Mar 31, 2020

Nelnet Q1 2020 Earnings Report

Nelnet reported a GAAP net loss due to adverse economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, while core business operations performed well.

Key Takeaways

Nelnet reported a GAAP net loss of $40.5 million, or $1.01 per share, for Q1 2020, compared to a net income of $41.6 million, or $1.03 per share, for the same period last year. The decrease was primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an incremental provision for loan losses and impairment charges on certain investments.

Recognized an incremental provision for loan losses totaling $63.0 million due to an increase in expected loan defaults.

Recorded impairment charges totaling $34.1 million on certain investments negatively impacted by the pandemic.

Loan spread decreased due to a precipitous drop in interest rates.

Core business operations performed well despite the unique challenges brought on by the pandemic.

Total Revenue
$246M
Previous year: $265M
-7.3%
EPS
$0.62
Previous year: $1.61
-61.5%
Total Loans Serviced
$477B
Previous year: $472B
+1.1%
Cash and Equivalents
$205M
Total Assets
$23.3B

Nelnet

Nelnet

Nelnet Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Nelnet's diversification, financial strength, and liquidity will benefit it during the pandemic and resulting recession. The company will continue to evaluate the long-term impact of the pandemic and look for opportunities to invest in new initiatives.

Positive Outlook

  • Strong liquidity position to invest in market opportunities.
  • Opportunities in federally insured, private education, and consumer loan acquisitions.
  • Potential for strategic acquisitions and investments.
  • Expansion of ALLO's communications network.
  • Capital management initiatives, including stock repurchases, debt repurchases, and dividend distributions.

Challenges Ahead

  • Risks related to the severity, magnitude, and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Risks related to maintaining and increasing allocated volumes of student loans serviced under existing and future servicing contracts with the Department of Education.
  • Risks related to the Department's initiatives to procure new contracts for federal student loan servicing.
  • Risks related to the company's loan portfolio, such as interest rate basis and repricing risk and changes in levels of loan repayment or default rates.
  • Risks and uncertainties related to the ability of ALLO to successfully expand its fiber network and market share.