption price equal to 
100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to, but not including, the 
redemption date.

A “Tax Event” means that the Company has received an opinion of nationally recognized independent tax 

counsel experienced in such matters at any time after the occurrence of any of the events set forth below to the effect 
that:

(i) 

there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Company would lose its status as a 501(c)(4) tax-
exempt entity pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code as a result of:

• 

• 

• 

any amendment to or change or announced proposed change in the laws or regulations of the 
United States or any of its political subdivisions or taxing authorities affecting taxation;

any amendment to or change in an interpretation or application of such laws or regulations by 
any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority; or

any official administrative interpretation or official administrative pronouncement that 
provides for a position with respect to those laws or regulations that differs from the generally 
accepted position on the date the Notes are issued;

which amendment or change becomes effective or proposed change, pronouncement, 
interpretation, action or decision is announced on or after April 29, 2019; and

(ii) 

there is more than an insubstantial risk that interest payable on the Notes is not or within 90 days 
of the date of the opinion would not be currently deductible as such interest accrues, in whole or in 
part, by the Company for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of:

• 

• 

• 

any amendment to or change or announced proposed change in the laws or regulations of the 
United States or any of its political subdivisions or taxing authorities affecting taxation;

any amendment to or change in an interpretation or application of such laws or regulations by 
any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority; or

any official administrative interpretation or official administrative pronouncement that 
provides for a position with respect to those laws or regulations that differs from the generally 
accepted position on the date the Notes are issued;

?which amendment or change becomes effective or proposed change, pronouncement, 
interpretation, action or decision is announced on or after April 29, 2019.

Our right to redeem the Notes due to a Tax Event is subject to the condition that, if we have the opportunity 

to eliminate a Tax Event, within 90 days following the occurrence and continuation of such Tax Event, by taking 
some ministerial action (a “ministerial action”), such as filing a form or making an election, or pursuing some other 
similar reasonable measure that will have no adverse effect on us or the holders of the Notes and will involve no 
material cost, we will pursue such measures in lieu of redemption. We cannot redeem the Notes while we are 
pursuing any such ministerial action.

Redemption Following a Rating Agency Event

We will have the right to redeem the Notes, at any time before May 15, 2024, in whole but not in part, at 

any time within 90 days following the conclusion of any review or appeal process instituted by us at any time 
following the occurrence and continuation of a Rating Agency Event, at a redemption price equal to 102% of the 
principal amount of the Notes, plus any accrued unpaid interest, if any, thereon to, but not including, the redemption 
date.

“Rating Agency Event” means a change in the methodology published by any nationally recognized 

statistical rating organization within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act (sometimes referred to as 
a “rating agency”) that currently publishes a rating for us in assigning equity credit to securities such as the Notes, as 
such methodology is in effect on April 29, 2019 (the “current criteria”), which change results in (i) any shortening of 
the length of time for which equity credit pertaining to the Notes would have been in effect had the current 
methodology not been changed or (ii) a lower equity credit being assigned by such rating agency to the Notes as of 
the date of such change than the equity credit that would have been assigned to the Notes as of the date of such 
change by such rating agency pursuant to its current criteria.

Redemption Procedures

We will provide not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice mailed to each registered holder of the 

Notes to be redeemed. If the redemption notice is given and funds deposited as required, then interest will cease to 
accrue from and after the redemption date on the Notes or portions of such Notes called for redemption. In the event 
that any redemption date is not a business day, we will pay the redemption price on the next business day without 
any interest or other payment due to the delay.

Ranking

The Notes are unsecured subordinated debt securities and are subordinated and junior in right of payment 

to all senior indebtedness of CFC.

No payment of principal of, including redemption and sinking fund payments, or premium or interest on, 

the subordinated debt securities may be made if any senior indebtedness is not paid when due, or a default has 
occurred with respect to the senior indebtedness permitting the holders to accelerate its maturity and the default has 
not been cured or waived and has not ceased to exist. Upon any acceleration of the principal amount due on the 
subordinated debt securities or any payment or distribution of assets of CFC to creditors upon any dissolution, 
winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary or in bankruptcy, insolvency, 
receivership or other proceedings, all principal of, and premium, if any, and interest due or to become due on, all 
senior indebtedness must be paid in full before the holders of the subordinated debt securities are entitled to receive 
or retain any payment. The holders of the subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders 
of senior indebtedness to receive payments or distributions until all amounts owing on the senior indebtedness are 
paid in full. 

The term “senior indebtedness” is defined in the 1996 Indenture to mean:

• 

• 

• 

all indebtedness heretofore or hereafter incurred by us for money borrowed unless by its terms 
it is provided that such indebtedness is not senior indebtedness;

all other indebtedness hereafter incurred by us which by its terms provides that such 
indebtedness is senior indebtedness;

all guarantees, endorsements and other contingent obligations in respect of, or obligations to 
purchase or otherwise acquire or service, indebtedness or obligations of others; and

• 

any amendments, modifications, deferrals, renewals or extensions of any such senior 
indebtedness, or debentures, notes or evidences of indebtedness heretofore or hereafter issued 
in evidence of or exchange of such senior indebtedness.

The Notes rank equal in right of payment and upon liquidation to our outstanding subordinated debt.

The Notes are senior to our members’ subordinated certificates.

Events of Default

The following “events of default” are applicable to the Notes:

• 

• 

• 

failure to pay interest on the Notes within 60 days after such interest is due (provided, 
however, that a failure to pay interest during a valid optional extension period will not 
constitute an event of default, as described above under “Option to Extend Interest Payment 
Period”);

failure to pay principal of or any premium on the Notes when due; and

certain bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization events with respect to CFC.

No event of default with respect to one series of subordinated debt securities necessarily constitutes an 

event of default with respect to another series of subordinated debt securities.

With respect to the Notes, a failure to comply with the other covenants under the 1996 Indenture does not 

constitute an event of default.

Modification of the 1996 Indenture

Without the consent of any holder of the Notes, we and the Notes Trustee may enter into one or more 

supplemental indentures to the 1996 Indenture for any of the following purposes:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

to evidence the assumption by any permitted successor to CFC of the covenants of CFC in the 
1996 Indenture and the subordinated debt securities;
to add one or more covenants of CFC or other provisions for the benefit of the holders of all 
or any series of the subordinated debt securities or to surrender any right or power conferred 
upon CFC by the 1996 Indenture;
to add any additional events of default with respect to all or any series of outstanding 
subordinated debt securities;
to change or eliminate any provision of the 1996 Indenture or to add any new provision to the 
1996 Indenture, but if the change, elimination or addition will adversely affect the interests of 
the holders of subordinated debt securities of any series in any material respect, the change, 
elimination or addition will not become effective with respect to the series;
to provide collateral security for the subordinated debt securities;
to establish the form or terms of subordinated debt securities of any series as permitted by the 
1996 Indenture;
to provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee with respect to the 
subordinated debt securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the 
provisions of the 1996 Indenture as necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of 
the trusts under the 1996 Indenture by more than one trustee;
to provide for the procedures required to permit the utilization of a non-certificated system of 
registration for any series of subordinated debt securities;
to change any place where:

the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on any subordinated debt 
securities is payable;
any subordinated debt securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or 
exchange;
notices and demands to or upon CFC in respect of subordinated debt securities and 
the 1996 Indenture may be served; or
to cure any ambiguity or inconsistency or to make or change any other provisions 
with respect to matters and questions arising under the 1996 Indenture, so long as 
such changes or additions do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of 
subordinated debt securities of any series in any material respect. 

If the Trust Indenture Act is amended after the date of the 1996 Indenture to require changes to the 1996 

? 
Indenture or the incorporation of additional provisions or to permit changes to, or the elimination of, provisions 
which, at the date of the 1996 Indenture, were required by the Trust Indenture Act to be contained in the 1996 
Indenture, the 1996 Indenture will be deemed amended so as to conform to the amendment or to effect the changes 
or elimination. CFC and the trustee may, without the consent of any holders, enter into one or more supplemental 
1996 Indentures to evidence or effect the amendment. 

Except as provided above, the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal 

amount of the subordinated debt securities of all series then outstanding, considered as one class, is required to add 
any provisions to, or change in any manner, or eliminate any of the provisions of, the 1996 Indenture. However, if 
less than all of the series of subordinated debt securities outstanding are directly affected by a proposed 
supplemental indenture, then the consent only of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of 
outstanding subordinated debt securities of all series so directly affected, considered as one class, will be required. If 
the subordinated debt securities of any series have been issued in more than one tranche and if the proposed 
supplemental indenture directly affects the rights of the holders of one or more, but less than all, tranches, the 
consent only of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding subordinated debt 
securities of all tranches directly affected, considered as one class, will be required. However, no supplemental 
indenture may, without the consent of the holders of all of the affected outstanding subordinated debt securities:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

change the stated maturity, installment or interest rate of any of the subordinated debt 
securities;
reduce the principal amount, any premium or the interest rate on any of the subordinated debt 
securities;
reduce the amount of the principal of original issue discount subordinated debt securities 
payable on acceleration of maturity;
change the coin or currency or other property in which any principal, premium or interest of 
any of the subordinated debt securities is payable;
impair any right to take legal action for an overdue payment;
reduce the percentage required for modifications to or waivers of compliance with the 1996 
Indenture;
reduce the requirements for quorum or voting; or

• 
•  with certain exceptions, modify the provisions for the waivers of certain covenants and 

defaults and any of the foregoing provisions. 

?A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any provision of the 1996 Indenture expressly 
included solely for the benefit of a particular series of subordinated debt securities or tranches, or modifies the rights 
of the holders of subordinated debt securities of the series or tranches with respect to the provision, will be deemed 
not to affect the rights under the 1996 Indenture of the holders of the subordinated debt securities of any other series 
or tranche. 

The 1996 Indenture provides that in determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of 

the outstanding subordinated debt securities have given or taken any direction, notice, consent, waiver or other 
action under the 1996 Indenture as of any date:

 
 
 
 
• 

• 

• 

subordinated debt securities owned by CFC or any other obligor upon the securities or any 
affiliate of CFC or of the other obligor unless CFC, the affiliate or obligor owns all securities 
outstanding under the 1996 Indenture, or all outstanding subordinated debt securities of each 
the series and the tranche, as the case may be, determined without regard to this bullet point 
shall be disregarded and deemed not outstanding;
the principal amount of a discount subordinated debt security deemed outstanding shall be the 
amount of the principal that would be due and payable as of the date of determination upon a 
declaration of acceleration of the maturity as provided in the 1996 Indenture; and
the principal amount of a subordinated debt security denominated in foreign currencies or a 
composite currency deemed outstanding will be the dollar equivalent, determined as of that 
date in the manner prescribed for that subordinated debt security, of the principal amount of 
that subordinated debt security, or, in the case of a subordinated debt security described in the 
second bullet point above, of the amount described in that bullet point. 

If CFC solicits from holders of subordinated debt securities any request, demand, authorization, direction, 

? 
notice, consent, election, waiver or other act, CFC may, at its option, by board resolution, fix in advance a record 
date for the determination of holders of subordinated debt securities entitled to give such request, demand, 
authorization, direction, notice, consent, election, waiver or other act, but CFC shall have no obligation to do so. If a 
record date is fixed, the request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election, waiver or other act may 
be given before or after the record date, but only the holders of record at the close of business on the record date 
shall be deemed holders for the purposes of determining whether holders of the requisite proportion of the 
outstanding subordinated debt securities have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, 
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other act, and for that purpose the outstanding subordinated debt 
securities shall be computed as of the record date. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, 
election, waiver or other act of a holder shall bind every future holder of the same security and the holder of every 
security issued upon the registration of transfer or in exchange or in lieu of the security in respect of anything done, 
omitted or suffered to be done by the trustee or CFC in reliance thereon, whether or not notation is made upon 
security. 

Agreement by Holders of Certain Tax Treatment

Each holder of the Notes, by accepting the Notes or a beneficial interest therein, is deemed to have agreed 
that the holder intends that the Notes constitute indebtedness and will treat the Notes as indebtedness for all United 
States federal, state and local tax purposes.

Denomination

The Notes are issued only in denominations of? $25.00 and integral multiples in excess thereof.

Governing Law

The 1996 Indenture and the Notes are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State 

of New York, without regard to its principles of conflicts of laws.

Paying Agent and Registrar

U.S. Bank National Association is the paying agent and registrar for the Notes.

Notices

Except as otherwise provided in the 1996 Indenture, notices to holders of the Notes will be sent by mail to 

the registered holders.

Description of the 7.35% Collateral Trust Bonds due 2026

The following description is a summary of our 7.35% Collateral Trust Bonds due 2026 (the “Bonds”). The 

following summary of specified provisions of the 1994 Indenture (defined below) and the Bonds is subject to, and 
qualified in its entirety by reference to, the actual provisions of the 1994 Indenture and the Bonds.

General

On [November 6], 1996, we issued $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Bonds. The Bonds 

were issued under that certain indenture dated as of February 15, 1994 (the “1994 Indenture”), between us and First 
Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Bonds Trustee”). The Bonds are traded on the New York Stock 
Exchange under the symbol “NRUC 26.”

Maturity Date

The Bonds will mature on November 1, 2026.

Interest Rate and Interest Payment Dates

The Bonds bear interest at a rate of 7.35% per annum. Interest is payable semiannually on May 1 and 

November 1 to the persons in whose names the Bonds are registered at the close of business on the preceding April 
15 and October 15, respectively, commencing May 1, 1997.

Sinking Fund

CFC is required to make mandatory sinking fund payments sufficient to redeem, on November 1 of each of 

the years 2007 through 2025 inclusive, $5,000,000 in principal amount of the Bonds at 100% of the principal 
amount thereof plus accrued interest to the redemption date, to be applied on a pro rata basis to holders of the Bonds. 
Such mandatory sinking fund payments are calculated to retire 95% of the principal amount of the issue prior to 
maturity.

Redemption

Except as provided under “Sinking Fund” above, the Bonds may not be redeemed prior to maturity.

Security

The Bonds are secured under the 1994 Indenture, equally with outstanding bonds issued under the 1994 

Indenture, by the pledge with the Bonds Trustee of “eligible collateral” having an “allowable amount” at least equal 
to the aggregate principal amount of bonds outstanding.

The 1994 Indenture provides that “eligible collateral” will consist of cash, eligible mortgage notes of 

distribution system members and permitted investments. The allowable amount of cash is 100% thereof, the 
allowable amount of eligible mortgage notes is the amount advanced and not repaid and the allowable amount of 
permitted investments is their cost to CFC (exclusive of accrued interest and brokerage commissions). However, the 
allowable amount of permitted investments traded on a national securities exchange or in any over-the-counter 
market is their fair market value as determined by CFC. For purposes of the 1994 Indenture and as used in 
describing the Bonds herein, a “member” is any person which is a member of CFC, and a “distribution system 
member” is a member 50% or more of whose gross operating revenues are derived from sales of electricity to end 
users, as determined as of the end of the last completed calendar year. 

Events of Default

The following “events of default” are applicable to the Bonds:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

failure to pay interest on any bonds for 30 days after the interest becomes due;

failure to pay principal or any premium on any bonds at their maturity or upon redemption;

default in the making of any sinking fund payment;

default in the performance or breach of specified covenants in the indenture for 60 days after 
such default is known to any officer of CFC, including the covenant to maintain eligible 
collateral outlined above;

failure to perform any other covenant or warranty in the indenture for 60 days after notice 
from the trustee to CFC or from holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then 
outstanding bonds to CFC and the trustee; and

• 

specified events of bankruptcy, reorganization or insolvency.

   In case an event of default should occur and be continuing, the Bonds Trustee or the holders of at least 

25% in principal amount of the Bonds then outstanding may declare the principal of the Bonds to be due and 
payable. Each declaration may, under certain circumstances, be rescinded by the holders of a majority in principal 
amount of the Bonds at the time outstanding. 

Modification of the 1994 Indenture

Modifications of the provisions of the 1994 Indenture may be made with the consent of the holders of not 

less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Bonds, but, without the consent of the 
holder of each Bond affected thereby, no such modification shall (i) effect a reduction, or an extension of the stated 
time of payment, of the principal of or interest on any Bond or of any premium payable on redemption, (ii) permit 
the creation of any prior or equal lien on the securities or other property pledged under the Indenture (except as 
expressly permitted) or deprive the holder of any Bond (except as expressly permitted) of the lien created by the 
1994 Indenture or (iii) reduce the above-stated percentage of holders of Bonds whose consent is required to modify 
the 1994 Indenture or the percentage of holders of Bonds whose consent is required for any waiver under the 1994 
Indenture.

The 1994 Indenture provides that the Company and the Bonds Trustee may, without the consent of any 

holders of Bonds, enter into supplemental indentures for the purposes, among other things, of adding to the 
Company's covenants, establishing the form or terms of bonds of any series, changing or eliminating any restriction 
on the manner or place of payment of principal of or interest on bonds or, provided such action shall not adversely 
affect the interests of the holders of the Bonds in any material respect, curing ambiguities or inconsistencies in the 
1994 Indenture or making other provisions with respect to matters arising under the 1994 Indenture. 

 
 
Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors 
National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (No. 333-230569, No. 333-221261, and No. 
333-213558) on Form S-3 of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation of our report dated July 31, 2019, 
with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation as of May 31, 
2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows 
for each of the years in the three-year period ended May 31, 2019, and the related notes, which report appears in the 
May 31, 2019 annual report on Form 10-K of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation.

/s/ KPMG LLP

McLean, Virginia
July 31, 2019 

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(18 U.S.C. Section 1350)

Exhibit 31.1

I, Sheldon C. Petersen, certify that:

1. 

I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material 
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present 

in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the 
periods presented in this report;

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 

procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as 
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a)  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed 
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated 
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report 
is being prepared;

b)  designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to 
be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting 
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles;

c)  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our 
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered 
by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)  disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during 

the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the 
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control 
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

a)  all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 

reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and 
report financial information; and

b)  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the 

registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  July 31, 2019 

By:

/s/ SHELDON C. PETERSEN

Sheldon C. Petersen

Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 302 has been provided to National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance 
Corporation and will be retained by National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation and furnished to the Securities and 
Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(18 U.S.C. Section 1350)

Exhibit 31.2

I, J. Andrew Don, certify that:

1. 

I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material 
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present 

in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the 
periods presented in this report;

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 

procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as 
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a)  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed 
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated 
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report 
is being prepared;

b)  designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to 
be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting 
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles;

c)  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our 
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered 
by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)  disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during 

the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the 
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control 
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

a)  all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 

reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and 
report financial information; and

b)  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the 

registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 31, 2019 

By:

/s/ J. ANDREW DON

J. Andrew Don

Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 302 has been provided to National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance 
Corporation and will be retained by National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation and furnished to the Securities and 
Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(18 U.S.C. Section 1350)

Exhibit 32.1

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Sections 1350(a) and (b)), I, the 
Chief Executive Officer of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (“CFC”), hereby certify to the best of 
my knowledge as follows:

1.  CFC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 filed with the Securities and Exchange 

Commission (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934; and

2. 

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of 
operations of CFC.

Date:  July 31, 2019 

By:

/s/ SHELDON C. PETERSEN

Sheldon C. Petersen

Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance 
Corporation and will be retained by National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation and furnished to the Securities and 
Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(18 U.S.C. Section 1350)

Exhibit 32.2

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Sections 1350(a) and (b)), I, the 
Chief Financial Officer of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (“CFC”), hereby certify to the best of 
my knowledge as follows:

1.  CFC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 filed with the Securities and Exchange 

Commission (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934; and

2. 

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of 
operations of CFC.

Date:  July 31, 2019

By:

/s/ J. ANDREW DON

J. Andrew Don

Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance 
Corporation and will be retained by National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation and furnished to the Securities and 
Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.