Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates and Assumptions The financial reporting and accounting policies of SLM Corporation 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Key accounting policies that include significant judgments and estimates include the valuation of allowance for credit losses. Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SLM Corporation and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries after eliminating the effects of intercompany accounts and transactions. We consolidate any variable interest entity (“VIE”) where we have determined we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity which has both: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash held in the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (the “FRB”) and commercial bank accounts, and other short-term liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less. Fees associated with investing cash and cash equivalents are amortized into interest income using the effective interest rate method. Trading Investments We periodically sell Private Education Loans through securitization transactions where we are required to retain a five percent vertical risk retention interest (i.e., five percent of each class issued in the securitizations). We classify those vertical risk retention interests related to the transactions as available-for-sale investments, except for the interest in the residual classes, which we classify as trading investments recorded at fair value with changes recorded through earnings. Available-for-Sale Investments Our available-for-sale investments consist of mortgage-backed securities, Utah Housing Corporation bonds, U.S. government-sponsored enterprises and Treasury securities, and the vertical risk retention interests described above (other than residual classes). We record our investment purchases and sales on a trade date basis. The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are amortized using the effective interest rate method. Our investments are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale investments are recorded in equity and reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes. We assess unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities that we have the ability and intent to hold for a period of time sufficient to recover the amortized cost of the security, for the purpose of determining credit impairment. If any credit impairment exists, an allowance for losses is established for the amount of the unrealized loss that is determined to be credit-related. Other Investments We hold investments in non-marketable securities and account for these investments at cost, less impairment, plus or minus observable price changes of identical or similar securities of the same issuer. We also invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for the low income housing tax credit (“LIHTC”), which is designed to promote private development of low income housing. These investments generate a return mostly through realization of federal tax credits. Loans Held for Investment Loans, consisting of 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 discussed under “— Loan Interest Income.” Loans that are held for investment are reported net of an allowance for credit losses. During the third quarter of 2024, we transferred our FFELP Loan portfolio from loans held for investment to loans held for sale as we planned to sell the portfolio. During the fourth quarter of 2024, we sold our FFELP Loan portfolio to a third party. This transaction qualified for sale treatment and removed the balance of the loans from our balance sheet on the settlement date. Loans Held for Sale Any loans we have not classified as held for investment are classified as held for sale and are 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 that are held for sale do not have the associated premium, discount, and capitalized origination costs and fees amortized into interest income. When a decision has been made to sell loans not previously classified as held for sale, such loans are transferred into the held for sale classification and carried at the lower of amortized cost basis (which excludes any allowance for credit losses) or fair value. At the time of the transfer to the held for sale classification, any amount by which the amortized cost basis exceeds fair value is accounted for as a valuation allowance. In addition, once a loan is classified as held for sale, we reverse any allowance for loan loss applicable to that loan. As market conditions permit, we may sell or securitize loans as a source of financing for other loans. Due to varying structuring terms, certain transactions may qualify for sale treatment while others do not qualify for sale treatment and are recorded as financings. All of our education loans are initially categorized as held for investment. It is only when we have selected the loans to sell or securitize and the transaction qualifies as a sale that we transfer the loans into the held for sale classification and carry them at the lower of cost or fair value. If we anticipate recognizing a gain related to the impending securitization or sale, then the fair value of the loans is higher than their respective cost basis and no valuation allowance is recorded. Restricted Cash Restricted cash primarily includes amounts held in student 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. Allowance for Credit Losses We maintain an allowance for credit losses for the lifetime expected credit losses on loans in our portfolios, as well as for future loan commitments, at the reporting date. In determining the lifetime expected credit losses on our Private Education Loan portfolio loan segments, we use a discounted cash flow method. This method requires us to project future principal and interest cash flows on our loans in those portfolios. To estimate the future expected cash flows, we use statistical loan-level models that consider life of loan expectations for defaults, prepayments, recoveries, and any other qualitative adjustments deemed necessary, to determine the adequacy of the allowance at each balance sheet date. These cash flows are discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate to calculate the present value of those cash flows. Management adjusts the effective interest rate used to discount expected cash flows to incorporate expected prepayments. The difference between the present value of those cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the underlying loans is the allowance for credit losses. Entities that measure credit losses based on the present value of expected future cash flows are permitted to report the entire change in present value as credit loss expense, but may alternatively report the change in present value due to the passage of time as interest income. We have elected to report the entire change in present value as credit loss expense. We estimate future default rates used in our current expected credit losses at a loan level using historical loss experience, current borrower characteristics, current conditions, and economic factors forecasted over a reasonable and supportable period. At the end of the reasonable and supportable forecast period, we immediately revert our forecasted economic factors to long-term historical averages. We estimate future prepayment speeds used in our current expected credit losses at a loan level using historical prepayment experience, current borrower characteristics, current conditions, and economic factors forecasted over a reasonable and supportable period. The reasonable and supportable forecast period is meant to represent the period in which we believe we can estimate the impact of forecasted economic factors in our expected losses. We use a two-year reasonable and supportable forecast period, although this period is subject to change as our view evolves on our ability to reasonably forecast economic conditions to estimate future losses. In estimating future default rates and prepayment speeds in our current expected credit losses, we use a combination of expected economic scenarios coupled with our historical experience and adjust for any qualitative factors (as described below). We also develop an adverse and favorable economic scenario. At each reporting date, we determine the appropriate weighting of these alternate scenarios based upon the current economic conditions and our view of the risks of alternate outcomes. This weighting of expectations is used in calculating our current expected credit losses recorded each period. We obtain forecasts for our loss model inputs from Moody’s Analytics. Moody’s Analytics provides a range of forecasts for each of these inputs with various likelihoods of occurrence. We determine which forecasts we will include in our estimation of allowance for credit losses and the associated weightings for each of these inputs. At December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, we used the Baseline (50th percentile likelihood of occurring)/S1 (stronger near-term growth scenario - 10 percent likelihood of occurring)/S3 (unfavorable (or downside) scenario - 10 percent likelihood of occurring) scenarios and weighted them 40 percent, 30 percent, and 30 percent, respectively. Management reviews both the scenarios and their respective weightings each quarter in determining the allowance for credit losses. In estimating recoveries, we use both estimates of what we expect to receive from the sale of defaulted loans as well as historical borrower payment behavior to estimate the timing and amount of future recoveries on charged-off loans. In addition to the above modeling approach, we also take certain qualitative factors into consideration when calculating the allowance for credit losses, which could result in management overlays (increases or decreases to the allowance for credit losses). These management overlays can encompass a broad array of factors not captured by model inputs, including, but not limited to, changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards, changes in servicing policies and collection administration practices, including the loan modification program changes implemented in the fourth quarter of 2023, state law changes that could impact servicing and collection practices, charge-offs, recoveries not already included in the analysis, the effect of other external factors such as legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated current expected credit losses, the performance of the model over time versus actual losses, and any other operational or regulatory changes that could affect our estimate of future losses. The evaluation of the allowance for credit losses is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant changes. If actual future performance in delinquency, charge-offs, and recoveries is significantly different than estimated, or management assumptions or practices were to change, this could materially affect the estimate of the allowance for credit losses, the timing of when losses are recognized, and the related provision for credit losses in our consolidated statements of income. When calculating our allowance for credit losses and liability for unfunded commitments, we incorporate several inputs that are subject to change period to period. These include, but are not limited to, CECL model inputs and any overlays deemed necessary by management. The most impactful CECL model inputs include: •Economic forecasts; •Weighting of economic forecasts; and •Recovery rates. Of the model inputs outlined above, economic forecasts, weighting of economic forecasts, and recovery rates are subject to estimation uncertainty, and changes in these inputs could have a material impact to our allowance for credit losses and the related provision for credit losses. In the fourth quarter of 2022, we changed our loss model to include forecasts of college graduate unemployment, retail sales, and median family income in determining the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. Prior to this change, we included forecasts of college graduate unemployment and the Consumer Price Index in our loss forecasting models. In 2023, we experienced slower prepayment rates due to the rising interest rate environment. Historically, when rates rise, loan prepayments decline due to a reduction in consolidation activity of our borrowers to third party lenders, and when rates decline, loan prepayments rise due to an increase in consolidation activity of our borrowers to third party lenders. During 2023, our estimates of future prepayment speeds reflected the then current interest rate environment and future expectations of increased prepayment speeds in line with market expectations of a decline in interest rates based on the scenarios produced by Moody's Analytics described above. Slower prepayment speeds increase the allowance for credit losses because the loss rates applied in the future periods are applied to higher loan balances. In the second quarter of 2024, we implemented a loan-level future default rate model that includes current portfolio characteristics and forecasts of real gross domestic product and college graduate unemployment. In the second quarter of 2024, we also implemented a future prepayment speeds model to include forecasts of real gross domestic product, retail sales, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), and the U.S. 10-year treasury rate. These models reduce the reliance on certain qualitative overlays compared to the previous default rate and prepayment speeds models. Prior to these changes, our default rate and prepayment speeds models used forecasts of college graduate unemployment, retail sales, home price index, and median family income. Both the future default rate model and the future prepayment speeds model are used in determining the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. The combined impact upon implementation of these model enhancements and the changes in the related qualitative overlays did not have a material impact on the overall level of our allowance for credit losses. Below we describe in further detail our policies and procedures for the allowance for credit losses as they relate to our Private Education Loan portfolio. During the third quarter of 2024, we reclassified our FFELP Loan portfolio to loans held for sale and subsequently sold the FFELP Loan portfolio to a third party during the fourth quarter of 2024. During the third quarter of 2022, we reclassified our Credit Card loan portfolio to loans held for sale and subsequently sold the Credit Card portfolio to a third party in May 2023. Allowance for Private Education Loan Losses In addition to the key assumptions/estimates described above, some estimates are unique to our Private Education Loan portfolio. Estimates are made on our Private Education Loans regarding when each borrower will separate from school. The cash flow timing of when a borrower will begin making full principal and interest payments is dependent upon when the student either graduates or leaves school. These dates can change based upon many factors. We receive information regarding projected graduation dates from a third-party clearinghouse. The separation from school date is updated quarterly based on updated information received from the clearinghouse. Additionally, when we have a contractual obligation to fund a loan or a portion of a loan at a later date, we make an estimate regarding the percentage of this obligation that will be funded. This estimate is based on historical experience. For unfunded commitments, we recognize the related life of loan allowance as a liability. Once the loan is funded, that liability transfers to the allowance for Private Education Loan losses. Key Credit Quality Indicators - Private Education Loans We determine the collectability of our Private Education Loan portfolio by evaluating certain risk characteristics. We consider credit score at original approval and periodically refreshed/updated credit scores through the loan’s term, existence of a cosigner, loan status, and loan seasoning as the key credit quality indicators because they have the most significant effect on the determination of the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses. Credit scores are an indicator of the creditworthiness of borrowers, and the higher the credit scores the more likely it is the borrowers 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 result in a credit loss than a current loan. Additionally, loans in the deferred payment status have different credit risk profiles compared with those in current pay status. 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. The existence of a cosigner lowers the likelihood of default as well. We monitor and update these credit quality indicators in the analysis of the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses on a quarterly basis. In the second quarter of 2023, we changed how we collect on defaulted loans. Previously, we used a mix of in-house collectors and sales to third parties. We continue to sell a segment of defaulted loans immediately after charge-off but no longer sell retained defaulted loans (that have been subject to internal collection attempts for six months) to third parties and instead continue our collection efforts using in-house collectors and third-party collectors. This improved our estimate of recovery rates for the year ended December 31, 2023. When we estimate the timing and amount of future recoveries on charged-off loans, we no longer include expectations of future sales on retained defaulted loans. We continue to monitor how we collect on defaulted loans and may modify the approach from time to time based on performance, industry conventions, and/or regulatory feedback. For December 31, 2022, we used both an estimate of recovery rates from in-house collections as well as expectations of future sales of defaulted loans to estimate the timing and amount of future recoveries on charged-off loans. Private Education Loans generally do not require borrowers to begin principal and interest repayment until at least six months after the borrowers have graduated or otherwise separated from school. Consequently, the loss estimates for these loans are generally low while the borrower is in school and then increase upon the end of the grace period after separation from school. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, 26 percent and 25 percent, respectively, of the principal balance of the Private Education Loan portfolio was related to borrowers who were then in an in-school (fully deferred), grace, or other deferment status and not required to make payments. Our collection policies for Private Education Loans allow for periods of nonpayment (forbearance) for certain borrowers requesting an extended grace period upon leaving school or experiencing temporary difficulty meeting payment obligations. As part of concluding on the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses for Private Education Loans, we review key allowance and loan metrics. The most relevant of the metrics considered are the allowance coverage of net charge-offs ratio; the allowance as a percentage of ending total loans plus unfunded loan commitments and total accrued interest receivable; and delinquency and forbearance percentages. We consider a Private Education Loan to be delinquent if the borrower has not made a required payment prior to the 31st day after such payment was contractually due. Off-Balance Sheet Exposure for Contractual Loan Commitments When we approve a Private Education Loan at the beginning of an academic year, that approval may cover the borrowing for the entire academic year. As such, we do not always disburse the full amount of the loan at the time of such approval, but instead have a commitment to fund a portion of the loan at a later date (usually the start of the second semester or subsequent trimesters). We estimate expected credit losses over the contractual period in which we are exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by us. The discounted cash flow approach described above includes expected future contractual disbursements. The portion of the allowance for credit losses related to future disbursements is shown as a liability on the face of the balance sheet, and related provision for credit losses is reflected on the income statement. Uncollectible Interest The majority of the total accrued interest receivable on our Private Education Loan portfolio represents accrued interest on deferred loans where no payments are due while the borrower is in school and on fixed-pay loans where the borrower makes a $25 monthly payment that is smaller than the interest accrued on the loan in that month. The accrued interest on these loans will be capitalized and increase the unpaid principal balance of the loans when the borrower exits the grace period after separation from school. The discounted cash flow approach and the allowance for credit losses described above consider both the collectability of principal and accrued interest. The allowance for uncollectible interest estimates the additional uncollectible interest that is not captured in the allowance for credit losses. The allowance for uncollectible interest uses historical experience to estimate the uncollectible interest on loans for which payment in full of principal or interest is not expected. This amount is recorded as a reduction of interest income. Accrued interest receivable is separately disclosed on the face of the balance sheet. Allowance for Credit Card Loans At September 30, 2022, we transferred our Credit Card portfolio to loans held for sale as we planned to sell our Credit Card portfolio. At that time, we reversed $2.4 million through the provisions for credit losses for the allowance related to these loans. We subsequently sold the Credit Card portfolio to a third party in May 2023. Allowance for FFELP Loan Losses During the third quarter of 2024, we transferred our FFELP Loan portfolio to loans held for sale as we planned to sell our FFELP Loan portfolio. At that time, we wrote down this loan portfolio to its estimated fair value through an adjustment to the allowance for credit losses of $8 million. We subsequently sold the FFELP Loan portfolio to a third party in the fourth quarter of 2024. 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 on or after July 1, 2006, owners receive 97 percent reimbursement on all qualifying claims. For loans disbursed after October 1, 1993, and before July 1, 2006, owners receive 98 percent reimbursement on all qualifying claims. For loans disbursed prior to October 1, 1993, owners receive 100 percent reimbursement. Because owners bear a maximum of three percent loss exposure due to this federal guarantee, our allowance for credit losses for FFELP Loans and related periodic provision expense were relatively small. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we used the gross loss approach when estimating the allowance for credit losses for the unguaranteed portion of our FFELP Loans. We maintained an allowance for credit losses for our FFELP Loans at a level sufficient to cover lifetime expected credit losses. The allowance for FFELP Loan losses used historical experience of customer default behavior. We applied the default rate projections, net of applicable risk sharing, to our FFELP Loans for the respective period to perform our quantitative calculation. Once the quantitative calculation was performed, we reviewed the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and determined if qualitative adjustments needed to be considered. Business Combinations On March 4, 2022, we completed the acquisition of the assets primarily used or held for use of Epic Research Education Services, LLC, which did business as Nitro College (“Nitro”). Nitro provided resources that helped students and families evaluate how to responsibly pay for college and manage their financial responsibilities after graduation. The addition of Nitro supports our mission of providing students with the confidence needed to successfully navigate the higher education journey. The acquisition of the Nitro assets, including its employees and intellectual property, expanded our digital marketing capabilities, reduced the cost to acquire customer accounts, and accelerated our progress to become a broader education solutions provider for students before, during, and immediately after college. In 2024, we completed the transition of the related Nitro branding to the Sallie and Sallie Mae brands and platforms. On July 21, 2023, we completed the acquisition of several key assets of Scholly, Inc. (“Scholly”). Scholly was engaged in the business of operating as a scholarship publishing and servicing platform, comprised of websites and mobile application search products that offered custom recommendations for post-secondary scholarships for students, their families, and others as well as related services for scholarship providers. The addition of Scholly assets supports our mission of providing students with the confidence needed to successfully navigate the higher education journey. These acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with the Accounting Standard Codification 805, “Business Combinations,” of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), whereby as of the respective acquisition date, the acquired tangible assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair values. The identifiable intangible assets were recorded at fair values as determined by an independent appraiser. The final purchase price allocation for Nitro resulted in an excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired, or goodwill, of $51 million. The final purchase price allocation for Scholly resulted in an excess purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired, or goodwill, of $5 million. The results of operations of Nitro and Scholly have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the respective acquisition dates. We have not disclosed the pro forma impact of these acquisitions to the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, as the pro forma impacts were deemed immaterial. Transaction costs associated with the Nitro acquisition were approximately $3 million and were expensed as incurred within “Other operating expenses” in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2022. Transaction costs associated with the Scholly acquisition were approximately $1 million and were expensed as incurred within “Other operating expenses” in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2023. Identifiable intangible assets at the acquisition date of Nitro included definite life intangible assets with an aggregate fair value of approximately $75 million, including trade name and trademarks, customer relationships, and developed technology. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we impaired our Nitro trade name and trademarks intangible asset. See Note 8, “Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets” in this Form 10-K for additional details. Identifiable intangible assets at the acquisition date of Scholly included definite life intangible assets with an aggregate fair value of approximately $11 million, including trade name and trademarks, developed technology, customer relationships, and partner relationships. See “—Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets” in this Note 2 and Note 8, “Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets” in this Form 10-K for additional details. 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 in the fourth quarter of the year, or more frequently if we believe that indicators of impairment exist. 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 percent. 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, but not to exceed the goodwill amount attributed to the reporting unit. Acquired intangible assets include trade names and trademarks, customer relationships, developed technology, and partner relationships. Our acquired intangible assets have finite lives and are amortized over their estimated useful lives in proportion to their estimated economic benefit. We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. See Note 8, “Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets” in this Form 10-K for additional details. Deposits Our retail deposit accounts are principally certificates of deposit (“CDs”), money market deposit accounts (“MMDAs”), and high-yield savings (“HYS”) accounts. CDs are accounts that have a stipulated maturity and interest rate. Retail CDs may be withdrawn early, but a penalty is assessed. MMDA and HYS accounts are both interest and non-interest-bearing accounts that have no maturity or expiration date. For retail MMDA and HYS accounts, the depositor may be required to give written notice of any intended withdrawal not less than seven days before the withdrawal is made. The Bank also includes brokered CDs in its funding base. Early withdrawal of brokered CDs is generally prohibited (except in the case of death or legal incapacity). Other deposit accounts include large interest-bearing omnibus accounts deposited in the Bank by commercial entities having custodial responsibilities for many underlying accounts. These omnibus accounts may be structured with or without fixed maturities, and may have fixed or variable interest rates. 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 consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statement of income; •In the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income section of the consolidated statement of changes in equity; •In the consolidated balance sheet for instruments carried at lower of cost or fair value with impairment charges recorded in the consolidated statement of income; and •In the notes to the consolidated 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 (including for our liabilities), 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, credit, and bid/offer 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. Loan Interest Income For all loans, including impaired loans (regardless of the delinquency status of the impaired loans), classified as held for investment, we recognize interest income as earned, adjusted for the amortization of deferred direct origination and acquisition costs. Deferred fees or costs are required to be recognized as yield adjustments over the life of the related loans and are recognized by the interest method. The objective of the interest method is to arrive at periodic interest income (including recognition of fees and costs) at a constant effective yield on the net investment in the receivable (i.e., the principal amount of the receivable adjusted by unamortized fees or costs, purchase premium or discount, and any hedging activity—these unamortized costs will collectively be referred to as “basis adjustments”). The difference between the periodic interest income so determined and the interest income determined by applying the stated interest rate to the outstanding principal amount of the receivable is the amount of periodic amortization of deferred direct origination and acquisition costs. For the amortization of the basis adjustments, we determine the constant effective yield necessary to apply the interest method based upon the contractual terms of the loan contract, with no consideration given to expected prepayments. For fixed-rate loans, when a prepayment occurs the unamortized balance of the basis adjustments is adjusted so that future amortization (based upon the contractual terms of the loan) will result in a constant effective yield equal to the original effective interest rate. Prepayments do not result in a change in the effective interest rate of the loan. We determine the contractual payments on a pool basis; as such, when a prepayment occurs, future contractual payments will be determined assuming the pool will make smaller payments through the original term of the contract. The adjustment to the unamortized basis adjustment balance is recorded in interest income. For variable-rate loans, the effective interest rate at the time of origination is the loan’s effective interest rate assuming all future contractual payments. The effective interest rate remains the same for that loan until the loan rate changes. If there is no prepayment and no change in the stated interest rate, the periodic amortization of the basis adjustments is equal to the difference between the effective interest rate multiplied by the book basis and the contractual interest due. We determine the contractual payments on a pool basis; as such, when a prepayment occurs, future contractual payments will be determined assuming the pool will make smaller payments through the original term of the contract. The adjustment to the unamortized basis adjustment balance is recorded in interest income. When the interest rate on a variable-rate loan changes, the effective interest rate is recalculated using the same methodology described in the previous paragraph; however, the future contractual payments are changed to reflect the new interest rate. There is no forecasting of future expected changes in interest rates. The accounting basis used to determine the effective interest rate of the cash flows is equal to the balances of the unpaid principal balance and unamortized basis adjustments at the time of the rate change. We also paid the U.S. Department of Education (the “DOE”) an annual 105 basis point Consolidation Loan Rebate Fee on FFELP consolidation loans, which was netted against loan interest income. Additionally, interest earned on education loans reflects potential non-payment adjustments in accordance with our uncollectible interest recognition policy. We do not amortize any adjustments to the basis of loans when they are classified as held for sale. For loans not currently in full principal and interest repayment status or interest-only repayment status, we recognize the allowance for the portion of uncollectible interest representing amounts to be capitalized after separation from school and the expiration of the grace period to the provisions for credit losses and classify this allowance as part of our allowance for credit losses. The allowance for the portion of uncollectible interest on loans making full interest payments estimates the additional uncollectible interest that is not captured in the allowance for credit losses and will continue to be recorded as a reduction of interest income. As we maintain an allowance for uncollectible interest on loans making full interest payments and an allowance for credit losses for the interest on loans where all, or a portion of the interest, will be capitalized in the future, we do not place loans in nonaccrual status prior to charge-off. However, if it is determined that an individual loan or pool of loans is high risk, they may be placed on nonaccrual status, which entails stopping the accrual of interest on those loans until such time that the borrower(s) have made a sufficient number of payments (typically six months) to return to accrual status. At December 31, 2024, we had an immaterial amount of loans in nonaccrual status. At December 31, 2023, we also had an immaterial amount of loans in nonaccrual status. We recognize certain fee income (primarily late fees) on all loans when earned according to the contractual provisions of the promissory notes, as well as our expectation of collectability. Fee income is recorded when earned in “other non-interest income” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Interest Expense Interest expense is based upon contractual interest rates and other fees, adjusted for the amortization of issuance costs, premiums, and discounts. We incur interest expense on interest-bearing deposits comprised of non-maturity savings deposits, brokered and retail CDs, brokered and retail MMDAs, as well as unsecured and secured financings. Our Private Education Loan multi-lender secured borrowing facility (the “Secured Borrowing Facility”) also incurs an unused facility fee on the amount of unfunded commitments. Interest expense is recognized when amounts are contractually due and is adjusted for net payments/receipts related to qualifying interest rate swap agreements designated as hedges of interest-bearing liabilities. Interest expense also includes the amortization of deferred gains and losses on closed qualifying hedge transactions. Amortization of debt issuance costs, premiums, discounts, and terminated hedge-basis adjustments are recognized using the effective interest rate method. Refer to Note 9, “Deposits,” and Note 10, “Borrowings” in this Form 10-K for further details of our interest-bearing liabilities. Gains on Sale of Loans, Net We may participate and sell loans to third parties and affiliates. These sales may occur through whole loan sales or securitization transactions that qualify for sale treatment. If a transfer of loans qualifies as a sale, we derecognize the loan and recognize a gain or loss as the difference between the carry basis of the loan sold and liabilities retained and the compensation received. We recognize the results of a transfer of loans based upon the settlement date of the transaction. These loans were initially recorded as held for investment and were transferred to held for sale immediately prior to sale or securitization. Other Income Included in other income are late fees on both Private Education Loans and FFELP Loans, which we recognize when the cash has been received, income for servicing private student loans for third parties, and changes to our tax indemnification receivable from Navient. Other income also included fees related to our Credit Card program. At September 30, 2022, we transferred our Credit Card portfolio to loans held for sale and subsequently sold the Credit Card portfolio to a third party in May 2023. Securitization Accounting Our securitization transactions use a two-step structure with a special purpose entity VIE that legally isolates the transferred assets from us in the event of bankruptcy or receivership. 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, the transaction does not meet the criteria for sale treatment and is accounted for as an on-balance sheet secured borrowing. If a securitization qualifies as a sale, we assess whether Sallie Mae is the primary beneficiary of the securitization trust and thus required to consolidate the trust. We are considered the primary beneficiary if we have both: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. As there is not a bright-line test for determining significance, the assessment of who has the power to significantly direct the activities of the VIE, and who has the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits material to the VIE, can be qualitative and judgmental in nature. If we are determined to be the primary beneficiary, then no gain or loss is recognized on the transaction. Irrespective of whether a securitization receives sale or on-balance sheet treatment, our continuing involvement with our securitization trusts is generally limited to: •Owning the equity certificates of certain trusts; •The servicing of the student loan assets within the securitization trusts, on both a pre- and post-default basis; •Our acting as administrator for the securitization transactions we sponsored; •Our responsibilities relative to representation and warranty violations; and •The option to exercise the clean-up call and purchase the student loans from the trust when the pool balance is 10 percent or less of the original pool balance. In 2024 and 2023, we executed several secured financing transactions. Based upon our relationships with these securitizations, we believe the consolidation assessment is straightforward. We consolidated our secured financing transactions because either we did not meet the accounting criterion for sales treatment or we determined we were the primary beneficiary of the VIE because we retained (i) the residual interest in the securitization and therefore had the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE, as well as (ii) the power to direct the activities of the VIE in our role as servicer. The investors in our securitization trusts have no recourse to our other assets should there be a failure of the trust to pay when due. Generally, the only recourse the securitization trusts have to us is in the event we breach a seller representation or warranty or our duties as master servicer and servicer, in which event we are obligated to repurchase the related loans from the trust. We may also be responsible for indemnities in other instances for such things as willful misfeasance or bad faith. In 2024 and 2023, we also closed several loan sales and securitization transactions that were not consolidated on our balance sheet due to the transaction having met the criteria for sales treatment and Sallie Mae not being the primary beneficiary. In these transactions, we removed loans from our consolidated balance sheet and recognized any assets retained and liabilities assumed at fair value, and recorded a gain or loss on the transferred loans. Our continuing involvement in these securitization transactions mainly consists of acting as the primary servicer and holding certain retained interests. We provide additional information regarding these types of activities in Note 10, “Borrowings — Unconsolidated Funding Vehicles” in this Form 10-K. Derivative Accounting We account for our derivatives, consisting of interest rate swaps, at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability. Derivative positions are recorded as net positions by counterparty based on master netting arrangements (see Note 11, “Derivative Financial Instruments” in this Form 10-K), exclusive of accrued interest and cash collateral held or pledged. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) requires all standardized derivatives, including most interest rate swaps, to be submitted for clearing to central counterparties to reduce counterparty risk. Two of the central counterparties we use are the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (the “CME”) and the London Clearing House (the “LCH”). All variation margin payments on derivatives cleared through the CME and LCH are accounted for as legal settlement. As of December 31, 2024, $850 million notional of our derivative contracts were cleared on the CME and $71 million were cleared on the LCH. The derivative contracts cleared through the CME and LCH represent 92.3 percent and 7.7 percent, respectively, of our total notional derivative contracts of $921 million at December 31, 2024. For derivatives cleared through the CME and LCH, the net gain (loss) position includes the variation margin amounts as settlement of the derivative and not collateral against the fair value of the derivative. The amount of variation margin included as settlement as of December 31, 2024 was $(22) million and $(1) million for the CME and LCH, respectively. Changes in fair value for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are presented as realized gains (losses). We determine the fair value for our derivative contracts primarily using pricing models that consider current market conditions and the contractual terms of the derivative contracts. These pricing models consider interest rates, time value, forward interest rate curves, and volatility factors. Inputs are generally from active financial markets. 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 fair value. Our derivative instruments are classified and accounted for by us as either fair value hedges or cash flow hedges. Each derivative is designated to a specific (or pool of) liability(ies) on the consolidated balance sheets, and is designated as either a “fair value” hedge or a “cash flow” hedge. Fair value hedges are designed to hedge our exposure to the changes in fair value of a fixed-rate liability. For effective fair value hedges, both the hedge and the hedged item (for the risk being hedged) are recorded at fair value with any difference reflecting ineffectiveness recorded immediately in the consolidated statements of income. Cash flow hedges are designed to hedge our exposure to variability in cash flows related to variable-rate deposits. The assessment of the hedge’s effectiveness is performed at inception and on an ongoing basis, using regression testing. For hedges of a pool of 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 fair value of the derivative with no offsetting amount from the hedged item since the last time it was effective. If it is also determined the hedge will not be effective in the future, we discontinue the hedge accounting prospectively and begin amortization of any basis adjustments that exist related to the hedged item. On March 12, 2020, FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (“Topic 848”): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” On January 7, 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01, “Reference Rate Reform (“Topic 848”): Scope” that clarified the scope of Topic 848. Topic 848 contains temporary optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform. Our derivative portfolio is made up of interest rate swaps that are centrally cleared through either the CME or the LCH. On October 16, 2020, both the CME and the LCH changed the price alignment interest and discount rate applied when valuing these transactions to SOFR. The ISDA 2020 LIBOR Fallbacks Protocol (the “ISDA Fallback Protocol”) was made available for adherence on October 23, 2020, with an effective date of January 25, 2021. Once adhered to by both counterparties in a bilateral relationship and the effective date is reached, the ISDA Fallback Protocol represents a change to the contractual terms of derivatives governed by each respective ISDA agreement between the Company and a derivative counterparty. We have elected the option provided in Topic 848 to not reassess previous accounting determinations as well as the option to not dedesignate a hedging relationship due to a current or future change in a critical or contractual term related to reference rate reform, including changes in the discount rate. As our liabilities began to use alternatives to LIBOR before LIBOR was no longer published, for cash flow hedges of forecasted LIBOR based payments, we elected the expedient offered in Topic 848 to disregard the potential change in the designated hedged interest rate risk that may occur because of reference rate reform when we assess whether the hedged forecasted transactions are probable, in accordance with the requirements of “Derivatives and Hedging” Topic 815. We have also elected the expedient provided by Topic 848 to assume the reference rate would not be replaced for the remainder of the hedging relationship when assessing hedge effectiveness. Stock-Based Compensation We recognize stock-based compensation cost in our consolidated statements of income using the fair value 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 shorter of the vesting period of the stock-based grant or the employee’s retirement eligible date. We do not apply a forfeiture rate to our stock-based compensation expense, but rather record forfeitures when they occur. We record all excess tax benefits/deficiencies related to the settlement of employee stock-based compensation to the income tax expense line item on our consolidated statements of income. 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 when applicable, 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. An uncertain 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 consolidated financial statements is the largest amount of benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being sustained upon ultimate settlement of the uncertain tax position. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense (benefit). Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The ASU improves reportable segment disclosure requirements and requires enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. We adopted this amendment as of December 31, 2024, on a retrospective basis. See Note 22, “Segment Reporting” in this Form 10-K for additional details on the impact of adoption of the ASU. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The ASU requires entities to disclose specific categories in the effective tax rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items where the effect of those reconciling items is equal to or greater than 5 percent of the amount computed by multiplying pretax income/loss by the applicable statutory income tax rate. Additionally, entities are required to disclose the year-to-date amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by jurisdiction. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. We do not expect the impact of this ASU to be material to our consolidated financial statements. In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosure (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. The ASU is intended to provide more detailed information about specified categories of expenses (purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation and amortization) included in certain expense captions presented on the consolidated statements of income. The guidance in this standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the ASU on our consolidated financial statements.

The financial reporting and accounting policies of SLM Corporation 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Key accounting policies that include significant judgments and estimates include the valuation of allowance for credit losses.

We consolidate any variable interest entity (“VIE”) where we have determined we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity which has both: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

Cash and cash equivalents include cash held in the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (the “FRB”) and commercial bank accounts, and other short-term liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less. Fees associated with investing cash and cash equivalents are amortized into interest income using the effective interest rate method.

We periodically sell Private Education Loans through securitization transactions where we are required to retain a five percent vertical risk retention interest (i.e., five percent of each class issued in the securitizations). We classify those vertical risk retention interests related to the transactions as available-for-sale investments, except for the interest in the residual classes, which we classify as trading investments recorded at fair value with changes recorded through earnings.

Our available-for-sale investments consist of mortgage-backed securities, Utah Housing Corporation bonds, U.S. government-sponsored enterprises and Treasury securities, and the vertical risk retention interests described above (other than residual classes). We record our investment purchases and sales on a trade date basis. The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are amortized using the effective interest rate method.

We assess unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities that we have the ability and intent to hold for a period of time sufficient to recover the amortized cost of the security, for the purpose of determining credit impairment. If any credit impairment exists, an allowance for losses is established for the amount of the unrealized loss that is determined to be credit-related.

Loans, consisting of 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 discussed under “— Loan Interest Income.” Loans that are held for investment are reported net of an allowance for credit losses. During the third quarter of 2024, we transferred our FFELP Loan portfolio from loans held for investment to loans held for sale as we planned to sell the portfolio. During the fourth quarter of 2024, we sold our FFELP Loan portfolio to a third party. This transaction qualified for sale treatment and removed the balance of the loans from our balance sheet on the settlement date.

Any loans we have not classified as held for investment are classified as held for sale and are 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 that are held for sale do not have the associated premium, discount, and capitalized origination costs and fees amortized into interest income. When a decision has been made to sell loans not previously classified as held for sale, such loans are transferred into the held for sale classification and carried at the lower of amortized cost basis (which excludes any allowance for credit losses) or fair value. At the time of the transfer to the held for sale classification, any amount by which the amortized cost basis exceeds fair value is accounted for as a valuation allowance. In addition, once a loan is classified as held for sale, we reverse any allowance for loan loss applicable to that loan.

As market conditions permit, we may sell or securitize loans as a source of financing for other loans. Due to varying structuring terms, certain transactions may qualify for sale treatment while others do not qualify for sale treatment and are recorded as financings. All of our education loans are initially categorized as held for investment. It is only when we have selected the loans to sell or securitize and the transaction qualifies as a sale that we transfer the loans into the held for sale classification and carry them at the lower of cost or fair value. If we anticipate recognizing a gain related to the impending securitization or sale, then the fair value of the loans is higher than their respective cost basis and no valuation allowance is recorded.

Restricted cash primarily includes amounts held in student 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.

To estimate the future expected cash flows, we use statistical loan-level models that consider life of loan expectations for defaults, prepayments, recoveries, and any other qualitative adjustments deemed necessary, to determine the adequacy of the allowance at each balance sheet date. These cash flows are discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate to calculate the present value of those cash flows. Management adjusts the effective interest rate used to discount expected cash flows to incorporate expected prepayments. The difference between the present value of those cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the underlying loans is the allowance for credit losses. Entities that measure credit losses based on the present value of expected future cash flows are permitted to report the entire change in present value as credit loss expense, but may alternatively report the change in present value due to the passage of time as interest income. We have elected to report the entire change in present value as credit loss expense.

We estimate future default rates used in our current expected credit losses at a loan level using historical loss experience, current borrower characteristics, current conditions, and economic factors forecasted over a reasonable and supportable period. At the end of the reasonable and supportable forecast period, we immediately revert our forecasted economic factors to long-term historical averages. We estimate future prepayment speeds used in our current expected credit losses at a loan level using historical prepayment experience, current borrower characteristics, current conditions, and economic factors forecasted over a reasonable and supportable period.

The reasonable and supportable forecast period is meant to represent the period in which we believe we can estimate the impact of forecasted economic factors in our expected losses. We use a two-year reasonable and supportable forecast period, although this period is subject to change as our view evolves on our ability to reasonably forecast economic conditions to estimate future losses.

In estimating future default rates and prepayment speeds in our current expected credit losses, we use a combination of expected economic scenarios coupled with our historical experience and adjust for any qualitative factors (as described below). We also develop an adverse and favorable economic scenario. At each reporting date, we determine the appropriate weighting of these alternate scenarios based upon the current economic conditions and our view of the risks of alternate outcomes. This weighting of expectations is used in calculating our current expected credit losses recorded each period.

We obtain forecasts for our loss model inputs from Moody’s Analytics. Moody’s Analytics provides a range of forecasts for each of these inputs with various likelihoods of occurrence. We determine which forecasts we will include in our estimation of allowance for credit losses and the associated weightings for each of these inputs. At December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, we used the Baseline (50th percentile likelihood of occurring)/S1 (stronger near-term growth scenario - 10 percent likelihood of occurring)/S3 (unfavorable (or downside) scenario - 10 percent likelihood of occurring) scenarios and weighted them 40 percent, 30 percent, and 30 percent, respectively. Management reviews both the scenarios and their respective weightings each quarter in determining the allowance for credit losses.

In addition to the above modeling approach, we also take certain qualitative factors into consideration when calculating the allowance for credit losses, which could result in management overlays (increases or decreases to the allowance for credit losses). These management overlays can encompass a broad array of factors not captured by model inputs, including, but not limited to, changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards, changes in servicing policies and collection administration practices, including the loan modification program changes implemented in the fourth quarter of 2023, state law changes that could impact servicing and collection practices, charge-offs, recoveries not already included in the analysis, the effect of other external factors such as legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated current expected credit losses, the performance of the model over time versus actual losses, and any other operational or regulatory changes that could affect our estimate of future losses.

The evaluation of the allowance for credit losses is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant changes. If actual future performance in delinquency, charge-offs, and recoveries is significantly different than estimated, or management assumptions or practices were to change, this could materially affect

When calculating our allowance for credit losses and liability for unfunded commitments, we incorporate several inputs that are subject to change period to period. These include, but are not limited to, CECL model inputs and any overlays deemed necessary by management. The most impactful CECL model inputs include:

In the fourth quarter of 2022, we changed our loss model to include forecasts of college graduate unemployment, retail sales, and median family income in determining the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. Prior to this change, we included forecasts of college graduate unemployment and the Consumer Price Index in our loss forecasting models.

In 2023, we experienced slower prepayment rates due to the rising interest rate environment. Historically, when rates rise, loan prepayments decline due to a reduction in consolidation activity of our borrowers to third party lenders, and when rates decline, loan prepayments rise due to an increase in consolidation activity of our borrowers to third party lenders. During 2023, our estimates of future prepayment speeds reflected the then current interest rate environment and future expectations of increased prepayment speeds in line with market expectations of a decline in interest rates based on the scenarios produced by Moody's Analytics described above. Slower prepayment speeds increase the allowance for credit losses because the loss rates applied in the future periods are applied to higher loan balances. In the second quarter of 2024, we implemented a loan-level future default rate model that includes current portfolio characteristics and forecasts of real gross domestic product and college graduate unemployment.

In the second quarter of 2024, we also implemented a future prepayment speeds model to include forecasts of real gross domestic product, retail sales, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), and the U.S. 10-year treasury rate. These models reduce the reliance on certain qualitative overlays compared to the previous default rate and prepayment speeds models. Prior to these changes, our default rate and prepayment speeds models used forecasts of college graduate unemployment, retail sales, home price index, and median family income. Both the future default rate model and the future prepayment speeds model are used in determining the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. The combined impact upon implementation of these model enhancements and the changes in the related qualitative overlays did not have a material impact on the overall level of our allowance for credit losses.

Below we describe in further detail our policies and procedures for the allowance for credit losses as they relate to our Private Education Loan portfolio. During the third quarter of 2024, we reclassified our FFELP Loan portfolio to loans held for sale and subsequently sold the FFELP Loan portfolio to a third party during the fourth quarter of 2024. During the third quarter of 2022, we reclassified our Credit Card loan portfolio to loans held for sale and subsequently sold the Credit Card portfolio to a third party in May 2023.

In addition to the key assumptions/estimates described above, some estimates are unique to our Private Education Loan portfolio. Estimates are made on our Private Education Loans regarding when each borrower will separate from school. The cash flow timing of when a borrower will begin making full principal and interest payments is dependent upon when the student either graduates or leaves school. These dates can change based upon many factors. We receive information regarding projected graduation dates from a third-party clearinghouse. The separation from school date is updated quarterly based on updated information received from the clearinghouse.

Additionally, when we have a contractual obligation to fund a loan or a portion of a loan at a later date, we make an estimate regarding the percentage of this obligation that will be funded. This estimate is based on historical experience. For unfunded commitments, we recognize the related life of loan allowance as a liability. Once the loan is funded, that liability transfers to the allowance for Private Education Loan losses.

We determine the collectability of our Private Education Loan portfolio by evaluating certain risk characteristics. We consider credit score at original approval and periodically refreshed/updated credit scores through the loan’s term, existence of a cosigner, loan status, and loan seasoning as the key credit quality indicators because they have the most significant effect on the determination of the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses. Credit scores are an indicator of the creditworthiness of borrowers, and the higher the credit scores the more likely it is the borrowers 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 result in a credit loss than a current loan. Additionally, loans in the deferred payment status have different credit risk profiles compared with those in current pay status. 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. The existence of a cosigner lowers the likelihood of default as well. We monitor and update these credit quality indicators in the analysis of the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses on a quarterly basis.

In the second quarter of 2023, we changed how we collect on defaulted loans. Previously, we used a mix of in-house collectors and sales to third parties. We continue to sell a segment of defaulted loans immediately after charge-off but no longer sell retained defaulted loans (that have been subject to internal collection attempts for six months) to third parties and instead continue our collection efforts using in-house collectors and third-party collectors. This improved our estimate of recovery rates for the year ended December 31, 2023. When we estimate the timing and amount of future recoveries on charged-off loans, we no longer include expectations of future sales on retained defaulted loans. We continue to monitor how we collect on defaulted loans and may modify the approach from time to time based on performance, industry conventions, and/or regulatory feedback.

Private Education Loans generally do not require borrowers to begin principal and interest repayment until at least six months after the borrowers have graduated or otherwise separated from school. Consequently, the loss estimates for these loans are generally low while the borrower is in school and then increase upon the end of the grace period after separation from school. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, 26 percent and 25 percent, respectively, of the principal balance of the Private Education Loan portfolio was related to borrowers who were then in an in-school (fully deferred), grace, or other deferment status and not required to make payments.

As part of concluding on the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses for Private Education Loans, we review key allowance and loan metrics. The most relevant of the metrics considered are the allowance coverage of net charge-offs ratio; the allowance as a percentage of ending total loans plus unfunded loan commitments and total accrued interest receivable; and delinquency and forbearance percentages.

When we approve a Private Education Loan at the beginning of an academic year, that approval may cover the borrowing for the entire academic year. As such, we do not always disburse the full amount of the loan at the time of such approval, but instead have a commitment to fund a portion of the loan at a later date (usually the start of the second semester or subsequent trimesters). We estimate expected credit losses over the contractual period in which we are exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by us. The discounted cash flow approach described above includes expected future contractual disbursements. The portion of the allowance for credit losses related to future disbursements is shown as a liability on the face of the balance sheet, and related provision for credit losses is reflected on the income statement.

The majority of the total accrued interest receivable on our Private Education Loan portfolio represents accrued interest on deferred loans where no payments are due while the borrower is in school and on fixed-pay loans where the borrower makes a $25 monthly payment that is smaller than the interest accrued on the loan in that month. The accrued interest on these loans will be capitalized and increase the unpaid principal balance of the loans when the borrower exits the grace period after separation from school. The discounted cash flow approach and the allowance for credit losses described above consider both the collectability of principal and accrued interest. The allowance for uncollectible interest estimates the additional uncollectible interest that is not captured in the allowance for credit losses. The allowance for uncollectible interest uses historical experience to estimate the uncollectible interest on loans for which payment in full of principal or interest is not expected. This amount is recorded as a reduction of interest income. Accrued interest receivable is separately disclosed on the face of the balance sheet.

At September 30, 2022, we transferred our Credit Card portfolio to loans held for sale as we planned to sell our Credit Card portfolio. At that time, we reversed $2.4 million through the provisions for credit losses for the allowance related to these loans. We subsequently sold the Credit Card portfolio to a third party in May 2023.

During the third quarter of 2024, we transferred our FFELP Loan portfolio to loans held for sale as we planned to sell our FFELP Loan portfolio. At that time, we wrote down this loan portfolio to its estimated fair value through an adjustment to the allowance for credit losses of $8 million. We subsequently sold the FFELP Loan portfolio to a third party in the fourth quarter of 2024.

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 on or after July 1, 2006, owners receive 97 percent reimbursement on all qualifying claims. For loans disbursed after October 1, 1993, and before July 1, 2006, owners receive 98 percent reimbursement on all qualifying claims. For loans disbursed prior to October 1, 1993, owners receive 100 percent reimbursement. Because owners bear a maximum of three percent loss exposure due to this federal guarantee, our allowance for credit losses for FFELP Loans and related periodic provision expense were relatively small.

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we used the gross loss approach when estimating the allowance for credit losses for the unguaranteed portion of our FFELP Loans. We maintained an allowance for credit losses for our FFELP Loans at a level sufficient to cover lifetime expected credit losses. The allowance for FFELP Loan losses used historical experience of customer default behavior. We applied the default rate projections, net of applicable risk sharing, to our FFELP Loans for the respective period to perform our quantitative calculation. Once the quantitative calculation was performed, we reviewed the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and determined if qualitative adjustments needed to be considered.

On March 4, 2022, we completed the acquisition of the assets primarily used or held for use of Epic Research Education Services, LLC, which did business as Nitro College (“Nitro”). Nitro provided resources that helped students and families evaluate how to responsibly pay for college and manage their financial responsibilities after graduation. The addition of Nitro supports our mission of providing students with the confidence needed to successfully navigate the higher education journey. The acquisition of the Nitro assets, including its employees and intellectual property, expanded our digital marketing capabilities, reduced the cost to acquire customer accounts, and accelerated our progress to become a broader education solutions provider for students before, during, and immediately after college. In 2024, we completed the transition of the related Nitro branding to the Sallie and Sallie Mae brands and platforms.

On July 21, 2023, we completed the acquisition of several key assets of Scholly, Inc. (“Scholly”). Scholly was engaged in the business of operating as a scholarship publishing and servicing platform, comprised of websites and mobile application search products that offered custom recommendations for post-secondary scholarships for students, their families, and others as well as related services for scholarship providers. The addition of Scholly assets supports our mission of providing students with the confidence needed to successfully navigate the higher education journey.

These acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with the Accounting Standard Codification 805, “Business Combinations,” of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), whereby as of the respective acquisition date, the acquired tangible assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair values. The identifiable intangible assets were recorded at fair values as determined by an independent appraiser. The final purchase price allocation for Nitro resulted in an excess purchase price over fair value of

The results of operations of Nitro and Scholly have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the respective acquisition dates. We have not disclosed the pro forma impact of these acquisitions to the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, as the pro forma impacts were deemed immaterial. Transaction costs associated with the Nitro acquisition were approximately $3 million and were expensed as incurred within “Other operating expenses” in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2022. Transaction costs associated with the Scholly acquisition were approximately $1 million and were expensed as incurred within “Other operating expenses” in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Identifiable intangible assets at the acquisition date of Nitro included definite life intangible assets with an aggregate fair value of approximately $75 million, including trade name and trademarks, customer relationships, and developed technology. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we impaired our Nitro trade name and trademarks intangible asset. See Note 8, “Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets” in this Form 10-K for additional details.

Goodwill is not amortized but is tested periodically for impairment. We test goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of the year, or more frequently if we believe that indicators of impairment exist. 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 percent. 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, but not to exceed the goodwill amount attributed to the reporting unit.

Acquired intangible assets include trade names and trademarks, customer relationships, developed technology, and partner relationships. Our acquired intangible assets have finite lives and are amortized over their estimated useful lives in proportion to their estimated economic benefit. We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.

Our retail deposit accounts are principally certificates of deposit (“CDs”), money market deposit accounts (“MMDAs”), and high-yield savings (“HYS”) accounts. CDs are accounts that have a stipulated maturity and interest rate. Retail CDs may be withdrawn early, but a penalty is assessed. MMDA and HYS accounts are both interest and non-interest-bearing accounts that have no maturity or expiration date. For retail MMDA and HYS accounts, the depositor may be required to give written notice of any intended withdrawal not less than seven days before the withdrawal is made.

The Bank also includes brokered CDs in its funding base. Early withdrawal of brokered CDs is generally prohibited (except in the case of death or legal incapacity). Other deposit accounts include large interest-bearing omnibus accounts deposited in the Bank by commercial entities having custodial responsibilities for many underlying accounts. These omnibus accounts may be structured with or without fixed maturities, and may have fixed or variable interest rates.

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 (including for our liabilities), 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, credit, and bid/offer 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:

For all loans, including impaired loans (regardless of the delinquency status of the impaired loans), classified as held for investment, we recognize interest income as earned, adjusted for the amortization of deferred direct origination and acquisition costs. Deferred fees or costs are required to be recognized as yield adjustments over the life of the related loans and are recognized by the interest method. The objective of the interest method is to arrive at periodic interest income (including recognition of fees and costs) at a constant effective yield on the net investment in the receivable (i.e., the principal amount of the receivable adjusted by unamortized fees or costs, purchase premium or discount, and any hedging activity—these unamortized costs will collectively be referred to as “basis adjustments”). The difference between the periodic interest income so determined and the interest income determined by applying the stated interest rate to the outstanding principal amount of the receivable is the amount of periodic amortization of deferred direct origination and acquisition costs.

For fixed-rate loans, when a prepayment occurs the unamortized balance of the basis adjustments is adjusted so that future amortization (based upon the contractual terms of the loan) will result in a constant effective yield equal to the original effective interest rate. Prepayments do not result in a change in the effective interest rate of the loan. We determine the contractual payments on a pool basis; as such, when a prepayment occurs, future contractual payments will be determined assuming the pool will make smaller payments through the original term of the contract. The adjustment to the unamortized basis adjustment balance is recorded in interest income.

changes. If there is no prepayment and no change in the stated interest rate, the periodic amortization of the basis adjustments is equal to the difference between the effective interest rate multiplied by the book basis and the contractual interest due. We determine the contractual payments on a pool basis; as such, when a prepayment occurs, future contractual payments will be determined assuming the pool will make smaller payments through the original term of the contract. The adjustment to the unamortized basis adjustment balance is recorded in interest income.

When the interest rate on a variable-rate loan changes, the effective interest rate is recalculated using the same methodology described in the previous paragraph; however, the future contractual payments are changed to reflect the new interest rate. There is no forecasting of future expected changes in interest rates. The accounting basis used to determine the effective interest rate of the cash flows is equal to the balances of the unpaid principal balance and unamortized basis adjustments at the time of the rate change.

We also paid the U.S. Department of Education (the “DOE”) an annual 105 basis point Consolidation Loan Rebate Fee on FFELP consolidation loans, which was netted against loan interest income. Additionally, interest earned on education loans reflects potential non-payment adjustments in accordance with our uncollectible interest recognition policy. We do not amortize any adjustments to the basis of loans when they are classified as held for sale.

For loans not currently in full principal and interest repayment status or interest-only repayment status, we recognize the allowance for the portion of uncollectible interest representing amounts to be capitalized after separation from school and the expiration of the grace period to the provisions for credit losses and classify this allowance as part of our allowance for credit losses.

The allowance for the portion of uncollectible interest on loans making full interest payments estimates the additional uncollectible interest that is not captured in the allowance for credit losses and will continue to be recorded as a reduction of interest income. As we maintain an allowance for uncollectible interest on loans making full interest payments and an allowance for credit losses for the interest on loans where all, or a portion of the interest, will be capitalized in the future, we do not place loans in nonaccrual status prior to charge-off. However, if it is determined that an individual loan or pool of loans is high risk, they may be placed on nonaccrual status, which entails stopping the accrual of interest on those loans until such time that the borrower(s) have made a sufficient number of payments (typically six months) to return to accrual status. At December 31, 2024, we had an immaterial amount of loans in nonaccrual status. At December 31, 2023, we also had an immaterial amount of loans in nonaccrual status.

We recognize certain fee income (primarily late fees) on all loans when earned according to the contractual provisions of the promissory notes, as well as our expectation of collectability. Fee income is recorded when earned in “other non-interest income” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Interest expense is based upon contractual interest rates and other fees, adjusted for the amortization of issuance costs, premiums, and discounts. We incur interest expense on interest-bearing deposits comprised of non-maturity savings deposits, brokered and retail CDs, brokered and retail MMDAs, as well as unsecured and secured financings. Our Private Education Loan multi-lender secured borrowing facility (the “Secured Borrowing Facility”) also incurs an unused facility fee on the amount of unfunded commitments. Interest expense is recognized when amounts are contractually due and is adjusted for net payments/receipts related to qualifying interest rate swap agreements designated as hedges of interest-bearing liabilities. Interest expense also includes the amortization of deferred gains and losses on closed qualifying hedge transactions. Amortization of debt issuance costs, premiums, discounts, and terminated hedge-basis adjustments are recognized using the effective interest rate method. Refer to Note 9, “Deposits,” and Note 10, “Borrowings” in this Form 10-K for further details of our interest-bearing liabilities.

We may participate and sell loans to third parties and affiliates. These sales may occur through whole loan sales or securitization transactions that qualify for sale treatment. If a transfer of loans qualifies as a sale, we derecognize the loan and recognize a gain or loss as the difference between the carry basis of the loan sold and liabilities retained and the compensation received. We recognize the results of a transfer of loans based upon the settlement date of the transaction. These loans were initially recorded as held for investment and were transferred to held for sale immediately prior to sale or securitization.

Included in other income are late fees on both Private Education Loans and FFELP Loans, which we recognize when the cash has been received, income for servicing private student loans for third parties, and changes to our tax indemnification receivable from Navient. Other income also included fees related to our Credit Card program. At

Our securitization transactions use a two-step structure with a special purpose entity VIE that legally isolates the transferred assets from us in the event of bankruptcy or receivership. 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, the transaction does not meet the criteria for sale treatment and is accounted for as an on-balance sheet secured borrowing. If a securitization qualifies as a sale, we assess whether Sallie Mae is the primary beneficiary of the securitization trust and thus required to consolidate the trust. We are considered the primary beneficiary if we have both: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. As there is not a bright-line test for determining significance, the assessment of who has the power to significantly direct the activities of the VIE, and who has the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits material to the VIE, can be qualitative and judgmental in nature. If we are determined to be the primary beneficiary, then no gain or loss is recognized on the transaction.

In 2024 and 2023, we executed several secured financing transactions. Based upon our relationships with these securitizations, we believe the consolidation assessment is straightforward. We consolidated our secured financing transactions because either we did not meet the accounting criterion for sales treatment or we determined we were the primary beneficiary of the VIE because we retained (i) the residual interest in the securitization and therefore had the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE, as well as (ii) the power to direct the activities of the VIE in our role as servicer.

The investors in our securitization trusts have no recourse to our other assets should there be a failure of the trust to pay when due. Generally, the only recourse the securitization trusts have to us is in the event we breach a seller representation or warranty or our duties as master servicer and servicer, in which event we are obligated to repurchase the related loans from the trust. We may also be responsible for indemnities in other instances for such things as willful misfeasance or bad faith.

In 2024 and 2023, we also closed several loan sales and securitization transactions that were not consolidated on our balance sheet due to the transaction having met the criteria for sales treatment and Sallie Mae not being the primary beneficiary. In these transactions, we removed loans from our consolidated balance sheet and recognized any assets retained and liabilities assumed at fair value, and recorded a gain or loss on the transferred loans. Our continuing involvement in these securitization transactions mainly consists of acting as the primary servicer and holding certain retained interests. We provide additional information regarding these types of activities in Note 10, “Borrowings — Unconsolidated Funding Vehicles” in this Form 10-K.

We account for our derivatives, consisting of interest rate swaps, at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability. Derivative positions are recorded as net positions by counterparty based on master netting arrangements (see Note 11, “Derivative Financial Instruments” in this Form 10-K), exclusive of accrued interest and cash collateral held or pledged. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) requires all standardized derivatives, including most interest rate swaps, to be submitted for clearing to central counterparties to reduce counterparty risk. Two of the central counterparties we use are the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (the “CME”) and the London Clearing House (the “LCH”). All variation margin payments on derivatives cleared through the CME and LCH are accounted for as legal settlement. As of December 31, 2024, $850 million notional of our derivative contracts were cleared on the CME and $71 million were cleared on the LCH. The derivative contracts cleared

For derivatives cleared through the CME and LCH, the net gain (loss) position includes the variation margin amounts as settlement of the derivative and not collateral against the fair value of the derivative. The amount of variation margin included as settlement as of December 31, 2024 was $(22) million and $(1) million for the CME and LCH, respectively. Changes in fair value for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are presented as realized gains (losses).

We determine the fair value for our derivative contracts primarily using pricing models that consider current market conditions and the contractual terms of the derivative contracts. These pricing models consider interest rates, time value, forward interest rate curves, and volatility factors. Inputs are generally from active financial markets.

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 fair value. Our derivative instruments are classified and accounted for by us as either fair value hedges or cash flow hedges.

Each derivative is designated to a specific (or pool of) liability(ies) on the consolidated balance sheets, and is designated as either a “fair value” hedge or a “cash flow” hedge. Fair value hedges are designed to hedge our exposure to the changes in fair value of a fixed-rate liability. For effective fair value hedges, both the hedge and the hedged item (for the risk being hedged) are recorded at fair value with any difference reflecting ineffectiveness recorded immediately in the consolidated statements of income. Cash flow hedges are designed to hedge our exposure to variability in cash flows related to variable-rate deposits. The assessment of the hedge’s effectiveness is performed at inception and on an ongoing basis, using regression testing. For hedges of a pool of 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 fair value of the derivative with no offsetting amount from the hedged item since the last time it was effective. If it is also determined the hedge will not be effective in the future, we discontinue the hedge accounting prospectively and begin amortization of any basis adjustments that exist related to the hedged item.

On March 12, 2020, FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (“Topic 848”): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” On January 7, 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01, “Reference Rate Reform (“Topic 848”): Scope” that clarified the scope of Topic 848. Topic 848 contains temporary optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform.

Our derivative portfolio is made up of interest rate swaps that are centrally cleared through either the CME or the LCH. On October 16, 2020, both the CME and the LCH changed the price alignment interest and discount rate applied when valuing these transactions to SOFR. The ISDA 2020 LIBOR Fallbacks Protocol (the “ISDA Fallback Protocol”) was made available for adherence on October 23, 2020, with an effective date of January 25, 2021. Once adhered to by both counterparties in a bilateral relationship and the effective date is reached, the ISDA Fallback Protocol represents a change to the contractual terms of derivatives governed by each respective ISDA agreement between the Company and a derivative counterparty. We have elected the option provided in Topic 848 to not reassess previous accounting determinations as well as the option to not dedesignate a hedging relationship due to a current or future change in a critical or contractual term related to reference rate reform, including changes in the discount rate.

As our liabilities began to use alternatives to LIBOR before LIBOR was no longer published, for cash flow hedges of forecasted LIBOR based payments, we elected the expedient offered in Topic 848 to disregard the potential change in the designated hedged interest rate risk that may occur because of reference rate reform when we assess whether the hedged forecasted transactions are probable, in accordance with the requirements of “Derivatives and Hedging” Topic 815. We have also elected the expedient provided by Topic 848 to assume the reference rate would not be replaced for the remainder of the hedging relationship when assessing hedge effectiveness.

We recognize stock-based compensation cost in our consolidated statements of income using the fair value 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 shorter of the vesting period of the stock-based grant or the employee’s retirement eligible date. We do not apply a forfeiture rate to our stock-based compensation expense, but rather record forfeitures when they occur. We record all excess tax benefits/deficiencies related to the settlement of employee stock-based compensation to the income tax expense line item on our consolidated statements of income.

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 when applicable, 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.

An uncertain 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 consolidated financial statements is the largest amount of benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being sustained upon ultimate settlement of the uncertain tax position. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense (benefit).

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The ASU improves reportable segment disclosure requirements and requires enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. We adopted this amendment as of December 31, 2024, on a retrospective basis. See Note 22, “Segment Reporting” in this Form 10-K for additional details on the impact of adoption of the ASU.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The ASU requires entities to disclose specific categories in the effective tax rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items where the effect of those reconciling items is equal to or greater than 5 percent of the amount computed by multiplying pretax income/loss by the applicable statutory income tax rate. Additionally, entities are required to disclose the year-to-date amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by jurisdiction. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. We do not expect the impact of this ASU to be material to our consolidated financial statements.