Navient
Annual Report 2020

Plain-text annual report

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 10-K (Mark One) ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 001-36228 Navient Corporation (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Delaware (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) 123 Justison Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) 46-4054283 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) (302) 283-8000 (Telephone Number) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act Title of each class Common stock, par value $.01 per share 6% Senior Notes due December 15, 2043 Trading Symbol(s) NAVI JSM Name of each exchange on which registered The NASDAQ Global Select Market The NASDAQ Global Select Market Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None. 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 ☒ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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. (Check one): Large accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer Emerging growth company ☒ ☐ ☐ Accelerated filer Smaller reporting company ☐ ☐ If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒ The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2020 was $1.3 billion (based on closing sale price of $7.03 per share as reported for the NASDAQ Global Select Market). As of January 31, 2021, there were 183,771,633 shares of common stock outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the proxy statement (the “2021 Proxy Statement”) relating to the Registrant’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. TABLE OF CONTENTS Organization of Our Form 10-K The order and presentation of content in our Form 10-K differs from the traditional Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Form 10-K format. Our format is designed to improve readability and to better present how we organize and manage our business. See Appendix B, "Form 10-K Cross-Reference Index" for a cross-reference index to the traditional SEC Form 10-K format. Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements.................................................................................................... Available Information ......................................................................................................................................... Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures .............................................................................................................. Business ............................................................................................................................................................ Overview and Fundamentals of Our Business .......................................................................................... How We Organize Our Business ............................................................................................................... Human Capital .......................................................................................................................................... Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations .............................. Selected Historical Financial Information and Ratios ................................................................................ The Year in Review ................................................................................................................................... Navient’s Response to COVID-19 ............................................................................................................. Results of Operations ................................................................................................................................ Segment Results ....................................................................................................................................... Financial Condition .................................................................................................................................... Liquidity and Capital Resources ................................................................................................................ Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates ............................................................................................... Non-GAAP Financial Measures ................................................................................................................ Risk Management ..................................................................................................................................... Supervision and Regulation ............................................................................................................................... Legal Proceedings ............................................................................................................................................. Risk Factors ....................................................................................................................................................... Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk ............................................................................. Properties .......................................................................................................................................................... Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ......................................................................................................................................................... Controls and Procedures ................................................................................................................................... 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 and Financial Statement Schedules .................................................................................................... Signatures ......................................................................................................................................................... Financial Statements ........................................................................................................................................ Appendix A – Description of Federal Family Education Loan Program ............................................................. Appendix B – Form 10-K Cross-Reference Index .............................................................................................. Glossary ............................................................................................................................................................ Page Number 1 2 2 3 3 6 8 10 10 11 12 14 16 23 29 31 35 44 47 49 50 63 67 68 70 71 71 71 71 71 72 76 F-1 A-1 B-1 G-1 FORWARD-LOOKING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking” statements and other information that is based on management’s current expectations as of the date of this report. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs, opinions, or expectations and statements that assume or are dependent upon future events, are forward-looking statements and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “goals,” or “target.” Such statements are based on management's expectations as of the date of this filing and involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties are discussed more fully under “Risk Factors” and include, but are not limited to the following: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and related risks; the economic conditions and the creditworthiness of third parties; increased defaults on education loans held by us; the cost and availability of funding in the capital markets; the transition away from the LIBOR reference rate to an alternative reference rate; higher or lower than expected prepayments of loans could change the expected net interest income we receive or cause the bonds issued by a securitization trust to be paid at a differently speed than anticipated; our unhedged Floor Income is dependent on the future interest rate environment and therefore is variable; a reduction in our credit ratings; adverse market conditions or an inability to effectively manage our liquidity risk could negatively impact us; the interest rate characteristics of our assets do not always match those of our funding arrangements; our use of derivatives exposes us to credit and market risk; our ability to continually and effectively align our cost structure with our business operations; a failure of our operating systems, infrastructure or information technology systems; failure by any third party providing us material services or products or a breach or violation of law by one of these third parties; changes to applicable laws, rules, regulations and government policies and expanded regulatory and governmental oversight; our work with government clients exposes us to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment; shareholder activism; federal funding constraints and spending policy changes may result in disruption of federal payments for services we provide to the government; shareholders’ percentage ownership in Navient may be diluted in the future; reputational risk and social factors; obligations owed to parties under various transaction agreements that were executed as part of the spin-off of Navient from SLM Corporation (the Spin-Off); and acquisitions or strategic investments that we pursue. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this Form 10-K and in other documents we file from time to time with the SEC that disclose risks and uncertainties that may affect our business. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements also requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions including estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates or assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results could differ materially. All forward-looking statements contained in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements and are made only as of the date of this report. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements except as required by law. Definitions for certain capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Annual Report on Form 10-K can be found in the “Glossary” at the end of this report. Through this discussion and analysis, we intend to provide the reader with some narrative context for how our management views our consolidated financial statements, additional context within which to assess our operating results, and information on the quality and variability of our earnings, liquidity and cash flows. 1 AVAILABLE INFORMATION Our website address is www.navient.com. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to reports filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and file or furnish reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Copies of these reports, as well as any amendments to these reports, are available free of charge through our website at www.navient.com/investors, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. In addition, copies of our Board Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct (which includes the code of ethics applicable to our Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) and the governing charters for each committee of our Board of Directors are available free of charge on our website at www.navient.com/investors/corporate_governance, as well as in print to any shareholder upon request. We intend to disclose any amendments to or waivers from our Code of Business Conduct (to the extent applicable to our Principal Executive Officer or Principal Financial Officer) by posting such information on our website. Information contained or referenced on the foregoing websites is not incorporated by reference into and does not form a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Further, the Company’s references to the URLs for these websites are intended to be inactive textual references only. USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES We prepare financial statements and present financial results in accordance with GAAP. However, we also evaluate our business segments and present financial results on a basis that differs from GAAP. We refer to this different basis of presentation as Core Earnings, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. We provide this Core Earnings basis of presentation on a consolidated basis and for each business segment because this is what we review internally when making management decisions regarding our performance and how we allocate resources. We also include this information in our presentations with credit rating agencies, lenders and investors. Because our Core Earnings basis of presentation corresponds to our segment financial presentations, we are required by GAAP to provide Core Earnings disclosures in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for our business segments. In addition to Core Earnings, we present the following non-GAAP financial measures: Tangible Equity, Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio, Pro forma Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio, and Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization Expense (EBITDA) (for the Business Processing segment). See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a further discussion and a complete reconciliation between GAAP net income and Core Earnings. 2 Overview and Fundamentals of Our Business Navient is a leading provider of education loan management and business processing solutions for education, healthcare, and government clients at the federal, state, and local levels. We help our clients and millions of Americans achieve success through technology-enabled financing, services and support. With a focus on data-driven insights, service, compliance and innovative support, Navient’s business consists of: • Federal Education Loans We own a portfolio of $58.3 billion of federally guaranteed Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) Loans. We service and provide asset recovery services on this portfolio and for third parties, deploying data- driven approaches to support the success of our customers. We service federal education loans for approximately 5.6 million customers on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Our flexible and scalable infrastructure manages large volumes of complex transactions with continued customer experience and efficiency improvements. • Consumer Lending We own, service and originate Private Education Loans that enable students to pursue higher education and economic opportunities. Our $21.1 billion private loan portfolio demonstrates high customer success rates. Our loan origination business assists borrowers in refinancing their education loan debt and supports students and families in financing their higher education. In 2020, we originated $4.6 billion in Private Education Loans. • Business Processing We provide business processing solutions to a variety of public sector and health care organizations. We support over 500 clients – and their millions of clients, patients, and citizens – through a suite of solutions that leverages our scale, technology and customer experience expertise. Our data driven solutions enable our clients to focus on their missions and optimize their cash flow, and they enable individuals to successfully navigate complex programs, transactions, and decisions. Superior Operational Performance with a Strong Customer Service and Compliance Commitment We help our customers — both individuals and institutions — navigate the path to financial success through proactive service and innovative solutions. • Scalable, data-driven solutions. Annually, we support tens of millions of people to conduct hundreds of millions of transactions and interactions. Designed using configurable architecture, our systems are built for scale and rapid implementation. We harness the power of data to build tailored programs that optimize our clients’ results. For example, in our education loan segments, we support approximately 10 million borrowers to navigate their path to successful repayment. We leverage our multichannel communication platform, predictive analytics, and decades of insight to stay in touch with borrowers and address challenges that may arise. As the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we quickly implemented payment relief options for millions of borrowers. In our Business Processing segment, using cloud-based solutions, we rapidly staffed, trained, and activated several call centers of thousands of remote staff for states needing urgent support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Across all our businesses, we use real-time dashboards and data visualization tools to monitor performance metrics and identify, track, and address trends and opportunities. 3 • Simplify complex processes. On our clients’ behalf, we help individuals successfully navigate a broad spectrum of complex transactions. For example, our staff and systems strive to streamline and simplify the student loan repayment process, so borrowers can more easily understand their available choices and make informed decisions for their situation. We simplified the government’s process for enrolling in federal income-driven repayment plans by creating an agent-assisted e-sign enrollment process, greatly increasing completion. • Improve customer experience and success. We continually make enhancements in an effort to improve customer experience, drawing from a variety of inputs including customer surveys, research panels, analysis of customer inquiries, transactions and activities, and complaint data, and regulator commentary. Across our businesses, our customer-facing representatives are trained and measured to provide empathetic, accurate support. o Repayment plan education and outreach: We help federal student loan borrowers understand the wide range of repayment options so they can make informed choices about the plans that align with their financial circumstances and goals. We continue to lead in enrolling customers in affordable repayment plans. o Advocating for enhancements to student loans: Navient has been a leader in recommending policy reforms that would enhance the student loan outcomes. For example, we have recommended improving financial literacy before borrowing, simplifying federal loan repayment options and encouraging college completion — reforms that we believe would make a meaningful difference for millions of Americans. o Office of the Customer Advocate: Our Office of the Customer Advocate, established in 1997, offers escalated assistance to customers. We are committed to working with customers and appreciate customer comments, which, combined with our own customer communication channels, help us improve the ways we assist our customers. o Private loan modification program: In 2009, we pioneered the creation of a loan modification program to help Private Education Loan borrowers needing additional assistance. As of December 31, 2020, approximately $950 million of our Private Education Loans were enrolled in this interest rate reduction program, helping customers through more affordable monthly payments while making progress in repaying their principal loan balance. o Serving military customers: Navient was the first student loan servicer to launch a dedicated military benefits customer service team, website (Navient.com/military), and toll-free number. Navient’s military benefits team supports service members and their families to access the benefits designed for them, including interest rate benefits, deferment and other options. o Financial literacy: We also continue to offer free resources to help customers and the general public build knowledge on personal finance topics, including videos, articles and online tools. • Commitment to compliance. Our rigorous compliance posture ensures adherence with laws and regulations and helps protect our clients, customers, employees and shareholders. We use a “Three Lines of Defense” compliance framework, considered best practice by the U.S. Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). This framework and other compliance protocols ensure we adhere to key industry laws and regulations including: Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA); Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA); Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA); Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA); Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA); Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA); Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); IRS Publication 1075; Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA); Military Lending Act (MLA); Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA); Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts and Practices (UDAAP); state laws; and state and city licensing. • Deliver superior performance. Navient delivers value for our clients and customers. Whether supporting student loan borrowers to successfully manage their loans, delivering new citizen services for public sector agencies, or helping a state manage backlogs or recover revenue to support essential services, we deliver results. Federal loans serviced by Navient achieved a Cohort Default Rate (CDR) 26% better than our peers as calculated from the most recent CDR released by ED in September 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we quickly and accurately delivered assistance to student loan borrowers. We are consistently a top performer in our asset recovery business and deliver superior service to our public and private sector clients. We regularly leverage data-driven insights, scale, technology and customer service to deliver value to our clients. 4 Our Business Processing segment regularly outperforms our clients’ expectations and the results delivered by our competition. For example: o On one recent contract, we delivered efficiency results 30% higher than our client’s other vendors. o We have increased our transportation clients’ revenue by up to 15%. • Corporate Social Responsibility. We are committed to contributing to the social and economic wellbeing of our local communities, to fostering the success of our customers, to supporting a culture of integrity, inclusion and equality in our workforce, and to integrating environmental responsibility into our business. More information about our environmental, social and governance commitments is available at about.Navient.com. Strong Financial Performance Resulting in a Strong Capital Return Our 2020 results continue to demonstrate the strength of our business model and our ability to deliver predictable and meaningful cash flow and earnings in all types of economic environments. Adjusted Core Earnings(1) per share grew 29% from the prior year and our three-year adjusted Core Earnings(1) per share grew at a compound annual growth rate of 28%. Our significant earnings generate significant capital which results in a strong capital return to our investors. Navient expects to continue to return excess capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in accordance with our capital allocation policy. By optimizing capital adequacy and allocating capital to highly accretive opportunities, including organic growth and acquisitions, we remain well positioned to pay dividends and repurchase stock, while maintaining appropriate leverage that supports our credit ratings and ensures ongoing access to capital markets. (Dollars and shares in millions) Shares repurchased Reduction in shares outstanding Total repurchases in dollars Dividends paid 2020 2019 30.6 14 % $ $ 400 123 34.5 13 % 440 147 $ $ At December 31, 2020, $600 million remained in share repurchase authorization. To inform our capital allocation decisions, we use the Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio, in addition to other metrics. As anticipated, the implementation of ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses” (CECL), on January 1, 2020, reduced our capital ratios, which we have been rebuilding throughout 2020. In addition, our GAAP equity was reduced as a result of the net mark-to-market losses related to derivative accounting primarily due to the significant decline in interest rates in 2020. Our Pro forma Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio(1) at December 31, 2020, which excludes the cumulative net mark-to-market losses related to derivative accounting that will reverse to zero as the contracts mature, was 7.1%. (Dollars in millions) Capital Returned(2) Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio(1) Pro forma Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio(1) 3Q-20 2Q-20 1Q-20 $ 366 $ 31 $ 96 $ 30 $ 3.2 % 3.6 % 4.1 % 5.0 % 5.3 % 6.0 % 6.4 % 7.1 % 4Q-20 YTD-20 523 (1) Item is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a description and reconciliation, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” (2) Capital Returned is defined as share repurchases and dividends paid. 5 How We Organize Our Business We operate our business in three primary segments: Federal Education Loans, Consumer Lending and Business Processing. Federal Education Loans Segment In this segment, Navient owns FFELP Loans and performs servicing and asset recovery services on our FFELP Loan portfolio. We also service and perform asset recovery services on federal education loans owned by ED and other institutions. Our servicing quality, data-driven strategies, and multichannel education about federal repayment options translate into positive results for the millions of borrowers we serve. We generate revenue primarily through net interest income on the FFELP Loan portfolio as well as servicing and asset recovery services revenue. This segment is expected to generate significant earnings and cash flow over the remaining life of the portfolio. Navient’s portfolio of FFELP Loans as of December 31, 2020 was $58.3 billion. We expect this portfolio to have an amortization period in excess of 20 years, with a 7-year remaining weighted average life. The segment net interest margin was 0.99% in 2020. Navient’s goal is to support customers to successfully pay off their loans while optimizing cash flows generated by our FFELP Loan portfolio. As a result of the long-term funding strategy used for our FFELP Loan portfolio and the guarantees provided on these loans, the portfolio generates consistent and predictable cash flows. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 91% of the FFELP Loans held by Navient were funded to term with non-recourse, long-term securitization debt. FFELP Loans are insured or guaranteed by state or not-for-profit agencies and are protected by contractual rights to recovery from the United States pursuant to guaranty agreements among ED and these agencies. These guaranty agreements generally cover at least 97% of a FFELP Loan’s principal and accrued interest for loans that default. Legislation enacted in 2010 discontinued the FFELP program as of July 1, 2010, while keeping terms and conditions of previous education loans made under the program intact. As a result of the FFELP program being discontinued, this segment is expected to wind down over time. Our servicing contract with ED is through June 2021 with an additional six-month extension available. In addition, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 enacted in December 2020, enables ED to extend the contract for an additional two years through the end of 2023. As of December 31, 2020, we serviced loans for approximately 5.6 million customers under this contract. 6 Consumer Lending Segment In this segment, Navient owns, originates, acquires and services high-quality private education loans. We believe our more than 45 years of experience, product design, digital marketing strategies, and origination and servicing platform provide a unique competitive advantage. We see meaningful growth opportunities in originating Private Education Loans to financially responsible consumers, generating attractive long-term risk adjusted returns. We generate revenue primarily through net interest income on our Private Education Loan portfolio. Through our Earnest and NaviRefi brands, our refinancing loan products enable college graduates and professionals to refinance their student loans at lower interest rates with consumer-friendly terms. At December 31, 2020, Navient held $8.2 billion of Private Education Refinance Loans, with 2020 originations of $4.6 billion, a 7% decrease from $4.9 billion in 2019. This decrease was due to a purposeful reduction in marketing efforts in the second quarter in response to the uncertain economic environment related to COVID-19. (Dollars in millions) Loan originations 2018 2019 2020 $ 2,800 $ 4,903 $ 4,562 Navient’s total portfolio of Private Education Loans as of December 31, 2020 was $21.1 billion. We expect the portfolio to have an amortization period in excess of 20 years, with a 5-year remaining weighted average life. The segment net interest margin was 3.20% in 2020. Our goal is to support our customers to successfully pay off their loans, while optimizing the cash flows generated by our Private Education Loan portfolio. In 2019, through our Earnest brand, we launched a private education loan offering consumer-friendly features to college students and their cosigners who need additional funding to pursue higher education. We carefully manage the credit risk of our portfolio through rigorous underwriting, high-quality servicing and risk mitigation practices, and appropriate use of forbearance and loan modification programs. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 68% of the Private Education Loans held by Navient were funded to term with non-recourse, long-term securitization debt. 7 Business Processing Segment In this segment, Navient performs business processing services for over 500 government and healthcare clients. • Government services: We provide state governments, agencies, court systems, municipalities, and parking and tolling authorities with expert service, leveraging our scale, integrated technology solutions and data- driven approach. Our support enables our clients to better serve their constituents, meet rapidly changing needs, reduce their operating expenses, manage risk and maximize revenue opportunities. • Healthcare services: We perform revenue cycle outsourcing, accounts receivable management, extended business office support, consulting engagements and public health programs. We offer customizable solutions for our clients that include hospitals, hospital systems, medical centers, large physician groups, other healthcare providers and departments of public health. We see meaningful growth opportunities as we leverage integrated technology solutions, superior data-driven strategies, customer service expertise, operating efficiency, and regulatory compliance and risk management infrastructure to extend our business processing services into new markets. For example, in 2020 we supported states in providing unemployment benefits and COVID-19 contact tracing and vaccine coordination services in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. Navient generated EBITDA(1) of $57 million in 2020, up $8 million, or 16%, from 2019. Other Segment Our Other segment consists of our corporate liquidity portfolio, gains and losses incurred on the repurchase of debt, unallocated expenses of shared services and restructuring/other reorganization expenses. Human Capital Employing a talented team is central to the success of Navient’s many business lines, and our attractive value proposition for prospective and current employees includes a strong and positive cultural framework, comprehensive benefits and competitive compensation, and a commitment to diversity and fair and equitable treatment. We succeed in delivering business results by attracting, retaining, motivating and developing a skilled and energized workforce. Core Values and Code of Conduct. Our employees work to enhance the financial success of our customers by delivering innovative solutions and insights with compassion and personalized service. Our employees are guided by our core values: • We strive to be the best. By relentlessly pursuing the right solutions, we deliver on our promises to each other and those we serve. • We’re stronger together. We succeed because we’re inclusive and authentic, and we know good ideas can come from anywhere and anyone. • We earn the trust of our customers and colleagues. We hold each other accountable and act with integrity. • We innovate always and everywhere. We empower each other to think differently, develop ourselves and grow our Company. At Navient, we understand that our reputation begins and ends with our individual and collective integrity, and our adherence to high ethical standards. Our unwavering approach to conducting business with integrity is clearly communicated through our Code of Business Conduct, which provides clear principles and sets high expectations for all Navient employees, officers and directors. Community Engagement. Our team also supports the communities where we live and work. The Navient Community Fund supports organizations that work to address the root causes that limit financial success for all Americans. Through employee-led fundraising efforts, Team Navient gives back to our local communities by supporting a variety of local nonprofit organizations serving thousands of families each year. (1) Item is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a description and reconciliation, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” 8 Total Rewards. Navient offers competitive, sound and equitable pay that is designed to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified employees. It is designed to ensure that the total compensation paid to our employees is appropriate in a market context and provides a mix of fixed and variable elements that appropriately balance risk while rewarding performance aligned with the Company’s long-term goals. The Company maintains a comprehensive governance program to administer incentive compensation programs which reward staff and management for the achievement of business results, customer satisfaction, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Navient provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to assist the needs of employees and their families. In support of overall wellbeing, we take a holistic approach, providing our employees with resources to assist in managing their physical, emotional and financial health, such as medical plan choices; a 401(k) savings plan with a 5% match; an employee stock purchase program; generous paid time off and holiday schedule; life and disability insurance; adoption assistance; tuition reimbursement; and numerous health support and wellness programs. Employee Engagement and Development. Competitive pay and benefits are partnered with positive engagement, career development and succession planning to keep and build a strong team. • Maintaining strong employee engagement is a priority for Navient, and we routinely conduct engagement surveys via an independent firm allowing us to better understand employee morale, satisfaction, and engagement at Navient. We complete a rigorous review of results for each business unit and division, utilize action planning teams to analyze and interpret results, and address areas of opportunity to improve engagement and retention. • We offer opportunities for employees to participate in both internal and external programs to support their growth and development. An example is the Leadership Development Program for high-performing front-line and mid-level leaders who demonstrate effective leadership practices and are ready for further development. • Succession planning and preparation is conducted on an annual basis to assess Navient’s bench strength and readiness to backfill for all leadership positions in the top three levels at the Company, and development plans guide team members in becoming ever more ready for their next career advancement. Inclusion, Diversity and Equity. With a commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity, Navient maintains a workplace where employees are welcomed and respected for who they are as individuals. To attract a diverse population of potential employees Navient markets all open positions through over 100 diversity job boards, extensive national, state, and community-based alliances, and job banks in all 50 states and US territories. Navient signed on to the White House Equal Pay Pledge; has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign via its Corporate Equality Index; is a member of the Veterans Jobs Mission; and has been recognized as a Military Friendly Employer and Military Friendly Spouse Employer. We are committed to ensuring each of our employees feels welcomed, valued, and included, and can bring their whole selves to work so they can contribute in a meaningful way. We know that being deliberately inclusive creates a diverse, highly engaged workforce that drives positive Company performance. We fuel innovation and growth by providing opportunities for employees with diverse perspectives to come together and work toward new solutions to enhance the financial success of our customers, and we provide compassionate, personalized service with a workforce that reflects and understands our diverse customer base. Team Size. As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately 5,560 regular employees and approximately 1,850 temporary employees. Nearly all of our temporary employees were hired to support the expanding needs of clients in providing critical COVID-19 services to their constituents. None of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. 9 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion and analysis also contains forward-looking statements and should also be read in conjunction with the disclosures and information contained in “Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements” and “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The objective of this discussion and analysis is to allow investors to view the company from management’s perspective. Accordingly, we provide the reader with narrative context for how our management views our consolidated financial statements, additional context within which to assess our operating results, and information on the quality and variability of our earnings, liquidity and cash flows. The discussion that follows is primarily focused on 2020 versus 2019 results. Discussion and analysis of 2019 results compared to 2018 is included under item 7., “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020. Selected Historical Financial Information and Ratios (In millions, except per share data) GAAP Basis Net income Diluted earnings per common share Weighted average shares used to compute diluted earnings per share Net interest margin, Federal Education Loans segment Net interest margin, Consumer Lending segment Return on assets Dividends per common share Return on common stockholders’ equity Dividend payout ratio Average equity/average assets Total assets Total borrowings Total Navient Corporation stockholders’ equity Book value per common share Core Earnings Basis(1) Net income Diluted earnings per common share Adjusted diluted earnings per common share(1) Weighted average shares used to compute diluted earnings per share Net interest margin, Federal Education Loans segment Net interest margin, Consumer Lending segment Return on assets Education Loan Portfolios(2) Ending FFELP Loans, net Ending Private Education Loans, net Ending total education loans, net Average FFELP Loans Average Private Education Loans Average total education loans Years Ended December 31, 2019 2020 2018 412 $ 2.12 $ 195 .98 % 3.29 % .47 % .64 $ 17 % 30 % 2.60 % 87,412 $ 83,945 $ 2,433 $ 13.06 $ 631 $ 3.24 $ 3.40 $ 195 .99 % 3.20 % .71 % 597 $ 2.56 $ 233 .78 % 3.36 % .63 % .64 $ 18 % 25 % 3.39 % 94,903 $ 90,198 $ 3,336 $ 15.49 $ 607 $ 2.60 $ 2.64 $ 233 .83 % 3.30 % .64 % 395 1.49 264 .73 % 3.32 % .37 % .64 11 % 43 % 3.34 % 104,176 98,941 3,519 14.22 519 1.96 2.09 264 .83 % 3.24 % .49 % 58,284 $ 21,079 79,363 $ 61,522 $ 22,720 84,242 $ 64,575 $ 22,245 86,820 $ 68,271 $ 22,512 90,783 $ 72,253 22,245 94,498 76,971 23,281 100,252 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ (1) (2) Item is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a description and reconciliation, see the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Core Earnings.” Balances are the same for GAAP and Core Earnings basis. 10 The Year in Review We prepare financial statements and present financial results in accordance with GAAP. However, we also evaluate our business segments and present financial results on a basis that differs from GAAP. We refer to this different basis of presentation as Core Earnings. We provide this Core Earnings basis of presentation on a consolidated basis and for each business segment because this is what we review internally when making management decisions regarding our performance and how we allocate resources. We also include this information in our presentations with credit rating agencies, lenders and investors. Because our Core Earnings basis of presentation corresponds to our segment financial presentations, we are required by GAAP to provide certain Core Earnings disclosures in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for our business segments. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Core Earnings” for a further discussion and a complete reconciliation between GAAP net income and Core Earnings. 2020 GAAP net income was $412 million ($2.12 diluted earnings per share), compared with $597 million ($2.56 diluted earnings per share) in the prior year. See “Results of Operations – Comparison of 2020 Results with 2019” for a discussion of the primary contributors to the change in GAAP earnings between periods. 2020 Core Earnings(1) net income was $631 million ($3.24 diluted Core Earnings per share), compared with $607 million ($2.60 diluted Core Earnings per share) for 2019. Full-year 2020 and 2019 adjusted diluted Core Earnings(1) per share were $3.40 and $2.64, respectively. See “Segment Results” for a discussion of the primary contributors to the change in Core Earnings between periods. Financial highlights of 2020 versus 2019 include: Federal Education Loans segment: • net income of $537 million, up 2%; • net interest income increased 8%; • FFELP Loan delinquency rate decreased 21% from 11.7% to 9.2%; forbearance rate increased 13% from 12.2% to 13.8%; Consumer Lending segment: • net income increased $44 million, or 14%; • originated $4.6 billion of Private Education Refinance Loans; • Private Education Loan delinquency rate decreased 43% from 4.6% to 2.6%; forbearance rate increased 44% from 2.7% to 3.9%; Business Processing segment: • EBITDA(1) increased $8 million, or 16%, to $57 million, primarily due to revenue earned from contracts to support states in providing unemployment benefits and contact tracing services; • revenue increased $46 million, or 18%, to $304 million; Capital, funding and liquidity: • Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio(1) of 5.0%; Pro forma Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio(1) of 7.1%; • paid $123 million in common stock dividends; • • • repurchased $400 million (or 14%) of common shares outstanding; $600 million repurchase authority remains outstanding; retired $1.8 billion of senior unsecured debt, including $768 million scheduled to mature in 2021; and issued $700 million of unsecured debt, $6.3 billion of Private Education Loan asset-backed securities (ABS) and $1.5 billion of FFELP ABS. (1) Item is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a description and reconciliation, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” 11 Navient’s Response to COVID-19 The World Health Organization first declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 13, 2020 by which time the economic impact of the crisis was beginning to take hold, impacting the global economy and our results of operations. The COVID-19 pandemic was subsequently declared a national emergency. In response to the COVID- 19 pandemic, many state, local, and foreign governments have put in place quarantines, executive orders, shelter-in- place orders, and similar government orders and restrictions in order to control the spread of the disease. Such orders or restrictions have resulted in business closures, work stoppages, slowdowns and delays, work-from-home policies, travel restrictions, and cancellation or postponement of events. They have also resulted in a general decline in economic activity and consumer confidence and increases in job losses and unemployment. While certain COVID- 19 vaccines have recently been approved and have become available for use in the United States, we are unable to predict when those vaccines will become widely available, how widely utilized the vaccines will be, whether they will be effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and when or if normal economic activity and business operations will resume. In this section, we will highlight our response to the global pandemic and its continuing impact on our business and operations. While we have experience in managing our business through economic crises in the past, there is a substantial amount of uncertainty associated with this crisis. We suggest that the information below should be read in conjunction with our risk factors included in “Risk Factors — The Impact of COVID-19 and Related Risk” in this 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our Team Members As this crisis evolved, we took early action to protect the health and safety of our employees. We expanded our work- from-home capabilities and implemented best practices in our facilities with regard to safety and hygiene to protect those who were unable to work remotely. We were able to quickly and successfully enable 90% of our team to work from home. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 85% of our team remains on work-from-home status. As a result of these steps, the pandemic has not adversely affected our ability to maintain our operations or service our customers and borrowers. We currently anticipate that some of our team members will begin returning to the office on a limited basis in the future. As we plan for the return to office process, it is likely to take place in stages and we anticipate that the environment will require a continuation of various safety protocols that are already in place including requiring the use of face coverings and distancing. Customers and Education Loan Performance On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law. In compliance with the CARES Act and through subsequent legislative and executive actions, we have been instructed to place all loans owned by ED into forbearance and suspend payments and interest accrual until September 30, 2021. While the CARES Act applies only to loans owned by ED, our FFELP and Private Education Loan portfolios have also been impacted by the pandemic and we have offered COVID-19 relief options such as the use of forbearance to those borrowers. Private Education Loans in forbearance decreased to $844 million or 3.9% of the portfolio at December 31, 2020, after peaking at $3.4 billion or 14.7% during the second quarter of 2020 due to the COVID-19 forbearance granted to borrowers. This compared to $604 million or 2.7% of the portfolio at December 31, 2019. Despite the COVID-19 crisis, we have seen most borrowers continue to make payments according to their payment plans. And while forbearance rates have risen, the balance of loans delinquent has declined – our Private Education Loan delinquency rate declined from 4.6% at December 31, 2019 to 2.6% as of December 31, 2020. This decline in the delinquency rate is partially due to the increased granting of forbearance discussed above. Our Private Education Loan charge-offs declined 49% to $184 million in 2020 compared with $364 million in 2019. This decline was due to the strength of the economy heading into March 2020 as well as a result of the COVID-19 forbearance granted to borrowers. Defaults in both our Private Education Loan and FFELP Loan portfolios were significantly lower in 2020 than 2019 as well as lower than what had been expected at the start of the year primarily as a result of the increased use of payment relief options. Total provision for loan losses in 2020 was $155 million which was primarily due to an increase in expected losses related to COVID-19. The provision in 2020 primarily relates to increases in defaults as a result of COVID-19 that we expect to occur in 2021 and 2022 given the default timing impact from the use of forbearances. Our total reserves were $1.86 billion (excluding the expected future recoveries on charged-off loans) at December 31, 2020 which represent reserves equal to 7.1% of our Private Education Loans and 0.05% of our FFELP Loan portfolio. These reserve levels cover future expected defaults of approximately 18% in our FFELP portfolio and approximately 12% in our legacy private (non-refinance loan) portfolio. While we are paying close attention to the needs of our customers, it is too early to know the full impact of this crisis or the path and timing of the recovery. In the first quarter of 2020, our Private Education Refinance Loan originations of $1.9 billion represented a 92% increase over the year-ago quarter. While demand continued to be very strong for our products, beginning in March, we reduced our marketing efforts and tightened credit until we had greater visibility into the uncertainty and volatility in the capital markets and the overall economic outlook. This resulted in second-quarter originations of $238 million. With improved visibility in both credit and funding costs, we restarted marketing efforts in the third quarter and increased third-quarter and fourth-quarter originations to $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion of loans, respectively. Total originations were $4.6 billion in 2020 compared to $4.9 billion in 2019. We expect 2021 originations to be higher than 2020 if the economy continues to improve. 12 Clients and Business Processing Segment Performance In our Business Processing Segment (BPS), 2020 EBITDA(1) increased 16% to $57 million from $49 million a year ago. This increase is a result of being able to transition hundreds of our experienced BPS colleagues to support state clients working to help residents access unemployment benefits implemented in the CARES Act, as well as to perform contact tracing and vaccine administration services. These new services generated revenue in the second half of 2020 that more than offset the negative revenue impact BPS is experiencing as a result of COVID-19 which includes significantly lower transaction-related placements in both government services and health care revenue cycle management. In 2021, we expect the revenue from the unemployment contracts related to the CARES Act and contact tracing contracts to decline as the economy recovers and the need decreases. We also expect revenue from the core parts of the business to continue to improve to pre COVID-19 levels if the economy continues to improve. Liquidity, Financings and Capital The impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the capital markets was significant during the early part of the crisis, decreasing the number of transactions brought to market and increasing the pricing of those that were successfully marketed. However, in the second half of 2020 the capital markets began to improve with ready access to the markets, albeit at a higher cost than pre COVID-19 levels. From April 2020 to December 2020 we issued $6.0 billion of term ABS, extended a FFELP Loan ABCP facility to 2022, extended a Private Education Loan facility to 2021 and expanded the total capacity in our Private Education Refinance Loan ABCP facility from $2 billion to $2.6 billion. Looking forward, while the cost of financing may be elevated, it has decreased from the second-quarter 2020 peak, and we believe that the ABS and unsecured debt markets remain a viable source of funding. In January and February 2021, we issued $500 million of unsecured debt and $1.8 billion of ABS at or near pre COVID-19 cost of funds. Throughout the crisis we have maintained a strong liquidity position. As of December 31, 2020, we had $1.7 billion of primary sources of liquidity, $1.2 billion of which was cash. We also had, as of December 31, 2020, additional capacity in our funding facilities of $2.2 billion for Private Education Loans and $506 million for FFELP Loans. In addition, cash flow from our loan portfolio and services contracts remains strong and was greater than our original forecast for 2020 as our very seasoned loan portfolio experiences lower levels of stress. We ended the year with an Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio(1) of 5.0%. The decline in our Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio(1) from 7.6% as of December 31, 2019 is partially attributable to implementing CECL which, as expected, reduced our capital levels. We expect our capital levels to continue to rebuild over the course of 2021. In addition, our GAAP equity was reduced in 2020 as a result of the net mark-to-market losses related to derivative accounting recognized under GAAP that cumulatively totaled $616 million (after tax) as of December 31, 2020. This decrease will reverse over time as these derivatives mature. The resulting Pro forma Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio(1), which excludes these cumulative mark-to-market losses, was 7.1% at December 31, 2020. Other Matters From an accounting, reporting and disclosure perspective, COVID-19 and the related work-from-home policies did not negatively impact our ability to close our books, manage our financial systems, or maintain our internal control over financial reporting and our disclosure controls and procedures. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” for a discussion of how COVID-19 impacted our allowance for loan loss and our conclusion of goodwill not being impaired. We have successfully implemented our business continuity plans in response to COVID-19. We do not foresee requiring material expenditures to continue to operate in a work-from-home environment nor do we expect material expenditures to return to work in the office. We do not anticipate a material adverse impact of COVID-19 on our supply chain and we do not expect the anticipated impact of COVID-19 to materially change the relationship between costs and revenues. We have not been adversely impacted by travel restrictions and border closures nor do we anticipate that our operations will be materially impacted by any constraints on our human capital resources and productivity. (1) Item is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a description and reconciliation, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” 13 Results of Operations GAAP Income Statements (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) Interest income FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Other loans Cash and investments $ Total interest income Total interest expense Net interest income Less: provisions for loan losses Net interest income after provisions for loan losses Other income (loss): Servicing revenue Asset recovery and business processing revenue Other income Gains on sales of loans and investments Gains (losses) on debt repurchases Gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities, net Total other income Expenses: Operating expenses Goodwill and acquired intangible assets impairment and amortization expense Restructuring/other reorganization expenses Total expenses Income before income tax expense Income tax expense Net income Basic earnings per common share Diluted earnings per common share Dividends per common share $ $ $ $ Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 Increase (Decrease) 2020 vs. 2019 % $ 2019 vs. 2018 % $ 1,837 $ 1,445 — 16 3,298 2,046 1,252 155 1,097 2,847 $ 1,731 2 93 4,673 3,488 1,185 258 927 3,027 $ (1,010 ) (286 ) 1,778 6 (2 ) (77 ) 97 4,908 (1,375 ) 3,668 (1,442 ) 67 1,240 (103 ) 370 170 870 (35 )% $ (17 ) (100 ) (83 ) (29 ) (41 ) 6 (40 ) 18 214 458 20 — (6 ) (256 ) 430 240 488 45 16 45 22 856 274 430 17 — 19 (26 ) (30 ) (25 ) (16 ) (51 ) (11 ) (6 ) (56 ) (100 ) (113 ) (38 ) 702 (278 ) (1,264 ) (50 ) (426 ) (180 ) (47 ) (4 ) (4 ) (235 ) (180 ) (55 ) (112 ) 57 (34 ) 58 28 16 26 60 154 (6 )% (3 ) (67 ) (4 ) (5 ) (5 ) (4 ) (30 ) 7 (12 ) 13 165 100 137 158 22 964 984 984 (20 ) (2 ) — — 22 9 995 532 120 412 $ 30 6 1,020 763 166 597 $ 47 13 1,044 528 133 395 $ (8 ) 3 (25 ) (231 ) (46 ) (185 ) (27 ) 50 (2 ) (30 ) (28 ) (31 )% $ (17 ) (7 ) (24 ) 235 33 202 2.14 $ 2.59 $ 1.52 $ (.45 ) (17 )% $ 1.07 2.12 $ 2.56 $ 1.49 $ (.44 ) (17 )% $ 1.07 .64 $ .64 $ .64 $ — — % $ — (36 ) (54 ) (2 ) 45 25 51 % 70 % 72 % — % 14 Comparison of 2020 Results with 2019 For the year ended December 31, 2020, net income was $412 million, or $2.12 diluted earnings per common share, compared with net income of $597 million, or $2.56 diluted earnings per common share, for the year-ago period. The primary contributors to the change in net income compared to 2019 are as follows: • Net interest income increased by $67 million, primarily as a result of a favorable interest rate environment and the growth in the Private Education Refinance Loan portfolio, which was partially offset by the continued natural paydown of the FFELP and non-refinance Private Education Loan portfolios. • Provisions for loan losses decreased $103 million: ○ The provision for FFELP loan losses decreased $17 million to $13 million in 2020. ○ The provision for Private Education Loan losses decreased $86 million to $142 million in 2020. The provision in 2020 is primarily related to an increase in expected losses due to COVID 19’s negative impact on current and forecasted economic conditions. This provision directly related to changes in the following assumptions regarding the current and forecasted economic conditions since the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020: an increase in unemployment, a decrease in GDP, a decrease in interest rates, an increase in consumer loan delinquency rates and a decrease in consumer income. CECL requires the allowance for loan losses to cover remaining current expected credit losses in the portfolio. Prior to the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the allowance for loan losses was an incurred loss model. See “Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies” for a discussion of the CECL methodology as well as the adoption and impact of CECL on January 1, 2020 and a discussion of the methodology prior to CECL. • Asset recovery and business processing revenue decreased $30 million primarily as a result of the wind- down of the ED asset recovery contract in the Federal Education Loan segment and the impact of COVID-19 on certain collection and processing activities. This was partially offset by $96 million of revenue earned in our Business Processing segment from contracts to support states in providing unemployment benefits and contact tracing services. • Gains on sales of loans decreased $16 million, due to the $16 million gain on sale of $412 million of Private Education Refinance Loans in the year-ago period. There were no loan sales in the current period. • Net gains on debt repurchases decreased by $51 million. We repurchased $768 million of debt at a $6 million loss in the current period compared to $1.2 billion repurchased at a $45 million gain in the year-ago period. • Net gains on derivative and hedging activities decreased $278 million. The primary factors affecting the change were interest rate and foreign currency fluctuations, which impact the valuations of derivative instruments including Floor Income Contracts, basis swaps and foreign currency hedges during each period. Valuations of derivative instruments fluctuate based upon many factors including changes in interest rates, credit risk, foreign currency fluctuations and other market factors. As a result, net gains and losses on derivative and hedging activities may vary significantly in future periods. • Excluding net regulatory-related costs of $33 million and $6 million, respectively, operating expenses were $931 million and $978 million in the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This $47 million decrease was primarily a result of an $82 million decrease in expenses in the Federal Education Loan and Consumer Lending segments as a result of the decrease of Federal Education Loan asset recovery revenue discussed above as well as improvements in operating efficiencies. The remaining $35 million increase is primarily in the Business Processing segment in connection with a $46 million increase in segment revenue. Regulatory-related expenses in the years ended December 2020 and 2019 are net of $10 million and $30 million, respectively, of insurance reimbursements for costs related to such matters. • Acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization expense decreased $8 million primarily as the result of the notice of termination of a contract in our government services reporting unit in the year-ago period which resulted in $4 million of impairment on the related intangible asset. • During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company incurred $9 million and $6 million, respectively, of restructuring/other reorganization expenses in connection with an effort to reduce costs and improve operating efficiency. These charges were primarily due to facility lease terminations and severance-related costs. We repurchased 30.6 million and 34.5 million shares of our common stock during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As a result of repurchases, our average outstanding diluted shares decreased by 38 million common shares (or 16%) from the year-ago period. 15 Segment Results Federal Education Loans Segment The following table presents Core Earnings results for our Federal Education Loans segment. (Dollars in millions) Interest income: FFELP Loans Other loans Cash and investments Total interest income Total interest expense Net interest income Less: provision for loan losses Net interest income after provision for loan losses Other income (loss): Servicing revenue Asset recovery and business processing revenue Other income Total other income Direct operating expenses Income before income tax expense Income tax expense Core Earnings Highlights of 2020 vs. 2019 Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 % Increase (Decrease) 2019 vs. 2018 2020 vs. 2019 $ $ 1,813 $ — 7 1,820 1,194 626 13 613 208 154 9 371 287 697 160 537 $ 2,907 $ 1 50 2,958 2,376 582 30 552 229 230 28 487 359 680 155 525 $ 3,080 4 46 3,130 2,467 663 70 593 262 163 24 449 298 744 164 580 (38 )% (6 )% (100 ) (86 ) (38 ) (50 ) 8 (57 ) 11 (9 ) (33 ) (68 ) (24 ) (20 ) 3 3 2 % (75 ) 9 (5 ) (4 ) (12 ) (57 ) (7 ) (13 ) 41 17 8 20 (9 ) (5 ) (9 )% • Core Earnings increased 2% to $537 million compared to $525 million. • Net interest income increased $44 million (8%) even as the average loan balance declined 10% primarily due to a favorable interest rate environment as a result of the decrease in interest rates. • Provision for loan losses decreased $17 million. See “Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies” for discussion regarding transition to CECL on January 1, 2020. o Charge-offs were $49 million, compared with $42 million. CECL requires the charge-offs to include the premium or discount related to defaulted loans which increased the 2020 charge-offs by $15 million. o Delinquencies greater than 30 days were $4.4 billion compared with $6.3 billion. o Forbearances were $7.7 billion, up $0.3 billion from $7.4 billion in pre-COVID-19 2019. Forbearances have declined by approximately $9.4 billion from the COVID-19 peak in second-quarter 2020. • Other revenue decreased $116 million primarily due to a $76 million decrease in asset recovery revenue, which was primarily a result of the wind-down of the ED asset recovery contract as well as the impact of COVID-19 on certain collection activities. • Operating expenses were $72 million lower primarily as a result of the decrease in asset recovery revenue discussed above as well as improvements in operating efficiencies. 16 Key performance metrics are as follows: (Dollars in millions) Segment net interest margin FFELP Loans: FFELP Loan spread Provision for loan losses Charge-offs Charge-off rate Greater than 30-days delinquency rate Greater than 90-days delinquency rate Forbearance rate Average FFELP Loans Ending FFELP Loans, net (Dollars in billions) Number of accounts serviced for ED (in millions) Total federal loans serviced Contingent collections receivables inventory Net Interest Margin The following table details the net interest margin. FFELP Loan yield Hedged Floor Income Unhedged Floor Income FFELP Loan net yield FFELP Loan cost of funds FFELP Loan spread Other interest-earning asset spread impact Net interest margin(1) Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 .99 % .83 % .83 % 1.06 % 13 $ 49 $ .10 % 9.2 % 4.6 % 13.8 % 61,522 $ 58,284 $ .89 % 30 $ 42 $ .07 % 11.7 % 5.8 % 12.2 % 68,271 $ 64,575 $ .90 % 70 54 .09 % 10.2 % 5.3 % 12.3 % 76,971 72,253 5.6 284 $ 10.2 $ 5.6 287 $ 19.0 $ 5.9 292 28.3 $ $ $ $ $ $ Years Ended December 31, 2019 2020 2018 2.30 % .40 .25 2.95 (1.89 ) 1.06 (.07 ) .99 % 3.79 % .42 .05 4.26 (3.37 ) .89 (.06 ) .83 % 3.57 % .40 .03 4.00 (3.10 ) .90 (.07 ) .83 % (1) The average balances of the interest-earning assets for the respective periods are: (Dollars in millions) FFELP Loans Other interest-earning assets Total FFELP Loan interest-earning assets Years Ended December 31, 2019 2020 2018 $ $ 61,522 $ 1,847 63,369 $ 68,271 $ 2,297 70,568 $ 76,971 2,640 79,611 The Company acquired $38 million of FFELP Loans in 2020. As of December 31, 2020, our FFELP Loan portfolio totaled $58.3 billion, comprised of $19.6 billion of FFELP Stafford Loans and $38.7 billion of FFELP Consolidation Loans. The weighted-average life of these portfolios as of December 31, 2020 was 6 years and 7 years, respectively, assuming a Constant Prepayment Rate (CPR) of 9% and 5%, respectively. Floor Income The following table analyzes on a Core Earnings basis the ability of the FFELP Loans in our portfolio to earn Floor Income after December 31, 2020 and 2019, based on interest rates as of those dates. (Dollars in billions) Education loans eligible to earn Floor Income Less: post-March 31, 2006 disbursed loans required to rebate Floor Income Less: economically hedged Floor Income Education loans eligible to earn Floor Income after rebates and economically hedged Education loans earning Floor Income December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 64.0 57.8 $ $ (26.5 ) (18.1 ) 13.2 $ 13.0 $ (29.1 ) (17.9 ) 17.0 9.1 $ $ 17 The following table presents a projection of the average balance of FFELP Consolidation Loans for which Fixed Rate Floor Income has been economically hedged with derivatives for the period January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2025. (Dollars in billions) Average balance of FFELP Consolidation Loans whose Floor Income is economically hedged Provision for Loan Losses 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 $ 13.1 $ 11.4 $ 6.9 $ 1.2 $ .3 The provision for FFELP Loan losses was $13 million in 2020, down $17 million from 2019. See “Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies” for discussion regarding transition to CECL on January 1, 2020. Servicing Revenue Servicing revenue decreased $21 million primarily due to the natural paydown of the loan portfolio serviced for third parties. The Company services loans for approximately 5.6 million customers under its ED servicing contract as of December 31, 2020, unchanged from 2019. Third-party loan servicing fees in 2020 and 2019 included $141 million and $147 million, respectively, of servicing revenue related to the ED servicing contract. Asset Recovery and Business Processing Revenue Asset recovery and business processing revenue decreased $76 million primarily as a result of the wind-down of the ED asset recovery contract as well as the impact of COVID-19 on certain collection and processing activities. Other Revenue Other revenue decreased $19 million primarily as a result of the wind-down of certain transition services provided. Operating Expenses Operating expenses for the Federal Education Loans segment primarily includes costs incurred to perform servicing and asset recovery activities on our FFELP Loan portfolio, federal education loans held by ED and other institutions. Expenses were $72 million lower primarily as a result of the decrease in asset recovery revenue discussed above as well as improvements in operating efficiencies. 18 Consumer Lending Segment The following table presents Core Earnings results for our Consumer Lending segment. (Dollars in millions) Interest income: Private Education Loans Other Loans Cash and investments Interest income Interest expense Net interest income Less: provision for loan losses Net interest income after provision for loan losses Other income (loss): Servicing revenue Other income Gains on sales of loans Total other income Direct operating expenses Income before income tax expense Income tax expense Core Earnings Highlights of 2020 vs. 2019 Years Ended December 31, % Increase (Decrease) 2020 2019 2018 2020 vs. 2019 2019 vs. 2018 (17 )% (3 )% $ 1,445 $ — 3 1,448 699 749 142 1,731 $ 1 16 1,748 980 768 228 1,778 2 13 1,793 1,013 780 300 (100 ) (81 ) (17 ) (29 ) (2 ) (38 ) 607 540 480 12 6 — — 6 146 467 107 360 $ 11 1 16 28 156 412 96 316 $ 12 — — 12 169 323 71 252 (45 ) (100 ) (100 ) (79 ) (6 ) 13 11 14 % $ (50 ) 23 (3 ) (3 ) (2 ) (24 ) 13 (8 ) 100 100 133 (8 ) 28 35 25 % • Originated $4.6 billion of Private Education Refinance Loans compared to $4.9 billion. • Core Earnings increased 14% to $360 million compared to $316 million. • Net interest income decreased $19 million primarily due to the natural paydown of the non-refinance loan portfolio. • Provision for Private Education Loan losses decreased $86 million. See “Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies” for discussion regarding transition to CECL on January 1, 2020. The provision in 2020 is primarily related to an increase in expected losses due to COVID-19’s negative impact on the current and forecasted economic conditions. o Excluding the $23 million and $21 million, respectively, related to the change in the portion of the loan amount charged off at default, charge-offs were $184 million compared with $364 million. o Private Education Loan delinquencies greater than 90-days: $217 million, down $222 million from $439 million. o Private Education Loan delinquencies greater than 30-days: $554 million, down $452 million from $1.0 billion. o Private Education Loan forbearances: $844 million, up $240 million from $604 million in pre-COVID-19 2019. Forbearances have declined by approximately $2.5 billion from the COVID-19 peak in second- quarter 2020. • Expenses were $10 million lower primarily due to improvements in operating efficiencies. 19 Key performance metrics are as follows: (Dollars in millions) Segment net interest margin Private Education Loans (including Refinance Loans): Private Education Loan spread Provision for loan losses Charge-offs(1) Charge-off rate(1) Greater than 30-days delinquency rate Greater than 90-days delinquency rate Forbearance rate Average Private Education Loans Ending Private Education Loans, net Private Education Refinance Loans: Charge-offs Greater than 90-day delinquency rate Average balance of Private Education Refinance Loans Ending balance of Private Education Refinance Loans Private Education Refinance Loan originations Years Ended December 31, 2019 2020 2018 3.20 % 3.30 % 3.24 % $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 3.40 % 142 $ 184 $ .88 % 2.6 % 1.0 % 3.9 % 22,720 $ 21,079 $ 8 $ .1 % 7,700 $ 8,202 $ 4,564 $ 3.52 % 226 $ 364 $ 1.67 % 4.6 % 2.0 % 2.7 % 22,512 $ 22,245 $ 3 $ — % 4,669 $ 6,423 $ 4,893 $ 3.49 % 299 371 1.66 % 5.9 % 2.8 % 3.0 % 23,281 22,245 .2 — % 1,902 3,212 2,800 (1) Excludes the $23 million, $21 million and $32 million of charge-offs in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, on the expected future recoveries of charged-off loans that occurred as a result of changing the charge-off rate from 81% to 81.4%, 80.5% to 81% and 79% to 80.5% in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Net Interest Margin The following table details the net interest margin. Private Education Loan yield Private Education Loan cost of funds Private Education Loan spread Other interest-earning asset spread impact Net interest margin(1) Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 6.36 % (2.96 ) 3.40 (.20 ) 3.20 % 7.69 % (4.17 ) 3.52 (.22 ) 3.30 % 7.64 % (4.15 ) 3.49 (.25 ) 3.24 % (1) The average balances of the interest-earning assets for the respective periods are: (Dollars in millions) Private Education Loans Other interest-earning assets Total Private Education Loan interest-earning assets Years Ended December 31, 2019 2020 2018 $ $ 22,720 $ 751 23,471 $ 22,512 $ 772 23,284 $ 23,281 824 24,105 As of December 31, 2020, our Private Education Loan portfolio totaled $21.1 billion. The weighted-average life of this portfolio as of December 31, 2020 was 5 years assuming a CPR of 11%. 20 Provision for Loan Losses Provision for Private Education Loan losses decreased $86 million. See “Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies” for discussion regarding transition to CECL on January 1, 2020. The provision in 2020 is primarily related to an increase in expected losses due to COVID-19’s negative impact on the current and forecasted economic conditions. Gains on Sales of Loans Gains on sales of loans decreased $16 million, due to the $16 million gain on sale of $412 million of Private Education Refinance Loans in 2019. There were no loan sales in 2020. Operating Expenses Operating expenses for our Consumer Lending segment include costs incurred to originate, acquire, service and collect on our consumer loan portfolio. Operating expenses in 2020 were $10 million lower than operating expenses in 2019 due to improvements in operating efficiencies. Business Processing Segment The following table presents Core Earnings results for our Business Processing segment. (Dollars in millions) Business processing revenue Direct operating expenses Income before income tax expense Income tax expense Core Earnings Highlights of 2020 vs. 2019 Years Ended December 31, % Increase (Decrease) 2020 2019 2018 2020 vs. 2019 2019 vs. 2018 $ $ 304 $ 254 50 11 39 $ 258 $ 215 43 10 33 $ 267 229 38 8 30 18 % 18 16 10 18 % (3 )% (6 ) 13 25 10 % • Core Earnings increased 18% to $39 million compared to $33 million. • Revenue increased $46 million, or 18%, primarily as a result of revenue earned from contracts in which we were selected in second-quarter 2020 to support states in providing unemployment benefits and contact tracing services. These increases were partially offset by the impact of COVID-19. • EBITDA(1) was $57 million, up $8 million (16%). The increase in EBITDA(1) is primarily the result of the revenue increase discussed above. The EBITDA margin(1) was unchanged at 19%. • Contingent collections receivables inventory increased 7% to $16.0 billion. Key performance metrics are as follows: (Dollars in billions) Revenue from government services Revenue from healthcare services Total fee revenue EBITDA(1) EBITDA margin(1) Contingent collections receivables inventory (in billions) As of December 31, 2019 2018 2020 $ $ $ 191 $ 113 304 $ 57 $ 19 % 154 $ 104 258 $ 49 $ 19 % 174 93 267 44 17 % $ 16.0 $ 14.9 $ 14.4 (1) Item is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a description and reconciliation, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” 21 Other Segment The following table presents Core Earnings results for our Other segment. (Dollars in millions) Net interest loss after provision for loan losses Other income: Other income Gains (losses) on debt repurchases Total other income Expenses: Unallocated shared services expenses: Unallocated information technology costs Unallocated corporate costs Total unallocated shared services expenses Restructuring/other reorganization expenses Total expenses Loss before income tax benefit Income tax benefit Core Earnings (loss) Years Ended December 31, % Increase (Decrease) 2020 2019 2018 2020 vs. 2019 2019 vs. 2018 $ (114 ) $ (134 ) $ (154 ) (15 )% (13 )% 11 (6 ) 5 14 33 47 6 9 15 (21 ) (118 ) (89 ) 133 267 213 87 190 277 9 286 (395 ) (90 ) (305 ) $ 80 174 254 6 260 (347 ) (80 ) (267 ) $ 98 190 288 13 301 (440 ) (97 ) (343 ) 9 9 9 50 10 14 13 14 % (18 ) (8 ) (12 ) (54 ) (14 ) (21 ) (18 ) (22 )% $ Net Interest Loss after Provision for Loan Losses Net interest loss after provision for loan losses is due to the negative carrying cost of our corporate liquidity portfolio. The decrease in the net interest loss is primarily a result of a decrease in the cost of funds of the debt funding the corporate liquidity portfolio. Gains (Losses) on Debt Repurchases We repurchased $768 million and $1.2 billion of unsecured debt in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Debt repurchase activity will fluctuate based on market fundamentals and our liability management strategy. Unallocated Shared Services Expenses Unallocated shared services expenses are comprised of costs primarily related to information technology costs related to infrastructure and operations, stock-based compensation expense, accounting, finance, legal, compliance and risk management, regulatory-related expenses, human resources, certain executive management and the board of directors. Regulatory-related expenses include actual settlement amounts as well as third-party professional fees we incur in connection with such regulatory matters and are presented net of any insurance reimbursements for covered costs related to such matters. On an adjusted basis, expenses decreased $4 million from the prior year. Adjusted expenses exclude $33 million and $6 million, respectively, of regulatory-related expenses in 2020 and 2019, which are net of $10 million and $30 million, respectively, of insurance reimbursements for covered costs related to such matters. See “Note 12 – Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees” for a discussion of legal and regulatory matters where it is reasonably possible that a loss contingency exists. The Company is unable to anticipate the timing of a resolution or the impact that these matters may have on the Company’s consolidated financial position, liquidity, results of operation or cash flows. As a result, it is not possible at this time to estimate a range of potential exposure, if any, for amounts that may be payable in connection with these matters and reserves have not been established. It is possible that an adverse ruling or rulings may have a material adverse impact on the Company. Restructuring/Other Reorganization Expenses During 2020 and 2019, the Company incurred $9 million and $6 million, respectively, of restructuring/other reorganization expenses in connection with an effort to reduce costs and improve operating efficiency. The charges were due primarily to facility lease terminations and severance-related costs. 22 Financial Condition This section provides information regarding the balances, activity and credit performance metrics of our education loan portfolio. Summary of our Education Loan Portfolio Ending Education Loan Balances, net (Dollars in millions) Total education loan portfolio: In-school(1) Grace, repayment and other(2) Total(3) Allowance for loan losses(3) Total education loan portfolio % of total FFELP % of total (Dollars in millions) Total education loan portfolio: In-school(1) Grace, repayment and other(2) Total, gross Unamortized premium/(discount) Receivable for partially charged-off loans Allowance for loan losses Total education loan portfolio % of total FFELP % of total (Dollars in millions) Total education loan portfolio: In-school(1) Grace, repayment and other(2) Total, gross Unamortized premium/(discount) Receivable for partially charged-off loans Allowance for loan losses Total education loan portfolio % of total FFELP % of total December 31, 2020 FFELP Stafford and Other FFELP Consolidation Loans Total FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Total Portfolio $ $ 30 $ 19,771 19,801 (194 ) 19,607 $ 34 % 25 % — $ 30 $ 14 $ 44 38,771 58,542 22,154 80,696 38,771 58,572 22,168 80,740 (1,377 ) 38,677 $ 58,284 $ 21,079 $ 79,363 (1,089 ) (288 ) (94 ) 66 % 49 % 100 % 74 % 26 % 100 % December 31, 2019 FFELP Stafford and Other FFELP Consolidation Loans Total FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Total Portfolio $ $ 41 $ 21,387 21,428 337 — (42 ) 21,723 $ 34 % 25 % — $ 41 $ 19 $ 60 42,666 64,053 23,303 87,356 42,666 64,094 23,322 87,416 (72 ) 588 (1,112 ) 42,852 $ 64,575 $ 22,245 $ 86,820 (617 ) 588 (1,048 ) 545 — (64 ) 208 — (22 ) 66 % 49 % 100 % 74 % 26 % 100 % December 31, 2018 FFELP Stafford and Other FFELP Consolidation Loans Total FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Total Portfolio $ $ 59 $ 24,249 24,308 377 — (44 ) 24,641 $ 34 % 26 % — $ 59 $ 31 $ 90 47,422 71,671 23,500 95,171 47,422 71,730 23,531 95,261 (160 ) 674 (1,277 ) 47,612 $ 72,253 $ 22,245 $ 94,498 (759 ) 674 (1,201 ) 599 — (76 ) 222 — (32 ) 66 % 50 % 100 % 76 % 24 % 100 % (1) (2) (3) Loans for customers still attending school and are not yet required to make payments on the loan. Includes loans in deferment or forbearance. In connection with the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, (1) the $497 million premium and $475 million discount on the FFELP Loans and Private Education Loans, respectively, as of December 31, 2020, are now included as part of the respective balance for this disclosure and (2) the receivable for partially charged-off loans has been reclassified from the Private Education Loan balance to the allowance for loan losses. Both of these changes are prospective in nature as prior balances are not restated under CECL. 23 Education Loan Activity (Dollars in millions) Beginning balance Acquisitions (originations and purchases)(1) Capitalized interest and premium/discount amortization Refinancings and consolidations to third parties Repayments and other Ending balance (Dollars in millions) Beginning balance Acquisitions (originations and purchases)(1) Capitalized interest and premium/discount amortization Refinancings and consolidations to third parties Repayments and other Ending balance (Dollars in millions) Beginning balance Acquisitions (originations and purchases) Capitalized interest and premium/discount amortization Refinancings and consolidations to third parties Repayments and other Ending balance Year Ended December 31, 2020 FFELP Stafford and Other FFELP Consolidation Loans Total FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Total Portfolio 42,852 $ 64,575 $ 22,245 $ 86,820 4,641 4,604 37 18 1,683 737 (2,797 ) (1,285 ) (3,645 ) (5,423 ) (10,984 ) 38,677 $ 58,284 $ 21,079 $ 79,363 1,452 (2,219 ) (5,561 ) 231 (578 ) Year Ended December 31, 2019 FFELP Stafford and Other FFELP Consolidation Loans Total FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Total Portfolio 47,612 $ 72,253 $ 22,245 $ 94,498 5,411 4,975 436 226 1,866 775 (3,668 ) (1,618 ) (4,143 ) (4,694 ) (11,287 ) 42,852 $ 64,575 $ 22,245 $ 86,820 1,529 (3,050 ) (6,593 ) 337 (618 ) Year Ended December 31, 2018 FFELP Stafford and Other FFELP Consolidation Loans Total FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Total Portfolio 53,294 $ 81,703 $ 23,419 $ 105,122 3,652 2,900 752 344 $ 21,723 $ 19 715 (934 ) (1,916 ) 19,607 $ $ $ 24,641 $ 210 754 (1,432 ) (2,450 ) 21,723 $ $ $ 28,409 $ 408 871 (1,925 ) (3,122 ) 24,641 $ $ 2,122 856 (4,782 ) (2,065 ) (4,817 ) (3,677 ) (11,616 ) 47,612 $ 72,253 $ 22,245 $ 94,498 1,727 (3,990 ) (7,939 ) 395 (792 ) (1) Includes the origination of $1.0 billion and $1.0 billion of Private Education Refinance Loans in 2020 and 2019, respectively, that refinanced FFELP and Private Education Loans that were on our balance sheet. 24 FFELP Loan Portfolio Performance (Dollars in millions) Loans in-school/grace/deferment(1) Loans in forbearance(2) Loans in repayment and percentage of each status: Loans current Loans delinquent 31-60 days(3) Loans delinquent 61-90 days(3) Loans delinquent greater than 90 days(3) Total FFELP Loans in repayment Total FFELP Loans, gross FFELP Loan unamortized premium (4) Total FFELP Loans FFELP Loan allowance for losses FFELP Loans, net Percentage of FFELP Loans in repayment Delinquencies as a percentage of FFELP Loans in repayment FFELP Loans in forbearance as a percentage of loans in repayment and forbearance 2020 December 31, 2019 2018 Balance % $ 2,791 7,725 Balance % $ 3,114 7,442 Balance % $ 3,793 8,386 43,623 1,374 836 2,223 48,056 58,572 — 58,572 (288 ) $ 58,284 90.8 % 47,255 2,094 2.9 1,082 1.7 3,107 4.6 100 % 53,538 88.3 % 53,500 1,964 3.9 910 2.0 3,177 5.8 100 % 59,551 89.8 % 3.4 1.5 5.3 100 % 64,094 545 64,639 (64 ) $ 64,575 71,730 599 72,329 (76 ) $ 72,253 82.0 % 9.2 % 13.8 % 83.5 % 11.7 % 12.2 % 83.0 % 10.2 % 12.3 % (1) (2) (3) (4) Loans for customers who may still be attending school or engaging in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on their loans, e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation, as well as loans for customers who have requested and qualify for other permitted program deferments such as military, unemployment, or economic hardships. Loans for customers who have used their allowable deferment time or do not qualify for deferment, that need additional time to obtain employment or who have temporarily ceased making payments due to hardship or other factors such as disaster relief, including COVID-19 relief programs. The period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due. In connection with the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the $497 million premium as of December 31, 2020, associated with the loans is now included as part of the respective loan balance for this disclosure. This change is prospective in nature as prior balances are not restated under CECL. 25 Private Education Loan Portfolio Performance (Dollars in millions) Loans in-school/grace/deferment(1) Loans in forbearance(2) Loans in repayment and percentage of each status: Loans current Loans delinquent 31-60 days(3) Loans delinquent 61-90 days(3) Loans delinquent greater than 90 days(3) Total Private Education Loans in repayment Total Private Education Loans, gross Private Education Loan unamortized discount(4) Total Private Education Loans Private Education Loan receivable for partially charged-off loans (4) Private Education Loan allowance for losses Private Education Loans, net Percentage of Private Education Loans in repayment Delinquencies as a percentage of Private Education Loans in repayment Loans in forbearance as a percentage of loans in repayment and forbearance Percentage of Private Education Loans with a cosigner (5) 2020 December 31, 2019 2018 Balance % 483 $ 844 Balance % $ 629 604 Balance % $ 818 676 20,287 211 126 217 20,841 22,168 — 22,168 — (1,089 ) $ 21,079 97.4 % 21,083 349 1.0 218 .6 439 1.0 100 % 22,089 95.4 % 20,741 415 1.6 267 1.0 614 2.0 100 % 22,037 94.1 % 1.9 1.2 2.8 100 % 23,322 (617 ) 22,705 588 (1,048 ) $ 22,245 23,531 (759 ) 22,772 674 (1,201 ) $ 22,245 94.0 % 94.7 % 93.7 % 2.6 % 3.9 % 41 % 4.6 % 2.7 % 47 % 5.9 % 3.0 % 56 % (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Deferment includes customers who have returned to school or are engaged in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on their loans, e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation. Loans for customers who have requested extension of grace period generally during employment transition or who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors such as disaster relief, including COVID-19 relief programs, consistent with established loan program servicing policies and procedures. The period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due. In connection with the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, (1) the $475 million discount as of December 31, 2020, associated with the loans is now included as part of the respective loan balance for this disclosure and (2) the receivable for partially charged-off loans has been reclassified from the Private Education Loan balance to the allowance for loan loss. Both of these changes are prospective in nature as prior balances are not restated under CECL. Excluding Private Education Refinance Loans, which do not have a cosigner, the cosigner rate was 65% for all periods presented. 26 Allowance for Loan Losses See “Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies” for discussion of the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, and the related transition adjustment. The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for loan losses during 2020: (Dollars in millions) Allowance at beginning of period (after transition adjustment to CECL on January 1, 2020) Total provision Charge-offs: Net adjustment resulting from the change in the charge-off rate(1) Net charge-offs remaining Total charge-offs(2) Decrease in expected future recoveries on charged-off loans(3) Allowance at end of period Plus: expected future recoveries on charged-off loans(3) Allowance at end of period excluding expected future recoveries on charged-off loans(4) Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment, excluding the net adjustment resulting from the change in the charge-off rate(1) Net adjustment resulting from the change in charge-off rate as a percentage of average loans in repayment(1) Allowance coverage of charge-offs(4) Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance(4) Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment(4) Ending total loans Average loans in repayment Ending loans in repayment Year Ended December 31, 2020 Private Education Loans FFELP Loans Total $ 324 13 $ 1,045 142 $ — (49 ) (49 ) — 288 — (23 ) (184 ) (207 ) 109 1,089 479 1,369 155 (23 ) (233 ) (256 ) 109 1,377 479 $ 288 $ 1,568 $ 1,856 .10 % .88 % — % 5.9 .5 % .6 % 58,572 48,130 48,057 $ $ $ $ $ $ .11 % 7.6 7.1 % 7.5 % 22,168 20,790 20,841 (1) In 2020, the portion of the loan amount charged off at default on Private Education Loans increased from 81% to 81.4%. This charge resulted in a $23 million reduction to the balance of the expected future recoveries on charged-off loans. (2) Charge-offs are reported net of expected recoveries. For Private Education Loans, at the time of charge-off, the expected recovery amount is transferred from the education loan balance to the allowance for loan loss and is referred to as the “expected future recoveries on charged-off loans.” For FFELP Loans, the recovery is received at the time of charge-off. (3) At the end of each month, for Private Education Loans that are 212 or more days past due, we charge off the estimated loss of a defaulted loan balance. Actual recoveries are applied against the remaining loan balance that was not charged off. We refer to this as the expected future recoveries on charged-off loans. If actual periodic recoveries are less than expected, the difference is immediately charged off through the allowance for Private Education Loan losses with an offsetting reduction in the expected future recoveries for charged-off loans. If actual periodic recoveries are greater than expected, they will be reflected as a recovery through the allowance for Private Education Loan losses once the cumulative recovery amount exceeds the cumulative amount originally expected to be recovered. The following table summarizes the activity in the expected future recoveries on charged-off loans: (Dollars in millions) Beginning of period expected recoveries Expected future recoveries of current period defaults Recoveries Charge-offs End of period expected recoveries Change in balance during period Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ $ $ 588 32 (107 ) (34 ) 479 (109 ) (4) The allowance used for these metrics excludes the expected future recoveries on charged-off loans to better reflect the current expected credit losses remaining in the portfolio. 27 The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the year-ago periods. (Dollars in millions) Allowance at beginning of period Total provision Charge-offs: Net adjustment resulting from the change in the charge-off rate(1) Net charge-offs remaining(2) Total charge-offs(2) Reclassification of interest reserve(3) Loan sales Allowance at end of period Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment, excluding the net adjustment resulting from the change in the charge-off rate(1) Net adjustment resulting from the change in charge-off rate as a percentage of average loans in repayment(1) Allowance coverage of charge-offs Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment Ending total loans(4) Average loans in repayment Ending loans in repayment Years Ended December 31, 2019 Private Education Loans FFELP Loans Total FFELP Loans 2018 Private Education Loans Total $ 76 $ 1,201 $ 1,277 $ 226 30 256 60 $ 1,297 $ 1,357 369 299 70 — (21 ) (364 ) (42 ) (385 ) (42 ) — 7 — (1 ) 64 $ 1,048 $ 1,112 $ (21 ) (406 ) (427 ) 7 (1 ) — (32 ) (425 ) (54 ) (457 ) (54 ) — 8 — — 76 $ 1,201 $ 1,277 (32 ) (371 ) (403 ) 8 — $ .07 % 1.67 % .09 % 1.66 % — % 1.5 .10 % 2.7 — % 1.4 .14 % 3.0 .10 % 4.38 % .11 % 4.96 % .12 % 4.74 % $ 64,094 $ 23,910 $ 55,978 $ 21,859 $ 53,538 $ 22,089 .13 % 5.45 % $ 71,730 $ 24,205 $ 62,927 $ 22,312 $ 59,551 $ 22,037 (1) In 2019 and 2018, the portion of the loan amount charged off at default on our Private Education Loans increased from 80.5% to 81% and from 79% to 80.5%, respectively. These changes resulted in a $21 million and $32 million reduction to the balance of the receivable for partially charged-off loans in 2019 and 2018, respectively. (2) Charge-offs are reported net of expected recoveries. For Private Education Loans, the expected recovery amount is transferred to the receivable for partially charged-off loan balance. Charge-offs include charge-offs against the receivable for partially charged-off loans which represents the difference between what was expected to be collected and any shortfalls in what was actually collected in the period. The table below summarizes the activity in the Private Education Loan receivable for partially charged-off loans. For FFELP Loans, the recovery is received at the time of charge-off. (Dollars in millions) Receivable at beginning of period Expected future recoveries of current period defaults Recoveries Charge-offs Receivable at end of period Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 $ $ 674 74 (126 ) (34 ) 588 $ $ 760 89 (139 ) (36 ) 674 (3) Represents the additional allowance related to the amount of uncollectible interest reserved within interest income that is transferred in the period to the allowance for loan losses when interest is capitalized to a loan’s principal balance. (4) Ending total loans represents gross Private Education Loans, plus the receivable for partially charged-off loans. 28 Liquidity and Capital Resources Funding and Liquidity Risk Management The following “Liquidity and Capital Resources” discussion concentrates primarily on our Federal Education Loans and Consumer Lending segments. Our Business Processing and Other segments require minimal liquidity and funding. See “Navient’s Response to COVID-19” for a discussion of COVID-19’s impact on liquidity and capital resources. We define liquidity as cash and high-quality liquid assets that we can use to meet our cash requirements. Our two primary liquidity needs are: (1) servicing our debt and (2) our ongoing ability to meet our cash needs for running the operations of our businesses (including derivative collateral requirements) throughout market cycles, including during periods of financial stress. Secondary liquidity needs, which can be adjusted as needed, include the origination of Private Education Loans, acquisitions of Private Education Loan and FFELP Loan portfolios, acquisitions of companies, the payment of common stock dividends and the repurchase of our common stock. To achieve these objectives, we analyze and monitor our liquidity needs and maintain excess liquidity and access to diverse funding sources including the issuance of unsecured debt and the issuance of secured debt primarily through asset-backed securitizations and/or other financing facilities. We define our liquidity risk as the potential inability to meet our obligations when they become due without incurring unacceptable losses or to invest in future asset growth and business operations at reasonable market rates. Our primary liquidity risk relates to our ability to service our debt, meet our other business obligations and to continue to grow our business. The ability to access the capital markets is impacted by general market and economic conditions, our credit ratings, as well as the overall availability of funding sources in the marketplace. In addition, credit ratings may be important to customers or counterparties when we compete in certain markets and when we seek to engage in certain transactions, including over-the-counter derivatives. Credit ratings and outlooks are opinions subject to ongoing review by the ratings agencies and may change, from time to time, based on our financial performance, industry and market dynamics and other factors. Other factors that influence our credit ratings include the ratings agencies’ assessment of the general operating environment, our relative positions in the markets in which we compete, reputation, liquidity position, the level and volatility of earnings, corporate governance and risk management policies, capital position and capital management practices. A negative change in our credit rating could have a negative effect on our liquidity because it might raise the cost and availability of funding and potentially require additional cash collateral or restrict cash currently held as collateral on existing borrowings or derivative collateral arrangements. It is our objective to improve our credit ratings so that we can continue to efficiently access the capital markets even in difficult economic and market conditions. We have unsecured debt totaling $8.4 billion at December 31, 2020. Three credit rating agencies currently rate our long-term unsecured debt at below investment grade. We expect to fund our ongoing liquidity needs, including the repayment of $0.7 billion of senior unsecured notes that mature in the short term (i.e., over the next 12 months) and the remaining $7.7 billion of senior unsecured notes that mature in the long term (from 2022 to 2043 with 85% maturing by 2029), primarily through our current cash, investments and unencumbered FFELP Loan and Private Education Refinance Loan portfolios (see “Sources of Liquidity” below), the predictable operating cash flows provided by operating activities ($987 million in 2020), the repayment of principal on unencumbered education loan assets, and the distribution of overcollateralization from our securitization trusts. We may also, depending on market conditions and availability, draw down on our secured FFELP Loan and Private Education Loan facilities, issue term ABS, enter into additional Private Education Loan ABS repurchase facilities, or issue additional unsecured debt. We originate Private Education Loans. We also have purchased and may purchase, in future periods, Private Education Loan and FFELP Loan portfolios from third parties. Those originations and purchases are part of our ongoing liquidity needs. We purchased 30.6 million shares of common stock for $400 million in 2020. We had $600 million of remaining share repurchase authority as of December 31, 2020. 29 Sources of Liquidity (Dollars in millions) Sources of primary liquidity: Unrestricted cash and liquid investments Unencumbered FFELP Loans Unencumbered Private Education Refinance Loans Total Ending Balances Average Balances December 31, 2020 2019 Years Ended December 31, 2018 2019 2020 $ 1,183 $ 1,233 $ 1,358 $ 1,261 $ 1,672 705 433 320 208 319 274 290 $ 1,665 $ 1,966 $ 2,260 $ 2,364 $ 2,667 670 582 414 Liquidity may also be available under our secured credit facilities. Maximum borrowing capacity under the FFELP Loan and Private Education Loan asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) facilities will vary and be subject to each agreement’s borrowing conditions, including, among others, facility size, current usage and availability of qualifying collateral from unencumbered loans. The following tables detail these facilities with maturity dates ranging from June 2021 to April 2022. (Dollars in millions) FFELP Loan ABCP facilities Private Education Loan ABCP facilities 2020 $ 506 $ $ 2,221 $ Maximum Additional Capacity December 31, 2019 2018 Average Maximum Additional Capacity Years Ended December 31, 2018 2020 2019 867 $ 384 $ 752 $ 635 $ 1,586 $ 1,020 $ 482 $ 1,266 $ 1,969 714 At December 31, 2020, we had a total of $5.4 billion of unencumbered tangible assets inclusive of those listed in the table above as sources of primary liquidity. Total unencumbered education loans comprised $2.6 billion of our unencumbered tangible assets of which $2.4 billion and $0.2 billion related to Private Education Loans and FFELP Loans, respectively. In addition, as of December 31, 2020, we had $6.0 billion of encumbered net assets (i.e., overcollateralization) in our various financing facilities (consolidated variable interest entities). Since the fourth quarter of 2015, we have closed on $4.3 billion of Private Education Loan ABS repurchase facilities with $1.2 billion outstanding as of December 31, 2020. These repurchase facilities are collateralized by Residual Interests in previously issued Private Education Loan ABS trusts. These repurchase facilities are collateralized by Residual Interests in previously issued Private Education Loan ABS trusts. These are examples of how we can effectively finance previously encumbered assets to generate additional liquidity in addition to the unencumbered assets we traditionally have encumbered in the past. Additionally, these repurchase facilities had a cost of funds lower than that of a new unsecured debt issuance. The following table reconciles encumbered and unencumbered assets and their net impact on total Tangible Equity. (Dollars in billions) Net assets of consolidated variable interest entities (encumbered assets) — FFELP Loans Net assets of consolidated variable interest entities (encumbered assets) — Private Education Loans Tangible unencumbered assets(1) Senior unsecured debt Mark-to-market on unsecured hedged debt(2) Other liabilities, net Total Tangible Equity(1) $ December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ 3.9 $ 4.3 3.2 5.6 (9.5 ) (.4 ) (.6 ) 2.6 2.1 5.4 (8.4 ) (.7 ) (.6 ) 1.7 $ (1) (2) Item is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a description and reconciliation, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” At December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were $634 million and $332 million, respectively, of net gains (losses) on derivatives hedging this debt in unencumbered assets, which partially offset these gains (losses). 30 Borrowings Ending Balances (Dollars in millions) Unsecured borrowings: Senior unsecured debt Total unsecured borrowings Secured borrowings: FFELP Loan securitizations Private Education Loan securitizations FFELP Loan ABCP facilities Private Education Loan ABCP facilities Other Total secured borrowings Core Earnings basis borrowings(1) Adjustment for GAAP accounting treatment GAAP basis borrowings Average Balances (Dollars in millions) Unsecured borrowings: Senior unsecured debt Total unsecured borrowings Secured borrowings: December 31, 2020 Long Term Total Short Term December 31, 2019 Long Term Total Short Term December 31, 2018 Long Term Total Short Term $ 677 $ 7,714 $ 8,391 $ 1,052 $ 8,461 $ 9,513 $ 817 $ 10,674 $ 11,491 677 7,714 8,391 1,052 8,461 9,513 817 10,674 11,491 — 54,697 54,697 72 59,735 59,807 — 66,318 66,318 960 13,891 14,851 2,120 11,430 13,550 300 12,985 13,285 617 3,400 2,927 2,625 5,552 2,053 479 2,532 2,783 — 2,582 2,114 1,513 3,627 1,114 1,266 2,380 2,582 — 267 337 5,932 69,067 74,999 7,427 73,295 80,722 4,608 83,194 87,802 6,609 76,781 83,390 8,479 81,756 90,235 5,425 93,868 99,293 338 267 337 338 — — 4 (352 ) $ 6,613 $ 77,332 $ 83,945 $ 8,483 $ 81,715 $ 90,198 $ 5,422 $ 93,519 $ 98,941 (349 ) 555 551 (41 ) (37 ) (3 ) 4 2020 Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Average Balance Average Rate Average Balance Average Rate Average Balance Average Rate $ 9,461 9,461 5.05 % $ 10,798 5.05 10,798 6.63 % $ 13,109 6.63 13,109 6.25 % 6.25 FFELP Loan securitizations Private Education Loan securitizations FFELP Loan ABCP facilities Private Education Loan ABCP facilities Other Total secured borrowings Core Earnings basis borrowings(1) Adjustment for GAAP accounting treatment GAAP basis borrowings 56,950 14,159 3,134 3,203 343 77,789 87,250 — $ 87,250 1.74 62,636 2.90 13,740 4,128 1.67 2,259 2.53 0.68 307 1.97 83,070 2.31 93,868 — 2.34 % $ 93,868 .03 3.21 69,200 4.06 13,247 5,834 3.42 2,346 3.67 3.59 292 3.37 90,919 3.75 104,028 — (.03 ) 3.72 % $ 104,028 2.94 4.13 2.97 3.68 3.34 3.14 3.53 (.01 ) 3.52 % (1) Item is a non-GAAP financial measure. For a description and reconciliation, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” The differences in derivative accounting give rise to the difference above. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations addresses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP). “Note 2 — Significant Accounting Policies” includes a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from these estimates under varying assumptions or conditions. On a quarterly basis, management evaluates its estimates, particularly those that include the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments and are often about matters that are inherently uncertain. Critical accounting estimates involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the financial condition or results of our operations. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are the allowance for loan losses, goodwill, and premium and discount amortization. As part of the discussion below, we have described how COVID-19 impacted the allowance for loan losses as well as how COVID-19 was considered in our assessment of goodwill impairment. 31 Allowance for Loan Losses On January 1, 2020 we adopted CECL. See “Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies” for a discussion of our accounting policy under CECL and the related transition adjustment as of the January 1, 2020 adoption. We have determined that, for modeling current expected credit losses, in general, we can reasonably estimate expected losses that incorporate current and forecasted economic conditions over a “reasonable and supportable” period. For Private Education Loans, we incorporate a reasonable and supportable forecast of various macro- economic variables over the remaining life of the loans. The development of the reasonable and supportable forecast incorporates an assumption that each macro-economic variable will revert to a long-term expectation starting in years 2-4 of the forecast and largely completing within the first five years of the forecast. For FFELP Loans, after a three- year reasonable and supportable period, there is an immediate reversion to a long-term expectation. The models used to project losses utilize key credit quality indicators of the loan portfolios and predict how those attributes are expected to perform in connection with the forecasted economic conditions. In connection with this methodology, our modeling of current expected credit losses utilizes historical loan repayment experience since 2008 identifying loan variables (key credit quality indicators) that are significantly predictive of loans that will default and predicts how loans will perform in connection with the forecasted economic conditions. The key credit quality indicators used by the model for Private Education loans are credit scores (FICO scores), loan status, loan seasoning, whether a loan is a TDR, the existence of a cosigner and school type: • Credit scores are an indicator of the credit risk of a customer and the higher the credit score the more likely • it is the customer will be able to make all of their contractual payments. Loan status affects the credit risk because a past due loan is more likely to default than an up-to-date loan. Additionally, loans in a deferred payment status have different credit risk profiles compared with those in current payment status. • Of the portfolio in repayment, loan seasoning affects credit risk because a loan with a history of making payments generally has a lower incidence of default than a loan with a history of making infrequent or no payments. • A TDR loan is where an economic concession (forbearance, lower interest rate, extension of term) has been given to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties. A TDR loan is generally more likely to result in a default than a non-TDR loan. The existence of a cosigner generally lowers the likelihood of default, thus lowering the credit risk. The type of school customers attend can have an impact on their graduation rate and job prospects after graduation and therefore affects their ability to make payments, which impacts the credit risk. • • For FFELP loans, the key credit quality indicators are loan status and loan type (Stafford, Consolidation and Rehab loans). We project losses over the contractual term of our loans, including any extension options within the control of the borrower. Further, we make estimates regarding prepayments when determining our expected credit losses which are derived in the same manner discussed above. The forecasted economic conditions used in our modeling of expected losses are provided by a third party. The primary economic metrics we use in the economic forecast are unemployment, GDP, interest rates, consumer loan delinquency rates and consumer income. Several forecast scenarios are provided which represent the baseline economic expectations as well as favorable and adverse scenarios. We analyze and evaluate the alternative scenarios for reasonableness and determine the appropriate weighting of these alternative scenarios based upon the current economic conditions and our view of the likelihood and risks of the alternative scenarios. We use historical customer payment experience to estimate the amount of future recoveries on defaulted private education loans. We use judgment in determining whether historical performance is representative of what we expect to collect in the future. The expected future recoveries on defaulted FFELP loans is based on the contractual government guarantee (which generally limits the maximum loss to 3% of the loan balance). Once our loss model calculations are performed, we review the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and determine if qualitative adjustments need to be made. These adjustments may include, but are not limited to, changes in lending, servicing and collection policies and practices as well as the effect of other external factors such as the economy and changes in legal or regulatory requirements that impact the amount of future credit losses. The $155 million provision for loan losses in 2020 primarily related to an increase in expected losses due to COVID- 19’s negative impact on the current and forecasted economic conditions (see “Navient’s Response to COVID-19” for further discussion of COVID-19). This increase in expected losses was largely reflected in the allowance for loan losses as of June 30, 2020 as we believe there was not a significant change in the credit quality of the portfolio or in 32 the current and forecasted economic conditions between June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020. These conclusions and adjustments were based on an evaluation of current and forecasted economic conditions directly taking into consideration the negative impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. economy. We evaluated and considered several forecasted economic scenarios when making these conclusions and adjustments. We also considered the characteristics of our loan portfolio and its expected behavior in the forecasted economic scenarios. The provision for loan losses in 2020 related to COVID-19 is directly related to changes in the following assumptions regarding the current and forecasted economic conditions since January 1, 2020 (when CECL was implemented): an increase in unemployment, a decrease in GDP, a decrease in interest rates, an increase in consumer loan delinquency rates and a decrease in consumer income. If future economic conditions as a result of COVID-19 are significantly worse than what was assumed as a part of this assessment, specifically related to the severity and length of the downturn and subsequent recovery, it could result in additional provision for loan loss being recorded in future periods. The evaluation of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates and assumptions that may be susceptible to significant changes. If actual future performance in delinquency, charge-offs and recoveries are significantly different than estimated, or management’s assumptions or practices were to change, this could materially affect our estimate of the allowance for loan losses and the related provision for loan losses on our income statement. Goodwill In determining annually (or more frequently if required) whether goodwill is impaired, we complete a goodwill impairment analysis which may be a qualitative or a quantitative analysis depending on the facts and circumstances associated with the reporting unit. Qualitative factors considered in conjunction with a qualitative analysis include: (1) the amount of cushion that existed the last time a quantitative test was completed which requires performing a valuation of the reporting unit the resulting value of which is compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit, (2) macroeconomic factors (economy), (3) industry specific factors (growth or deterioration of the market; regulatory/political developments), (4) cost factors (margins), (5) financial performance of the reporting unit itself, (6) other specific items (litigation, change in management or key personnel) and (7) whether a sustained decrease in our share price is indicative of a decline in value of the specific reporting unit. There can be significant judgment involved in assessing these qualitative factors. If, based on a qualitative analysis, we determine it is “more-likely-than-not” that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we also complete a quantitative impairment analysis. In lieu of performing a qualitative assessment, we may proceed directly to a quantitative impairment analysis. A quantitative goodwill impairment analysis requires a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value (the amount we believe a third party would pay for such reporting unit), the goodwill associated with the reporting unit will be impaired in an amount equal to the difference between the reporting unit’s fair value and its carrying value not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill attributed to the reporting unit. There are significant judgments involved in determining the fair value of a reporting unit, including determining the appropriate valuation approach or approaches to utilize and the assumptions to apply including estimates of projected future cash flows which incorporate estimated future revenues, expenses, net income and capital expenditures from and related to existing and new business activities and appropriate market multiples, discount rates and growth rates. An appropriate resulting control premium is also considered. The reporting units with goodwill for which we estimate fair value are not publicly traded and for some reporting units directly comparable market data may not be available to aid in its valuation. Navient tests goodwill as of October 1 each year or at interim dates if an event occurs or circumstances exist such that it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value (the qualitative test). Such an event or circumstance is a triggering event. If it is concluded that a triggering event has occurred at an interim date, a quantitative impairment test must be performed. Beginning in the latter half of the first quarter of 2020, COVID-19 created significant disruption in the U.S. economy (see “Navient’s Response to COVID- 19” for further discussion of COVID-19). In addition to COVID-19 causing a significant decline in Navient’s stock price, restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing, impacted macroeconomic conditions. Such macroeconomic conditions impacted our reporting units with goodwill, the industry and markets in which these reporting units operate, their cost structures and, to some degree, their expected 2020 financial performance. As a result, we assessed whether a triggering event occurred as of September 30, 2020, June 30, 2020 and March 31, 2020 in addition to performing annual impairment testing as of October 1, 2020. As part of the triggering event assessments for each reporting unit and annual impairment testing for our FFELP Loans, Private Education Loans-Legacy, Private Education Refinance Loans and Federal Education Loan Servicing reporting units, we assessed relevant qualitative factors to determine whether it is “more-likely-than-not” that the fair value of an individual reporting unit is less than its carrying value. We considered the amount of excess fair values over the carrying values of each reporting unit as of October 1, 2019 when we last performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test. The concluded fair values of the reporting units at October 1, 2019 were substantially in excess of their carrying amounts. Additionally, fair values resulting from sensitivity analyses factoring in more conservative discount rates and growth rates for each reporting unit also yielded fair values in excess of the carrying values of each reporting unit. 33 Despite COVID-19, the outlook and associated long-term cash flow projections of our FFELP Loans, Private Education Loans-Legacy, and Federal Education Loan Servicing reporting units have not changed significantly since our 2019 assessment. For the Private Education Refinance Loans reporting unit, we considered origination volume and the demand for its refinance loan products as well as Navient’s strong liquidity position and ability to issue Private Education Loan ABS comprised entirely of the reporting unit’s refinance loans albeit at a higher cost of funds. Based on the substantial fair value determined as of October 1, 2019 in excess of their carrying values and these other qualitative factors, we concluded that it is not “more-likely-than-not” that the fair values of these reporting units were less than their carrying values at October 1, 2020, September 30, 2020, June 30, 2020 and March 31, 2020. As a result, with respect to annual impairment testing, we concluded that goodwill attributed to these reporting units was not impaired. With respect to the quarterly assessments, we concluded that COVID-19 and its impact on Navient’s individual reporting units as we perceived them did not constitute a triggering event during 2020. For Government and Healthcare Services, the quarterly triggering event assessments considered the substantial fair values determined in conjunction with 2019 annual impairment testing in excess of the carrying values of these reporting units as well as the short and long-term outlook for these businesses which experienced the temporary stoppage of certain collection and processing activity and lower volume in the transportation business as a result of COVID-19. No contracts for either reporting unit have been terminated due to COVID-19, and significant additional contracts were acquired in 2020 to implement programs under the CARES Act and perform contact tracing services. The revenue from these new contracts more than offset the decline in other revenue due to COVID-19 during 2020. Based on these qualitative factors, with respect to the quarterly assessments, we concluded that it was not “more- likely-than-not” that the fair values of these individual reporting units were less than their carrying values, and as a result, we concluded that COVID-19 and its impact on these reporting units did not constitute a triggering event. As of October 1, 2020, we performed a quantitative annual impairment test for both Government and Healthcare Services. We determined the fair value of these reporting units and concluded these reporting units were not impaired as the resulting fair values of the reporting units were substantially greater than their respective carrying values. We determined the fair values by using three different valuation approaches that were weighted appropriately by reporting unit: (1) a discounted cashflow approach using market discount rates and long term growth rates (2) a market multiples approach that applied revenue and EBITDA market multiples determined based on multiples for similar publicly traded companies to the respective revenue and EBITDA measures of these reporting units and (3) a comparable transactions approach pursuant to which value was derived based on the selling price of similar publicly- traded companies. Based on the quantitative tests for these reporting units, we determined that their fair values substantially exceeded their carrying values indicating that the goodwill attributed to these reporting units is not impaired. If future economic conditions as a result of COVID-19 are significantly worse than what was assumed in the reporting units’ long term cash flow projections specifically related to the severity and length of the downturn and subsequent recovery and other performance factors do not come to fruition, these factors could result in potential impairment of goodwill in future periods. Premium and Discount Amortization The Company had a net unamortized premium balance of $22 million, or 0.03%, in connection with its $81 billion education loan portfolio as of December 31, 2020. The most judgmental estimate for premium and discount amortization on education loans is the Constant Prepayment Rate (CPR), which measures the rate at which loans in the portfolio pay down principal compared to their stated terms. In determining the CPR we only consider payments made in excess of contractually required payments. This would include loans that are refinanced, consolidated and other early payoff activity. These activities are generally affected by changes in our business strategy, changes in our competitors’ business strategies, legislative changes including the ability to consolidate, interest rates and changes to the current economic and credit environment. When we determine the CPR we begin with historical prepayment rates. We make judgments about which historical period to start with and then make further judgments about whether that historical experience is representative of future expectations and whether additional adjustment may be needed to those historical prepayment rates. In the past (prior to 2008), the consolidation of FFELP Loans and Private Education Loans significantly affected our CPRs and updating those assumptions often resulted in material adjustments to our premium and discount amortization expense. As a result of the passage of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (HCERA), there is no longer the ability to consolidate loans under the FFELP although there are other consolidation options with ED and private refinancing options with Navient and other lenders. As a result, we expect CPRs related to our FFELP Loans to remain relatively stable over time, unless there is a legislative change by ED or by Congress to either (1) forgive loan balances (which would result in Navient receiving cash for the amounts forgiven resulting in a prepayment of principal) or (2) encourage or force consolidation. Some education loan companies, including Navient, offer Private Education Loans to refinance a borrower’s loan (both FFELP and Private Education Loans) and we anticipate more entrants to offer similar products. These products and expectations are built into the CPR assumption we use for FFELP and Private Education Loans. However, it is difficult to accurately project the timing and level at which this activity will continue and our assumption may need to be updated by a material amount in the future based on changes in the economy, marketplace and legislation. 34 In 2020 there was a net $6 million increase in net interest income due to a cumulative adjustment related to an increase in prepayment speed assumptions used to amortize loan premiums and discounts. The FFELP Stafford Loan CPR assumption was increased from 8% to 9%, the FFELP Consolidation Loan CPR assumption was increased from 4% to 5% and the Private Education Loan CPR assumption was increased from 9% to 11%. These CPR assumption increases were primarily a result of increased voluntary payoffs primarily due to increased loan refinance activity and third-party consolidation activity related to the decrease in interest rates that occurred in 2020. Non-GAAP Financial Measures In addition to financial results reported on a GAAP basis, Navient also provides certain performance measures which are non-GAAP financial measures. We present the following non-GAAP financial measures: (1) Core Earnings, (2) Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio and (3) EBITDA for the Business Processing segment. 1. Core Earnings We prepare financial statements and present financial results in accordance with GAAP. However, we also evaluate our business segments and present financial results on a basis that differs from GAAP. We refer to this different basis of presentation as Core Earnings. We provide this Core Earnings basis of presentation on a consolidated basis and for each business segment because this is what we review internally when making management decisions regarding our performance and how we allocate resources. We also refer to this information in our presentations with credit rating agencies, lenders and investors. Because our Core Earnings basis of presentation corresponds to our segment financial presentations, we are required by GAAP to provide certain Core Earnings disclosures in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for our business segments. Core Earnings are not a substitute for reported results under GAAP. We use Core Earnings to manage our business segments because Core Earnings reflect adjustments to GAAP financial results for two items, discussed below, that can create significant volatility mostly due to timing factors generally beyond the control of management. Accordingly, we believe that Core Earnings provide management with a useful basis from which to better evaluate results from ongoing operations against the business plan or against results from prior periods. Consequently, we disclose this information because we believe it provides investors with additional information regarding the operational and performance indicators that are most closely assessed by management. When compared to GAAP results, the two items we remove to result in our Core Earnings presentations are: (1) Mark-to-market gains/losses resulting from our use of derivative instruments to hedge our economic risks that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment or do qualify for hedge accounting treatment but result in ineffectiveness; and (2) The accounting for goodwill and acquired intangible assets. While GAAP provides a uniform, comprehensive basis of accounting, for the reasons described above, our Core Earnings basis of presentation does not. Core Earnings are subject to certain general and specific limitations that investors should carefully consider. For example, there is no comprehensive, authoritative guidance for management reporting. Our Core Earnings are not defined terms within GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Accordingly, our Core Earnings presentation does not represent a comprehensive basis of accounting. Investors, therefore, may not be able to compare our performance with that of other financial services companies based upon Core Earnings. Core Earnings results are only meant to supplement GAAP results by providing additional information regarding the operational and performance indicators that are most closely used by management, our board of directors, credit rating agencies, lenders and investors to assess performance. 35 The following tables show Core Earnings for each reportable segment and our business as a whole along with the adjustments made to the income/expense items to reconcile the amounts to our reported GAAP results as required by GAAP and reported in “Note 15 — Segment Reporting.” Year Ended December 31, 2020 Adjustments (Dollars in millions) Interest income: Education loans Other loans Cash and investments Total interest income Total interest expense Net interest income (loss) Less: provisions for loan losses Net interest income (loss) after provisions for loan losses Other income (loss): Servicing revenue Asset recovery and business processing revenue Other income (loss) Losses on debt repurchases Total other income (loss) Expenses: Direct operating expenses Unallocated shared services expenses Operating expenses Goodwill and acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization Restructuring/other reorganization expenses Total expenses Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) Income tax expense (benefit)(2) Net income (loss) $ (1) Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP: Federal Education Loans Consumer Lending Business Processing Other Reclassi- fications Additions/ (Subtractions) Total Adjustments(1) Total GAAP Total Core Earnings $ 1,813 $ — 7 1,820 1,194 626 13 1,445 $ — 3 1,448 699 749 142 — $ — $ 3,258 $ — — — — 6 16 — 6 3,274 — 120 2,013 — (114 ) 1,261 — — 155 79 $ — — 79 39 40 — 613 607 — (114 ) 1,106 40 (55 ) $ — — (55 ) (6 ) (49 ) — (49 ) 24 $ 3,282 — — — 16 24 3,298 33 2,046 (9 ) 1,252 — 155 (9 ) 1,097 — — 214 — — — 214 208 154 9 — 371 287 — 287 6 — — — 6 146 — 146 304 — 11 (6 ) 5 — — 304 254 — — 277 254 277 458 20 (6 ) 686 687 277 964 — (40 ) — (40 ) — — — — — — — — — — 287 697 160 537 $ — 146 467 107 360 $ — 9 254 286 9 973 50 (395 ) 11 (90 ) 39 $ (305 ) $ 819 188 631 $ — — — — — $ — (216 ) — (216 ) — — — 22 — 22 — 458 (256 ) (236 ) (6 ) (256 ) 430 — — 687 — 277 — 964 22 22 — 9 22 995 (287 ) (68 ) (219 ) $ (287 ) 532 (68 ) 120 (219 ) $ 412 (Dollars in millions) Net interest income (loss) after provisions for loan losses Total other income (loss) Goodwill and acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization Total Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP Income tax expense (benefit) Net income (loss) Net Impact of Derivative Accounting Year Ended December 31, 2020 Net Impact of Acquired Intangibles Total $ $ (9 ) $ (256 ) — (265 ) $ — $ — 22 (22 ) $ (9 ) (256 ) 22 (287 ) (68 ) (219 ) (2) Income taxes are based on a percentage of net income before tax for the individual reportable segment. 36 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Adjustments Federal Education Loans Consumer Lending Business Processing Other Reclassi- fications Additions/ (Subtractions) Total Adjustments(1) Total GAAP Total Core Earnings $ 2,907 $ 1 50 2,958 2,376 582 30 1,731 $ 1 16 1,748 980 768 228 — $ — $ 4,638 $ — — 2 — 27 93 — 27 4,733 — 161 3,517 — (134 ) 1,216 — — 258 8 $ — — 8 6 2 — (68 ) $ — — (68 ) (35 ) (33 ) — (60 ) $ 4,578 — 2 — 93 (60 ) 4,673 (29 ) 3,488 (31 ) 1,185 — 258 552 540 — (134 ) 958 2 (33 ) (31 ) 927 229 11 — — 240 — 230 28 — — 487 359 — 359 — 1 16 — 28 156 — 156 258 — — 14 — — — 33 47 258 215 — — 254 215 254 488 43 16 33 820 730 254 984 — (41 ) — 39 (2 ) — — — — — — — — — — 359 680 155 525 $ — 156 412 96 316 $ — 6 215 260 6 990 43 (347 ) 10 (80 ) 33 $ (267 ) $ 788 181 607 $ — — — — — $ — — 65 — (27 ) 38 — — — 30 — 30 (25 ) (15 ) (10 ) $ — 240 — 488 67 24 — 16 12 45 36 856 — 730 — 254 — 984 30 30 — 6 30 1,020 (25 ) 763 (15 ) 166 (10 ) $ 597 (Dollars in millions) Interest income: Education loans Other loans Cash and investments Total interest income Total interest expense Net interest income (loss) Less: provisions for loan losses Net interest income (loss) after provisions for loan losses Other income (loss): Servicing revenue Asset recovery and business processing revenue Other income (loss) Gains on sales of loans Gains on debt repurchases Total other income (loss) Expenses: Direct operating expenses Unallocated shared services expenses Operating expenses Goodwill and acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization Restructuring/other reorganization expenses Total expenses Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) Income tax expense (benefit)(2) Net income (loss) $ (1) Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP: (Dollars in millions) Net interest income after provisions for loan losses Total other income (loss) Goodwill and acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization Total Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP Income tax expense (benefit) Net income (loss) Net Impact of Derivative Accounting Year Ended December 31, 2019 Net Impact of Acquired Intangibles Total $ $ (31 ) $ 36 — 5 $ — $ — 30 (30 ) $ (31 ) 36 30 (25 ) (15 ) (10 ) (2) Income taxes are based on a percentage of net income before tax for the individual reportable segment. 37 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Adjustments Federal Education Loans Consumer Lending Business Processing Other Reclassi- fications Additions/ (Subtractions) Total Adjustments(1) Total GAAP Total Core Earnings $ 3,080 $ 4 46 3,130 2,467 663 70 1,778 $ 2 13 1,793 1,013 780 300 — $ — $ 4,858 $ — — 6 — 38 97 — 38 4,961 — 192 3,672 — (154 ) 1,289 — — 370 17 $ — — 17 8 9 — (70 ) $ — — (70 ) (12 ) (58 ) — (53 ) $ 4,805 — 6 — 97 (53 ) 4,908 (4 ) 3,668 (49 ) 1,240 — 370 593 480 — (154 ) 919 9 (58 ) (49 ) 870 262 12 — — 274 — 163 24 — 449 298 — 298 — — — 12 169 — 169 267 — 6 9 15 — — 267 229 — — 288 229 288 430 30 9 743 696 288 984 — (22 ) 13 (9 ) — — — — — — — — — — 298 744 164 580 $ — 169 323 71 252 $ — 13 229 301 13 997 38 (440 ) (97 ) 30 $ (343 ) $ 8 665 146 519 $ — — — — — $ — — (29 ) (3 ) (32 ) — — — 47 — 47 — 274 — 430 (21 ) (51 ) 19 10 (41 ) 702 — 696 — 288 — 984 47 47 — 13 47 1,044 (137 ) (13 ) (124 ) $ (137 ) 528 (13 ) 133 (124 ) $ 395 (Dollars in millions) Interest income: Education loans Other loans Cash and investments Total interest income Total interest expense Net interest income (loss) Less: provisions for loan losses Net interest income (loss) after provisions for loan losses Other income (loss): Servicing revenue Asset recovery and business processing revenue Other income (loss) Gains on debt repurchases Total other income (loss) Expenses: Direct operating expenses Unallocated shared services expenses Operating expenses Goodwill and acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization Restructuring/other reorganization expenses Total expenses Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) Income tax expense (benefit)(2) Net income (loss) $ (1) Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP: (Dollars in millions) Net interest income after provisions for loan losses Total other income (loss) Goodwill and acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization Total Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP Income tax expense (benefit) Net income (loss) Net Impact of Derivative Accounting Year Ended December 31, 2018 Net Impact of Acquired Intangibles Total $ $ (49 ) $ (41 ) — (90 ) $ — $ — 47 (47 ) $ (49 ) (41 ) 47 (137 ) (13 ) (124 ) (2) Income taxes are based on a percentage of net income before tax for the individual reportable segment. 38 The following discussion summarizes the differences between Core Earnings and GAAP net income and details each specific adjustment required to reconcile our Core Earnings segment presentation to our GAAP earnings. (Dollars in millions) Core Earnings net income Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP: Net impact of derivative accounting Net impact of goodwill and acquired intangible assets Net income tax effect Total Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP GAAP net income Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 $ 631 $ 607 $ 519 (265 ) (22 ) 68 (219 ) 412 $ 5 (30 ) 15 (10 ) 597 $ (90 ) (47 ) 13 (124 ) 395 $ (1) Derivative Accounting: Core Earnings exclude periodic gains and losses that are caused by the mark-to-market valuations on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under GAAP, as well as the periodic mark-to-market gains and losses that are a result of ineffectiveness recognized related to effective hedges under GAAP. Under GAAP, for our derivatives that are held to maturity, the mark-to-market gain or loss over the life of the contract will equal $0 except for Floor Income Contracts, where the mark-to-market gain will equal the amount for which we originally sold the contract. In our Core Earnings presentation, we recognize the economic effect of these hedges, which generally results in any net settlement cash paid or received being recognized ratably as an interest expense or revenue over the hedged item’s life. The accounting for derivatives requires that changes in the fair value of derivative instruments be recognized currently in earnings, with no fair value adjustment of the hedged item, unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. The gains and losses recorded in “Gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities, net” and interest expense (for qualifying fair value hedges) are primarily caused by interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate volatility and changing credit spreads during the period as well as the volume and term of derivatives not receiving hedge accounting treatment. We believe that our derivatives are effective economic hedges, and as such, are a critical element of our interest rate and foreign currency risk management strategy. However, some of our derivatives, primarily Floor Income Contracts, basis swaps and at times, certain other LIBOR swaps do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and the stand-alone derivative is adjusted to fair value in the income statement with no consideration for the corresponding change in fair value of the hedged item. Our Floor Income Contracts are written options that must meet more stringent requirements than other hedging relationships to achieve hedge effectiveness. Specifically, our Floor Income Contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment because the pay down of principal of the education loans underlying the Floor Income embedded in those education loans does not exactly match the change in the notional amount of our written Floor Income Contracts. Additionally, the term, the interest rate index, and the interest rate index reset frequency of the Floor Income Contract can be different than that of the education loans. Under derivative accounting treatment, the upfront contractual payment is deemed a liability and changes in fair value are recorded through income throughout the life of the contract. The change in the fair value of Floor Income Contracts is primarily caused by changing interest rates that cause the amount of Floor Income paid to the counterparties to vary. This is economically offset by the change in the amount of Floor Income earned on the underlying education loans but that offsetting change in fair value is not recognized. We believe the Floor Income Contracts are economic hedges because they effectively fix the amount of Floor Income earned over the contract period, thus eliminating the timing and uncertainty that changes in interest rates can have on Floor Income for that period. Therefore, for purposes of Core Earnings, we have removed the mark-to-market gains and losses related to these contracts and added back the amortization of the net contractual premiums received on the Floor Income Contracts. The amortization of the net contractual premiums received on the Floor Income Contracts for Core Earnings is reflected in education loan interest income. Under GAAP accounting, the premiums received on the Floor Income Contracts are recorded as revenue in the “gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities, net” line item by the end of the contracts’ lives. 39 Basis swaps are used to convert floating rate debt from one floating interest rate index to another to better match the interest rate characteristics of the assets financed by that debt. We primarily use basis swaps to hedge our education loan assets that are primarily indexed to LIBOR or Prime. The accounting for derivatives requires that when using basis swaps, the change in the cash flows of the hedge effectively offset both the change in the cash flows of the asset and the change in the cash flows of the liability. Our basis swaps hedge variable interest rate risk; however, they generally do not meet this effectiveness test because the index of the swap does not exactly match the index of the hedged assets as required for hedge accounting treatment. Additionally, some of our FFELP Loans can earn at either a variable or a fixed interest rate depending on market interest rates and therefore swaps economically hedging these FFELP Loans do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting treatment. As a result, under GAAP, these swaps are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value reflected currently in the income statement. The table below quantifies the adjustments for derivative accounting between GAAP and Core Earnings net income. (Dollars in millions) Core Earnings derivative adjustments: Gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities, net, included in other income Plus: Gains (losses) on fair value hedging activity included in interest expense Total gains (losses) Plus: Reclassification of settlement expense (income) on derivative and hedging activities, net(1) Mark-to-market gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities, net(2) Amortization of net premiums on Floor Income Contracts in net interest income for Core Earnings Other derivative accounting adjustments(3) Total net impact of derivative accounting Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 $ (256 ) $ 22 $ (17 ) (273 ) 21 43 40 41 (233 ) 84 (55 ) 23 (265 ) $ (68 ) (11 ) 5 $ $ (38 ) — (38 ) 22 (16 ) (70 ) (4 ) (90 ) (1) Derivative accounting requires net settlement income/expense on derivatives that do not qualify as hedges to be recorded in a separate income statement line item below net interest income. Under our Core Earnings presentation, these settlements are reclassified to the income statement line item of the economically hedged item. For our Core Earnings net interest income, this would primarily include (a) reclassifying the net settlement amounts related to our Floor Income Contracts to education loan interest income and (b) reclassifying the net settlement amounts related to certain of our interest rate swaps to debt interest expense. The table below summarizes these net settlements on derivative and hedging activities and the associated reclassification on a Core Earnings basis. (Dollars in millions) Reclassification of settlements on derivative and hedging activities: Net settlement expense on Floor Income Contracts reclassified to net interest income Net settlement income (expense) on interest rate swaps reclassified to net interest income Net realized gains (losses) on terminated derivative contracts reclassified to other income Total reclassifications of settlements on derivative and hedging activities Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 $ (79 ) $ (8 ) $ (17 ) 39 6 8 — (39 ) (13 ) $ (40 ) $ (41 ) $ (22 ) (2) “Mark-to-market gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities, net” is comprised of the following: (Dollars in millions) Floor Income Contracts Basis swaps Foreign currency hedges Other Total mark-to-market gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities, net Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 $ (130 ) $ 3 9 (115 ) (15 ) $ — 65 34 32 28 (82 ) 6 $ (233 ) $ 84 $ (16 ) (3) Other derivative accounting adjustments consist of adjustments related to: (1) foreign currency denominated debt that is adjusted to spot foreign exchange rates for GAAP where such adjustments are reversed for Core Earnings and (2) certain terminated derivatives that did not receive hedge accounting treatment under GAAP but were economic hedges under Core Earnings and, as a result, such gains or losses are amortized into Core Earnings over the life of the hedged item. 40 Cumulative Impact of Derivative Accounting under GAAP compared to Core Earnings As of December 31, 2020, derivative accounting has decreased GAAP equity by approximately $616 million as a result of cumulative net mark-to-market losses (after tax) recognized under GAAP, but not in Core Earnings. The following table rolls forward the cumulative impact to GAAP equity due to these after-tax mark-to-market net gains and losses related to derivative accounting. (Dollars in millions) Beginning impact of derivative accounting on GAAP equity Net impact of net mark-to-market gains (losses) under derivative accounting(1) Ending impact of derivative accounting on GAAP equity Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 $ (235 ) $ (34 ) $ 5 (381 ) (201 ) (39 ) $ (616 ) $ (235 ) $ (34 ) (1) Net impact of net mark-to-market gains (losses) under derivative accounting is composed of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 $ (265 ) $ 5 $ (90 ) 67 (2 ) 12 (183 ) (204 ) 39 $ (381 ) $ (201 ) $ (39 ) (Dollars in millions) Total pre-tax net impact of derivative accounting recognized in net income(2) Tax and other impacts of derivative accounting adjustments Change in mark-to-market gains (losses) on derivatives, net of tax recognized in other comprehensive income Net impact of net mark-to-market gains (losses) under derivative accounting (2) See “Core Earnings derivative adjustments” table above. 41 Hedging Embedded Floor Income Net Floor premiums received on Floor Income Contracts that have not been amortized into Core Earnings as of the respective period-ends are presented in the table below. These net premiums will be recognized in Core Earnings in future periods. As of December 31, 2020, the remaining term of the Floor Income Contracts was approximately 3 years. Historically, we have sold Floor Income Contracts on a periodic basis and depending upon market conditions and pricing, we may enter into additional Floor Income Contracts in the future. The balance of unamortized Floor Income Contracts will increase as we sell new contracts and decline due to the amortization of existing contracts. In addition to using Floor Income Contracts, we also use pay-fixed interest rate swaps to hedge the embedded Floor Income within FFELP Loans. These interest rate swaps qualify as GAAP hedges and are accounted for as cash flow hedges of variable rate debt. For GAAP, gains and losses on these hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Hedged Floor Income from these cash flow hedges that has not been recognized into Core Earnings and GAAP as of the respective period-ends is presented in the table below. This hedged Floor Income will be recognized in Core Earnings and GAAP in future periods and is presented net of tax. As of December 31, 2020, the remaining term of these pay-fixed interest rate swaps was approximately 6 years. Historically, we have used pay- fixed interest rate swaps on a periodic basis to hedge embedded Floor Income and depending upon market conditions and pricing, we may enter into swaps in the future. The balance of unrecognized hedged Floor Income will increase as we enter into new swaps and decline as revenue is recognized. (Dollars in millions) Unamortized net Floor premiums (net of tax) Unrecognized hedged Floor Income related to pay-fixed interest rate swaps (net of tax) Total hedged Floor Income, net of tax(1)(2) 2020 December 31, 2019 2018 $ 38 $ 76 $ 124 $ 363 401 $ 476 552 $ 615 739 (1) (2) $520 million, $717 million and $959 million on a pre-tax basis as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Of the $401 million as of December 31, 2020, approximately $172 million, $113 million and $84 million will be recognized as part of Core Earnings in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. (2) Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets: Our Core Earnings exclude goodwill and intangible asset impairment and the amortization of acquired intangible assets. The following table summarizes the goodwill and acquired intangible asset adjustments. (Dollars in millions) Core Earnings goodwill and acquired intangible asset adjustments Adjusted Core Earnings Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 $ (22 ) $ (30 ) $ (47 ) Adjusted Core Earnings net income excludes restructuring and regulatory-related expenses. Management excludes these expenses as it is one of the measures we review internally when making management decisions regarding our performance and how we allocate resources, as this presentation is a useful basis for management and investors to further analyze Core Earnings. We also refer to this information in our presentations with credit rating agencies, lenders and investors. The following table summarizes these expenses which are excluded: (Dollars in millions) Restructuring/other reorganization expenses Regulatory-related expenses(1) Total Years Ended December 31, 2019 2020 2018 $ $ 9 $ 33 42 $ 6 $ 6 12 $ 13 29 42 (1) Net of $10 million, $30 million and $0, respectively, of insurance reimbursements for costs related to such matters for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. 42 2. Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio measures the ratio of Navient’s Tangible Equity to its tangible assets. We adjust this ratio to exclude the assets and equity associated with our FFELP portfolio because FFELP Loans are no longer originated and the FFELP portfolio bears a 3% maximum loss exposure under the terms of the federal guaranty. Management believes that excluding this portfolio from the ratio enhances its usefulness to investors. Management uses this ratio, in addition to other metrics, for analysis and decision making related to capital allocation decisions. The Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio is calculated as: (Dollars in billions) Navient Corporation's stockholders' equity Less: Goodwill and acquired intangible assets Tangible Equity Less: Equity held for FFELP Loans Adjusted Tangible Equity Divided by: Total assets Less: Goodwill and acquired intangible assets FFELP Loans Adjusted tangible assets Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio(1) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ $ 2,433 $ 735 1,698 291 1,407 $ 3,336 757 2,579 323 2,256 $ 87,412 $ 94,903 735 58,284 28,393 $ 5.0 % 757 64,575 29,571 7.6 % $ (1) The following provides a pro forma of what the Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio would be if the cumulative net mark-to-market losses related to derivative accounting under GAAP were excluded. These cumulative losses reverse to $0 upon the maturity of the individual derivative instruments. As these losses are temporary, we believe this pro forma presentation is a useful basis for management and investors to further analyze the Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio. (Dollars in millions) Adjusted Tangible Equity (from above table) Plus: ending impact of derivative accounting on GAAP equity Pro forma Adjusted Tangible Equity Divided by: adjusted tangible assets (from above table) Pro forma Adjusted Tangible Equity Ratio December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ $ $ 1,407 $ 616 2,023 $ 2,256 235 2,491 28,393 $ 7.1 % 29,571 8.4 % 3. Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization Expense (EBITDA) This measures the operating performance of the Business Processing segment and is used by management and equity investors to monitor operating performance and determine the value of those businesses. EBITDA for the Business Processing segment is calculated as: (Dollars in millions) Pre-tax income Plus: Depreciation and amortization expense(1) EBITDA Divided by: Total revenue EBITDA margin (2) There is no interest expense in this segment. Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 $ 50 $ 43 $ 7 57 $ 6 49 $ 38 6 44 304 $ 19 % 258 $ 19 % 267 17 % $ $ 43 Risk Management Our Approach Navient’s identification, understanding and effective management of the risks inherent in our business are critical to our continued success. We assign risk oversight, management and assessment responsibilities at various levels within our organization and continuously coordinate these activities. We maintain comprehensive risk management practices to identify, measure, monitor, evaluate, control and report on our significant risks and we routinely evaluate these practices to determine whether they are functioning properly and can be improved. Risk Management Philosophy Navient’s risk management philosophy is to ensure all significant risks inherent in our business are identified, measured, monitored, evaluated, controlled and reported. In furtherance of these goals, Navient • maintains a comprehensive and uniform risk management framework; • follows a “three lines of defense” structure based upon: (1) accountability and ownership at the business area level for risks inherent in their activities (first line of defense); (2) supporting areas, such as Human Resources, Legal, Compliance, Finance and Accounting, Information Technology and Information Security, monitor, guide and advise the business areas in their respective areas of expertise (second line of defense); and (3) Internal Audit independently reviews business and support areas to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and internal policies and procedures (third line of defense); • provides appropriate reporting to management and our board of directors and their respective committees; and • trains our employees on our risk management processes and philosophy. Risk Oversight, Roles and Responsibilities Responsibility for risk management is assigned at several different levels of our organization, including our board of directors and its committees. Each business area within our organization is primarily responsible for managing its specific risks. In addition, our second line of defense support areas are responsible for providing our business areas with the training, systems and specialized expertise necessary to properly perform their risk management responsibilities. Board of Directors. The Navient board of directors and its standing committees oversee our strategic direction, including setting our risk management philosophy, tolerance and parameters; and assessing the risks our businesses face as well as our risk management practices. It approves our annual business plan, periodically reviews our strategic approach and priorities and spends significant time considering our capital requirements and our dividend and share repurchase levels and activities. We escalate to our board of directors any significant departures from established tolerances and parameters and review new and emerging risks with them. Standing committees of our board of directors include Executive, Audit, Compensation and Personnel, Nominations and Governance, and Risk. Charters for each committee providing their specific responsibilities and areas of risk oversight are published on our website together with the names of the directors serving on these committees. Chief Executive Officer. Our Chief Executive Officer is responsible for establishing our risk management culture and ensuring business areas operate within risk parameters and in accordance with our annual business plan. Chief Risk and Compliance Officer. Our Chief Risk and Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring proper oversight, management and reporting to our board of directors and management regarding our risk management practices. Enterprise Risk and Compliance Committee. Our Enterprise Risk and Compliance Committee is an executive management-level committee where senior management reviews our significant risks, receives reports on adherence to established risk parameters, provides direction on mitigation of our risks and closure of issues and supervises our enterprise risk management program. This committee also oversees regulatory compliance risk management activities including compliance regulatory training, compliance regulatory change management, compliance risk assessment, transactional testing and monitoring, customer complaint monitoring, policies and procedures, privacy and information sharing practices, compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and our Code of Business Conduct. This committee also evaluates risks associated with new or modified business and makes recommendations regarding proposed business initiatives based on their inherent risks and controls. Credit and Loan Loss Committee. Our Credit and Loan Loss Committee is an executive management-level committee that oversees our credit and portfolio management monitoring and strategies, the sufficiency of our loan loss reserves, and current or emerging issues affecting delinquency and default trends which may result in adjustments in our allowances for loan losses. Disclosure Committee. Our Disclosure Committee reviews our periodic SEC reporting documents, earnings releases and related disclosure policies and procedures, and evaluates whether modified or additional disclosures are required. 44 Asset and Liability Committee. Our Asset and Liability Committee oversees our investment portfolio and strategy and our compliance with our investment policy. Other Management-Level Committees. We have other management-level committees that oversee various other Navient business activities including critical accounting assumptions, human resources management, and incentive compensation governance. Internal Audit Risk Assessment Navient’s Internal Audit function monitors Navient’s various risk management and compliance efforts, identifies areas that may require increased focus and resources, and reports its findings and recommendations to executive management and the Audit Committee of our board of directors. Internal Audit performs an annual risk assessment evaluating the risk of all significant components of our company and uses the results to develop an annual risk-based internal audit plan as well as a multi-year rotational audit schedule. Risk Appetite Framework Navient’s Risk Appetite Framework establishes the level of risk we are willing to accept within each risk category in pursuit of our business strategy. The Risk Committee of our board of directors reviews our Risk Appetite Framework annually, helping to ensure consistency in our business decisions, monitoring and reporting. Our management-level Enterprise Risk and Compliance Committee monitors approved risk limits and thresholds to ensure our businesses are operating within approved risk limits. Through ongoing monitoring of risk exposures, management identifies potential risks and develops appropriate responses and mitigation strategies. Risk Categories Our Risk Appetite Framework segments Navient’s risks across nine domains: (1) credit; (2) market; (3) funding and liquidity; (4) operational; (5) compliance; (6) legal; (7) governance; (8) reputational/political; and (9) strategic. Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk to earnings or capital resulting from an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any contract with us or otherwise fail to perform as agreed. Navient has credit or counterparty risk exposure with borrowers and cosigners of our Private Education Loans and Private Education Refinance Loans, counterparties with whom we have entered derivative or other similar contracts and entities with whom we make investments. Credit and counterparty risks are overseen by our Chief Risk and Compliance Officer and our management-level Credit and Loan Loss Committee. The credit risk related to our Private Education Loans and Private Education Refinance Loans is managed within a credit risk infrastructure which includes: (i) a well-defined underwriting, asset quality and collection policy framework; (ii) an ongoing monitoring and review process of portfolio concentration and trends; (iii) assignment and management of credit and loss forecasting authorities and responsibilities; and (iv) establishment of an allowance for loan losses. Credit risk related to derivative contracts is managed by reviewing counterparties for credit strength on an ongoing basis and through our credit policies, which place limits on our exposure with any single counterparty and, in most cases, require collateral to secure the position. Our Chief Risk and Compliance Officer reports regularly to our board of directors and both the Risk and Audit Committees of the board on credit risk management. Market Risk. Market risk is the risk to earnings or capital resulting from changes in market conditions, such as interest rates, index mismatches, credit spreads, commodity prices or volatilities. Navient is exposed to various types of market risk, including mismatches between the maturity/duration of assets and liabilities, interest rate risk and other risks that arise through the management of our investment, debt and education loan portfolios. Market risk exposure is overseen by our Chief Financial Officer and our management-level Asset and Liability Committee, which are responsible for managing market risks associated with our assets and liabilities and recommending limits to be included in our risk appetite and investment structure. These activities are closely tied to those related to the management of our funding and liquidity risks. The Risk Committee of our board of directors periodically reviews and approves the investment, asset and liability management policies, establishes and monitors various tolerances or other risk measurements, as well as contingency funding plans developed and administered by our Asset and Liability Committee. The Risk Committee and our Chief Financial Officer report to the full board of directors on matters of market risk management. Funding and Liquidity Risk. Funding and liquidity risk is the risk to earnings, capital or the conduct of our business arising from the inability to meet our obligations when they become due without incurring unacceptable losses, such as the ability to fund liability maturities or invest in future asset growth and business operations at reasonable market rates. Our primary liquidity risks are any mismatch between the maturity of our assets and liabilities and the servicing of our indebtedness. Navient’s Chief Financial Officer oversees our funding and liquidity management activities and is responsible for planning and executing our funding activities and strategies, analyzing and monitoring our liquidity risk, maintaining excess liquidity and accessing diverse funding sources depending on current market conditions. Funding and liquidity risks are overseen and recommendations approved primarily through our management-level Asset and Liability Committee. The Risk Committee of our board of directors periodically reviews and approves our funding and liquidity positions and the contingency funding plan developed and administered by our Asset and 45 Liability Committee. The Risk Committee also receives regular reports on our performance against funding and liquidity plans at each of its meetings. Operational Risk. Operational risk is the risk to earnings or the conduct of our business resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people or systems or from external events. Operational risk is pervasive, existing in all business areas, functional units, legal entities and geographic locations, and it includes information technology risk, cybersecurity risk, physical security risk on tangible assets, third-party vendor risk, legal risk, compliance risk and reputational risk. Operational risk exposures are managed by business area management and our second and third lines of defense, with oversight by our management-level committees. The Risk Committee of our board of directors receives operations reports at each regularly scheduled meeting. The Risk Committee also receives business development updates regarding our various business initiatives, receives periodic information security and cybersecurity updates and reviews operational and systems-related matters to ensure their implementation produces no significant internal control issues. Compliance, Legal and Governance Risk. Compliance, legal and governance risks are subsets of operational risk but are recognized as a separate and complementary risk category given their importance in our business. Compliance risk is the risk to earnings, capital or reputation arising from violations of, or non-conformance with, laws, rules, regulations, prescribed practices, internal policies and procedures, or ethical standards. Legal risk is the risk to earnings, capital or reputation manifested by claims made through the legal system and may arise from a product or service, a transaction, a business relationship, property (real, personal or intellectual), conduct of an employee or change in law or regulation. Governance risk is the risk of not establishing and maintaining a control environment that aligns with stakeholder and regulatory expectations, including tone at the top and board performance. These risks are inherent in all of our businesses. The Audit Committee of our board of directors oversees our monitoring and control of legal and compliance risks. The Audit Committee annually reviews our Compliance Plan and significant breaches of our Code of Business Conduct and receives regular reports from executive management responsible for the regulatory and compliance risk management functions. The board of directors and the Audit Committee receive reports on significant litigation and regulatory matters at each regularly scheduled meeting. Reputational/Political Risk. Reputational risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from damage to our reputation in the view of, or loss of the trust of, customers and the general public. Political risk is the closely related risk to earnings or capital arising from damage to our relationships with governmental entities, regulators and political leaders and candidates. These risks can arise due to both our own acts and omissions (both real and perceived), and the acts and omissions of other industry participants or other third parties, and they are inherent in all of our businesses. Reputational risk and political risk are managed through a combination of business area management and our second and third lines of defense. The Nominations and Governance Committee of our board of directors oversees our reputational and political risk and regularly receives reports on these matters. Strategic Risk. Strategic risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from our potential inability to successfully carry out our strategy. This risk can arise due to both our own acts or omissions, and the acts or omissions of other industry participants or other third parties, and it is inherent in all of our businesses. Strategic risk is managed through a combination of business area management and our second and third lines of defense. 46 Supervision and Regulation Regulatory Oversight We operate in a highly regulated industry. Many aspects of our businesses are subject to extensive federal and state regulation and administrative oversight. The following is a summary of the various statutes and regulations applicable to us and our subsidiaries. This summary is not a comprehensive analysis of all applicable laws and is qualified by reference to the full text of the statutes and regulations referenced below. The Dodd-Frank Act was adopted to reform and strengthen regulation and supervision of the U.S. financial services industry. It contains comprehensive provisions that govern the practices and oversight of financial institutions and other participants in the financial markets. It imposes additional regulations, requirements and oversight on almost every aspect of the U.S. financial services industry, including increased capital and liquidity requirements, limits on leverage and enhanced supervisory authority. Some of these provisions apply to Navient and its various businesses and securitization vehicles. The Consumer Financial Protection Act established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which has authority to write regulations under federal consumer financial protection laws and to directly or indirectly enforce those laws and examine financial institutions for compliance. The CFPB is authorized to impose fines and provide consumer restitution in the event of violations, engage in consumer financial education, track consumer complaints, request data and promote the availability of financial services to underserved consumers and communities. It also has authority to prevent unfair, deceptive or abusive practices. Since its creation, the CFPB has been active in its supervision, examination and enforcement of financial services companies. In January 2017, the CFPB filed a lawsuit against Navient alleging several unfair, deceptive or abusive practices, and other violations of consumer protection statutes. Additional information on the CFPB lawsuit is included in “Note 12 – Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees” in this Form 10-K. The Dodd-Frank Act also authorizes state officials to enforce regulations issued by the CFPB and to enforce the Dodd-Frank Act’s general prohibition against unfair, deceptive and abusive practices. The Attorneys General of the State of Illinois, the State of Washington, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State of California, the State of Mississippi and the State of New Jersey have also filed lawsuits against Navient and some of its subsidiaries containing similar alleged violations of consumer protection laws as those alleged in the CFPB lawsuit as well as several additional areas. We refer to the Illinois, Washington, Pennsylvania, California, Mississippi and New Jersey Attorneys General collectively as the “State Attorneys General.” Additional information on the State Attorneys General lawsuits is included in “Note 12 – Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees” in this Form 10-K. Higher Education Act. The HEA is the primary law that authorizes federal student aid programs for higher education. Navient is subject to the HEA and its education loan operations are periodically reviewed by ED and Guarantors. As a servicer of federal education loans, Navient is subject to ED regulations regarding financial responsibility and administrative capability that govern all third-party servicers of insured education loans. In connection with its servicing operations on behalf of Guarantor clients, Navient must comply with ED regulations that govern Guarantor activities as well as agreements for reimbursement between ED and our Guarantor clients. While the HEA is required to be reviewed and "reauthorized" by Congress every five years, Congress has not reauthorized the HEA since 2008, choosing to temporarily extend the Act each year since 2013. In December 2017, the Education Committee of the House of Representative approved The Higher Education Act Reauthorization Bill (H.R. 4508 Prosper Act). The Prosper Act contained various proposed amendments to the HEA that sought to revise the governance of federal financial aid provided to students pursuing a postsecondary education. In September 2019, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee proposed a narrow reauthorization of the HEA entitled the “Student Aid Improvement Act of 2019”. Neither of these attempts to reauthorize the HEA have been successful. We cannot predict whether or when legislation will be passed or how it would impact us. Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council. As a third-party service provider to financial institutions, Navient is also subject to periodic examination by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). FFIEC is a formal interagency body of the U.S. government empowered to prescribe uniform principles, standards, and report forms for the federal examination of financial institutions by the Federal Reserve Banks (FRB), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the National Credit Union Administration, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the CFPB and to make recommendations to promote uniformity in the supervision of financial institutions. 47 Consumer Protection and Privacy. Navient’s Education Loan segment is subject to federal and state consumer protection, privacy and related laws and regulations and is subject to examination by the CFPB. Some of the more significant federal laws and regulations include: • various laws governing unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices; • the Truth-In-Lending Act and Regulation Z, which governs disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers; • the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Regulation V, which governs the use and provision of information to consumer reporting agencies; • the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit; • the SCRA, which applies to all debts incurred prior to commencement of active military service (including education loans) and limits the amount of interest, including certain fees or charges that are related to the obligation or liability; and • the TCPA, which governs communication methods that may be used to contact customers. In addition to our Education Loan segment, Navient’s Business Processing Services segment is subject to federal and state consumer protection, privacy and related laws and regulations. Some of the more significant federal statutes are the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and additional provisions of the acts listed above, as well as the HEA and the various laws and regulations that pertain to government contractors. These activities are also subject to state laws and regulations similar to the federal laws and regulations listed above. Regulatory Outlook In 2021, we expect our regulatory environment will continue to be challenging. A new presidential administration with the benefit of a unified majority in Congress will be much more likely to pass legislation and sponsor regulatory initiatives that will have an impact on our businesses. Additionally, as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to abate, we anticipate that regulators will be more focused on conducting regulatory audits and initiating enforcement actions. We anticipate a number of prominent themes will emerge: • The number and configuration of regulators, particularly the CFPB, State Attorneys General and various state legislators, is likely to change which may add to the complexity, cost and unpredictability of timing for resolution of particular regulatory issues. • The regulatory, compliance and risk control structures of financial institutions subject to enforcement actions by state and federal regulators are frequently cited, regardless of whether past practices have been changed, and enforcement orders have often included detailed demands for increased compliance, audit and board supervision, as well as the use of third-party consultants or monitors to recommend further changes or monitor remediation efforts. • Issues first identified with respect to one consumer product class or distribution channel are sometimes applied to other product classes or channels. We expect that the regulators overseeing our businesses will continue to be active and that consumer protection regulations, standards, supervision, examination and enforcement practices will continue to evolve in both detail and scope. This evolution has added and may continue to significantly add to Navient’s compliance, servicing and operating costs. We have invested in compliance through multiple steps including realignment of Navient’s compliance management system to a servicing, collections and business services business model; dedicated compliance resources for certain topics (such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA); the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA); unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts and practices (UDAAP); and third-party vendor management) to focus on consumer expectations; formation of business support operations to enhance risk, control and compliance functions in each business area; additional regulatory training for front-line employees to ensure obligations are understood and followed during interactions with customers, as well as additional regulatory training for our board of directors to enhance their ability to oversee the Company’s risk framework and compliance as it and the regulatory environment changes; and expanded oversight and analysis of complaint trends to identify and remediate, if necessary, areas of potential consumer harm. Despite these increased activities, our current operations and compliance processes may not satisfy evolving regulatory standards. Past practices or products may continue to be the focus of examinations, inquiries or lawsuits. As described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations —Risk Management,” Navient has implemented a coordinated, formal enterprise risk management system aimed at reducing business and regulatory risks. 48 Listed below are some of the most significant recent and pending regulatory changes that have the potential to affect Navient. Education Loan Servicing and Consumer Lending. The CFPB has been active in the education loan industry and undertook a number of initiatives in recent years relative to the private education loan market and education loan servicing. In addition, several states have enacted various state servicing and licensing requirements. We anticipate that these state activities will continue. It is possible that more states will propose or pass similar or different requirements on either holders of education loans or their servicers. Depending on the nature of these laws or rules, they may impose additional or different requirements than Navient faces at the federal level. Debt Collection Supervision. The CFPB also maintains supervisory authority over larger consumer debt collectors. The CFPB recently updated its regulatory agenda making the likelihood and timing of any new debt collection regulation uncertain. The issuance of the CFPB’s rules does not preempt the various and varied levels of state consumer and collection regulations to which the activities of Navient’s subsidiaries are currently subject. Navient also utilizes third-party debt collectors to collect defaulted and charged-off education loans and will continue to be responsible for oversight of their procedures and controls. Oversight of Derivatives. The Dodd-Frank Act created a comprehensive new regulatory framework for derivatives transactions, to be implemented by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), other prudential regulators and the SEC. This framework, among other things, subjects certain swap participants to new capital and margin requirements, recordkeeping and business conduct standards and imposes registration and regulation of swap dealers and major swap participants. The scope of potential exemptions continues to be defined through agency rulemakings. Even where Navient or a securitization trust sponsored by Navient qualifies for an exemption, many of its derivatives counterparties are subject to capital, margin and business conduct requirements and therefore Navient’s business may be impacted. Where Navient or the securitization trusts it sponsors do not qualify for an exemption, Navient or an existing or future securitization trust sponsored by Navient may be unable to enter into new swaps to hedge interest rate or currency risk or the costs associated with such swaps may increase. With respect to existing securitization trusts, an inability to amend, novate or otherwise materially modify existing swap contracts could result in a downgrade of its outstanding asset-backed securities. As a result, Navient’s business, ability to access the capital markets for financing and costs may be impacted by these regulations. Legal Proceedings For a discussion of legal matters as of December 31, 2020, please refer to “Note 12 – Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees” to our consolidated financial statements included in this report, which is incorporated into this item by reference. 49 RISK FACTORS We employ an enterprise risk management philosophy and framework which seeks to identify the material risks impacting our business and provides a process for evaluating and quantifying such risks. Our Enterprise Risk and Compliance Committee monitors approved risk limits and thresholds to ensure our businesses are operating within approved risk parameters. Our Risk Appetite Framework segments our risk across nine risk domains: (1) credit; (2) market; (3) funding and liquidity; (4) operational; (5) compliance; (6) legal; (7) governance; (8) reputational/political; and (9) strategic. The risk factors enumerated in this section are presented in a manner that is consistent with this overall risk framework. Based on current conditions, we believe that the following list identifies the material risk factors that could affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. These risks and risk domains are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may adversely affect our business, financial conditions or results of operations in future periods. Material risks that could apply generally to any company are listed below under the caption “General Risk Factors.” In addition, our reaction to future developments as well as our competitors’ and regulators’ reactions to these developments may affect our future results. COVID-19 RISK. The impact of COVID-19 and related risks may materially affect our results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity and such impacts could continue for an unknown length of time. Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, the global pandemic related to COVID-19 began to impact the global economy and our results of operations. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many state, local, and foreign governments have put in place, and others in the future may put in place, quarantines, executive orders, shelter-in-place orders, and similar government orders and restrictions in order to control the spread of the disease. In the general economy, these orders or restrictions, or the perception that these orders or restrictions could occur, have resulted in business closures, work stoppages, slowdowns and delays, work-from-home policies, travel restrictions, and cancellation or postponement of events as well as a general decline in economic activity and consumer confidence and increases in job losses and unemployment. As a result, our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity could be materially affected, as described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—The Year in Review—Navient’s Response to COVID-19.” With respect to our operations, we have drastically modified the manner in which we conduct our business by expanding our work-from-home capabilities and moving 90% of our team to a work-from-home status. While most of our operations can be performed remotely and are operating effectively at the present, there is no guarantee that this will continue or that we will continue to be as effective while working remotely. In addition, as result of the general decline in economic conditions and the increase in unemployment rates, we have experienced significant increases in the number of requests for forbearance and other loan modifications in our education loan portfolios. A continued or worsening deterioration in the economy could further adversely affect the credit quality of our borrowers, resulting in an increased occurrence of defaults and/or requiring more frequent use of loan modification tools. Further, because of the size and breadth of this pandemic, all the direct and indirect consequences of COVID-19 are not yet known and may not emerge for some time. If the COVID-19 pandemic is prolonged, it could deepen the impacts on our results or operations, financial condition and liquidity, and may also heighten many of the other risks described in this Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K. CREDIT RISK. Economic conditions and the creditworthiness of third parties could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and stock price. Our success is largely dependent upon the creditworthiness of our customers, especially with respect to our education loans. Our research consistently indicates that borrower unemployment rates and the failure of in-school borrowers to graduate or otherwise complete their education are two of the most significant economic factors that affect loan performance. Any material changes in graduation or completion rates could increase or decrease delinquencies and defaults. Additionally, modifications to the original repayment terms in the form of loan forbearance, deferment, grace periods and the use of payment modification programs, including income-based repayment programs, can individually and cumulatively impact the performance of our loan portfolios. Modifications to private loans may lower the potential return on investment and may have the related effect of delaying defaults which would otherwise have become apparent in the performance of our portfolios. As a result of world-wide, U.S. federal and state responses to COVID-19 as well as the overall economic conditions, the unemployment rate has increased significantly and may show additional increases of uncertain magnitude as the prolonged impact of the pandemic takes effect. Consequently, we have experienced significant increases in the number of requests for forbearance and other loan modifications in our education loan portfolios. General economic and employment conditions, including employment rates for recent college graduates, can have a significant impact on loan delinquency and default rates. An extended or worsening deterioration in the economy 50 could further adversely affect the credit quality of our borrowers, resulting in an increased occurrence of defaults and/or requiring more frequent use of loan modification tools. As a result of COVID-19 we have experienced lower delinquency rates in both our FFELP and Private Education loan portfolios primarily due to increases in forbearance rates. While we cannot predict the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, its impact on employment and the speed with which the economy recovers, we are paying close attention to the needs of our customers in an effort to assess the path and timing of any potential recovery. If actual loan performance is worse than our estimates, it could materially affect our allowance for loan losses and the related provision for loan losses adversely affecting our results of operation. Future defaults could be higher than anticipated due to a variety of these factors that are outside of our control. Higher credit-related losses and weaker credit quality could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and limit our funding options, including our access to the capital markets. Defaults on education loans held by us, particularly Private Education Loans, could adversely affect our earnings. FFELP Loans are insured or guaranteed by state or not-for-profit agencies and are also protected by contractual rights to recovery from the United States pursuant to guaranty agreements among ED and these agencies. These guarantees generally cover at least 97% of a FFELP Loan’s principal and accrued interest upon default and, in limited circumstances, 100% of the loan’s principal and accrued interest. We are exposed to credit risk on the non- guaranteed portion of the FFELP Loans in our portfolio. In addition, under certain circumstances, if we fail to service FFELP Loans in compliance with HEA we may jeopardize the insurance, guarantees and federal support we receive on these loans. A small percentage of our FFELP Loan portfolio has become permanently uninsured as a result of these regulations and we anticipate this will continue to a limited extent in the future. Under such circumstances, we bear the full credit exposure on such previously insured loans. We bear the full credit exposure on the loans in our Private Education Loan portfolio. We believe that delinquencies are an important indicator of the potential future credit performance for Private Education Loans. Our delinquencies as a percentage of Private Education Loans in repayment were 2.6% at December 31, 2020. For a complete discussion of our loan delinquencies, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations— Financial Condition – Private Education Loan Portfolio Performance.” Future defaults could be higher than anticipated due to a variety of factors, such as downturns in the economy, public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, regulatory changes and other unforeseen future trends. According to Company-sponsored independent research, young adults who stopped attending college before earning a degree or certificate are among those most likely to have trouble making payments. Losses on Private Education Loans are also impacted by various risk characteristics that may be specific to individual loans. Loan status (in-school, grace, forbearance, repayment and delinquency), loan seasoning (number of months in which a payment has been made by a customer), underwriting criteria (e.g., credit scores), existence of a cosigner, school type and whether a loan is a TDR are all factors that can impact the likelihood of default. Additionally, general economic and employment conditions, including employment rates for recent college graduates, can have a significant impact on loan delinquency and default rates. If actual loan performance is worse than currently estimated, it could materially affect our estimate of the allowance for loan losses and the related provision for loan losses and as a result adversely affect our results of operations. The Company recently adopted an accounting standard update that resulted in a significant change in how we recognize credit losses. In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments — Credit Losses,” which replaced the current “incurred loss” model for recognizing credit losses with an “expected loss” model referred to as the CECL model. The new CECL standard became effective for us on January 1, 2020. Under the CECL model, we are required to measure and recognize an allowance for loan losses that estimates remaining expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date. This resulted in us presenting certain financial assets carried at amortized cost, such as our loans held for investment, at the net amount expected to be collected. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. This measurement takes place at the time the financial asset is first added to the balance sheet and quarterly thereafter. This differs significantly from the “incurred loss” model that was required under prior GAAP, which delayed recognition of losses until it was probable a loss had been incurred. Accordingly, the adoption of the CECL model materially changed the way we determine our allowance for loan losses and required us to significantly increase our allowance and reduce shareholders’ equity on the January 1, 2020 implementation date. As a result of the adoption of CECL in the first quarter of 2020, we increased our loan loss reserves which resulted in a reduction of our shareholder equity by $620 million. In the future, the CECL model may create more volatility in the level of our allowance for loan losses. If we are required to materially increase our level of allowance for loan losses, such increase could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the evaluation of our expected credit losses is inherently subjective and requires estimates that may be subject to significant changes. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 51 Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Allowance for Loan Losses” and “Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies” for further discussion of the CECL standard and its impact as of the January 1, 2020 adoption date. Our Consumer Lending segment exposes us to credit underwriting risks based upon the credit model we use to forecast loss rates. If we are unable to effectively forecast loss rates, it could materially adversely affect our operating results. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we acquired Earnest, a leading financial technology and education finance company. Earnest is now one of the leading providers of education refinance loans. In 2019, Earnest entered the “in-school” lending market. We underwrite new Private Education Loans within our Consumer Lending segment based upon our analysis of extensive credit criteria. Criteria reviewed in underwriting consumer loans may include any or all of the following: (i) employment or offer of employment, income and assets, which are generally verified through connected accounts; (ii) career experience, stability of employment, and specialization; (iii) qualifying credit history, taking into account credit score; (iv) debt to income ratio; (v) demonstrated ability to pay through free cash flow calculations; (vi) attendance at or graduation from an eligible post-secondary school; and (vii) savings. We define free cash flow generally as after-tax monthly income of a borrower minus the sum of rent or mortgage payments, student loan payments and any other fixed expenses of such borrower. We do not rely on any single factor in making our underwriting decisions. Each of the above factors is reviewed and weighted depending on the individual borrower’s or co-borrower’s circumstances at the time the underwriting decision is made. If our underwriting process does not effectively forecast our losses, our operating results, cash flow or financial condition may be materially adversely affected. MARKET, FUNDING & LIQUIDITY RISK. Our business is affected by the cost and availability of funding in the capital markets. The capital markets may from time to time experience periods of significant volatility, such as the volatility we have experienced, and may experience again, as a result of COVID-19 and its impacts on the economy. This volatility can dramatically and adversely affect financing costs when compared to historical norms or make funding unavailable at any costs. We cannot provide any assurance that the cost and availability of funding in the capital markets will not continue to be impacted by the pandemic. In addition to COVID-19, other factors that could make financing more expensive or unavailable to us include, but are not limited to, financial losses, events that have an adverse impact on our reputation, changes in the activities of our business partners, events that have an adverse impact on the financial services industry generally, counterparty availability, negative credit rating actions with respect to us, asset-backed securities sponsored by us or the U.S. federal government, changes affecting our assets, the ability of existing or future Navient-sponsored securitization trusts to hedge interest rate and currency risk, corporate and regulatory actions, absolute and comparative interest rate changes, general economic conditions and the legal, regulatory and tax environments governing funding transactions, including existing or future securitization and derivatives transactions. If financing is difficult, expensive or unavailable, our results of operations, cash flow or financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. The transition away from the LIBOR reference rate to an alternative reference rate may create uncertainty in the capital markets and may negatively impact the value of existing LIBOR based financial instruments. The London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, has historically served as a global benchmark for determining interest rates on commercial and consumer loans, bonds, derivatives and numerous other financial instruments. LIBOR is the reference rate for most of our student loans, consumer loans, bonds, asset-backed securities (ABS), other financing facilities, and derivatives (financial instruments). On July 27, 2017, the Chief Executive Officer of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced that by the end of 2021, LIBOR would no longer be sustained through the FCA’s efforts to compel banks’ participation in setting the benchmark. As a result, we are unable to predict if LIBOR reference rates will stop being available or when that may occur. We are also unable to predict whether or when an alternative reference rate will become a standard global benchmark and suitable replacement for LIBOR. We are therefore unable to predict what the replacement reference rate or rates will be for our existing financial instruments that are currently indexed to LIBOR, the extent to which our financial instruments will transition to the same replacement reference rate, or the timing of a transition. As of December 31, 2020, we have approximately $200 billion notional of financial instruments indexed to LIBOR. Most of these financial instruments do not include provisions clearly specifying a method for transitioning from LIBOR to an alternative benchmark rate, and it is not yet known how courts or regulators will view the transition away from LIBOR to an alternative benchmark rate. As a result, it is difficult to predict the impact that a cessation of LIBOR would have on the value and performance of our existing financial instruments. These uncertainties regarding the possible cessation of LIBOR or their resolution could have a material adverse impact on our funding costs, net interest margin, loan and other asset values, asset-liability management strategies, and other aspects of our business and financial results. 52 Higher or lower than expected prepayments of loans could change the expected net interest income we receive as the holder of the Residual Interests of securitization trusts holding education loans or cause the bonds issued by a securitization trust to be paid at a different speed than originally anticipated. These factors could materially alter our net interest margin or the value of our Residual Interests. The rate at which borrowers prepay their loans can have a material impact on our net interest margin and the value of our Residual Interests. Prepayment rates and levels are subject to a variety of economic, competitive and other factors, including changes in interest rates, availability of alternative financings, legislative and regulatory changes affecting the education loan market and the general economy. FFELP Loans and Private Education Loans may be voluntarily prepaid without penalty by the borrower, refinanced or consolidated with the borrower’s other loans through refinancing. FFELP Loans may also be repaid after default by the Guarantors of FFELP Loans. Conversely, borrowers might not choose to prepay their education loans, or the terms of the education loans may be extended as a result of grace periods, deferment periods, income-driven repayment plans or other repayment terms or monthly payment amount modifications agreed to by the servicer, for example. FFELP Loan borrowers may be eligible for various existing income-based repayment programs under which borrowers can qualify for reduced or zero monthly payment or even debt forgiveness after a certain number of years of repayment. Future initiatives by ED, or by Congress or future laws, executive orders or other policy statements to encourage or force consolidation, abolish existing or create additional income-based repayment or debt forgiveness programs or establish other policies and programs including but not limited to those proposed by several presidential campaigns could affect prepayments on education loans. We cannot predict if or when or in what form any of these future actions may occur. Prepayment rates can also be impacted by student loan refinancing. Refinance products offered by us and our competitors may increase the repayment rate on our FFELP Loans and Private Education Loans. While we anticipate some variability in prepayment levels, extraordinary or extended increases or decreases in prepayment rates could materially affect our liquidity, interest income, net interest margin and the value of our Residual Interests. Additionally, a prolonged introduction of significant amounts of subsidized funding into the Private Education Loan market at below market interest rates — whether from federal or private sources —could increase the prepayment rates of our existing Private Education Loans and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash flows. When, as a result of unanticipated prepayment levels, education loans within a securitization trust amortize faster than originally contracted, the trust’s pool balance may decline at a rate faster than the prepayment rate assumed when the trust’s bonds were originally issued. If the trust’s pool balance declines faster than originally anticipated, in most of our securitization structures, the bonds issued by that trust will also be repaid faster than originally anticipated. In such cases, our net interest income may decrease and the value of any retained Residual Interest in the trust may similarly decline. Conversely, when education loans within a securitization trust amortize more slowly than originally contracted, the trust’s pool balance may decline more slowly than the prepayment rate assumed when the trust’s bonds were originally issued, and the bonds may be repaid more slowly than originally anticipated. In these cases, our net interest income increases and the value of any retained Residual Interest in the trust may increase. In addition, if the prepayment rate is especially slow and certain rights of the sellers or the servicer are not exercised or are insufficient or other action is not taken to counter the slower prepayment rate, the trust’s bonds may not be repaid by their legal final maturity date(s), which could result in an event of default under the underlying securitization agreements. Finally, rating agencies may place bonds on watch or change their ratings on (or their ratings methodology for) the bonds issued by a securitization trust, possibly raising or lowering their ratings, based upon these prepayment rates and their perception of the risk posed by those rates to the timing of the trust cash flows. Placing bonds on watch, changing ratings negatively, proposing or making changes to ratings methodology could: (i) affect our liquidity; (ii) impede our access to the securitization markets; (iii) require changes to our securitization structures; (iv) impact our net interest margins; and/or (v) raise or lower the value of our Residual Interests of our future securitization transactions. Our unhedged Floor Income is dependent on the future interest rate environment and therefore is variable, which may adversely affect our earnings. FFELP Loans disbursed before April 1, 2006 generally earn interest at the higher of either the borrower rate, which is fixed over a period of time, or a floating rate based on a Special Allowance Payment or SAP formula set by ED. As we have generally financed our FFELP Loans with floating rate debt whose interest is matched closely to the floating nature of the applicable SAP formula. Historically, these loans have been indexed to either the Treasury bill, commercial paper or one-month LIBOR rates. If a decline in interest rates causes the borrower rate to exceed the SAP formula rate, we will continue to earn interest on the loan at the fixed borrower rate while the floating rate interest on our debt will continue to decline. The additional spread earned between the fixed borrower rate and the SAP formula rate is referred to as “Floor Income.” The replacement of LIBOR as a benchmark rate may have a further detrimental impact on our LIBOR-indexed debt if rates suddenly rise as new market borrowing activity transfers to other benchmark rates. Depending on the type of FFELP Loan and when it was originated, the borrower rate is either fixed to term or is reset to a market rate on July 1 of each year. For loans where the borrower rate is 53 fixed to term, we may earn Floor Income for an extended period of time; for those loans where the borrower interest rate is reset annually on July 1, we may earn Floor Income to the next reset date. In accordance with legislation enacted in 2006, holders of FFELP Loans are required to rebate Floor Income to ED for all FFELP Loans disbursed on or after April 1, 2006. Floor Income can be volatile as market rates and the rates on the underlying education loans move up and down. Subject to prevailing market conditions, we generally hedge this risk by using derivatives in an effort to lock in a portion of our Floor Income over the term of the contract. A rise in interest rates will reduce the amount of Floor Income received on the FFELP Loans not presently hedged with derivatives, which will compress our net interest margins. Additionally, net interest margins can be negatively impacted by unusual variances between one-month and three-month LIBOR. Our credit ratings are important to our liquidity. A reduction in our credit ratings could adversely affect our liquidity, increase our borrowing costs or limit our access to the capital markets. As of December 31, 2020, Moody’s, S&P and Fitch rated our long-term unsecured debt below investment grade. In addition, the capital markets for sub-investment grade companies are not as liquid as those involving investment grade entities. These factors have resulted in a higher cost of funds for us and have caused our senior unsecured debt to trade with greater volatility. Our unsecured debt totaled $8.4 billion at December 31, 2020. We utilize the unsecured debt markets to help fund our business and refinance outstanding debt. The amount, type and cost of this funding directly affects the cost of operating our business and growing our assets and is dependent upon outside factors, including our credit rating from rating agencies. There can be no assurance that our credit ratings will not be reduced further. A reduction in the credit ratings of our senior unsecured debt could adversely affect our liquidity, increase our borrowing costs, limit our access to the capital markets and place incremental pressure on net interest income. Adverse market conditions or an inability to effectively manage our liquidity risk could negatively impact our ability to meet our liquidity and funding needs, which could materially and adversely impact our results of operations, cash flow or financial condition. We must effectively manage our liquidity risk. We require liquidity to meet cash requirements such as day-to-day operating expenses, origination of loans, required payments of principal and interest on borrowings, and distributions to shareholders. We expect to fund our ongoing liquidity needs, including the repayment of $0.7 billion of senior unsecured notes that mature in the short term (i.e., over the next 12 months) and the remaining $7.7 billion of senior unsecured notes that mature in the long term, primarily through our current cash, investments and unencumbered FFELP Loan and Private Education Refinance Loan portfolios, the predictable operating cash flows provided by operating activities, the repayment of principal on unencumbered education loan assets, and the distribution of overcollateralization from our securitization trusts. We may also, depending on market conditions and availability, draw down on our secured FFELP Loan and Private Education Loan facilities, issue term ABS, enter into additional Private Education Loan ABS repurchase facilities, or issue additional unsecured debt. We may maintain too much liquidity, which can be costly, or may be too illiquid, which could result in financial distress during times of financial stress or capital market disruptions. The interest rate characteristics of our earning assets do not always match the interest rate characteristics of our funding arrangements, which may have a negative impact on our net interest income and net income. Net interest income is the primary source of cash flow generated by our portfolios of FFELP Loans and Private Education Loans. At the present, interest earned on FFELP Loans and variable rate Private Education Loans is primarily indexed to one-month LIBOR or Prime Rate, respectively, while certain of our debt is indexed to rates other than one-month LIBOR and Prime Rate, or if indexed to one-month LIBOR, it has a different repricing frequency. The different interest rate characteristics of our loan portfolios and the liabilities funding these loan portfolios result in basis risk and repricing risk. It is not economically feasible to hedge all of our exposure to such risks. While the asset and hedge indices are short-term with rate movements that are typically highly correlated, there can be no assurance that the historically high correlation will not be disrupted by capital market dislocations or other factors not within our control. There have been situations in the past in which we experienced widening spreads between one-month and three-month LIBOR and the cost of hedging this variance was prohibitive. We cannot provide any assurance that such a situation will not reoccur and if it did reoccur, it would potentially reduce our net interest margins and net income. In these circumstances, our earnings could be materially adversely affected. Our use of derivatives to manage interest rate and foreign currency sensitivity exposes us to credit and market risk that could have a material adverse effect on our earnings and liquidity. We strive to maintain an overall strategy that uses derivatives to minimize the economic effect of interest rate and/or foreign currency changes. However, developing an effective strategy for dealing with these movements is complex, and no strategy can completely avoid the risks associated with these fluctuations. For example, our education loan portfolio is subject to prepayment risk that could result in being under- or over-hedged, which could result in material 54 losses. As a result, there can be no assurance that hedging activities using derivatives will effectively manage our interest rate or foreign currency sensitivity, have the desired beneficial impact on our results of operations or financial condition or not adversely impact our liquidity. Our use of derivatives also exposes us to market risk and credit risk. Market risk is the chance of financial loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and market liquidity. Our Floor Income Contracts and basis swaps we use to manage earnings variability caused by different reset characteristics on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Therefore, the change in fair value, called the “mark-to-market,” of these derivative instruments is included in our statement of income without a corresponding mark-to-market of the economically hedged item. A decline in the fair value of these derivatives could have a material adverse effect on our reported earnings. In addition, a change in the mark-to-market value of these instruments may cause us to have to post more collateral to our counterparty or to a clearing house. If these values change significantly, the increased collateral posting requirement could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity. Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not perform its obligations under a contract. Credit risk is limited to the loss of the fair value gain in a derivative that the counterparty or clearinghouse owes or will owe in the future to us. If a counterparty or clearinghouse fails to perform its obligations, we could, depending on the type of counterparty arrangement, experience a loss of liquidity or an economic loss. In addition, we might not be able to cost effectively replace the derivative position depending on the type of derivative and the current economic environment. Our securitization trusts, which we consolidate on our balance sheet, had $3.6 billion of Euro and British Pound Sterling denominated bonds outstanding as of December 31, 2020. To convert these non-U.S. dollar denominated bonds into U.S. dollar liabilities, the trusts have entered into foreign-currency swaps with highly rated counterparties. A failure by a swap counterparty to perform its obligations could, if the swap has a positive fair value to us and was not adequately collateralized, materially and adversely affect our earnings. OPERATIONAL RISKS. If we do not effectively and continually align our cost structure with our business operations, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. We continually need to align our cost structure with our business operations. The ability to properly size our cost structure is dependent upon a number of variables, including our ability to successfully execute on our business plans and growth initiatives and future legislative or regulatory changes. If we undertake cost reductions based on our business plan, those reductions could be too dramatic and could cause disruptions in our business, reductions in the quality of the services we provide or cause us to fail to comply with applicable regulatory standards. Alternatively, we may fail to implement, or be unable to achieve, necessary cost savings commensurate with our business and prospects. In either case, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. A failure of our operating systems or infrastructure could disrupt our business, cause significant losses, result in regulatory action or damage our reputation. A failure of our operating systems or infrastructure could disrupt our business. Our business is dependent on the ability to process and monitor large numbers of daily transactions in compliance with contractual, legal and regulatory standards and our own product specifications, both currently and in the future. In 2018, we entered into a strategic agreement with First Data, now part of Fiserv, to become the primary provider of technology solutions for servicing our FFELP loans in addition to the technology role they already played with respect to Private Education Loans. We, however, still maintain the technology solutions for our other lines of business as well as our customer interactive infrastructure. As our processing demands and loan portfolios change, both in volume and in terms and conditions, our ability to develop and maintain our operating systems and infrastructure may become increasingly challenging. There is no assurance that we have adequately or efficiently developed, maintained, acquired or scaled such systems and infrastructure or will do so in the future. The servicing, financial, accounting, data processing and other operating systems and facilities that support our business may fail to operate properly or become disabled as a result of events that are beyond our control, adversely affecting our ability to timely process transactions. Any such failure could adversely affect our ability to service our clients and result in financial loss or liability to our clients, disrupt our business, and result in regulatory action or cause reputational damage. Additionally, the COVID-19 crisis has caused us to drastically modify the manner in which we conduct our business. As the COVID-19 crisis evolved, we took early and decisive action to protect the health and safety of our employees. We expanded our work-from-home capabilities and implemented best practices for safety and hygiene to protect those who are unable to work remotely. While most of our operations can be performed remotely and are operating effectively at the present, there is no guarantee that this will continue or that we will continue to be as effective while working remotely. This is because our team is dispersed, many employees may have additional personal needs to attend to (such as looking after children as a result of school closures or a family member who becomes sick), and employees may become sick themselves and be unable to work. 55 Despite the plans and facilities we have in place, our ability to conduct business may be adversely affected by a prolonged disruption in the infrastructure that supports our business. This may include a disruption involving electrical, communications, Internet, transportation or other services used by us or third parties with which we conduct business. Additionally, we may experience disruptions in connection with the COVID-19 crisis, despite the steps we have taken to transition to a new working environment. Notwithstanding efforts to maintain business continuity, a disruptive event impacting our processing locations could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If conditions related to COVID-19 improve and restrictions are lifted, similar uncertainties may arise with the return to work process. We depend on secure information technology, and a breach of our information technology systems could result in significant losses, disclosure of confidential customer information and reputational damage, which would adversely affect our business. Our operations rely on the secure processing, storage and transmission of personal, confidential and other information in our computer systems and networks. Although we take protective measures we deem reasonable and appropriate, our computer systems, software and networks may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, malicious attacks and other events that could have a security impact beyond our control. These technologies, systems and networks, and those of third parties, may become the target of cyber-attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of our customers’ confidential, proprietary and other information, or otherwise disrupt our business operations or those of our customers or other third parties. Information security risks for institutions that handle large numbers of financial transactions on a daily basis such as Navient have generally increased in recent years, in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, activists and other external parties. In addition, our increased use of mobile and cloud technologies could heighten these and other operational risks, and any failure by mobile or cloud technology service providers to adequately safeguard their systems and prevent cyber-attacks could disrupt our operations and result in misappropriation, corruption or loss of confidential or propriety information. Moreover, the loss of confidential customer identification information could harm our reputation, result in the termination of contracts by our existing customers and subject us to liability under state, federal and international laws that protect confidential personal data, resulting in increased costs, loss of revenues and substantial penalties. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) took effect in January 2020 and provides for enhanced consumer protections for California residents and statutory fines for data security breaches or other CCPA violations. If one or more of such events occur, personal, confidential and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our computer systems and networks could be jeopardized or could cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations that could result in significant losses or reputational damage. We routinely transmit and receive personal, confidential and proprietary information, some of it through third parties. We maintain secure transmission capability and work to ensure that third parties follow similar procedures. Nevertheless, an interception, misuse or mishandling of personal, confidential or proprietary information being sent to or received from a customer or third party could result in legal liability, regulatory action and reputational harm. In the event personal, confidential or other information is jeopardized, intercepted, misused or mishandled, we may need to expend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures, and we may be subject to fines, penalties, litigation and settlement costs and financial losses that may either not be insured against or not be fully covered through insurance. If one or more of such events occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be significantly and adversely affected. We depend on third parties for a wide array of services, systems and information technology applications, and a breach or violation of law by one of these third parties could disrupt our business or provide our competitors with an opportunity to enhance their position at our expense. We depend on third parties for a wide array of services, systems and information technology applications. Third-party vendors are significantly involved in many aspects of our software and systems development, servicing systems, the timely transmission of information across our data communication network, and for other telecommunications, processing, remittance and technology-related services in connection with our servicing or payment services businesses. In addition to technology applications, we also utilize various third-party debt collectors in the collection of defaulted Private Education Loans and in other areas. If a service provider fails to provide the services required or expected, or fails to meet applicable contractual or regulatory requirements such as service levels or compliance with applicable laws, the failure could negatively impact our business by adversely affecting our ability to process customers’ transactions in a timely and accurate manner, otherwise hampering our ability to serve our customers, or subjecting us to litigation and regulatory risk for matters as diverse as poor vendor oversight or improper release or protection of personal information. Such a failure could also adversely affect the perception of the reliability of our networks and services and the quality of our brands, which could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations. 56 Our work with government clients exposes us to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment. Our clients include federal, state and local governmental entities. This work carries various risks inherent in the government contracting process. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following: • Government contractors are sometimes affected by the political or budgetary processes of the United States government. Sometimes the political process leads to government shutdown of all parts of the federal or state government. This can lead to temporary work stoppages or payment delays. Contracts may be cancelled or altered due to political or policy priorities. • Government entities in the United States often reserve the right to audit contract costs and conduct inquiries and investigations of business practices. These entities also conduct reviews and investigations and make inquiries regarding systems, including systems of third parties, used in connection with the performance of the contracts. Negative findings from audits, investigations or inquiries could affect the contractor’s future revenues and profitability by preventing them, by operation of law or in practice, (i) from receiving new government contracts for some period of time or (ii) from being paid at the rate they believe is warranted. • If improper or illegal activities are found in the course of government audits or investigations, the contractor may become subject to various civil and criminal penalties, including those under the civil U.S. False Claims Act. Additionally, we may be subject to administrative sanctions, which may include termination or non-renewal of contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspensions or debarment from doing business with other agencies of that government. Due to the inherent limitations of internal controls, it may not be possible to detect or prevent all improper or illegal activities. The occurrences or conditions described above could affect not only our business with the particular government entities involved, but also our business or potential future business with other entities of the same or other governmental bodies or with commercial clients, and could have a material adverse effect on our business or our results of operations. Our business could be negatively impacted as a result of shareholder activism, including a proxy contest or an unsolicited takeover proposal. We have been and may continue to be the subject of actions taken by activist shareholders. While we strive to maintain constructive, ongoing communications with all of our shareholders, and welcome their views and opinions with the goal of enhancing value for all shareholders, we may be subject to actions or proposals from activist shareholders that may not align with our business strategies or the interests of our other shareholders. Responding to such actions may be costly and time-consuming, disrupt our business and operations, or divert the attention of our board of directors, management, and employees from the pursuit of our business strategies. Such activities could interfere with our ability to execute our strategic plan. Even if we are successful in a proxy contest or in defending against any unsolicited takeover attempt, our business could be adversely affected by any such proxy contest or unsolicited takeover attempt because: • • • perceived uncertainties as to future direction may result in the loss of potential acquisitions, collaborations or other strategic opportunities, and may make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel and business partners; if individuals are elected or appointed to our board of directors with a specific agenda, it may adversely affect our ability to effectively and timely implement our strategic plan and create additional value for our shareholders; and if individuals are elected or appointed to our board of directors who do not agree with our strategic plan, the ability of our board of directors to function effectively could be adversely affected, which could in turn adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. Uncertainties related to, or the results of, such actions could cause our stock price to experience periods of volatility. The occurrence of any of the foregoing events could materially adversely affect our business. We cannot predict, and no assurances can be given, as to the outcome or timing of any matters relating to the foregoing actions by shareholders or the ultimate impact on our business, liquidity, financial condition or results of operations, and any of these matters or any further actions by this or other shareholders may impact and result in volatility or stagnation of the price of our stock. 57 REGULATORY, COMPLIANCE & LEGAL RISK. Our businesses are subject to a wide variety of laws, rules, regulations and government policies that may change in significant ways, and changes to such laws and regulations or changes in existing regulatory guidance or their interpretation or enforcement could materially adversely impact our business and results of operations. Our businesses are subject to a wide variety of U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. laws, rules, regulations and policies. There can be no assurance that these laws, rules, regulations and policies will not be changed in ways that will require us to modify our business models or objectives or in ways that affect our returns on investment by restricting existing activities or services, change how our companies operate or the characteristics of our assets, subjecting them to escalating costs or new or increased taxes or prohibiting them outright. The CFPB has authority with respect to our loan servicing business. It has authority to write regulations under federal consumer financial protection laws and to directly or indirectly enforce those laws and examine us for compliance. The CFPB also has examination and enforcement authority with respect to various federal consumer financial laws for some providers of consumer financial products and services, including us. New rules if implemented, could have a material effect on our loan servicing, consumer lending or asset recovery businesses and may result in significant capital expenditures to develop systems that enable us to comply with the new regulations. The CFPB is authorized to impose monetary penalties, collect fines and provide consumer restitution in the event of violations, engage in consumer financial education, track consumer complaints, request data and promote the availability of financial services to underserved consumers and communities. The CFPB has authority to prevent unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices and to ensure that all consumers have access to fair, transparent and competitive markets for consumer financial products and services. The review of products and practices to prevent unfair, deceptive or abusive conduct will be a continuing focus of the CFPB. The ultimate impact of this heightened scrutiny is uncertain, but it has resulted in, and could continue to result in, changes to pricing, practices, products and procedures. It has also resulted in, and could continue to result in, increased costs related to regulatory oversight, supervision and examination, additional remediation efforts and possible penalties. In addition, where a company has violated Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act or CFPB regulations implemented under Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Dodd-Frank Act empowers State Attorneys General and state regulators, under certain circumstances to bring civil actions to remedy violations of state law. If the CFPB or one or more State Attorneys General or state regulators believe that we have violated any of the applicable laws or regulations, they could exercise their enforcement powers in ways that could have a material adverse effect on us or our business. Since the CFPB filed its action against us in January of 2017, the Attorneys General of Illinois, Washington, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, California and New Jersey have filed separate actions alleging various violations of state and federal consumer protection laws. Loans serviced under the FFELP are subject to the HEA and related laws, rules, regulations and policies. Our servicing operations are designed and monitored to comply with the HEA, related regulations and program guidance; however, ED could determine that we are not in compliance for a variety of reasons, including that we misinterpreted ED guidance or incorrectly applied the HEA and its related laws, rules, regulations and policies. Failure to comply could result in fines, the loss of the insurance and related federal guarantees on affected FFELP Loans, expenses required to cure servicing deficiencies, suspension or termination of our right to participate as a FFELP servicer, negative publicity and potential legal claims. The imposition of significant fines, the loss of the insurance and related federal guarantees on a material number of FFELP Loans, the incurrence of additional expenses and/or the loss of our ability to participate as a FFELP servicer could individually or in the aggregate have a material, negative impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Our businesses are also subject to regulation and oversight by various state and federal agencies, particularly in the area of consumer protection, and are subject to numerous state and federal laws and regulations. Several states have passed or proposed new student loan servicing rules or legislation and several other have imposed license requirements. Imposition of new laws, rules or regulations or the failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in significant costs, including litigation costs, and/or business sanctions including but not limited to termination or non-renewal of contracts. Expanded regulatory and governmental oversight of our businesses will increase our costs and risks. We are now, and may in the future be subject, to inquiries and audits from state and federal regulators as well as litigation from private plaintiffs. In recent years, we have entered into consent orders and other settlements. We have provided monetary and other relief in connection with the resolution of some of these actions and settlements. We have also enhanced our procedures and controls, expanded the risk and control functions within each line of business, invested in technology and hired additional risk, control and compliance personnel. If our risk and control procedures and processes fail to meet the heightened expectations of our regulators and other government agencies, we could be required to enter into further orders and settlements, provide additional monetary relief, or accept material regulatory restrictions on our businesses, which could adversely affect our operations and, in turn, our financial results. 58 We expect heightened regulatory scrutiny and governmental investigations and enforcement actions to continue for us and for the financial services industry as a whole. Such actions can have significant consequences for a financial institution such as ours, including loss of customers and business and the inability to operate certain businesses. Further, legislative and regulatory responses to COVID-19 may have a significant impact on our education loan portfolios. In compliance with the CARES Act and related executive actions, payments and interest accrual on all loans owned by ED were suspended until September 30, 2021 and may be further suspended after such date. While the CARES Act applies only to loans owned by ED, several states have requested creditors and servicers to suspend payment obligations for other student loan borrowers in those states. Additionally, on March 25, 2020, ED announced that private collection agencies were required to stop making outbound collection calls and sending letters or billing statements to borrowers in default. In addition, in April 2020, various restrictions around the servicing and collection of consumer debts were enacted by certain states or voluntarily agreed to by many services, and some of these restrictions have been extended multiple times. The Company has announced that these practices are available to borrowers nationwide. Due to the uncertainty engendered by these new regulations, legislation, guidance and actions, coupled with the likelihood of additional changes or additions to the local, state and federal statutes, regulations and practices applicable to our business, we are not able to estimate the ultimate impact of changes in law on our financial results, business operations or strategies. We believe that the cost of responding to and complying with these evolving laws and regulations, as well as any guidance from enforcement actions, will continue to increase, as will the risk of penalties and fines from any enforcement actions that may be imposed on our businesses. Our profitability, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows or future business prospects could be materially and adversely affected as a result. GOVERNANCE RISK. Certain provisions of Delaware law and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws may prevent or delay an acquisition of us, which could decrease the trading price of our common stock. Certain provisions of Delaware law and of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and second amended and restated by-laws are intended to deter coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids by, among other things, encouraging prospective acquirers to negotiate directly with our board of directors rather than to attempt a hostile takeover. These provisions include, among others: • • • • • • limitations on the ability of our shareholders to call a special meeting such that shareholder-requested special meetings will only be called upon the request of the holders of at least one-third of ours capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at an election of directors; rules regarding how shareholders may present proposals or nominate directors for election at shareholder meetings; the right of our board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock without shareholder approval; the inability of our shareholders to fill vacancies on our board of directors; the requirement that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% in voting power of our stock entitled to vote thereon is required for shareholders to amend our amended and restated by-laws; and the inability of our shareholders to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation makes it subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Section 203 generally provides that, with limited exceptions, persons who acquire, or are affiliated with a person that acquires, 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a Delaware corporation shall not engage in any business combination with that corporation, including by merger, consolidation or acquisitions of additional shares, for a three-year period following the time at which that person or its affiliates becomes the holder of 15% or more of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock. Being subject to Section 203 could cause a delay in or completely prevent a change of control that shareholders may favor. We believe these provisions protect our shareholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our board of directors and by providing our board of directors with more time to assess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make us immune from takeovers. However, these provisions will apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some shareholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our board of directors determines is not in the best interests of us and our shareholders. Shareholders’ percentage ownership in Navient may be diluted in the future. In the future, shareholders’ percentage ownership in Navient may be diluted as a result of equity issuances for acquisitions, capital market transactions or otherwise, including future equity awards that we may grant to our 59 directors, officers and employees. If made, these awards will have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share, which could adversely affect the market price of shares of our common stock. In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation permits us to issue, without the approval of our shareholders, one or more series of preferred stock. Our board of directors generally may determine the rights of preferred shareholders including their powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, including preferences over our common stock with respect to dividends and distributions. If our board were to approve the issuance of preferred stock in the future, the terms of one or more series of such preferred stock could dilute the voting power or reduce the value of our common stock. For example, we could grant the holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of our directors in all circumstances or upon the happening of specified events, or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, we could grant the preferred shareholders certain repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences that could affect the value of the common stock. Our certificate of incorporation designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for certain litigation that may be initiated by our shareholders, which could limit our shareholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us. Our certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed to us or our shareholders by any of our directors, officers, employees or agents, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us arising under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (DGCL) or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. By becoming a shareholder in our company, holders of our common stock will be deemed to have notice of and have consented to the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation related to choice of forum. The choice of forum provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation may limit our shareholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us. REPUTATIONAL/POLITICAL RISK. Federal funding constraints and spending policy changes triggered by associated federal spending deadlines and ongoing lawmaker and regulatory efforts to change the student lending sector may result in disruption of federal payments for services we provide to the government, which could materially and adversely affect our business strategy or future business prospects. We receive payments from the federal government on our FFELP Loan portfolio and for other services it provides, including servicing loans under the Direct Student Loan Program (DSLP), providing default aversion and contingency collections to ED, and providing performance-based services to the IRS to support its national recovery program. Payments for these services may be affected by various factors, including the following: • The Budget Act enacted on December 26, 2013 requires that all servicing funding be provided through the annual appropriations process which is subject to certain limitations. Although the payments for our DSLP servicing contract are already funded from annual appropriations, the requirement to fund all servicing from the limited appropriated funding could have an effect on our future business in ways we cannot predict at this time. • Other Higher Education Legislation: As Congress and the current Administration consider the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, they may consider legislation that would reduce the payments to Guarantors or change the consolidation program in a way that would incentivize education loan borrowers to refinance their existing education loans, both private and federal. Such reforms could reduce our cash flows from servicing and interest income as well as our net interest margin. In June 2020, ED notified us that we were one of several entities selected to receive an award of a Next Generation (NextGen) Financial Services Business Process Outsourcing Contract. After careful analysis of the proposed contract and the differences between the proposed contract and the terms contained in the request for proposal, we determined that we could not accept the terms of the contract as presented and we notified ED of that decision. ED has canceled the NextGen Enhanced Procession Solution procurement and has suspended the NextGen Interim Servicing Solution procurement. We are currently servicing under our existing contract with ED with a period of performance that currently runs through June 2021, with ED having one remaining 6-month extension option. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 authorized the Secretary of Education to further extend any of the current servicing contracts for up to an additional two years after their currently scheduled expiration. However, at this time, we cannot predict whether any such extensions will occur or the nature or timing of the procurement process for replacement services. It is possible that the presidential administration and Congress in the future could engage in a debate linking the federal deficit, debt ceiling and other budget issues. If U.S. lawmakers in the future fail to reach agreement on these issues, the federal government could stop or delay payment on its obligations, including those on services we provide. Further, legislation to address the federal deficit and spending could impose proposals that would adversely affect FFELP and DSLP-related servicing businesses. A protracted reduction, suspension or cancellation of the 60 demand for the services we provide, or proposed changes to the terms or pricing of services provided under existing contracts with the federal government, including our contract with ED, could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, cash flows, profitability and business outlook, and, as a result, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We cannot predict how or what programs or policies will be impacted by any actions that the presidential administration, Congress or the federal government may take. Reputational risk and social factors may impact our results and damage our brand. Negative public opinion or damage to our brand could occur as a result of actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities or circumstances, including lending practices, regulatory compliance, security breaches (including the use and protection of customer information), corporate governance, and sales and marketing, and from actions taken by regulators or other persons. Such conduct could fall short of our customers’ and the public’s heightened expectations of companies of our size with rigorous data, privacy and compliance practices, and could further harm our reputation. In addition, third parties with whom we have important relationships may take actions over which we have limited control that could negatively impact perceptions about us or the financial services industry. The proliferation of social media may increase the likelihood that negative public opinion from any of the events discussed above will impact our reputation and business. RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR SPIN-OFF. Navient owes obligations, including service and indemnification obligations, to SLM BankCo under various transaction agreements that were executed as part of the Spin-Off. These obligations could be materially disruptive to Navient’s business or subject it to substantial liabilities, including contingent liabilities and liabilities that are presently unknown. In connection with the Spin-Off from SLM BankCo, Navient, SLM Corporation and SLM BankCo entered into various agreements. The separation and distribution agreement between Navient, SLM Corporation and SLM BankCo provides for, among other things, indemnification obligations designed to make Navient financially responsible for substantially all liabilities that may exist whether incurred prior to or after the Spin-Off, relating to the business activities of SLM Corporation prior to the Spin-Off, other than those arising out of the consumer banking business and expressly assumed by SLM BankCo in the separation and distribution agreement. If Navient is required to indemnify SLM BankCo under the circumstances set forth in the separation and distribution agreement, Navient may be subject to substantial liabilities including liabilities that are accrued, contingent or otherwise and regardless of whether the liabilities were known or unknown at the time of the Spin-Off. SLM BankCo is party to various claims, litigation and legal, regulatory and other proceedings resulting from ordinary business activities relating to its current and former operations. Previous business activities of SLM BankCo, including originations and acquisitions of various classes of consumer loans outside of Sallie Mae Bank, may also result in liability due to future laws, rules, interpretations or court decisions which purport to have retroactive effect, and such liability could be significant. SLM BankCo may also be subject to liabilities related to past activities of acquired businesses. It is inherently difficult, and in some cases impossible, to estimate the probable losses associated with contingent and unknown liabilities of this nature, but future losses may be substantial and may be borne by Navient in accordance with the terms of the separation and distribution agreement. STRATEGIC RISK. Legislation passed by Congress in 2010 ended new loan originations under the FFELP program and no new FFELP Loans are being originated, and, as a result, net income on our existing FFELP Loan portfolio is declining over time. We may not be able to develop revenue streams to fully replace the declining revenue from FFELP Loans. In 2010, Congress passed legislation ending the origination of education loans under the FFELP program. Since then, all federal education loans have been originated through the DSLP of the ED. While the 2010 law did not alter or affect the terms and conditions of existing FFELP Loans, it significantly impacted the education loan industry. As a result of this legislation, net income on our FFELP Loan portfolio is declining, and is anticipated to continue to decline, over time as those existing FFELP Loans are paid down, refinanced or repaid after default. Acquisitions or strategic investments that we pursue may not be successful and could harm our business and financial condition. Our growth strategy has included making opportunistic acquisitions of, or material investments in, loan portfolios and complementary businesses and products. All acquisitions of companies, operations or loan portfolios involve financial risks as well as operational risks. There may be additional risks if we enter into a line of business in which we have limited experience or which operates in a legal, regulatory or competitive environment with which we are not familiar. The expected benefits of acquisitions and investments also may not be realized for various reasons, including the loss of key personnel, customers or vendors. 61 If we fail to integrate or realize the expected benefits of our acquisitions or investments, we may lose the return on these acquisitions or investments or incur additional transaction costs, and our business and financial condition may be harmed as a result. GENERAL RISK FACTORS. Our framework for managing risks may not be effective in mitigating the risk of loss. Our enterprise risk management framework seeks to mitigate risk and appropriately balance risk and returns. We have established processes and procedures intended to identify, measure, monitor, control and report the types of risk to which we are subject. We seek to monitor and control risk exposure through a framework of policies, procedures, limits and reporting requirements. Management of risks in some cases depends upon the use of analytical and forecasting models. If the models we use to mitigate these risks are inadequate, we may incur increased losses. In addition, there may be risks that exist, or that develop in the future, that we have not appropriately anticipated, identified or mitigated. If our risk management framework does not effectively identify or mitigate risks, we could suffer unexpected losses, and our results of operations, cash flow or financial condition could be materially adversely affected. We are subject to various legal proceedings and some of these legal proceedings or other contingencies may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results from operations. We are subject to a variety of legal proceedings in virtually every part of our business, including the legal proceedings described in the Legal Proceedings section of this Annual Report. While we believe we have adopted appropriate legal and risk management and compliance programs, the diverse nature of our operations, including operations of business we have recently acquired, means that legal and compliance risks will continue to exist and additional legal proceedings and other contingencies, the outcome of which cannot be predicted with certainty, will arise from time to time. Some of these legal proceedings or other contingencies may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results from operations. Incorrect estimates and assumptions by management in connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements could adversely affect our reported assets, liabilities, income, revenue or expenses. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make critical accounting estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income, revenue or expenses during the reporting periods. Incorrect estimates and assumptions by management could adversely affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income, revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. If we make incorrect assumptions or estimates, our reported financial results may be over or understated, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected. Our success is dependent, in large part, on our ability to attract and retain personnel with the knowledge and skills to lead our business. Experienced personnel in our industry are in high demand, and competition for talent is very high. We must hire, retain and motivate appropriate numbers of talented people with diverse skills in order to serve our clients, respond quickly to rapid and ongoing technology, industry and macroeconomic developments, and grow and manage our business. As our business evolves, we must also hire and retain an increasing number of professionals with different skills and professional expectations than those of the professionals we have historically hired and retained. If we are unable to successfully integrate, motivate and retain these professionals, our ability to continue to secure work in those industries and for our services and solutions may suffer. Our businesses operate in competitive environments and could lose market share and revenues if competitors compete more aggressively or effectively. We compete with for-profit and not-for-profit servicing, asset recovery and business processing businesses, many with strong records of performance. We compete based on price, effectiveness and customer service metrics. To the extent our competitors compete aggressively or more effectively than us, we could lose market share to them or Our service offerings may not prove to be profitable. Our business and financial condition may be harmed as a result. 62 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis Through interest rate risk management, we seek to limit the impact of short-term movements in interest rates on our results of operations and financial position. The following tables summarize the potential effect on earnings over the next 12 months and the potential effect on fair values of balance sheet assets and liabilities at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, based upon a sensitivity analysis performed by management assuming a hypothetical increase and decrease in market interest rates of 100 basis points. The earnings sensitivities assume an immediate increase and decrease in market interest rates of 100 basis points and are applied only to financial assets and liabilities, including hedging instruments, that existed at the balance sheet date and do not take into account any new assets, liabilities or hedging instruments that may arise over the next 12 months. There is the possibility that the Federal Reserve may use negative interest rates if economic conditions warrant which could potentially affect the success of our asset and liability management activities and negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations. (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) Effect on Earnings: Change in pre-tax net income before mark-to -market gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities(1) Mark-to-market gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities Increase (decrease) in income before taxes Increase (decrease) in net income after taxes Increase (decrease) in diluted earnings per common share As of December 31, 2020 Impact on Annual Earnings If: Interest Rates: As of December 31, 2019 Impact on Annual Earnings If: Interest Rates: Increase 100 Basis Points Decrease 100 Basis Points Increase 100 Basis Points Decrease 100 Basis Points $ (40 ) $ 15 $ (43 ) $ 69 $ $ $ 127 87 $ 67 $ (171 ) (156 ) $ (120 ) $ 96 53 $ 41 $ (203 ) (134 ) (103 ) .36 $ (.64 ) $ .19 $ (.48 ) (1) If decreasing interest rates by 100 basis points results in a negative interest rate, we assume the interest rate is 0% for this disclosure (as opposed to being a negative interest rate). 63 (Dollars in millions) Effect on Fair Values: Assets Education Loans Other earning assets Other assets Total assets gain/(loss) Liabilities Interest-bearing liabilities Other liabilities Total liabilities (gain)/loss (Dollars in millions) Effect on Fair Values: Assets Education Loans Other earning assets Other assets Total assets gain/(loss) Liabilities Interest-bearing liabilities Other liabilities Total liabilities (gain)/loss At December 31, 2020 Interest Rates: Change from Increase of 100 Basis Points Fair Value $ % Change from Decrease of 100 Basis Points $ % $ 81,579 $ 3,822 4,227 $ 89,628 $ (419 ) — (248 ) (667 ) (1 ) — (6 ) (1 ) $ $ $ 83,345 $ 1,020 $ 84,365 $ (373 ) (274 ) (647 ) — % $ (27 ) (1 )% $ 669 — 300 969 406 358 764 1 % — 7 1 % — % 35 1 % At December 31, 2019 Interest Rates: Change from Increase of 100 Basis Points % $ Change from Decrease of 100 Basis Points % $ Fair Value $ 87,462 $ 3,992 4,091 $ 95,545 $ (277 ) — (45 ) (322 ) $ 89,815 $ 1,356 $ 91,171 $ (411 ) (67 ) (478 ) — % $ — (1 ) — % $ — % $ (5 ) (1 )% $ 449 — 297 746 445 417 862 1 % — 7 1 % — % 31 1 % A primary objective in our funding is to minimize our sensitivity to changing interest rates by generally funding our floating rate education loan portfolio with floating rate debt and our fixed rate education loan portfolio with fixed rate debt although we can have a mismatch at times. In addition, we can have a mismatch in the index (including the frequency of reset) of floating rate debt versus floating rate assets. In addition, due to the ability of some FFELP Loans to earn Floor Income, we can have a fixed versus floating mismatch in funding if the education loan earns at the fixed borrower rate and the funding remains floating. During 2020 and 2019, certain FFELP Loans were earning Floor Income and we locked in a portion of that Floor Income through the use of derivative contracts. The result of these hedging transactions was to fix the relative spread between the education loan asset rate and the variable rate liability. In the preceding tables, under the scenario where interest rates increase or decrease by 100 basis points, the change in pre-tax net income before the mark-to-market gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities is primarily due to the impact of (i) our unhedged FFELP Loans being in a fixed-rate mode due to Floor Income, while being funded with variable rate debt in low interest rate environments; and (ii) a portion of our variable rate assets being funded with fixed rate liabilities. Item (i) will generally cause income to decrease when interest rates increase and income to increase when interest rates decrease. Item (ii) has the opposite effect. The increase and decrease in income in both periods when interest rates increase and decrease 100 basis points is due primarily to item (i) above. The relative changes in the impacts between 2020 and 2019 related to a decrease in interest rates are primarily a result of interest rates being significantly lower in 2020 compared to 2019, as well as 2019 having annual reset Floor Income being earned on FFELP Stafford Loans whereas in 2020 annual reset Floor Income is not being earned. In the preceding tables, under the scenario where interest rates increase or decrease by 100 basis points, the change in mark-to-market gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities in 2020 and 2019 is primarily due to (i) the notional amount and remaining term of our derivative portfolio and related hedged debt and (ii) the interest rate environment. In 2020 and 2019 the mark to market gains (losses) are primarily related to derivatives that don’t qualify for hedge accounting that are used to economically hedge Floor Income as well as the origination of fixed rate Private Education Refinance loans. As a result of not qualifying for hedge accounting there is not an offsetting mark to market of the hedged item in this analysis. The mark to market gains (losses) where interest rates increase 100 basis points are higher in 2020 than 2019 as a result of interest rates being significantly lower in 2020 than 2019 resulting in a significant increase in the amount of Floor Income. 64 In addition to interest rate risk addressed in the preceding tables, we are also exposed to risks related to foreign currency exchange rates. Foreign currency exchange risk is primarily the result of foreign currency denominated debt issued by us. When we issue foreign denominated corporate unsecured and securitization debt, our policy is to use cross currency interest rate swaps to swap all foreign currency denominated debt payments (fixed and floating) to U.S. dollar LIBOR using a fixed exchange rate. In the tables above, there would be an immaterial impact on earnings if exchange rates were to decrease or increase, due to the terms of the hedging instrument and hedged items matching. The balance sheet interest bearing liabilities would be affected by a change in exchange rates; however, the change would be materially offset by the cross-currency interest rate swaps in other assets or other liabilities. In certain economic environments, volatility in the spread between spot and forward foreign exchange rates has resulted in mark-to-market impacts to current-period earnings which have not been factored into the above analysis. The earnings impact is noncash, and at maturity of the instruments the cumulative mark-to-market impact will be zero. Navient has not issued foreign currency denominated debt since 2008. Asset and Liability Funding Gap The tables below present our assets and liabilities (funding) arranged by underlying indices as of December 31, 2020. In the following GAAP presentation, the funding gap only includes derivatives that qualify as effective hedges (those derivatives which are reflected in net interest margin, as opposed to those reflected in the “gains (losses) on derivatives and hedging activities, net” line on the consolidated statements of income). The difference between the asset and the funding is the funding gap for the specified index. This represents our exposure to interest rate risk in the form of basis risk and repricing risk, which is the risk that the different indices may reset at different frequencies or may not move in the same direction or at the same magnitude. Management analyzes interest rate risk and in doing so includes all derivatives that are economically hedging our debt whether they qualify as effective hedges or not (Core Earnings basis). Accordingly, we are also presenting the asset and liability funding gap on a Core Earnings basis in the table that follows the GAAP presentation. GAAP Basis Index (Dollars in billions) 3-month Treasury bill 3-month Treasury bill Prime Prime Prime 3-month LIBOR 3-month LIBOR(2) 3-month LIBOR(2) 1-month LIBOR 1-month LIBOR Non-Discrete reset(2)(3) Non-Discrete reset(4) Fixed Rate(5) Total Frequency of Variable Resets weekly annual annual quarterly monthly quarterly monthly daily monthly daily monthly daily/weekly $ Funding(1) Funding Gap Assets $ 2.8 $ .2 .2 1.9 6.8 .4 — — 4.3 55.1 — 3.8 11.9 87.4 $ — $ — — — — 26.7 .8 .2 32.7 — 6.3 .3 20.4 87.4 $ 2.8 .2 .2 1.9 6.8 (26.3 ) (.8 ) (.2 ) (28.4 ) 55.1 (6.3 ) 3.5 (8.5 ) — (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Funding (by index) includes all derivatives that qualify as hedges. Funding includes loan repurchase facilities. Funding consists of auction rate ABS and ABCP facilities. Assets include restricted and unrestricted cash equivalents and other overnight type instruments. Funding includes the obligation to return cash collateral held related to derivatives exposures. Assets include receivables and other assets (including goodwill and acquired intangibles). Funding includes other liabilities and stockholders’ equity. 65 Core Earnings Basis Index (Dollars in billions) 3-month Treasury bill 3-month Treasury bill Prime Prime Prime 3-month LIBOR 3-month LIBOR(2) 3-month LIBOR(2) 1-month LIBOR 1-month LIBOR Non-Discrete reset(2)(3) Non-Discrete reset(4) Fixed Rate(5) Total Frequency of Variable Resets Assets Funding(1) Funding Gap $ weekly annual annual quarterly monthly quarterly monthly daily monthly daily monthly daily/weekly $ 2.8 $ .2 .2 1.9 6.8 .4 — — 4.3 55.1 — 3.8 11.5 87.0 $ — $ — — — — 8.5 .8 .2 50.4 — 6.3 .3 20.5 87.0 $ 2.8 .2 .2 1.9 6.8 (8.1 ) (.8 ) (.2 ) (46.1 ) 55.1 (6.3 ) 3.5 (9.0 ) — (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Funding (by index) includes all derivatives that management considers economic hedges of interest rate risk and reflects how we internally manage our interest rate exposure. Funding includes loan repurchase facilities. Funding consists of auction rate ABS and ABCP facilities. Assets include restricted and unrestricted cash equivalents and other overnight type instruments. Funding includes the obligation to return cash collateral held related to derivatives exposures. Assets include receivables and other assets (including goodwill and acquired intangibles). Funding includes other liabilities and stockholders’ equity. We use interest rate swaps and other derivatives to achieve our risk management objectives. Our asset liability management strategy is to match assets with debt (in combination with derivatives) that have the same underlying index and reset frequency or, when economical, have interest rate characteristics that we believe are highly correlated. Interest earned on our FFELP Loans is primarily indexed to daily one-month LIBOR and our cost of funds is primarily indexed to rates other than daily one-month LIBOR. A source of variability in FFELP net interest income could also be Floor Income we earn on certain FFELP Loans. Pursuant to the terms of the FFELP, certain FFELP Loans can earn interest at the stated fixed rate of interest as underlying debt interest rate expense remains variable. We refer to this additional spread income as “Floor Income.” Floor Income can be volatile since it is dependent on interest rate levels. We frequently hedge this volatility with derivatives which lock in the value of the Floor Income over the term of the contract. Interest earned on our Private Education Refinance Loans is generally fixed rate with the related cost of funds generally fixed rate as well. Interest earned on the remaining Private Education Loans is generally indexed to either one-month Prime or LIBOR rates and our cost of funds is primarily indexed to one-month or three-month LIBOR. The use of funding with index types and reset frequencies that are different from our assets exposes us to interest rate risk in the form of basis and repricing risk. This could result in our cost of funds not moving in the same direction or with the same magnitude as the yield on our assets. While we believe this risk is low, as all of these indices are short-term with rate movements that are highly correlated over a long period of time, market disruptions (which have occurred in prior years) can lead to a temporary divergence between indices resulting in a negative impact to our earnings. 66 46,000 45,000 Approximate Square Feet 92,000 55,000 46,000 43,000 36,000 22,000 30,000 21,000 21,000 14,000 Properties The following table lists the principal facilities owned by us as of December 31, 2020: Location Fishers, IN(1) Function Loan Servicing and Data Center Wilkes-Barre, PA Muncie, IN Big Flats, NY Arcade, NY Loan Servicing Center Processing Center Pioneer Credit Recovery — Processing Center Pioneer Credit Recovery — Processing Center Business Segment(s) Federal Education Loans; Consumer Lending; Other Approximate Square Feet 450,000 Federal Education Loans; Consumer Lending Business Processing Federal Education Loans; Business 133,000 75,400 60,000 Processing Federal Education Loans; Business Processing Perry, NY Pioneer Credit Recovery — Processing Center Federal Education Loans; Business Processing The following table lists the principal facilities leased by us as of December 31, 2020: Xtend Healthcare — Revenue Cycle Management Business Processing; Other Function Business Segment(s) Gila MSB — Business Processing Headquarters Herndon, VA Administrative Offices Earnest — Loan Originations Business Processing; Other Federal Education Loans; Consumer Lending; Business Processing; Other Federal Education Loans; Consumer Lending; Business Processing; Other Consumer Lending; Other Location Hendersonville, TN(2) Austin, TX(3) Wilmington, DE San Francisco, CA(4) Milwaukee, WI Moorestown, NJ Duncan Solutions — Business Processing Pioneer Credit Recovery —Processing Center Business Processing; Other Federal Education Loans; Business Guaynabo, PR Irving, TX Salt Lake City, UT Gila MSB Puerto Rico — Business Processing Duncan Solutions — Business Processing Earnest — Loan Originations Processing Business Processing; Other Business Processing; Other Consumer Lending; Other (1) (2) (3) (4) Approximately 38,000 square feet leased to Fiserv (previously First Data) beginning April 2019. Approximately 33,000 square feet will be vacated in first-quarter 2021 and the Company took a lease abandonment charge. Austin, TX lease facility was vacated in September 2020 and the Company took a lease abandonment charge. Lease expires September 30, 2022. San Francisco, CA lease was vacated in January 2021 and the Company took a lease abandonment charge. This lease will be terminated effective February 28, 2021. The original lease term was March 31, 2023. None of the facilities that we own is encumbered by a mortgage. We believe that our headquarters, loan servicing centers, data center and other business processing centers are generally adequate to meet our long-term needs and business goals. Our headquarters is currently in leased space at 123 Justison Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801. 67 Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Our common stock is listed and traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol NAVI. As of January 31, 2021, there were 183,771,633 shares of our common stock outstanding and 281 holders of record. We paid quarterly cash dividends on our common stock of $0.16 per share for each quarter of 2019 and 2020. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities The following table provides information relating to our purchases of shares of our common stock in the three months ended December 31, 2020. Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(2) Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(2) Total Number of Shares Purchased(1) Average Price Paid per Share — $ .3 — .3 $ — 10.50 — 10.50 — $ — $ — $ — 600 600 600 (In millions, except per share data) Period: Oct 1 – Oct 31, 2020 Nov 1 – Nov 30, 2020 Dec 1 – Dec 31, 2020 Total fourth quarter (1) (2) The total number of shares purchased includes: (i) shares purchased under the stock repurchase program discussed below and (ii) shares of our common stock tendered to us to satisfy the exercise price in connection with cashless exercise of stock options, and tax withholding obligations in connection with exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units. In September 2018, the board authorized a $500 million share repurchase program and in October 2019, the board approved an additional $1 billion multi-year share repurchase program. 68 Stock Performance The following performance graph compares the yearly dollar change in our cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock to that of the S&P 400 Financials and the S&P Midcap 400 Index. The graph assumes a base investment of $100 at December 31, 2015 and reinvestment of dividends through December 31, 2020. Company/Index Navient Corporation S&P 400 Financials S&P Midcap 400 Index Source: Bloomberg Total Return Analysis 12/31/15 12/31/16 12/31/17 12/31/18 12/31/19 12/31/20 $ 100.0 $ 150.3 $ 127.6 $ 88.8 $ 144.7 $ 111.3 $ 100.0 $ 129.8 $ 147.8 $ 124.2 $ 156.8 $ 154.2 $ 100.0 $ 120.7 $ 140.3 $ 124.8 $ 157.4 $ 178.9 69 Controls and Procedures Disclosure Controls and Procedures Our management, with the participation of our Principal Executive and Principal Financial Officers, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of December 31, 2020. Based on this evaluation, our Principal Executive and Principal Financial Officers concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (a) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (b) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive and Principal Financial Officers as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, we assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on our assessment and those criteria, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, our internal control over financial reporting was effective. KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, as stated in their report which appears below. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2020 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 70 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance The information required by this item will be contained in the 2021 Proxy Statement, including in the sections titled “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Other Matters — Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports, if applicable” and “Corporate Governance,” and is incorporated herein by reference. Executive Compensation The information required by this item will be contained in the 2021 Proxy Statement, including in the sections titled “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation,” and is incorporated herein by reference. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters The information required by this item will be contained in the 2021 Proxy Statement, including in the sections titled “Ownership of Common Stock” and “Ownership of Common Stock by Directors and Executive Officers,” and is incorporated herein by reference. The table below presents information as of December 31, 2020, relating to our equity compensation plans or arrangements pursuant to which grants of options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock units or other rights to acquire shares may be granted from time to time. Plan Category Equity compensation plans approved by security holders: Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan: Traditional options Net-Settled Options RSUs PSUs Total ESPP(2) Total approved by security holders Total not approved by security holders Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options and Rights (1) Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options and Rights Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans Average Remaining Life (Years) of Options Outstanding — $ 119,747 2,517,486 1,343,016 3,980,249 — 3,980,249 $ — $ — 12.07 — — 12.07 — 12.07 — — 0.9 — — 0.9 16,426,580 — 2,050,117 0.9 18,476,697 — — (1) (2) Upon exercise of a net-settled option, optionees are entitled to receive the after-tax spread shares only. The spread shares equal the gross number of options granted less shares for the option cost. Accordingly, this column reflects the net-settled option spread shares issuable at December 31, 2020, where provided. PSUs granted in 2018 vest after a three-year performance period (2018-2020), with the potential payout ranging from 0% to 150% of the target award. Based on the Company’s actual performance during the three-year performance period relative to pre-established performance goals, these PSUs will vest at 83% of the target amount and will be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock two business days after the Company files its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. These 2018 PSUs are shown above as outstanding on December 31, 2020, based on the final achieved amount (i.e., 83% of the target amount). Number of shares available for issuance under the Navient Corporation ESPP as of December 31, 2020. The ESPP was approved on April 8, 2014 by the company now known as SLM Corporation, then our sole shareholder. The ESPP became effective May 1, 2014. The Company amended the ESPP effective November 1, 2015 to alter the offering period for employees of recently acquired subsidiaries. The Company again amended the ESPP on April 4, 2019, subject to shareholder approval, to increase the shares available for issuance under the plan by 2 million shares. This amendment was approved by the Company’s shareholders on June 6, 2019. The Company again amended the ESPP on May 21, 2020, to eliminate the accrual of interest on individual account balances for periods after July 31, 2020. For periods on or before July 31, 2020, accrued interest on ESPP deposits was based on the money market annual yield rate published in the Wall Street Journal “Bonds, Rates & Yields” section on the 25th of each month. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence The information required by this item will be contained in the 2021 Proxy Statement, including under “Other Matters — Certain Relationships and Transactions” and “Corporate Governance,” and is incorporated herein by reference. Principal Accountant Fees and Services The information required by this item will be contained in the 2021 Proxy Statement, including under “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” and is incorporated herein by reference. 71 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules (a) 1. Financial Statements The following consolidated financial statements of Navient Corporation and the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon are included: Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm .................................................................. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm .................................................................. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 ...................................................... Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 ........... Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 ............................................................................................................................................. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, F-2 F-4 F-7 F-8 F-9 2018, 2019 and 2020 .......................................................................................................................... Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 .... Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ........................................................................................ F-10 F-13 F-14 2. Financial Statement Schedules All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. 3. Exhibits The exhibits listed in the accompanying index to exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We will furnish at cost a copy of any exhibit filed with or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Oral or written requests for copies of any exhibits should be directed to the Secretary. 4. Appendices Appendix A — Federal Family Education Loan Program Appendix B — Form 10-K Cross-Reference Index (b) 2.1 Exhibits The Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 16, 2014, between Navient Corporation and Navient, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Navient Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2014). 3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Navient Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Amendment No. 3 to Navient Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (File No. 001-36228) filed on March 27, 2014). 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Second Amended and Restated By-Laws of Navient Corporation adopted April 4, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Navient Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 9, 2018). Description of Registrant’s Securities (incorporated by reference to Form S-3ASR filed on July 18, 2014. IIndenture, dated as of July 18, 2014, between Navient Corporation and Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form S-3ASR filed on July 18, 2014). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 6, 2014, between Navient Corporation and Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Navient Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 11, 2006. Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 27, 2015 between Navient Corporation and Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Navient Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2015. 4.5 The Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 29, 2016, between Navient Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Navient Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 29, 2016). 4.6 The Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 16, 2016, between Navient Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Navient Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 16, 2016). 72 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 The Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 7, 2017 to the Indenture dated as of July 18, 2014 between Navient Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Navient Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 7, 2017). The Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2017 to the Indenture dated as of July 18, 2014 between Navient Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Navient Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 7, 2017) The Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 26, 2017 to the Indenture dated as of July 18, 2014 between Navient Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Navient Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 26, 2017). The Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 9, 2017 to the Indenture dated as of July 18, 2014 between Navient Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Navient Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 9, 2017). 4.11 The Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 4, 2017 to the Indenture dated as of July 18, 2014 between Navient Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Navient Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 4, 2017). 4.12 4.13 4.14 The Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 11, 2018 to the Indenture dated as of July 18, 2014 between Navient Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Navient Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 11, 2018). The Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 27, 2020 (this “Supplemental Indenture”), between Navient Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation, as trustee (the “Trustee”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 on Form 8-K filed on January 27, 2020). The Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 2, 2021, between Navient Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 on Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2021). 10.1† Form of Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, Stock Option Agreement, Net Settled Options — 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 1, 2014). 10.2† Form of Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, Stock Option Agreement, Net Settled Options — 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 1, 2014). 10.3† Form of Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, Independent Director Stock Option Agreement — 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 1, 2014). 10.4† Form of Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, Independent Director Stock Option Agreement — 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 1, 2014). 10.5† Form of Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement — Net Settled Options (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 28, 2016). 10.6 Federal Student Loan Sale Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated April 18, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Navient Credit Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Purchaser”), and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a national banking association (the “Seller”). (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Navient Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 27, 2017). 10.7 Private Student Loan Sale Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of April 18, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Navient Credit Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Purchaser”), and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a national banking association (the “Seller”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Navient Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 27, 2017). 10.8† Form of Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Navient Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 27, 2017). 73 10.9† Form of Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan Performance Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Navient Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 3, 2018). 10.10† Form of Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Navient Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 3, 2018). 10.11† Form of Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Navient Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 3, 2018). 10.12† Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated as of May 24, 2018 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Navient Corporation’s Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2018. 10.13† 10.14† 10.15† Navient Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, as amended and restated effective October 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 10-K (File No. 001-36228) filed on October 30, 2015). Navient Corporation Change in Control Severance Plan for Senior Officers, Amended and Restated as of May 24, 2018 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Navient Corporation’s Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2018. Navient Corporation Executive Severance Plan for Senior Officers, Amended and Restated as of May 24, 2018 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Navient Corporation’s Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2018. 10.16† Navient Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated as of May 24, 2018 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Navient Corporation’s Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2018. 10.17† Form of Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, Performance Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Navient Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 3, 2019). 10.18† Form of Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Navient Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 3, 2019). 10.19† Form of Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, Independent Director Restricted Stock Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Navient Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 3, 2019). 10.20† Amended and Restated Navient Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Navient Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on April 30, 2019. 10.21 10.22 Stock Repurchase Agreement (“Agreement”) dated January 27, 2020, by and among Navient Corporation, (the “Purchaser”), and Canyon Capital Advisors LLL on behalf of Canyon Value Realization Fund, L.P., The Canyon Value Realization Master Fund, L.P., Canyon Balanced Master Fund, Ltd, Canyon-GRF Master Fund II, L.P., EP Canyon Ltd, Canyon Value Realization MAC 18 Ltd (collectively “Canyon”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2020). Underwriting Agreement dated January 28, 2021 among Navient Corporation and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Barclays Capital Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as representatives of the underwriters named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 on Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2021). 10.23† Form of Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan Performance Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2020). 10.24† Form of Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2020). 10.25† Form of Navient Corporation 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan Independent Director Stock Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2020). 21.1* List of Subsidiaries. 74 23.1* 31.1* Consent of KPMG LLP. Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 31.2* Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.1** Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002. 32.2** Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002. 101.INS* Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. 101.SCH* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. 101.CAL* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. 101.DEF* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. 101.LAB* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. 101.PRE* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). † * ** Management Contract or Compensatory Plan or Arrangement Filed herewith Furnished herewith 75 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. Dated: February 26, 2021 NAVIENT CORPORATION By: /s/ JOHN F. REMONDI John F. Remondi President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature /s/ JOHN F. REMONDI John F. Remondi /s/ JOE FISHER Joe Fisher /s/ LINDA A. MILLS Linda A. Mills /s/ FREDERICK ARNOLD Frederick Arnold /s/ ANNA ESCOBEDO CABRAL Anna Escobedo Cabral /s/ LARRY A. KLANE Larry A. Klane /s/ KATHERINE A. LEHMAN Katherine A. Lehman /s/ JANE J. THOMPSON Jane J. Thompson /s/ LAURA S. UNGER Laura S. Unger /s/ DAVID L. YOWAN David L. Yowan Title President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) Date February 26, 2021 February 26, 2021 Chair of the Board of Directors February 26, 2021 Director Director Director Director Director Director Director February 26, 2021 February 26, 2021 February 26, 2021 February 26, 2021 February 26, 2021 February 26, 2021 February 26, 2021 76 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INDEX Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ................................................................................. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ................................................................................. Consolidated Balance Sheets ............................................................................................................................. Consolidated Statements of Income ................................................................................................................... Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income ......................................................................................... Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity ............................................................................ Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ............................................................................................................ Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ...................................................................................................... Page F-2 F-4 F-7 F-8 F-9 F-10 F-13 F-14 F-1 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Stockholders and Board of Directors Navient Corporation: Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting We have audited Navient Corporation and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 26, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. F-2 Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. McLean, Virginia February 26, 2021 (signed) KPMG LLP F-3 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Stockholders and Board of Directors Navient Corporation: Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Navient Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, 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 December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three- year period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 26, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Change in Accounting Principle As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for recognition and measurement of credit losses as of January 1, 2020 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Accounting Standards Codification Topic 326). 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 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. 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. Critical Audit Matter The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates. F-4 Assessment of the allowance for credit losses on loans As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments— Credit Losses (CECL) as of January 1, 2020. The total allowance for credit losses as of January 1, 2020 was $1,369 million, inclusive of the allowance for private education loans totaling $1,045 million and FFELP loans totaling $324 million (the January 1, 2020 ALL). As discussed in Notes 2 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s total allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2020 was $1,377 million, of which $1,089 million related to the allowance for credit losses on private education loans (the December 31, 2020 private education ALL). The January 1, 2020 ALL and the December 31, 2020 private education ALL includes the measure of expected credit losses on a collective basis for those loans that share similar risk characteristics. The Company estimated the January 1, 2020 ALL and the December 31, 2020 private education ALL using current expected credit losses methodologies which are based on relevant information about historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the loan balances. For the private education ALL, the expected credit losses are the product of a transition rate model determining the Company’s estimates of probability of default and prepayment and applying the loss given default on an undiscounted basis. For the FFELP ALL, the expected credit losses are the product of the model utilizing historical transition rates to determine the Company’s estimates of probability of default and prepayment on an undiscounted basis. The models used to project losses utilize key credit quality indicators of the loan portfolio and predict how those attributes are expected to perform at the loan level in connection with the forecasted economic conditions over the contractual term of the loans including any prepayments and extension options within the control of the borrower. The private education ALL incorporates a reasonable and supportable forecast of various macro-economic variables and several forecast scenarios over the remaining life of the loans. The development of the reasonable and supportable forecast incorporates an assumption that each macro- economic variable will revert to a long-term expectation. For the FFELP ALL, after the reasonable and supportable forecast period, there is an immediate reversion to a long-term expectation. The Company makes estimates regarding 1) transition rates including prepayments, 2) recoveries on defaults including expected future recoveries on charged-off loans (expected recoveries) and 3) reasonably expected new Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”). A portion of the January 1, 2020 ALL and the December 31, 2020 private education ALL is comprised of adjustments to historical loss information for reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions and asset-specific risk characteristics to the extent that these factors are not reflected in the historical loss information. These adjustments are based on qualitative factors not reflected in the quantitative models but are likely to impact the measurement of estimated credit losses. We identified the assessment of the January 1, 2020 ALL and the December 31, 2020 private education ALL as a critical audit matter. A high degree of audit effort, including skills and knowledge, and subjective and complex auditor judgment was involved in the assessment. Specifically, the assessment encompassed an evaluation of the ALL methodologies including the methods and models used to estimate the projected losses and their significant assumptions. Such significant assumptions included (1) historical loss period (2) the forecasted economic scenarios, including related weightings (solely as it relates to the private education ALL), (3) the reasonable and supportable forecast periods, (4) the reversion method (solely as it relates to the FFELP ALL), (5) the transition rates including estimated prepayments, (6) the expected recoveries (solely as it relates to the private education ALL), and (7) the qualitative factors. The assessment also included an evaluation of the conceptual soundness and performance of the models. In addition, auditor judgment was required to evaluate the sufficiency of audit evidence obtained. The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Company’s measurement of the ALL estimates including controls over: • • • • • • development of the ALL methodologies development of the models identification and determination of significant assumptions used to estimate credit losses development of the qualitative factors performance monitoring of the models for the December 31, 2020 private education ALL analysis of the December 31, 2020 private education ALL results, trends, and ratios. F-5 We evaluated the Company’s process to develop the ALL estimates by testing certain sources of data, factors, and assumptions that the Company used, and considered the relevance and reliability of such data, factors, and assumptions. In addition, we involved credit risk professionals with specialized industry knowledge and experience who assisted in: • • • evaluating the Company’s January 1, 2020 ALL and December 31, 2020 private education ALL methodologies for compliance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles evaluating the judgments made by the Company relative to the model development and performance testing of models, and the significant assumptions used by the Company by comparing them to relevant Company-specific metrics and trends and the applicable industry and regulatory practices assessing the conceptual soundness and performance testing of the model by inspecting the model documentation to determine whether the models are suitable for their intended use • evaluating the methodology used to develop the qualitative factors and the effect of those factors on the ALL compared with relevant credit risk factors and consistency with credit trends and identified limitations of the underlying quantitative models. We also assessed the sufficiency of the audit evidence obtained related to the Company’s January 1, 2020 ALL and the December 31, 2020 private education ALL by evaluating the: cumulative results of the audit procedures • • qualitative aspects of the Company’s accounting practices • potential bias in the accounting estimates. (signed) KPMG LLP We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2012. McLean, Virginia February 26, 2021 F-6 NAVIENT CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In millions, except per share amounts) Assets FFELP Loans (net of allowance for losses of $288 and $64, respectively) Private Education Loans (net of allowance for losses of $1,089 and $1,048, respectively) Investments Held-to-maturity Other Total investments Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash and cash equivalents Goodwill and acquired intangible assets, net Other assets Total assets Liabilities Short-term borrowings Long-term borrowings Other liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies Equity Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 1.125 billion shares authorized: 454 million and 451 million shares issued, respectively Additional paid-in capital Accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax benefit of $90 and $30, respectively) Retained earnings Total Navient Corporation stockholders’ equity before treasury stock Less: Common stock held in treasury at cost: 267 million and 236 million shares, respectively Total Navient Corporation stockholders’ equity Noncontrolling interest Total equity Total liabilities and equity $ $ $ December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ 58,284 $ 64,575 21,079 22,245 15 270 285 1,183 2,354 735 3,492 87,412 $ 6,613 $ 77,332 1,020 84,965 4 3,226 (274 ) 3,331 6,287 (3,854 ) 2,433 14 2,447 87,412 $ 19 192 211 1,233 2,548 757 3,334 94,903 8,483 81,715 1,356 91,554 4 3,198 (91 ) 3,664 6,775 (3,439 ) 3,336 13 3,349 94,903 Supplemental information — assets and liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities: FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Restricted cash Other assets, net Short-term borrowings Long-term borrowings Net assets of consolidated variable interest entities December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ $ 58,068 $ 18,658 2,322 1,420 5,595 68,900 5,973 $ 64,255 19,609 2,506 1,089 7,089 72,856 7,514 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-7 NAVIENT CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In millions, except per share amounts) $ Interest income: FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Other loans Cash and investments Total interest income Total interest expense Net interest income Less: provisions for loan losses Net interest income after provisions for loan losses Other income (loss): Servicing revenue Asset recovery and business processing revenue Other income Gains on sales of loans Gains (losses) on debt repurchases Gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities, net Total other income Expenses: Salaries and benefits Other operating expenses Total operating expenses Goodwill and acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization expense Restructuring/other reorganization expenses Total expenses Income before income tax expense Income tax expense Net income Basic earnings per common share Average common shares outstanding Diluted earnings per common share Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding Dividends per common share $ $ $ $ Years Ended December 31, 2019 2020 2018 1,837 $ 1,445 — 16 3,298 2,046 1,252 155 1,097 214 458 20 — (6 ) (256 ) 430 497 467 964 22 9 995 532 120 412 $ 2.14 $ 193 2.12 $ 195 .64 $ 2,847 $ 1,731 2 93 4,673 3,488 1,185 258 927 240 488 45 16 45 22 856 488 496 984 30 6 1,020 763 166 597 $ 2.59 $ 230 2.56 $ 233 .64 $ 3,027 1,778 6 97 4,908 3,668 1,240 370 870 274 430 17 — 19 (38 ) 702 507 477 984 47 13 1,044 528 133 395 1.52 260 1.49 264 .64 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-8 NAVIENT CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In millions) Net income Net changes in cash flow hedges, net of taxes(1) Total comprehensive income (1) See “Note 7 – Derivative Financial Instruments.” Years Ended December 31, 2019 2020 2018 $ $ 412 $ (183 ) 229 $ 597 $ (204 ) 393 $ 395 39 434 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-9 Balance at December 31, 2017 Comprehensive income: Net income Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Total comprehensive income Cash dividends: Common stock ($.64 per share) Dividend equivalent units related to employee stock-based compensation plans Issuance of common shares Stock-based compensation expense Repurchase of common stock: Common stock repurchased Derivative contract settlement: Settlement cost, cash (Gain)/loss on settlement Shares repurchased related to employee stock-based compensation plans Purchase of noncontrolling interest Reclassification from adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 Balance at December 31, 2018 NAVIENT CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (In millions, except share and per share amounts) Common Stock Shares Common Issued Treasury Outstanding Stock Capital Income (Loss) Earnings Stock 439,718,145 (176,667,573 ) 263,050,572 $ 4 $ 3,077 $ 61 $ 3,004 $ (2,692 ) $ Additional Paid-In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Retained Treasury Total Stockholders’ Noncontrolling Total Equity 31 $ 3,485 3,454 $ Interest Equity — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 395 — 39 — — — — — 395 39 434 — 395 — 39 — 434 — — — — (166 ) — (166 ) — (166 ) — 5,659,681 — — — — — 5,659,681 — — (13,131,159 ) — — (4,312,192 ) — (13,131,159 ) — (4,312,192 ) — — — (3,829,629 ) — (3,829,629 ) — — — — — — — — — — 43 25 — — — — — — — — (2 ) — — — — — (2 ) 43 25 — — — (2 ) 43 25 — — (160 ) (160 ) — (160 ) — — — — — — — — (60 ) 4 (53 ) — (60 ) 4 (53 ) — — — (60 ) 4 — (3 ) (53 ) (3 ) — — 28 $ 3,547 — 445,377,826 (197,940,553 ) 247,437,273 $ — — — 4 $ — 3,145 $ 13 — (13 ) 113 $ 3,218 $ (2,961 ) $ — 3,519 $ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-10 Balance at December 31, 2018 Comprehensive income: Net income Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Total comprehensive income Cash dividends: Common stock ($.64 per share) Dividend equivalent units related to employee stock-based compensation plans Issuance of common shares Stock-based compensation expense Common stock repurchased Shares repurchased related to employee stock-based compensation plans Net activity in noncontrolling interest Balance at December 31, 2019 NAVIENT CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (In millions, except share and per share amounts) Common Stock Shares Common Issued Treasury Outstanding Stock Capital Income (Loss) Earnings Stock 445,377,826 (197,940,553 ) 247,437,273 $ 4 $ 3,145 $ 113 $ 3,218 $ (2,961 ) Additional Paid-In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Retained Treasury Total Stockholders’ Noncontrolling Total Equity 28 3,547 3,519 $ Interest Equity — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 597 — 597 — 597 (204 ) — — — — — (204 ) 393 — (204 ) — 393 — — — — (147 ) — (147 ) — (147 ) — — — 5,717,053 — — — (34,491,342 ) — 5,717,053 — (34,491,342 ) (3,226,301 ) — 451,094,879 (235,658,196 ) 215,436,683 $ (3,226,301 ) — — — — — — — — — 4 $ — 28 25 — — — 3,198 $ — — — — (4 ) — — — — — — (440 ) — — (38 ) — — — (91 ) $ 3,664 $ (3,439 ) $ (4 ) 28 25 (440 ) (38 ) — 3,336 $ — (4 ) — 28 — 25 — (440 ) — (38 ) (15 ) (15 ) 13 $ 3,349 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-11 NAVIENT CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (In millions, except share and per share amounts) Common Stock Shares Common Issued Treasury Outstanding Stock Capital Additional Paid-In Comprehensive Retained Treasury Income (Loss) Earnings Stock Total Stockholders’ Noncontrolling Total Equity Interest 451,094,879 (235,658,196 ) 215,436,683 $ 4 $ 3,198 $ (91 ) $ 3,664 $ (3,439 ) 3,336 $ Equity 13 3,349 Accumulated Other Balance at December 31, 2019 Cumulative adjustment for the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 Comprehensive income: Net income Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Total comprehensive income Cash dividends: Common stock ($.64 per share) Dividend equivalent units related to employee stock-based compensation plans Issuance of common shares Stock-based compensation expense Common stock repurchased Shares repurchased related to employee stock-based compensation plans Net activity in noncontrolling interest Balance at December 31, 2020 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 2,684,096 — — — (30,628,580 ) — 2,684,096 — (30,628,580 ) (1,189,745 ) — 453,778,975 (267,476,521 ) 186,302,454 $ (1,189,745 ) — — — — — — — — — 4 $ — — — — — — 10 18 — — (620 ) — (620 ) — (620 ) — 412 — 412 — 412 (183 ) — — — — — (183 ) 229 — — (183 ) 229 — (123 ) — (123 ) — (123 ) — — — — (2 ) — — — — — — (400 ) — — 3,226 $ — — — (15 ) — — (274 ) $ 3,331 $ (3,854 ) $ (2 ) 10 18 (400 ) (15 ) — 2,433 $ — — — — (2 ) 10 18 (400 ) — 1 (15 ) 1 14 $ 2,447 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-12 NAVIENT CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In millions) Operating activities Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: (Gains) on sale of education loans (Gains) losses on debt repurchases Goodwill and acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization expense Stock-based compensation expense Mark-to-market (gains)/losses on derivative and hedging activities, net Provisions for loan losses Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable (Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable Decrease in other assets (Decrease) increase in other liabilities Total adjustments Total net cash provided by operating activities Investing activities Education loans acquired Principal payments on education loans Proceeds from sales of education loans Other investing activities, net Proceeds from sales and maturities of other securities Total net cash provided by investing activities Financing activities Borrowings collateralized by loans in trust - issued Borrowings collateralized by loans in trust - repaid Asset-backed commercial paper conduits, net Long-term unsecured notes issued Long-term unsecured notes repaid Other financing activities, net Common stock repurchased Common dividends paid Total net cash used in financing activities Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 $ 412 $ 597 $ 395 — 6 22 18 340 155 22 (113 ) 177 (52 ) 575 987 (4,641 ) 11,179 — (90 ) — 6,448 7,959 (11,858 ) (1,915 ) 682 (1,832 ) (192 ) (400 ) (123 ) (7,679 ) (16 ) (45 ) 30 25 130 258 78 (96 ) 191 (133 ) 422 1,019 (5,411 ) 12,472 408 9 7 7,485 7,919 (14,271 ) (907 ) — (1,950 ) (189 ) (440 ) (147 ) (9,985 ) — (19 ) 47 25 37 370 (125 ) 58 321 31 745 1,140 (3,652 ) 13,973 — (76 ) 115 10,360 9,006 (14,057 ) (2,833 ) 495 (2,947 ) (162 ) (220 ) (166 ) (10,884 ) Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period Cash disbursements made (refunds received) for: Interest Income taxes paid Income taxes received Reconciliation of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows to the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period Supplemental cash flow information: Non-cash activities (244 ) (1,481 ) 616 3,781 5,262 4,646 3,537 $ 3,781 $ 5,262 2,059 $ 74 $ — $ 3,479 $ 93 $ (4 ) $ 3,460 57 (6 ) 1,183 $ 2,354 1,233 $ 2,548 1,286 3,976 $ $ $ $ $ $ 3,537 $ 3,781 $ 5,262 Investing activity - Held-to-maturity asset backed securities retained related to sales of education loans Operating activity - Servicing assets recognized upon sales of education loans $ — $ — 22 $ 3 — — See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-13 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Organization and Business Navient’s Business Navient is a leading provider of education loan management and business processing solutions for education, healthcare, and government clients at the federal, state, and local levels. We help our clients and millions of Americans achieve success through technology-enabled financing, services and support. With a focus on data-driven insights, service, compliance and innovative support, Navient’s business consists of: • Federal Education Loans We own a portfolio of $58.3 billion of federally guaranteed Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) Loans. We service and provide asset recovery services on this portfolio and for third parties, deploying data- driven approaches to support the success of our customers. We service federal education loans for approximately 5.6 million customers on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Our flexible and scalable infrastructure manages large volumes of complex transactions with continued customer experience and efficiency improvements. • Consumer Lending We own, service and originate Private Education Loans that enable students to pursue higher education and economic opportunities. Our $21.1 billion private loan portfolio demonstrates high customer success rates. Our loan origination business assists borrowers in refinancing their education loan debt and supports students and families in financing their higher education. In 2020, we originated $4.6 billion in Private Education Loans. • Business Processing We provide business processing solutions to a variety of public sector and health care organizations. We support over 500 clients – and their millions of clients, patients, and citizens – through a suite of solutions that leverages our scale, technology and customer experience expertise. Our data driven solutions enable our clients to focus on their missions and optimize their cash flow, and they enable individuals to successfully navigate complex programs, transactions, and decisions. 2. Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates Our financial reporting and accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Uncertain and volatile market and economic conditions increase the risk and complexity of the judgments in these estimates and actual results could differ from estimates. Accounting policies that include the most significant judgments, estimates and assumptions include the allowance for loan losses, goodwill and intangible asset impairment assessment and the amortization of loan premiums and discounts using the effective interest rate method. Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Navient Corporation and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries and those Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary, after eliminating the effects of intercompany accounts and transactions. F-14 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) We consolidate any VIEs where we have determined we are the primary beneficiary. A VIE is a legal entity that does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its own operations, or whose equity holders do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of the entity, or whose equity holders do not share proportionately in the losses or benefits of the entity. The primary beneficiary of the VIE is the entity which has both: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. As it relates to our securitizations and other secured borrowing facilities that are VIEs as of December 31, 2020 that we consolidate, we are the primary beneficiary as we are the servicer of the related education loan assets and own the Residual Interest of the securitization trusts and secured borrowing facilities. Fair Value Measurement We use estimates of fair value in applying various accounting standards for our financial statements. Fair value measurements are used in one of four ways: • • • • In the balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the statement of income; In the balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income section of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity; In the balance sheet for instruments carried at lower of cost or fair value with impairment charges recorded in the statement of income; and In the notes to the financial statements. Fair value is defined as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing and able market participants. In general, our policy in estimating fair value is to first look at observable market prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets, where available. When these are not available, other inputs are used to model fair value such as prices of similar instruments, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, default rates and credit spreads, relying first on observable data from active markets. Depending on current market conditions, additional adjustments to fair value may be based on factors such as liquidity and credit spreads. Transaction costs are not included in the determination of fair value. When possible, we seek to validate the model’s output to market transactions. Depending on the availability of observable inputs and prices, different valuation models could produce materially different fair value estimates. The values presented may not represent future fair values and may not be realizable. We categorize our fair value estimates based on a hierarchical framework associated with three levels of price transparency utilized in measuring financial instruments at fair value. Classification is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value of the instrument. The three levels are as follows: Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date. The types of financial instruments included in level 1 are highly liquid instruments with quoted prices. Level 2 — Inputs from active markets, other than quoted prices for identical instruments, are used to determine fair value. Significant inputs are directly observable from active markets for substantially the full term of the asset or liability being valued. Level 3 — Pricing inputs significant to the valuation are unobservable. Inputs are developed based on the best information available. However, significant judgment is required by us in developing the inputs. • • • Loans Loans, consisting of federally insured education loans and Private Education Loans, that we have the ability and intent to hold for the foreseeable future are classified as held-for-investment and are carried at amortized cost. Amortized cost includes the unamortized premiums, discounts, and capitalized origination costs and fees, all of which are amortized to interest income as further discussed below. Loans which are held-for-investment also have an allowance for loan loss. Any loans we have not classified as held-for-investment are classified as held-for-sale and carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Loans are classified as held-for-sale when we have the intent and ability to sell such loans. Loans which are held-for-sale do not have the associated premium, discount, and capitalized origination costs and fees amortized into interest income. In addition, once a loan is classified as held-for-sale, any allowance for loan losses that existed immediately prior to the reclassification to held-for-sale is reversed through provision. F-15 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) Allowance for Loan Losses On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments — Credit Losses,” which requires measurement and recognition of an allowance for loan loss that estimates the remaining current expected credit losses (CECL) for financial assets measured at amortized cost held at the reporting date. Our prior allowance for loan loss was an incurred loss model. As a result, the new guidance resulted in an increase to our allowance for loan losses. The new standard impacts the allowance for loan losses related to our Private Education Loans and FFELP Loans. The standard was applied through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings (net of tax) as of January 1, 2020, the effective date, for the education loans on our balance sheet as of that date (except for the $70 million Purchased Credit Deteriorated (PCD) portfolio where the related $43 million allowance is recorded as an increase to the basis of the loans). Subsequently, changes in the estimated remaining current expected credit losses, including estimated losses on newly originated education loans, are recorded through provision (net income). This standard represents a significant change from prior GAAP and has resulted in material changes to the Company’s accounting for the allowance for loan losses. Related to this new standard: • We have determined that, for modeling current expected credit losses, we can reasonably estimate expected losses that incorporate current and forecasted economic conditions over a “reasonable and supportable” period. For Private Education Loans, we incorporate a reasonable and supportable forecast of various macro-economic variables over the remaining life of the loans. The development of the reasonable and supportable forecast incorporates an assumption that each macro-economic variable will revert to a long-term expectation starting in years 2-4 of the forecast and largely completing within the first five years of the forecast. For FFELP Loans, after a three-year reasonable and supportable period, there is an immediate reversion to a long-term expectation. The models used to project losses utilize key credit quality indicators of the loan portfolio and predict how those attributes are expected to perform in connection with the forecasted economic conditions. These losses are calculated on an undiscounted basis. For Private Education Loans, we utilize a transition rate model that estimates the probability of prepayment and default and apply the loss given default. For FFELP Loans, we use historical transition rates to determine prepayments and defaults. The forecasted economic conditions used in our modeling of expected losses are provided by a third party. The primary economic metrics we use in the economic forecast are unemployment, GDP, interest rates, consumer loan delinquency rates and consumer income. Several forecast scenarios are provided which represent the baseline economic expectations as well as favorable and adverse scenarios. We analyze and evaluate the alternative scenarios for reasonableness and determine the appropriate weighting of these alternative scenarios based upon the current economic conditions and our view of the likelihood and risks of the alternative scenarios. We project losses at the loan level and make estimates regarding prepayments, recoveries on defaults and reasonably expected new Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs). • Separately, as it relates to interest rate concessions granted as part of our private education loan modification program, a discounted cash flow model is used to calculate the amount of interest forgiven for loans currently in the program. The present value of this interest rate concession is included in our allowance for loan loss. • Charge-offs include the discount or premium related to such defaulted loan. • CECL requires our expected future recoveries on charged-off loans to be presented within the allowance for loan loss whereas previously, we accounted for our receivable for partially charged-off loans ($588 million as of December 31, 2019) as part of our Private Education Loan portfolio. This change is only a change in classification on the balance sheet and did not impact retained earnings at adoption of CECL or provision and net income post-adoption. • Once our loss model calculations are performed, we review the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and determine if qualitative adjustments need to be made. These adjustments may include, but are not limited to, changes in lending and servicing and collection policies and practices, as well as the effect of other external factors such as the economy and changes in legal or regulatory requirements that impact the amount of future credit losses. F-16 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) The total allowance for loan losses increased by $802 million upon adoption on January 1, 2020 (excluding the impact of the balance sheet reclassifications related to the expected future recoveries and PCD portfolio discussed above). This had a corresponding reduction to equity of $620 million. (Dollars in millions) Allowance as of December 31, 2019 (prior to CECL) Transition adjustments made under CECL on January 1, 2020: Current expected credit losses on non-PCD portfolio(1) Current expected credit losses on PCD portfolio(2) Reclassification of the expected future recoveries on charged-off loans(3) Net increase to allowance for loan losses under CECL Allowance as of January 1, 2020 after CECL FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Total $ 64 $ 1,048 $ 1,112 260 — 542 43 — 260 324 $ (588 ) (3 ) 1,045 $ $ 802 43 (588 ) 257 1,369 (1) Recorded net of tax through retained earnings. Resulted in a $620 million reduction to equity. (2) Recorded as an increase in basis of the loans. No impact to equity. (3) Reclassification of the expected future recoveries on charged-off loans (previously referred to as the receivable for partially charged-off loans) from the Private Education Loan balance to the allowance for loan losses. No impact to equity. The $155 million provision for loan losses in 2020 primarily related to an increase in expected losses due to COVID- 19’s negative impact on the current and forecasted economic conditions. This increase in expected losses was largely reflected in the allowance for loan losses as of June 30, 2020 as we believe there was not a significant change in the credit quality of the portfolio or in the current and forecasted economic conditions between June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020. These conclusions and adjustments were based on an evaluation of current and forecasted economic conditions directly taking into consideration the negative impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. economy. We evaluated and considered several forecasted economic scenarios when making these conclusions and adjustments. We also considered the characteristics of our loan portfolio and its expected behavior in the forecasted economic scenarios. The provision for loan losses in 2020 related to COVID-19 is directly related to changes in the following assumptions regarding the current and forecasted economic conditions since January 1, 2020 (when CECL was implemented): an increase in unemployment, a decrease in GDP, a decrease in interest rates, an increase in consumer loan delinquency rates and a decrease in consumer income. If future economic conditions as a result of COVID-19 are significantly worse than what was assumed as a part of this assessment, specifically related to the severity and length of the downturn and subsequent recovery, it could result in additional provision for loan loss being recorded in future periods. At the end of each month, for Private Education loans that are 212 days past due, we charge off the estimated loss of a defaulted loan balance. Actual recoveries are applied against the remaining loan balance that was not charged off. We refer to this remaining loan balance as the “expected future recoveries on charged-off loans.” If actual periodic recoveries are less than expected, the difference is immediately charged off through the allowance for Private Education Loan losses with an offsetting reduction in the expected future recoveries on charged-off loans. If actual periodic recoveries are greater than expected, they will be reflected as a recovery through the allowance for Private Education Loan losses once the cumulative recovery amount exceeds the cumulative amount originally expected to be recovered. FFELP Loans are insured as to their principal and accrued interest in the event of default subject to a Risk Sharing level based on the date of loan disbursement. These insurance obligations are supported by contractual rights against the United States. For loans disbursed after October 1, 1993, and before July 1, 2006, we receive 98% reimbursement on all qualifying default claims. For loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2006, we receive 97% reimbursement. For loans disbursed prior to October 1, 1993, we receive 100% reimbursement. F-17 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) Allowance for Loan Losses Prior to the Adoption of CECL Private Education Loans We consider a loan to be impaired when, based on current information, a loss has been incurred and it is probable that we will not receive all contractual amounts due. When making our assessment as to whether a loan is impaired, we also take into account more than insignificant delays in payment. We generally evaluate impaired loans on an aggregate basis by grouping similar loans. Impaired loans also include those loans which are individually assessed for impairment at a loan level, such as in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR). We maintain an allowance for loan losses at an amount sufficient to absorb losses incurred in our portfolios at the reporting date based on a projection of estimated probable credit losses incurred in the portfolio. Our Private Education Loan portfolio contains TDR and non-TDR loans. For customers experiencing financial difficulty, certain Private Education Loans for which we have granted a forbearance of greater than three months, an interest rate reduction or an extended repayment plan are classified as TDRs. The allowance requirements are different based on these designations. In determining the allowance for loan losses on our non-TDR portfolio, we estimate the principal amount of loans that will default over the next two years (two years being the expected period between a loss event and default) and how much we expect to recover over time related to the defaulted amount. Expected defaults less our expected recoveries equal the allowance related to this portfolio. Our historical experience indicates that, on average, the time between the date that a customer experiences a default causing event (i.e., the loss trigger event) and the date that we charge off the unrecoverable portion of that loan is two years. Separately, for our TDR portfolio, we estimate an allowance amount sufficient to cover life-of-loan expected losses through an impairment calculation based on the difference between the loan’s basis and the present value of expected future cash flows (which would include life-of-loan default and recovery assumptions) discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate. Our TDR portfolio is comprised mostly of loans with forbearance usage greater than three months and interest rate reductions. The separate allowance estimates for our TDR and non-TDR portfolios are combined into our total allowance for Private Education Loan losses. In estimating both the non-TDR and TDR allowance amounts, we start with historical experience of customer default behavior. We make judgments about which historical period to start with and then make further judgments about whether that historical experience is representative of future expectations and whether additional adjustments may be needed to those historical default rates. We also take the economic environment into consideration when calculating the allowance for loan losses. We analyze key economic statistics and the effect we expect them to have on future defaults. Key economic statistics analyzed as part of the allowance for loan losses are primarily unemployment rates. Our allowance for loan losses is estimated using an analysis of delinquent and current accounts. Our model is used to estimate the likelihood that a loan may progress through the various delinquency stages and ultimately charge off. The evaluation of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant changes. The estimate for the allowance for loan losses is subject to a number of assumptions. If actual future performance in delinquency, charge-offs and recoveries are significantly different than estimated, this could materially affect our estimate of the allowance for loan losses and the related provision for loan losses on our income statement. We determine the collectability of our Private Education Loan portfolio by evaluating certain risk characteristics. We consider credit score (FICO), loan status, loan seasoning, existence of a cosigner and school type as the key credit quality indicators because they have the most significant effect on our determination of the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses. F-18 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) To estimate the probable credit losses incurred in the loan portfolio at the reporting date, we use historical experience of customer payment behavior in connection with the key credit quality indicators and incorporate management expectations regarding macroeconomic and collection performance factors. Our model is based upon the most recent twelve months of actual collection experience as the starting point for the non-TDR portfolio and the most recent approximate 15 years for the TDR portfolio and applies expected macroeconomic changes and collection procedure changes to estimate expected losses caused by loss events incurred as of the balance sheet date. Our model for the non-TDR portfolio places a greater emphasis on the more recent default experience rather than the default experience for older historical periods, as we believe the more recent default experience is more indicative of the probable losses incurred in the loan portfolio today that will default over the next two years. The TDR portfolio uses a longer historical default experience since we are projecting life of loan remaining losses. Similar to estimating defaults, we use historical customer payment behavior to estimate the timing and amount of future recoveries on charged-off loans. We use judgment in determining whether historical performance is representative of what we expect to collect in the future. We then apply the default and collection rate projections to each category of loans. Once the quantitative calculation is performed, we review the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and determine if qualitative adjustments need to be considered. Additionally, we consider changes in laws and regulations that could potentially impact the allowance for loan losses. FFELP Loans Similar to the allowance for Private Education Loan losses, the allowance for FFELP Loan losses uses historical experience of customer default behavior and a two-year loss confirmation period to estimate the credit losses incurred in the loan portfolio at the reporting date. We apply the default rate projections, net of applicable Risk Sharing, to each category for the current period to perform our quantitative calculation. Once the quantitative calculation is performed, we review the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and determine if qualitative adjustments need to be considered. For FFELP Loans that have lost their government insurance and have been charged off, any subsequent cash recoveries benefit the allowance for loan losses when received. Investments Other investments are primarily receivables for cash collateral posted to derivative counterparties. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents can include term federal funds, Eurodollar deposits, commercial paper, asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP), CDs, treasuries and money market funds with original terms to maturity of less than three months. Restricted Cash and Investments Restricted cash primarily includes amounts held in education loan securitization trusts and other secured borrowings. This cash must be used to make payments related to trust obligations. Amounts on deposit in these accounts are primarily the result of timing differences between when principal and interest is collected on the trust assets and when principal and interest is paid on trust liabilities. Securities pledged as collateral related to our derivative portfolio, where the counterparty has rights to replace the securities, are classified as restricted. When the counterparty does not have these rights, the security is recorded in investments and disclosed as pledged collateral in the notes. Additionally, certain counterparties require cash collateral pledged to us to be segregated and held in restricted cash accounts. Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets Acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting which results in the Company allocating the purchase price to the fair value of the acquired assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests, if any, with the remaining purchase price allocated to goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested periodically for impairment. We test goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1 at the reporting unit level, which is the same as or one level below a business segment. Goodwill is also tested at interim periods if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. F-19 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) We complete a goodwill impairment analysis which may be a qualitative or a quantitative analysis depending on the facts and circumstances associated with the reporting unit. In conjunction with a qualitative impairment analysis, we assess relevant qualitative factors to determine whether it is “more-likely-than-not” that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The “more-likely-than-not” threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50%. If, based on first assessing impairment utilizing a qualitative approach, we determine it is “more-likely-than- not” that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we will also complete a quantitative impairment analysis. In conjunction with a quantitative impairment analysis, we compare the fair value of the reporting unit to the reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, goodwill is impaired in an amount equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit not to exceed the goodwill amount attributed to the reporting unit. Acquired intangible assets include, but are not limited to, trade names, customer and other relationships, and non- compete agreements. Acquired intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives in proportion to their estimated economic benefit. Finite-lived acquired intangible assets are reviewed for impairment using an undiscounted cash flow analysis when an event occurs or circumstances change indicating the carrying amount of a finite-lived asset or asset group may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the fair value of the asset or asset group is determined using an acceptable valuation technique. An impairment loss would be recognized if the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset or asset group. The impairment loss recognized would be the difference between the carrying amount and fair value. Securitization Accounting Our securitizations use a two-step structure with a special purpose entity that legally isolates the transferred assets from us, even in the event of bankruptcy. Transactions receiving sale treatment are also structured to ensure that the holders of the beneficial interests issued are not constrained from pledging or exchanging their interests, and that we do not maintain effective control over the transferred assets. If these criteria are not met, then the transaction is accounted for as an on-balance sheet secured borrowing. In all cases, irrespective of whether they qualify as accounting sales our securitizations are legally structured to be sales of assets that isolate the transferred assets from us. If a securitization qualifies as a sale, we then assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of the securitization trust (VIE) and are required to consolidate such trust. If we are the primary beneficiary, then no gain or loss is recognized. See “Consolidation” of this Note 2 for additional information regarding the accounting rules for consolidation when we are the primary beneficiary of these trusts. Irrespective of whether a securitization receives sale or on-balance sheet treatment, our continuing involvement with our securitization trusts is generally limited to: • Owning equity certificates or other certificates of certain trusts and, in certain cases, securities retained for the purpose of complying with risk retention requirements under securities laws. • Lending to certain trusts, under a revolving credit, amounts necessary to cover temporary cash flow needs of the trust. These amounts are repaid to us on subordinated basis with interest at a market rate. • The servicing of the education loan assets within the securitization trusts, on both a pre- and post-default basis. • Our acting as administrator for the securitization transactions we sponsored, which includes remarketing certain bonds at future dates. • Our responsibilities relative to representation and warranty violations. • Temporarily advancing to the trust certain borrower benefits afforded the borrowers of education loans that have been securitized. These advances subsequently are returned to us in the next quarter. • Certain back-to-back derivatives entered into by us contemporaneously with the execution of derivatives by certain Private Education Loan securitization trusts. • The option held by us to buy certain delinquent loans from certain Private Education Loan securitization trusts. • The option to exercise the clean-up call and purchase the education loans from the trust when the asset balance is 10% or less of the original loan balance. • The option, on some trusts, to purchase education loans aggregating up to 10% of the trust’s initial pool balance. • The option (in certain trusts) to call rate reset notes in instances where the remarketing process has failed. F-20 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) The investors of the securitization trusts have no recourse to our other assets should there be a failure of the trusts to pay when due. Generally, the only arrangements under which we have to provide financial support to the trusts are representation and warranty violations requiring the buyback of loans. Under the terms of the transaction documents of certain trusts, we have, from time to time, exercised our options to purchase delinquent loans from Private Education Loan trusts, to purchase the remaining loans from trusts once the loan balance falls below 10% of the original amount, to purchase education loans up to 10% of the trust’s initial balance, or to call rate reset notes. Certain trusts maintain financial arrangements with third parties also typical of securitization transactions, such as derivative contracts (swaps). We do not record servicing assets or servicing liabilities when our securitization trusts are consolidated. As of December 31, 2020, we had $13 million of servicing assets on our balance sheet, recorded in connection with asset sales where we retained the servicing. Education Loan Interest Income For loans classified as held-for-investment, we recognize education loan interest income as earned, adjusted for the amortization of premiums (which includes premiums from loan purchases and capitalized direct origination costs), discounts and Repayment Borrower Benefits. These adjustments result in income being recognized based upon the expected yield of the loan over its life after giving effect to expected prepayments. We amortize premium and discount on education loans using a Constant Prepayment Rate (CPR) which measures the rate at which loans in the portfolio pay down principal compared to their stated terms. In determining the CPR, we only consider payments made in excess of contractually required payments. This would include loan refinancing and consolidations and other early payoff activity. For Repayment Borrower Benefits, the estimates of their effect on education loan yield are based on analyses of historical payment behavior of customers who are eligible for the incentives and its effect on the ultimate qualification rate for these incentives. We regularly evaluate the assumptions used to estimate the prepayment speeds and the qualification rates used for Repayment Borrower Benefits. In instances where there are changes to the assumptions, amortization is adjusted on a cumulative basis to reflect the change since the acquisition of the loan. We do not amortize any premiums, discounts or other adjustments to the basis of education loans when they are classified as held-for-sale. Interest Expense Interest expense is based upon contractual interest rates adjusted for the amortization of debt issuance costs, premiums and discounts. Our interest expense is also adjusted for net payments/receipts related to interest rate and foreign currency swap agreements that qualify and are designated as hedges, as well as the mark-to-market impact of derivatives and debt in fair value hedge relationships. Interest expense also includes the amortization of deferred gains and losses on closed hedge transactions that qualified as hedges. Amortization of debt issuance costs, premiums, discounts and terminated hedge-basis adjustments are recognized using the effective interest rate method. Servicing Revenue We perform loan servicing functions for third parties in return for a servicing fee. Our compensation is typically based on a per-unit fee arrangement or a percentage of the loans outstanding. We recognize servicing revenues associated with these activities based upon the contractual arrangements as the services are rendered. We recognize late fees on third-party serviced loans as well as on loans in our portfolio according to the contractual provisions of the promissory notes, as well as our expectation of collectability. Asset Recovery and Business Processing Revenue We account for certain asset recovery and business processing contract revenue (herein referred to as revenue from contracts with customers) in accordance with ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” (All Business Processing segment and the majority of the Federal Education Loan segment asset recovery and business processing revenue is accounted for under ASC 606.) Revenue earned by our Federal Education Loans segment is derived from asset recovery activities related to the collection of delinquent education loans on behalf of ED, Guarantor agencies and other institutions, as well as certain other guarantor activities. Revenue earned by our Business Processing segment is derived from government services, which includes receivables management services and account processing solutions, and healthcare services, which includes revenue cycle management services. F-21 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) Most of our revenue from contracts with customers is derived from long-term contracts, the duration of which is expected to span more than one year. These contracts are billable monthly, as services are rendered, based on a percentage of the balance collected or the transaction processed, a flat fee per transaction or a stated rate per the service performed. In accordance with ASC 606, the unit of account is a contractual performance obligation, a promise to provide a distinct good or service to a customer. The transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation when or as the good or service is transferred to the customer and the obligation is satisfied. Distinct performance obligations are identified based on the services specified in the contract that are capable of being distinct such that the customer can benefit from the service on its own or together with other resources that are available from the Company or a third party, and are also distinct in the context of the contract such that the transfer of the services is separately identifiable from other services promised in the contract. Most of our contracts include integrated service offerings that include obligations that are not separately identifiable and distinct in the context of our contracts. Accordingly, our contracts generally have a single performance obligation. A limited number of full- service offerings include multiple performance obligations. Substantially all our revenue is variable revenue which is recognized over time as our customers receive and consume the benefit of our services in an amount consistent with monthly billings. Accordingly, we do not disclose variable consideration associated with the remaining performance obligation as we have recognized revenue in the amount we have the right to invoice for services performed. Our fees correspond to the value the customer has realized from our performance of each increment of the service (for example, an individual transaction processed or collection of a past due balance). Transfer of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities Our securitizations and other secured borrowings are generally accounted for as on-balance sheet secured borrowings. See “Securitization Accounting” of this Note 2 for further discussion on the criteria assessed to determine whether a transfer of financial assets is a sale or a secured borrowing. If a transfer of loans qualifies as a sale, we derecognize the loan and recognize a gain or loss as the difference between the carrying basis of the loan sold and liabilities retained and the compensation received. We periodically repurchase our outstanding debt in the open market or through public tender offers. We record a gain or loss on the early extinguishment of debt based upon the difference between the carrying cost of the debt and the amount paid to the third party and net of hedging gains and losses when the debt is in a qualifying hedge relationship. We recognize the results of a transfer of loans and the extinguishment of debt based upon the settlement date of the transaction. Derivative Accounting Derivative instruments that are used as part of our interest rate and foreign currency risk management strategy include interest rate swaps, cross-currency interest rate swaps, and interest rate floor contracts. The accounting for derivative instruments requires that every derivative instrument, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. As more fully described below, if certain criteria are met, derivative instruments are classified and accounted for by us as either fair value or cash flow hedges. If these criteria are not met, the derivative financial instruments are accounted for as trading. Derivative positions are recorded as net positions by counterparty based on master netting arrangements exclusive of accrued interest and cash collateral held or pledged. Many of our derivatives, mainly fixed to variable or variable to fixed interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps, qualify as effective hedges. For these derivatives, at the inception of the hedge relationship, the following is documented: the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged items (including the hedged risk, the method for assessing effectiveness, and the results of the upfront effectiveness testing), and the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. Each derivative is designated to either a specific (or pool of) asset(s) or liability(ies) on the balance sheet or expected future cash flows and designated as either a “fair value” or a “cash flow” hedge. The assessment of the hedge’s effectiveness is performed at inception and on an ongoing basis, generally using regression testing. For hedges of a pool of assets or liabilities, tests are performed to demonstrate the similarity of individual instruments of the pool. When it is determined that a derivative is not currently an effective hedge, ineffectiveness is recognized for the full change in value of the derivative with no offsetting mark-to-market of the hedged item for the current period. If it is also determined the hedge will not be effective in the future, we discontinue the hedge accounting prospectively, cease recording changes in the fair value of the hedged item, and begin amortization of any basis adjustments that exist related to the hedged item. F-22 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) Fair Value Hedges Fair value hedges are generally used by us to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized fixed rate asset or liability. We enter into interest rate swaps to economically convert fixed rate assets into variable rate assets and fixed rate debt into variable rate debt. We also enter into cross-currency interest rate swaps to economically convert foreign currency denominated fixed and floating debt to U.S. dollar denominated variable debt. For fair value hedges, we generally consider all components of the derivative’s gain and/or loss when assessing hedge effectiveness and generally hedge changes in fair values due to interest rates or interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. For fair value hedges, both the derivative and the hedged item (for the risk being hedged) are marked-to-market through net interest income with any difference reflecting ineffectiveness. Cash Flow Hedges We use cash flow hedges to hedge the exposure to variability in cash flows for a forecasted debt issuance and for exposure to variability in cash flows of floating rate debt or assets. This strategy is used primarily to minimize the exposure to volatility from future changes in interest rates. For cash flow hedges, the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax, and recognized in earnings in the same period as the earnings effects of the hedged item. In the case of a forecasted debt issuance, gains and losses are reclassified to earnings over the period which the stated hedged transaction affects earnings. If we determine it is not probable that the anticipated transaction will occur, gains and losses are reclassified immediately to earnings. In assessing hedge effectiveness, generally all components of each derivative’s gains or losses are included in the assessment. We generally hedge exposure to changes in cash flows due to changes in interest rates or total changes in cash flow. Trading Activities When derivative instruments do not qualify as hedges, they are accounted for as trading instruments where all changes in fair value are recorded through earnings with no consideration for the corresponding change in fair value of the economically hedged item. Some of our derivatives, primarily Floor Income Contracts, basis swaps and at times, certain other LIBOR swaps do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Regardless of the accounting treatment, we consider these derivatives to be economic hedges for risk management purposes. We use this strategy to minimize our exposure to changes in interest rates. The “gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities, net” line item in the consolidated statements of income includes the mark-to-market gains and losses of our derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting, as well as the realized changes in fair value related to derivative net settlements and dispositions that do not qualify for hedge accounting. Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation We recognize stock-based compensation cost in our statements of income using the fair value-based method. Under this method we determine the fair value of the stock-based compensation at the time of the grant and recognize the resulting compensation expense over the grant’s vesting period. We record stock-based compensation expense net of estimated forfeitures and as such, only those stock-based awards that we expect to vest are recorded. We estimate the forfeiture rate based on historical forfeitures of equity awards and adjust the rate to reflect changes in facts and circumstances, if any. Ultimately, the total expense recognized over the vesting period will equal the fair value of awards that actually vest. F-23 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) Restructuring and Other Reorganization Expenses From time to time we implement plans to restructure our business. In conjunction with these restructuring plans, involuntary benefit arrangements, disposal costs (including contract termination costs and other exit costs), as well as certain other costs that are incremental and incurred as a direct result of our restructuring plans, are classified as restructuring expenses in the consolidated statements of income. The Company administers the Navient Corporation Employee Severance Plan and the Navient Corporation Executive Severance Plan for Senior Officers (collectively, the Severance Plan). The Severance Plan provides severance benefits in the event of termination of the Company’s full-time employees and part-time employees who work at least 24 hours per week. The Severance Plan establishes specified benefits based on base salary, job level immediately preceding termination and years of service upon involuntary termination of employment. The benefits payable under the Severance Plan relate to past service, and they accumulate and vest. Accordingly, we recognize severance expenses to be paid pursuant to the Severance Plan when payment of such benefits is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Such benefits include severance pay calculated based on the Severance Plan, medical and dental benefits, and outplacement services expenses. Contract termination costs are expensed at the earlier of (1) the contract termination date or (2) the cease use date under the contract. Other exit costs are expensed as incurred and classified as restructuring expenses if (1) the cost is incremental to and incurred as a direct result of planned restructuring activities and (2) the cost is not associated with or incurred to generate revenues subsequent to our consummation of the related restructuring activities. Other reorganization expenses include certain internal costs and third-party costs incurred in connection with our cost reduction initiatives. During 2020 and 2019, the Company incurred $9 million and $6 million, respectively, of restructuring/other reorganization expense in connection with an effort that will reduce costs and improve operating efficiency. These charges were primarily related to facility lease terminations and severance-related costs. Income Taxes We account for income taxes under the asset and liability approach which requires the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of our assets and liabilities. To the extent tax laws change, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted in the period that the tax change is enacted. “Income tax expense/(benefit)” includes (i) deferred tax expense/(benefit), which represents the net change in the deferred tax asset or liability balance during the year plus any change in a valuation allowance and (ii) current tax expense/(benefit), which represents the amount of tax currently payable to or receivable from a tax authority plus amounts accrued for unrecognized tax benefits. Income tax expense/(benefit) excludes the tax effects related to adjustments recorded in equity. If we have an uncertain tax position, then that tax position is recognized only if it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. The amount of tax benefit recognized in the financial statements is the largest amount of benefit that is more than 50% likely of being sustained upon ultimate settlement of the uncertain tax position. We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense/(benefit) and penalties, if any, in operating expenses. Earnings (Loss) per Common Share We compute earnings (loss) per common share (EPS) by dividing net income allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing income allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding plus amounts representing the dilutive effect of stock options outstanding, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and the outstanding commitment to issue shares under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. See “Note 10 — Earnings (Loss) per Common Share” for further discussion. F-24 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Effective in 2020 Allowance for Loan Losses On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments — Credit Losses,” which requires measurement and recognition of an allowance for loan loss that estimates the remaining current expected credit losses (CECL) for financial assets measured at amortized cost held at the reporting date. See “Allowance for Loan Losses” earlier in this footnote for further discussion. Goodwill On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU No. 2017-04, "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” The new standard simplifies the goodwill impairment test by eliminating the requirement to perform step two of the goodwill impairment test when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit fair value. Impairment is the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the reporting unit fair value, not to exceed the total allocated reporting unit goodwill. Previously, step two required a hypothetical purchase price allocation when step one indicated potential impairment. This new standard had no impact on 2020 results. Rate Reform In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform: Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting,” which provides relief for companies who are preparing for the discontinuation of interest rates such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The ASU provides companies with optional guidance in the form of expedients and exceptions related to contract modifications, hedge accounting and held to maturity debt securities to ease the burden of and simplify the accounting associated with transitioning away from LIBOR. This guidance, which will only be available through December 31, 2022, can be applied commencing in March 2020. The Company continues to assess the implications of the discontinuation of LIBOR. Accordingly, the Company has not applied or concluded whether it will apply the expedients and exceptions provided in this new standard. 3. Education Loans Education loans consist of FFELP and Private Education Loans. There are two principal categories of FFELP Loans: Stafford and FFELP Consolidation Loans. Generally, Stafford loans have repayment periods of between 5 and 10 years. FFELP Consolidation Loans have repayment periods of 12 to 30 years. FFELP Loans do not require repayment, or have modified repayment plans, while the customer is in- school and during the grace period immediately upon leaving school. The customer may also be granted a deferment or forbearance for a period of time based on need, during which time the customer is not considered to be in repayment. Interest continues to accrue on loans in the in-school, deferment and forbearance period. FFELP Loans obligate the customer to pay interest at a stated fixed rate or a variable rate reset annually (subject to a cap) on July 1 of each year depending on when the loan was originated and the loan type. FFELP Loans disbursed before April 1, 2006 earn interest at the greater of the borrower’s rate or a floating rate based on the Special Allowance Payment (SAP) formula, with the interest earned on the floating rate that exceeds the interest earned from the customer being paid directly by ED. For loans disbursed after April 1, 2006, FFELP Loans effectively only earn at the SAP rate, as the excess interest earned when the borrower rate exceeds the SAP rate (Floor Income) is required to be rebated to ED. FFELP Loans are insured as to their principal and accrued interest in the event of default subject to a Risk Sharing level based on the date of loan disbursement. These insurance obligations are supported by contractual rights against the United States. For loans disbursed after October 1, 1993 and before July 1, 2006, we receive 98% reimbursement on all qualifying default claims. For loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2006, we receive 97% reimbursement. F-25 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3. Education Loans (Continued) Private Education Loans bear the full credit risk of the customer. Private Education Refinance Loans generally have a fixed interest rate with the non-refinance Private Education Loans generally at a variable rate indexed to LIBOR or Prime indices. The majority of non-refinance loans in our portfolio are cosigned. Similar to FFELP loans, Private Education Loans are generally non-dischargeable in bankruptcy. Most loans have repayment terms of 10 to 15 years or more, and for loans made prior to 2009, payments are typically deferred until after graduation. However, since 2009 we began to encourage interest-only or fixed payment options while the customer is enrolled in school. The estimated weighted average life of education loans in our portfolio was approximately 6 years at December 31, 2020 and 2019. The following table reflects the distribution of our education loan portfolio by program. (Dollars in millions) FFELP Stafford Loans, net FFELP Consolidation Loans, net Private Education Loans, net Total education loans, net (Dollars in millions) FFELP Stafford Loans, net FFELP Consolidation Loans, net Private Education Loans, net Total education loans, net December 31, 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2020 Ending Balance % of Balance Average Balance Average Effective Interest Rate $ $ 19,607 38,677 21,079 79,363 25 % $ 49 26 100 % $ 20,844 40,678 22,720 84,242 2.80 % 3.08 6.36 3.90 % December 31, 2019 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Ending Balance % of Balance Average Balance Average Effective Interest Rate $ $ 21,723 42,852 22,245 86,820 25 % $ 49 26 100 % $ 23,198 45,073 22,512 90,783 4.24 % 4.13 7.69 5.04 % As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, 85% and 87%, respectively, of our education loan portfolio was in repayment. F-26 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. Allowance for Loan Losses See “Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies” for discussion of the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020. Allowance for Loan Losses Metrics (Dollars in millions) Allowance at beginning of period (after transition adjustment to CECL on January 1, 2020) Total provision Charge-offs: Net adjustment resulting from the change in the charge-off rate(1) Net charge-offs remaining(2) Total charge-offs(2) Decrease in expected future recoveries on charged-off loans(3) Allowance at end of period Plus: expected future recoveries on charged-off loans(3) Allowance at end of period excluding expected future recoveries on charged-off loans(4) Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment, excluding the net adjustment resulting from the change in the charge-off rate(1) Net adjustment resulting from the change in charge-off rate as a percentage of average loans in repayment(1) Allowance coverage of charge-offs(4) Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance(4) Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment(4) Ending total loans Average loans in repayment Ending loans in repayment Year Ended December 31, 2020 Private Education Loans FFELP Loans Total $ 324 13 $ 1,045 142 $ — (49 ) (49 ) — 288 — (23 ) (184 ) (207 ) 109 1,089 479 1,369 155 (23 ) (233 ) (256 ) 109 1,377 479 $ 288 $ 1,568 $ 1,856 .10 % .88 % — % 5.9 .5 % .6 % 58,572 48,130 48,057 $ $ $ $ $ $ .11 % 7.6 7.1 % 7.5 % 22,168 20,790 20,841 (1) In 2020, the portion of the loan amount charged off at default on Private Education Loans increased from 81% to 81.4%. This charge resulted in a $23 million reduction to the balance of the receivable for partially charged-off loan balance. (2) Charge-offs are reported net of expected recoveries. For Private Education Loans, at the time of charge-off, the expected recovery amount is transferred from the education loan balance to the allowance for loan loss and is referred to as the expected future recoveries on charged-off loans. For FFELP Loans, the recovery is received at the time of charge-off. (3) At the end of each month, for Private Education Loans that are 212 or more days past due, we charge off the estimated loss of a defaulted loan balance. Actual recoveries are applied against the remaining loan balance that was not charged off. We refer to this as the “expected future recoveries on charged-off loans.” If actual periodic recoveries are less than expected, the difference is immediately charged off through the allowance for Private Education Loan losses with an offsetting reduction in the expected future recoveries for charged-off loans. If actual periodic recoveries are greater than expected, they will be reflected as a recovery through the allowance for Private Education Loan losses once the cumulative recovery amount exceeds the cumulative amount originally expected to be recovered. The following table summarizes the activity in the expected future recoveries on charged-off loans: (Dollars in millions) Beginning of period expected recoveries Expected future recoveries of current period defaults Recoveries Charge-offs End of period expected recoveries Change in balance during period Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ $ $ 588 32 (107 ) (34 ) 479 (109 ) (4) The allowance used for these metrics excludes the expected future recoveries on charged-off loans to better reflect the current expected credit losses remaining in the portfolio. F-27 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued) (Dollars in millions) Beginning balance Total provision Net adjustment resulting from the change in the charge-off rate(1) Net charge-offs remaining(2) Total net charge-offs Reclassification of interest reserve(3) Loan sales Ending balance Allowance Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment — TDR Collectively evaluated for impairment: Excluding Purchased Non-Credit Impaired Loans acquired at a discount and Purchased Credit Impaired Loans Purchased Non-Credit Impaired Loans acquired at a discount(4) Purchased Credit Impaired Loans(4) Ending total allowance Loans Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment — TDR Collectively evaluated for impairment: $ $ $ $ Excluding Purchased Non-Credit Impaired Loans acquired at a discount and Purchased Credit Impaired Loans Purchased Non-Credit Impaired Loans acquired at a discount(4) Purchased Credit Impaired Loans(4) $ Ending total loans(5) Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment, excluding the net adjustment resulting from the change in the charge-off rate(1) Net adjustment resulting from the change in charge-off rate as a percentage of average loans in repayment(1) Allowance coverage of charge-offs Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment Ending total loans(5) $ $ Average loans in repayment $ Ending loans in repayment Year Ended December 31, 2019 FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Other Loans Total $ 76 30 $ 1,201 226 $ $ 9 1 — (42 ) (42 ) — — 64 $ (21 ) (364 ) (385 ) 7 (1 ) 1,048 $ — (2 ) (2 ) — (8 ) — $ 1,286 258 (21 ) (408 ) (429 ) 7 (9 ) 1,112 — $ 941 $ — $ 941 64 — — 64 $ 107 — — 1,048 $ — — — — $ 171 — — 1,112 — $ 9,617 $ — $ 9,617 61,589 12,286 9 73,884 2,505 — 64,094 $ 1,806 201 23,910 $ — — 9 $ 4,311 201 88,013 .07 % 1.67 % — % 1.5 .10 % .12 % 64,094 55,978 53,538 $ $ $ .10 % 2.7 4.38 % 4.74 % 23,910 21,859 22,089 $ $ $ — % — % — — % — % 9 29 9 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) In 2019, the portion of the loan amount charged off at default on Private Education Loans increased from 80.5% to 81%. This charge resulted in a $21 million reduction to the balance of the receivable for partially charged-off loan balance. Charge-offs are reported net of expected recoveries. For Private Education Loans, the expected recovery amount is transferred to the receivable for partially charged-off loan balance. Charge-offs include charge-offs against the receivable for partially charged-off loans which represents the difference between what was expected to be recovered and any shortfalls in what was actually recovered in the period. For FFELP Loans, the recovery is received at the time of charge-off. Represents the additional allowance related to the amount of uncollectible interest reserved within interest income that is transferred in the period to the allowance for loan losses when interest is capitalized to a loan’s principal balance. The Purchased Credit Impaired Loans’ losses are not provided for by the allowance for loan losses in the above table as these loans are separately reserved for, if needed. No allowance for loan losses has been established for these loans as of December 31, 2019. The losses of the Purchased Non-Credit Impaired Loans acquired at a discount are not provided for by the allowance for loan losses in the above table as the remaining purchased discount associated with the FFELP and Private Education Loans of $33 million and $268 million respectively, as of December 31, 2019 is greater than the incurred losses and as a result no allowance for loan losses has been established for these loans as of December 31, 2019. Ending total loans for Private Education Loans includes the receivable for partially charged-off loans. F-28 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued) (Dollars in millions) Allowance for Loan Losses Beginning balance Total provision Net adjustment resulting from the change in the charge- off rate(1) Net charge-offs remaining(2) Total net charge-offs Reclassification of interest reserve(3) Ending balance Allowance Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment — TDR Collectively evaluated for impairment: Excluding Purchased Non-Credit Impaired Loans acquired at a discount and Purchased Credit Impaired Loans Purchased Non-Credit Impaired Loans acquired at a discount(4) Purchased Credit Impaired Loans(4) Ending total allowance Loans Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment — TDR Collectively evaluated for impairment: $ $ $ $ Excluding Purchased Non-Credit Impaired Loans acquired at a discount and Purchased Credit Impaired Loans Purchased Non-Credit Impaired Loans acquired at a discount(4) Purchased Credit Impaired Loans(4) $ Ending total loans(5) Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment, excluding the net adjustment resulting from the change in the charge-off rate(1) Net adjustment resulting from the change in charge-off rate as a percentage of average loans in repayment(1) Allowance coverage of charge-offs Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment Ending total loans(5) $ $ Average loans in repayment $ Ending loans in repayment Year Ended December 31, 2018 FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Other Loans Total $ 60 70 $ 1,297 299 $ 10 1 $ — (54 ) (54 ) — 76 $ (32 ) (371 ) (403 ) 8 1,201 $ — (2 ) (2 ) — 9 $ 1,367 370 (32 ) (427 ) (459 ) 8 1,286 — $ 1,100 $ 8 $ 1,108 76 — — 76 $ 101 — — 1,201 $ 1 — — 9 $ 178 — — 1,286 — $ 10,336 $ 28 $ 10,364 68,880 11,464 51 80,395 2,850 — 71,730 $ 2,180 225 24,205 $ — — 79 $ 5,030 225 96,014 .09 % 1.66 % — % — % 1.4 .11 % .13 % 71,730 62,927 59,551 $ $ $ .14 % 3.0 4.96 % 5.45 % 24,205 22,312 22,037 $ $ $ — % — 11.52 % 11.52 % 79 75 79 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) In 2018, the portion of the loan amount charged off at default on Private Education Loans increased from 79% to 80.5%. This charge resulted in a $32 million reduction to the balance of the receivable for partially charged-off loan balance. Charge-offs are reported net of expected recoveries. For Private Education Loans, the expected recovery amount is transferred to the receivable for partially charged-off loan balance. Charge-offs include charge-offs against the receivable for partially charged-off loans which represents the difference between what was expected to be recovered and any shortfalls in what was actually recovered in the period. For FFELP Loans, the recovery is received at the time of charge-off. Represents the additional allowance related to the amount of uncollectible interest reserved within interest income that is transferred in the period to the allowance for loan losses when interest is capitalized to a loan’s principal balance. The Purchased Credit Impaired Loans’ losses are not provided for by the allowance for loan losses in the above table as these loans are separately reserved for, if needed. No allowance for loan losses has been established for these loans as of December 31, 2018. The losses of the Purchased Non-Credit Impaired Loans acquired at a discount are not provided for by the allowance for loan losses in the above table as the remaining purchased discount associated with the FFELP and Private Education Loans of $37 million and $326 million respectively, as of December 31, 2018 is greater than the incurred losses and as a result no allowance for loan losses has been established for these loans as of December 31, 2018. Ending total loans for Private Education Loans includes the receivable for partially charged-off loans. F-29 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued) Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs) We sometimes modify the terms of loans for customers experiencing financial difficulty. Certain Private Education Loans for which we have granted either a forbearance of greater than three months, an interest rate reduction or an extended repayment plan are classified as TDRs. Approximately 72% and 69% of the loans granted forbearance have qualified as a TDR loan at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The unpaid principal balance of TDR loans that were in an interest rate reduction program as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $948 million and $1.7 billion, respectively. The following table provides the amount of loans modified in the periods presented that resulted in a TDR. Additionally, the table summarizes charge-offs occurring in the TDR portfolio, as well as TDRs for which a payment default occurred in the current period within 12 months of the loan first being designated as a TDR. We define payment default as 60 days past due for this disclosure. (Dollars in millions) Modified loans(1) Charge-offs(2) Payment default 2020 Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 $ $ $ 264 $ 157 $ 47 $ 475 $ 324 $ 109 $ 596 343 142 (1) Represents period ending balance of loans that have been modified during the period and resulted in a TDR. (2) Represents loans that charged off that were classified as TDRs. F-30 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued) Key Credit Quality Indicators We assess and determine the collectability of our education loan portfolios by evaluating certain risk characteristics we refer to as key credit quality indicators. Key credit quality indicators are incorporated into the allowance for loan losses calculation. FFELP Loans FFELP Loans are substantially insured and guaranteed as to their principal and accrued interest in the event of default. The key credit quality indicators are loan status and loan type. (Dollars in millions) Loans in-school/grace/deferment(1) Loans in forbearance(2) Loans in repayment and percentage of each status: Loans current Loans delinquent 31-60 days(3) Loans delinquent 61-90 days(3) Loans delinquent greater than 90 days(3) Total FFELP Loans in repayment Total FFELP Loans, gross FFELP Loan unamortized premium (4) Total FFELP Loans FFELP Loan allowance for losses FFELP Loans, net Percentage of FFELP Loans in repayment Delinquencies as a percentage of FFELP Loans in repayment FFELP Loans in forbearance as a percentage of loans in repayment and forbearance FFELP Loan Delinquencies December 31, 2020 % Balance December 31, 2019 % Balance $ 2,791 7,725 $ 43,623 1,374 836 2,223 48,056 58,572 — 58,572 (288 ) 58,284 $ 90.8 % 2.9 1.7 4.6 100 % $ 82.0 % 9.2 % 13.8 % 3,114 7,442 47,255 2,094 1,082 3,107 53,538 64,094 545 64,639 (64 ) 64,575 88.3 % 3.9 2.0 5.8 100 % 83.5 % 11.7 % 12.2 % (1) (2) (3) (4) Loans for customers who may still be attending school or engaging in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on their loans, e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation, as well as loans for customers who have requested and qualify for other permitted program deferments such as military, unemployment, or economic hardships. Loans for customers who have used their allowable deferment time or do not qualify for deferment, that need additional time to obtain employment or who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors such as disaster relief, including COVID-19 relief programs, consistent with established loan program servicing policies and procedures. The period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due. In connection with the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the $497 million premium as of December 31, 2020, associated with the loans is now included as part of the respective loan balance for this disclosure. This change is prospective in nature as prior balances are not restated under CECL. Loan type: (Dollars in millions) Stafford Loans Consolidation Loans Rehab Loans Total loans, gross December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Change $ $ 17,686 $ 35,968 4,918 58,572 $ 19,093 $ 39,706 5,295 64,094 $ (1,407 ) (3,738 ) (377 ) (5,522 ) F-31 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued) Private Education Loans The key credit quality indicators are credit scores (FICO scores), loan status, loan seasoning, whether a loan is a TDR, the existence of a cosigner and school type. The FICO score is the higher of the borrower or co-borrower score and is updated at least every six months while school type is assessed at origination. The other Private Education Loan key quality indicators are updated quarterly. (Dollars in millions) Credit Quality Indicators FICO Scores: 640 and above Below 640 Total Loan Status: 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Prior Total % of Total Private Education Loan Credit Quality Indicators by Origination Year $ $ 4,008 15 4,023 $ $ 2,964 $ 34 2,998 $ 1,079 23 1,102 $ $ 340 $ 9 349 $ 72 2 74 $ 11,746 $ 20,209 1,959 $ 13,622 $ 22,168 1,876 91 % 9 100 % 23 $ 43 $ 25 $ 10 $ 2 $ 1,224 $ 1,327 6 % 3,999 2,953 1,075 338 72 12,187 20,624 93 1 349 $ — 74 211 217 $ 13,622 $ 22,168 1 100 % In-school/grace/ deferment/forbearance $ Current/90 days or less delinquent Greater than 90 days delinquent Total Seasoning(1): 1-12 payments 13-24 payments 25-36 payments 37-48 payments More than 48 payments Loans in-school/ grace/deferment Total TDR Status: TDR Non-TDR Total Cosigners: With cosigner(2) Without cosigner Total School Type: Not-for-profit For-profit Total Allowance for loan losses Total loans, net $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1 4,023 4,014 — — — 2 2,998 $ 2 1,102 879 $ 2,098 — — 7 243 839 — $ $ 2 $ 7 101 236 — — — — 9 4,023 1 4,022 4,023 5 4,018 4,023 3,844 179 4,023 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 21 2,998 $ 13 1,102 14 $ 2,984 2,998 $ 23 1,079 1,102 13 $ 2,985 2,998 $ 1 1,101 1,102 2,801 $ 197 2,998 $ 1,019 83 1,102 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 3 349 $ 31 $ 318 349 $ 49 $ 300 349 $ 333 $ 16 349 $ — 1 3 38 31 1 74 11 63 74 21 53 74 $ 180 $ 234 380 584 5,082 2,583 1,323 858 23 % 12 6 4 11,808 11,839 53 436 483 $ 13,622 $ 22,168 $ 8,351 $ 5,271 8,431 13,737 $ 13,622 $ 22,168 $ 8,911 $ 4,711 9,000 13,168 $ 13,622 $ 22,168 74 — 74 $ 11,255 $ 19,326 2,842 $ 13,622 $ 22,168 2,367 (1,089 ) $ 21,079 2 100 % 38 % 62 100 % 41 % 59 100 % 87 % 13 100 % (1) (2) Number of months in active repayment for which a scheduled payment was received. Excluding Private Education Refinance Loans, which do not have a cosigner, the cosigner rate was 65% for total loans at December 31, 2020 F-32 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued) (Dollars in millions) Credit Quality Indicators Original Winning FICO Scores: FICO 640 and above FICO below 640 Total School Type: Not-for-profit For-profit Total Cosigners: With cosigner(1) Without cosigner Total Seasoning(2): 1-12 payments 13-24 payments 25-36 payments 37-48 payments More than 48 payments Loans in-school/grace/deferment Total loans, gross Private Education Loan Credit Quality Indicators December 31, 2019 TDRs Balance(3) % of Balance Non-TDRs Balance(3) % of Balance $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 8,493 777 9,270 7,387 1,883 9,270 5,792 3,478 9,270 224 301 472 662 7,262 349 9,270 92 % $ 8 100 % $ 13,687 365 14,052 80 % $ 20 100 % $ 12,614 1,438 14,052 62 % $ 38 100 % $ 5,184 8,868 14,052 3 % $ 3 5 7 78 4 100 % $ 4,673 1,570 603 251 6,675 280 14,052 97 % 3 100 % 90 % 10 100 % 37 % 63 100 % 33 % 11 4 2 48 2 100 % (1) (2) (3) Excluding Private Education Refinance Loans, which do not have a cosigner, the cosigner rate was 63% and 67% for TDRs and non-TDRs, respectively, at December 31, 2019. Number of months in active repayment for which a scheduled payment was received. Balance equals the gross Private Education Loans. F-33 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued) (Dollars in millions) Loans in-school/grace/deferment(1) Loans in forbearance(2) Loans in repayment and percentage of each status: Loans current Loans delinquent 31-60 days(3) Loans delinquent 61-90 days(3) Loans delinquent greater than 90 days(3) Total TDR loans in repayment Total TDR loans, gross TDR loans unamortized discount(4) Total TDR loans TDR loans receivable for partially charged-off loans(4) TDR loans allowance for losses TDR loans, net Percentage of TDR loans in repayment Delinquencies as a percentage of TDR loans in repayment Loans in forbearance as a percentage of TDR loans in repayment and forbearance Private Education Loan Delinquencies TDRs December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Balance $ 280 703 % Balance $ 349 479 % 6,952 185 114 197 7,448 8,431 — 8,431 — (929 ) 7,502 $ 7,557 296 191 398 8,442 9,270 (203 ) 9,067 347 (941 ) 8,473 93.4 % 2.5 1.5 2.6 100 % $ 88.3 % 6.6 % 8.6 % 89.5 % 3.5 2.3 4.7 100 % 91.1 % 10.5 % 5.4 % (1) (2) (3) (4) Deferment includes customers who have returned to school or are engaged in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on their loans, e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation. Loans for customers who have requested extension of grace period generally during employment transition or who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors such as disaster relief, including COVID-19 relief programs, consistent with established loan program servicing policies and procedures. The period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due. In connection with the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, (1) the $200 million discount as of December 31, 2020, associated with the loans is now included as part of the respective loan balance for this disclosure and (2) the receivable for partially charged-off loans balance has been reclassified from the Private Education Loan balance to the allowance for loan loss. Both of these changes are prospective in nature as prior balances are not restated under CECL. F-34 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued) (Dollars in millions) Loans in-school/grace/deferment(1) Loans in forbearance(2) Loans in repayment and percentage of each status: Loans current Loans delinquent 31-60 days(3) Loans delinquent 61-90 days(3) Loans delinquent greater than 90 days(3) Total non-TDR loans in repayment Total non-TDR loans, gross Non-TDR loans unamortized discount(4) Total non-TDR loans Non-TDR loans receivable for partially charged-off loans(4) Non-TDR loans allowance for losses Non-TDR loans, net Percentage of non-TDR loans in repayment Delinquencies as a percentage of non-TDR loans in repayment Loans in forbearance as a percentage of non-TDR loans in repayment and forbearance Private Education Loan Delinquencies Non-TDRs December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Balance $ 203 141 % Balance $ 280 125 % 13,335 26 12 20 13,393 13,737 — 13,737 — (160 ) 13,577 $ 13,526 53 27 41 13,647 14,052 (414 ) 13,638 241 (107 ) 13,772 99.6 % .2 .1 .1 100 % $ 97.5 % .4 % 1.0 % 99.1 % .4 .2 .3 100 % 97.1 % .9 % .9 % (1) Deferment includes customers who have returned to school or are engaged in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on their loans, e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation. (2) Loans for customers who have requested extension of grace period generally during employment transition or who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors such as disaster relief, including COVID-19 relief programs, consistent with established loan program servicing policies and procedures. (3) The period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due. (4) In connection with the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, (1) the $275 million discount as of December 31, 2020, associated with the loans is now included as part of the respective loan balance for this disclosure and (2) the receivable for partially charged-off loans balance has been reclassified from the Private Education Loan balance to the allowance for loan loss. Both of these changes are prospective in nature as prior balances are not restated under CECL. F-35 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 5. Business Combinations, Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Goodwill The following table summarizes our goodwill for our reporting units and reportable segments. (Dollars in millions) Federal Education Loans reportable segment: FFELP Loans Federal Education Loan Servicing Total Consumer Lending reportable segment: Private Education Loans Private Education Refinance Loans Total Business Processing reportable segment: Government Services Healthcare Services Total Total goodwill Interim Trigger Event Assessments As of Dec. 31, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2019 $ $ 227 13 240 106 77 183 136 106 242 665 During 2020, COVID-19 created significant disruption in the U.S. economy and impacted the macroeconomic conditions which impact our reporting units with goodwill, the industry and markets in which these reporting units operate, their cost structures and, to some degree, their expected 2020 financial performance. As a result, we assessed whether a triggering event occurred as of September 30, 2020, June 30, 2020 and March 31, 2020. We assessed relevant qualitative factors to determine whether it was “more-likely-than-not” that the fair value of an individual reporting unit was less than its carrying value. We considered the amount of excess fair values over the carrying values of each reporting unit as of October 1, 2019 when we last performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test. The concluded fair values of the reporting units at October 1, 2019 were substantially in excess of their carrying amounts. Additionally, fair values resulting from sensitivity analyses factoring in more conservative discount rates and growth rates for each reporting unit also yielded fair values in excess of the carrying values of each reporting unit. Despite COVID-19, the outlook and associated long-term cash flow projections of our FFELP Loans, Private Education Loans-Legacy, and Federal Education Loan Servicing reporting units have not changed significantly since our 2019 assessment. For the Private Education Loan Refinance reporting unit, we considered origination volume and the demand for its refinance loan products as well as Navient’s strong liquidity position and ability to issue Private Education Loan ABS comprised entirely of the reporting unit’s refinance loans albeit at a higher cost of funds. For Government and Healthcare Services, we also considered the short and long-term outlook for these businesses including temporary stoppage of certain collection and processing activity and lower volume in the transportation business. We also considered that no contracts had been terminated due to COVID-19, and significant additional contracts were acquired in 2020 to implement programs under the CARES Act and perform contact tracing services. The revenue from these new contracts more than offset the decline in other revenue which occurred due to COVID- 19. Based on these qualitative factors, we concluded that it was not “more-likely-than-not” that the fair value of an individual reporting unit was less than its carrying value as of September 30, 2020, June 30, 2020 and March 31, 2020. As a result, COVID-19 and its impact to Navient’s individual reporting units as we perceived them during each quarter did not constitute a triggering event. No further impairment testing was performed during interim quarters in 2020. F-36 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 5. Business Combinations, Goodwill and Acquired Intangible (Continued) Annual Goodwill Impairment Testing – October 1, 2020 We perform our goodwill impairment testing annually in the fourth quarter as of October 1. As part of the 2020 annual impairment testing associated with our FFELP Loans, Federal Education Loan Servicing, Private Education Loan- Legacy and Private Education Refinance Loans reporting units, we assessed relevant qualitative factors to determine whether it is “more-likely-than-not” that the fair value of an individual reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Consistent with the interim triggering events assessment performed during each quarter in 2020, we considered the amount of excess fair value for each reporting unit over their carrying values as of October 1, 2019 since the fair value of these reporting units were substantially in excess of their carrying amounts. The outlook and cash flows for the FFELP Loans, Private Education Loans-Legacy and Federal Education Loan Servicing reporting units have not changed significantly since our 2019 assessment despite COVID-19. Also consistent with the triggering events assessments we completed each quarter, for the Private Education Refinance Loans reporting unit, we considered current and expected future origination volume both of which increased since prior quarters and the improved demand for the reporting unit’s refinance loan products as well as Navient’s strong liquidity position and ability to issue Private Education Loan ABS comprised entirely of the reporting unit’s refinance loans. No goodwill was deemed impaired for these reporting units after assessing these relevant qualitative factors. As part of our annual impairment testing associated with our Government Services and Healthcare Services reporting units, we retained a third-party appraisal firm to assist in the valuations required to perform a quantitative impairment test for these reporting units. No goodwill was deemed impaired in conjunction with these reporting units as a result of the quantitative impairment tests as the fair values of the reporting units were substantially greater than their respective carry values at October 1, 2020. The income approach was the primary approach used to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit. The income approach measures the value of each reporting unit’s future economic benefit determined by its discounted cash flows derived from assumptions we believe a market participant would assume in an acquisition, principally projected financial information derived based on our long term projections and an assumed terminal growth rate. The projections used for purposes of the quantitative test are four-year projections that reflect the anticipated cash flow fluctuations of the respective reporting units. Under our guidance, the third-party appraisal firm developed the discount rates for these reporting units incorporating such factors as the risk free rate, a market rate of return, a measure of volatility (Beta) and a company-specific and capital markets risk premium to adjust for volatility and uncertainty in the economy and to capture specific risk related to the respective reporting units. We considered whether an asset sale or an equity sale would be the most likely sale structure for each reporting unit and valued each reporting unit based on the more likely hypothetical scenario. The discount rates reflect market-based estimates of capital costs and are adjusted for our assessment of a market participant’s view with respect to execution, source concentration and other risks associated with the projected cash flows of the individual reporting units. We reviewed and approved the discount rates provided by the third-party appraiser including the factors incorporated to develop the discount rates for each reporting unit. We and the third-party appraisal firm also considered a market approach to value the Government Services and Healthcare Services reporting units. Market-based multiples related primarily to revenue and EBITDA for comparable publicly traded companies and similar transactions were evaluated as an indicator of the value of the reporting units to assess the reasonableness of the estimated fair value derived from the income approach. For each of our reporting units, we have also considered the current regulatory and legislative environment, the current economic environment which is heavily impacted by COVID-19, our 2020 earnings, 2021 expected earnings, market expectations regarding our stock price, and our market capitalization in relation to book equity. Although our market capitalization was less than our book equity during 2020, it was concluded that our market capitalization in relation to our book equity does not indicate impairment of our reporting units’ respective goodwill at December 31, 2020 as our market capitalization which has been impacted by market declines due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is not indicative of the value of our reporting units with goodwill on a standalone basis. If the regulatory environment changes such that it negatively impacts our reporting units and future economic conditions as a result of COVID-19 are significantly worse than what was assumed as a part of our annual impairment testing for each of our reporting units, specifically related to the severity and length of the downturn and subsequent recovery, goodwill attributed to our reporting units could be impaired in future periods. F-37 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 5. Business Combinations, Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets (Continued) Acquired Intangible Assets Acquired intangible assets include the following: (Dollars in millions) Customer, services and lending relationships Software and technology Trade names and trademarks Total acquired intangible assets $ $ As of December 31, 2020 Accumulated Impairment and Amortization(1)(2) Cost Basis(1) Net As of December 31, 2019 Accumulated Impairment and Amortization(1)(2) Cost Basis(1) Net 262 $ 114 52 428 $ (230 ) $ (101 ) (27 ) (358 ) $ 32 $ 13 25 70 $ 262 $ 114 52 428 $ (220 ) $ (96 ) (20 ) (336 ) $ 42 18 32 92 (1) (2) Accumulated impairment and amortization include impairment amounts only if the acquired intangible asset has been deemed partially impaired. When an acquired intangible asset is considered fully impaired and no longer in use, the cost basis and any accumulated amortization related to the asset is written off. We recorded amortization of acquired intangible assets of $21 million, $25 million and $31 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We will continue to amortize our intangible assets with definite useful lives over their remaining estimated useful lives. We estimate amortization expense associated with these intangible assets will be $19 million, $15 million, $13 million, $10 million and $13 million in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and after 2024, respectively. F-38 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 6. Borrowings Borrowings consist of secured borrowings issued through our securitization program, borrowings through secured facilities, unsecured notes issued by us, and other interest-bearing liabilities related primarily to obligations to return cash collateral held. The following table summarizes our borrowings. (Dollars in millions) Unsecured borrowings: Senior unsecured debt(1) Total unsecured borrowings Secured borrowings: FFELP Loan securitizations(2)(3) Private Education Loan securitizations(4) FFELP Loan ABCP facilities Private Education Loan ABCP facilities Other(5) Total secured borrowings Total before hedge accounting adjustments(6) Hedge accounting adjustments Total December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Weighted Average Interest Rate(7) Short Term Weighted Average Interest Rate(7) Total Long Term Weighted Average Interest Rate(7) Short Term Weighted Average Interest Rate(7) Total Long Term $ 677 677 6.61 % $ 7,714 6.61 7,714 6.19 % $ 8,391 6.19 8,391 $ 1,052 1,052 6.45 % $ 8,461 6.45 8,461 6.30 % $ 9,513 6.30 9,513 — — 54,697 .89 54,697 72 3.16 59,735 2.45 59,807 960 2,053 2.68 13,891 479 1.05 2.04 14,851 1.13 2,532 2,120 2,783 4.14 11,430 617 2.46 3.12 13,550 2.66 3,400 2,582 337 5,932 6,609 4 $ 6,613 1.46 .09 — — 1.44 69,067 — 2,582 — 337 1.12 74,999 2,114 338 7,427 2.76 1,513 — 1.55 2.99 73,295 3.31 3,627 338 2.58 80,722 — 1.97 76,781 551 1.97 % $ 77,332 — 1.63 83,390 (.01 ) 555 1.62 % $ 83,945 8,479 4 $ 8,483 3.42 81,756 (41 ) 3.42 % $ 81,715 — 2.96 90,235 (37 ) 2.96 % $ 90,198 — (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) Includes principal amount of $678 million and $1.1 billion of short-term debt as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Includes principal amount of $7.8 billion and $8.5 billion of long-term debt as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Includes $0 and $72 million of short-term debt related to the FFELP Loan ABS repurchase facilities (FFELP Loan Repurchase Facilities) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Includes $157 million and $231 million of long-term debt related to the FFELP Loan Repurchase Facilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Includes $3.6 billion and $4.0 billion of non-U.S. dollar-denominated debt as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which has been hedged with swaps converting to U.S. dollars. Includes $960 million and $2.1 billion of short-term debt related to the Private Education Loan ABS repurchase facilities (Private Education Loan Repurchase Facilities) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Includes $260 million and $194 million of long-term debt related to the Private Education Loan Repurchase Facilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. “Other” primarily includes the obligation to return cash collateral held related to derivative exposure. Includes $60.0 billion and $67.7 billion of long-term floating rate debt as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $16.8 billion and $14.0 billion of long-term fixed rate debt as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Weighted average interest rate is as of end of period. F-39 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 6. Borrowings (Continued) As of December 31, 2020, the expected maturities of our long-term borrowings are shown in the following table. (Dollars in millions) Year of Maturity 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026-2043 Hedge accounting adjustments Total Expected Maturity Senior Unsecured Debt Secured Borrowings(1) Total(2) $ $ — $ 1,746 1,506 1,349 550 2,563 7,714 718 8,432 $ 6,792 $ 7,150 6,035 5,756 5,522 37,812 69,067 (167 ) 6,792 8,896 7,541 7,105 6,072 40,375 76,781 551 68,900 $ 77,332 (1) (2) We view our securitization trust debt as long-term based on the contractual maturity dates which range from 2021 to 2083. However, we have projected the expected principal paydowns based on our current estimates regarding the securitized loans’ prepayment speeds for purposes of this disclosure to better reflect how we expect this debt to be paid down over time. The projected principal paydowns in year 2021 include $6.8 billion related to the securitization trust debt. The aggregate principal amount of debt that matures in each period is $6.8 billion in 2021, $9.0 billion in 2022, $7.6 billion in 2023, $7.2 billion in 2024, $6.1 billion in 2025 and $40.7 billion in 2026-2043. Variable Interest Entities We consolidated the following financing VIEs as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, as we are the primary beneficiary. As a result, these VIEs are accounted for as secured borrowings. December 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Secured Borrowings — VIEs: FFELP Loan securitizations Private Education Loan securitizations FFELP Loan ABCP facilities Private Education Loan ABCP facilities Total before hedge accounting adjustments Hedge accounting adjustments Total (Dollars in millions) Secured Borrowings — VIEs: FFELP Loan securitizations Private Education Loan securitizations FFELP Loan ABCP facilities Private Education Loan ABCP facilities Total before hedge accounting adjustments Hedge accounting adjustments Total Debt Outstanding Long Term Short Term Carrying Amount of Assets Securing Debt Outstanding Other Total Loans Cash Assets, Net Total $ — $ 54,697 $ 54,697 $ 55,535 $ 1,606 $ 606 36 74 960 13,891 14,851 15,823 479 2,532 2,533 — 2,582 2,835 2,053 2,582 5,595 69,067 74,662 76,726 2,322 — $ 5,595 $ 68,900 $ 74,495 $ 76,726 $ 2,322 $ (167 ) (167 ) — — December 31, 2019 1,438 $ 58,579 187 16,616 76 2,645 27 2,936 1,728 80,776 (308 ) 1,420 $ 80,468 (308 ) Debt Outstanding Long Term Short Term Carrying Amount of Assets Securing Debt Outstanding Other Total Loans Cash Assets, Net Total $ 2,120 11,430 13,550 15,412 2,783 617 3,400 3,421 2,114 1,513 3,627 4,197 72 $ 59,735 $ 59,807 $ 60,834 $ 1,833 $ 509 63 101 1,400 $ 64,067 152 16,073 102 3,586 28 4,326 7,089 73,295 80,384 83,864 2,506 — $ 7,089 $ 72,856 $ 79,945 $ 83,864 $ 2,506 $ (439 ) (439 ) — — 1,682 88,052 (593 ) 1,089 $ 87,459 (593 ) F-40 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 6. Borrowings (Continued) Secured Facilities and Unsecured Debt FFELP Loan ABCP Facilities We have various ABCP borrowing facilities that we use to finance our FFELP Loans. Liquidity is available under these secured credit facilities to the extent we have eligible collateral and available capacity. The maximum borrowing capacity under these facilities will vary and is subject to each agreement’s borrowing conditions. These include but are not limited to the facility’s size, current usage and the availability and fair value of qualifying unencumbered FFELP Loan collateral. Our borrowings under these facilities are non-recourse. The maturity dates on these facilities range from November 2021 to April 2022. The interest rate on certain facilities can increase under certain circumstances. The facilities are subject to termination under certain circumstances. As of December 31, 2020, there was approximately $2.5 billion outstanding under these facilities, with approximately $2.6 billion of assets securing these facilities. As of December 31, 2020, the maximum unused capacity under these facilities was $506 million and we had $0.2 billion of unencumbered FFELP Loans. FFELP Loan Repurchase Facilities In 2018, we closed a $0.9 billion FFELP Loan Repurchase Facility that provides liquidity for the acquisition of certain Navient-sponsored auction rate securities. Borrowings under the facility are secured by the auction rate securities. The lenders also have unsecured recourse to Navient Corporation as guarantor for any shortfall in amounts payable. Because the facility is secured by Navient-sponsored instruments issued in previous securitizations, we show the debt as part of FFELP Loan securitizations in the various borrowing tables above. As of December 31, 2020, there was approximately $0.2 billion outstanding under this facility. Private Education Loan ABCP Facilities We have various ABCP borrowing facilities that we use to finance our Private Education Loans. Liquidity is available under these secured credit facilities to the extent we have eligible collateral and available capacity. The maximum borrowing capacity under these facilities will vary and is subject to each agreement’s borrowing conditions. These include but are not limited to the facility’s size, current usage and the availability and fair value of qualifying unencumbered Private Education Loan collateral. Our borrowings under these facilities are non-recourse. The maturity dates on these facilities range from June 2021 to December 2021. The interest rate on certain facilities can increase under certain circumstances. The facilities are subject to termination under certain circumstances. As of December 31, 2020, there was approximately $2.6 billion outstanding under these facilities, with approximately $2.9 billion of assets securing these facilities. As of December 31, 2020, the maximum unused capacity under these facilities was $2.2 billion and we had $2.4 billion of unencumbered Private Education Loans. Private Education Loan Repurchase Facilities Since the fourth quarter of 2015, we have closed on $4.3 billion of Private Education Loan Repurchase Facilities. These repurchase facilities are collateralized by Residual Interests in previously issued Private Education Loan ABS trusts. The lenders also have unsecured recourse to Navient Corporation as guarantor for any shortfall in amounts payable. Because these facilities are secured by the Residual Interests in previous securitizations, we show the debt as part of Private Education Loan securitizations in the various borrowing tables above. As of December 31, 2020, there was approximately $1.2 billion outstanding under these facilities. Senior Unsecured Debt We issued $700 million, $0 and $500 million of unsecured debt in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Debt Repurchases The following table summarizes activity related to our senior unsecured debt repurchases. (Dollars in millions) Debt principal repurchased Gains (losses) on debt repurchases Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 $ $ 768 $ (6 ) $ 1,184 $ 45 $ 2,809 19 F-41 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 7. Derivative Financial Instruments Risk Management Strategy We maintain an overall interest rate risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize the economic effect of interest rate changes. Our goal is to manage interest rate sensitivity by modifying the repricing frequency and underlying index characteristics of certain balance sheet assets and liabilities so the net interest margin is not, on a material basis, adversely affected by movements in interest rates. We do not use derivative instruments to hedge credit risk. As a result of interest rate fluctuations, hedged assets and liabilities will appreciate or depreciate in market value. Income or loss on the derivative instruments that are linked to the hedged assets and liabilities will generally offset the effect of this unrealized appreciation or depreciation for the period the item is being hedged. We view this strategy as a prudent management of interest rate sensitivity. In addition, we utilize derivative contracts to minimize the economic impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on certain debt obligations that are denominated in foreign currencies. As foreign currency exchange rates fluctuate, these liabilities will appreciate and depreciate in value. These fluctuations, to the extent the hedge relationship is effective, are offset by changes in the value of the cross-currency interest rate swaps executed to hedge these instruments. Management believes certain derivative transactions entered into as hedges, primarily Floor Income Contracts, basis swaps and, at times, certain other LIBOR swaps, are economically effective; however, those transactions do not qualify for hedge accounting under GAAP and thus may adversely impact earnings. Although we use derivatives to minimize the risk of interest rate and foreign currency changes, the use of derivatives does expose us to both market and credit risk. Market risk is the chance of financial loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and market liquidity. Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not perform its obligations under a contract and it is limited to the loss of the fair value gain in a derivative that the counterparty owes us. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, we owe the counterparty and, therefore, have no credit risk exposure to the counterparty; however, the counterparty has exposure to us. We minimize the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with highly rated counterparties that are reviewed regularly by our Credit Department. We also maintain a policy of requiring that all derivative contracts be governed by an International Swaps and Derivative Association Master Agreement. Depending on the nature of the derivative transaction, bilateral collateral arrangements related to Navient Corporation contracts generally are required as well. When we have more than one outstanding derivative transaction with the counterparty, and there exists legally enforceable netting provisions with the counterparty (i.e., a legal right to offset receivable and payable derivative contracts), the “net” mark-to-market exposure, less collateral the counterparty has posted to us, represents exposure with the counterparty. When there is a net negative exposure, we consider our exposure to the counterparty to be zero. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had a net positive exposure (derivative gain positions to us less collateral which has been posted by counterparties to us) related to Navient Corporation derivatives of $13 million and $12 million, respectively. F-42 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 7. Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued) Our on-balance sheet securitization trusts have $3.6 billion of Euro and British Pound Sterling denominated bonds outstanding as of December 31, 2020. To convert these non-U.S. dollar denominated bonds into U.S. dollar liabilities, the trusts have entered into foreign-currency swaps with highly rated counterparties. In addition, the trusts have entered into $2.4 billion notional of interest rates swaps which are primarily used to convert Prime received on securitized education loans to LIBOR paid on the bonds. Our securitization trusts with swaps have ISDA documentation with protections against counterparty risk. The collateral calculations contemplated in the ISDA documentation of our securitization trusts require collateral based on the fair value of the derivative which may be adjusted for additional collateral based on rating agency criteria requirements considered within the collateral agreement. The trusts are not required to post collateral to the counterparties. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the net positive exposure on swaps in securitization trusts was $28 million and $0, respectively. The table below highlights credit exposure related to our derivative counterparties at December 31, 2020. Corporate Contracts 13 $ $ Securitization Trust Contracts 100 % — % 28 — % — % (Dollars in millions) Exposure, net of collateral Percent of exposure to counterparties with credit ratings below S&P AA- or Moody’s Aa3 Percent of exposure to counterparties with credit ratings below S&P A- or Moody’s A3 F-43 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 7. Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued) Summary of Derivative Financial Statement Impact The following tables summarize the fair values and notional amounts of all derivative instruments and their impact on net income and other comprehensive income. Impact of Derivatives on Balance Sheet Cash Flow Fair Value(4) Trading Total (Dollars in millions) Fair Values(1) Derivative Assets: Interest rate swaps Cross-currency interest rate swaps Total derivative assets(2) Derivative Liabilities: Interest rate swaps Floor Income Contracts Cross-currency interest rate swaps Other(3) Total derivative liabilities(2) Net total derivatives Hedged Risk Exposure Dec. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Dec. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Dec. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Dec. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Interest rate Foreign currency and interest rate Interest rate Interest rate Foreign currency and interest rate Interest rate $ — $ — $ 323 $ 226 $ 6 $ 4 $ 329 $ 230 — — — — — — 28 351 — 226 — 6 — 4 28 357 — 230 — — — — — — (14 ) (197 ) (20 ) (68 ) (14 ) (197 ) (20 ) (68 ) — — — — — — $ — $ — $ (322 ) — (322 ) (575 ) — (575 ) — — (211 ) 29 $ (349 ) $ (205 ) $ — (575 ) (322 ) — (1 ) (1 ) (89 ) (664 ) (533 ) (85 ) $ (176 ) $ (434 ) (1) (2) Fair values reported are exclusive of collateral held and pledged and accrued interest. Assets and liabilities are presented without consideration of master netting agreements. Derivatives are carried on the balance sheet based on net position by counterparty under master netting agreements and classified in other assets or other liabilities depending on whether in a net positive or negative position. The following table reconciles gross positions without the impact of master netting agreements to the balance sheet classification: (Dollar in millions) Gross position Impact of master netting agreements Derivative values with impact of master netting agreements (as carried on balance sheet) Cash collateral (held) pledged Net position Other Assets Other Liabilities December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ $ 357 $ (50 ) 307 (336 ) (29 ) $ 230 $ (18 ) 212 (337 ) (125 ) $ (533 ) $ 50 (483 ) 234 (249 ) $ (664 ) 18 (646 ) 155 (491 ) (3) (4) “Other” includes derivatives related to our Total Return Swap Facility. The following table shows the carrying value of liabilities in fair value hedges and the related fair value hedging adjustments to these liabilities: As of December 31, 2020 As of December 31, 2019 (Dollar in millions) Short-term borrowings Long-term borrowings Carrying Value Hedge Basis Adjustments Carrying Value Hedge Basis Adjustments 4 (58 ) 1,001 $ 11,488 $ $ $ 631 $ 11,017 $ 4 $ 541 $ F-44 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 7. Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued) The above fair values include adjustments when necessary for counterparty credit risk for both when we are exposed to the counterparty, net of collateral postings, and when the counterparty is exposed to us, net of collateral postings. The net adjustments decreased the asset position at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 by $8 million and $11 million, respectively. In addition, the above fair values reflect adjustments for illiquid derivatives as indicated by a wide bid/ask spread in the interest rate indices to which the derivatives are indexed. These adjustments decreased the overall net asset positions at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 by $5 million and $12 million, respectively. Cash Flow Dec. 31, Fair Value Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Trading Total (Dollars in billions) Notional Values: Interest rate swaps Floor Income Contracts Cross-currency interest rate swaps Total derivatives 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 $ 16.7 $ — 19.1 $ — 7.5 $ — 8.6 $ — 26.8 $ 17.0 51.5 $ 21.2 51.0 $ 17.0 79.2 21.2 — 16.7 $ — 19.1 $ 3.7 4.0 11.2 $ 12.6 $ — 43.8 $ — 72.7 $ 3.7 4.0 71.7 $ 104.4 $ Mark-to-Market Impact of Derivatives on Statements of Income (Dollars in millions) Fair Value Hedges(2): Interest Rate Swaps Gains (losses) recognized in net income on derivatives Gains (losses) recognized in net income on hedged items Net fair value hedge ineffectiveness gains (losses) Cross currency interest rate swaps Gains (losses) recognized in net income on derivatives Gains (losses) recognized in net income on hedged items Net fair value hedge ineffectiveness gains (losses) Total fair value hedges(1)(2) Cash Flow Hedges: Total cash flow hedges(2) Trading Interest rate swaps Floor income contracts Cross currency interest rate swaps Other Total trading derivatives(3) Mark-to-market gains (losses) recognized Total Gains (Losses) Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 $ 301 $ (327 ) (26 ) 281 $ (299 ) (18 ) 281 (272 ) 9 (17 ) — (47 ) (209 ) — — (256 ) (273 ) $ 57 (18 ) 39 21 — 44 (22 ) (2 ) 2 22 43 $ $ (137 ) 162 25 (311 ) 210 (101 ) (76 ) — 22 15 (3 ) 4 38 (38 ) (1) (2) (3) Recorded in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income for 2020 and 2019 with the adoption of ASU No. 2017-12. Recorded in “gains (losses) on derivatives and hedging activities, net” in the consolidated statements of income for 2018. The accrued interest income (expense) on fair value hedges and cash flow hedges is recorded in interest expense and is excluded from this table. Recorded in “gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities, net” in the consolidated statements of income. F-45 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 7. Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued) Impact of Derivatives on Other Comprehensive Income (Equity) (Dollars in millions) Total gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Reclassification adjustments for derivative (gains) losses included in net income (interest expense)(1) Net changes in cash flow hedges, net of tax (1) Includes net settlement income/expense. Years Ended December 31, 2019 2020 2018 $ (233 ) $ (165 ) $ 50 $ 50 (183 ) $ (39 ) (204 ) $ (11 ) 39 Collateral The following table details collateral held and pledged related to derivative exposure between us and our derivative counterparties. (Dollars in millions) Collateral held: Cash (obligation to return cash collateral is recorded in short-term borrowings) Securities at fair value — corporate derivatives (not recorded in financial statements)(1) Securities at fair value — on-balance sheet securitization derivatives (not recorded in financial statements)(2) Total collateral held Derivative asset at fair value including accrued interest Collateral pledged to others: Cash (right to receive return of cash collateral is recorded in investments) Total collateral pledged Derivative liability at fair value including accrued interest and premium receivable December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ 336 $ — 78 414 351 234 234 504 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 337 — 69 406 282 155 155 658 (1) (2) The Company has the ability to sell or re-pledge securities it holds as collateral. The trusts do not have the ability to sell or re-pledge securities they hold as collateral. Our corporate derivatives contain credit contingent features. At our current unsecured credit rating, we have fully collateralized our corporate derivative liability position (including accrued interest and net of premiums receivable) of $164 million with our counterparties. Downgrades in our unsecured credit rating would not result in any additional collateral requirements. Trust related derivatives do not contain credit contingent features related to our or the trusts’ credit ratings. F-46 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 8. Other Assets The following table provides the detail of our other assets. (Dollars in millions) Accrued interest receivable Benefit and insurance-related investments Income tax asset, net Derivatives at fair value Fixed assets, net Accounts receivable Other Total December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ $ 1,933 $ 469 454 307 116 118 95 3,492 $ 1,952 459 258 212 135 119 199 3,334 9. Stockholders’ Equity Common Stock Our shareholders have authorized the issuance of 1.125 billion shares of common stock. The par value of Navient common stock is $0.01 per share. At December 31, 2020, 186 million shares were issued and outstanding and 23 million shares were unissued but encumbered for outstanding stock options, restricted stock units, performance stock units and dividend equivalent units for employee compensation and remaining authority for stock-based compensation plans. Dividend and Share Repurchase Program On January 27, 2020, Navient entered into an agreement and repurchased 20.3 million shares of common stock owned by certain existing shareholders at a purchase price of $14.77 per share. The price of the shares repurchased equaled the closing price of Navient stock on January 27, 2020. The following table summarizes our common share repurchases, issuances and dividends paid. (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts) Common stock repurchased(1) Common stock repurchased (in dollars)(1) Average purchase price per share(1) Remaining common stock repurchase authority(1) Shares repurchased related to employee stock-based compensation plans(2) Average purchase price per share(2) Common shares issued(3) Dividends paid Dividends per share Years Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 $ $ $ $ $ $ 30.6 400 $ 13.06 $ 600 $ 1.2 12.86 $ 2.7 123 $ .64 $ 34.5 440 $ 12.76 $ 1,000 $ 3.2 11.62 $ 5.7 147 $ .64 $ 17.4 220 12.64 440 3.8 13.71 5.7 166 .64 (1) (2) (3) Common shares purchased under our share repurchase program. Our board of directors authorized a $500 million share repurchase program in September 2018 which was fully utilized in 2019 and in October 2019, an additional $1 billion multi-year program was approved. Comprises shares withheld from stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock for employees’ tax withholding obligations and shares tendered by employees to satisfy option exercise costs. Common shares issued under our various compensation and benefit plans. The closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020 was $9.82. F-47 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 10. Earnings (Loss) per Common Share Basic earnings (loss) per common share (EPS) are calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS calculations on a GAAP basis follows. (In millions, except per share data) Numerator: Net income Denominator: Weighted average shares used to compute basic EPS Effect of dilutive securities: Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)(1) Dilutive potential common shares(2) Weighted average shares used to compute diluted EPS Basic earnings per common share Diluted earnings per common share Years Ended December 31, 2019 2020 2018 $ 412 $ 597 $ 395 193 230 260 2 2 195 2.14 $ 2.12 $ 3 3 233 2.59 $ 2.56 $ 4 4 264 1.52 1.49 $ $ (1) (2) Includes the potential dilutive effect of additional common shares that are issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units and the outstanding commitment to issue shares under applicable ESPPs, determined by the treasury stock method. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, stock options covering approximately 2 million, 4 million and 6 million shares, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive. F-48 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 11. Fair Value Measurements We use estimates of fair value in applying various accounting standards in our financial statements. We categorize our fair value estimates based on a hierarchical framework associated with three levels of price transparency utilized in measuring financial instruments at fair value. The fair value of the items discussed below are separately disclosed in this footnote. During 2020, there were no significant transfers of financial instruments between levels, or changes in our methodology used to value our financial instruments. The fair values take into account the impact COVID-19 had on the valuations as of December 31, 2020, generally in the form of higher credit spreads used to determine the respective fair values of our education loans and borrowings. Education Loans Our FFELP Loans and Private Education Loans are accounted for at cost or at the lower of cost or market if the loan is held-for-sale. Fair values are determined by modeling loan cash flows using stated terms of the assets using mostly internally developed assumptions that are validated against market transactions when available. FFELP Loans The significant assumptions used to determine fair value of our FFELP Loans are prepayment speeds, default rates, cost of funds, discount rate, capital levels and expected Repayment Borrower Benefits to be earned. In addition, the Floor Income component of our FFELP Loan portfolio is valued with option models using both observable market inputs and internally developed inputs. A number of significant inputs into the models are internally derived and not observable in active markets. While the resulting fair value can be validated against market transactions where we are a participant, these markets are not considered active. As such, these are level 3 valuations. Private Education Loans The significant assumptions used to determine fair value of our Private Education Loans are prepayment speeds, default rates, recovery rates, cost of funds, discount rate and capital levels. A number of significant inputs into the models are internally derived and not observable in active markets. While the resulting fair value can be validated against market transactions where we are a participant, these markets are not considered active. As such, these are level 3 valuations. Cash and Investments (Including “Restricted Cash and Investments”) Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost. Carrying value approximates fair value. The fair value of investments in commercial paper, ABCP, or demand deposits that have a remaining term of less than 90 days when purchased are estimated to equal their cost and, when needed, adjustments for liquidity and credit spreads are made depending on market conditions and counterparty credit risks. No additional adjustments were deemed necessary. These investments are level 2 valuations. Borrowings Borrowings are accounted for at cost in the financial statements except when denominated in a foreign currency or when designated as the hedged item in a fair value hedge relationship. When the hedged risk is the benchmark interest rate (which for us is LIBOR) and not full fair value, the cost basis is adjusted for changes in value due to benchmark interest rates only. Foreign currency-denominated borrowings are re-measured at current spot rates in the financial statements. Fair value was determined through standard bond pricing models and option models (when applicable) using the stated terms of the borrowings, observable yield curves, foreign currency exchange rates, volatilities from active markets or from quotes from broker-dealers. Fair value adjustments for unsecured corporate debt are made based on indicative quotes from observable trades and spreads on credit default swaps specific to the Company. Fair value adjustments for secured borrowings are based on indicative quotes from broker-dealers. These adjustments for both secured and unsecured borrowings are material to the overall valuation of these items and, currently, are based on inputs from inactive markets. As such, these are level 3 valuations. F-49 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 11. Fair Value Measurements (Continued) Derivative Financial Instruments All derivatives are accounted for at fair value in the financial statements. The fair value of a majority of derivative financial instruments was determined by standard derivative pricing and option models using the stated terms of the contracts and observable market inputs and are therefore classified as level 2 fair values. In some cases, we utilized internally developed inputs that are not observable in the market, and as such, classified these instruments as level 3 fair values. Complex structured derivatives or derivatives that trade in less liquid markets require significant estimates and judgment in determining fair value that cannot be corroborated with market transactions. When determining the fair value of derivatives, we take into account counterparty credit risk for positions where there is exposure to the counterparty on a net basis by assessing exposure net of collateral held. See “Note 7 – Derivative Financial Instruments” for further discussion on methodology. The net credit risk adjustment (adjustments for our exposure to counterparties net of adjustments for the counterparties’ exposure to us) decreased the valuations at December 31, 2020 by $8 million. Inputs specific to each class of derivatives disclosed in the table below are as follows: • Interest rate swaps — Fair value is determined using standard derivative cash flow models. Derivatives that swap fixed interest payments for LIBOR interest payments (or vice versa) and derivatives swapping quarterly reset LIBOR for daily reset LIBOR or one-month LIBOR were valued using the LIBOR swap yield curve which is an observable input from an active market. These derivatives are level 2 fair value estimates in the hierarchy. Other derivatives swapping LIBOR interest payments for another variable interest payment (primarily Prime) are valued using the LIBOR swap yield curve and observable market spreads for the specified index. The markets for these swaps are generally illiquid as indicated by a wide bid/ask spread. The adjustment made for liquidity decreased the valuations by $5 million at December 31, 2020. These derivatives are level 3 fair value estimates. • Cross-currency interest rate swaps — Fair value is determined using standard derivative cash flow models. Derivatives hedging foreign-denominated bonds are valued using the LIBOR swap yield curve (for both USD and the foreign-denominated currency), cross-currency basis spreads and forward foreign currency exchange rates. These inputs are observable inputs from active markets. Therefore, the resulting valuation is a level 2 fair value estimate. Amortizing notional derivatives (derivatives whose notional amounts change based on changes in the balance of, or pool of, assets or debt) hedging trust debt use internally derived assumptions for the trust assets’ prepayment speeds and default rates to model the notional amortization. Management makes assumptions concerning the extension features of derivatives hedging rate-reset notes denominated in a foreign currency. These inputs are not market observable; therefore, these derivatives are level 3 fair value estimates. • Floor Income Contracts — Derivatives are valued using an option pricing model. Inputs to the model include the LIBOR swap yield curve and LIBOR interest rate volatilities. The inputs are observable inputs in active markets and these derivatives are level 2 fair value estimates. The carrying value of borrowings designated as the hedged item in a fair value hedge is adjusted for changes in fair value due to benchmark interest rates and foreign-currency exchange rates. These valuations are determined through standard bond pricing models and option models (when applicable) using the stated terms of the borrowings, and observable yield curves, foreign currency exchange rates and volatilities. F-50 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 11. Fair Value Measurements (Continued) The following table summarizes the valuation of our financial instruments that are marked-to-market on a recurring basis. During 2020 and 2019, there were no significant transfers of financial instruments between levels. (Dollars in millions) Assets Derivative instruments:(1) Interest rate swaps Cross-currency interest rate swaps Total derivative assets(2) Total Liabilities(3) Derivative instruments(1) Interest rate swaps Floor Income Contracts Cross-currency interest rate swaps Other Total derivative liabilities(2) Total Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total — — — — $ 323 — 323 323 $ 6 28 34 34 $ 329 28 357 357 $ — — — — $ 227 — 227 227 $ 3 — 3 3 $ 230 — 230 230 — $ — — — — — $ — $ (197 ) — — (197 ) (197 ) $ (14 ) $ — (322 ) — (336 ) (336 ) $ (14 ) $ (197 ) (322 ) — (533 ) (533 ) $ — $ — — — — — $ — $ (68 ) — — (68 ) (68 ) $ (20 ) $ — (575 ) (1 ) (596 ) (596 ) $ (20 ) (68 ) (575 ) (1 ) (664 ) (664 ) $ $ $ (1) (2) (3) Fair value of derivative instruments excludes accrued interest and the value of collateral. See “Note 7 — Derivative Financial Instruments” for a reconciliation of gross positions without the impact of master netting agreements to the balance sheet classification. Borrowings which are the hedged item in a fair value hedge relationship and which are adjusted for changes in value due to benchmark interest rates only are not carried at full fair value and not reflected in this table. F-51 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 11. Fair Value Measurements (Continued) The following tables summarize the change in balance sheet carrying value associated with level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis. (Dollars in millions) Balance, beginning of period Total gains/(losses): Included in earnings(1) Included in other comprehensive income Settlements Transfers in and/or out of level 3 Balance, end of period Change in mark-to-market gains/(losses) relating to instruments still held at the reporting date(2) (Dollars in millions) Balance, beginning of period Total gains/(losses): Included in earnings(1) Included in other comprehensive income Settlements Transfers in and/or out of level 3 Balance, end of period Change in mark-to-market gains/(losses) relating to instruments still held at the reporting date(2) Year Ended December 31, 2020 Derivative Instruments Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps Other Interest Rate Swaps $ (17 ) $ (575 ) $ (1 ) $ Total Derivative Instruments (593 ) 8 — 1 — (8 ) $ 231 — 50 — (294 ) $ — — 1 — — $ 239 — 52 — (302 ) 5 $ 273 $ 1 $ 279 $ $ Year Ended December 31, 2019 Derivative Instruments Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps Other Interest Rate Swaps $ (27 ) $ (633 ) $ (4 ) $ Total Derivative Instruments (664 ) 8 — 2 — (17 ) $ (60 ) — 118 — (575 ) $ 2 — 1 — (1 ) $ (50 ) — 121 — (593 ) 9 $ 58 $ 3 $ 70 $ $ (Dollars in millions) Balance, beginning of period Total gains/(losses): Included in earnings(1) Included in other comprehensive income Settlements Transfers in and/or out of level 3 Balance, end of period Change in mark-to-market gains/(losses) relating to instruments still held at the reporting date(2) (1) Year Ended December 31, 2018 Derivative Instruments Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps Other Interest Rate Swaps $ (41 ) $ (322 ) $ (18 ) $ Total Derivative Instruments (381 ) 11 — 3 — (27 ) $ (433 ) — 122 — (633 ) $ 8 — 6 — (4 ) $ (414 ) — 131 — (664 ) 13 $ (284 ) $ 14 $ (257 ) $ $ “Included in earnings” is comprised of the following amounts recorded in the specified line item in the consolidated statements of income: (Dollars in millions) Gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities, net Interest expense Total Years Ended December 31, 2019 2020 2018 $ $ 8 $ 231 239 $ 10 $ (60 ) (50 ) $ (292 ) (122 ) (414 ) (2) Recorded in “gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities, net” in the consolidated statements of income. F-52 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 11. Fair Value Measurements (Continued) The following table presents the significant inputs that are unobservable or from inactive markets used in the recurring valuations of the level 3 financial instruments detailed above. (Dollars in millions) Derivatives Fair Value at December 31, 2020 Valuation Technique Input Range and Weighted Average Prime/LIBOR basis swaps $ (8 ) Cross-currency interest rate swaps Other Total (294 ) — (302 ) $ Discounted cash flow Discounted cash flow Constant Prepayment Rate Bid/ask adjustment to discount rate Constant Prepayment Rate 9% .08% 5% The significant inputs that are unobservable or from inactive markets related to our level 3 derivatives detailed in the table above would be expected to have the following impacts to the valuations: • Prime/LIBOR basis swaps — These swaps do not actively trade in the markets as indicated by a wide bid/ask spread. A wider bid/ask spread will result in a decrease in the overall valuation. In addition, the unobservable inputs include Constant Prepayment Rates of the underlying securitization trust the swap references. A decrease in this input will result in a longer weighted average life of the swap which will increase the value for swaps in a gain position and decrease the value for swaps in a loss position, everything else equal. The opposite is true for an increase in the input. • Cross-currency interest rate swaps — The unobservable inputs used in these valuations are Constant Prepayment Rates of the underlying securitization trust the swap references. A decrease in this input will result in a longer weighted average life of the swap. All else equal in a typical currency market, this will result in a decrease to the valuation due to the delay in the cash flows of the currency exchanges as well as diminished liquidity in the forward exchange markets as you increase the term. The opposite is true for an increase in the input. The following table summarizes the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities, including derivative financial instruments. (Dollars in millions) Earning assets FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Cash and investments Total earning assets Interest-bearing liabilities Short-term borrowings Long-term borrowings Total interest-bearing liabilities Derivative financial instruments Floor Income Contracts Interest rate swaps Cross-currency interest rate swaps Other Excess of net asset fair value over carrying value(1) December 31, 2020 Carrying Value December 31, 2019 Carrying Value Fair Value Difference Fair Value Difference $ 59,117 $ 22,462 3,822 85,401 58,284 $ 21,079 3,822 83,185 833 $ 1,383 — 2,216 64,478 $ 22,984 3,992 91,454 64,575 $ 22,245 3,992 90,812 6,626 76,719 83,345 6,613 77,332 83,945 (13 ) 613 600 8,498 81,317 89,815 8,483 81,715 90,198 (197 ) 315 (294 ) — (197 ) 315 (294 ) — — — — — (68 ) 210 (575 ) (1 ) (68 ) 210 (575 ) (1 ) (97 ) 739 — 642 (15 ) 398 383 — — — — $ 2,816 $ 1,025 (1) $371 million of this excess as of December 31, 2020 is a result of adjusting the Company’s $8.4 billion senior unsecured debt down to fair value compared to such adjustment being a $56 million increase as of December 31, 2019. This change in fair value is primarily a result of wider credit spreads as of December 31, 2020 as a result of COVID-19. F-53 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 12. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees Legal Proceedings We and our subsidiaries and affiliates are subject to various claims, lawsuits and other actions that arise in the normal course of business. We believe that these claims, lawsuits and other actions will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, except as otherwise disclosed. Most of these matters are claims including individual and class action lawsuits against our servicing or business processing subsidiaries alleging the violation of state or federal laws in connection with servicing or collection activities on their education loans and other debts. In the ordinary course of our business, the Company and our subsidiaries and affiliates receive information and document requests and investigative demands from various entities including State Attorneys General, U.S. Attorneys, legislative committees, individual members of Congress and administrative agencies. These requests may be informational, regulatory or enforcement in nature and may relate to our business practices, the industries in which we operate, or companies with whom we conduct business. Generally, our practice has been and continues to be to cooperate with these bodies and to be responsive to any such requests. The number of these inquiries and the volume of related information demands continue to increase and therefore continue to increase the time, costs and resources we must dedicate to timely respond to these requests and may, depending on their outcome, result in payments of restitution, fines and penalties. Certain Cases During the first quarter of 2016, Navient Corporation, certain Navient officers and directors, and the underwriters of certain Navient securities offerings were sued in three putative securities class action lawsuits filed on behalf of certain investors in Navient stock or Navient unsecured debt. These three cases, which were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, were consolidated by the District Court, with Lord Abbett Funds appointed as Lead Plaintiff. The caption of the consolidated case is Lord Abbett Affiliated Fund, Inc., et al. v. Navient Corporation, et al. The plaintiffs filed their amended and consolidated complaint in September 2016. In September 2017, the Court granted the Navient defendants’ motion and dismissed the complaint in its entirety with leave to amend. The plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint with the court in November 2017 and the Navient defendants filed a motion to dismiss the second amended complaint in January 2018. In January 2019, the Court granted-in-part and denied-in- part the Navient defendants’ motion to dismiss. The Navient defendants deny the allegations and intend to vigorously defend against the allegation in this lawsuit. Discovery is on-going. Additionally, two putative class actions have been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey captioned Eli Pope v. Navient Corporation, John F. Remondi, Somsak Chivavibul and Christian Lown, and Melvin Gross v. Navient Corporation, John F. Remondi, Somsak Chivavibul and Christian M. Lown, both of which allege violations of the federal securities laws under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. After the cases were consolidated by the Court in February 2018 under the caption In Re Navient Corporation Securities Litigation, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint in April 2018 and the Company filed a motion to dismiss in June 2018. In December 2019, the Court denied the Company’s motion to dismiss and discovery is on-going. The Company continues to deny the allegations and intends to vigorously defend itself. In addition, the Company has been named as defendant in a number of putative class action cases alleging violations of various state and federal consumer protection laws including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 (CFPA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and various other state consumer protection laws. At this point in time, the Company is unable to anticipate the timing of a resolution or the impact that these legal proceedings discussed above may have on the Company’s consolidated financial position, liquidity, results of operation or cash flows. As a result, it is not possible at this time to estimate a range of potential exposure, if any, for amounts that may be payable in connection with these matters and reserves have not been established. It is possible that an adverse ruling or rulings may have a material adverse impact on the Company. F-54 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 12. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees (Continued) In January 2017, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the CFPB) and Attorneys General for the State of Illinois and the State of Washington initiated civil actions naming Navient Corporation and several of its subsidiaries as defendants alleging violations of certain Federal and State consumer protection statutes, including the CFPA, FCRA, FDCPA and various state consumer protection laws. In October 2017, the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania initiated a civil action against Navient Corporation and Navient Solutions, LLC (Solutions), containing similar alleged violations of the CFPA and the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. The Attorneys General for the States of California, Mississippi and, in October 2020, New Jersey have also initiated actions against the Company and certain subsidiaries alleging violations of various state and federal consumer protection laws based upon similar alleged acts or failures to act. We refer to the Illinois, Pennsylvania, Washington, California, Mississippi and New Jersey Attorneys General collectively as the “State Attorneys General.” In addition to these matters, a number of lawsuits have been filed by nongovernmental parties or, in the future, may be filed by additional governmental or nongovernmental parties seeking damages or other remedies related to similar issues raised by the CFPB and the State Attorneys General. As the Company has previously stated, we believe the suits improperly seek to impose penalties on Navient based on new, previously unannounced servicing standards applied retroactively against only one servicer, and that the allegations are false. We therefore have denied these allegations and are vigorously defending against the allegations in each of these cases. At this point in time, it is reasonably possible that a loss contingency exists; however, the Company is unable to anticipate the timing of a resolution or the impact that these legal proceedings may have on the Company’s consolidated financial position, liquidity, results of operation or cash flows. As a result, it is not possible at this time to estimate a range of potential exposure, if any, for amounts that may be payable in connection with these matters and reserves have not been established. It is possible that an adverse ruling or rulings may have a material adverse impact on the Company. Regulatory Matters In addition, Navient and its subsidiaries are subject to examination or regulation by various federal regulatory, state licensing or other regulatory agencies as part of its ordinary course of business including the SEC, CFPB, FFIEC and ED. Items or matters similar to or different from those described above may arise during the course of those examinations. We also routinely receive inquiries or requests from various regulatory entities or bodies or government agencies concerning our business or our assets. Generally, the Company endeavors to cooperate with each such inquiry or request. The Company subsequently received separate but similar CIDs or subpoenas from the Attorneys General for the District of Columbia, Kansas, Oregon, Colorado, New Jersey, New York and Indiana. We have and, in the future, may receive additional CIDs or subpoenas and other inquiries from these or other Attorneys General with respect to similar or different matters. Under the terms of the Separation and Distribution Agreement between the Company and SLM BankCo, Navient agreed to indemnify SLM BankCo for claims, actions, damages, losses or expenses that may arise from the conduct of activities of pre-Spin-Off SLM BankCo occurring prior to the Spin-Off other than those specifically excluded in that agreement. Also, as part of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, SLM BankCo agreed to indemnify Navient for certain claims, actions, damages, losses or expenses subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in that agreement. As a result, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in that agreement, Navient agreed to indemnify and hold harmless Sallie Mae and its subsidiaries, including Sallie Mae Bank from liabilities arising out of the regulatory matters and CFPB and State Attorneys General lawsuits mentioned above. In addition, we asserted various claims for indemnification against Sallie Mae and Sallie Mae Bank for such specifically excluded items arising out of the CFPB and the State Attorneys General lawsuits if and to the extent any indemnified liabilities exist now or in the future. We expect these various indemnification claims to be resolved at a future date as the cases move toward conclusion. Navient has no reserves related to indemnification matters with SLM BankCo as of December 31, 2020. F-55 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 12. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees (Continued) OIG Audit The Office of the Inspector General (the OIG) of ED commenced an audit regarding Special Allowance Payments (SAP) on September 10, 2007. In September 2013, we received the final audit determination of Federal Student Aid (the Final Audit Determination) on the final audit report issued by the OIG in August 2009 related to this audit. The Final Audit Determination concurred with the final audit report issued by the OIG and instructed us to make adjustment to our government billing to reflect the policy determination. In August 2016, we filed our notice of appeal to the Administrative Actions and Appeals Service Group of ED, and a hearing was held in April 2017. In March 2019, the administrative law judge hearing the appeal affirmed the audit’s findings, holding the then-existing Dear Colleague letter relied upon by the Company and other industry participants was inconsistent with the statutory framework creating the SAP rules applicable to loans funded by certain types of debt obligations at issue. We appealed the administrative law judge’s decision to the Secretary of Education given Navient’s adherence to ED-issued guidance and the potential impact on participants in any ED program student loan servicers if such guidance is deemed unreliable and may not be relied upon. In January 2021, the Acting Secretary of Education upheld the decision of the administrative law judge. We continue to believe that our SAP billing practices were proper, considering then-existing ED guidance and lack of applicable regulations and are assessing whether to further appeal this decision. The Company first established a reserve for this matter in 2014 and increased the reserve in 2020 in response to the recent decision by the Acting Secretary. We do not believe, at this time, that an adverse ruling will have a material effect on the Company as a whole. Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, we and our subsidiaries are defendants in or parties to pending and threatened legal actions and proceedings including actions brought on behalf of various classes of claimants. These actions and proceedings may be based on alleged violations of consumer protection, securities, employment and other laws. In certain of these actions and proceedings, claims for substantial monetary damage are asserted against us and our subsidiaries. We and our subsidiaries are also subject to potential unasserted claims by third parties. In the ordinary course of business, we and our subsidiaries are subject to regulatory examinations, information gathering requests, inquiries and investigations. In connection with formal and informal inquiries in these cases, we and our subsidiaries receive requests, subpoenas and orders for documents, testimony and information in connection with various aspects of our regulated activities. We are required to establish reserves for litigation and regulatory matters where those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. When loss contingencies are not both probable and estimable, we do not establish reserves. In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of litigation and regulatory matters, we may not be able to predict what the eventual outcome of the pending matters will be, what the timing or the ultimate resolution of these matters will be, or what the eventual loss, fines or penalties, if any, related to each pending matter may be. Based on current knowledge, reserves have been established for certain litigation, regulatory matters, and unasserted contract claims where the loss is both probable and estimable. Based on current knowledge, management does not believe that loss contingencies, if any, arising from pending investigations, litigation or regulatory matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity, results of operations or cash flows, except as otherwise disclosed. F-56 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 13. Income Taxes Reconciliations of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rates to our effective tax rate for continuing operations follow: Years Ended December 31, 2019 2020 2018 Statutory rate State tax, net of federal benefit Other, net Effective tax rate Income tax expense consists of: (Dollars in millions) Current provision/(benefit): Federal State Foreign Total current provision/(benefit) Deferred provision/(benefit): Federal State Foreign Total deferred provision/(benefit) Provision for income tax expense/(benefit) 21.0 % 1.6 — 22.6 % 21.0 % 1.4 (.5 ) 21.9 % 21.0 % 3.9 .3 25.2 % 2020 December 31, 2019 2018 $ $ 98 $ 14 (1 ) 111 12 (3 ) — 9 120 $ 78 $ 11 — 89 73 3 1 77 166 $ 71 13 3 87 33 13 — 46 133 F-57 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 13. Income Taxes (Continued) The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities include the following: (Dollars in millions) Deferred tax assets: Loan reserves Market value adjustments on education loans, investments and derivatives Education loan premiums and discounts, net Operating loss and credit carryovers Accrued expenses not currently deductible Stock-based compensation plans Other Total deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities: Acquired intangible assets Market value adjustments on education loans, investments and derivatives Original issue discount on borrowings Other Total deferred tax liabilities Net deferred tax assets December 31, 2020 2019 $ 414 $ 64 41 14 22 6 22 583 16 — 11 16 43 540 $ $ 257 — 44 17 16 10 21 365 17 13 10 18 58 307 Included in operating loss and credit carryovers is a valuation allowance of $64 million and $60 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, against a portion of the Company’s federal and state deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance is primarily attributable to deferred tax assets for federal and state net operating loss carryovers and state IRC § 163(j) disallowed interest expense carryovers that management believes it is more likely than not will expire prior to being realized. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income of the appropriate character (i.e. capital or ordinary) during the period in which the temporary differences become deductible. Factors generally considered by management include (but are not limited to): any changes in economic conditions, the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, and the history of positive taxable income available for net operating loss carrybacks in evaluating the realizability of the deferred tax assets. The operating loss and credit carryovers consist of: December 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions) Federal operating loss carryovers $ State operating loss carryovers State IRC § 163(j) disallowed interest expense carryovers Federal and State capital loss carryovers Gross Tax- Effected 53 $ 505 Expiration 11 Begins in 2031 $ 36 Begins in 2021 Corresponding Valuation Allowance(1) Operating Loss and Credit Carryovers 11 3 — $ 33 1,907 29 Indefinite 10 $ 2 Begins in 2021 $ 78 29 2 64 $ — — 14 (1) The valuation allowance attributable to deferred tax assets for federal and state net operating loss carryovers, and state IRC § 163(j) disallowed interest expense carryovers, are amounts that management believes more likely than not will expire prior to being realized. F-58 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 13. Income Taxes (Continued) Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes The following table summarizes changes in unrecognized tax benefits: (Dollars in millions) Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year Increases resulting from tax positions taken during a prior period Decreases resulting from tax positions taken during a prior period Increases resulting from tax positions taken during the current period Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities Increases related to settlements with taxing authorities Reductions related to the lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year(1) $ $ 2020 December 31, 2019 2018 53.6 $ 7.6 — 3.5 (.2 ) — (6.6 ) 57.9 $ 65.7 $ 4.0 (3.8 ) 1.9 (11.1 ) — (3.1 ) 53.6 $ 57.4 8.0 (.3 ) 3.8 (1.4 ) — (1.8 ) 65.7 (1) Included in the $57.9 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2020 are $45.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate. The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns at the U.S. federal level, in most U.S. states, and various foreign jurisdictions. All periods prior to 2016 are closed for federal examinations purposes. Various combinations of subsidiaries, tax years, and jurisdictions remain open for review, subject to statute of limitations periods (typically 3 to 4 prior years). We do not expect the resolution of open audits to have a material impact on our unrecognized tax benefits. 14. Revenue from Contracts with Customers Accounted for in Accordance with ASC 606 The following tables illustrate the disaggregation of revenue from contracts accounted for under ASC 606 with customers according to service type and client type by reportable operating segment. Revenue by Service Type (Dollars in millions) Federal Education Loan asset recovery services Government services Healthcare services Total Revenue by Client Type (Dollars in millions) Federal government Guarantor agencies Other institutions State and local government Tolling authorities Hospitals and other healthcare providers Total Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 Federal Education Loans Business Processing Total Revenue Federal Education Loans Business Processing Total Revenue $ $ 84 $ — — 84 $ — $ 191 113 304 $ 84 191 113 388 $ 133 $ — — $ 133 $ — $ 154 104 258 $ 133 154 104 391 Years Ended December 31, Federal Education Loans 2020 Business Processing $ $ 44 $ 38 2 — — — 84 $ Federal Education Loans 2019 Business Processing Total Revenue 62 38 2 122 51 18 $ — — 122 51 113 304 $ 113 388 $ 74 $ 52 7 — — — $ 133 $ Total Revenue 91 52 7 83 54 17 $ — — 83 54 104 258 $ 104 391 As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there was $90 million and $67 million, respectively, of net accounts receivable related to these contracts. Navient had no material contract assets or contract liabilities. F-59 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 15. Segment Reporting We monitor and assess our ongoing operations and results based on the following four reportable operating segments: Federal Education Loans, Consumer Lending, Business Processing and Other. These segments meet the quantitative thresholds for reportable operating segments. Accordingly, the results of operations of these reportable operating segments are presented separately. The underlying operating segments are used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to manage the business, review operating performance and allocate resources, and qualify to be aggregated as part of the primary reportable operating segments. As discussed further below, we measure the profitability of our operating segments based on Core Earnings net income. Accordingly, information regarding our reportable operating segments net income is provided on a Core Earnings basis. Federal Education Loans Segment In this segment, Navient owns FFELP Loans and performs servicing and asset recovery services on our FFELP Loan portfolio. We also service and perform asset recovery services on federal education loans owned by ED and other institutions. Our servicing quality, data-driven strategies, and multichannel education about federal repayment options translates into positive results for the millions of borrowers we serve. We generate revenue primarily through net interest income on the FFELP Loan portfolio as well as servicing and asset recovery services revenue. This segment is expected to generate significant earnings and cash flow over the remaining life of the portfolio. The following table includes asset information for our Federal Education Loans segment. (Dollars in millions) FFELP Loans, net Cash and investments(1) Other Total assets (1) Includes restricted cash and investments. December 31, 2020 2019 $ $ 58,284 $ 1,685 2,241 62,210 $ 64,575 2,043 2,202 68,820 Consumer Lending Segment In this segment, Navient owns, originates, acquires and services high-quality private education loans. We believe our more than 45 years of experience, product design, digital marketing strategies, and origination and servicing platform provide a unique competitive advantage. We see meaningful opportunities in originating Private Education Loans to financially responsible consumers, generating attractive long-term risk adjusted returns. We generate revenue primarily through net interest income on our Private Education Loan portfolio. The following table includes asset information for our Consumer Lending segment. (Dollars in millions) Private Education Loans, net Cash and investments(1) Other Total assets (1) Includes restricted cash and investments. December 31, 2020 2019 $ $ 21,079 $ 828 964 22,871 $ 22,245 927 931 24,103 F-60 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 15. Segment Reporting (Continued) Business Processing Segment In this segment, Navient performs business processing services for over 500 government and healthcare clients. • Government services: We provide state governments, agencies, court systems, municipalities, and parking and tolling authorities with expert service, leveraging our scale, integrated technology solutions and data- driven approach. Our support enables our clients to better serve their constituents, meet rapidly changing needs, reduce their operating expenses, manage risk and maximize revenue opportunities. • Healthcare services: We perform revenue cycle outsourcing, accounts receivable management, extended business office support, consulting engagements and public health programs. We offer customizable solutions for our clients that include hospitals, hospital systems, medical centers, large physician groups, other healthcare providers and departments of public health. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Business Processing segment had total assets of $425 million and $423 million, respectively. Other Segment This segment primarily consists of our corporate liquidity portfolio, gains and losses incurred on the repurchase of debt, unallocated expenses of shared services and restructuring/other reorganization expenses. Unallocated shared services expenses are comprised of costs primarily related to information technology costs related to infrastructure and operations, stock-based compensation expense, accounting, finance, legal, compliance and risk management, regulatory-related expenses, human resources, certain executive management and the board of directors. Regulatory-related expenses include actual settlement amounts as well as third-party professional fees we incur in connection with such regulatory matters and are presented net of any insurance reimbursements for covered costs related to such matters. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Other segment had total assets of $1.9 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. F-61 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 15. Segment Reporting (Continued) Measure of Profitability We prepare financial statements and present financial results in accordance with GAAP. However, we also evaluate our business segments and present financial results on a basis that differs from GAAP. We refer to this different basis of presentation as Core Earnings. We provide this Core Earnings basis of presentation on a consolidated basis and for each business segment because this is what we review internally when making management decisions regarding our performance and how we allocate resources. We also refer to this information in our presentations with credit rating agencies, lenders and investors. Because our Core Earnings basis of presentation corresponds to our segment financial presentations, we are required by GAAP to provide Core Earnings disclosure in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for our business segments. Core Earnings are not a substitute for reported results under GAAP. We use Core Earnings to manage our business segments because Core Earnings reflect adjustments to GAAP financial results for two items, discussed below, that can create significant volatility mostly due to timing factors generally beyond the control of management. Accordingly, we believe that Core Earnings provide management with a useful basis from which to better evaluate results from ongoing operations against the business plan or against results from prior periods. Consequently, we disclose this information because we believe it provides investors with additional information regarding the operational and performance indicators that are most closely assessed by management. When compared to GAAP results, the two items we remove to result in our Core Earnings presentations are: 1. Mark-to-market gains/losses resulting from our use of derivative instruments to hedge our economic risks that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment or do qualify for hedge accounting treatment but result in ineffectiveness; and 2. The accounting for goodwill and acquired intangible assets. While GAAP provides a uniform, comprehensive basis of accounting, for the reasons described above, our Core Earnings basis of presentation does not. Core Earnings are subject to certain general and specific limitations that investors should carefully consider. For example, there is no comprehensive, authoritative guidance for management reporting. Our Core Earnings are not defined terms within GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Accordingly, our Core Earnings presentation does not represent a comprehensive basis of accounting. Investors, therefore, may not be able to compare our performance with that of other financial services companies based upon Core Earnings. Core Earnings results are only meant to supplement GAAP results by providing additional information regarding the operational and performance indicators that are most closely used by management, our board of directors, credit rating agencies, lenders and investors to assess performance. F-62 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 15. Segment Reporting (Continued) Segment Results and Reconciliations to GAAP Year Ended December 31, 2020 Adjustments (Dollars in millions) Interest income: Education loans Other loans Cash and investments Total interest income Total interest expense Net interest income (loss) Less: provisions for loan losses Net interest income (loss) after provisions for loan losses Other income (loss): Servicing revenue Asset recovery and business processing revenue Other income (loss) Losses on debt repurchases Total other income (loss) Expenses: Direct operating expenses Unallocated shared services expenses Operating expenses Goodwill and acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization Restructuring/other reorganization expenses Total expenses Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) Income tax expense (benefit)(2) Net income (loss) $ (1) Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP: Federal Education Loans Consumer Lending Business Processing Other Reclassi- fications Additions/ (Subtractions) Total Adjustments(1) Total GAAP Total Core Earnings $ 1,813 $ — 7 1,820 1,194 626 13 1,445 $ — 3 1,448 699 749 142 — $ — $ 3,258 $ — — — — 16 6 — 6 3,274 — 120 2,013 — (114 ) 1,261 — — 155 79 $ — — 79 39 40 — 613 607 — (114 ) 1,106 40 (55 ) $ — — (55 ) (6 ) (49 ) — (49 ) 24 $ 3,282 — — — 16 24 3,298 33 2,046 (9 ) 1,252 — 155 (9 ) 1,097 — — 214 — — — 214 208 154 9 — 371 287 — 287 6 — — — 6 146 — 146 304 — 11 (6 ) 5 — — 304 254 — — 277 254 277 458 20 (6 ) 686 687 277 964 — (40 ) — (40 ) — — — — — — — — — — 287 697 160 537 $ — 146 467 107 360 $ — 9 254 286 9 973 50 (395 ) 11 (90 ) 39 $ (305 ) $ 819 188 631 $ — — — — — $ — (216 ) — (216 ) — — — 22 — 22 — 458 (256 ) (236 ) (6 ) (256 ) 430 — — 687 — 277 — 964 22 22 — 9 22 995 (287 ) (68 ) (219 ) $ (287 ) 532 (68 ) 120 (219 ) $ 412 (Dollars in millions) Net interest income (loss) after provisions for loan losses Total other income (loss) Goodwill and acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization Total Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP Income tax expense (benefit) Net income (loss) Net Impact of Derivative Accounting Year Ended December 31, 2020 Net Impact of Acquired Intangibles Total $ $ (9 ) $ (256 ) — (265 ) $ — $ — 22 (22 ) $ (9 ) (256 ) 22 (287 ) (68 ) (219 ) (2) Income taxes are based on a percentage of net income before tax for the individual reportable segment. F-63 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 15. Segment Reporting (Continued) Year Ended December 31, 2019 Adjustments (Dollars in millions) Interest income: Education loans Other loans Cash and investments Total interest income Total interest expense Net interest income (loss) Less: provisions for loan losses Net interest income (loss) after provisions for loan losses Other income (loss): Servicing revenue Asset recovery and business processing revenue Other income (loss) Gains on sales of loans Gains on debt repurchases Total other income (loss) Expenses: Direct operating expenses Unallocated shared services expenses Operating expenses Goodwill and acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization Restructuring/other reorganization expenses Total expenses Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) Income tax expense (benefit)(2) Net income (loss) $ (1) Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP: Federal Education Loans Consumer Lending Business Processing Other Reclassi- fications Additions/ (Subtractions) Total Adjustments(1) Total GAAP Total Core Earnings $ 2,907 $ 1 50 2,958 2,376 582 30 1,731 $ 1 16 1,748 980 768 228 — $ — $ 4,638 $ — — 2 — 27 93 — 27 4,733 — 161 3,517 — (134 ) 1,216 — — 258 8 $ — — 8 6 2 — (68 ) $ — — (68 ) (35 ) (33 ) — (60 ) $ 4,578 — 2 — 93 (60 ) 4,673 (29 ) 3,488 (31 ) 1,185 — 258 552 540 — (134 ) 958 2 (33 ) (31 ) 927 229 11 — — 240 — 230 28 — — 487 359 — 359 — 1 16 — 28 156 — 156 258 — — 14 — — — 33 47 258 215 — — 254 215 254 488 43 16 33 820 730 254 984 — (41 ) — 39 (2 ) — — — — — — — — — — 359 680 155 525 $ — 156 412 96 316 $ — 6 215 260 6 990 43 (347 ) 10 (80 ) 33 $ (267 ) $ 788 181 607 $ — — — — — $ — — 65 — (27 ) 38 — — — 30 — 30 (25 ) (15 ) (10 ) $ — 240 — 488 67 24 — 16 45 12 36 856 — 730 — 254 — 984 30 30 — 6 30 1,020 (25 ) 763 (15 ) 166 (10 ) $ 597 (Dollars in millions) Net interest income after provisions for loan losses Total other income (loss) Goodwill and acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization Total Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP Income tax expense (benefit) Net income (loss) Net Impact of Derivative Accounting Year Ended December 31, 2019 Net Impact of Acquired Intangibles Total $ $ (31 ) $ 36 — 5 $ — $ — 30 (30 ) $ (31 ) 36 30 (25 ) (15 ) (10 ) (2) Income taxes are based on a percentage of net income before tax for the individual reportable segment. F-64 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 15. Segment Reporting (Continued) Year Ended December 31, 2018 Adjustments (Dollars in millions) Interest income: Education loans Other loans Cash and investments Total interest income Total interest expense Net interest income (loss) Less: provisions for loan losses Net interest income (loss) after provisions for loan losses Other income (loss): Servicing revenue Asset recovery and business processing revenue Other income (loss) Gains on debt repurchases Total other income (loss) Expenses: Direct operating expenses Unallocated shared services expenses Operating expenses Goodwill and acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization Restructuring/other reorganization expenses Total expenses Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) Income tax expense (benefit)(2) Net income (loss) $ (1) Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP: Federal Education Loans Consumer Lending Business Processing Other Reclassi- fications Additions/ (Subtractions) Total Adjustments(1) Total GAAP Total Core Earnings $ 3,080 $ 4 46 3,130 2,467 663 70 1,778 $ 2 13 1,793 1,013 780 300 — $ — $ 4,858 $ — — 6 — 38 97 — 38 4,961 — 192 3,672 — (154 ) 1,289 — — 370 17 $ — — 17 8 9 — (70 ) $ — — (70 ) (12 ) (58 ) — (53 ) $ 4,805 — 6 — 97 (53 ) 4,908 (4 ) 3,668 (49 ) 1,240 — 370 593 480 — (154 ) 919 9 (58 ) (49 ) 870 262 12 — — 274 — 163 24 — 449 298 — 298 — — — 12 169 — 169 267 — 6 9 15 — — 267 229 — — 288 229 288 430 30 9 743 696 288 984 — (22 ) 13 (9 ) — — — — — — — — — — 298 744 164 580 $ — 169 323 71 252 $ — 13 229 301 13 997 38 (440 ) (97 ) 30 $ (343 ) $ 8 665 146 519 $ — — — — — $ — — (29 ) (3 ) (32 ) — — — 47 — 47 — 274 — 430 (21 ) (51 ) 19 10 (41 ) 702 — 696 — 288 — 984 47 47 — 13 47 1,044 (137 ) (13 ) (124 ) $ (137 ) 528 (13 ) 133 (124 ) $ 395 (Dollars in millions) Net interest income after provisions for loan losses Total other income (loss) Goodwill and acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization Total Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP Income tax expense (benefit) Net income (loss) Net Impact of Derivative Accounting Year Ended December 31, 2018 Net Impact of Acquired Intangibles Total $ $ (49 ) $ (41 ) — (90 ) $ — $ — 47 (47 ) $ (49 ) (41 ) 47 (137 ) (13 ) (124 ) (2) Income taxes are based on a percentage of net income before tax for the individual reportable segment with the impact of the DTA Remeasurement Loss included in the Other segment. F-65 NAVIENT CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 15. Segment Reporting (Continued) Summary of Core Earnings Adjustments to GAAP (Dollars in millions) Core Earnings net income Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP: Net impact of derivative accounting(1) Net impact of goodwill and acquired intangible assets(2) Net income tax effect(3) Total Core Earnings adjustments to GAAP GAAP net income $ $ Years Ended December 31, 2018 2019 2020 631 $ 607 $ 519 (265 ) (22 ) 68 (219 ) 412 $ 5 (30 ) 15 (10 ) 597 $ (90 ) (47 ) 13 (124 ) 395 (1) (2) (3) Derivative accounting: Core Earnings exclude periodic gains and losses that are caused by the mark-to-market valuations on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under GAAP as well as the periodic mark-to-market gains and losses that are a result of ineffectiveness recognized related to effective hedges under GAAP. Under GAAP, for our derivatives that are held to maturity, the mark-to-market gain or loss over the life of the contract will equal $0 except for Floor Income Contracts where the mark-to-market gain will equal the amount for which we sold the contract. In our Core Earnings presentation, we recognize the economic effect of these hedges, which generally results in any net settlement cash paid or received being recognized ratably as an interest expense or revenue over the hedged item’s life. Goodwill and acquired intangible assets: Our Core Earnings exclude goodwill and intangible asset impairment and amortization of acquired intangible assets. Net tax effect: Such tax effect is based upon our Core Earnings effective tax rate for the year. F-66 DESCRIPTION OF FEDERAL FAMILY EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAM APPENDIX A The Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) was authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA). No new FFELP loans were authorized to be made after July 1, 2010.1 The terms and conditions of existing FFELP loans continue to be governed by the HEA statute, implementing regulations, and guidance from the Department of Education (ED). This appendix describes or summarizes the material provisions of HEA’s Title IV, the FFELP and related statutes and regulations, in place as of December 31, 2020. It, however, is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to each actual statute and regulation. Both the HEA and the related regulations have been the subject of extensive amendments over the years. We cannot predict whether future amendments or modifications might materially change any of the programs described in this appendix or the statutes and regulations that implement them. General The FFELP provided for loans to students who were enrolled in eligible institutions, or to parents of dependent students who were enrolled in eligible institutions, to finance their educational costs. As further described below, payment of principal and interest on the education loans is insured by a state or not-for-profit guaranty agency against: • default of the borrower; • the death, bankruptcy or permanent, total disability of the borrower; • closing of the borrower’s school prior to the end of the academic period; • false certification of the borrower’s eligibility for the loan by the school; and • an unpaid school refund. Claims are paid from federal assets, known as “federal student loan reserve funds,” which are federal assets but are maintained and administered by state and not-for-profit guaranty agencies. In addition, the holders of education loans are entitled to receive interest subsidy payments and special allowance payments from ED on eligible education loans. Special allowance payments raise the yield to education loan lenders when the statutory borrower interest rate is below an indexed market value. Four types of education loans were authorized under the HEA: • Subsidized Stafford Loans to students who demonstrated requisite financial need; • Unsubsidized Stafford Loans to students who either did not demonstrate financial need or required additional loans to supplement their Subsidized Stafford Loans; • Federal PLUS Loans to graduate or professional students (effective July 1, 2006) or parents of dependent students whose estimated costs of attending school exceed other available financial aid; and • Consolidation Loans, which consolidated into a single loan a borrower’s obligations under various federally authorized education loan programs. Before July 1, 1994, the HEA also authorized loans called “Supplemental Loans to Students” or “SLS Loans” to independent students and, under some circumstances, dependent undergraduate students, to supplement their Subsidized Stafford Loans. The Unsubsidized Stafford Loan program replaced the SLS program. 1 On March 30, 2010, the President of the United States signed into law the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (HCERA) which terminated as of July 1, 2010 the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. A-1 Special Allowance Payments HEA provides for quarterly special allowance payments to be made by ED to holders of education loans to the extent necessary to ensure that they receive at least specified market interest rates of return. The rates for special allowance payments depend on statutory formulas that vary according to the type of loan, the date the loan was made and the type of funds, tax-exempt or taxable, used to finance the loan. The Department of Education makes a special allowance payment for each calendar quarter, generally within 45 to 60 days after the receipt of a bill from the lender. The special allowance payment equals the average unpaid principal balance, including interest which has been capitalized, of all eligible loans held by a holder during the quarterly period multiplied by the special allowance percentage. For education loans disbursed prior to April 1, 2006, if the special allowance formula is below the borrower rate, the special allowance payment is zero. For education loans disbursed on or after April 1, 2006, lenders are required to pay ED any interest paid by borrowers on education loans that exceeds the special allowance support levels applicable to such loans. Consolidation Loan Fees Loan Rebate Fee. A loan rebate fee of 1.05% is paid annually on the unpaid principal and interest of each Consolidation Loan disbursed on or after October 1, 1993. This fee was reduced to 0.62% for loans made from October 1, 1998 to January 31, 1999. Stafford Loan Program For Stafford Loans, the HEA provided for: federal reimbursement of Stafford Loans made by eligible lenders to qualified students; federal interest subsidy payments on Subsidized Stafford Loans paid by ED to holders of the loans in lieu of the borrowers’ making interest payments during in-school, grace and deferment periods or, in certain cases, during enrollment in an income-based repayment plan; and special allowance payments representing an additional subsidy paid by ED to the holders of eligible Stafford Loans. We refer to all three types of assistance as “federal assistance.” Interest. The borrower’s interest rate on a Stafford Loan can be fixed or variable, depending on the academic year in which the loan was disbursed.2 Interest Subsidy Payments. The Department of Education is responsible for paying interest on Subsidized Stafford Loans: • while the borrower is a qualified student, • during the grace period, • during prescribed deferment periods, and • in certain cases, during a borrower’s enrollment in an income-based repayment plan. ED makes quarterly interest subsidy payments to the owner of a Subsidized Stafford Loan in an amount equal to the interest that accrues on the unpaid balance of that loan before repayment begins or during any deferment periods. ED also makes quarterly interest subsidy payments to the owner of a Subsidized Stafford Loan in an amount equal to the unpaid interest payable during up to three consecutive calendar years of a period of financial hardship during enrollment in an income-based repayment plan. The HEA provides that the owner of an eligible Subsidized Stafford Loan has a contractual right against the United States to receive interest subsidy and special allowance payments. However, receipt of interest subsidy and special allowance payments is conditioned on compliance with the requirements of the HEA, including the following: • satisfaction of need criteria, and • continued eligibility of the loan for federal insurance or reinsurance. 2 Detail on Stafford borrower rates can be found in Appendix A of Navient’s 2019 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020 (Navient’s 2019 10-K). A-2 If the loan is not held by an eligible lender in accordance with the requirements of the HEA and the applicable guarantee agreement, the loan may lose its eligibility for federal assistance. Lenders generally receive interest subsidy payments within 45 days to 60 days after the submission of the applicable data for any given calendar quarter to the Department of Education. However, there can be no assurance that payments will, in fact, be received from ED within that period. Repayment. Repayment of principal on a Stafford Loan does not begin while the borrower remains a qualified student, but only after a 6-month grace period. In general, each loan must be scheduled for repayment over a period of not more than 10 years after repayment begins. New borrowers on or after October 7, 1998 who accumulated FFELP loans totaling more than $30,000 in principal and unpaid interest are entitled to extend repayment for up to 25 years, subject to minimum repayment amounts. Consolidation Loan borrowers may be scheduled for repayment up to 30 years depending on the borrower’s indebtedness. Outlined in the table below are the maximum repayment periods available based on the outstanding FFELP indebtedness. Outstanding FFELP Indebtedness $7,500-$9,999 $10,000-$19,999 $20,000-$39,999 $40,000-$59,999 $60,000 or more Maximum Consolidation Loan Repayment Period 12 Years 15 Years 20 Years 25 Years 30 Years Note: Maximum repayment period excludes authorized periods of deferment and forbearance. In addition to the outstanding FFELP indebtedness requirements described above, the HEA currently requires minimum annual payments of $600, unless the borrower and the lender agree to lower payments, except that negative amortization is not allowed. The HEA and related regulations require lenders to offer a choice among standard, graduated, income-sensitive, income-based, and extended repayment schedules, if applicable, to all borrowers entering repayment. For borrowers in income-based repayment, ED repays or cancels any outstanding principal and interest under certain criteria after 25 years of qualified payments. Grace Periods, Deferment Periods and Forbearance Periods. After the borrower stops pursuing at least a half-time course of study, the borrower generally must begin to repay principal of a Stafford Loan following the grace period. However, no principal repayments need be made, subject to some conditions, during deferment and forbearance periods. For borrowers whose first loans are disbursed on or after July 1, 1993, repayment of principal may be deferred while the borrower returns to school at least half-time. Additional deferments are available, when the borrower is: • enrolled in an approved graduate fellowship program or rehabilitation program; • seeking, but unable to find, full-time employment, subject to a maximum deferment of three years; or • having an economic hardship, as defined in the HEA, subject to a maximum deferment of three years; or • serving on active duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency, or performing qualifying National Guard duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency. • receiving cancer treatment (for loans that entered repayment on or before September 28, 2018 for periods of treatment that occur on or after September 28, 2018). The HEA also permits, and in some cases requires, “forbearance” periods from loan collection in some circumstances. Interest that accrues during a forbearance period is never subsidized. When a borrower ends forbearance and enters repayment, the account is considered current. When a borrower exits grace, deferment or forbearance, any interest that has not been subsidized is generally capitalized and added to the outstanding principal amount. PLUS and SLS Loan Programs The HEA authorized PLUS Loans to be made to parents of eligible dependent students and graduate and professional students and originally authorized SLS Loans to be made to the categories of students later served by the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan program. Borrowers who had no adverse credit history or who were able to secure an endorser without an adverse credit history were eligible for PLUS Loans, as well as some borrowers with extenuating circumstances. The basic provisions applicable to PLUS and SLS Loans are similar to those of Stafford Loans for federal insurance and reinsurance. However, interest subsidy payments are not available under the PLUS and SLS programs and, in some instances, special allowance payments are more restricted. A-3 Interest. The interest rates for PLUS Loans and SLS Loans depend on the year in which the loans were disbursed.3 Repayment; Deferments. Borrowers begin to repay principal on their PLUS and SLS Loans no later than 60 days after the final disbursement, unless they use deferment available for the in-school period and the six-month post enrollment period. Deferment and forbearance provisions, maximum loan repayment periods, repayment plans and minimum payment amounts for PLUS and SLS loans are generally the same as those for Stafford Loans, although income-based repayment is not available for parents borrowing under the PLUS program. Consolidation Loan Program Prior to July 1, 2010, HEA authorized a program under which borrowers could consolidate one or more of their education loans into a single Consolidation Loan that is insured and reinsured on a basis similar to Stafford and PLUS Loans. Consolidation Loans were made in an amount sufficient to pay outstanding principal, unpaid interest, late charges and collection costs on all federally reinsured education loans incurred under the FFELP that the borrower selects for consolidation, as well as loans made under various other federal education loan programs and loans made by different lenders. In general, a borrower’s eligibility to consolidate federal education loans ends upon receipt of a Consolidation Loan. With the end of new FFELP originations, borrowers with multiple loans, including FFELP loans, may only consolidate their loans under the FDLP. Consolidation Loans generally bear interest at a fixed rate equal to the weighted average of the interest rates on the unpaid principal balances of the consolidated loans rounded up to the nearest 1/8th of a %, subject to interest rate caps depending on the year in which the consolidation loan was disbursed. Between November 13, 1997 and September 30, 1998 interest rates were variable. Guaranty Agencies under the FFELP Under the FFELP, guaranty agencies guarantee loans made by eligible lending institutions, paying claims from “federal student loan reserve funds.” The rate of reimbursement depends on the type of claim (death, disability, or default) and can range from 97% to 100%.4 These loans are guaranteed as to 100% of principal and accrued interest against death or discharge. To be eligible for federal reinsurance, FFELP loans must meet HEA requirements and its regulations. Generally, these regulations require that holders must establish repayment terms with the borrower, properly administer deferments and forbearances, credit the borrower for payments made, and report the loan’s status to credit reporting agencies. If a borrower becomes delinquent in repaying a loan, a lender must perform collection procedures that vary depending upon the length of time a loan is delinquent. The collection procedures consist of telephone calls, demand letters, skip tracing procedures and requesting assistance from the guaranty agency. A lender may submit a default claim to the guaranty agency after the related education loan has been delinquent for at least 270 days. The guaranty agency must review and pay the claim within 90 days after the lender filed it. The guaranty agency will pay the lender interest accrued on the loan for up to 450 days after delinquency. The guaranty agency must file a reimbursement claim with ED within 30 days after the guaranty agency paid the lender for the default claim. Following payment of claims, the guaranty agency endeavors to collect the loan. Guaranty agencies also must meet statutory and regulatory requirements for collecting loans. Education Loan Discharges FFELP loans are not generally dischargeable in bankruptcy. Under the United States Bankruptcy Code, before an education loan may be discharged, the borrower must demonstrate that repaying it would cause the borrower or his family undue hardship. When a FFELP borrower files for bankruptcy, collection of the loan is suspended during the time of the proceeding. If the borrower files under the “wage earner” provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code or files a petition for discharge on the grounds of undue hardship, then the lender transfers the loan to the guaranty agency which guaranteed that loan and that agency then participates in the bankruptcy proceeding. When the proceeding is complete, unless there was a finding of undue hardship, the loan is transferred back to the lender and collection resumes. 3 Detail on borrower rates for PLUS and SLS loans can be found in Appendix A of Navient’s 2019 10-K. 4 Details on guaranty agency reimbursement rates and other details regarding guaranty agency requirements can be found in Appendix A of Navient’s 2019 10-K. A-4 Education loans are discharged if the borrower dies or becomes totally and permanently disabled. If a school closes while a student is enrolled, or within 120 days after the student withdrew, loans made for that enrollment period are discharged. If a school falsely certifies that a borrower is eligible for the loan, the loan may be discharged, and if a school fails to make a refund to which a student is entitled, the loan is discharged to the extent of the unpaid refund. Effective July 1, 2006, a loan is also eligible for discharge if it is determined that the borrower’s eligibility for the loan was falsely certified as a result of a crime of identity theft. Rehabilitation of Defaulted Loans ED is authorized to enter into agreements with a guaranty agency under which such guaranty agency may sell defaulted loans that are eligible for rehabilitation to an eligible lender. For a loan to be eligible for rehabilitation the related guaranty agency must have received reasonable and affordable payments originally for 12 months which was reduced to 9 payments in 10 months effective July 1, 2006, and then the borrower may request that the loan be rehabilitated. Because monthly payments may be greater after rehabilitation, not all borrowers opt for rehabilitation. Upon rehabilitation, a borrower is again eligible for all the benefits under the HEA for which the borrower is not eligible as a borrower on a defaulted loan, such as new federal aid, and the negative credit record of default is expunged. No education loan may be rehabilitated more than once. Department of Education Oversight If ED determines that a guaranty agency is unable to meet its insurance obligations, the holders of loans insured by that guaranty agency may submit claims directly to ED and ED is required to pay the full reimbursement amounts due, in accordance with claim processing standards no more stringent than those applied by the affected guaranty agency. However, ED’s obligation to pay guarantee claims directly in this fashion is contingent upon ED determining a guaranty agency is unable to meet its obligations. While there have been situations where ED has made such determinations regarding affected guaranty agencies, there can be no assurances as to whether ED must make such determinations in the future or whether payments of reimbursement amounts would be made in a timely manner. A-5  APPENDIX B FORM 10-K CROSS-REFERENCE INDEX Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements ................................................................................... Available Information ......................................................................................................................... PART I Page Number 1 2 Item 1. Business .................................................................................................................... 3-9,47-49 Item 1A. Risk Factors .............................................................................................................. 50-62 Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments ...................................................................................... Not Applicable Item 2. Properties .................................................................................................................. 67 Item 3. Legal Proceedings ..................................................................................................... 49, F-54-F-56 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 ............................................................................. 68-69 Item 6. Selected Financial Data ............................................................................................. Reserved and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ................................................................................................................. Removed 10-46 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk ..................................... 63-66 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ........................................................ (a) Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure .................................................................................................................. Not Applicable Item 9A. Controls and Procedures ........................................................................................... 70 Item 9B. Other Information ...................................................................................................... Not Applicable PART III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ......................................... Item 11. Executive Compensation ........................................................................................... Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters ............................................................................................. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence .......... Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services ................................................................... PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules ............................................................ 71 71 71 71 71 72-75, F-1-F-66 Item 16. Form 10-K Summary ................................................................................................. Not applicable Signatures ......................................................................................................................................... 76 (a) Reference is made to the financial statements listed under the heading “(a) 1. Financial Statements” of Item 15 hereof, which financial statements are incorporated by reference in response to this Item 8. B-1 GLOSSARY Listed below are definitions of key terms that are used throughout this document. See also Appendix A “Description of Federal Family Education Loan Program” for a further discussion of the FFELP. Constant Prepayment Rate (CPR) — A variable in life-of-loan estimates that measures the rate at which loans in the portfolio prepay before their stated maturity. The CPR is directly correlated to the average life of the portfolio. CPR equals the percentage of loans that prepay annually as a percentage of the beginning of period balance. ED — The U.S. Department of Education. FFELP — The Federal Family Education Loan Program, formerly the Guaranteed Education Loan Program, a program that was discontinued in 2010. FFELP Consolidation Loans — Under the FFELP, borrowers with multiple eligible education loans may have consolidated them into a single education loan with one lender at a fixed rate for the life of the loan. The new loan is considered a FFELP Consolidation Loan. The borrower rate on a FFELP Consolidation Loan is generally fixed for the term of the loan and was set by the weighted average interest rate of the loans being consolidated, rounded up to the nearest 1/8th of a%, not to exceed 8.25%. Before October 1, 1998, maximum loan rates could have exceeded 8.25%. Between November 13, 1997 and September 30, 1998, interest rates were variable. Holders of FFELP Consolidation Loans are eligible to earn interest under the Special Allowance Payment (SAP) formula. In April 2008, we suspended originating new FFELP Consolidation Loans. FFELP Stafford Loans — Education loans to students or parents of students that are guaranteed or reinsured under the FFELP. The loans are primarily Stafford loans but also include PLUS, SLS, Consolidation and HEAL loans. The FFELP was discontinued in 2010. Fixed Rate Floor Income — Fixed Rate Floor Income is Floor Income associated with education loans with borrower rates that are fixed to term (primarily FFELP Consolidation Loans). Floor Income — For loans disbursed before April 1, 2006, FFELP Loans generally earn interest at the higher of either the borrower rate, which is fixed over a period of time, or a floating rate based on the SAP formula. We generally finance our education loan portfolio with floating rate debt whose interest is matched closely to the floating nature of the applicable SAP formula. If interest rates decline to a level at which the borrower rate exceeds the SAP formula rate, we continue to earn interest on the loan at the fixed borrower rate while the floating rate interest on our debt continues to decline. In these interest rate environments, we refer to the additional spread it earns between the fixed borrower rate and the SAP formula rate as Floor Income. Depending on the type of education loan and when it was originated, the borrower rate is either fixed to term or is reset to a market rate each July 1. As a result, for loans where the borrower rate is fixed to term, we may earn Floor Income for an extended period of time, and for those loans where the borrower interest rate is reset annually on July 1, we may earn Floor Income to the next reset date. In accordance with legislation enacted in 2006, lenders are required to rebate Floor Income to ED for all FFELP Loans disbursed on or after April 1, 2006. The following example shows the mechanics of Floor Income for a typical fixed rate FFELP Consolidation Loan (with a LIBOR-based SAP spread of 2.64%): Fixed Borrower Rate SAP Spread over LIBOR Floor Strike Rate(1) 4.25 % (2.64 ) 1.61 % (1) The interest rate at which the underlying index (LIBOR, Treasury bill or commercial paper) plus the fixed SAP spread equals the fixed borrower rate. Floor Income is earned anytime the interest rate of the underlying index declines below this rate. Based on this example, if the quarterly average LIBOR rate is over 1.61%, the holder of the education loan will earn at a floating rate based on the SAP formula, which in this example is a fixed spread to LIBOR of 2.64%. On the other hand, if the quarterly average LIBOR rate is below 1.61%, the SAP formula will produce a rate below the fixed borrower rate of 4.25% and the loan holder earns at the borrower rate of 4.25%. G-1 Graphic Depiction of Floor Income: Floor Income Contracts — We enter into contracts with counterparties under which, in exchange for an upfront contractual payment representing the present value of the Floor Income that we expect to earn on a notional amount of underlying education loans being economically hedged, we will pay the counterparties the Floor Income earned on that notional amount over the life of the Floor Income Contract. Specifically, we agree to pay the counterparty the difference, if positive, between the fixed borrower rate less the SAP spread and the average of the applicable interest rate index on that notional amount, regardless of the actual balance of underlying education loans, over the life of the contract. The contracts generally do not extend over the life of the underlying education loans. This contract effectively locks in the amount of Floor Income we will earn over the period of the contract. Floor Income Contracts are not considered effective hedges under ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” and each quarter we must record the change in fair value of these contracts through income. Guarantor(s) — State agencies or non-profit companies that guarantee (or insure) FFELP Loans made by eligible lenders under The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended. HCERA — The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. Private Education Loans — Education loans to students or their families that bear the full credit risk of the customer and any cosigner. Private Education Loans are made primarily to bridge the gap between the cost of higher education and the amount funded through financial aid, federal loans or students’ and families’ resources. Private Education Loans include loans for higher education (undergraduate and graduate degrees) and for alternative education, such as career training, private kindergarten through secondary education schools and tutorial schools. Certain higher education loans have repayment terms similar to FFELP Loans, whereby repayments begin after the borrower leaves school while others require repayment of interest or a fixed pay amount while the borrower is still in school. Our higher education Private Education Loans are not dischargeable in bankruptcy, except in certain limited circumstances. In the context of our Private Education Loan business, we use the term “Private Education Refinance Loans” to describe education loans made to certain customers that have simplified their payments by consolidating private and/or federal education loans into a single Private Education Loan. These loans are expected to have low default rates as a result of a number of factors including high FICO scores, employment record and educational history. G-2 Repayment Borrower Benefits — Financial incentives offered to borrowers based on pre-determined qualifying factors, which are generally tied directly to making on-time monthly payments. The impact of Repayment Borrower Benefits is dependent on the estimate of the number of borrowers who will eventually qualify for these benefits and the amount of the financial benefit offered to the borrower. Residual Interest — When we securitize education loans, we retain the right to receive cash flows from the education loans sold to trusts that we sponsor in excess of amounts needed to pay derivative costs (if any), other fees, and the principal and interest on the bonds backed by the education loans. Risk Sharing — When a FFELP Loan first disbursed on and after July 1, 2006 defaults, the federal government guarantees 97% of the principal balance plus accrued interest (98% on loans disbursed on and after October 1, 1993 and before July 1, 2006) and the holder of the loan is at risk for the remaining amount not guaranteed as a Risk Sharing loss on the loan. FFELP Loans originated after October 1, 1993 are subject to Risk Sharing on loan default claim payments unless the default results from the borrower’s death, disability, bankruptcy, closed school or false certification. Variable Rate Floor Income — Variable Rate Floor Income is Floor Income that is earned only through the next date at which the borrower interest rate is reset to a market rate. For FFELP Stafford Loans whose borrower interest rate resets annually on July 1, we may earn Floor Income based on a calculation of the difference between the borrower rate and the then current interest rate. G-3 

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