may312013_10k.htm

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x     ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2013
       
OR
o     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period From          To

Commission File Number 1-7102

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE
FINANCE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

52-0891669
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

20701 COOPERATIVE WAY, DULLES, VA 20166
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code, is 703-467-1800)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 
   
Name of each
     
Name of each
 
   
exchange on
     
exchange on
 
Title of each class
 
which registered
 
Title of each class
 
which registered
 
7.20% Collateral Trust Bonds, due 2015
 
NYSE
 
7.35% Collateral Trust Bonds, due 2026
 
NYSE
 
6.55% Collateral Trust Bonds, due 2018
 
NYSE
         
               
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x  No ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨  No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x  No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x  No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

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

Large accelerated filer ¨                    Accelerated filer ¨                     Non-accelerated filer x                   Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨  No x

The Registrant does not issue capital stock because it is a tax-exempt cooperative.

 
 

 



TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part No.
Item No.
 
Page
I.
 
1.
 
Business
1
 
         
General
1
 
         
Our Business Development
2
 
         
Our Loan Programs
4
 
         
Guarantee Programs
11
 
         
Our Lending Competition
12
 
         
Our Regulation
14
 
         
Our Members
15
 
         
Corporate Governance
17
 
         
Rural Electric Industry
18
 
         
Rural Telecommunications Industry
21
 
         
Disaster Recovery
22
 
         
Tax Status
22
 
         
Allocation and Retirement of Patronage Capital
23
 
         
Investment Policy
24
 
         
Employees
24
 
   
1A.
 
Risk Factors
24
 
   
1B.
 
Unresolved Staff Comments
28
 
   
2.
 
Properties
28
 
   
3.
 
Legal Proceedings
28
 
   
4.
 
Mine Safety Disclosures
28
 
II.
 
5.
 
Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
   
       
Equity Securities
29
 
   
6.
 
Selected Financial Data
29
 
   
7.
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
30
 
         
Executive Summary
30
 
         
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
32
 
         
Results of Operations
35
 
         
Financial Condition
41
 
         
Off-Balance Sheet Obligations
48
 
         
Liquidity and Capital Resources
50
 
         
Market Risk
56
 
         
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
61
 
   
7A.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
65
 
   
8.
 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Information
65
 
   
9.
 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
65
 
   
9A.
 
Controls and Procedures
65
 
   
9B.
 
Other Information
66
 
III.
 
10.
 
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
67
 
   
11.
 
Executive Compensation
76
 
   
12.
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
   
       
Matters
86
 
   
13.
 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
86
 
   
14.
 
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
88
 
IV.
 
15.
 
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
89
 
       
Signatures
92
 

 
 

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

The information in this section should be read with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and the information contained elsewhere in this Form 10-K, including that set forth under Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

PART I

Item 1.
Business.

General

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (“CFC”) is a member-owned cooperative association incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia in April 1969. CFC’s principal purpose is to provide its members with financing to supplement the loan programs of the Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) of the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). CFC makes loans to its rural electric members so they can acquire, construct and operate electric distribution, generation, transmission and related facilities. CFC also provides its members with credit enhancements in the form of letters of credit and guarantees of debt obligations. As a cooperative, CFC is owned by and exclusively serves its membership, which consists solely of not-for-profit entities or subsidiaries or affiliates of not-for-profit entities. CFC is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a member-owned cooperative, CFC has no publicly held equity securities outstanding. CFC funds its activities primarily through a combination of publicly and privately held debt securities and member investments. CFC’s objective is to offer its members cost-based financial products and services consistent with sound financial management and is not to maximize net income. As described under Allocation and Retirement of Patronage Capital on page 23, CFC allocates its net earnings, which consist of net income excluding the effect of certain non-cash accounting entries, annually to a cooperative educational fund, a members’ capital reserve, a general reserve, if necessary, and to members based on each member’s patronage of CFC’s loan programs during the year.

For financial statement purposes, CFC’s results of operations and financial condition are consolidated with and include Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (“RTFC”) and National Cooperative Services Corporation (“NCSC”). Unless stated otherwise, references to “we,” “our” or “us” relate to the consolidation of CFC, RTFC, NCSC and certain entities created and controlled by CFC to hold foreclosed assets and to accommodate loan securitization transactions. The revenue, net profit or loss and total assets of CFC are presented as a reportable segment in Note 15, Segment Information, to the consolidated financial statements.

Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are available, free of charge, at www.nrucfc.coop as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. These reports are also available free of charge on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Information posted on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

RTFC is a cooperative association originally incorporated in South Dakota in 1987 and reincorporated as a member-owned cooperative association in the District of Columbia in 2005. RTFC’s principal purpose is to provide and arrange financing for its rural telecommunications members and their affiliates. RTFC’s membership consists of a combination of not-for-profit

 
 
1

 


entities and for-profit entities. CFC is the sole lender to and manages the business operations of RTFC through a long-term management agreement. Under a guarantee agreement, RTFC pays CFC a fee and, in exchange, CFC reimburses RTFC for loan losses. RTFC is headquartered with CFC in Dulles, Virginia. RTFC is a taxable cooperative that pays income tax based on its net income, excluding patronage-sourced net earnings allocated to its patrons, as permitted under Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code.

NCSC was incorporated in 1981 in the District of Columbia as a member-owned cooperative association. The principal purpose of NCSC is to provide financing to members of CFC, entities eligible to be members of CFC and the for-profit and non-profit entities that are owned, operated or controlled by, or provide benefit to Class A, B and C members of CFC. At May 31, 2013, NCSC’s membership consisted of distribution systems that were members of CFC or were eligible for such membership. CFC is the primary source of funding to and manages the business operations of NCSC through a management agreement that is automatically renewable on an annual basis unless terminated by either party. Under a guarantee agreement, NCSC pays CFC a fee and, in exchange, CFC reimburses NCSC for loan losses. NCSC is headquartered with CFC in Dulles, Virginia. NCSC is a taxable cooperative. Thus, NCSC pays income tax on the full amount of its net income.

Our Business Development

Our business strategy and policies are set by our board of directors and, may be amended or revised from time to time by the board of directors. We are a not-for-profit tax-exempt cooperative finance organization, whose primary focus is to provide our members with the credit products they need to fund their operations. As such, our business development strategies primarily focus on lending to electric systems and our ability to secure access to capital at rates that allow us to offer competitively priced credit products to our members. In recent years, we have continued to undertake the following initiatives related to our primary focus: (i) concentrate on electric lending, (ii) diversify funding sources and decrease cost of funding, (iii) enhance market risk management and (iv) increase member investments and equity retention.

Focus on Electric Lending
In recent years, we renewed our focus on lending to our electric systems while strategically decreasing our telecommunications exposure through RTFC. A majority of NCSC’s lending activities are to electric utility organizations and when NCSC is combined with CFC, electric utility organizations represent approximately 98 percent of the outstanding loan portfolio at May 31, 2013. Our electric cooperative borrowers have demonstrated stable operating performance and strong financial ratios, even during the 2007 economic downturn, because the majority of electric cooperatives’ customers are residential, for whom electricity is an essential service. Our electric cooperative members experience limited competition as they generally operate in exclusive territories, the majority of which are not rate regulated. Additionally, they have access to low-cost capital from the federal government in addition to our lending resources. In our 44-year history, we have experienced $19 million in net write-offs for distribution borrowers and $68 million in net write-offs for power supply borrowers. Loans outstanding to electric utility organizations increased approximately 14 percent over the last five years. On the other hand, the telecommunications service providers, to which RTFC provides loans, have experienced fast-paced technological change, increasing competition and uncertainty with respect to their regulatory environment. For these reasons, RTFC became more selective as to the companies it finances and strategically exited lending relationships with or reduced its exposure to its larger borrowers. The telecommunications loan portfolio decreased by 71 percent over the last five years.

Diversify Funding Sources and Decrease Cost of Funding
Diversifying our funding sources to expand beyond capital markets offerings of collateral trust bonds and medium-term notes and the sale of commercial paper has been a primary initiative in recent years. To help meet our capital needs, we expanded our funding programs to include the Guaranteed Underwriter Program of the USDA, as well as note purchase agreements and whole-loan sale programs primarily with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. At May 31, 2013, we have bond purchase agreements with the Federal Financing Bank totaling $4,423 million with a guarantee of repayment by USDA as part of the funding mechanism for the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. At May 31, 2013, we had debt outstanding totaling $3,674 million under this program, with a remaining commitment of $749 million available. The guarantee fees paid to the government by CFC in connection with these borrowings are used to fund economic development programs administered by the USDA in the rural areas served by electric cooperatives and rural telephone organizations. At May 31, 2013, we have a note purchase agreement with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation totaling $3,900 million. Under the agreement we may borrow, repay and re-borrow funds up to $3,900 million at any time or from time to time through January 11, 2016 as market conditions permit. We may select a fixed rate or a variable rate at the time of each advance. Additionally, we developed a program to sell member systems’ distribution and power supply loans to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation to help manage single-obligor exposures within our loan portfolio, to create an additional form of liquidity and to manage the level of our debt-to-equity ratio. In addition to the program we have with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, we established a similar program with KeyBank National Association (“KeyBank”) during fiscal year 2012. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012, we sold a power supply loan with an outstanding principal balance of $25 million to KeyBank, representing our first sale under the agreement with this purchaser. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 we sold another $25 million loan to KeyBank. At May 31, 2013, we were servicing $1,094 million of loans sold to our loan sales program partners.

 
2

 


In recent years, we have also sought to decrease costs related to our funding where possible. Credit spreads and rates continued to decrease during fiscal 2013 which provided us with the opportunity to refinance maturing debt with lower cost debt and exercise early redemptions of our collateral trust bonds and subordinated deferrable debt to replace such debt with lower cost debt. Specifically, we completed a debt exchange transaction in which we exchanged $340 million of our 8 percent medium-term notes, Series C, due 2032 for $379 million of 4.023 percent collateral trust bonds due 2032 and $134 million of cash. On March 1, 2013, we redeemed early $300 million of our $900 million, 5.50 percent, collateral trust bonds with an original maturity of July 1, 2013. On April 25, 2013, we issued $400 million of 4.75 percent subordinated debt due 2043. On May 24, 2013, we redeemed early all of our $88 million of Series NRC 6.10 percent subordinated debt due 2044 and all of our $98 million of Series NRU 5.95 percent subordinated debt due 2045 at par. In recent years, we maintained a high utilization of our commercial paper and other short-term funding to take advantage of the low interest rate environment. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, commercial paper, select notes, daily liquidity fund and bank bid notes outstanding represented 20 percent and 17 percent, respectively, of total debt outstanding. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsLiquidity and Capital Resources for additional information regarding our funding sources.

Enhance Market Risk Management
In fiscal year 2013, we continued the practice of having monthly Asset Liability Committee meetings to enhance the overall corporate monitoring of our funding activities. Our Asset Liability Committee was established in fiscal year 2009 and monitors our management of risks related to interest rates, counterparty credit and liquidity to ensure consistent access to funding that is in alignment with our strategic goals. The committee’s mandate is to review CFC’s liquidity, as well as the relationship of interest rates and tenor of our assets to our liabilities and, as a result, our spread between interest income and interest expense. Functional responsibilities of this committee include reviewing funding options, investment opportunities and trends in funding alternatives and risk exposure. Performance results and budget deviations also are reviewed. If necessary, the organization’s asset-liability strategy is reviewed for modification to react to the current market environment. At least monthly, the Asset Liability Committee reviews a complete interest rate risk analysis, reviews proposed modifications, if any, to our interest rate risk management strategy and considers adopting strategy changes. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsMarket Risk for additional information regarding our market risk management.

Increase Member Investments and Equity Retention
In fiscal year 2009, we developed a corporate objective to increase the investments of our members and our equity retention by implementing two primary initiatives: (i) offering of member capital securities, a 35-year unsecured and subordinated voluntary debt investment, to our members beginning in November 2008 and (ii) adjusting CFC’s patronage capital retirement practices in June 2009.

Member capital securities are unsecured obligations and are subordinate to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness and all of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness that may be held by or transferred to non-members, but rank on a parity to all other members’ subordinated certificates. At May 31, 2013 we have $388 million of member capital securities outstanding, issued with a 35-year maturity that are callable at par by CFC starting five years from the date of issuance and anytime thereafter. The majority of member capital securities were issued with a 7.5 percent interest rate. Effective January 1, 2010, the fixed interest rate earned on newly issued member capital securities was reduced to 5 percent. Since that time, an insignificant amount of member capital securities have been issued. For computing compliance with our revolving credit agreement covenants, we are required to adjust our leverage ratio by subtracting members’ subordinated certificates, including member capital securities, from total liabilities and adding this amount to total equity.

At the end of each fiscal year, the CFC Board of Directors allocates net earnings to members in the form of patronage capital and to board-approved reserves. CFC bases the amount of net earnings allocated to each member on the member’s patronage of CFC’s lending programs during the year. The CFC Board of Directors historically votes to retire a portion of the prior year’s patronage capital allocation. The current policy of the CFC Board of Directors is to retire 50 percent of the prior fiscal year’s allocated net earnings following the end of each fiscal year and to hold the remaining 50 percent for 25 years to fund operations and maintain adequate equity.

In fiscal year 2000 the board of directors established the members’ capital reserve to increase the retained earnings held by the company as operating capital. The board of directors has annually reviewed net earnings and made a determination as to the amount, if any, that they will allocate to the members’ capital reserve. The current practice is to allocate the earnings in excess of the amount required to earn a targeted adjusted TIER. For the year ended May 31, 2013, the board of directors allocated $138 million to the members’ capital reserve increasing the reserve balance to $410 million. The board of directors has the authority to allocate and retire amounts in the members’ capital reserve. The board of directors decided that $74 million of the amount allocated to the members’ capital reserve at May 31, 2013, resulting from the refinements made by the Company in the assumptions used to estimate its allowance for loan losses, is not intended to be allocated for distribution to members and instead is intended to serve as an enhancement to our capital reserves. The board of directors will continue to evaluate appropriate levels of capital for CFC.

 
3

 


Our Loan Programs

CFC lends to its members and associates; RTFC lends to its members, organizations affiliated with its members and its associates; NCSC lends to its members and associates. The loans to NCSC associates may require a guarantee of repayment to NCSC from the CFC member cooperative with which it is affiliated.

The loans of CFC, RTFC and NCSC generally provide that an event of default has occurred if there is any material adverse change in the business or condition, financial or otherwise, of the borrower. Our loan standards are generally comparable to those of RUS, and most members significantly exceed the financial tests set by both RUS and CFC.

CFC Loan Programs
Long-Term Loans
CFC’s long-term loans generally have the following characteristics:
·  
terms of up to 35 years on a senior secured basis;
·  
amortizing or bullet maturity loans with serial payment structures;
·  
the property, plant and equipment financed by and securing the long-term loan has a useful life equal to or in excess of the loan maturity;
·  
flexibility for the borrower to select a fixed interest rate for periods of one to 35 years or a variable rate; and
·  
the ability for the borrower to select various tranches with either a fixed or variable interest rate for each tranche.

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

To be in compliance with the covenants in the loan agreement and eligible for loan advances, distribution systems generally must maintain an average modified debt service coverage ratio, as defined in the loan agreement, of 1.35 or greater. Similarly, power supply systems generally must maintain an average modified debt service coverage ratio, as defined in the loan agreement, of 1.00 or greater. CFC may make long-term loans to distribution and power supply systems, on a case-by-case basis, that do not meet these general criteria.

Line of Credit Loans
Line of credit loans are generally unsecured. Line of credit loans are designed primarily to assist borrowers with liquidity and cash management and are generally advanced at variable interest rates. Line of credit loans are typically revolving facilities and generally require the borrower to pay off the principal balance for at least five consecutive business days at least once during each 12-month period. Line of credit loans are also made available as interim financing when a member either receives RUS approval to obtain a loan and is awaiting its initial advance of funds or submits a loan application that is pending approval from RUS (sometimes referred to as “bridge loans”). RUS loan advances, when received, must be used to repay these interim facilities.

Syndicated Line of Credit Loans
A syndicated loan is typically a large financing offered by a group of lenders that work together to provide funds for a single borrower. Syndicated loans are generally unsecured, floating-rate loans that can be provided on a revolving or term basis for tenors that range from several months to several years. Syndicated financing is arranged for borrowers on a case-by-case basis. CFC may act as lead lender, arranger and administrative agent for the syndicated facilities. CFC uses its best efforts to syndicate the loan requirements of certain borrowers. The success of such efforts depends on the financial position and credit quality of the borrower as well as market conditions.

RTFC Loan Programs
At May 31, 2013 and 2012, 93 percent of RTFC loans were outstanding to rural local exchange carriers. Most of these rural local exchange carriers evolved from being solely voice service providers to being providers of voice, data and, in many cases, video and wireless services. Rural local exchange carriers are generally characterized by the low population density of their service territories. Services are generally delivered over networks that include digital switching, fiber optics, internet protocol telephony and other advanced technologies. There is generally a significant barrier to competitive entry.

The businesses to which the remaining RTFC loans have been made support the operations of the rural local exchange carriers and are owned, operated or controlled by rural local exchange carriers. Some of these loans are supported by payment guarantees from the sponsoring rural local exchange carriers.

 
4

 


Long-Term Loans
RTFC makes long-term loans to rural telecommunications companies and their affiliates for acquisition, construction or upgrade of wireline telecommunications systems, wireless telecommunications systems, fiber optic networks, cable television systems and other corporate purposes.

RTFC’s long-term loans generally have the following characteristics:
·  
terms not exceeding 10 years on a senior secured basis;
·  
the property, plant and equipment financed by and securing the long-term loan has a useful life equal to or in excess of the loan maturity;
·  
flexibility for the borrower to select a fixed interest rate for periods from one year to the final loan maturity or a variable interest rate; and
·  
the ability for the borrower to select various tranches with either a fixed or variable interest rate for each tranche.

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

To borrow from RTFC, a wireline telecommunications system generally must be able to demonstrate the ability to achieve and maintain an annual debt service coverage ratio and an annual times interest earned ratio (“TIER”) of 1.25 and 1.50, respectively. To borrow from RTFC, a cable television system, fiber optic network or wireless telecommunications system generally must be able to demonstrate the ability to achieve and maintain an annual debt service coverage ratio of 1.25. RTFC may make long-term loans to telecommunication systems, on a case-by-case basis, that do not meet these general criteria.

Line of Credit Loans
Line of credit loans are generally unsecured. Line of credit loans are designed primarily to assist borrowers with liquidity and cash management and are generally advanced at variable interest rates. Line of credit loans are typically revolving facilities and generally require the borrower to pay off the principal balance for at least five consecutive business days at least once during each 12-month period. Line of credit loans are also made available as interim financing, or bridge loans, when a member either receives RUS approval to obtain a loan and is awaiting its initial advance of funds or submits a loan application that is pending approval from RUS. RUS loan advances, when received, must be used to repay these interim facilities.

NCSC Loan Programs
Long-Term Loans
NCSC’s long-term loans generally have the following characteristics:
·  
terms of up to 35 years on a senior secured or unsecured basis;
·  
amortizing or bullet maturity loans with serial payment structures;
·  
the property, plant and equipment financed by and securing the long-term loan has a useful life equal to or in excess of the loan maturity;
·  
flexibility for the borrower to select a fixed interest rate for periods of one to 35 years or a variable rate; and
·  
the ability for the borrower to select various tranches with either a fixed or variable interest rate for each tranche.

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

Line of Credit Loans
Line of credit loans are generally unsecured. Line of credit loans are designed primarily to assist borrowers with liquidity and cash management and are generally advanced at variable interest rates. Line of credit loans are typically revolving facilities.

Interest Rates on Loans
As a member-owned cooperative finance organization, we are a cost-based lender. Our interest rates are set primarily based on our cost of funding, general and administrative expenses, loan loss provision and to provide a reasonable level of earnings. Various standardized discounts may reduce the stated interest rates for Class A and Class B borrowers meeting certain criteria related to business type, performance, volume and whether they borrow solely from us.

 
5

 


The table below shows the weighted-average loans outstanding to borrowers and the weighted-average yield earned by loan and borrower type during fiscal years ended May 31:

   
2013
   
2012
   
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Weighted-
average
loans outstanding
 
Weighted-
average
yield
   
Weighted-
average
loans outstanding
 
Weighted-
average
yield
   
Total by loan type:
                         
   Long-term fixed-rate loans
 
$
 17,223,370
 
 5.08
%
$
 16,440,288
 
5.34
%
   Long-term variable-rate loans
   
 721,747
 
 3.00
   
 658,847
 
3.70
 
   Line of credit loans
   
 1,245,635
 
 2.60
   
 1,072,222
 
 2.86
 
   Restructured loans
   
 157,059
 
 8.89
   
 461,670
 
 3.51
 
   Non-performing loans
   
 48,653
 
 -
   
 39,953
 
 -
 
Total loans
 
$
 19,396,464
 
 4.86
 
$
 18,672,980
 
 5.09
 
                       
 Total by borrower type:
                     
   CFC
 
$
 18,169,399
 
 4.88
%
$
 17,423,330
 
 5.08
%
   RTFC
   
 539,850
 
 4.77
   
 688,087
 
 5.44
 
   NCSC
   
 687,215
 
 4.37
   
 561,563
 
 5.00
 
Total
   
$
 19,396,464
 
 4.86
 
$
 18,672,980
 
 5.09
 

Credit Policies, Process and Monitoring
Loan Underwriting and Credit Monitoring
We have separate lending staff to underwrite distribution loans, power supply loans and telecommunications loans. Our borrowers contact the applicable lending staff to discuss the borrower’s need for funding. Our lending staff evaluates the borrower’s request to determine whether the requested credit represents an acceptable credit risk. The lending staff evaluation of the proposed credit includes, but is not limited to:
·  
the size of the loan request;
·  
the intended use of proceeds;
·  
whether collateral is required and, if so, whether there is sufficient collateral;
·  
the borrower’s risk profile as measured by financial ratios and other risk characteristics; and
·  
other factors that might be applicable to the type of borrower or the specific loan request being considered.

If our lending staff determines that a credit is acceptable, the staff works with the borrower to structure a loan based on the various options we offer and prepares a credit recommendation for review by management in the lending group as discussed further below under Loan Approval. When considering credit requests to borrowers with large single-obligor exposures we may use loan syndications and whole-loan sale programs to effectively manage portfolio risk related to credit concentrations.

Our Credit Risk Management group facilitates the activities of our internal credit review process, establishes credit policies and oversees our internal risk rating system for all of our borrowers. We maintain an internal risk rating system that produces a borrower rating and a facility rating. The borrower risk rating measures risk of default for each borrower based on both quantitative and qualitative measurements specific to the particular business line of the borrower. The facility risk rating measures risk of loss in the event of default for a particular facility based on the collateral or guarantee associated with the loan. Risk ratings are used to assess the credit quality of each of our borrowers and to establish credit limitations, and are factors in determining applicable credit approval levels.

Risk ratings for borrowers with outstanding and/or unadvanced loan or guarantee commitments are updated at least annually upon the receipt of audited financial information and are reviewed in connection with any new credit request. Annually, an outside financial services consultant conducts a review of the accuracy of specific borrower risk ratings and the risk rating process and credit extension practices for compliance with policy and consistency in application. Such consultant provides recommendations to management and the boards of directors for improvement, as well as progress on the resolution of items from prior reviews. Management is responsible for implementing the recommendations accepted by the boards of directors. In addition, we compare our internal ratings to the publicly available ratings for our borrowers that have public ratings.

Loan Approval
The respective boards of directors establish loan policies for CFC, RTFC, and NCSC, each of which includes a credit approval matrix. The credit approval matrix specifies the required level of approval applicable to any proposed loan based on factors such as the amount of the loan, the borrower risk rating, whether credit limitations are exceeded and whether the loan is to a member associated with one of our current directors. Through the approval matrix, the respective boards have delegated the authority to approve certain loans to the Chief Executive Officer, who has further delegated approval authority to the Corporate Credit Committee and management in the lending groups while retaining sole authority to approve certain loans.

 
6

 


To maintain our ability to consider and approve loans and other extensions of credit on a timely basis, each board has established a committee, made up of board members, that is authorized to approve loans that require board approval in between regularly scheduled board meetings.

Loans that require approval at a more senior level than management in the lending groups are forwarded to the Corporate Credit Committee for consideration. The Corporate Credit Committee is a cross-functional group comprised of senior vice president and vice president level employees with distribution, power supply and telecommunications lending experience, credit risk management experience, legal experience, accounting experience, regulatory experience and financial industry experience. This committee performs a vital role in maintaining a balance between the credit needs of the borrowers and the requirements for sound credit quality of our loan and guarantee portfolio. The Corporate Credit Committee monitors lending policies and practices and reviews extensions of credits requiring special attention. The Corporate Credit Committee also monitors selected rating changes, analyzes rating integrity and works to improve our internal risk rating system. Lending group staff presents the credit recommendation and answers any questions posed by the committee. The Corporate Credit Committee then approves, rejects or imposes additional conditions on the loan. Loans that require Chief Executive Officer or board approval are provided with documentation and a credit recommendation by management from the applicable lending group and the Corporate Credit Committee. The Chief Executive Officer or boards of directors or the committee of the boards established to consider credit requests between regular board meetings reviews the credit recommendation, asks questions of staff if necessary and either approves or rejects the loan request.

Policies for each of the three boards require that any exceptions to applicable credit limitations and any loan or extension of credit to a borrower that has a director of such board as one of its directors or officers must be approved by the board of directors or the established committee of the relevant board, with the director associated with the borrower requesting the loan being recused from receipt of the written materials, discussions and voting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer has the authority to approve emergency lines of credit and certain other loans and lines of credit, including circumstances where a director is either a director or officer of the borrower receiving such credit. During the year ended May 31, 2013, the board delegated to the Chief Executive Officer the authority to approve loans originated to be sold or participated through the Company’s whole-loan sale programs. Such lines of credit and loans must meet specific qualifying criteria and must be underwritten in accordance with the prevailing standards and terms.

Non-performing Loans
The Credit Risk Management group, on an ongoing basis, and the Corporate Credit Committee, on a quarterly basis, monitor all borrowers with past due, non-accrual and restructured facilities as well as other borrowers that warrant a higher degree of monitoring. The Credit Risk Management group presents reports on such matters to the boards of directors. Once a borrower is classified as non-performing, we typically place the loan on non-accrual status and reverse all accrued and unpaid interest back to the date of the last payment.

A loan is written off in the period that it becomes evident that collectability is highly unlikely; however, our efforts to recover all charged-off amounts may continue. Management makes a recommendation to the respective board of directors as to the timing and amount of loan write-offs based on various factors, including, but not limited to, cash flow analysis and the fair value of the collateral securing the borrower’s loans.

Advances on Previously Approved Loan Facilities
Certain of our loan facilities allow our members to draw down the loan amount over a period of time. To advance an amount under an approved loan facility, a member must be in compliance with all terms and conditions of their facility. The majority of our loans allow us to deny an advance if there has been a material adverse change in the business or condition, financial or otherwise, of the borrower since the time the facility was approved.

Covenant Compliance
Borrowers are required to maintain certain financial ratios. In addition, members with long-term loans outstanding are generally required to provide us with certain information and documentation on an annual basis, including, but not limited to, audited financial statements and a certificate of management confirming compliance with all covenants.

Loan Portfolio Performance
Our electric cooperative borrowers provide essential services and are insulated to some extent from the problems other companies may experience with regard to collection of amounts due during periods of recession. As a result, the difficult economic conditions experienced in recent years have not resulted in a significant rise in delinquencies or defaults in our borrowers’ receivables. For calendar year 2012, our electric member systems did not report a significant increase in late payments of utility bills from their member rate-payers or write-offs of such customer receivables. Since the start of the financial crisis in September 2008, only two electric cooperative borrowers have gone into payment default.

During the three-year period ended May 31, 2013, only five borrowers were in default on loan payments, three of which were telecommunications borrowers. During fiscal year 2013, we wrote off $19 million of loans outstanding to one of our

 
7

 


distribution borrowers and there were no loan write-offs in fiscal year 2012. During fiscal year 2011, we wrote off $354 million of loans outstanding for Innovative Communication Corporation (“ICC”), a telecommunications borrower. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, all loans classified as restructured are making payments as scheduled by the restructured agreements. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, loans on non-accrual status were $23 million and $41 million, respectively. See Note 3, Loans and Commitments, for additional information on our restructured and non-performing loans.

Our total loans outstanding increased by $958 million over the last three fiscal years ended May 31, 2013. The total loans outstanding decreased by $13 million and $413 million during fiscal years 2011 and 2012, respectively, and increased by $1,384 million during fiscal year 2013. Approximately $819 million of the 2013 increase occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. The increase in loan activity during fiscal year 2013 was primarily driven by advances to CFC and NCSC borrowers to refinance debt from other lenders, to fund capital improvements and for new loan advances. The increase in loan volume was partly offset by the pay-off of $414 million restructured loan and the prepayment of a $19 million capital expenditures loan by a restructured borrower in September 2012. RTFC loans as a percentage of our total loan portfolio decreased from 4 percent at May 31, 2011 to 3 percent at May 31, 2012 as a result of the maturity of a $200 million telecommunications loan in fiscal year 2012. RTFC loans as a percentage of our total loan portfolio decreased from 3 percent at May 31, 2012 to 2 percent at May 31, 2013 as a result of loan amortization and repayments and low demand for new telecommunications loans.

 
8

 


Credit Concentration
The table below presents the total number of CFC, RTFC and NCSC borrowers by state or U.S. territory and the percentage of total loans outstanding at May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. The percentage of total loans is based on the aggregate principal balance of the loans outstanding.

   
2013
 
2012
 
2011
     
State/Territory
 
Number
of
Borrowers
 
Loan
Balance %
 
Number
of
Borrowers
 
Loan
Balance %
 
Number
of
Borrowers
 
Loan
Balance %
     
Alabama
 
             26
 
1.83
%
 26
 
1.99
%
27
 
2.29
%
   
Alaska
 
             20
 
3.26
 
 18
 
2.61
 
19
 
1.99
     
Arizona
 
             12
 
1.10
 
 11
 
1.40
 
12
 
1.06
     
Arkansas
 
             19
 
2.73
 
 20
 
2.98
 
19
 
2.82
     
California
 
               5
 
0.13
 
 5
 
0.10
 
5
 
0.13
     
Colorado
 
             28
 
4.72
 
 27
 
4.94
 
28
 
4.85
     
Connecticut
 
              -
 
-
 
 -
 
-
 
1
 
1.03
     
Delaware
 
               1
 
0.12
 
 1
 
0.13
 
1
 
0.13
     
    District of Columbia
 
               1
 
-
 
 1
 
-
 
2
 
0.04
     
Florida
 
             16
 
2.68
 
 16
 
2.89
 
16
 
2.90
     
Georgia
 
             46
 
6.90
 
 47
 
7.50
 
47
 
7.98
     
Hawaii
 
               1
 
0.12
 
 1
 
0.13
 
1
 
0.04
     
Idaho
 
             13
 
0.73
 
 14
 
0.76
 
14
 
0.78
     
Illinois
 
             31
 
3.72
 
 30
 
4.06
 
30
 
3.70
     
Indiana
 
             45
 
2.89
 
 44
 
3.05
 
44
 
3.28
     
Iowa
 
             42
 
2.10
 
 46
 
2.25
 
49
 
2.17
     
Kansas
 
             39
 
4.23
 
 40
 
4.52
 
43
 
4.09
     
Kentucky
 
             25
 
3.48
 
 25
 
1.73
 
25
 
1.93
     
Louisiana
 
             12
 
1.46
 
 13
 
1.61
 
11
 
1.49
     
Maine
 
               4
 
0.07
 
 3
 
0.05
 
2
 
0.04
     
Maryland
 
               3
 
1.15
 
 3
 
1.03
 
3
 
1.06
     
Michigan
 
             16
 
0.71
 
 16
 
0.82
 
16
 
0.93
     
Minnesota
 
             54
 
3.57
 
 53
 
3.89
 
54
 
4.02
     
Mississippi
 
             22
 
1.85
 
 25
 
2.00
 
24
 
1.96
     
Missouri
 
             52
 
5.27
 
 49
 
4.92
 
49
 
3.99
     
Montana
 
             28
 
0.70
 
 26
 
0.65
 
25
 
0.60
     
Nebraska
 
             19
 
0.21
 
 9
 
0.11
 
10
 
0.10
     
Nevada
 
               5
 
1.22
 
 5
 
0.99
 
4
 
0.87
     
New Hampshire
 
               2
 
0.48
 
 1
 
0.42
 
1
 
0.54
     
New Jersey
 
               2
 
0.10
 
 2
 
0.09
 
2
 
0.08
     
New Mexico
 
             15
 
0.39
 
 16
 
0.49
 
17
 
0.46
     
New York
 
               7
 
0.11
 
 7
 
0.12
 
7
 
0.11
     
North Carolina
 
             31
 
2.78
 
 31
 
2.87
 
31
 
2.63
     
North Dakota
 
             13
 
1.68
 
 12
 
0.89
 
13
 
0.72
     
Ohio
 
             31
 
2.13
 
 28
 
2.01
 
28
 
1.96
     
Oklahoma
 
             30
 
2.98
 
 28
 
2.94
 
29
 
2.74
     
Oregon
 
             24
 
1.67
 
 23
 
1.66
 
23
 
1.60
     
Pennsylvania
 
             16
 
2.22
 
 16
 
2.28
 
16
 
2.07
     
South Carolina
 
             26
 
2.53
 
 25
 
2.72
 
25
 
2.68
     
South Dakota
 
             32
 
1.01
 
 32
 
1.09
 
33
 
0.88
     
Tennessee
 
             19
 
0.29
 
 19
 
0.28
 
22
 
0.31
     
Texas
 
             72
 
14.76
 
 72
 
16.63
 
74
 
18.17
     
Utah
 
               6
 
2.60
 
 6
 
2.88
 
6
 
2.89
     
Vermont
 
               6
 
0.31
 
 5
 
0.27
 
6
 
0.31
     
Virginia
 
             19
 
1.80
 
 19
 
1.46
 
19
 
2.00
     
Washington
 
             11
 
1.69
 
 11
 
0.84
 
11
 
0.87
     
West Virginia
 
               2
 
0.08
 
 2
 
0.09
 
2
 
0.01
     
Wisconsin
 
             26
 
2.08
 
 27
 
2.19
 
26
 
2.14
     
Wyoming
 
             13
 
1.36
 
13
 
0.67
 
13
 
0.56
     
       Total
 
           988
 
100
%
 969
 
100
%
985
 
100
%
   

The service territories of our electric and telecommunications members and associates are located throughout the United States and its territories, including 49 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa and Guam. Our members provide essential electric and telecommunications services to customers in rural areas covering approximately 70 percent of the land mass of the contiguous United States. Each system is separate from other systems and there is significant variance in the size of each system, thus each system’s capital requirements vary. At May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, loans outstanding to any one borrower did not exceed 2.3 percent, 2.6 percent and 2.6 percent, respectively, of total loans outstanding. At May 31, 2013, the top 10 borrowers

 
9

 


held 15 percent of total loans outstanding compared with 15 percent and 17 percent of total loans outstanding at May 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

At May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the largest concentration of loans to borrowers in any one state was in Texas, which had approximately 15 percent, 17 percent and 18 percent, respectively, of total loans outstanding. Two primary factors contributed to Texas having the largest percentage of total loans outstanding compared with other states at May 31, 2013:
·  
Texas has the largest number of total borrowers compared with other states (see table on page 9); and
·  
Texas has the largest number of power supply systems (8 of our 52 power supply system borrowers), which require significantly more capital than distribution systems and telecommunications systems.

CFC, RTFC and NCSC each have policies limiting the amount of credit that can be extended to individual borrowers or a controlled group of borrowers. The credit limitation policies cap the total exposure and unsecured exposure to a borrower based on the borrower’s risk profile, the type of facility and our internal risk rating system. As a member-owned cooperative lender, we balance the needs of our members and the risk associated with concentrations of credit exposure. The respective boards of directors must approve new credit requests from borrowers with total exposure or unsecured exposure in excess of the limits in the policies. Management may use syndicated credit arrangements, loan participations or loan sales to manage credit concentrations.

Total exposure, as defined by the policies, generally includes the following:
·  
loans outstanding, excluding loans guaranteed by RUS;
·  
our guarantees of the borrower’s obligations including letters of credit commitments;
·  
unadvanced loan commitments;
·  
borrower guarantees to us of another borrower’s debt; and
·  
any other indebtedness with us, unless guaranteed by the U.S. government.

The calculation of total exposure includes facilities that are approved but not yet closed and facilities that might not be drawn by the borrower, such as lines of credit and loan commitments for projects that may be delayed or eventually cancelled.

Unadvanced Loan Commitments
Unadvanced commitments represent approved and executed loan contracts for which the funds have not been advanced. At May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we had the following amount of unadvanced commitments on loans to our borrowers.

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
 
% of
Total
   
2012
 
% of
Total
   
2011
 
% of
Total
 
Long-term
$
 4,718,162
 
35
%
$
 5,437,881
 
38
%
$
5,461,484
 
39
%
Line of credit
 
 8,704,586
 
65
   
 8,691,543
 
62
   
8,609,191
 
61
 
Total
$
 13,422,748
 
100
%
$
 14,129,424
 
100
%
$
14,070,675
 
100
%
                               
CFC
$
 12,196,431
 
91
%
$
 13,028,657
 
92
%
$
13,074,685
 
93
%
RTFC
 
 317,344
 
2
   
 341,792
 
2
   
366,060
 
3
 
NCSC
 
 908,973
 
7
   
 758,975
 
6
   
629,930
 
4
 
Total
$
 13,422,748
 
100
%
$
 14,129,424
 
100
%
$
14,070,675
 
100
%

A total of $1,703 million, $1,303 million and $999 million of line of credit unadvanced commitments at May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, represented unadvanced commitments related to line of credit loans that are not subject to a material adverse change clause at the time of each loan advance. As such, we would be required to advance amounts on these committed facilities as long as the borrower is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the loan.

The remaining available amounts at May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were generally subject to material adverse change clauses. Prior to making an advance on these facilities, we confirm that there has been no material adverse change in the business or condition, financial or otherwise, of the borrower since the time the loan was approved and confirm that the borrower is currently in compliance with loan terms and conditions.

Unadvanced commitments related to line of credit loans are typically for periods not to exceed five years and are generally revolving facilities used for working capital and backup liquidity purposes. Historically, we have experienced a very low utilization rate on line of credit loan facilities, whether or not there is a material adverse change clause. Since we generally do not charge a fee on the unadvanced portion of the majority of our loan facilities, our borrowers will typically request long-term facilities to cover maintenance and capital expenditure work plans for periods of up to five years and draw down on the facility over that time. In addition, borrowers will typically request an amount in excess of their immediate estimated loan requirements to avoid the expense related to seeking additional loan funding for unexpected items.

 
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The above items all contribute to our expectation that a large portion of the unadvanced commitments reported at May 31, 2013 will expire without being utilized.

Conversion of Loans
A borrower may convert a long-term loan from a variable interest rate to a fixed interest rate at any time without a fee. Generally, a borrower may convert its long-term loan from a fixed rate to another fixed rate or to a variable rate at any time in exchange for an administrative fee plus a make-whole premium, if applicable, based on current loan policies.

Prepayment of Loans
Generally, borrowers may prepay long-term fixed-rate loans at any time, subject to a prepayment fee and a make-whole premium, if applicable. Generally, long-term variable-rate loans may be prepaid at any time, subject to a prepayment fee. Line of credit loans may be prepaid at any time without a fee, unless the interest rate on the loan is fixed or based on a LIBOR index.

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

Our line of credit loans are generally unsecured. Line of credit loans are generally to provide a source of working capital, and thus it is market practice that line of credit loans are not secured.

At May 31, 2013 and 2012, $2,243 million and $1,658 million out of $20,296 million and $18,912 million, respectively, of total loans outstanding were unsecured, representing 11 percent and 9 percent of total loans outstanding, respectively.

Guarantee Programs

When we guarantee debt obligations for our members, we use the same credit policies and monitoring procedures for guarantees as for loans and commitments. If a member system defaults in its obligation to pay debt service, then we are obligated to pay any required amounts under our guarantees. Meeting our guarantee obligations satisfies the underlying obligation of our member systems and prevents the exercise of remedies by the guarantee beneficiary based upon a payment default by a member system. In general, the member system is required to repay, on demand, any amount advanced by us with interest, pursuant to the documents evidencing the member system’s reimbursement obligation. We have no significant guarantee concentrations in any one state or territory.

The following table provides a breakout of guarantees outstanding by type and member class at May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
     
2012
   
2011
   
Total by guarantee type:
                     
Long-term tax-exempt bonds
$
  547,970
   
$
  573,110
 
$
599,935
   
Indemnifications of tax benefit transfers
 
  784
     
  49,771
   
59,895
   
Letters of credit
 
  447,683
     
  509,514
   
327,201
   
Other guarantees
 
  116,334
     
  116,935
   
117,957
   
     Total
$
 1,112,771
   
$
 1,249,330
 
$
1,104,988
   

Total by member class:
                             
CFC:
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
   Distribution
$
  245,265
 
22
%
$
  340,385
 
27
%
$
217,099
 
20
%
   Power supply
 
 810,900
 
73
   
 854,444
 
68
   
817,618
 
74
 
   Statewide and associate
 
  6,948
 
1
   
  7,202
 
1
   
20,807
 
2
 
          CFC Total
 
 1,063,113
 
96
   
 1,202,031
 
96
   
1,055,524
 
96
 
RTFC
 
  3,711
 
-
   
  1,026
 
-
   
821
 
-
 
NCSC
 
  45,947
 
4
   
  46,273
 
4
   
48,643
 
4
 
          Total
$
 1,112,771
 
100
%
$
 1,249,330
 
100
%
$
1,104,988
 
100
%

Guarantees of Long-Term Tax-Exempt Bonds
We guarantee debt issued for our members’ construction or acquisition of pollution control, solid waste disposal, industrial development and electric distribution facilities. Governmental authorities issue such debt on a non-recourse basis and the interest

 
11

 


thereon is exempt from federal taxation. The proceeds of the offering are made available to the member system, which in turn is obligated to pay the governmental authority amounts sufficient to service the debt. The debt we guarantee may include short- and long-term obligations.

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

Certain guaranteed long-term debt bears interest at variable rates that are adjusted at intervals of one to 270 days including weekly, every five weeks or semi-annually to a level favorable to their resale or auction at par. If funding sources are available, the member that issued the debt may choose a fixed interest rate on the debt. When the variable rate is reset, holders of variable-rate debt have the right to tender the debt for purchase at par. In some transactions, we have committed to purchase this debt as liquidity provider if it cannot otherwise be remarketed. If we hold the securities, the cooperative pays interest to us at our short-term variable interest rate. At May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we were the guarantor and liquidity provider for $473 million, $498 million, and $524 million, respectively, of tax-exempt bonds issued for our member cooperatives. During the years ended May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 we were not required to purchase any tax-exempt bonds pursuant to our obligation as liquidity provider.

Guarantees of Tax Benefit Transfers
We also have guaranteed members’ obligations to indemnify against loss of tax benefits in certain tax benefit transfers that occurred in 1981 and 1982. A member’s obligation to reimburse us for any guarantee payments would be treated as a long-term loan, secured on a parity with RUS by a first lien on substantially all of the member’s property to the extent of any cash received by the member at the outset of the transaction. The remainder would be treated as a line of credit loan secured by a subordinated mortgage on substantially all of the member’s property. Due to changes in federal tax law, no guarantees of this nature have been put in place since 1982.

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

Other Guarantees
We may provide other guarantees as requested by our members. These guarantees may be made on a secured or unsecured basis with guarantee fees set to cover our general and administrative expenses, a provision for losses and a reasonable margin.

Our Lending Competition

Electric Lending
RUS is the largest lender to electric cooperatives. RUS provides long-term secured loans. CFC offers its members financial products and services that supplement and complement those of RUS and, therefore, CFC does not consider RUS to be a competitor. CFC competes with banks and other financial institutions to make bridge loans that are needed by electric cooperatives in anticipation of obtaining long-term funding from RUS, to finance a portion of a loan that RUS is unable to provide, and to provide loans to members that have elected not to borrow from RUS. For the federal government fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, authorized lending levels under the RUS electric loan program were $100 million for hardship loans and $6,500 million for loan guarantees.

Our primary competitor is CoBank, ACB, a federally chartered instrumentality of the United States that is a member of the Farm Credit System. As a government-sponsored enterprise, CoBank, ACB, has the benefit of an implied government guarantee. In addition, members may obtain funding from commercial banks or may be large enough to directly access the capital markets for funding. As a result, we are competing with the pricing and funding options the member is able to obtain from these sources. We attempt to minimize the effect of competition by offering a variety of loan options and value-added services and by leveraging the working relationship we have developed with the majority of our members.

 
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In order to meet the unique needs of our members, we offer options including credit support in the form of letters of credit and guarantees, large transaction management and loan sales to other financial institutions. Credit products are tailored to meet specific transaction structures and are often designed to cover gaps left by other lenders, such as bridge loans to long-term financing provided by RUS. CFC also offers certain risk mitigation products and interest rate discounts on secured, long-term loans for its members that meet certain criteria, including performance, volume, collateral and equity requirements.

CFC has established certain funds to benefit its members. Since 1981, CFC has set aside a portion of its annual net earnings in a cooperative educational fund to promote awareness and appreciation of the cooperative principles. As directed by the CFC Board of Directors, the contributions to the funds are distributed through the electric cooperative statewide associations. Since 1986, CFC has supported its members’ efforts to protect their service territories from erosion or takeover by other utilities through assistance from the Cooperative System Integrity Fund. This program is funded through voluntary contributions from members, and amounts are distributed to applicants who establish that all or a significant portion of their consumers, services or facilities face a hostile threat of acquisition or annexation by a competing entity, or that it faces a significant threat in its ability to continue to provide electric or other energy services to customers.

CFC also offers its members additional services to enhance member operations including:
·  
Return of net earnings through the retirement of patronage capital. The laws of the District of Columbia require CFC to allocate but not retire patronage capital. However, CFC maximizes members’ returns by retiring a portion of patronage capital to members in cash to reduce their effective cost of borrowing each year based on approval by its board of directors.

·  
CFC Paying Agent Service. CFC’s Paying Agent Service allows members to enhance their cash management abilities so that they can earn interest until the moment the money is needed to make loan payments, cover power bill costs or pay other ongoing costs.

·  
CFC Key Ratio Trend Analysis. CFC issues a report annually that provides members information about where their operations stand in relation to other electric systems or power suppliers of similar size, location and growth characteristics. The report provides a five-year review of rural electric trends in nine key planning areas and supports decision-making by our members’ managers and boards.

·  
CFC RateWatch. This service allows members to monitor certain interest rates and alerts borrowers when fixed rates reach a maximum or minimum level specified by the borrower. Members can lock in a current interest rate for any term specified on expected future borrowings to mitigate risk, subject to certain fees. Borrowers with variable-rate loans are notified when fixed rates reach the selected level and have the option of converting at that time or of resetting CFC RateWatch at a new level. CFC offers this service to members free of charge.

·  
Regulatory support services. This service is available for members and includes, but is not limited to, assistance with rate design, expert testimony, cost-of-service analysis and strategic regulatory planning.

·  
Conferences, meetings and workshops. CFC produces a range of programs each year providing in-depth information and insight on utility and energy issues, financing and economic trends and outlooks, and management and leadership best practices. These programs also provide opportunities for members’ directors and employees to network with CFC staff and with their peers at other cooperatives, while simultaneously earning professional education credits.

·  
CFC Extranet. The CFC extranet provides borrowers with a convenient way to view their loan and investment history with CFC. In addition, the website provides useful financial tools for members to analyze various aspects of their businesses. Members also can make investments in CFC and request loan advances online.

Our rural electric borrowers are mostly private companies; thus, the overall size of the rural electric lending market cannot be determined from public information. We estimate the size of the overall rural electric lending market from the annual financial and statistical reports filed with us by our members using calendar year data; however, there are certain limitations with regard to these estimates, including the following:
·  
while the underlying data included in the financial and statistical reports may be audited, the preparation of the financial and statistical reports is not audited;
·  
in some cases, not all members provide the annual financial and statistical reports on a timely basis to be included in summarized results; and
·  
the financial and statistical reports do not include comprehensive data on indebtedness by lenders other than RUS.

 
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According to financial data provided to us by our 809 reporting distribution systems and 57 reporting power supply systems as of December 31, 2012, and our 809 reporting electric cooperative distribution systems and 59 reporting power supply systems as of December 31, 2011, long-term debt outstanding to CFC, RUS and other lenders in the electric cooperative industry by those entities was as follows:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2012
       
2011
     
Total long-term debt reported by members:
                   
Distribution
$
40,738,408
     
$
39,030,471
     
Power supply
 
42,815,991
       
40,658,796
     
Less: long-term debt funded by RUS
 
(39,680,399
)
     
(39,122,823
)
   
Members’ non-RUS long-term debt
$
43,874,000
     
$
40,566,444
     

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2012
 
% of Total
   
2011
 
% of Total
 
Long-term debt funded by CFC
$
17,101,777
 
39
%
$
16,516,682
 
41
%
Long-term debt funded by other lenders
 
26,772,223
 
61
   
24,049,762
 
59
 
Members’ non-RUS long-term debt
$
43,874,000
 
100
%
$
40,566,444
 
100
%

Members’ long-term debt funded by CFC is further summarized by type below at December 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2012
 
% of Total
   
2011
 
% of Total
 
Distribution
$
13,343,007
 
78
%
$
13,184,791
 
80
%
Power supply
 
3,758,770
 
22
   
3,331,891
 
20
 
Long-term debt funded by CFC
$
17,101,777
 
100
%
$
16,516,682
 
100
%

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

Telecommunications Lending
In 1949, the Rural Electrification Act was amended to allow lending for the establishment and improvement of rural telecommunications service. For the federal government’s fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, RUS has $690 million in annual lending authority for its traditional plant modernization and upgrade lending program of direct loans to rural telephone systems and the Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan program. Additionally, approximately $63 million in loans is available under the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program. In addition, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided RUS with $2,500 million of budget authority for loans and grants and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration with $4,700 million in budget authority for grants to support the expansion of broadband service into unserved and underserved areas.

RTFC is not in direct competition with RUS, but rather competes with other lenders for supplemental lending and for the full lending requirement of the rural telecommunications companies that decide not to borrow from RUS or for projects not eligible for RUS financing. Given the increased availability of government financing for rural broadband, it is unlikely we will participate in this financing to any significant degree outside of incremental lending to existing rural local exchange carrier borrowers to provide broadband services to their customers or interim financing in connection with the federal funding programs.

RTFC’s competition includes commercial banks and CoBank, ACB. The competitive market for providing credit to the rural telecommunications industry is difficult to quantify. Many rural telecommunications companies are not borrowers of RTFC, RUS or CoBank, ACB, and commercial banks generally do not publish information solely on their telecom portfolios.

As of December 31, 2012, RUS had approximately $4,660 million in long-term loans outstanding to telecommunications borrowers. At December 31, 2012, RTFC had $514 million in long-term loans outstanding to telecommunications borrowers.

Our Regulation

CFC, RTFC and NCSC are not subject to state or federal regulatory oversight or compliance with regard to lending. CFC, RTFC and NCSC are subject to state laws that pertain to the business conducted in each state, including but not limited to usury laws and laws governing mortgages.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which was signed into law on July 21, 2010, significantly changed the regulation of the financial services industry. Of particular importance for our
 

 
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operations are the Act’s Title VII provisions imposing new requirements on certain entities that use derivatives, including requirements for swap end-users, such as mandatory clearing, margin mandates and recordkeeping requirements.
 
Implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act is being accomplished through numerous rulemakings, many of which are still in process. Accordingly, it is difficult to fully assess the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on CFC and the financial services industry at this time. Numerous federal agencies, including the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) have significant discretion in drafting and implementing rules and regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act. These rules may subject us to additional costs and operational requirements associated with any such regulations. However, the full impact of the Dodd-Frank Act will not be known until all final rules become effective. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act requires various studies and reports to be delivered to Congress, which could result in future legislative changes or regulatory action.
 
Recent developments with respect to the Dodd-Frank Act rulemakings that may have an impact on CFC include the following:
 
• Title VII Derivatives Rulemakings — CFC is a qualified cooperative end-user of swaps and not a swap dealer under the final definition rules issued by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). As a qualified cooperative end-user we are subject to new requirements including the CFTC anti-fraud provisions, recordkeeping, transactional reporting and annual end-user exemption reporting.
 
• On August 13, 2013, the CFTC approved a final rule exempting certain swaps executed by qualified cooperatives from the mandatory clearing requirements.
 
•  CFC Counterparties — We continue to assess the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act regulations affecting the derivatives activities of the banks, swap dealers, major swap participants, and other regulated entities that are our counterparties in derivatives transactions, including, the domestic and international proposed rules on mandatory uncleared swap margin requirements for prudentially regulated banking institutions. These rules, as currently drafted, could result in additional operational and transactional costs for us.
 
• SEC Corporate Governance — The Dodd-Frank Act requires the SEC to promulgate rules related to executive compensation and compensation clawbacks which may require us to make additional disclosures or alter controls and/or risk management.
 
We have been actively engaged through the regulatory process in advocating that CFC, as a not-for-profit lender owned and controlled by its member electric cooperatives, which are commercial end-users, should be exempt from clearing and margin requirements, just as CFC’s members are exempt. As a qualified cooperative, CFC is exempt from mandatory clearing requirements pursuant to the final rule adopted by the CFTC on August 13, 2013. We will continue to urge the relevant federal agencies to include in their final rules an exemption for qualified cooperatives from mandatory margin requirements for uncleared swaps. Additionally, we will continue to monitor the rulemakings process and assess the impact of final rules and other regulatory activities under the Dodd-Frank Act on our operations.
 
Our Members

At May 31, 2013, after taking into consideration systems that are members of both CFC and NCSC and eliminating memberships between CFC, RTFC and NCSC, our consolidated membership totaled 1,460 members and 252 associates.

CFC
Each of CFC’s distribution and power supply members received or is eligible to receive financing from RUS. One of the criteria for eligibility for RUS financing is a “rural area” test. Thus, as an entity that supplements RUS financing, CFC relies on the definition of “rural” as specified in the Rural Electrification Act, as amended. “Rural” is defined in the Rural Electrification Act as any area other than a city, town or unincorporated area that has a population of more than 20,000, or any area within the service area of a borrower who, at the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, had an outstanding RUS electric loan. The definition of “rural” under the act permits an area to be defined as “rural” regardless of the development of such area subsequent to the approval of the outstanding loan. Thus, if an RUS borrower met the “rural area” definition at the time of its first loan origination from RUS and continues to have outstanding RUS loans, RUS has the authority to continue lending to the entity regardless of subsequent population growth in its service territory. Similar to RUS, CFC establishes eligibility only at the time a system initially borrows from CFC, and that eligibility, as it relates to the “rural area” test, is based on a determination of whether the system borrowed or is eligible to borrow from RUS.

CFC’s Bylaws provide that cooperative or nonprofit corporations, public corporations, utility districts and other public bodies that received or are eligible to receive a loan or commitment for a loan from RUS or any successor agency (as well as subsidiaries, federations or statewide and regional associations that are wholly owned or controlled by such entities) are eligible for membership. Thus, those entities that received or qualify for financing from RUS are eligible to apply for

 
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membership and subsequently borrow from CFC regardless of whether there is an outstanding loan with RUS. There are no requirements to maintain membership, although the board has the authority to suspend a member under certain circumstances. CFC has not suspended a member to date.

CFC has the following types of members, all of which are not-for-profit entities or subsidiaries or affiliates of not-for-profit entities. All electric members provide services to both residential and commercial customers.

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

Class B – Power Supply Systems
Cooperative or nonprofit corporations that are federations of Class A members or of other Class B members, or both, or that are owned and controlled by Class A members or by other Class B members, or both, and that are engaged or planning to engage in furnishing utility services primarily to Class A members or other Class B members. Our power supply system members are member-owned electric cooperatives.

Class C – Statewide and Regional Associations
Statewide and regional associations that are wholly owned or controlled by Class A members or Class B members, or both, or that are wholly owned subsidiaries of a CFC member, and that do not furnish utility services but supply other forms of service to their members.

Class D – National Associations of Cooperatives
National associations of cooperatives that are Class A, Class B and Class C members, provided said national associations have, at the time of admission to membership in CFC, members domiciled in at least 80 percent of the states in the United States. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (“NRECA”) is our sole Class D member.

In addition, CFC has associates that are nonprofit groups or entities organized on a cooperative basis that are owned, controlled or operated by Class A, B, C or D members and are engaged in or plan to engage in furnishing non-electric services primarily for the benefit of the ultimate consumers of CFC members are eligible to be an associate of CFC.

CFC Class A, B, C and D members are eligible to vote on matters put to a vote of the membership. Associates are not eligible to vote on matters put to a vote of the membership.

At May 31, 2013, CFC’s membership included:
·  
837 Class A distribution systems;
·  
71 Class B power supply systems;
·  
65 Class C statewide and regional associations, including NCSC; and
·  
1 Class D national association of cooperatives.

In addition, CFC had 51 associates, including RTFC, at May 31, 2013.

RTFC
Membership in RTFC is limited to cooperative corporations, private corporations, public corporations, nonprofit corporations, utility districts and other public bodies that are approved by the RTFC Board of Directors and are actively borrowing or are eligible to borrow from RUS. These companies must be engaged directly or indirectly in furnishing telecommunications services. Holding companies, subsidiaries and other organizations approved by the RTFC Board of Directors that are owned, controlled or operated by members—or entities eligible to become members—are eligible to be an associate of RTFC. Associates are not eligible to vote at meetings of the members. All RTFC members provide services to both residential and commercial customers.

As of May 31, 2013, RTFC’s membership included 487 members and five associates. CFC is not a member of RTFC. RTFC’s members and associates consist of 194 non-for-profit entities and 298 for-profit entities.

NCSC
At May 31, 2013, membership in NCSC was limited to organizations that were Class A members of CFC, or eligible for such membership, and CFC. On June 6, 2013, NCSC amended its bylaws to also permit organizations that are Class B or C members of CFC, or eligible for such membership, to be members of NCSC. At May 31, 2013, NCSC’s membership included 376 distribution systems. All of the NCSC distribution members were also CFC members. CFC is not a member of NCSC.

 
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In addition, NCSC had 197 associates at May 31, 2013. NCSC’s associates may include members of CFC, entities eligible to be members of CFC and for-profit and not-for-profit entities that are owned, controlled or operated by or provide benefit to Class A, B and C members of CFC.

Corporate Governance

CFC
Pursuant to the CFC Bylaws, there are 11 districts, comprising 10 districts for the general membership and one for the Class D membership. Pursuant to its bylaws, CFC holds an annual meeting of the members each calendar year. The board of directors also calls a meeting annually of the members for each of districts 1 to 10 for the purpose of electing a nominating committee, or electing directors or both. Each member is entitled to one vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at all meetings of the members.

The business affairs of CFC are governed by a board of up to 23 directors that exercises all of the powers of CFC except such as are by law, the Articles of Incorporation or the bylaws conferred upon or reserved to the members.

Each district is represented by two board members. In districts 1 to 10, one of the two positions on the board of directors in each district is held by a person who is a trustee or director of a member organization within the district and the other position is held by a person who is a CEO or general manager of a member organization within the district. Additionally, two directors are designated by the Class D (District 11) member, the NRECA.

In addition to the 20 directors elected and two directors designated from the districts described above, if the board of directors in its discretion so determines, there may be one additional at-large director elected to serve on the board of directors of CFC from time to time. The at-large director is elected by the members and serves on the Audit Committee. No person is eligible to become or remain the at-large director unless the person (i) is a trustee, director, manager, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of a member of CFC or holds a comparable position of a member of CFC, (ii) satisfies the applicable requirements of an Audit Committee financial expert and (iii) is otherwise independent in accordance with Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act and under the New York Stock Exchange standards, which the board of directors adopted to evaluate the independence of our directors. Since March 2007, CFC has had such an at-large director on its board of directors.

Pursuant to the CFC Bylaws, the officers of CFC include a president, vice president, secretary-treasurer and such other officers as may be determined from time to time by the board of directors. The officers are elected annually by the board of directors at the first meeting of the board of directors held after each annual meeting. The president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer must be members of the board of directors.

The CFC Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight and direction of risk management, while CFC’s management has primary responsibility for day-to-day management of the risks associated with CFC’s business. In fulfilling its risk management oversight duties, the CFC Board of Directors receives periodic reports on business activities from executive management and from various operating groups and committees across the organization, including the Credit Risk Management group, Internal Audit group and the Corporate Compliance group, as well as the Asset Liability Committee, the Corporate Credit Committee and the Disclosure Committee. The CFC Board of Directors also reviews CFC’s risk profile and management’s response to those risks throughout the year at its meetings. The board of directors establishes CFC’s loan policies and has established a Loan Committee of the board comprising no fewer than 10 directors that reviews the performance of the loan portfolio in accordance with those policies. See Credit Policies, Process and Monitoring beginning on page 6 for more information about the role of our board of directors in our lending business.

RTFC
The business affairs of RTFC are governed by a board of no less than five and no more than 10 directors. Pursuant to the RTFC Bylaws, there are five districts for the membership, and no less than one director must be a director, trustee, officer or manager of a member in each of the five districts. Directors are elected at the annual meeting of the members. Each member is entitled to one vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at all meetings of the members. There are no CFC directors, officers or employees that serve as a director of RTFC.

The RTFC Board of Directors established an Executive Committee of the board of directors pursuant to a written board policy that sets forth the delegations of responsibility, authorities and functions of the Executive Committee of the board of directors. The board policy delegates to the Executive Committee the authority to advise and consult with the Chief Executive Officer with respect to the development of policies governing RTFC’s making of loans, guarantees and investments to or for the benefit of members.

The RTFC Board of Directors reserves the authority to approve certain loans and guarantees based on the loan amount, credit quality and other criteria established by the board of directors from time to time. During intervals between board meetings, the Executive Committee may consider and approve financing arrangements that require approval by the full board. The

 
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board of directors delegates to the Chief Executive Officer or to the Chief Executive Officer’s designee(s) the authority to approve certain financing arrangements up to certain dollar thresholds and with certain credit characteristics and also authorizes the Chief Executive Officer to establish an internal Corporate Credit Committee.

One of the loan policies established by the RTFC Board of Directors sets forth the loan guidelines and credit products established to implement the corporate purpose and program objectives of RTFC. Loans and guarantees are made to members, affiliates of members and associates that meet applicable financial and feasibility criteria, security requirements and conditions as established for each type of loan pursuant to RTFC’s practices and procedures in effect at the time. A credit analysis is conducted by staff during the underwriting process for each application to determine if the applicant has the ability to meet its obligations and RTFC’s financial standards and if the proposed structure provides adequate security for each secured credit facility. The RTFC Board of Directors delegates to the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Executive Officer’s designee(s) the authority to implement this policy.

NCSC
The business affairs of the association are governed by a board of up to 11 directors. Pursuant to the NCSC Bylaws, there are five districts for the general membership and one district for CFC. The five general membership districts are represented by two directors, one of which must be a director or trustee of a member and one of which must be a CEO of a member. Directors are elected at the annual meeting of the members. Each member is entitled to one vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at all meetings of the members. If CFC becomes a member of NCSC, it would be the sole member of the sixth district, in which case CFC would nominate one director for election by the members.

The NCSC Board of Directors established an Executive Committee of the board of directors pursuant to a written board policy that sets forth the delegations of responsibility, authorities and functions of the Executive Committee of the board of directors. The board policy delegates to the Executive Committee the authority to advise and consult with the Chief Executive Officer with respect to the development of policies governing NCSC’s making of loans, guarantees and investments to or for the benefit of members.

The NCSC Board of Directors reserves the authority to approve certain loans and guarantees based on the loan amount, credit quality and other criteria established by the board of directors from time to time. During intervals between board meetings, the Executive Committee may consider and approve financing arrangements that require approval by the full board. The board of directors delegates to the Chief Executive Officer or to the Chief Executive Officer’s designee(s) the authority to approve certain financing arrangements up to certain dollar thresholds and with certain credit characteristics and also authorizes the Chief Executive Officer to establish an internal Corporate Credit Committee.

One of the loan policies established by the NCSC Board of Directors sets forth the loan guidelines and credit products established to implement the corporate purpose and program objectives of NCSC. Loans and guarantees are made to members and associates that meet applicable financial and feasibility criteria, security requirements, and conditions as established for each type of loan pursuant to NCSC’s practices and procedures in effect at the time. A credit analysis is conducted by staff during the underwriting process for each application to determine if the applicant has the ability to meet its obligations and NCSC’s financial standards and if the proposed structure provides adequate security for each secured credit facility. The NCSC Board of Directors has delegated to the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Executive Officer’s designee(s) the authority to implement this policy.

Rural Electric Industry

Since the enactment of the Rural Electrification Act in 1936, RUS has financed the construction of electric generating plants, transmission facilities and distribution systems to provide electricity to rural areas. Principally through the creation of local electric cooperatives originally financed under the Rural Electrification Act loan program in 47 states and three U.S. territories, the percentage of farms and residences in rural areas of the United States receiving central station electric service increased from 11 percent in 1934 to almost 100 percent currently. According to 2011 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, rural electric systems serve approximately 13 percent of all consumers of electricity in the United States and its territories and serve about seven consumers per mile of line, compared with 35 customers per mile of line for investor-owned utilities. Rural electric systems account for approximately 11 percent of total sales of electricity and own about five percent of the nation’s electricity generating capacity.

RUS makes insured loans and loan guarantees and provides other forms of financial assistance to electric borrowers. RUS is authorized to make direct loans to systems that qualify for the hardship program (5 percent interest rate), the municipal rate program (based on a municipal government obligation index), and a treasury rate program (at treasury plus 1/8 percent). RUS is also authorized to guarantee loans that bear interest at a rate agreed upon by the borrower and the lender (which generally has been the Federal Financing Bank). RUS exercises financial and technical supervision over borrowers’ operations. Its loans and guarantees are secured by a mortgage or indenture on substantially all of the system’s assets and revenue.

 
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Leading up to CFC’s formation in 1969, there was a growing need for capital for electric cooperatives to build new electric facilities due to growth in rural America. The electric cooperatives formed CFC so a source of financing would be available to them to supplement the RUS loan programs and to mitigate uncertainty related to government funding. Providing the electric cooperatives with financial products and services to supplement the RUS loan programs remains the purpose of CFC.

CFC aggregates the combined strength of the rural electric cooperatives to access the public capital markets and fill the need to provide supplemental funding to that of RUS. CFC is owned by its consumer-owned electric cooperative members. CFC works cooperatively with RUS; however, CFC is not a federal agency or a government-sponsored enterprise, and is not owned or controlled by any federal agency or government-sponsored enterprise. Our members are not required to have outstanding loans from RUS as a condition of borrowing from CFC. CFC supplements the RUS financing programs to meet the financial needs of its rural members by:
·  
providing bridge loans required by borrowers in anticipation of receiving RUS funding;
·  
providing financial products not otherwise available from RUS including lines of credit, letters of credit, guarantees on tax-exempt financing (usually for pollution-control equipment), weather-related disaster recovery lines of credit, unsecured loans, and investment products such as commercial paper and member capital securities;
·  
meeting the financing needs of those rural electric systems that repay or prepay their RUS loans and replace the government loans with private capital; and
·  
providing financing to RUS-eligible rural electric systems for facilities that are not eligible for financing from RUS. Examples of such facilities include electric utility facilities acquired by a cooperative from an investor-owned or municipal utility for service to an area that falls outside of an eligible rural area, as defined in the Rural Electrification Act. In other cases, an RUS-eligible system obtains CFC financing for non-electric facilities used by the cooperative to serve its rural members when such facilities are not eligible for RUS loans. RUS has instituted restrictions on financing for certain baseload generation facilities. A cooperative in the process of constructing such facilities will need financing to complete this work, and because of the recent change in RUS policy, it may not be able to obtain this additional funding from RUS.

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

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

Power Supply Systems
Power supply systems are utilities that purchase or generate electric power and provide it on a wholesale basis to distribution systems for delivery to the consumer. The distribution systems are the members of the power supply systems. The power supply systems vary in size from one with hundreds of megawatts of power generation capacity to systems that have no generating capacity, which generally operate transmission lines to supply certain distribution systems or manage power supply purchase arrangements for the benefit of their distribution system members. Certain other power supply systems have been formed but do not yet own generation or transmission facilities or have financing commitments from us. Thus, the amount of loan funding required by different power supply systems varies significantly. Power supply members may serve distribution systems located in more than one state.

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

Statewide and Regional Associations
Each state may have an organization that represents and serves the distribution systems and power supply systems located in the state. Such statewide organizations provide training, as well as legislative, regulatory, media and related representation for the member distribution and power supply systems.

 
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National Associations of Cooperatives
The NRECA represents cooperatives nationally. It provides training, sponsors regional and national meetings, and provides legislative, regulatory, media, and related representation for all rural electric cooperatives.

Electric Member Competition
The movement toward electric competition at the retail level has largely ceased. The electric utility industry has settled into a “hybrid” model in which there are significant differences in the retail regulatory approaches followed in different states and regions.

Customer choice regulation, where customers have a choice of alternative energy suppliers, has had little to no impact on distribution and power supply cooperatives, and we do not expect a material impact going forward. As of May 31, 2013, retail customer choice is active in 14 states. Those states are Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Texas. In general, even in those states, very few consumers served by CFC members have switched from the traditional supplier.

Many factors influence the choices customers have available to them and, therefore, mitigate the effect of customer choice and competition in areas served by cooperatives. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
·  
utilities in many states may still be regulated regarding rates on non-competitive services, such as distribution;
·  
20 states regulate the debt securities issued by utilities, including cooperatives, which could affect funding costs and, therefore, the electric rates charged to customers;
·  
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulation of rates as well as terms and conditions of transmission service;
·  
the fact that few competitors demonstrated much interest in providing electric energy to residential or rural customers; and
·  
distribution systems own the lines to the customer and it would not be feasible for a competitor to build a second line to serve the same customers in almost all situations. Therefore, the distribution systems still charge a fee or access tariff for the service of delivering power, regardless of who supplies the power.

Electric Member Regulation
There are 25 states in which some or all electric cooperatives are subject to state regulation over the rates they charge. In 14 of the 25 states, all electric cooperatives are subject to full or partial state regulation over their electric rates and the cooperatives in these 14 states do not have a right to opt out of regulation. Those states are Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia. In these 14 states, we had 154 distribution members and 12 power supply members with a total of $4,367 million, or 22 percent, of powers supply and distribution loans outstanding at May 31, 2013. Nine of the 25 states allow cooperatives the right to opt out of state regulation. Those states are Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. In some of these states a small number of cooperatives have decided to remain regulated, but the majority of the cooperatives have opted out of state regulation. In two states (Iowa and Minnesota) the cooperatives are statutorily exempted from state regulation, but they have the right to opt in to regulation. One cooperative in each of those two states has opted to become regulated. There are 20 states that regulate electric systems’ issuance of debt (although one of these states, New Mexico, does not regulate any loans to RUS borrowers). Federal Energy Regulatory Commission also has jurisdiction to regulate transmission rates, wholesale rates, terms and conditions of service, and the issuance of securities by public utilities within its jurisdiction, which includes only a few cooperatives.

Our distribution and power supply members are subject to regulation by various federal, regional, state and local authorities with respect to the environmental effects of their operations, including air and water quality control, solid and hazardous waste disposal, and limitations on land use. At the federal level, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has been pursuing an active regulatory agenda through a substantial number of rulemakings. Estimates indicate that regulations affecting cooling water intake structures, coal ash disposal, hazardous air pollutants, including mercury, and interstate transport of air pollutants will force the electric utility industry to incur capital costs to comply with these regulations and possibly retire from 34,000 to 59,000 megawatts of coal-fired generating capacity by 2018. In calendar year 2012, a federal court overturned the EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule that would have required electric utilities including cooperatives in some regions to make significant additional reductions in emissions within short timeframes. The decision gives a partial reprieve from emission reduction requirements for coal-dependent power generators but could compound business uncertainty as the rule being remanded to the EPA means that a rewritten rule could eventually take its place. Additionally, in calendar year 2012, the EPA began the process of regulating greenhouse gas emissions by issuing proposed rules concerning new source performance standards for carbon emissions from new fossil fuel-based power plants. This new regulation, along with other factors including the current low price of natural gas, is likely to significantly slow development of new coal-fired generation in the near term. Additional greenhouse gas emissions regulations, if any, on existing power plants could force measures on the industry to reduce power plant greenhouse gas emissions from these existing coal-fired generation units. These regulations, when they are finalized, could significantly raise the cost of electricity generated from fossil fuel plants. While we cannot currently estimate projected expenditures related to these regulations for our members, we believe the

 
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financial impact of these laws and regulations on our members will generally be less than the impact on the broader electric utility industry and that the associated costs can be passed through to their customers.

Rural Telecommunications Industry

Telecommunications systems include not-for-profit cooperative organizations and for-profit commercial organizations that primarily provide local exchange and access telecommunications services to rural areas.

Independent rural telecommunications companies provide service throughout many of the rural areas of the United States. These approximately 1,300 companies are called independent because they are not affiliated with the former Regional Bell Operating Companies, mainly, Verizon, AT&T and CenturyLink. Included in the 1,300 total are approximately 260 not-for-profit cooperatives. A majority of the remainder of these independent rural telecommunications companies are privately held commercial companies. Less than 15 of these commercial companies are publicly traded or have issued bonds in the capital markets.

Rural telecommunications companies, excluding Verizon, AT&T and CenturyLink, provide service to less than 15 percent of the approximately 120 million end-user switched access lines. These rural companies range in size from fewer than 100 customers to more than 5 million. Annual operating revenue for individual rural telecommunications companies ranges from less than $0.1 million to more than $3,000 million. In addition to basic local exchange and access telecommunications service, most independents offer other communications services including wireless voice and data, cable television and high-speed Internet access. Most rural telecommunications companies’ networks incorporate digital switching, fiber optics, internet protocol telephony and other advanced technologies.

Telecommunications Competition
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 created a framework for competition and deregulation in the local telecommunications market. As a result, competition continues to be a significant factor in the telecommunications industry. Wireless carriers are providing service to more than 300 million mobile telephone service subscriptions—more than local exchange carriers and competitive local exchange carriers combined. For the most part, local exchange competition has benefited rural local exchange carriers by enabling them to enter nearby towns and cities as competitive local exchange carriers, leveraging their existing infrastructure and reputation for providing high-quality, modern telecommunications service. Rural local exchange carriers enjoy an exemption from the Telecom Act requirement to provide competitors with access to their networks, absent a determination that it would be in the public interest to do so. Relatively few rural local exchange carriers have competitive local exchange carriers request access to their networks.

The national goal of universal service is accomplished through a support mechanism, the Universal Service Fund (“USF”), that is required by law to be: (i) sufficient to ensure that consumers throughout the nation, including those in rural and insular areas, receive communications services at rates and of a quality that are reasonably comparable with those obtained by users in urban areas, and (ii) portable; that is, available to all eligible providers. The USF provides support for rural local exchange carriers with costs significantly above the national average. Certain elements of the USF also mitigate fluctuations in implicit cost recovery long contained in the access charges that local telecommunications companies levy on long-distance carriers. As these access charges have been reduced, rural local exchange carriers have obtained compensatory support from the USF. The USF is an important revenue source for most rural local exchange carriers.

The nexus between competition and universal service is the issue of competitor eligibility for universal service funding—the “portability” feature of the USF. Historically many rural wireline markets were first served (and continue to be served) by small, locally owned companies. As wireless carriers extended their coverage areas into some rural markets, they could become eligible for USF. Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) rules, however, did not limit the number of competing carriers that could obtain USF support for serving any particular market. By obtaining competitive eligible telecommunications carrier status from state and federal regulators (as provided for in the Telecom Act), these wireless carriers were able to receive universal service funds based on the incumbent local exchange carriers’ costs (the “identical support” rule). Although the FCC took steps to address the rampant growth in USF caused by the availability offered to multiple competitive carriers, the process led to growth in claims on the fund and great concern for its sustainability. The USF’s current contribution base of interstate telecommunications revenue is shrinking as traditional long distance minutes-of-use decline due to wireless nationwide calling plans, e-mail and voice-over-internet protocol substitution. Increased demand for funding from the USF has resulted in the rate assessed on all participants in the nationwide network (the “contribution factor”) being increased to 16 percent of interstate and international long distance revenue for the second quarter of calendar year 2013, compared with approximately 11 percent five years ago.

Telecommunications Regulation
Rural telecommunications systems generally are regulated at the state and federal levels. Most state commissions regulate local service rates and intrastate access rates and some regulate telecommunications company borrowing. The FCC regulates

 
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interstate access rates and the issuance of licenses required to operate certain types of telecom operations. Some rural telecommunications systems have affiliated companies that are not regulated.

Deregulation has not had a significant effect on the wireline local exchange carrier business segment. The FCC continues to regulate wireline telephony under Title II of the Act. Internet, video, wireless and competitive local exchange services are much less regulated. In pursuit of its net neutrality policy, however, the FCC in December 2010 promulgated new “open Internet” rules related to service transparency, blocking and discrimination, which are applicable to certain broadband Internet access services. It also has been considering other potential new regulations that would apply to broadband communications after having previously considered broadband Internet services to be information service exempt from Title II regulation. Most rural local exchange carriers are expanding their service offerings to customers in less regulated business segments. With few competitors in the most rural parts of their service areas, rural local exchange carriers generally have been successful in these growth and diversification efforts.

On October 27, 2011 the FCC adopted an order to reform the USF and intercarrier compensation systems. This comprehensive plan was intended to restructure the USF to support broadband deployment to unserved parts of the country going forward and revamp the rates carriers pay each other to connect local calls.

The USF is to be transformed, in stages, over a multi-year period, from a mechanism to support voice telephone service to one that supports the deployment of both fixed and mobile broadband. The existing USF was criticized as failing to direct money where it is needed in rural America. As a result, some rural areas have access to broadband but many do not. The High-Cost Fund (the mechanism through which local exchange carriers received support to help provide services in rural areas) is to be phased out and replaced with a new Connect America Fund with a firm budget set at no more than $4,500 million per year over the next six years. The Connect America Fund includes the targeted Mobility Fund to support the deployment of wireless broadband networks to unserved areas and the Remote Areas Fund, to ensure affordable access to broadband networks for the most remote areas in the nation.

In regard to intercarrier compensation systems, the FCC’s order included immediate reforms aimed at curbing arbitrage schemes, phantom traffic and other such schemes as well as a multiyear “glide path” toward comprehensive reform of the intercarrier compensation systems payment framework. The ultimate goal is bill-and-keep, a system where carriers look first to their subscribers to cover the costs of the networks, then to explicit universal service support where necessary.

The rural telecommunications industry is actively participating in this regulatory reform process. At this stage, the outcome of the proposed rulemaking is unclear; however, the impending changes to the revenue mechanisms for rural telecommunications companies will affect each company differently, and revenue shortfalls are expected to be addressed through a waiver process established by the FCC or adjustments to local service rates.

Disaster Recovery

We have continued to use a comprehensive Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery plan since May of 2001. The plan establishes the basic principles and framework necessary to ensure emergency response, resumption, restoration and permanent recovery of the CFC’s operations and business activities during a business interruption event. This plan includes a duplication of our production information systems at an offsite facility coupled with an extensive business continuity and recovery process to leverage those remote systems.

All of CFC’s departments develop, exercise, test and maintain business resumption plans for the resumption and recovery of business functions and processing resources to minimize disruption for our members and other parties with whom we do business. Specifically, we conduct disaster recovery exercises twice a year that include both the information technology group and business areas. The business resumption plans are based on a risk assessment that considers potential losses due to unavailability of service versus the cost of resumption. These plans anticipate a variety of probable scenarios ranging from local to regional crises.

Tax Status

In 1969, CFC obtained a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service recognizing CFC’s exemption from the payment of federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Such exempt status could be revoked as a result of changes in legislation or in administrative policy or as a result of changes in CFC’s business.

In order for CFC to maintain its exemption under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, CFC must be “not organized for profit” and must be “operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare” within the meaning of that section of the tax code. The Internal Revenue Service determined that CFC is an organization that is “operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare” because the ultimate beneficiaries of its lending activities, like those of the RUS loan

 
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program, are the consumers of electricity produced by rural electric systems, the communities served by these systems and the nation as a whole.

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

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

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

NCSC is a taxable cooperative that is subject to income tax annually based on its net income for the fiscal year.

Allocation and Retirement of Patronage Capital

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

CFC
Annually, the CFC Board of Directors allocates its net earnings to its patrons in the form of patronage capital, to a cooperative educational fund, to a general reserve, if necessary, and to other board-approved reserves. Net earnings are calculated by adjusting net income to exclude the non-cash effects of the accounting for derivative financial instruments and foreign currency translation. Negative net earnings, if any, are not allocated to members or to the reserves and do not affect amounts previously allocated as patronage capital or to the reserves. Net earnings may first be used to offset prior-period losses, if any.

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

Currently, CFC has one additional board-approved reserve, the members’ capital reserve. The CFC Board of Directors determines the amount of net earnings that is allocated to the members’ capital reserve, if any. The members’ capital reserve represents net earnings that CFC holds to increase equity retention. The net earnings held in the members’ capital reserve have not been specifically allocated to members, but may be allocated to individual members in the future as patronage capital if authorized by the CFC Board of Directors.
 
All remaining net earnings are allocated to CFC’s members in the form of patronage capital. The amount of net earnings allocated to each member is based on the members’ patronage of CFC’s lending programs during the year. No interest is earned by members on allocated patronage capital. There is no effect on CFC’s total equity as a result of allocating net earnings to members in the form of patronage capital or to board-approved reserves. The CFC Board of Directors has voted annually to retire a portion of the patronage capital allocation. Upon retirement, patronage capital is paid out in cash to the members to which it was allocated. CFC’s total equity is reduced by the amount of patronage capital retired to its members and by amounts disbursed from board-approved reserves.
 
Pursuant to CFC’s bylaws, the CFC Board of Directors shall determine the method, basis, priority and order of retirement of amounts allocated. The current policy of the CFC Board of Directors is to retire 50 percent of the prior fiscal year’s allocated net earnings following the end of each fiscal year and to hold the remaining 50 percent for 25 years to fund operations. The amount and timing of future retirements remains subject to annual approval by the CFC Board of Directors, and may be affected by CFC’s financial condition and other factors. The CFC Board of Directors has the authority to change the current practice for allocating and retiring net earnings at any time, subject to applicable cooperative law.

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

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

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

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

Investment Policy

Surplus funds are invested based on policies adopted by our board of directors. Under present policy, surplus funds may be invested in direct obligations of, or guaranteed by, the United States or agencies thereof or other highly liquid investment- grade securities. Current investments may include highly rated securities such as commercial paper, obligations of foreign governments, Eurodollar deposits, bankers’ acceptances, bank letters of credit, certificates of deposit, working capital acceptances or other deposits with financial institutions. The policy also permits investments in certain types of repurchase agreements with highly rated financial institutions, whereby the assets consist of eligible securities of a type listed above set aside in a segregated account. In addition, this policy permits investments in any government-sponsored enterprise, including, but not limited to, the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, subject to certain limitations.

Employees

At May 31, 2013, we had 231 employees, including financial and legal personnel, management specialists, credit analysts, accountants and support staff. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

Our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity are subject to various risks and uncertainties inherent in our business. The risks described below are the risks we consider to be material to our business. Other risks may prove to be material or important in the future. If any of the events or circumstances described in the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could suffer adversely. You should consider all of the following risks together with all of the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Our business depends on access to external financing.
We depend on access to the capital markets and other sources of financing, such as our revolving credit agreements, investment from our members, private debt issuances through the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, and funding from the Federal Financing Bank through the Guaranteed Underwriter Program, to fund new loan advances and refinance our long-term and short-term debt and, if necessary, to fulfill our obligations under our guarantee and repurchase agreements. We

 
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cannot assure that we will be able to raise capital in the future at all or on terms that are acceptable to us. Market disruptions, downgrades to our long-term debt and/or short-term debt ratings, adverse changes in our business or performance, downturns in the rural electric or rural telephone industries and other events over which we have no control may deny or limit our access to the capital markets and/or subject us to higher costs for such funding. Our access to other sources of funding also could be limited by the same factors, by adverse changes in the business or performance of our members, by the banks committed to our revolving credit agreements or the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, or by changes in federal law or the Guaranteed Underwriter Program.

Our funding needs are determined primarily by scheduled long- and short-term debt maturities and the amount of our loan advances to our borrowers relative to the scheduled amortization of loans previously made by us. If we are unable to timely issue debt into the capital markets or obtain funding from other sources, we may not have the funds to meet all of our obligations as they become due.

Fluctuating interest rates could adversely affect our income, margin and cash flow.
We are a cost-based lender that sets our interest rates on loans based on our cost of funding. We set our line of credit interest rate and long-term variable interest rate monthly based on the cost of our underlying funding. We do not match fund the majority of our long-term fixed-rate loans with a specific debt issuance at the time the loans are advanced. Instead, long-term fixed-rate loans are aggregated until the volume reaches a level that will allow an economically efficient issuance of long-term debt to fund long-term fixed-rate loans. As such, we are exposed to interest rate risk on our long-term fixed-rate loans during the period from which we have set a fixed rate on the loan until the time we obtain the long-term funding for the loan. At May 31, 2013, fixed-rate loans funded with variable-rate debt totaled $1,325 million, or 6 percent of total assets and total assets excluding derivative assets.

A decrease in long-term fixed interest rates provided by other lenders could result in an increase in prepayments on long-term fixed-rate loans scheduled to reprice. Borrowers are able to prepay the long-term fixed-rate loan without a make-whole fee at the time the fixed-rate term expires and the loan reprices. An increase in loan prepayments due to repricings could cause a decrease to earnings for the period of time it takes to use cash from such prepayments to repay maturing debt or make new loan advances. At May 31, 2013, $1,318 million of fixed-rate loans have a fixed-rate term scheduled to reprice during the next 12 months.

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

Our elected directors also serve as officers or directors of certain of our individual member cooperatives, which may result in a potential conflict of interest with respect to loans, guarantees and extensions of credit that we may make to or on behalf of such member cooperatives.
In accordance with our charter documents and the purpose for which we were formed, we lend only to our members and associates. CFC’s directors are elected or appointed from our membership, with 10 director positions filled by directors of members, 10 director positions filled by general managers or chief executive officers of members, two positions appointed by the NRECA and one at-large position that must, among other things, be a director, financial officer, general manager or chief executive of one of our members. To address the conflict of interest inherent in our credit and lending activities with respect to any member that has one of its officers or directors sitting on the CFC Board of Directors, all loans, guarantees and other extensions of credit to such member are required to be approved by the CFC Board of Directors or the Loan Committee of the CFC Board of Directors, with the interested director being recused from receipt of the written materials and the discussions and the vote on the approval of the proposed loan, guarantee or extension of credit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer has the authority to approve emergency lines of credit and certain other loans and lines of credit. All such loan and line of credit requests are required to go through the same underwriting process and review as other loan and line of credit requests before being submitted to the board of directors or Loan Committee for approval. Unlike FDIC-insured banking institutions, we are not subject to federal or state regulation, examination or oversight with regard to our lending activity.

We are subject to credit risks related to collecting the amounts owed to us on our outstanding loans. Increased credit risk related to our loans or actual losses that exceed our allowance for loan losses could impair our financial results.
Our allowance for loan losses is established through a provision charged to expense that represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing loan portfolio. The level of the allowance reflects management’s continuing evaluation of credit risk related to industry concentrations; economic conditions; specific credit risks; loan loss experience; current loan portfolio quality; present economic, political and regulatory conditions; and

 
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unidentified losses and risks inherent in the current loan portfolio. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Changes in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses. In addition, if actual losses incurred exceed current estimates of probable losses included in the allowance for loan losses, we will need additional provisions to increase the allowance for loan losses. Any material increases in the allowance for loan losses will result in a decrease in net income, and may have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

We have been and may in the future be in litigation with borrowers related to enforcement or collection actions pursuant to loan documents. In such cases, the borrower or others may assert counterclaims against us or initiate actions against us related to the loan documents. Unfavorable rulings in these cases that result in loan losses that exceed the related allowance could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

We own and operate assets and entities obtained through foreclosure and are subject to the same performance and financial risks as any other owner or operator of similar assets or businesses.
As the owner and operator of assets and entities obtained through foreclosure, we are subject to the same performance and financial risks as any other owner or operator of similar assets or entities. In particular, there is the risk that the value of the foreclosed assets or entities will deteriorate, negatively affecting our results of operations. We assess our portfolio of foreclosed assets for impairment periodically as required under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Impairment charges, if required, represent a reduction to earnings in the period of the charge. There may be substantial judgment used in the determination of whether such assets are impaired and in the calculation of the amount of the impairment. In addition, when foreclosed assets are sold to a third party, the sale price we receive may be below the amount previously recorded in our financial statements, which will result in a loss being recorded in the period of the sale.

The non-performance of counterparties to our derivative agreements could impair our financial results.
We use interest rate swaps to manage our interest rate risk. There is a risk that the counterparties to these agreements will not perform as agreed, which could adversely affect our results of operations. The non-performance of a counterparty on an agreement would result in the derivative no longer being an effective risk management tool, which could negatively affect our overall interest rate risk position. In addition, if a counterparty fails to perform on our derivative obligation, we could incur a financial loss to replace the derivative with another counterparty and/or a loss through the failure of the counterparty to pay us amounts owed.

At May 31, 2013, we were a party to derivative instruments with notional amounts totaling $8,788 million. At May 31, 2013, the highest concentration of total notional exposure to any one counterparty was 20 percent of total derivative instruments. Based on the fair market value of our derivative instruments at May 31, 2013, there were three counterparties that would be required to make payments to us totaling $65 million if all of our derivative instruments were terminated on that date. The largest amount owed to us by a single counterparty was $49 million, or 75 percent of the total payments owed to us at May 31, 2013.

A reduction in the credit ratings for our debt could adversely affect our liquidity and/or cost of debt.
Nationally recognized statistical rating organizations play an important role in determining, by means of the ratings they assign to issuers and their debt, the availability and cost of debt funding. We currently contract with two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations to receive ratings for our secured and unsecured debt and our commercial paper. Our credit ratings are important to our liquidity. In order to access the commercial paper markets at current levels, we believe that we need to maintain our current ratings for commercial paper of P1 from Moody’s Investors Service and A1 from Standard & Poor’s Corporation. Changes in rating agencies’ rating methodology, actions by governmental entities or others, additional losses from impaired loans and other factors could adversely affect the credit ratings on our debt. A reduction in our credit ratings could adversely affect our liquidity, competitive position, or the supply or cost of debt financing available to us. A significant increase in our interest expense could cause us to sustain losses or impair our liquidity by requiring us to seek other sources of financing, which may be difficult to obtain.

A decline in our credit rating could trigger payments under our derivative agreements, which could impair our financial results.
We have certain interest rate swaps that contain credit risk-related contingent features referred to as rating triggers. Under certain rating triggers, if the credit rating for either counterparty falls to the level specified in the agreement, the other counterparty may, but is not obligated to, terminate the agreement. If either counterparty terminates the agreement, a net payment may be due from one counterparty to the other based on the fair value, excluding credit risk, of the underlying derivative instrument. These rating triggers are based on our senior unsecured credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Corporation. Based on the fair market value of our interest rate exchange agreements subject to rating triggers at May 31, 2013, we may be required to make a payment of up to $209 million if our senior unsecured ratings from Moody’s Investors Service falls to or below Baa1 or from Standard & Poor’s Corporation falls to or below BBB+ and all agreements for which we owe amounts are terminated. In calculating the required payments, we only considered agreements

 
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that, when netted for each counterparty as allowed by the underlying master agreement, would require a payment upon termination. In the event that we are required to make a payment as a result of a rating trigger, it could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.

At May 31, 2013, our senior unsecured debt credit ratings from Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Corporation were A2 and A, respectively. While the rating triggers on our interest rate exchange agreements are not tied to the rating outlooks from Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Corporation, such rating outlooks may provide an indication of possible future movement in the ratings. At May 31, 2013, both Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Corporation had our ratings on stable outlook.

Our concentration of loans to borrowers within the rural electric industry could impair our revenue if that industry experiences economic difficulties.
At May 31, 2013, approximately 98 percent of our total exposure was to rural electric cooperatives. Factors that have a negative impact on our member rural electric cooperatives’ financial results could also impair their ability to make payments on our loans. If our members’ financial results materially deteriorate, we could be required to increase our loan loss allowance through provisions for loan loss on our income statement that would reduce reported net income.

Advances in technology may change the way electricity is generated and transmitted or may continue to change the way telecommunications services are provided to businesses and consumers prior to the maturity of our loans to rural electric and telecommunications systems.
To the extent that advances in technology make our electric system members’ power supply, transmission and/or distribution facilities, or our telecommunications system members’ networks or services obsolete prior to the maturity of our loans, there could be an adverse impact on the ability of our members to repay such loans. This could lead to an increase in non-performing or restructured loans and an adverse impact on our results of operations.

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

If CFC were to lose its status as a 501(c)(4) organization, we believe that it would be subject to the tax rules generally applicable to cooperatives under Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code. As a Subchapter T cooperative, CFC would be allowed to allocate its patronage-sourced income to its members and take a deduction for the amount of such patronage dividends that are paid in cash or qualified written notices of allocation. However, CFC would be taxed as a regular corporation on income in excess of allowed deductions, if any.

Our ability to comply with covenants related to our revolving credit agreements, debt indentures and debt agreements could affect our ability to retire patronage capital, may accelerate certain debt obligations and could affect our ability to obtain financing and maintain preferred rating levels on our debt.
We must maintain compliance with all covenants and conditions related to our revolving credit agreements and debt indentures. We are required to maintain a minimum adjusted TIER for the six most recent fiscal quarters of 1.025, an adjusted leverage ratio of no more than 10-to-1 and we must maintain loans pledged as collateral for various debt issuances at or below 150 percent of the related secured debt outstanding as a condition to borrowing under our revolving credit agreements. Our revolving credit agreements also state that we must earn a minimum annual adjusted TIER of 1.05 in order to retire patronage capital to members. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further explanation and a reconciliation of our adjusted ratios.

If we are unable to borrow under the revolving credit agreements, our short-term debt ratings would most likely decline, and our ability to issue commercial paper could become significantly impaired. As a member-owned cooperative, all of our retained equity belongs to our members. As such, a restriction on the retirement of patronage capital in any year would result in a delay in the return of such amounts to the members until we earn an annual TIER of at least 1.05 and our board approves the retirement of the amounts allocated from the year in which retirement was restricted. A patronage capital retirement in any one year reduces the effective cost of borrowing for a member’s loan from CFC. Thus, if CFC does not retire patronage capital to its members, it results in a higher effective rate of borrowing from CFC for that year.

Pursuant to one of our collateral trust bond indentures, we are required (i) to maintain eligible collateral pledged at least equal to 100 percent of the principal amount of the bonds issued under the indenture, and (ii) to limit senior indebtedness to 20 times the sum of our members’ equity, subordinated deferrable debt and members’ subordinated certificates. Our medium-term note indentures also require us to comply with (ii) above.

 
27

 


If we are in default under our collateral trust bond or medium-term note indentures, the existing holders of our collateral trust bonds or medium-term notes have the right to accelerate the repayment of the full amount of the outstanding debt principal before the stated maturity of such debt. That acceleration of debt repayments poses a significant liquidity risk as we might not have enough cash or committed credit available to repay the debt. In addition, if we are not in compliance with the collateral trust bond and medium-term note covenants, we would be unable to issue new debt securities under such indentures. If we were unable to issue new collateral trust bonds and medium-term notes, our ability to fund new loan advances and refinance maturing debt would be impaired.

We are required to pledge eligible distribution system or power supply system loans as collateral equal to at least 100 percent of the outstanding balance of debt issued under a revolving note purchase agreement with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. We are also required to maintain distribution and power supply loans as collateral on deposit equal to at least 100 percent of the outstanding balance of debt under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program of the USDA, which supports the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. Collateral coverage under 100 percent for either of these debt programs constitutes an event of default, which if not cured within 30 days, could result in creditors accelerating the repayment of the outstanding debt principal before the stated maturity. This poses a liquidity risk of possibly not having enough cash or committed credit available to repay the debt. In addition, we would be unable to issue new debt securities under the applicable debt agreement, which could impair our ability to fund new loan advances and refinance maturing debt.

Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2.
Properties.

CFC owns approximately 141,000 square feet of office, meeting and storage space that serves as its headquarters in Loudoun County, Virginia, effective September 2011. The building was constructed using 16 of 42 acres of land we own in Loudoun County, Virginia. The remaining acreage allows for any potential future expansion. The headquarters is pursuing Gold certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction rating system created by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.

From time to time, CFC is subject to certain legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business, including litigation with borrowers related to enforcement or collection actions. In such cases, the borrower or others may assert counterclaims or initiate actions against us. Management presently believes that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, will not materially harm our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations. CFC establishes reserves for specific legal matters when it determines that the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is probable and the loss is reasonably estimable. Accordingly, no reserve has been taken with respect to any legal proceedings at this time. Related to the ICC bankruptcy proceedings, ICC’s former indirect majority shareholder and former chairman, and related parties, continue to assert claims against CFC and certain of its officers and directors and other parties in various proceedings and forums. CFC anticipates that it will continue to be engaged in defense of those assertions on many fronts, as well as pursuing claims of its own.

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.

Inapplicable.

 
28

 


PART II

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

Inapplicable.

Item 6.
Selected Financial Data.

The following is a summary of selected financial data for the years ended and as of May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
                             
For the year ended May 31:
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Interest income
$
 955,753 
 
$
 960,961
 
$
  1,008,911
 
$
1,043,635
 
$
1,070,764
 
Net interest income
 
 263,728 
   
 199,183
   
    167,831
   
131,524
   
135,743
 
Derivative gains (losses) (1)
 
 84,843 
   
 (236,620
)
 
(30,236
)
 
(20,608
)
 
(47,028
)
Income (loss) prior to income taxes (2)
 
      360,836 
   
      (151,404
)
 
  152,542
   
110,251
   
(78,871
)
Net income (loss) (3)
 
 358,087 
   
 (148,797
)
 
151,215
   
110,547
   
(73,770
)
                               
Fixed-charge coverage ratio/TIER (3)(4)
 
 1.52 
   
 -
   
1.18
   
1.12
   
-
 
Adjusted TIER (5)
 
 1.29 
   
 1.10
   
1.21
   
1.12
   
1.10
 
 
                             
As of May 31:
                             
Loans to members
$
 20,305,874 
 
$
 18,919,612
 
$
19,330,797
 
$
19,342,704
 
$
20,192,309
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
 (54,325)
   
 (143,326
)
 
(161,177
)
 
(592,764
)
 
(622,960
)
Assets
 
 22,071,651 
   
 19,951,335
   
20,561,622
   
20,143,215
   
20,982,705
 
Short-term debt
 
 7,719,483 
   
 4,493,434
   
5,842,924
   
4,606,361
   
4,867,864
 
Long-term debt (6)
 
 10,696,433 
   
 12,151,967
   
11,293,249
   
12,054,497
   
12,720,055
 
Subordinated deferrable debt
 
 400,000 
   
 186,440
   
186,440
   
311,440
   
311,440
 
Members’ subordinated certificates  (7)
 
 1,729,226 
   
 1,722,744
   
1,801,212
   
1,810,715
   
1,740,054
 
Total equity
 
 811,261 
   
 490,755
   
687,309
   
586,767
   
519,100
 
Guarantees
 
 1,112,771 
   
 1,249,330
   
  1,104,988
   
1,171,109
   
1,275,455
 
                               
Leverage ratio (4)
 
 27.58 
   
 42.20
   
30.52
   
       35.33
   
41.88
 
Adjusted leverage ratio (5)
 
 6.11 
   
 6.46
   
 6.48
   
        6.34
   
7.06
 
Debt-to-equity ratio (4)
 
 26.21 
   
 39.65
   
28.92
   
      33.33
   
39.42
 
Adjusted debt-to-equity ratio (5)
   
 5.76 
 
 
6.01
   
6.09
   
        5.93
   
6.59
 
(1) Amount represents changes in the fair value of derivative instruments (forward value) along with realized gains and losses from cash settlements. Derivative cash settlements represent the net settlements received/paid on interest rate and cross-currency exchange agreements that do not qualify for hedge accounting. The derivative forward value represents the change in fair value on exchange agreements that do not qualify for hedge accounting, as well as amortization related to the transition adjustment recorded as an other comprehensive loss on June 1, 2001.
(2) Includes a one-time gain of $23 million from the proceeds of a settlement with CoBank, ACB, for the year ended May 31, 2010.
(3) For the years ended May 31, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 the fixed-charge coverage ratio includes capitalized interest in total fixed charges, which is not included in our times interest earned ratio (“TIER”) calculation. For the year ended May 31, 2013, the fixed-charge coverage ratio is the same calculation as our TIER as we did not have any capitalized interest during that period. For the years ended May 31, 2012 and 2009, earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $149 million and $74 million, respectively.
(4) See Non-GAAP Financial Measures in Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the GAAP calculations of these ratios.
(5) Adjusted ratios include non-GAAP adjustments that we make to financial measures in assessing our financial performance. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures in Management’s Discussion and Analysis for further explanation of these calculations and a reconciliation of the adjustments.
(6) Excludes $3,669 million $1,247 million, $2,523 million, $2,312 million, and $2,580 million in long-term debt that comes due, matures and/or will be redeemed during fiscal years 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively (see Note 5, Short-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements, to the consolidated financial statements).
(7) Excludes $37 million, $17 million and $12 million of members’ subordinated certificates reported as short-term debt at May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.


 
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Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion and analysis is designed to provide a better understanding of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations and as such should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto and the information contained elsewhere in this Form 10-K, including Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Unless stated otherwise, references to “we,” “our” or “us” relate to the consolidation of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (“CFC”), Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (“RTFC”), National Cooperative Services Corporation (“NCSC”) and certain entities created and controlled by CFC to hold foreclosed assets and to accommodate loan securitization transactions.

Throughout this management discussion and analysis, we will refer to certain of our financial measures that are not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) as “adjusted.” In our Executive Summary, our discussion focuses on the key metrics that we use to evaluate our business, which are adjusted times interest earned ratio (“TIER”) and adjusted debt-to-equity ratio. The most closely related GAAP measures are TIER and debt-to-equity ratio. We measure our performance based on GAAP and non-GAAP measures. The financial covenants in our revolving credit agreements and debt indentures are based on our adjusted measures rather than the related GAAP measures. The main adjustments we make to calculate the non-GAAP measures compared with the related GAAP measures are to adjust interest expense to include derivative cash settlements; to adjust net income, senior debt and total equity to exclude the non-cash adjustments from the accounting for derivative financial instruments; to exclude from senior debt the amount that funds CFC member loans guaranteed by the Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”), subordinated deferrable debt and members’ subordinated certificates; and to adjust total equity to include subordinated deferrable debt and members’ subordinated certificates. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further explanation of the adjustments we make to our financial results for our own analysis and covenant compliance and for a reconciliation to the related GAAP measures.

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

Executive Summary

Lending Activity
Loans outstanding increased by $1,384 million or 7 percent during the year ended May 31, 2013 primarily due to an increase of $866 million in CFC distribution loans, an increase of $411 million in CFC power supply loans and an increase of $179 million in NCSC loans partly offset by a decrease of $69 million in RTFC loans. The increase in loans outstanding was largely driven by advances made related to the voluntary accelerated funding option for defined benefit pension plans introduced in January 2013 by the NRECA and advances made related to an electricity prepayment option introduced in November 2012 by a federal agency that markets wholesale electric power. Loan advances under these programs totaled $885 million during the year ended May 31, 2013. The increase in CFC distribution loans was partly offset by the pay-off of a $414 million restructured loan and the prepayment of a $19 million capital expenditures loan by a restructured borrower in September 2012.

During the year ended May 31, 2013, $1,746 million of CFC long-term fixed-rate loans repriced. Of this total, $1,450 million selected a new long-term fixed rate; $173 million selected a long-term variable rate; $27 million selected a new rate offered as part of our loan sales program and were sold by CFC with CFC continuing to service the loans sold; and $96 million were repaid in full.

Funding Activity
During the year ended May 31, 2013, total debt outstanding increased by $1,991 million primarily due to funding for the $1,384 million increase in loans outstanding and $658 million increase in cash and investments. We funded the overall growth in our balance sheet as well as the refinancing of higher cost debt with a mix of lower-cost short-term debt, medium-term notes, collateral trust bonds, and notes payable issued under our Guaranteed Underwriter Program and our agreement with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation.

Credit spreads and rates continued to decrease during fiscal 2013, which provided us with the opportunity to refinance maturing debt with lower cost debt and exercise early redemptions of our collateral trust bonds and subordinated deferrable debt to replace such debt with lower cost debt. Specifically, we completed a debt exchange transaction in which we exchanged $340 million of our 8 percent medium-term notes, Series C, due 2032 for $379 million of 4.023 percent collateral trust bonds due 2032 and $134 million of cash. On March 1, 2013, we redeemed early $300 million of our $900 million, 5.50

 
30

 


percent, collateral trust bonds with an original maturity of July 1, 2013. On April 25, 2013, we issued $400 million of 4.75 percent subordinated debt due 2043. On May 24, 2013, we redeemed early all of our $88 million of Series NRC 6.10 percent subordinated debt due 2044 and all of our $98 million of Series NRU 5.95 percent subordinated debt due 2045 at par. During the year ended May 31, 2013, we continued to maintain a high utilization of our commercial paper and other short-term funding to take advantage of the low interest rate environment. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, commercial paper, select notes, daily liquidity fund and bank bid notes outstanding represented 20 percent and 17 percent, respectively, of total debt outstanding.

In March 2013, we took advantage of availability in the capital markets to extend the maturity and increase the amount of our revolving credit agreements thereby providing us with an additional source of liquidity over the near term. Specifically, we amended our $1,125 million three-year, $885 million four-year, and $835 million five-year revolving credit agreements to (i) extend the maturity dates for the three-year, four-year, and five-year revolving credit agreements to October 21, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively, and (ii) lower the facility fee for the three-year revolving credit agreement to 10 basis points. With respect to the three-year agreement, $219 million of commitments will expire at the original maturity date of March 21, 2014 and the facility fee for lenders holding such commitments will continue to be 15 basis points until maturity. In addition, we exercised our option to increase the commitment levels for the four-year and five-year revolving credit agreements to $1,008 million, and $958 million, respectively. On May 30, 2013, we exercised the commitment increase option under our $1,125 million three-year credit agreement maturing on October 21, 2015 and increased the commitment by $10 million.

Financial Results
For the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012, we reported net income of $358 million and net loss of $149 million, respectively, and TIER of 1.52 and below 1.00, respectively. As previously mentioned, we use adjusted non-GAAP measures in our analysis to evaluate our performance and for debt covenant compliance. For the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012, our adjusted net income was $217 million and $75 million, respectively, and adjusted TIER was 1.29 and 1.10, respectively.

The increase to our adjusted net income for the year ended May 31, 2013 as compared with the prior year was driven primarily by an increase in the recovery of our loan losses, a reduction to the loss reported on foreclosed asset operations and an increase to fee income and adjusted net interest income. For the year ended May 31, 2013, we reported a recovery of loan losses of $70 million compared to $18 million for the prior year. The increase in the recovery is due to refinements in assumptions used to estimate of our allowance for loan losses. For the year ended May 31, 2013 we also reported a net loss of $1 million from foreclosed assets compared with a loss of $67 million in the prior year. This improvement in results was primarily due to the fact that no impairment was recorded at May 31, 2013 versus $45 million of impairment in the prior year and $13 million of positive one-time adjustments being recorded in the current year period. We had an increase of $20 million to fee and other income for the year ended May 31, 2013, which is primarily due to the $13 million prepayment fee received on a capital expenditures loan in September 2012 and other prepayment fees received. We also had an increase of $21 million to adjusted net interest income, which was primarily due to the refinancing of higher cost debt with lower cost debt and the continued high utilization of our commercial paper issuance capacity.

At May 31, 2013, our debt-to-equity ratio decreased to 26.21 -to-1 compared with 39.65-to-1 at May 31, 2012. As mentioned previously, we use adjusted non-GAAP measures in our own analysis to evaluate our performance and for covenant compliance. Our adjusted debt-to-equity ratio decreased to 5.76 -to-1 at May 31, 2013 compared with 6.01-to-1 at May 31, 2012 primarily due to the increase in adjusted equity partially offset by the increase in adjusted liabilities.

Outlook for the Next 12 Months
We expect the amount of new long-term loan advances to slightly exceed scheduled long-term loan repayments over the next 12 months. We expect earnings from core lending operations to be fairly stable over the next 12 months.

We have $3,669 million of long-term debt scheduled to mature over the next 12 months. We believe that we have sufficient liquidity from the combination of member loan repayments and our ability to issue debt in the capital markets, to our members and in private placements, to satisfy member loan advances and meet our need to fund long-term debt maturing over the next 12 months. At May 31, 2013, we had $909 million in cash and investments, up to $749 million available under committed loan facilities from the Federal Financing Bank, $3,097 million available under committed revolving lines of credit with a syndicate of banks and, subject to market conditions, up to $2,358 million available under a revolving note purchase agreement with the Federal Agriculture Mortgage Corporation. We also have the ability to issue collateral trust bonds and medium-term notes in the capital markets and medium-term notes to members. We believe we can continue to roll over the $4,050 million of commercial paper, select notes, daily liquidity fund and bank bid notes scheduled to mature through May 31, 2014, as we expect to continue to maximize the utilization of these short-term funding options. We expect to be in compliance with the covenants under our revolving credit agreements; therefore, we could draw on these facilities to repay dealer or member commercial paper that cannot be rolled over in the event of market disruptions. As of the date of our filing, approximately $1,052 million of the total long-term debt maturing in the next twelve months has matured or been refinanced.

We expect to be able to maintain the adjusted debt-to-equity ratio within a range of 6.00-to-1 over the next 12 months.

 
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our significant accounting principles, as described in Note 1, General Information and Accounting Polices, to the consolidated financial statements, are essential in understanding Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Many of our significant accounting principles require complex judgments to estimate values of assets and liabilities. We have procedures and processes to facilitate making these judgments.

We identified the allowance for loan losses and the determination of fair value of certain items on our balance sheet as critical accounting policies because they require significant estimations and judgments by management. These policies are summarized below and identify and describe the development of the variables most important in the estimation process. In many cases, there are numerous alternative judgments that could be used in the process of determining the inputs required for estimation. Where alternatives exist, we used the factors we believe represent the most reasonable value in developing the inputs. Actual performance that differs from our estimates of the key variables could affect net income. Separate from the possible future effect to net income from our model inputs, market-sensitive assets and liabilities may change subsequent to the balance sheet date, often significantly, due to the nature and magnitude of future credit and market conditions. Such credit and market conditions may change quickly and in unforeseen ways, and the resulting volatility could have a significant, negative effect on future operating results.

Below is a description of the process used in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and the determination of fair value for certain items on our balance sheet.

Allowance for Loan Losses
GAAP requires loans receivable to be reported on the consolidated balance sheets at net realizable value. The net realizable value is the total principal amount of loans outstanding less an estimate of the probable losses inherent in the portfolio. We maintain an allowance for loan losses at a level estimated by management to provide for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is reported separately on the consolidated balance sheet, and the provision for loan losses is reported as a separate line item on the consolidated statement of operations.

There are significant subjective assumptions and estimates used in calculating the amount of the loss allowance required. We review the estimates and assumptions used in the calculations of the loan loss allowance on a quarterly basis. Because of the subjective nature of these estimates, other estimates could be reasonable, and changes in the assumptions used and our estimates could have a material effect on our financial statements. The estimate of the allowance for loan losses is based on a review of the composition of the loan portfolio, past loss experience, specific problem loans, current economic conditions, available market data and/or projection of future cash flows and other pertinent factors that in management’s judgment may contribute to incurred losses. The methodology used to calculate the loan loss allowance is summarized below.

The loan loss allowance is calculated by dividing the portfolio into two categories of loans:
(1)
the general portfolio, which comprises loans that are performing according to the contractual agreements; and
(2)
the impaired portfolio, which comprises loans that (i) are not currently performing or (ii) for various reasons we do not expect to collect all amounts as and when due and payable under the loan agreement or (iii) are performing according to a restructured loan agreement, but as a result of the troubled debt restructuring are required to be classified as impaired.

General Portfolio
The general portfolio of loans consists of all loans not specifically identified in the impaired category. We disaggregate the loans in the general portfolio by company: CFC, RTFC and NCSC. We further disaggregate the CFC loan portfolio by member class: distribution, power supply and statewide and associates.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013 we experienced an increase in the amount of loan advances. Specifically, total loans outstanding increased $819 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 which represents 59 percent of the total increase for fiscal 2013 with a larger than usual amount in the form of unsecured loans. The shift to unsecured from secured as well as the recording of our first distribution system loss prompted us to assess the inputs and assumptions used in our allowance for loan losses. We have also seen a shift in the mix of our loan portfolio to primarily electric system loans over recent years.

As of May 31, 2013, the Company made refinements in the assumptions used to estimate its allowance for loan losses. Specifically, we updated certain assumptions used to estimate defaults, which included transitioning from the S&P corporate bond default table to the S&P utility sector default table, refining the linkage between the Company’s internal risk ratings and the S&P ratings and reassessing and reducing the loss emergence period.

In consideration of the aforementioned items, we determined that the Standard & Poor’s corporate bond default table used prior to May 31, 2013 was no longer the most representative of the estimated default profile of our current loan portfolio. As

 
32

 


of May 31, 2013, we began using the Standard & Poor’s utility sector default table, which we believe is more representative of the default risk associated with the current composition of our loan portfolio.

Our internal risk ratings system is designed to produce a borrower risk rating (“BRR”) for each borrower and a facility risk rating (“FRR”) for each loan or other credit facility. Based on our internal policies and practices, the BRR is considered a measure of a borrower’s risk of default and is determined by various risk factors including quantitative and qualitative measures and assessments. The FRR is also considered a measure of default risk based on the BRR with adjustments dependent on whether the loan or other credit facility is secured or guaranteed. We have determined that the BRR, rather than the FRR, is a more accurate credit quality indicator as of May 31, 2013, and as such the risk ratings used in our loan loss model are based on BRR.

The Company has a history of limited defaults and charge-offs on our loans. In determining the allowance for loan losses, we estimate the loans that will default during the loss emergence period, which is the time between the loss causing event(s) and the date that we charge off the unrecoverable portion of the loan. At May 31, 2013, our most recent historical experience indicates that, on average, the loss emergence period of our loan portfolio is five years, which is shorter than the time period previously estimated by the Company. Such loss emergence period considers the various workout efforts and restructurings by the Company as well as our recent experience in the current environment.

These refinements resulted in a decrease to the general allowance for loan losses of $55 million at May 31, 2013.

As a result of the refinements made in the assumptions used to estimate the general allowance for loan losses, we also refined our approach for calculating the qualitative component of the general reserve by focusing on risk factors not captured in the general allowance for loan losses. The overriding factor that creates the necessity for this additional component of loan loss reserves not captured in our loan loss model is lag in the timing of receipt of information regarding our borrowers. To measure these additional risk factors, we incorporated an internal credit risk ratings portfolio stress test into our assessment of the qualitative reserve for the general portfolio. The refinements in the qualitative component of the general reserve resulted in a decrease to the allowance for loan losses of $19 million at May 31, 2013.

We believe these refinements will more appropriately reflect the allowance for loan losses and the related provision for loan losses in our financial statements. We concluded that these refinements represent a change in an accounting estimate which we therefore recorded in the quarter ended May 31, 2013.

The combination of these refinements resulted in a decrease to the allowance for loan losses of $74 million at May 31, 2013 and a corresponding increase to the recovery of loan losses of $74 million for the quarter ended May 31, 2013.

We use the following factors to determine the loan loss allowance for the general portfolio category:
·  
Internal risk ratings system. We maintain risk ratings for our borrowers that are updated at least annually and are based on the following:
-  
general financial condition of the borrower;
-  
our judgment of the quality of the borrower’s management;
-  
our judgment of the borrower’s competitive position within its service territory and industry;
-  
our estimate of the potential impact of proposed regulation and litigation; and
-  
other factors specific to individual borrowers or classes of borrowers.
·  
Standard & Poor’s historical utility sector default table. The table provides expected default rates for the utility sector based on rating level and the remaining maturity. We correlate our internal risk ratings to the ratings used in the utility sector default table. We use the default table to assist in estimating our loan loss allowance because we have limited history from which to develop loss expectations.
·  
Loss Emergence Period. Estimated based on the time between the loss causing event(s) and the date that we charge off the unrecoverable portion of the loan.
·  
Recovery rates. Estimated recovery rates are based on our historical recovery experience by member class calculated by comparing loan balances at the time of default to the total loss recorded on the loan. We have been lending to electric cooperatives since our incorporation in 1969.

At May 31, 2013, the $41 million reserve produced by our general allowance for loan losses model represented 0.20 percent of the outstanding balance of loans. An increase or decrease of ten percent in our default rates would result in a corresponding increase or decrease of $4 million to the general allowance for loan losses model. An increase or decrease of 1 percent in our recovery rates would result in a corresponding increase or decrease of $3 million to the general allowance for loan losses model.

In addition to the loan loss allowance for the general portfolio, we maintain a qualitative reserve for the general portfolio based on risk factors not captured in the general allowance for loan losses. The overriding factor that creates the necessity for this additional component of loan loss reserves not captured in our loan loss model is lag in the timing of receipt of

 
33

 


information regarding our borrowers. We actively monitor the operations and financial performance of our borrowers through the review of audited financial statements, review of borrower prepared financial statements (if required) and discussions with borrower management. As a result of the lag, there could be credit events or circumstances that exist with our borrowers for which we have not been made aware that could potentially lead to reassessing/downgrading of certain BRRs to better reflect the risk of default and ultimate loss. Additional qualitative considerations include our expectations with respect to loan workouts, risks associated with large loan exposures and economic and environmental factors.

To measure these additional risk factors supporting an additional reserve for the general portfolio, we perform an internal credit risk ratings portfolio stress test quantifying the impact that both upgrades and downgrades in internal credit risk ratings would have on our estimate of losses inherent in the portfolio.

Impaired Loans
A loan is considered to be impaired when we do not expect to collect all principal and interest payments as scheduled by the original loan terms, other than an insignificant delay or an insignificant shortfall in amount. Factors considered in determining impairment may include, but are not limited to:
·  
the review of the borrower’s audited financial statements and interim financial statements if available,
·  
the borrower’s payment history,
·  
communication with the borrower,
·  
economic conditions in the borrower’s service territory,
·  
pending legal action involving the borrower,
·  
restructure agreements between us and the borrower and
·  
estimates of the value of the borrower’s assets that have been pledged as collateral to secure our loans.

An impairment loss on a loan receivable is recognized as the difference between the recorded investment in the loan and the present value of the estimated future cash flows associated with the loan discounted at the effective interest rate. If the current balance in the receivable is greater than the net present value, the impairment is equal to that difference and a portion of the loan loss allowance is specifically reserved based on the calculated impairment. If future cash flows cannot be estimated, the loan is collateral dependent or foreclosure is probable, the impairment is calculated based on the estimated fair value of the collateral securing the loan.

In calculating the impairment on a loan, the estimates of the expected future cash flows or collateral value are the key estimates made by management. Changes in the estimated future cash flows or collateral value affect the amount of the calculated impairment. The change in cash flows required to make the change in the calculated impairment material will be different for each borrower and depend on the period covered, the effective interest rate at the time the loan became impaired and the amount of the loan outstanding. Estimates are not used to determine our investment in the receivables or the discount rate since, in all cases, the investment is equal to the loan balance outstanding at the reporting date, and the discount rate is equal to the effective interest rate on the loan at the time the loan became impaired.

Our policy for recognizing interest income on impaired loans is determined on a case-by-case basis. An impaired loan to a borrower that is non-performing will typically be placed on non-accrual status and we will reverse all accrued and unpaid interest. We generally apply all cash received during the non-accrual period to the reduction of principal, thereby foregoing interest income recognition. Interest income may be recognized on an accrual basis for restructured impaired loans where the borrower is performing and is expected to continue to perform based on agreed-upon terms.

All loans are written off in the period that it becomes evident that collectability is highly unlikely; however, our efforts to recover all charged-off amounts may continue. The determination to write off all or a portion of a loan balance is made based on various factors on a case-by-case basis including, but not limited to, cash flow analysis and the fair value of collateral securing the borrower’s loans.

Fair Value
We determined the accounting for certain items on our balance sheet at fair value to be a critical accounting policy because of the subjective nature and the requirement for management to make significant estimations in determining the amounts to be recorded. Different assumptions and estimates could also be reasonable, and changes in the assumptions used and estimates made could have a material effect on our financial statements.

The primary instruments recorded on our balance sheet at fair value are derivative financial instruments. Derivative instruments must be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair value. Since these instruments generally do not qualify for hedge accounting, the accounting standards require that we record all changes in fair value through earnings. We record the change in the fair value of derivative instruments, along with realized gains and losses from cash settlements, in the derivative losses line item of the consolidated statement of operations each reporting period.

 
34

 


Since there is not an active secondary market for the types of derivative instruments we use, we obtain market quotes from our dealer counterparties. The market quotes are based on the expected future cash flow and estimated yield curves. We perform our own analysis to confirm the values obtained from the counterparties. The counterparties estimate future interest rates as part of the quotes they provide to us. We adjust all derivatives to fair value on a quarterly basis. The fair value we record will change as estimates of future interest rates change. To estimate the impact of changes to interest rates on the forward value of derivatives, we would need to estimate all changes to interest rates through the maturity of our outstanding derivatives. The maturities of our derivatives in the current portfolio run through 2045. Since many of the derivative instruments we use for risk management have such long-dated maturities, the valuation of these derivatives may require extrapolation of market data that is subject to significant judgment. Accounting standards on fair value require that credit risk be considered in determining the market value of any asset or liability carried at fair value. We adjust the market values of our derivatives received from the counterparties based on our counterparties’ and our credit spreads observed in the credit default swap market.

In addition to the valuation associated with derivative financial instruments, we also present foreclosed assets at fair value when initially recorded on the balance sheet. Foreclosed assets that do not qualify as assets held for sale are periodically reviewed for impairment.

In many instances the valuation of these assets is judgmental and dependent upon comparisons to similar assets or estimations of future cash flows that are expected to be generated by the underlying foreclosed properties. In both of these instances, management uses its best estimates, based upon available market data and/or projections of future cash flows. However, because of the subjective nature of these estimates, other estimates could be reasonable, and changes in the assumptions used and our estimates could have a material effect on our financial statements.

Results of Operations
The following table presents the results of operations for the years ended May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

   
For the years ended May 31,
   
Change from the previous year
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
   
2011
   
2013 vs.
2012
 
2012 vs.
2011
Interest income
$
 955,753
$
 960,961
 
$
  1,008,911
 
$
 (5,208)
$
 (47,950)
Interest expense
 
 (692,025)
 
 (761,778
)
 
  (841,080
)
 
 69,753 
 
 79,302
     Net interest income
 
 263,728
 
 199,183
   
167,831
   
 64,545 
 
 31,352
Recovery of loan losses
 
 70,091
 
 18,108
   
83,010
   
 51,983 
 
 (64,902)
Net interest income after recovery of
                     
loan losses
 
 333,819
 
 217,291
   
250,841
   
 116,528 
 
 (33,550)
                         
Non-interest income:
                       
   Fee and other income
 
 38,181
 
 17,749
   
23,646
   
 20,432 
 
 (5,897)
   Derivative gains (losses)
 
 84,843
 
 (236,620
)
 
(30,236
)
 
 321,463 
 
 (206,384)
   Results of operations from foreclosed assets
 (897)
 
(67,497
)
 
(15,989
)
 
 66,600 
 
(51,508)
        Total non-interest income
 
 122,127
 
 (286,368
)
 
(22,579
)
 
 408,495 
 
 (263,789)
                         
Non-interest expense:
                       
   Salaries and employee benefits
 
 (55,536)
 
 (39,364
)
 
(42,856
)
 
 (16,172)
 
 3,492
   Other general and administrative expenses
 (28,646)
 
 (25,973
)
 
(28,591
)
 
 (2,673)
 
2,618
   Recovery of (provision for) guarantee liability
 4,772
 
 (726
)
 
673
   
 5,498 
 
(1,399)
   Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
 (10,636)
 
 (15,525
)
 
(3,928
)
 
 4,889 
 
 (11,597)
   Other
 
 (5,064)
 
 (739
)
 
(1,018
)
 
 (4,325)
 
 279
        Total non-interest expense
 
 (95,110)
 
 (82,327
)
 
(75,720
)
 
 (12,783)
 
 (6,607)
                         
Income (loss) prior to income taxes
 
 360,836
 
 (151,404
)
 
152,542
   
 512,240 
 
 (303,946)
                         
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 (2,749)
 
 2,607
   
(1,327
)
 
 (5,356)
 
 3,934
Net income (loss)
 
 358,087
 
 (148,797
)
 
151,215
   
 506,884 
 
 (300,012)
Less:  Net (income) loss attributable to
                       
noncontrolling interest
 
 (4,328)
 
 4,070
   
(1,789
)
 
 (8,398)
 
 5,859
Net income (loss) attributable to CFC
$
 353,759
$
 (144,727
)
$
149,426
 
$
 498,486 
$
 (294,153)
Adjusted net income
$
 216,783
$
 74,977
 
$
174,603
 
$
 141,806 
$
 (99,626)
Adjusted interest expense
$
 (748,486)
$
 (774,624
)
$
(847,928
)
$
 26,138
$
 73,304
                         
TIER (1)
 
 1.52
 
 -
   
1.18
         
Adjusted TIER (2)
 
1.29
 
1.10
   
1.21
         

 
35

 


(1) For the year ended May 31, 2012, we reported a net loss of $149 million and, therefore, the TIER calculation for that period results in a value below 1.00.
(2) Adjusted to exclude the effect of the derivative forward value from net income and to include all derivative cash settlements in the interest expense. The derivative forward value and derivative cash settlements are combined in the derivative losses line item in the chart on page 35. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further explanation and a reconciliation of these adjustments.

Interest Income
The following tables break out the average rate on loans and the change to interest income due to changes in average loan volume versus changes to interest rates summarized by loan type.

   
Average balances and interest rates – Assets
 
               
   
Average volume
 
Interest income
 
Average yield
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Long-term fixed-rate loans
$
 17,223,370
$
 16,440,288
$
16,297,697
$
 874,287
$
 878,604
$
904,464
 
5.08
%
5.34
%
5.55
%
Long-term variable-rate loans
 721,747
 
 658,847
 
914,979
 
 21,684
 
 24,374
 
45,590
 
3.00
 
3.70
 
4.98
 
Line of credit loans
 
 1,245,635
 
 1,072,222
 
1,415,919
 
 32,378
 
 30,717
 
44,346
 
2.60
 
2.86
 
3.13
 
Restructured loans
 157,059
 
 461,670
 
487,570
 
 13,956
 
 16,191
 
2,789
 
8.89
 
3.51
 
0.57
 
Non-performing loans
 48,653
 
 39,953
 
242,890
 
 -
 
 -
 
149
 
 -
 
 -
 
0.06
 
   Total
 
 19,396,464
 
 18,672,980
 
19,359,055
 
 942,305
 
 949,886
 
997,338
 
4.86
 
5.09
 
5.15
 
Investments
 
 491,591
 
 334,732
 
326,774
 
 6,325
 
 3,934
 
3,830
 
1.29
 
1.18
 
1.17
 
Fee income (1)
 
 -
 
 -
 
-
 
 7,123
 
 7,141
 
7,743
 
-
 
-
 
 -
 
   Total
$
 19,888,055
$
 19,007,712
$
19,685,829
$
 955,753
$
 960,961
$
1,008,911
 
4.81
 
5.06
 
5.13
 
(1) Primarily related to conversion fees that are deferred and recognized using the effective interest method over the remaining original loan interest rate pricing term, except for a small portion of the total fee charged to cover administrative costs related to the conversion, which is recognized immediately.

     
   
Analysis of changes in interest income
                         
   
2013 vs. 2012
 
2012 vs. 2011
   
Change due to (3)
     
Change due to (3)
   
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Average
volume (1)
 
Average
rate (2)
 
Net
change
 
Average
volume (1)
 
Average
rate (2)
 
Net
change
Increase (decrease) in interest income:
                       
Long-term fixed-rate loans
$
 41,849 
$
 (46,166)
$
 (4,317)
$
 7,913 
$
 (33,773)
$
 (25,860)
Long-term variable-rate loans
 
 2,327 
 
 (5,017)
 
 (2,690)
 
 (12,762)
 
 (8,454)
 
 (21,216)
Line of credit loans
 
 4,968 
 
 (3,307)
 
 1,661 
 
 (10,764)
 
 (2,865)
 
 (13,629)
Restructured loans
 
 (10,683)
 
 8,448 
 
 (2,235)
 
 (148)
 
 13,550 
 
 13,402 
Non-performing loans
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 (124)
 
 (25)
 
 (149)
   Total interest income on loans
 
 38,461 
 
 (46,042)
 
 (7,581)
 
 (15,885)
 
 (31,567)
 
 (47,452)
Investments
 
 1,844 
 
 547 
 
 2,391 
 
 93 
 
 11 
 
 104 
Fee income
 
 - 
 
 (18)
 
 (18)
 
 - 
 
 (602)
 
 (602)
   Total interest income
$
 40,305 
$
 (45,513)
$
 (5,208)
$
 (15,792)
$
 (32,158)
$
 (47,950)
(1) Calculated using the following formula: (current period average balance – prior-year average balance) x prior-year average rate.
(2) Calculated using the following formula: (current period average rate – prior-year average rate) x current period average balance.
(3) The net change attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate has been allocated to each in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of change.

During the year ended May 31, 2013, interest income decreased by 1 percent compared with the prior year. The pay-off of a $414 million restructured loan in September 2012 resulted in an increase to the average yield on restructured loans of 538 basis points during the year ended May 31, 2013. The difference between the restructured payment received and the loan balance resulted in the recognition of an additional $7 million in interest income which is the primary reason for the high average yield on restructured loans for the year ended May 31, 2013.

Excluding the impact of restructured loans, there was a 30 basis-point decrease to the weighted average rate earned on loans, partly offset by a $1,028 million increase in the average loan balance. During the year ended May 31, 2012, interest income decreased by 5 percent compared with the prior year primarily due to a 6 basis-point decrease in the average rate on loans.

As a cost-based lender, our fixed interest rates reflect our cost of borrowing in the capital markets marked up to cover our cost of operations. As benchmark treasury rates and spreads tightened over the past few years, we lowered the long-term fixed rates we offered on our new loans. During the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012, there was a reduction in the rates we had to pay for funding in the capital markets as compared with the respective prior years. As a result, the average long-term fixed interest rates we offered on electric loans for the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012 decreased 46 basis points and 98 basis points, respectively, compared with the prior years. During the year ended May 31, 2013, $1,746 million of long-term fixed-rate loans repriced and the borrowers of $1,450 million of these loans selected a new long-term fixed rate, which was on average lower than the rate prior to the repricing. In addition, the loans advanced to repay obligations of other lenders were done so at rates lower than the average rate for long-term fixed-rate loans at the prior year. Thus, there was a reduction of 26 basis points in the weighted-average rate earned on our long-term fixed-rate loan portfolio during the year

 
36

 


ended May 31, 2013 compared with the prior year. The decrease to the yields earned on long-term variable-rate loans and line of credit loans was due to a reduction to the standard rates we charged for such loans on October 1, 2012.
The decrease in the average yield earned on our loan portfolio was partly offset by the $723 million increase in average loan balances for the year ended May 31, 2013 compared with the prior year. This increase is driven primarily by increases in long-term fixed rate and long-term variable rate loan balances due to advances to CFC and NCSC borrowers to refinance debt from other lenders, to fund capital improvements and for new loan advances. The average balance of long-term fixed-rate loans for the year ended May 31, 2013 represented 89 percent of the total average loan balance as compared with 88 percent for the prior year.

Our non-performing and restructured loans on non-accrual status affect interest income for the current and prior years. The effect of non-accrual loans on interest income is included in the rate variance in the table above. Foregone interest income as a result of holding loans on non-accrual status:

                   
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
   
2011
   
Electric
$
 491
$
 7,918
 
$
23,690
   
Telecommunications
 
 447
 
 433
   
7,404
   
     Total
$
 938
$
 8,351
 
$
31,094
   

The decrease in interest foregone for electric loans in fiscal year 2013 and 2012 was due to placing a $420 million restructured loan on accrual status on October 1, 2011, which was paid off in September 2012. The reduction to interest foregone for telecommunications loans in fiscal year 2013 and 2012, compared to fiscal year 2011, was due to the significant lower balance of telecommunications loans on non-accrual status during fiscal year 2013 and 2012.

Interest Expense
The following tables break out the average cost of debt and the change to interest expense due to changes in average debt volume versus changes to interest rates summarized by debt type. We do not fund each individual loan with specific debt. Rather, we attempt to minimize costs and maximize efficiency by funding large aggregated amounts of loans. The following tables also break out the change to derivative cash settlements due to changes in the average notional amount of our derivative portfolio versus changes to the net difference between the average rate paid and the average rate received. Additionally, the tables present adjusted interest expense, which includes all derivative cash settlements in interest expense. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further explanation of the adjustment we make in our financial analysis to include all derivative cash settlements in interest expense.
 
   
Average balances and interest rates – Liabilities
 
               
   
Average volume
 
Interest expense
 
Average cost
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Short-term debt (1) (2)
$
 3,739,450
$
 3,011,409
$
2,767,493
$
 (6,888)
$
 (5,836)
$
(8,886)
 
(0.18)
%
(0.19)
%
 (0.32)
%
Medium-term notes (1)
 
 2,623,428
 
 3,078,905
 
3,877,036
 
 (95,495)
 
 (173,927)
 
(241,545)
 
(3.64)
 
(5.65)
 
 (6.23)
 
Collateral trust bonds (1)
 
 6,202,374
 
 5,796,367
 
5,251,158
 
 (327,978)
 
 (314,642)
 
(306,332)
 
(5.29)
 
(5.43)
 
 (5.83)
 
Subordinated deferrable debt (1)
 
 216,669
 
 180,962
 
211,428
 
 (12,922)
 
 (11,225)
 
(13,358)
 
(5.96)
 
(6.20)
 
 (6.32)
 
Subordinated certificates (1)
 1,716,065
 
 1,718,055
 
1,783,091
 
 (81,920)
 
 (81,124)
 
(82,057)
 
(4.77)
 
(4.72)
 
 (4.60)
 
Long-term notes payable (1)
 4,912,791
 
 4,518,181
 
4,654,860
 
 (150,553)
 
 (154,606)
 
(167,700)
 
(3.06)
 
(3.42)
 
 (3.60)
 
    Total
 
19,410,777
 
 18,303,879
 
18,545,066
 
 (675,756)
 
 (741,360)
 
(819,878)
 
(3.48)
 
(4.05)
 
 (4.42)
 
Debt issuance costs (3)
 
 -
 
 -
 
-
 
 (7,582)
 
 (9,044)
 
 (10,358)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
Fee expense (4)
 
 -
 
 -
 
-
 
 (8,687)
 
 (11,374)
 
 (10,844)
 
-
 
-
 
    -
 
  Total
$
19,410,777
$
 18,303,879
$
18,545,066
$
 (692,025)
$
 (761,778)
$
(841,080)
 
(3.57)
 
(4.16)
 
 (4.54)
 
                                       
Derivative cash settlements (5)
$
 9,148,214
$
 10,123,071
$
11,152,698
$
 (56,461)
$
 (12,846)
$
(6,848)
 
 (0.62)
%
 (0.13)
%
 (0.06)
%
Adjusted interest expense (6)
19,410,777
 
 18,303,879
 
18,545,066
 
 (748,486)
 
 (774,624)
 
(847,928)
 
 (3.86)
 
 (4.23)
 
 (4.57)
 
(1) Interest expense includes the amortization of discounts on debt.
(2) Average volume and interest expense includes commercial paper, daily liquidity fund, bank bid notes and select notes.
(3) Interest expense includes amortization of all deferred charges related to debt issuances, principally underwriter’s fees, legal fees, printing costs and comfort letter fees. Amortization is calculated on the effective interest method. Also includes issuance costs related to dealer commercial paper, which are recognized as incurred.
(4) Interest expense includes various fees related to funding activities, including fees paid to banks participating in our revolving credit agreements. Fees are recognized as incurred or amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the respective agreement.
(5) For derivative cash settlements, average volume represents the average notional amount of derivative contracts outstanding, and the average cost represents the net difference between the average rate paid and the average rate received for cash settlements during the period.
(6) See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further explanation of the adjustment we make in our financial analysis to include the derivative cash settlements in interest expense.

 
37

 


   
Analysis of changes in interest expense
                         
   
2013 vs. 2012
 
2012 vs. 2011
   
Change due to (3)
     
Change due to (3)
   
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Average
volume (1)
 
Average
rate (2)
 
Net
change
 
Average
volume (1)
 
Average
rate (2)
 
Net
change
(Increase) decrease in interest expense:
                       
Short-term debt
$
 (1,411)
$
 359 
$
 (1,052)
$
 (784)
$
 3,834 
$
 3,050 
Medium-term notes
 
 25,730 
 
 52,702 
 
 78,432 
 
 49,725 
 
 17,893 
 
    67,618 
Collateral trust bonds
 
 (22,039)
 
 8,703 
 
 (13,336)
 
 (31,805)
 
 23,495 
 
 (8,310)
Subordinated deferrable debt
 
 (2,215)
 
 518 
 
 (1,697)
 
 1,925 
 
 208 
 
 2,133 
Subordinated certificates
 
 94 
 
 (890)
 
 (796)
 
 2,993 
 
 (2,060)
 
 933 
Long-term notes payable
 
 (13,503)
 
 17,556 
 
 4,053 
 
 4,924 
 
 8,170 
 
 13,094 
   Total interest expense on debt
 
 (13,344)
 
 78,948 
 
 65,604 
 
 26,978 
 
 51,540 
 
 78,518 
Debt issuance costs
 
 
 1,462 
 
 1,462 
 
 
 1,314 
 
 1,314 
Fee expense
 
 
 2,687 
 
 2,687 
 
 
 (530)
 
 (530)
   Total interest expense
$
 (13,344)
$
 83,097 
$
 69,753 
$
 26,978 
$
 52,324 
$
 79,302 
                         
Derivative cash settlements (4)
$
 1,237 
$
 (44,852)
$
 (43,615)
$
 632 
$
 (6,630)
$
 (5,998)
Adjusted interest expense (5)
   
 (12,107)
 
 38,245 
 
 26,138 
 
 27,610 
 
45,694 
 
73,304 
(1) Calculated using the following formula: (current period average balance – prior-year average balance) x prior-year average rate.
(2) Calculated using the following formula: (current period average rate – prior-year average rate) x current period average balance.
(3) The net change attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate has been allocated to each in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of change.
(4) For derivative cash settlements, variance due to average volume represents the change in derivative cash settlements that resulted from the change in the average notional amount of derivative contracts outstanding. Variance due to average rate represents the change in derivative cash settlements that resulted from the net difference between the average rate paid and the average rate received for interest rate swaps during the period.
(5) See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further explanation of the adjustment we make in our financial analysis to include the derivative cash settlements in interest expense.

During the year ended May 31, 2013, the average balance of debt outstanding increased by $1,107 million in order to fund the overall growth in our balance sheet. Despite the increase in average debt outstanding, total interest expense decreased by 9 percent compared with the prior year. The lower interest rates and tighter credit spreads available in the capital markets allowed us to refinance maturing debt at a lower cost. Specifically, the decrease in interest expense for the year ended May 31, 2013 is due to the 59 basis-point reduction in the total cost of debt. The lower average cost of debt is primarily due to the refinancing of $1,500 million of 7.25 percent medium-term notes throughout fiscal 2012 and $340 million of 8 percent medium-term notes in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. We funded the refinancing of higher cost medium-term notes as well as the overall growth in our balance sheet with a mix of lower-cost short-term debt, medium-term notes, collateral trust bonds, and notes payable issued under our Guaranteed Underwriter Program and our agreement with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. Short-term debt is our lowest cost of funding, with an average cost of 18 basis points for the year ended May 31, 2013. Our utilization of short-term debt increased during fiscal year 2013 to 19 percent of total debt from 16 percent in the prior year.

During the year ended May 31, 2012, interest expense decreased by 9 percent compared with the prior year primarily due to the 38 basis-point reduction in the total cost of debt. The lower average cost of debt was due to the lower cost of issuing new debt in the capital markets, especially commercial paper and daily liquidity fund, and the refinancing of $1,500 million of higher cost medium-term notes with commercial paper and lower cost collateral trust bonds. Our utilization of short-term debt increased during fiscal year 2012 to 16 percent of total debt from 15 percent in the prior year, while the weighted average rate paid for these instruments decreased from 32 basis points to 19 basis points, a 41 percent reduction.

The adjusted interest expense, which includes all derivative cash settlements, was $748 million for the year ended May 31, 2013, compared with $775 million and $848 million for the years ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in adjusted interest expense during the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012 was due to the lower interest expense noted above, partially offset by an increase in derivative cash settlements expense during the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012. The increase in derivative cash settlements was primarily driven by the maturity of $1,000 million of receive-fixed pay-variable interest rate swaps on March 1, 2012 on which we had a positive spread of more than 500 basis points. Our adjusted interest expense fell from an average of $71 million per month for fiscal year 2011 to $65 million per month for fiscal year 2012 and $62 million per month for fiscal year 2013. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further explanation of the adjustment we make in our financial analysis to include all derivative cash settlements in interest expense.

Net Interest Income
The following tables represent a summary of the effect on net interest income and adjusted net interest income from changes in the components of total interest income and total interest expense described above. The following tables also summarize the net yield and adjusted net yield and the changes to net interest income and adjusted net interest income due to changes in average balances versus changes to average rate/cost.

 
38

 


   
Average interest rates – Assets and Liabilities
 
                           
   
For the years ended May 31,
 
   
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Interest income (expense)
 
Average yield (cost)
 
Total interest income
$
 955,753 
$
 960,961
$
1,008,911
 
4.81
%
5.06
%
5.13
%
Total interest expense
 
 (692,025)
 
 (761,778
)
(841,080
)
 (3.57)
 
 (4.16
 (4.54
Net interest income/Net yield
$
 263,728 
$
 199,183
$
167,831
 
 1.24
%
0.90
%
0.59
%
Derivative cash settlements
 
 (56,461)
 
 (12,846
(6,848
)
 (0.62)
 
 (0.13
(0.06
Adjusted net interest income/Adjusted net yield (1)(2)
$
 207,267 
$
 186,337
$
160,983
 
 0.95
 
0.83
 
0.55
 
(1) See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further explanation of the adjustment we make in our financial analysis to include the derivative cash settlements in interest expense, which affects adjusted net interest income.
(2) Adjusted net yield is calculated as the average yield on total interest income less the average yield on adjusted interest expense. Adjusted interest expense includes interest expense from derivative cash settlements.

   
Analysis of changes in net interest income
                         
   
2013 vs. 2012
 
2012 vs. 2011
   
Change due to (3)
     
Change due to (3)
   
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Average
volume (1)
 
Average
rate (2)
 
Net
change
 
Average
volume (1)
 
Average
rate (2)
 
Net
change
Increase (decrease) in net interest income
$
 26,961
$
 37,584
$
 64,545
$
 11,186
$
 20,166
$
 31,352
Increase in adjusted net interest income
 28,198
 
 (7,268
 20,930
 
11,818
 
13,536
 
25,354
(1) Calculated using the following formula: (current period average balance – prior-year average balance) x prior-year average rate.
(2) Calculated using the following formula: (current period average rate – prior-year average rate) x current period average balance.
(3) The net change attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate has been allocated to each in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of change.

Net interest income for the year ended May 31, 2013 increased 32 percent compared with the prior year while net interest income increased 19 percent for the year ended May 31, 2012 compared with the prior year. The increase to the net interest income for the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012, as compared with the respective prior year, was primarily due to the reduction to interest expense that exceeded the decrease in interest income. The primary factor driving the reduction to interest expense was our refinancing of maturing term debt with lower cost debt during fiscal years 2012 and 2013. We maintained a higher average balance of commercial paper and collateral trust bonds, which have a lower weighted-average cost, in our overall funding mix and decreased the utilization of medium-term notes.

Adjusted net interest income for the year ended May 31, 2013 increased 11 percent compared with the prior year while adjusted net interest income increased 16 percent for the year ended May 31, 2012 compared with the prior year. The increase to adjusted net interest income for the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012, as compared with the respective prior year, was primarily due to the reduction to interest expense that exceeded the decrease in interest income. The reduction to interest expense was partly offset by the increase to derivative cash settlements expense. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further explanation of the adjustment we make in our financial analysis to include all derivative cash settlements in determining our adjusted interest expense which, in turn, affects adjusted net interest income.

Recovery of Loan Losses
The loan loss recovery during the year ended May 31, 2013 was $70 million compared with $18 million during the prior year. The loan loss recovery of $70 million for the year ended May 31, 2013 was due to the decrease to the allowance held for general loans of $56 million, the decrease in the qualitative component of the general reserve of $11 million, and the decrease to the allowance held for impaired loans of $22 million offset by the $19 million write-off for one of our borrowers that was moved from non-performing loans to restructured loans during the year. The allowance held for the general portfolio decreased because we updated certain assumptions used to estimate defaults, which included transitioning from the S&P corporate bond default table to the S&P utility sector default table, refining the linkage between the Company’s internal risk ratings and the S&P ratings and reassessing and reducing the loss emergence period. In addition, we refined our approach to the qualitative component of the general reserve by focusing on risk factors not captured in the general allowance for loan loss. Specifically, this component covers the additional risks that are not captured in the risk ratings of our borrowers or the model for calculating the general portfolio loan loss allowance.

The loan loss recovery of $18 million for the year ended May 31, 2012 was primarily due to a decrease in the allowance held for impaired loans of $11 million and a decrease in the allowance held for the general portfolio of $7 million.

Non-interest Income
Non-interest income increased by $408 million for the year ended May 31, 2013 compared with the prior year because non-interest income was $122 million for the year ended May 31, 2013 compared to a non-interest loss position of $286 million for the year ended May 31, 2012. These changes were primarily due to the increase in derivative gains of $321 million, the

 
39

 


decrease in loss from operations of foreclosed assets of $67 million and the increase in fee income of $20 million. The decrease in loss from operations of foreclosed assets is primarily due to the reversal of $10 million of previously accrued expenses in the third quarter of fiscal year 2013 at Caribbean Asset Holdings (“CAH”), a $3 million settlement gain received in the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, and the $45 million impairment recorded in the third quarter of fiscal year 2012 at CAH. Excluding the impact of these items, we have seen improvement in the overall results of operations of CAH since the prior year. The increase in fee income was primarily due to a $13 million prepayment fee received on a capital expenditures loan in September 2012. Non-interest income decreased by $264 million for the year ended May 31, 2012 compared with the prior year primarily due to increases in derivative losses of $206 million and an increase in the loss on foreclosed asset operations of $52 million. The increase to the loss on foreclosed asset operations was primarily due to impairment charges for goodwill and other assets related to CAH’s telecommunications and cable television operations totaling $45 million recorded during the third quarter of fiscal year 2012.

The derivative gains (losses) line item includes income and losses recorded for our interest rate swaps as summarized below for the years ended May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
2013
 
2012
   
2011
             
Derivative cash settlements
$
 (56,461)
$
 (12,846)
 
$
(6,848
)
           
Derivative forward value
 
 141,304
 
 (223,774)
   
(23,388
)
           
Derivative gains (losses)
$
 84,843
$
 (236,620)
 
$
(30,236
)
           

We currently use two types of interest rate exchange agreements:  (i) we pay a fixed rate and receive a variable rate and (ii) we pay a variable rate and receive a fixed rate. The following chart provides a breakout of the average notional amount outstanding by type of interest rate exchange agreement and the weighted average interest rate paid and received for cash settlements during the years ended May 31:

   
2013
   
2012
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Average
notional
balance
 
Weighted-
average
rate paid
 
Weighted-
average
rate received
   
Average
notional
balance
 
Weighted-
average
rate paid
 
Weighted-
average
rate received
 
Pay fixed-receive variable
$
 5,570,239
 
3.56
%
0.35
%
$
 5,438,576
 
3.93
%
0.39
%
Pay variable-receive fixed
 
 3,577,975
 
1.18
 
4.65
   
 4,684,495
 
1.31
 
5.18
 
Total
$
 9,148,214
 
2.63
 
2.03
 
$
 10,123,071
 
2.72
 
2.61
 

During the year ended May 31, 2013, the weighted-average rate we paid on our interest rate swap agreements was 60 basis points higher than the weighted-average rate we received, compared with 11 basis points higher than the weighted-average rate we received during the prior year. The primary reason for the increase in the weighted-average outflow was the reduction in the average notional amount for our pay variable-receive fixed interest rate swaps, due to a total of $650 million of pay variable-receive fixed interest rate swaps that matured since May 31, 2012.

The derivative forward value represents the change in fair value of our interest rate swaps during the reporting period due to changes in the estimate of future interest rates over the remaining life of our derivative contracts. The derivative forward value recorded for the year ended May 31, 2013 increased by $365 million compared with the prior year. For the year ended May 31, 2013 the derivative value forward gain of $141 million was due to the upward shift in the steepness of the estimated yield curve for our swaps of 108 basis points based on market expectations of interest rates. During the year ended May 31, 2013, the increase in fair value for our pay fixed-receive variable interest rate swaps outweighed the decrease in fair value for pay variable-receive fixed swaps as pay fixed-receive variable interest rate swaps represented 61 percent of our derivative contracts and they are more sensitive to changes in the estimated yield curve as they have a higher weighted-average maturity than our pay variable-receive fixed interest rate swaps. For the year ended May 31, 2013, the fair value of pay variable-receive fixed swaps declined as a result of swap maturities and remaining tenors within the pay variable-receive fixed swap portfolio.

Non-interest Expense
Non-interest expense increased by $13 million during the year ended May 31, 2013 compared with prior year due to the $16 million increase in salaries and employee benefit expenses, the $3 million increase in other general and administrative expenses, the $4 million increase in other expenses, partially offset by the $5 million decrease of loss on early extinguishment of debt and the $5 million increase in the guarantee recovery. The increase in salaries and employee benefits expenses during the year ended May 31, 2013 was due to the voluntary $13 million contribution that CFC made to its NRECA sponsored Retirement Security Plan in January 2013. We made this payment to obtain a reduction in the base rate we will pay for the pension plan in all future periods. The increase in other general and administrative expenses during the year ended May 31, 2013 is driven by $3 million in transaction costs incurred associated with the debt exchange that closed in October 2012. The increase in other expenses during the year ended May 31, 2013 is due to a payment of $4 million related to the ICC bankruptcy. The Chapter 11 trustee for the ICC cases proposed a plan of liquidation based upon a $4 million payment by CFC. The plan was accepted by the voting creditors and other interested parties and confirmed by the

 
40

 


Court in November 2012 resulting in broad releases of RTFC, CFC, and related parties and affiliates. The above items were partly offset by the $5 million decrease in loss on early extinguishment of debt due to the loss recorded during the prior year related to the early redemption of $500 million of medium-term notes.

Net Income (Loss)
The changes in the items described above resulted in net income of $358 million for the year ended May 31, 2013 compared with net loss of $149 million and net income of $151 million for the years ended May 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The adjusted net income, which excludes the effect of the derivative forward value, was $217 million, $75 million and $175 million for the years ended May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Based on the adjusted net income, adjusted TIER was 1.29, 1.10 and 1.21 for the years ended May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further explanation of the adjustments we make in our financial analysis to net income.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to the Noncontrolling Interest
The net income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest represents 100 percent of the results of operations of RTFC and NCSC as the members of RTFC and NCSC own or control 100 percent of the interest in their respective companies. Noncontrolling interest for the year ended May 31, 2013 represents $4.3 million of net income, compared with net loss of $4.1 million and net income of $1.8 million, respectively, for the years ended May 31, 2012 and 2011. Fluctuations in net income and loss are primarily due to fluctuations in the fair value of NCSC’s derivative instruments.

Financial Condition

Loan and Guarantee Portfolio Assessment
Loan Programs
We are a cost-based lender that offers long-term fixed- and variable-rate loans and line of credit variable-rate loans. Borrowers choose between a variable interest rate or a fixed interest rate for periods of one to 35 years. When a selected fixed interest rate term expires, the borrower may select another fixed-rate term or the variable rate.

The following table summarizes loans outstanding by type and by member class at May 31:

(dollar amounts in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Loans by type (1):
 
Amount
 
%
   
Amount
 
%
   
Amount
 
%
   
Amount
 
%
   
Amount
 
%
 
Long-term loans:
                                                 
Long-term fixed-rate loans
$
  17,918
 
88
%
$
  16,743
 
89
%
$
16,405
 
85
%
$
15,413
 
80
%
$
14,602
 
73
%
Long-term variable-rate loans
 
 782
 
4
   
 765
 
4
   
1,278
 
7
   
2,089
 
11
   
3,244
 
16
 
Loans guaranteed by RUS
 
 211
 
1
   
 219
 
1
   
227
 
1
   
237
 
1
   
244
 
1
 
Total long-term loans
 
 18,911
 
93
   
 17,727
 
94
   
17,910
 
93
   
17,739
 
92
   
18,090
 
90
 
Line of credit loans
 
 1,385
 
7
   
 1,185
 
6
   
1,415
 
7
   
1,599
 
8
   
2,098
 
10
 
Total loans
$
 20,296
 
100
%
$
 18,912
 
100
%
$
19,325
 
100
%
$
19,338
 
100
%
$
20,188
 
100
%
                                                   
Loans by member class (1):
                                                 
CFC:
                                                 
Distribution
$
 14,941
 
74
%
$
 14,075
 
74
%
$
13,760
 
71
%
$
13,459
 
70
%
$
13,730
 
68
%
Power supply
 
 4,008
 
20
   
 3,597
 
19
   
4,092
 
21
   
3,770
 
19
   
4,268
 
21
 
Statewide and associate
 
  71
 
 -
   
  74
 
1
   
90
 
1
   
86
 
-
   
93
 
1
 
CFC total
 
 19,020
 
94
   
 17,746
 
94
   
17,942
 
93
   
17,315
 
89
   
18,091
 
90
 
RTFC
 
  503
 
2
   
  572
 
3
   
859
 
4
   
1,672
 
9
   
1,680
 
 8
 
NCSC
 
 773
 
4
   
 594
 
3
   
524
 
3
   
351
 
2
   
417
 
2
 
Total
 
$
 20,296
 
100
%
$
18,912
 
100
%
$
19,325
 
100
%
$
19,338
 
100
%
$
20,188
 
100
%
(1) Includes loans classified as restructured and non-performing.

The balance of loans outstanding increased by $1,384 million during the year ended May 31, 2013 primarily due to an increase of $866 million in CFC distribution loans, an increase of $411 million in CFC power supply loans and an increase of $179 million in NCSC loans partly offset by a decrease of $69 million in RTFC loans. The increase in CFC distribution loans was largely offset by the pay-off of a $414 million restructured loan and the prepayment of a $19 million capital expenditures loan by a restructured borrower in September 2012.

During the year ended May 31, 2013, $1,746 million of CFC long-term fixed-rate loans repriced. Of this total, $1,450 million selected a new long-term fixed rate; $173 million selected the long-term variable rate; $27 million selected a new rate offered as part of our loan sale program and were sold by CFC with CFC continuing to service the loans sold; and $96 million were prepaid in full.

 
41

 


The following table summarizes loans and guarantees outstanding by member class at May 31:

   
2013
   
2012
   
Increase/
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Amount
 
% of Total
   
Amount
 
% of Total
   
(decrease)
 
CFC:
                         
Distribution
$
 15,186,457
 
71
%
$
 14,415,856
 
72
%
$
 770,601 
 
Power supply
 
  4,818,569
 
 23
   
  4,451,264
 
22
   
 367,305 
 
Statewide and associate
 
 77,904
 
 -
   
 80,808
 
 - 
   
 (2,904)
 
CFC total
 
 20,082,930
 
94
   
 18,947,928
 
94
   
 1,135,002 
 
RTFC
 
 507,070
 
2
   
 572,592
 
3
   
 (65,522)
 
NCSC
 
 819,088
 
4
   
 640,552
 
3
   
 178,536 
 
Total loans and guarantees
$
   21,409,088
 
100
%
$
   20,161,072
 
100
%
$
 1,248,016 
 

Credit Concentration
CFC, RTFC and NCSC each have policies that limit the amount of credit that can be extended to individual borrowers or a controlled group of borrowers. The credit limitation policies cap the total exposure and unsecured exposure to the borrower based on an assessment of the borrower’s risk profile and our internal risk rating system. As a member-owned cooperative lender, we balance the needs of our members and the risk associated with concentrations of credit exposure. Each board of directors must approve new credit requests from borrowers with total exposure or unsecured exposure in excess of the limits in the policies. Management may use syndicated credit arrangements, loan participations and loan sales to manage credit concentrations.

The service territories of our electric and telecommunications members are located throughout the United States and its territories, including 49 states, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, loans outstanding to members in any one state or territory did not exceed 15 percent and 17 percent of total loans outstanding, respectively.

At May 31, 2013 and 2012, the total exposure outstanding to any one borrower or controlled group did not exceed 2.2 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively, of total loans and guarantees outstanding. At May 31, 2013, the 10 largest borrowers included four distribution systems and six power supply systems. At May 31, 2012, the 10 largest borrowers included five distribution systems and five power supply systems. The following table represents the exposure to the 10 largest borrowers as a percentage of total exposure presented by type of exposure and by company at May 31:

  
  
2013
  
  
2012
   
Increase/
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Amount
 
% of Total
   
Amount
 
% of Total
   
(decrease)
 
Total by exposure type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
Loans
$
 2,981,627
 
 
14
%
$
 2,852,364
 
 
14
%
$
 129,263 
 
Guarantees
 
 374,340
 
 
2
 
 
 481,706
 
 
3
 
 
 (107,366)
 
Total credit exposure to 10 largest borrowers
$
 3,355,967
 
 
16
%
$
 3,334,070
 
 
17
%
$
 21,897 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
     
 
   
Total by company:
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
     
 
   
CFC
$
 3,240,755
 
 
15
%
$
 3,314,070
 
 
17
%
$
 (73,315)
 
NCSC
 
 115,212
 
 
1
 
 
 20,000
 
 
-
 
 
 95,212 
 
Total credit exposure to 10 largest borrowers
$
 3,355,967
 
 
16
%
$
 3,334,070
 
 
17
%
$
 21,897 
 

Security Provisions
Except when providing line of credit loans, we typically lend to our members on a senior secured basis. Long-term loans are typically secured on parity with other secured lenders (primarily RUS), if any, by all assets and revenue of the borrower with exceptions typical in utility mortgages. Line of credit loans are generally unsecured. Guarantee reimbursement obligations are typically secured on parity with other secured creditors by substantially all assets and revenue of the borrower or by the underlying financed asset. In addition to the collateral pledged to secure our loans, borrowers are also required to set rates charged to customers to achieve certain financial ratios. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, $2,243 million and $1,658 million out of $20,296 million and $18,912 million, respectively, of total loans outstanding were unsecured, representing 11 percent and 9 percent of total loans outstanding, respectively.

 
42

 


Pledged Loans and Loans on Deposit
The following table summarizes our secured debt or debt requiring collateral on deposit, the excess collateral pledged and our unencumbered loans at May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
Total loans to members
$
 20,296,317 
$
 18,911,742
 
Less: Total secured debt or debt requiring
         
collateral on deposit
 
 (11,380,734)
 
 (10,927,587
)
Excess collateral pledged or on deposit (1)
 
 (1,825,020)
 
 (1,870,675
)
Unencumbered loans
$
 7,090,563 
$
 6,113,480
 
           
Unencumbered loans as a percentage of total loans
 
 35
%
 32
%
(1) Excludes cash collateral pledged to secure debt. Unless and until there is an event of default, we can withdraw excess collateral as long as there is 100 percent coverage of the secured debt. If there is an event of default under most of our indentures, we can only withdraw this excess collateral if we substitute cash of equal value.

Non-performing and Restructured Loans
The following table presents a summary of non-performing and restructured loans as a percentage of total loans and total loans and guarantees outstanding at May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Non-performing loans (1)
$
 15,497
 
$
 41,213
 
$
 31,344
 
$
 560,527
 
$
523,758
 
Percent of loans outstanding
 
0.08
%
 
0.22
%
 
0.16
%
 
2.90
%
 
2.59
%
Percent of loans and guarantees outstanding
 
0.07
   
0.20
   
0.15
   
2.73
   
2.44
 
                               
Restructured loans
$
 46,953
 
$
 455,689
 
$
 474,381
 
$
 508,044
 
$
 537,587
 
Percent of loans outstanding
 
0.23
%
 
2.41
%
 
2.45
%
 
2.63
%
 
2.66
%
Percent of loans and guarantees outstanding
 
0.22
   
2.26
   
2.32
   
2.48
   
2.50
 
                               
Total non-performing and restructured loans
$
 62,450
 
$
 496,902
 
$
 505,725
 
$
 1,068,571
 
$
1,061,345
 
Percent of loans outstanding
 
0.31
%
 
2.63
%
 
2.61
%
 
5.53
%
 
5.25
%
Percent of loans and guarantees outstanding
 
0.29
   
2.46
   
2.47
   
5.21
   
4.94
 
                               
Total non-accrual loans
$
 23,081
 
$
 41,213
 
$
 465,312
 
$
 1,022,924
 
$
1,014,585
 
Percent of loans outstanding
 
0.11
%
 
0.22
%
 
2.41
%
 
5.29
%
 
5.03
%
Percent of loans and guarantees outstanding
   
0.11
   
0.20
   
2.28
   
4.99
   
4.73
 
(1) All loans classified as non-performing were on non-accrual status.

A borrower is classified as non-performing when any one of the following criteria is met:
·  
principal or interest payments on any loan to the borrower are past due 90 days or more;
·  
as a result of court proceedings, repayment on the original terms is not anticipated; or
·  
for some other reason, management does not expect the timely repayment of principal and interest.

Once a borrower is classified as non-performing, we typically place the loan on non-accrual status and reverse all accrued and unpaid interest back to the date of the last payment.

At May 31, 2013 and 2012, non-performing loans totaled $15 million, or 0.1 percent, of loans outstanding and $41 million or 0.2 percent, of loans outstanding, respectively. One borrower in this group is currently in bankruptcy. The trustee for the borrower filed a disclosure statement and draft plan of reorganization on February 15, 2013. The trustee filed an amended disclosure statement and plan of reorganization on August 14, 2013. The amended disclosure statement and plan of reorganization will be subject to certain changes and ultimate approval of the bankruptcy court, which is expected to occur following a hearing on September 24, 2013. Confirmation of the amended plan of reorganization is expected to occur on November 12, 2013. Another borrower in this group is contesting a ruling that it is required to repay state USF payments received. There are two other borrowers that are currently seeking buyers for their systems, as it is not anticipated that they will have sufficient cash flow to repay their loans without the proceeds from the sale of the business. It is currently anticipated that even with the sale of the business, there will not be sufficient funds to repay the full amount owed. We have approval rights with respect to the sale of either of these companies.

At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we had restructured loans totaling $47 million, or 0.2 percent, of loans outstanding and $456 million, or 2.4 percent, of loans outstanding, respectively, all of which were performing according to their restructured terms. Approximately $14 million of interest income was accrued on restructured loans during the year ended May 31, 2013, respectively, compared with $16 million of interest income in the prior year. One of the restructured loans totaling $39 million and $40 million at May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, has been on accrual status since the time of restructuring. One restructured loan totaling $416 million at May 31, 2012 was on non-accrual status through September 30, 2011, with all amounts collected being applied against the principal balance. On October 1, 2011, the principal balance of the loan was

 
43

 


reduced below the level of a prepayment option and as such we placed the loan on accrual status at that time at a rate based on the effective rate returned by the future scheduled cash flows. This loan was paid off early by the borrower on September 13, 2012.

Another loan totaling $8 million and $29 million, respectively, at May 31, 2013 and May 31, 2012 was moved from non-performing loans to restructured loans during fiscal year 2013. The related plan of reorganization was approved by the court on April 1, 2013 and it became effective on May 31, 2013. Following the court’s decision, we recorded a $19 million write-off to decrease the original loan balance to the restructured loan balance of $8 million, the net present value of the future estimated payments discounted at our posted 20-year loan rate at the restructure date. The restructured loan is on non-accrual status.

Based on our analysis, we believe we have an adequate loan loss allowance for our exposure related to non-performing and restructured loans at May 31, 2013.

Allowance for Loan Losses
We maintain an allowance for loan losses at a level estimated by management to provide adequately for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is determined based upon evaluation of the loan portfolio, past loss experience, specific problem loans, economic conditions and other pertinent factors that, in management’s judgment, could affect the risk of loss in the loan portfolio. We review and adjust the allowance quarterly to cover estimated probable losses in the portfolio. All loans are written off in the period that it becomes evident that collectability is highly unlikely; however, our efforts to recover all charged-off amounts may continue. Management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover estimated probable portfolio losses.

Under a guarantee agreement, CFC reimburses RTFC and NCSC for loan losses; therefore, RTFC and NCSC do not maintain separate loan loss reserves. Activity in the allowance for loan losses is summarized below including a disaggregation by company of the allowance for loan losses held at CFC:

   
As of and for the years ended May 31,
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
   
2011
 
2010
   
2009
 
Beginning balance
$
 143,326 
$
 161,177
 
$
592,764
$
622,960
 
$
514,906
 
(Recovery of) provision for loan losses
 
 (70,091)
 
 (18,108
)
 
(83,010
)
(30,415
)
 
113,699
 
Net (charge-off) recovery
 
 (18,910)
 
 257
   
(348,577
)
219
   
(5,645
)
Ending balance
$
 54,325 
$
 143,326
 
$
161,177
$
592,764
 
$
622,960
 
`
                         
Loan loss allowance by company:
                         
  CFC (1)
$
 41,246 
$
 126,941
 
$
 143,706
$
177,655
 
$
224,688
 
  RTFC (1)
 
 9,158 
 
 8,562
   
 8,389
 
406,214
   
378,194
 
  NCSC (1)
 
 3,921 
 
 7,823
   
 9,082
 
8,895
   
20,078
 
Total
$
 54,325 
$
 143,326
 
$
 161,177
$
592,764
 
$
622,960
 
                           
As a percentage of total loans outstanding
 
 0.27 
%
 0.76
%
 
 0.84
%
3.07
%
 
3.09
%
As a percentage of total non-performing loans outstanding
 
 350.55 
 
 347.77
   
 514.22
 
105.75
   
118.94
 
As a percentage of total restructured loans outstanding
 
 115.70 
 
 31.45
   
 33.98
 
116.68
   
115.88
 
As a percentage of total loans on non-accrual
 
 235.37 
 
 347.77
   
 34.64
 
57.95
   
61.40
 
(1) The allowance for loan losses recorded for RTFC and NCSC is held at CFC with the exception of the NCSC loan loss allowance of less than $1 million for the years ended May 31, 2010 and 2009 required to cover the exposure for consumer loans. The balance of NCSC’s consumer loans was reduced to zero at May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Our loan loss allowance decreased by $89 million from May 31, 2012 to May 31, 2013 due to the decrease to the allowance held for general loans of $56 million, the decrease in the qualitative component of the general reserve of $11 million and the decrease to the allowance held for impaired loans of $22 million. The decrease in the allowance held for general loans is due to refinements in assumptions used to estimate of our allowance for loan losses. The decrease in the allowance held for impaired loans was primarily due to the $19 million write-off for one of our borrowers that was moved from non-performing loans to restructured loans during the year. Our loan loss allowance decreased by $18 million from May 31, 2011 to May 31, 2012 due to reductions in the allowance held for the impaired loans of $11 million and a decrease to the allowance held for general loans of $7 million. See Recovery of Loan Losses in the Results of Operations section for further discussion. On a quarterly basis, we review all non-performing and restructured borrowers, as well as certain additional borrowers selected based on known facts and circumstances, to determine if the loans to the borrowers are impaired and/or to determine if there are changes to a previously impaired loan. We calculate a borrower’s impairment based on the expected future cash flows or the fair value of the collateral securing our loans to the borrower if cash flow cannot be estimated. As events related to the borrower take place and economic conditions and our assumptions change, the impairment calculations will change.

At May 31, 2013 and 2012, there was a total specific loan loss allowance balance of $3 million and $25 million, respectively, related to impaired loans totaling $62 million and $497 million, respectively.

 
44

 


Liabilities and Equity
Outstanding Debt
The following table breaks out our debt outstanding and the weighted average interest rates by type of debt at May 31:

   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Amounts
Outstanding
 
Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate
   
Amounts Outstanding
 
Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate
   
Amounts
Outstanding
 
Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate
 
Commercial paper
                             
  sold through dealers, net of discounts
$
 2,009,884
 
0.16
%
$
 1,404,901
 
0.18
%
$
1,471,715
 
0.26
%
Commercial paper
                             
  sold directly to members, at par
 
 812,141
 
0.15
   
 997,778
 
0.18
   
1,189,770
 
0.22
 
Commercial paper
                             
  sold directly to non-members, at par
 
 39,298
 
0.14
   
 70,479
 
0.18
   
55,160
 
0.21
 
Select notes
 
 358,390
 
0.34
   
-
 
-
   
-
 
-
 
Daily liquidity fund
 
 680,419
 
 0.10
   
 478,406
 
 0.10
   
308,725
 
0.15
 
Bank bid notes
 
 150,000
 
 0.53
   
 295,000
 
 0.51
   
295,000
 
0.60
 
Collateral trust bonds
 
 5,962,681
 
5.13
   
 6,307,564
 
5.11
   
5,513,235
 
5.56
 
Notes payable
 
 5,274,415
 
 2.69
   
 4,650,877
 
 3.27
   
4,633,854
 
 3.45
 
Medium-term notes
 
 3,091,512
 
2.74
   
 2,423,686
 
4.56
   
3,656,274
 
5.96
 
Subordinated deferrable debt
 
 400,000
 
4.75
   
 186,440
 
6.02
   
186,440
 
6.02
 
Membership certificates
 
 644,757
 
4.90
   
 646,279
 
4.90
   
646,161
 
4.90
 
Loan and guarantee certificates
 
 733,895
 
 3.29
   
 694,825
 
 3.09
   
769,241
 
 2.91
 
Member capital securities
 
 387,750
 
7.49
   
 398,350
 
7.50
   
398,250
 
7.50
 
     Total debt outstanding
$
 20,545,142
 
 3.13
 
$
 18,554,585
 
 3.67
 
$
19,123,825
 
 4.12
 
Percentage of fixed-rate debt (1)
 
77
%
     
86
%
     
79
%
   
Percentage of variable-rate debt (2)
 
23
       
14
       
21
     
                               
Percentage of long-term debt
 
80
%
     
83
%
     
83
%
   
Percentage of short-term debt
   
20
       
17
       
17
     
(1) Includes variable-rate debt that has been swapped to a fixed rate net of any fixed-rate debt that has been swapped to a variable rate.
(2) The rate on commercial paper notes does not change once the note has been issued. However, the rates on new commercial paper notes change daily, and commercial paper notes generally have maturities of less than 90 days. Therefore, commercial paper notes are classified as variable-rate debt. Also includes fixed-rate debt that has been swapped to a variable rate net of any variable-rate debt that has been swapped to a fixed rate.

During the year ended May 31, 2013, total debt outstanding increased by $1,991 million primarily due to funding of the $1,384 million increase in loans outstanding and $658 million increase in cash and investments. The increase in cash and investments at May 31, 2013 was driven primarily by three investments made during the year ended May 31, 2013 totaling $700 million. Total commercial paper, select notes, daily liquidity fund and bank bid notes outstanding represented 20 percent and 17 percent of total debt at May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. To take advantage of the current low interest rates on short-term debt, we intend to continue to maximize the use of commercial paper in our funding portfolio mix.

The following table provides additional information on our outstanding debt instruments at May 31, 2013.

Debt Instrument
Maturity Range
Market
Security
Daily liquidity fund
Demand note
Members
Unsecured
Select notes
30 to 270 days
Members and affiliates
Unsecured
Bank bid notes
Up to 3 months
Bank institutions
Unsecured
Commercial paper
1 to 270 days
Public capital markets and members
Unsecured
Collateral trust bonds
Up to 30 years
Public capital markets
Secured (1)
Medium-term notes
Range from 9 months to 30 years
Public capital markets and members
Unsecured
Notes payable to the Federal Financing Bank
Range from 3 months to 20 years
Government
Unsecured (2)
Notes payable to Federal Agricultural
Mortgage Corporation
Up to 7 years
Private placement
Secured (3)
Other notes payable
Up to 30 years
Private placement
Varies (4)
Subordinated deferrable debt
Up to 30 years (5)
Public capital markets
Unsecured (6)
Subordinated certificates
Up to 100 years (7)
Members
Unsecured (8)
       
(1) Secured by the pledge of permitted investments and eligible mortgage notes from distribution system borrowers in an amount at least equal to the outstanding principal amount of collateral trust bonds.
(2) Represents notes payable issued to the Federal Financing Bank with a guarantee of repayment by RUS under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program of the USDA, which supports the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. We are required to maintain collateral on deposit equal to at least 100 percent of the outstanding balance of debt.
(3) We are required to pledge eligible mortgage notes from distribution and power supply system borrowers in an amount at least equal to the outstanding principal amount under note purchase agreements with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation.

 
45

 


(4) At May 31, 2013, other notes payable includes unsecured and secured Clean Renewable Energy Bonds. We are required to pledge eligible mortgage notes from distribution and power supply system borrowers in an amount at least equal to the outstanding principal amount under the Clean Renewable Energy Bonds Series 2009A note purchase agreement. The remaining other notes payable relate to unsecured notes payable issued by NCSC.
(5) We have the right at any time and from time to time during the term of the subordinated deferrable debt to suspend interest payments for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters. We have the right to call the subordinated deferrable debt any time after ten years, at par. To date, we have not exercised our option to suspend interest payments.
(6) Subordinate and junior in right of payment to senior debt and the debt obligations we guarantee, but senior to subordinated certificates.
(7) Membership subordinated certificates generally mature 100 years from issuance. Loan and guarantee subordinated certificates have the same maturity as the related long-term loan. Some certificates may also amortize annually based on the outstanding loan balance. Member capital securities mature 35 years from issuance. Member capital securities are callable at par by CFC starting five years from the date of issuance and anytime thereafter.
(8) Subordinate and junior in right of payment to senior and subordinated debt and debt obligations we guarantee.

The following is a summary of short-term debt outstanding and the weighted-average effective interest rates at May 31:

   
2013
 
2012
 
2011
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Debt
Outstanding
 
Weighted-Average Effective
Interest
Rate
 
 
Debt
Outstanding
 
Weighted-Average Effective
Interest
Rate
 
 
Debt
Outstanding
 
Weighted-Average Effective
Interest
Rate
Short-term debt:
                       
   Total commercial paper
$
 2,861,323
 
0.16
%
$
 2,473,158
 
0.19
%
$
2,716,645
 
0.25
%
   Select notes
 
 358,390
 
0.34
   
-
 
-
   
-
 
-
 
   Daily liquidity fund sold directly to members
 
 680,419
 
0.10
   
 478,406
 
0.10
   
308,725
 
0.15
 
   Bank bid notes
 
 150,000
 
0.54
   
 295,000
 
0.52
   
295,000
 
0.60
 
 Subtotal short-term debt
 
 4,050,132
 
0.18
   
 3,246,564
 
0.20
   
3,320,370
 
0.27
 
 Long-term debt maturing within one year
 
 3,669,351
 
2.65
   
 1,246,870
 
2.13
   
2,522,554
 
5.20
 
Total short-term debt
 
$
 7,719,483
 
1.35
 
$
4,493,434
 
0.74
 
$
5,842,924
 
2.40
 

Other information about short-term debt at May 31 is as follows:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Weighted-average maturity outstanding at year-end:
                 
      Commercial paper
 
18 days
   
21 days
   
29 days
 
      Select Notes
 
50 days
   
-
   
-
 
      Daily liquidity fund sold directly to members
 
1 day
   
1 day
   
1 day
 
      Bank bid notes
 
20 days
   
6 days
   
33 days
 
 Subtotal short-term debt
 
18 days
   
17 days
   
27 days
 
 Long-term debt maturing within one year
 
180 days
   
158 days
   
249 days
 
Total
 
95 days
   
56 days
   
123 days
 
Average amount outstanding during the year:
                 
      Commercial paper
$
2,817,305
 
$
2,492,791
 
$
2,698,653
 
      Select Notes
 
166,486
   
-
   
-
 
      Daily liquidity fund sold directly to members
 
586,505
   
413,525
   
343,311
 
      Bank bid notes
 
222,500
   
295,000
   
208,333
 
 Subtotal short-term debt
 
3,792,796
   
3,201,316
   
3,250,297
 
 Long-term debt maturing within one year
 
2,639,927
   
2,168,220
   
1,550,369
 
Total
$
6,432,723
 
$
5,369,536
 
$
4,800,666
 
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the year:
                 
      Commercial paper
$
3,514,679
 
$
2,746,189
 
$
3,424,449
 
      Select Notes
 
376,858
   
-
   
-
 
      Daily liquidity fund sold directly to members
 
680,419
   
478,406
   
440,806
 
      Bank bid notes
 
295,000
   
295,000
   
295,000
 
 Subtotal short-term debt
 
4,600,287
   
3,431,617
   
3,975,621
 
 Long-term debt maturing within one year
   
3,787,808
   
2,697,751
   
2,522,554
 


 
46

 


Equity
Equity includes the following components at May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
     
2012
   
Increase/
(Decrease)
     
Membership fees
$
 973
   
$
 995
 
$
 (22)
     
Education fund
 
 1,532
     
 1,418
   
 114 
     
Members’ capital reserve
 
 410,259
     
 272,126
   
 138,133
     
Allocated net income
 
 591,581
     
 546,366
   
 45,215 
     
Unallocated net loss (1)
 
 (6,230)
     
 (6,222
)
 
 (8)
     
Total members’ equity
 
 998,115
     
 814,683
   
 183,432 
     
Prior years cumulative derivative forward value
                       
                 and foreign currency adjustments
 
 (340,719)
     
 (124,476
)
 
 (216,243)
     
Year-to-date derivative forward value income (loss) (2)
 
 133,694 
     
 (216,243
)
 
 349,937
     
Total CFC retained equity
 
 791,090
     
 473,964
   
 317,126 
     
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 8,381
     
 9,199
   
 (818)
     
Total CFC equity
   
 799,471
     
 483,163
   
 316,308 
     
Noncontrolling interest
   
 11,790
     
 7,592
   
 4,198 
     
   Total equity
 
$
 811,261
   
$
 490,755
 
$
 320,506 
     
(1) Excludes derivative forward value.
(2) Represents the derivative forward value loss recorded by CFC for the year-to-date period.

At May 31, 2013, total equity increased by $321 million from May 31, 2012 due to net income of $358 million for the year ended May 31, 2013, partially offset by the board authorized patronage capital retirement of $36 million. In July 2012, the CFC Board of Directors authorized the allocation of the fiscal year 2012 net earnings as follows: $1 million to the cooperative educational fund and $71 million to members in the form of patronage capital. In July 2012, the CFC Board of Directors authorized the retirement of allocated net earnings totaling $35 million, representing 50 percent of the fiscal year 2012 allocation. This amount was returned to members in cash in September 2012. Future allocations and retirements of net earnings may be made annually as determined by the CFC Board of Directors with due regard for CFC’s financial condition. The CFC Board of Directors has the authority to change the current practice for allocating and retiring net earnings at any time, subject to applicable cooperative law.

In May 2013, the CFC Board of Directors authorized the allocation of $1 million of fiscal year 2013 net earnings to the cooperative educational fund.

In July 2013, the CFC Board of Directors authorized the allocation of the fiscal year 2013 net earnings as follows: $138 million to the members’ capital reserve and $81 million to members in the form of patronage. In July 2013, the CFC Board of Directors authorized the retirement of allocated net earnings totaling $41 million, representing 50 percent of the fiscal year 2013 allocation. It is anticipated that this amount will be returned to members in cash in October 2013. Future allocations and retirements of net earnings may be made annually as determined by the CFC Board of Directors with due regard for CFC’s financial condition. The CFC Board of Directors has the authority to change the current practice for allocating and retiring net earnings at any time, subject to applicable cooperative law.

As indicated above, for the year ended May 31, 2013, the board of directors allocated $138 million to the members’ capital reserve. The board of directors decided that $74 million of the amount allocated to the members’ capital reserve at May 31, 2013, resulting from the refinements made by the Company in the assumptions used to estimate its allowance for loan losses, is not intended to be allocated for distribution to members and instead is intended to serve as an enhancement to our capital reserves. The board of directors will continue to evaluate appropriate levels of capital for CFC.
 
Noncontrolling interest represents 100 percent of RTFC and NCSC equity as the members of RTFC and NCSC own or control 100 percent of the interest in their respective companies.
 
In accordance with District of Columbia cooperative law, its bylaws and board policies, RTFC allocates its net earnings to its patrons, a cooperative educational fund and a general reserve, if necessary. RTFC’s bylaws require that it allocate at least 1 percent of net earnings to a cooperative educational fund. An allocation to the general reserve is made, if necessary, to maintain the balance of the general reserve at 50 percent of the membership fees collected. The remainder is allocated to borrowers in proportion to their patronage. RTFC retires at least 20 percent of the allocation for that year to members in cash prior to filing the applicable tax return. Any additional amounts are retired as determined by the RTFC Board of Directors with due regard for RTFC’s financial condition. In January 2013, RTFC retired $1 million to its members representing 20 percent of allocated net earnings for fiscal year 2012. In accordance with District of Columbia cooperative law and its bylaws and board policies, NCSC allocates its net earnings to a cooperative educational fund, to a general reserve, if necessary, and to board-approved reserves. NCSC’s bylaws require the allocation to the cooperative educational fund to be at least 0.25 percent of its net earnings. An allocation to the general reserve is made, if necessary, to maintain the balance of the general

 
47

 


reserve at 50 percent of the membership fees collected. The NCSC Board of Directors has the authority to determine if and when net earnings will be retired to members.

Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our long-term contractual obligations at May 31, 2013 and the scheduled reductions by fiscal year and thereafter:

(dollar amounts in millions)
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
Contractual Obligations (1)
                                                       
Long-term debt due in less than one year
 
$
3,669
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
3,669
 
Long-term debt
   
-
     
997
     
1,421
     
623
     
41
     
7,615
     
10,697
 
Subordinated deferrable debt
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
400
     
400
 
Members’ subordinated certificates (2)
   
-
     
31
     
20
     
15
     
7
     
1,527
     
1,600
 
Contractual interest on long-term debt (3)
   
598
     
544
     
521
     
499
     
458
     
5,497
     
8,117
 
Total contractual obligations
   
$
4,267
   
$
1,572
   
$
1,962
   
$
1,137
   
$
506
   
$
15,039
   
$
24,483
 
(1) The table does not include contractual obligations of the entities that are included in our foreclosed assets.
(2) Excludes loan subordinated certificates totaling $128 million that amortize annually based on the outstanding balance of the related loan and $1 million in payments not received on certificates subscribed and unissued. There are many items that affect the amortization of a loan, such as loan conversions, loan repricing at the end of an interest rate term and prepayments; therefore, an amortization schedule cannot be maintained for these certificates. Over the past three years, annual amortization on these certificates has averaged $24 million. In fiscal year 2013, amortization represented 18 percent of amortizing loan subordinated certificates outstanding.
(3) Represents the interest obligation on our debt based on terms and conditions at May 31, 2013.

Off-Balance Sheet Obligations

Guarantees
We guarantee certain contractual obligations of our members so they may obtain various forms of financing. We use the same credit policies and monitoring procedures in providing guarantees as we do for loans and commitments. If a member system defaults on its obligation to pay debt service, then we are obligated to pay any required amounts under our guarantees. Meeting our guarantee obligations satisfies the underlying obligation of our member systems and prevents the exercise of remedies by the guarantee beneficiary based upon a payment default by a member system. In general, the member system is required to repay, on demand, any amount advanced by us with interest, pursuant to the documents evidencing the member system’s reimbursement obligation.

The following table breaks out our guarantees outstanding by type of guarantee and by company at May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
     
Increase/
(decrease)
   
Total by guarantee type:
                     
Long-term tax-exempt bonds
$
 547,970
 
$
 573,110
   
$
 (25,140)
   
Indemnifications of tax benefit transfers
 
 784
   
 49,771
     
 (48,987)
   
Letters of credit
 
 447,683
   
 504,920
     
 (57,237)
   
Other guarantees
 
 116,334
   
 121,529
     
 (5,195)
   
          Total
$
 1,112,771
 
$
 1,249,330
   
$
 (136,559)
   
Total by company:
                     
CFC
$
 1,063,113
 
$
 1,202,031
   
$
 (138,918)
   
RTFC
 
 3,711
   
 1,026
     
 2,685 
   
NCSC
 
 45,947
   
 46,273
     
 (326)
   
          Total
$
 1,112,771
 
$
 1,249,330
   
$
 (136,559)
   

In addition to the letters of credit listed in the table, under master letter of credit facilities in place at May 31, 2013, we may be required to issue up to an additional $280 million in letters of credit to third parties for the benefit of our members. As of May 31, 2013, all of our master letter of credit facilities were subject to material adverse change clauses at the time of issuance. Also, at May 31, 2013 we had hybrid letter of credit facilities totaling $2,027 million that represent commitments that may be used for the issuance of letters of credit or line of credit loan advances, at the option of a borrower, and are included in unadvanced loan commitments for line of credit loans reported in Note 3, Loans and Commitments. Hybrid letter of credit facilities subject to material adverse change clauses at the time of issuance totaled $454 million at May 31, 2013. Prior to issuing a letter of credit, we would confirm that there has been no material adverse change in the business or condition, financial or otherwise, of the borrower since the time the loan was approved and confirm that the borrower is currently in compliance with the letter of credit terms and conditions. The remaining commitment under hybrid letter of credit facilities of $1,573 million may be used for the issuance of letters of credit as long as the borrower is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the facility.

In addition to the guarantees described above, at May 31, 2013, we are the liquidity provider for a total of $598 million of variable-rate tax-exempt bonds issued for our member cooperatives. While the bonds are in variable-rate mode, in return for a fee, we have unconditionally agreed to purchase bonds tendered or put for redemption if the remarketing agents are unable to

 
48

 


sell such bonds to other investors. During the year ended May 31, 2013, we were not required to perform as liquidity provider pursuant to these obligations.

At May 31, 2013 and 2012, 63 percent and 69 percent of total guarantees, respectively, were secured by a mortgage lien on substantially all of the system’s assets and future revenue.

The decrease in total guarantees during the year ended May 31, 2013 is primarily due to a net decrease to the total amount of indemnifications of tax benefit transfers and letters of credit outstanding. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we recorded a guarantee liability totaling $25 million and $29 million, respectively, which represents the contingent and non-contingent exposure related to guarantees and liquidity obligations associated with members’ debt.

The following table summarizes the off-balance sheet obligations at May 31, 2013, and the related maturities by fiscal year and thereafter as follows:

     
Maturities of guaranteed obligations
 
Outstanding
                       
(dollar amounts in thousands)
balance
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
Thereafter
Guarantees (1)
$  1,112,771
 
$  211,851
 
$  248,210
 
$  24,070
 
$  16,082
 
$  142,328
 
$  470,230
(1) At May 31, 2013, we are the guarantor and liquidity provider for $473 million of tax-exempt bonds issued for our member cooperatives. We have also issued letters of credit to provide standby liquidity for an additional $125 million of tax-exempt bonds.

Contingent Off-Balance Sheet Obligations
Unadvanced Loan Commitments
Unadvanced commitments represent approved and executed loan contracts for which the funds have not been advanced. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we had the following amount of unadvanced commitments on loans to our borrowers.

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
 
% of Total
   
2012
 
% of Total
           
Long-term
$
 4,718,162
 
35
%
$
 5,437,881
 
38
%
         
Line of credit
 
 8,704,586
 
65
   
 8,691,543
 
62
           
Total
$
 13,422,748
 
100
%
$
 14,129,424
 
100
%
         

A total of $1,703 million and $1,303 million of unadvanced commitments at May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, represented unadvanced commitments related to committed lines of credit that are not subject to a material adverse change clause at the time of each advance. As such, we would be required to advance amounts on these committed facilities as long as the borrower is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the facility. The remaining available amounts at May 31, 2013 and 2012 are conditional obligations because they are generally subject to material adverse change clauses. Prior to making an advance on these facilities, we confirm that there has been no material adverse change in the business or condition, financial or otherwise, of the borrower since the time the loan was approved and confirm that the borrower is currently in compliance with loan terms and conditions.

Unadvanced commitments related to line of credit loans are typically revolving facilities for periods not to exceed five years. It is our experience that unadvanced commitments related to line of credit loans are usually not fully drawn. We believe these conditions will continue for the following reasons:
·  
electric cooperatives generate a significant amount of cash from the collection of revenue from their customers, so they usually do not need to draw down on loan commitments to supplement operating cash flow;
·  
the majority of the line of credit unadvanced commitments provide backup liquidity to our borrowers; and
·  
historically, we have experienced a very low utilization rate on line of credit loan facilities, whether or not there is a material adverse change clause at the time of advance.

In our experience, unadvanced commitments related to term loans may not be fully drawn and borrowings occur in multiple transactions over an extended period of time. We believe these conditions will continue for the following reasons:
·  
electric cooperatives typically execute loan contracts to cover multi-year work plans and, as such, it is expected that advances on such loans will occur over a multi-year period;
·  
electric cooperatives generate a significant amount of cash from the collection of revenue from their customers, thus operating cash flow is available to reduce the amount of additional funding needed for capital expenditures and maintenance;
·  
we generally do not charge our borrowers a fee on long-term unadvanced commitments; and
·  
long-term unadvanced commitments generally expire five years from the date of the loan agreement.

Unadvanced commitments that are subject to a material adverse change clause are classified as contingent liabilities. Based on the conditions to advance funds described above, the majority of our unadvanced loan commitments do not represent off-balance sheet liabilities and have not been included with guarantees in our off-balance sheet disclosures above. We do,

 
49

 


however, record a reserve for credit losses associated with our unadvanced commitments for committed facilities that are not subject to a material adverse change clause.

The following table summarizes the available balance under committed lines of credit at May 31, 2013, and the related maturities by fiscal year as follows:

 
Available
 
Notional maturities of committed lines of credit
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
balance
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
Committed lines of  credit
$1,702,683
 
$     151,703
 
$    91,354
 
$   198,800
 
$   501,224
 
$  759,602
 

Ratio Analysis
Leverage Ratio
The leverage ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of total liabilities and guarantees outstanding by total equity. Based on this formula, the leverage ratio at May 31, 2013 was 27.58-to-1, a decrease from 42.20-to-1 at May 31, 2012. The decrease in the leverage ratio is due to the increase of $321 million in total equity and the decrease of $137 million in total guarantees, partially offset by the increase of $1,800 million in total liabilities as discussed under the Liabilities and Equity section of Financial Condition and under Off-Balance Sheet Obligations.

For covenant compliance on our revolving credit agreements and for internal management purposes, the leverage ratio calculation is adjusted to exclude derivative liabilities, debt used to fund loans guaranteed by RUS, subordinated deferrable debt and subordinated certificates from liabilities; uses members’ equity rather than total equity; and adds subordinated deferrable debt and subordinated certificates to calculate adjusted equity.

At May 31, 2013 and 2012, the adjusted leverage ratio was 6.11-to-1 and 6.46-to-1, respectively. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further explanation and a reconciliation of the adjustments we make to our leverage ratio calculation. The decrease to the adjusted leverage ratio was due to the decrease of $137 million in guarantees and the increase of $421 million in adjusted equity partially offset by the increase of $1,746 in adjusted liabilities as discussed under the Liabilities and Equity section of Financial Condition and under Off-Balance Sheet Obligations.

Debt-to-Equity Ratio
The debt-to-equity ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of total liabilities outstanding by total equity. The debt-to-equity ratio based on this formula at May 31, 2013 was 26.21-to-1, a decrease from 39.65-to-1 at May 31, 2012. The decrease in the debt-to-equity ratio is due to the increase of $321 million in total equity, partially offset by the increase of $1,800 million in total liabilities as discussed under the Liabilities and Equity section of Financial Condition.

For internal management purposes, the debt-to-equity ratio calculation is adjusted to exclude derivative liabilities, debt used to fund loans guaranteed by RUS, subordinated deferrable debt and subordinated certificates from liabilities; uses members’ equity rather than total equity; and adds subordinated deferrable debt and subordinated certificates to determine adjusted equity. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, the adjusted debt-to-equity ratio was 5.76-to-1 and 6.01-to-1, respectively. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further explanation and a reconciliation of the adjustments made to the debt-to-equity ratio calculation. The decrease in the adjusted debt-to-equity ratio is due to the increase of $421 in adjusted equity partially offset by the increase of $1,746 million in adjusted liabilities.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following section discusses our expected sources and uses of liquidity. At May 31, 2013, we expect that our current sources of liquidity will allow us to issue the debt required to fund our operations over the next 12 to 18 months.

The table on page 51 shows the projected sources and uses of cash by quarter through November 30, 2014. In analyzing our projected liquidity position, we track key items identified in the chart on page 51. The long-term debt maturities represent the scheduled maturities of our outstanding term debt for the period presented. The long-term loan advances represent our current best estimate of the member demand for our loans, the amount and the timing of which are subject to change. The long-term loan amortization and repayments represent the scheduled long-term loan amortization for the outstanding loans at May 31, 2013, as well as our current estimate for the repayment of long-term loans. The estimate of the amount and timing of long-term loan repayments is subject to change. We assumed the issuance of commercial paper, medium-term notes and other long-term debt, including collateral trust bonds and private placement of term debt, to maintain matched funding within our loan portfolio and to allow our revolving lines of credit to provide backup liquidity for our outstanding commercial paper.


 
50

 


Commercial paper repayments in the table below do not represent scheduled maturities but rather the assumed use of excess cash to pay down the commercial paper balance.

   
Projected uses of liquidity
     
Projected sources of liquidity
     
 
                   
 
 
Debt Issuance
       
(dollar amounts
in millions)
 
Long-term
debt maturities
 
Debt
repayment-
commercial
 paper
 
Long-term
 loan advances
 
Total
uses of
liquidity
 
Long-term
loan
amortization & repayment
 
Commercial
paper
 
Other
long-term debt
 
Medium-
term notes
 
Total
sources of
liquidity
 
Cumulative
excess
sources  over uses of liquidity (1)
4Q13
                                     
$    909
1Q14
 
$       1,052
 
$               -
 
   $      721
 
$      1,773
 
$           480
 
$           175
 
$        725
 
$       175
 
$      1,555
 
 691
2Q14
 
 746
 
 200
 
 302
 
 1,248
 
 349
 
 150
 
 625
 
 175
 
 1,299
 
 742
3Q14
 
 761
 
 -
 
 320
 
 1,081
 
 320
 
 250
 
 325
 
 175
 
 1,070
 
 731
4Q14
 
 1,110
 
 -
 
 178
 
 1,288
 
 259
 
 -
 
 875
 
 175
 
 1,309
 
 752
1Q15
 
 439
 
 100
 
 197
 
 736
 
 308
 
 -
 
 185
 
 175
 
 668
 
 684
2Q15
 
 58
 
 350
 
 211
 
 619
 
 269
 
 -
 
 -
 
 175
 
 444
 
 509
Totals
 
$       4,166
 
$          650
 
$   1,929
 
$      6,745
 
$       1,985
 
$           575
 
$     2,735
 
$    1,050
 
$      6,345
   
(1) Cumulative excess sources over uses of liquidity includes cash and investments.

The chart above represents our best estimate of the funding requirements and how we expect to manage such funding requirements through November 30, 2014. These estimates will change on a quarterly basis based on the factors described above.

Sources of Liquidity
Capital Market Debt Issuance
As a well-known seasoned issuer, we have the following effective shelf registration statements on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the issuance of debt:
·  
unlimited amount of collateral trust bonds until September 2013;
·  
unlimited amount of medium-term notes, member capital securities and subordinated deferrable debt until November 2014; and
·  
daily liquidity fund for a total of $20,000 million with a $3,000 million limitation on the aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time until April 2016.

We issued $1,075 million of 12-month floating-rate medium-term notes in registered offerings during the year ended May 31, 2013. We use our bank lines of credit as backup liquidity, primarily for dealer and member commercial paper. Commercial paper issued through dealers and bank bid notes totaled $2,160 million and represented 11 percent of total debt outstanding at May 31, 2013. We intend to maintain the balance of dealer commercial paper and bank bid notes at 15 percent or less of total debt outstanding during fiscal year 2014.

In October 2012, CFC completed an exchange of $340 million of its outstanding 8 percent medium-term notes, Series C, due 2032 for $379 million of 4.023 percent collateral trust bonds due 2032 and $134 million of cash. On April 25, 2013, we issued $400 million of 4.75 percent subordinated debt due 2043. On June 6, 2013, we issued $400 million of 2.35 percent collateral trust bonds due 2020.

Private Debt Issuance
We have access to liquidity from private debt issuances through a note purchase agreement with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we had secured notes payable of $1,542 million and $1,165 million, respectively, outstanding to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation under a note purchase agreement totaling $3,900 million. Under the terms of our March 2011 note purchase agreement, we can borrow up to $3,900 million at any time from the date of the agreement through January 11, 2016 and thereafter automatically extend the agreement on each anniversary date of the closing for an additional year, unless prior to any such anniversary date, the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation provides CFC with a notice that the draw period will not be extended beyond the remaining term. The agreement with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation is a revolving credit facility that allows us to borrow, repay and re-borrow funds at any time through maturity or from time to time as market conditions permit, provided that the principal amount at any time outstanding under the note purchase agreement is not more than the total available under the agreement. Each borrowing under a note purchase agreement is evidenced by a secured note setting forth the interest rate, maturity date and other related terms as we may negotiate with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation at the time of each such borrowing. We may select a fixed rate or variable rate at the time of each advance with a maturity as determined in the applicable pricing agreement. In November 2012 and April 2013, we issued notes totaling $133 million and $325 million, respectively, under the agreement with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. At May 31, 2013, we had up to $2,358 million available under this agreement, subject to market conditions for debt issued by the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation.

At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we had $3,674 million and $3,419 million, respectively, of unsecured notes payable outstanding under bond purchase agreements with the Federal Financing Bank and a bond guarantee agreement with RUS issued under

 
51

 


the Guaranteed Underwriter Program, which supports the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program and provides guarantees to the Federal Financing Bank. During the year ended May 31, 2013, we borrowed $255 million under our committed loan facilities from the Federal Financing Bank as part of this program at a weighted average interest rate of 2.30 percent with a repricing period ranging from 10 to 15 years and a final maturity of 20 years. At May 31, 2013, we had up to $749 million available under committed loan facilities from the Federal Financing Bank as part of this program. In July 2013, we borrowed $325 million under our committed loan facilities with the Federal Financing Bank. In August 2013, we received a commitment from RUS to guarantee a loan from the Federal Financing Bank for additional funding of $500 million as part of the Guaranteed Underwriter Program. As a result, we will have an additional $500 million available under Federal Financing Bank loan facilities with a 20-year maturity repayment period during the three-year period following the date of closing.

Member Loan Repayments
We expect long-term loan repayments from scheduled loan amortization and prepayments to be $1,408 million over the next 12 months. Scheduled repayments include the principal amortization of long-term loans in each of the five fiscal years following May 31, 2013 and thereafter as follows:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Amortization (1)
2014
$
1,145,915
2015
 
1,089,071
2016
 
1,049,372
2017
 
1,007,127
2018
 
946,525
Thereafter
   
13,673,079
     Total
 
$
18,911,089
(1) Represents scheduled amortization based on current rates without consideration for loans that reprice.

Member Loan Interest Payments
During the year ended May 31, 2013, interest income on the loan portfolio was $942 million, representing an average rate of 4.86 percent compared with 5.09 percent and 5.15 percent for the years ended May 31, 2012 and 2011. For the past three fiscal years, interest income on the loan portfolio has averaged $963 million. At May 31, 2013, 89 percent of the total loans outstanding had a fixed rate of interest, and 11 percent of loans outstanding had a variable rate of interest.

Bank Revolving Credit Agreements
At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we had $3,100 million and $2,845 million, respectively, of commitments under revolving credit agreements. We may request letters of credit for up to $100 million under each agreement in place at May 31, 2013, which then reduces the amount available under the facility.

The following table presents the total available and the outstanding letters of credit under our revolving credit agreements at May 31:

   
Total available
 
Letters of credit outstanding
       
(dollar amounts in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
Original maturity
 
Facility fee per
year (1)
Three-year agreement
$
219,000
$
1,125,000
$
-
$
-
 
March 21, 2014
 
15 basis points
Three-year agreement
 
916,000
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
October 21, 2015
 
10 basis points
Four-year agreement
 
1,007,500
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
October 21, 2016
 
10 basis points
Five-year agreement
 
954,012
 
-
 
3,488
 
-
 
October 21, 2017
 
10 basis points
Four-year agreement
 
-
 
883,875
 
-
 
1,000
 
October 21, 2015
 
10 basis points
Five-year agreement
 
-
 
834,875
 
-
 
-
 
October 21, 2016
 
10 basis points
Total
 
$
3,096,512
$
2,843,750
$
3,488
$
1,000
       
(1) Facility fee determined by CFC’s senior unsecured credit ratings based on the pricing schedules put in place at the inception of the related agreement.

On March 28, 2013, we amended our $1,125 million three-year, $885 million four-year, and $835 million five-year revolving credit agreements to (i) extend the maturity dates for the three-year, four-year, and five-year revolving credit agreements to October 21, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively, and (ii) lower the facility fee for the three-year revolving credit agreement to 10 basis points. With respect to the three-year agreement, $219 million of commitments will expire at the original maturity date of March 21, 2014 and the facility fee for lenders holding such commitments will continue to be 15 basis points until maturity. In addition, we exercised our option to increase the commitment levels for the four-year and five-year revolving credit agreements to $1,008 million, and $958 million, respectively. On May 30, 2013, we exercised our option to increase the commitment level for the three-year revolving credit agreement maturing on October 21, 2015 to $1,135 million. The facility fee and applicable margin under each agreement are determined by the pricing matrices in the agreements based on our senior unsecured credit ratings. With respect to the borrowings, we have the right to choose between a (i) Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin or (ii) base rate calculated based on the greater of prime rate, the federal funds effective rate plus

 
52

 


0.50 percent or the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1 percent, plus an applicable margin. Our ability to borrow or obtain a letter of credit under all of the agreements is not conditioned on the absence of material adverse changes with regard to CFC. We also have the right, subject to certain terms and conditions, to increase the aggregate amount of the commitments under (i) the three-year credit facility to a maximum of $1,500 million, (ii) the four-year credit facility to a maximum of $1,300 million and (iii) the five-year credit facility to a maximum of $1,300 million.

On July 9, 2013, we further exercised our option to increase the commitment levels for the three-year revolving credit agreement maturing on October 21, 2015, four-year revolving credit agreement maturing on October 21, 2016, and five-year revolving credit agreement maturing on October 21, 2017 to $1,225 million, $1,088 million and $1,033 million, respectively.

The revolving credit agreements do not contain a material adverse change clause or ratings triggers that limit the banks’ obligations to fund under the terms of the agreements, but we must be in compliance with their other requirements to draw down on the facilities, including financial ratios. For further discussion see the Compliance with Debt Covenants section.

Member Investments
The table below shows the components of our member investments included in total debt outstanding at May 31:

   
2013
   
2012
   
Increase/
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Amount
 
% of Total (1)
   
Amount
 
% of Total (1)
   
(decrease)
 
Commercial paper
$
812,141
 
28
%
$
997,778
 
40
%
$
 (185,637)
 
Select notes
 
353,190
 
99
   
-
 
-
   
 353,190
 
Daily liquidity fund
 
680,419
 
100
   
478,406
 
100
   
 202,013
 
Medium-term notes
 
574,108
 
19
   
499,222
 
21
   
 74,886
 
Members’ subordinated certificates
 
 1,766,402
 
100
   
 1,739,454
 
100
   
 26,948
 
     Total
$
4,186,260
     
$
3,714,860
     
$
 471,400
 
                           
Percentage of total debt outstanding
 
 20
%
     
20
%
         
(1) Represents the percentage of each line item outstanding to our members.

Member investments averaged $3,962 million outstanding over the last three fiscal years. We view member investments as a more stable source of funding than capital market issuances.

During the year ended May 31, 2013, CFC started offering Select Notes, a flexible short-term investment product. Select Notes may be purchased only by our members and their affiliates. These notes are senior unsecured debt securities with terms ranging from 30 days to 270 days that require a larger minimum investment than our commercial paper sold to members and as a result, offer a higher interest rate than our commercial paper. While the commercial paper investments are backed by CFC’s revolving lines of credit, the Select Notes are not.

Cash and Investments
At May 31, 2013, cash and investments included $700 million in deposits that we made with three financial institutions in interest bearing accounts. The interest rate earned on these investments is sufficient to cover the cost of the underlying borrowed funds. The total investment of $700 million represents an additional source of liquidity that is available to support our operations.

Cash Flows from Operations
For the year ended May 31, 2013, cash flows provided by operating activities were $163 million compared with $119 million for the prior year. Our cash flows from operating activities are driven primarily by a combination of cash flows from operations and the timing and amount of loan interest payments we received compared with interest payments we made on our debt.

Compliance with Debt Covenants
At May 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants and conditions under our revolving credit agreements and senior debt indentures.

 
53

 


For calculating the required financial covenants in our revolving credit agreements, we adjust net income, senior debt and total equity to exclude the non-cash adjustments from the accounting for derivative financial instruments and foreign currency translation. Additionally, the TIER and senior debt-to-total equity ratio include the following adjustments:
·  
The adjusted TIER, as defined by the agreements, represents the interest expense adjusted to include the derivative cash settlements plus net income prior to the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and dividing that total by the interest expense adjusted to include the derivative cash settlements.
·  
The senior debt-to-total equity ratio includes adjustments to senior debt to exclude RUS-guaranteed loans, subordinated deferrable debt and members’ subordinated certificates. Total equity is adjusted to include subordinated deferrable debt and members’ subordinated certificates. Senior debt includes guarantees; however, it excludes:
-  
guarantees for members where the long-term unsecured debt of the member is rated at least BBB+ by Standard & Poor’s Corporation or Baa1 by Moody’s Investors Service; and
-  
the payment of principal and interest by the member on the guaranteed indebtedness if covered by insurance or reinsurance provided by an insurer having an insurance financial strength rating of AAA by Standard & Poor’s Corporation or a financial strength rating of Aaa by Moody’s Investors Service.

The following represents our required and actual financial ratios under the revolving credit agreements at or for the years ended May 31:

       
Actual
 
   
Requirement
 
2013
 
2012
 
               
Minimum average adjusted TIER over the six most recent fiscal quarters (1)
1.025
 
1.27
 
1.21
 
               
Minimum adjusted TIER for the most recent fiscal year (1) (2)
 
1.05
 
1.29
 
1.18
 
               
Maximum ratio of adjusted senior debt to total equity (1)
   
10.00
 
5.85
 
5.97
 
(1) In addition to the adjustments made to the leverage ratio set forth in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section, senior debt excludes guarantees to member systems that have certain investment-grade ratings from Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Corporation. The TIER and debt-to-equity calculations include the adjustments set forth in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section and exclude the results of operations for CAH.
(2) We must meet this requirement to retire patronage capital.

The revolving credit agreements prohibit liens on loans to members except liens:
·  
under our indentures,
·  
related to taxes that are not delinquent or contested,
·  
stemming from certain legal proceedings that are being contested in good faith,
·  
created by CFC to secure guarantees by CFC of indebtedness the interest on which is excludable from the gross income of the recipient for federal income tax purposes,
·  
granted by any subsidiary to CFC, and
·  
to secure other indebtedness of CFC of up to $7,500 million plus an amount equal to the incremental increase in CFC’s allocated Guaranteed Underwriter Program obligations, provided that the aggregate amount of such indebtedness may not exceed $10,000 million. As of May 31, 2013, the amount of our secured indebtedness for purposes of this provision of all three revolving credit agreements was $5,236 million.

The revolving credit agreements limit new investments in foreclosed assets held by CAH to $275 million without consent by the required banks. These investments at May 31, 2013 did not exceed this limit.

The following represents our required and actual financial ratios as defined under our 1994 collateral trust bonds indenture and our medium-term notes indentures in the United States markets at May 31:

       
Actual
 
   
Requirement
 
2013
 
2012
 
Maximum ratio of adjusted senior debt to total equity (1)
20.00
 
 6.72
 
7.68
 
(1) The ratio calculation includes the adjustments made to the leverage ratio in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section, with the exception of the adjustments to exclude the non-cash impact of derivative financial instruments and adjustments from total liabilities and total equity.

We are required to pledge collateral equal to at least 100 percent of the outstanding balance of debt issued under our collateral trust bond indentures and note purchase agreements with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. In addition, we are required to maintain collateral on deposit equal to at least 100 percent of the outstanding balance of debt outstanding to the Federal Financing Bank under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program of the USDA, which supports the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program, for which distribution and power supply loans may be deposited. See Pledging of Loans and Loans on Deposit in Note 3, Loans and Commitments, for additional information related to collateral.

 
54

 


Although not required, we typically maintain pledged collateral and collateral on deposit in excess of the required 100 percent of the outstanding balance of debt issued. However, our revolving credit agreements limit pledged collateral to 150 percent of the outstanding balance of debt issued. The excess collateral ensures that required collateral levels are maintained and, when an opportunity exists, facilitates timely execution of debt issuances by reducing or eliminating the lead time required to pledge collateral. Collateral levels fluctuate because:
·  
distribution and power supply loans typically amortize, while the debt issued under secured indentures and agreements have bullet maturities;
·  
individual loans may become ineligible for various reasons, some of which may be temporary; and
·  
distribution and power supply borrowers have the ability to prepay their loans.

We may request the return of collateral pledged or held on deposit in excess of the 100 percent of the principal balance requirement or may move the collateral from one program to another to facilitate a new debt issuance, provided that all conditions of eligibility under the different programs are satisfied.

The $3,674 million of notes payable to the Federal Financing Bank as part of the funding mechanism for the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program at May 31, 2013 contain a rating trigger related to our senior secured credit ratings from Standard & Poor’s Corporation and Moody’s Investors Service. A rating trigger event occurs if our senior secured debt does not have at least two of the following ratings: (i) A- or higher from Standard & Poor’s Corporation, (ii) A3 or higher from Moody’s Investors Service and (iii) an equivalent rating from a successor rating agency to any of the above rating agencies. If our senior secured credit ratings fall below the levels listed above, the mortgage notes on deposit at that time, which totaled $3,904 million at May 31, 2013, would be pledged as collateral rather than held on deposit. Also, if during any portion of a fiscal year our senior secured credit ratings fall below the levels listed above, we may not make cash patronage capital distributions in excess of 5 percent of total patronage capital. At May 31, 2013, our senior secured debt ratings from Standard & Poor’s Corporation and Moody’s Investors Service were A+ and A1 respectively. At May 31, 2013, both Standard & Poor’s Corporation and Moody’s Investors Service had our ratings on stable outlook.

The following table summarizes the amount of collateral pledged or on deposit as a percentage of the related debt outstanding under the debt agreements noted above at May 31:

   
Requirement
 
Actual
Debt agreement
 
Debt indenture
minimum
 
Revolving credit agreements maximum
 
2013
 
2012
Collateral trust bonds 1994 indenture
 
100
%
 
150
%
 
112
%
 
107%
Collateral trust bonds 2007 indenture
 
100
   
150
   
125
   
124
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation
 
100
   
150
   
116
   
118
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds Series 2009A
100
   
150
   
118
   
109
Federal Financing Bank Series A (1)
 
100
   
150
   
 -
   
110
Federal Financing Bank Series B (1)
 
100
   
150
   
 -
   
111
Federal Financing Bank Series C (1)
 
100
   
150
   
 -
   
108
Federal Financing Bank Series D (1)
 
100
   
150
   
 -
   
123
Federal Financing Bank Series E (1)
 
100
   
150
   
 -
   
119
Federal Financing Bank Series (1) (2)
 
100
   
150
   
106
   
   -
(1) Represents collateral on deposit as a percentage of the related debt outstanding.
(2) All pledge agreements previously entered into with RUS and U.S. Bank National Association were consolidated into one amended, restated and consolidated pledge agreement in December 2012.

Uses of Liquidity
Loan Advances
Loan advances are either from new loans approved to borrowers or from the unadvanced portion of loans previously approved. At May 31, 2013, unadvanced loan commitments totaled $14,536 million. Of that total, $1,703 million represented unadvanced commitments related to line of credit loans that are not subject to a material adverse change clause at the time of each loan advance. As such, we would be required to advance amounts on these committed facilities as long as the borrower is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the loan. New advances under 38 percent of these committed line of credit loans would be advanced at CFC’s standard rates and, therefore, any increase in CFC’s costs to obtain funding required to make the advance could be passed on to the borrower. The other 62 percent of committed line of credit loans represent loan syndications where the pricing is set at a spread over a market index as agreed upon by all of the participating banks and market conditions at the time of syndication. The remaining $11,720 million of unadvanced loan commitments at May 31, 2013 were generally subject to material adverse change clauses. Prior to making an advance on these facilities, we would confirm that there has been no material adverse change in the borrowers’ business or condition, financial or otherwise, since the time the loan was approved and confirm that the borrower is currently in compliance with loan terms and conditions. In some cases, the borrower’s access to the full amount of the facility is further constrained by the imposition of borrower-specific restrictions, or by additional conditions that must be met prior to advancing funds.

 
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Since we generally do not charge a fee for the borrower to have an unadvanced amount on a loan facility that is subject to a material adverse change clause, our borrowers tend to request amounts in excess of their immediate estimated loan requirements. It has been our history that we do not see significant loan advances from the large amount of long-term unadvanced loan amounts that are subject to material adverse change clauses at the time of the loan advance. We have a very low historical average utilization rate on all our line of credit facilities, including committed line of credit facilities. Unadvanced commitments related to line of credit loans are typically revolving facilities for periods not to exceed five years. Long-term unadvanced commitments generally expire five years from the date of the loan agreement. These reasons, together with the other limitations on advances as described above, all contribute to our expectation that the majority of the unadvanced commitments reported will expire without being fully drawn upon and that the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash funding requirements at May 31, 2013.

We currently expect to make long-term loan advances totaling approximately $1,521 million to our members over the next 12 months.

Interest Expense on Debt
For the year ended May 31, 2013, interest expense on debt was $676 million, representing an average cost of 3.48 percent compared with 4.05 percent and 4.42 percent for the years ended May 31, 2012 and 2011. For the past three fiscal years, interest expense on debt has averaged $746 million. At May 31, 2013, 77 percent of outstanding debt had a fixed interest rate and 23 percent had a variable interest rate.

Principal Repayments on Long-Term Debt
The principal amount of medium-term notes, collateral trust bonds, long-term notes payable, subordinated deferrable debt and membership subordinated certificates maturing by fiscal year and thereafter is as follows:

   
Amount
 
Weighted-Average
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Maturing (1)
 
Interest Rate
May 31, 2014
$
3,669,351
 
2.43
%
May 31, 2015
 
1,027,741
 
1.59
 
May 31, 2016
 
1,440,781
 
2.25
 
May 31, 2017
 
637,822
 
5.18
 
May 31, 2018
 
48,241
 
2.31
 
Thereafter
 
9,541,568
 
4.83
 
     Total
 
$
16,365,504
 
3.87
 
(1) Excludes loan subordinated certificates totaling $128 million that amortize annually based on the outstanding balance of the related loan and $1 million in payments not received on certificates subscribed and unissued. There are many items that affect the amortization of a loan, such as loan conversions, loan repricing at the end of an interest rate term and prepayments; therefore, an amortization schedule cannot be maintained for these certificates. Over the past three years, annual amortization on these certificates has averaged $24 million. In fiscal year 2013, amortization represented 18 percent of amortizing loan subordinated certificates outstanding.

Patronage Capital Retirements
CFC has made annual retirements of allocated net earnings in 33 of the last 34 years. In July 2012, the CFC Board of Directors approved the allocation of $71 million from fiscal year 2012 net earnings to CFC’s members. CFC made a cash payment of $35 million to its members in September 2012 as retirement of 50 percent of allocated net earnings from the prior year as approved by the CFC Board of Directors. The remaining portion of allocated net earnings will be retained by CFC for 25 years under guidelines adopted by the CFC Board of Directors in June 2009. In July 2013, the CFC Board of Directors approved the allocation of $81 million from fiscal year 2013 net earnings to CFC’s members. CFC will make a cash payment of $41 million to its members in October 2013 as retirement of 50 percent of allocated net earnings from the prior year as approved by the CFC Board of Directors. The remaining portion of allocated net earnings will be retained by CFC for 25 years under guidelines adopted by the CFC Board of Directors in June 2009. The board of directors has the authority to change the current practice for allocating and retiring net earnings at any time, subject to applicable laws and regulation.

Market Risk

Our primary market risks are liquidity risk, interest rate risk and counterparty risk as a result of entering into derivative financial instruments.

Liquidity Risk
We face liquidity risk in funding our loan portfolio and refinancing our maturing obligations. Our Asset Liability Committee monitors liquidity risk by establishing and monitoring liquidity targets, as well as strategies and tactics to meet those targets, and ensuring that sufficient liquidity is available for unanticipated contingencies.

We face liquidity risk in the funding of our loan portfolio based on member demand for new loans, although as presented in our projected sources and uses of liquidity chart on page 51, we expect the amount of new long-term loan advances over the

 
56

 


next six quarters to approximate scheduled long-term loan repayments. We offer long-term loans to our rural electric system members with maturities of up to 35 years, and the weighted average maturity for our electric loan portfolio is currently about 16 years. We offer long-term loans to our telecommunication members with maturities of up to 10 years, and the weighted average maturity for our telecommunications loan portfolio is currently about seven years. We also offer line of credit loans that are generally required to be paid down annually. We offer a variety of interest rate options on long-term loans including the ability to fix the interest rate for terms of one year through maturity. We fund the loan portfolio with a variety of debt instruments and our members’ equity. We typically do not match fund each of our loans with a debt instrument of similar final maturity. Debt instruments such as membership subordinated certificates and loan and guarantee subordinated certificates have maturities that vary from the term of the associated loan or guarantee to 100 years; member capital securities have maturities of 35 years; and subordinated deferrable debt has been issued with maturities of up to 30 years. We may issue collateral trust bonds and medium-term notes for periods of up to 30 years, but typically issue such debt instruments with maturities of two, three, five, seven and 10 years.

At May 31, 2013, we had $4,050 million of commercial paper, select notes, daily liquidity fund and bank bid notes scheduled to mature during the next 12 months. We expect to continue to maintain member investments in commercial paper, select notes and the daily liquidity fund at recent levels of approximately $1,846 million. Dealer commercial paper and bank bid notes increased from $1,700 million at May 31, 2012 to $2,160 million at May 31, 2013. We expect that the dealer commercial paper balance will fluctuate to offset changes in demand from our members. We intend to maintain the current level of commercial paper outstanding while favorable market conditions exist. We intend to limit the balance of dealer commercial paper and bank bid notes outstanding to 15 percent or less of total debt outstanding. At May 31, 2013, 15 percent of total debt outstanding was $3,082 million. In order to access the commercial paper markets at current levels, we believe we need to maintain our current ratings for commercial paper of P1 from Moody’s Investors Service and A1 from Standard & Poor’s Corporation.

We use our bank lines of credit as backup liquidity, primarily for dealer and member commercial paper. At May 31, 2013, we had $3,097 million in available lines of credit with financial institutions. We expect to be in compliance with the covenants under our revolving credit agreements; therefore, we could draw on these facilities to repay dealer or member commercial paper that cannot be rolled over in the event of market disruptions.

At May 31, 2013, we had long-term debt maturing in the next 12 months totaling $3,669 million. As of the date of our filing, approximately $1,052 million of the total long-term debt maturing in the next twelve months has matured or been refinanced. In addition to our access to the dealer and member commercial paper markets as discussed above, we believe we will be able to continue to refinance these maturing obligations because:

·  
Based on our funding sources available and past history, we believe we will meet our obligation to refinance the remaining $990 million of medium-term notes sold through dealers and $391 million of medium-term notes sold to members that mature over the next 12 months with new medium-term notes including those in the retail notes market.
·  
We expect to maintain the ability to obtain funding through the capital markets. During the year ended May 31, 2013 we issued $1,656 million of medium-term notes and $379 million of collateral trust bonds in registered offerings. In June 2013, we issued $400 million of collateral trust bonds in a registered offering.
·  
We can borrow up to $3,900 million under a note purchase agreement with the Federal Agriculture Mortgage Corporation at any time through January 11, 2016, subject to market conditions for debt issued by the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. In November 2012 and April 2013, we issued notes totaling $133 million and $325 million, respectively, under this agreement. We had up to $2,358 million available under this revolving note purchase agreement at May 31, 2013.
·  
We had up to $749 million available under committed loan facilities from the Federal Financing Bank at May 31, 2013. A total of $325 million and $424 million are available for advance through October 15, 2013 and October 15, 2015, respectively, and CFC is required to deposit collateral satisfactory to RUS pursuant to the terms of the facilities. Advances may have a maturity date of up to 20 years from the date of the advance. The spread we pay over the applicable treasury rate is locked in under this program. During the year ended May 31, 2013, we borrowed $255 million under our committed loan facilities with the Federal Financing Bank. In July 2013, we borrowed $325 million under our committed loan facilities with the Federal Financing Bank.
·  
On April 25, 2013, we issued $400 million of 4.75 percent subordinated debt due 2043.

At May 31, 2013, we are the liquidity provider for $598 million of tax-exempt bonds issued for our member cooperatives. These tax-exempt bonds are adjustable or floating-rate bonds that may be converted to a fixed rate as specified in the applicable indenture for each bond offering. During the variable-rate period (including at the time of conversion to a fixed rate), we have, in return for a fee, unconditionally agreed to purchase bonds tendered or put for redemption if the remarketing agents have not previously sold such bonds to other investors. During the year ended May 31, 2013, we were not required to perform as liquidity provider pursuant to these obligations.

 
57

 


At May 31, 2013, we had a total of $448 million of letters of credit outstanding for the benefit of our members. That total includes $125 million for the purpose of providing liquidity for pollution control bonds which is also included in the $598 million mentioned in the paragraph above. The remaining $323 million represents obligations for which we may be required to advance funds based on various trigger events included in the letters of credit. If we are required to advance funds, the amount we advance becomes an obligation of the member upon whose application we issued the letter of credit.

We expect that our current sources of liquidity, along with our $177 million of cash on hand at May 31, 2013, will allow us to meet our obligations and to fund our operations over the next 12 to 18 months.

Interest Rate Risk
Our interest rate risk exposure is related to the funding of the fixed-rate loan portfolio. Our Asset Liability Committee monitors interest rate risk by meeting at least monthly to review the following information: national economic forecasts, forecasts for the federal funds rate and the interest rates that we set, interest rate gap analysis, liquidity position, schedules of loan and debt maturities, short- and long-term funding needs, anticipated loan demands, credit concentration status, derivatives portfolio and financial forecast. The Asset Liability Committee also discusses the composition of fixed-rate versus variable-rate lending, new funding opportunities, changes to the nature and mix of assets and liabilities for structural mismatches and interest rate swap transactions.

Matched Funding Practice
We provide our members with many options on loans with regard to interest rates, the term for which the selected interest rate is in effect, and the ability to convert or prepay the loan. Long-term loans typically have maturities of up to 35 years. Borrowers may select fixed interest rates for periods of one year through the life of the loan. Each time borrowers select a rate, it is at our current market rate for that type of loan. We do not match fund the majority of our fixed-rate loans with a specific debt issuance at the time the loans are advanced. To monitor and mitigate interest rate risk in the funding of fixed-rate loans, we perform a monthly interest rate gap analysis, a comparison of fixed-rate assets repricing or maturing by year to fixed-rate liabilities and members’ equity maturing by year (see table on page 59). Fixed-rate liabilities include debt issued at a fixed rate as well as variable-rate debt swapped to a fixed rate using interest rate swaps. Fixed-rate debt swapped to a variable rate using interest rate swaps is excluded from the analysis since it is used to match fund the variable-rate loan pool. With the exception of members’ subordinated certificates, which are generally issued at rates below our long-term cost of funding and with extended maturities, and commercial paper, our liabilities have average maturities that closely match the repricing terms (but not the maturities) of our fixed-interest-rate loans.

We fund the amount of fixed-rate assets that exceed fixed-rate debt and members’ equity with short-term debt, primarily commercial paper. We also have the option to enter pay fixed-receive variable interest rate swaps. Our funding objective is to manage the matched funding of asset and liability repricing terms within a range of total assets excluding derivative assets deemed appropriate by the Asset Liability Committee based on the current environment and extended outlook for interest rates. Due to the flexibility we offer our borrowers, there is a possibility of significant changes in the composition of the fixed-rate loan portfolio, and the management of the interest rate gap is very fluid. We may use interest rate swaps to adjust the interest rate gap based on our needs for fixed-rate or variable-rate funding as changes arise. The interest rate risk is deemed minimal on variable-rate loans since the loans are eligible to be repriced at least monthly, therefore minimizing the variance to the cost of variable-rate debt used to fund the loans. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, 11 percent and 10 percent, respectively, of loans carried variable interest rates.

Our interest rate gap analysis also allows us to analyze the effect on the overall adjusted TIER of issuing a certain amount of debt at a fixed rate for various maturities before the issuance of the debt. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further explanation and a reconciliation of the adjustments to TIER.

 
58

 


The following table shows the scheduled amortization and repricing of fixed-rate assets and liabilities outstanding at May 31, 2013.

Interest Rate Gap Analysis
(Fixed-Rate Assets/Liabilities)
As of May 31, 2013

(dollar amounts in millions)
 
May 31, 2014
or
prior
 
June 1,
2014 to
May 31,
2016
   
June 1,
2016 to
May 31,
2018
   
June 1,
2018 to
May 31,
2023
   
June 1,
2023 to
May 31,
2033
   
Beyond
June 1,
2033
   
Total
Assets amortization and repricing
$
2,269
 
$
3,847
 
$
2,838
 
$
4,274
 
$
3,791
 
$
1,080
 
$
18,099
                                         
Liabilities and members’ equity:
                                       
    Long-term debt
$
1,453
 
$
2,322
 
$
3,091
 
$
4,187
 
$
2,692
 
$
450
 
$
14,195
    Subordinated certificates
 
24
   
44
   
33
   
89
   
1,347
   
141
   
1,678
    Members’ equity (1)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
28
   
291
   
582
   
901
        Total liabilities and members’ equity
$
1,477
 
$
2,366
 
$
3,124
 
$
4,304
 
$
4,330
 
$
1,173
 
$
16,774
                                         
Gap (2)
$
792
 
$
1,481
 
$
(286
)
$
(30
)
$
(539
)
$
(93
)
$
1,325
Cumulative gap
 
792
   
2,273
   
1,987
   
1,957
   
1,418
   
1,325
     
Cumulative gap as a % of total assets
 
 3.59
%
 
 10.30
%
 
 9.00
%
 
 8.87
%
 
 6.42
%
 
 6.00
%
   
Cumulative gap as a % of adjusted total assets (3)
 3.63
   
 10.42
   
 9.11
   
 8.97
   
 6.50
   
 6.07
     
(1) Includes the portion of the loan loss allowance and subordinated deferrable debt allocated to fund fixed-rate assets and excludes non-cash adjustments from the accounting for derivative financial instruments.
(2) Assets less liabilities and members’ equity.
(3) Adjusted total assets represent total assets in the consolidated balance sheet less derivative assets.

At May 31, 2013, we had $18,099 million of fixed-rate assets amortizing or repricing, funded by $14,195 million of fixed-rate liabilities maturing during the next 30 years and $2,579 million of members’ equity and members’ subordinated certificates, a portion of which does not have a scheduled maturity. The difference of $1,325 million, or 6.00 percent of total assets and 6.07 percent of total assets excluding derivative assets, represents the fixed-rate assets maturing during the next 30 years in excess of the fixed-rate debt and members’ equity. Our Asset Liability Committee believes that the difference in the matched funding at May 31, 2013 as a percentage of total assets less derivative assets is appropriate based on the extended outlook for interest rates and allows the flexibility to maximize funding opportunities in the current low interest rate environment. Funding fixed-rate loans with short-term debt presents a liquidity risk of being able to roll over the short-term debt until we issue term debt to fund the fixed-rate loans through their repricing or maturity date. Factors that mitigate this risk include our maintenance of liquidity available at May 31, 2013 through committed revolving credit agreements totaling $3,097 million with domestic and foreign banks, $749 million under committed loan facilities from the Federal Financing Bank, and, subject to market conditions, up to $2,358 million under a revolving note purchase agreement with the Federal Agriculture Mortgage Corporation.

Derivative Financial Instruments
We are an end user of financial derivative instruments and not a swap dealer. We use derivatives such as interest rate swaps and treasury rate locks to mitigate interest rate risk. These derivatives are used when they provide a lower cost of funding or minimize interest rate risk as part of our overall interest rate matching strategy. As an end user and not a swap dealer, we have not entered into derivative financial instruments for investing, speculating or trading purposes in the past and do not anticipate doing so in the future. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no foreign currency derivative instruments outstanding.

We are required to record all derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability measured at fair value. Changes in the derivative instrument’s fair value are required to be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Generally, our derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting. A large portion of our interest rate exchange agreements use a LIBOR index or the 30-day composite commercial paper index as the receive leg, which has not been highly correlated enough to our own commercial paper rates to qualify for hedge accounting on a consistent basis. We believe that the LIBOR index or the 30-day composite commercial paper index are the rates that most closely relate to the rates we pay on our own commercial paper, and, therefore, we believe we are economically hedging our net interest income on loans with our interest rate exchange agreements. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we did not have any interest rate exchange agreements that were accounted for using hedge accounting. Cash settlements that we pay and receive for derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in the derivative losses line in the consolidated statements of operations.

 
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The following table provides the notional amount, average interest rates and maturities by fiscal year for the interest rate exchange agreements to which we were a party at May 31, 2013.

           
Notional Amortization and Maturities
(dollar amounts in millions)
     
Notional
                       
 
Instruments
   
Fair Value
 
Amount
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
Thereafter
Interest rate exchange agreements
$
(217)
   
$
8,788
   
$
1,216
   
$
687
   
$
685
   
$
930
   
$
712
   
$
4,558
Weighted-average pay rate
           
2.49
%
                                             
Weighted-average receive rate
           
2.00
                                               

At May 31, 2013, 60 percent of our interest rate swaps were pay fixed-receive variable and 40 percent were pay variable-receive fixed. As a result, each 25 basis points increase or decrease to the 30-day composite commercial paper index and the one-month and three-month LIBOR rates would result in a $4 million increase or decrease, respectively, in our net cash settlements. There were no cross currency or cross-currency interest rate exchange agreements to which we were a party at May 31, 2013 and 2012.

Other Financial Instruments
The table below provides information about our financial instruments other than derivatives that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. All of our financial instruments at May 31, 2013 were entered into or contracted for purposes other than trading. For debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related average interest rates by expected maturity dates at May 31, 2013.
 
               
Principal Amortization and Maturities
 
(dollar amounts in millions)
 
Outstanding
   
Fair
                                 
Remaining
 
 
Instrument
   
Balance
   
Value
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
   
Years
 
Assets:
                                               
Investments in time deposits
$
700
 
$
700
 
$
700
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Investments in equity securities
$
 32
 
$
32
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 32
 
Long-term fixed-rate loans (1)
$
 18,057
 
$
 19,150
 
$
 1,073
 
$
 1,023
 
$
 989
 
$
 952
 
$
 900
 
$
 13,120
 
       Average rate
 
 5.16
%
       
 4.67
%
 
 4.73
%
 
 4.87
%
 
 4.81
%
 
 4.93
%
 
 5.30
%
Long-term variable-rate loans (2)
$
 797
 
$
 797
 
$
 70
 
$
 63
 
$
 58
 
$
 53
 
$
 44
 
$
509
 
       Average rate (3)
 
 2.89
%
       
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 -
 
Line of credit loans (4)
$
 1,380
 
$
 1,380
 
$
 1,380
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
       Average rate (3)
 
 2.51
%
       
 2.51
%
 
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 -
 
Non-performing loans (5)
$
 15
 
$
 12
 
$
 7
 
$
 2
 
$
 2
 
$
 2
 
$
 1
 
$
1
 
       Average rate (5)
 
 -
         
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 -
 
Restructured loans (5)
$
 47
 
$
 47
 
$
 1
 
$
 1
 
$
 1
 
$
 1
 
$
 1
 
$
42
 
       Average rate (5)
 
 3.86
%
       
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 -
 
Liabilities and equity:
                                               
Short-term debt (6)
$
 7,719
 
$
7,751
 
$
 7,719
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
       Average rate
 
1.24
%
       
 1.24
%
 
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 -
 
Medium-term notes
$
 1,711
 
$
 2,013
 
$
 -
 
$
 186
 
$
 435
 
$
 16
 
$
 7
 
$
1,067
 
       Average rate
 
4.30
%
       
 -
   
1.77
%
 
0.51
%
 
3.74
%
 
2.50
%
 
6.31
%
Collateral trust bonds
$
 4,458
 
$
 5,397
 
$
 -
 
$
 405
 
$
 954
 
$
 574
 
$
 4
 
$
2,521
 
       Average rate
 
5.38
%
       
 -
   
1.08
%
 
3.08
%
 
 5.47
%
 
 7.35
%
 
6.82
%
Long-term notes payable
$
 4,528
 
$
 4,746
 
$
 -
 
$
 406
 
$
 32
 
$
 33
 
$
 30
 
$
4,027
 
       Average rate
 
2.87
%
       
 -
   
1.92
%
 
1.30
%
 
1.28
%
 
1.23
%
 
3.00
%
Subordinated deferrable debt
$
 400
 
$
404
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
400
 
       Average rate
 
4.75
%
       
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
4.75
%
Membership sub certificates (7)
$
 1,600
 
$
 1,752
 
$
 -
 
$
 31
 
$
 20
 
$
 15
 
$
 7
 
$
1,527
 
       Average rate
 
 
 5.23
%
     
 
 -
   
 2.90
%
 
 2.23
%
 
 4.34
%
 
 3.88
%
 
 5.34
%
(1) The principal amount of fixed-rate loans is the total of scheduled principal amortizations without consideration for loans that reprice. Includes $189 million of loans guaranteed by RUS.
(2) Long-term variable-rate loans include $22 million of loans guaranteed by RUS.
(3) Variable rates are set the first day of each month.
(4) The principal amount of line of credit loans are generally required to be paid down for a period of five consecutive days each year. These loans do not have a principal amortization schedule.
(5) Amortization based on current repayment schedule. All non-performing loans were on non-accrual status at May 31, 2013. Average rate on restructured loans represents current accrual rate. Interest accrual rate cannot be estimated for future periods.
(6) Short-term debt includes commercial paper, select notes, daily liquidity fund, bank bid notes and long-term debt due in less than one year.
(7) Carrying value and fair value exclude loan subordinated certificates totaling $128 million that amortize annually based on the outstanding balance of the related loan; therefore, there is no scheduled amortization and $1 million in payments not received on certificates subscribed and unissued. Over the past three years, annual amortization on these certificates has averaged $24 million. In fiscal year 2013, amortization represented 18 percent of amortizing loan subordinated certificates outstanding.

Counterparty Risk
We are exposed to counterparty risk related to the performance of the parties with which we entered into financial transactions, primarily for derivative instruments and cash and time deposits that we have with various financial institutions. To mitigate this

 
60

 


risk, we only enter into these transactions with financial institutions with investment-grade ratings. Our cash and time deposits with financial institutions have an original maturity of less than one year. For our derivative instruments, at May 31, 2013 and 2012, the highest percentage concentration of total notional exposure to any one counterparty was 20 percent and 18 percent of total derivative instruments, respectively. At the time counterparties are selected to participate in our exchange agreements, the counterparty must be a participant in one of our revolving credit agreements. In addition, the derivative instruments executed for each counterparty are based on key characteristics such as the following: notional concentration, credit risk exposure, tenor, bid success rate, total credit commitment and credit ratings. At May 31, 2013, our derivative instrument counterparties had credit ratings ranging from AA- to BBB+ as assigned by Standard & Poor’s Corporation and Aa2 to Baa2 as assigned by Moody’s Investors Service. Based on the fair market value of our derivative instruments at May 31, 2013, there were three counterparties that would be required to make a payment to us totaling $65 million if all of our derivative instruments were terminated on that day. The largest amount owed to us by a single counterparty was $49 million, or 75 percent of the total exposure to us, at May 31, 2013.

Rating Triggers
Some of our interest rate swaps have credit risk-related contingent features referred to as rating triggers. Rating triggers are not separate financial instruments and are not required to be accounted for separately as derivatives.

At May 31, 2013, the following notional amounts of derivative instruments had rating triggers based on our senior unsecured credit ratings from Moody’s Investors Service or Standard & Poor’s Corporation falling to a level specified in the applicable agreements and are grouped into the categories below. In calculating the payments and collections required upon termination, we netted the agreements for each counterparty, as allowed by the underlying master agreements. At May 31, 2013, our senior unsecured credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Corporation was A2 and A, respectively. At May 31, 2013, both Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Corporation had our ratings on stable outlook.

   
Notional
   
Our required
   
Amount we
   
Net
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
amount
   
payment
   
would collect
   
total
 
Mutual rating trigger if ratings:
                       
fall to Baa1/BBB+ (1)
$
 1,500
 
$
 (79)
 
$
 -
 
$
 (79)
 
fall below Baa1/BBB+ (1)
 
 6,885,828
   
 (209,192)
   
 64,761
   
 (144,431)
 
Total
 
$
 6,887,328
 
$
 (209,271)
 
$
 64,761
 
$
 (144,510)
 
(1) Stated senior unsecured credit ratings are for Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Corporation, respectively. Under these rating triggers, if the credit rating for either counterparty falls to the level specified in the agreement, the other counterparty may, but is not obligated to, terminate the agreement. If either counterparty terminates the agreement, a net payment may be due from one counterparty to the other based on the fair value, excluding credit risk, of the underlying derivative instrument.

In addition to the rating triggers listed above, at May 31, 2013, we had a total notional amount of $450 million of derivative instruments with one counterparty that would require the pledging of collateral totaling $13 million (the fair value of such derivative instruments excluding credit risk) if our senior unsecured ratings from Moody’s Investors Service were to fall below Baa2 or if our ratings from Standard & Poor’s Corporation were to fall below BBB. The aggregate fair value of all interest rate swaps with rating triggers that were in a net liability position at May 31, 2013 including credit risk was $219 million.

During the year ended May 31, 2013, the Moody’s Investors Service credit rating for one counterparty was downgraded to a level below the rating trigger level in the interest rate swap contracts with this counterparty. As a result, we have the option to terminate all interest rate swaps with this counterparty. At May 31, 2013, the interest rate swap contracts with this counterparty have a total notional amount of $697 million. If we were to decide to terminate the interest rate swaps with this counterparty, the contracts would be settled based on the fair value at the date of termination. At May 31, 2013, we estimate that we would have to make a payment of approximately $18 million to settle the interest rate swaps with this counterparty. We use our interest rate swaps as part of our matched funding strategy and do not generally terminate such agreements early. At this time, we have not provided notice to the counterparty that we intend to terminate the interest rate swaps. We will continue to evaluate the overall credit worthiness of this counterparty and to monitor our overall matched funding position.

For additional information about the risks related to our business, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We make certain adjustments to financial measures in assessing our financial performance that are not in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP adjustments fall primarily into two categories:  (i) adjustments related to the calculation of the TIER and (ii) adjustments related to the calculation of the leverage and debt-to-equity ratios. These adjustments reflect management’s perspective on our operations, and in several cases, adjustments used to measure covenant compliance under our revolving credit agreements. Therefore, we believe these are useful financial measures for investors. We refer to our non-GAAP financial measures as “adjusted” throughout this document.

 
61

 


Adjustments to Net Income and the Calculation of TIER
Our primary performance measure is TIER. TIER is calculated by adding the interest expense to net income prior to the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and dividing that total by the interest expense. TIER is a measure of our ability to cover interest expense requirements on our debt. We adjust the TIER calculation to add the derivative cash settlements to the interest expense and to remove the derivative forward value and foreign currency adjustments from total net income. Adding the cash settlements back to the interest expense also has a corresponding effect on our adjusted net interest income. We make these adjustments to our TIER calculation for covenant compliance on our revolving credit agreements.

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

The derivative forward value and foreign currency adjustments do not represent our cash inflows or outflows during the current period and, therefore, do not affect our current ability to cover our debt service obligations. The derivative forward value included in the derivative losses line of the statement of operations represents a present value estimate of the future cash inflows or outflows that will be recognized as net cash settlements for all periods through the maturity of our derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting. Foreign currency adjustments represent the change in value of foreign-denominated debt resulting from the change in foreign currency exchange rates during the current period. The derivative forward value calculation is based on future interest rate expectations that may change daily, creating volatility in the estimated derivative forward value. The change in foreign currency exchange rates adjusts the debt balance to the amount that would be due at the reporting date. At the issuance date, we enter into a foreign currency exchange agreement for all foreign-denominated debt that effectively fixes the exchange rate for all interest and principal payments. For making operating decisions, we subtract the derivative forward value and foreign currency adjustments from our net income when calculating TIER and for other net income presentation purposes. The covenants in our revolving credit agreements also exclude the effects of derivative forward value and foreign currency adjustments. In addition, since the derivative forward value and foreign currency adjustments do not represent current period cash flows, we do not allocate such funds to our members and, therefore, exclude the derivative forward value and foreign currency adjustments from net income in calculating the amount of net income to be allocated to our members. TIER calculated by excluding the derivative forward value and foreign currency adjustments from net income reflects management’s perspective on our operations and, therefore, we believe that it represents a useful financial measure for investors.

The accounting for derivative financial instruments and foreign currency adjustments also affects our total equity. The derivative forward value and foreign currency adjustments flow through the consolidated statements of operations as income or expense, increasing or decreasing the total net income for the period. The total net income or net loss for the period represents an increase or decrease, respectively, to total equity. As a result of implementing the accounting for derivative financial instruments, our total equity includes other comprehensive income, which represents unrecognized gains and losses on derivatives. The other comprehensive income component of equity related to derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting does not flow through the consolidated statements of operations. As stated above, the derivative forward value and foreign currency adjustments do not represent current cash inflow or outflow. The other comprehensive income also is an estimate of future gains and losses and as such does not represent earnings that we can use to fund our loan portfolio. Financial measures calculated with total equity, excluding the accounting for derivative financial instruments and foreign currency adjustments, reflect management’s perspective on our operations and, therefore, we believe represent a useful measure of our financial condition.

 
62

 


The following table provides a reconciliation between interest expense and net interest income, and these financial measures adjusted to include the impact of derivatives. Additionally, it provides a reconciliation of net income and this financial measure adjusted to exclude the impact of derivatives and foreign currency adjustments for the five years ended May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
     
2012
     
2011
     
2010
     
2009
 
Interest expense
$
 (692,025)
   
$
 (761,778
)
 
$
(841,080
)
 
$
(912,111
)
 
$
(935,021
)
Derivative cash settlements
 
 (56,461)
     
 (12,846
)
   
(6,848
)
   
(23,304
)
   
112,989
 
Adjusted interest expense
$
 (748,486)
   
$
 (774,624
)
 
$
(847,928
)
 
$
(935,415
)
 
$
(822,032
)
                                       
Net interest income
$
 263,728
   
$
 199,183
   
$
167,831
   
$
131,524
   
$
135,743
 
Derivative cash settlements
 
 (56,461)
     
 (12,846
)
   
(6,848
)
   
(23,304
)
   
112,989
 
Adjusted net interest income
$
 207,267
   
$
 186,337
   
$
160,983
   
$
108,220
   
$
248,732
 
                                       
Net income (loss)
$
 358,087 
   
$
 (148,797
)
 
$
151,215
   
$
110,547
   
$
(73,770
)
Derivative forward value
 
 (141,304)
     
 223,774
     
23,388
     
(2,696
)
   
160,017
 
Adjusted net income
$
 216,783
   
$
 74,977
   
$
174,603
   
$
 107,851
   
$
86,247
 

TIER using GAAP financial measures is calculated as follows:

   
Interest expense + net income prior to cumulative
 
 
TIER =
effect of change in accounting principle
 
   
Interest expense
 

Our adjusted TIER is calculated as follows:

 
Adjusted TIER =
Adjusted interest expense + adjusted net income
 
   
Adjusted interest expense
 

The following table presents our TIER and adjusted TIER for the five years ended May 31:

 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
TIER (1)
 
 1.52
     
-
     
1.18
     
1.12
     
-
   
Adjusted TIER
   
1.29
     
1.10
     
1.21
     
1.12
     
1.10
   
(1) For the years ended May 31, 2012 and 2009, we reported a net loss of $149 million and $74 million, respectively; therefore, the TIER for these periods results in a value below 1.00.

Adjustments to the Calculation of Leverage and Debt-to-Equity Ratios
Our adjusted leverage and debt-to-equity ratios include adjustments to:
·  
subtract debt used to fund loans that are guaranteed by RUS from total liabilities;
·  
subtract from total liabilities, and add to total equity, debt with equity characteristics issued to our members and in the capital markets; and
·  
exclude the non-cash impact of derivative financial instruments and foreign currency adjustments from total liabilities and total equity.

For computing compliance with our revolving credit agreement covenants, we are required to make these adjustments to our leverage ratio calculation. The revolving credit agreements prohibit us from incurring senior debt in an amount in excess of 10 times the sum of equity, members’ subordinated certificates and subordinated deferrable debt, as defined by the agreements. In addition to the adjustments we make to calculate the adjusted leverage ratio, guarantees to our member systems that have an investment-grade rating from Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Corporation are excluded from the calculation of the leverage ratio under the terms of the revolving credit agreements.

We are an eligible lender under the RUS loan guarantee program. Loans issued under this program carry the U.S. government’s guarantee of all interest and principal payments. Therefore, we have little or no risk associated with the collection of principal and interest payments on these loans. Therefore, we believe there is little or no risk related to the repayment of the liabilities used to fund RUS-guaranteed loans and we subtract such liabilities from total liabilities to calculate our leverage and debt-to-equity ratios. For computing compliance with our revolving credit agreement covenants, we are required to adjust our leverage ratio by subtracting liabilities used to fund RUS-guaranteed loans from total liabilities. The leverage and debt-to-equity ratios adjusted to subtract debt used to fund RUS-guaranteed loans from total liabilities reflect management’s perspective on our operations and, therefore, we believe that these are useful financial measures for investors.

 
63

 


Members have been required to purchase subordinated certificates as a condition of membership and as a condition to obtaining a loan or guarantee. The subordinated certificates are accounted for as debt under GAAP. The subordinated certificates have long-dated maturities and pay no interest or pay interest that is below market, and under certain conditions we are prohibited from making interest payments to members on the subordinated certificates. For computing compliance with our revolving credit agreement covenants, we are required to adjust our leverage ratio by subtracting members’ subordinated certificates from total liabilities and adding members’ subordinated certificates to total equity. The leverage and debt-to-equity ratios adjusted to treat members’ subordinated certificates as equity rather than debt reflect management’s perspective on our operations and, therefore, we believe these are useful financial measures for investors.

We also sell subordinated deferrable debt in the capital markets with maturities of up to 30 years and the option to defer interest payments. The characteristics of subordination, deferrable interest and long-dated maturity are all equity characteristics. For computing compliance with our revolving credit agreement covenants, we are required to adjust our leverage ratio by subtracting subordinated deferrable debt from total liabilities and adding it to total equity. The leverage and debt-to-equity ratios adjusted to treat subordinated deferrable debt as equity rather than debt reflect management’s perspective on our operations and, therefore, we believe these are useful financial measures for investors.

We record derivative instruments at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets. The fair values are estimates of the future gains and losses we may incur related to derivatives. The amounts do not represent current cash flows and are not available to fund current operations. For computing compliance with our revolving credit agreement covenants, we are required to adjust our leverage ratio by excluding the non-cash impact of our derivative accounting from liabilities and equity. The leverage and debt-to-equity ratios adjusted to exclude the impact of our derivative accounting from liabilities and equity reflect management’s perspective on our operations and, therefore, we believe these are useful financial measures for investors. As a result of issuing foreign-denominated debt and the accounting standards for derivative financial instruments, which discontinued the practice of recording the foreign-denominated debt and the related currency exchange agreement as one transaction, we must adjust the value of such debt reported on the consolidated balance sheets for changes in foreign currency exchange rates since the date of issuance based on the accounting for foreign currency translation. At the time of issuance of all foreign-denominated debt, we enter into a foreign currency exchange agreement to fix the exchange rate on all principal and interest payments through maturity. The adjustments to the value of the debt on the consolidated balance sheets are reported on the consolidated statements of operations as foreign currency adjustments. The adjusted debt value at the reporting date does not represent the amount we will ultimately pay to retire the debt unless the current exchange rate is equal to the exchange rate in the related foreign currency exchange agreement or the counterparty fails to honor its obligations under the agreement. For computing compliance with our revolving credit agreement covenants, we are required to adjust our leverage ratio by excluding the impact of foreign currency valuation adjustments from liabilities and equity. The leverage and debt-to-equity ratios adjusted to exclude the effect of foreign currency translation reflect management’s perspective on our operations and, therefore, we believe these are useful financial measures for investors.

The following table reconciles the liabilities and equity on the consolidated balance sheets to the amounts used to calculate the adjusted leverage and debt-to-equity ratios as of the five years ended May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
   
2013
     
2012
     
2011
     
2010
     
2009
 
Liabilities
 
$
 21,260,390
   
$
 19,460,580
   
$
19,874,313
   
$
19,556,448
   
$
20,463,605
 
  Less:
                                       
Derivative liabilities
   
 (475,278)
     
 (654,125
)
   
(477,433
)
   
(482,825
)
   
(493,002
)
Debt used to fund loans guaranteed by RUS
   
 (210,815)
     
 (219,084
)
   
(226,695
)
   
(237,356
)
   
(243,997
)
Subordinated deferrable debt
   
 (400,000)
     
 (186,440
)
   
(186,440
)
   
(311,440
)
   
(311,440
)
Subordinated certificates (1)
   
 (1,766,402)
     
 (1,739,454
)
   
(1,813,652
)
   
(1,810,715
)
   
(1,740,054
)
Adjusted liabilities
 
$
 18,407,895
   
$
 16,661,477
   
$
17,170,093
   
$
16,714,112
   
$
17,675,112
 
Total equity
 
$
 811,261
   
$
 490,755
   
$
687,309
   
$
586,767
   
$
519,100
 
  Less:
                                       
Prior year cumulative derivative forward
                                       
value and foreign currency adjustments
   
 366,026
     
 142,252
     
118,864
     
121,560
     
(38,457
)
Year-to-date derivative forward value (income)
                                   
loss
   
 (141,304)
     
 223,774
     
23,388
     
(2,696
)
   
160,017
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (2)
 (7,287)
     
(8,270
)
 
 
(9,273
)
   
(7,489
)
   
(8,115
  Plus:
                                       
Subordinated certificates (1)
   
 1,766,402
     
 1,739,454
     
1,813,652
     
1,810,715
     
1,740,054
 
Subordinated deferrable debt
   
 400,000
     
 186,440
     
186,440
     
311,440
     
311,440
 
Adjusted equity
 
$
 3,195,098
   
$
 2,774,405
   
$
2,820,380
   
$
2,820,297
   
$
2,684,039
 
Guarantees
   
$
 1,112,771
   
$
1,249,330
   
$
1,104,988
   
$
1,171,109
   
$
1,275,455
 
(1) Includes $37 million, $17 million and $12 million of subordinated certificates classified in short-term debt at May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(2) Represents the accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives. Excludes $1.1 million, $0.9 million and $0.5 million of accumulated other comprehensive income related to the unrecognized gains on our investments at May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 
64

 


The leverage and debt-to-equity ratios using GAAP financial measures are calculated as follows:

 
Leverage ratio =
Liabilities + guarantees outstanding
 
   
Total equity
 
       
 
Debt-to-equity ratio =
Liabilities
 
   
Total equity
 

The adjusted leverage and debt-to-equity ratios are calculated as follows:

 
Adjusted leverage ratio =
Adjusted liabilities + guarantees outstanding
   
   
Adjusted equity
   

 
Adjusted debt-to-equity ratio =
Adjusted liabilities
   
   
Adjusted equity
   

The following table provides the calculated ratio for leverage and debt-to-equity, as well as the adjusted ratio calculations, as of the five years ended May 31:

     
2013
   
2012
     
2011
     
2010
     
2009
   
Leverage ratio
   
27.58
     
42.20
       
30.52
       
 35.33
       
41.88
     
Adjusted leverage ratio
   
6.11
 
   
6.46
       
6.48
       
 6.34
       
7.06
     
                                         
Debt-to-equity ratio
   
26.21
     
39.65
       
28.92
       
 33.33
       
39.42
     
Adjusted debt-to-equity ratio
   
5.76
     
6.01
       
6.09
       
 5.93
       
6.59
     

Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

See Market Risk discussion beginning on page 56.

Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Information.

The consolidated financial statements, auditors’ reports and quarterly financial results are included on pages 94 through 139 (see Supplementary Information, Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited), to consolidated financial statements for a summary of the quarterly results of our operations).

Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. At the end of the period covered by this report, based on this evaluation process, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (“we”, “our” or “us”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control system over financial reporting is designed under the supervision of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
(i.)  
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets;

(ii.)  
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of ours are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and our directors; and

 
65

 


(iii.)  
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or dispositions of our assets.

Any system of internal control, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including but not limited to the possibility that a control can be circumvented or overridden and misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Also, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

A material weakness (as defined in PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 5) is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement in financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2013. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.

Based on management’s assessment and those criteria, management believes that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2013.

This annual report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to furnish only management’s report with this annual report on Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


By:
 
/s/ SHELDON C. PETERSEN
By:
 
/s/ J. ANDREW DON
   
Sheldon C. Petersen
   
J. Andrew Don
   
Chief Executive Officer
   
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
August 28, 2013
   
August 28, 2013
           
           
By:
 
/s/ ROBERT E. GEIER
     
   
Robert E. Geier
     
   
Vice President and Controller
     
   
August 28, 2013
     


Item 9B.
Other Information.

None.

 
66

 


PART III

Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

(a) Directors
 
           
Director
 
Date present
Name
   
Age
   
since
 
 term expires
Burns E. Mercer (President of CFC)
 
62
     
2008
 
2014
Joel Cunningham (Vice President of CFC)
 
59
     
2009
 
2015
Ray Beavers (Secretary-Treasurer of CFC)
 
58
     
2010
 
2016
Frederick C. Anderson
 
61
     
2008
 
2014
Patrick L. Bridges      
 
54
     
2013
 
2016
Fred Brog
 
68
     
2009
 
2015
Mike Campbell
 
65
     
2012
 
2015
R. Grant Clawson
 
64
     
2011
 
2014
Mel Coleman    
 
59
     
2013
 
2014
Walter K. Crook
 
73
     
2010
 
2016
Jim L. Doerstler
 
65
     
2008
 
2014
Roman E. Gillen  
 
51
     
2013
 
2016
Christopher L. Hamon
 
50
     
2009
 
2015
Scott W. Handy
 
55
     
2009
 
2015
Robert M. Hill  
 
65
     
2013
 
2016
Lyle Korver
 
57
     
2010
 
2016
Glenn W. Miller
 
49
     
2009
 
2015
Curtis Nolan
 
55
     
2011
 
2014
Harry N. Park 
 
78
     
2013
 
2016
Curtin R. Rakestraw II      
 
60
     
2013
 
2016
Randy D. Renth
 
49
     
2009
 
2015
Dwight Rossow
 
51
     
2008
 
2014
Kirk A. Thompson
 
50
     
2011
 
2014

Under CFC’s bylaws, the board of directors must be composed of the following individuals:
·  
20 directors, which must include one general manager and one director of a member system from each of 10 districts (but no more than one director from each state except in a district where only one state has members);
·  
two directors designated by the NRECA; and
·  
if the board determines at its discretion that an at-large director shall be elected, one at-large director who satisfies the requirements of an Audit Committee financial expert as defined by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and is a trustee, director, manager, Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of a member.

The 20 district-level directors are each elected by a vote of the members within the district for which the director serves. The at-large director who satisfies the requirements of an Audit Committee financial expert is elected by the vote of all members. All CFC directors are elected for a three-year term and can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. Each CFC member (other than associates) is entitled to one vote with respect to elections of directors in their districts.

(b) Executive Officers
             
               
Held present
Title
   
Name
   
Age
 
 office since
President and Director
 
Burns E. Mercer
   
62
 
2013
Vice President and Director
 
Joel Cunningham
   
59
 
2013
Secretary-Treasurer and Director
 
Ray Beavers
   
58
 
2013
Chief Executive Officer
 
Sheldon C. Petersen
   
60
 
1995
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
 
John T. Evans
   
63
 
2011
Senior Vice President of Member Services and General Counsel
 
John J. List (1)
   
66
 
1997
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
Steven L. Lilly (2)
   
63
 
1994
Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations
 
Richard E. Larochelle
   
60
 
1998
Senior Vice President of Affiliate Organizations
 
Lawrence Zawalick
   
55
 
2011
Senior Vice President and Treasurer
 
J. Andrew Don (3)
   
53
 
2011
Senior Vice President of Credit Risk Management
 
John M. Borak
   
68
 
2002
Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development
 
Leigh V. Grantham
   
53
 
2013
(1) Effective July 1, 2013, Mr. List became Senior Vice President of Member Services.
(2) Effective July 1, 2013, Mr. Lilly became Senior Vice President, Special Asset Management.
(3) Effective July 1, 2013, Mr. Don became Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

 
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The President, Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer are elected annually by the board of directors at its first organizational meeting immediately following CFC’s annual membership meeting, each to serve a term of one year; the Chief Executive Officer serves at the pleasure of the board of directors; and the other Executive Officers serve at the pleasure of the Chief Executive Officer.

(c) Identification of Certain Significant Employees.

Inapplicable.

(d) Family Relationships.

No family relationship exists between any director or executive officer and any other director or executive officer of the registrant.

(e) (1) and (2) Business Experience and Directorships.

Mr. Mercer has served as president and CEO of Meade County R.E.C.C. in Brandenburg, Kentucky since 1994. He serves as a board member for Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, United Utility Supply Cooperative and Farmers Bank. Mr. Mercer is a former NCSC board member and was a member of the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants. As president and CEO of Meade County R.E.C.C., Mr. Mercer has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Mercer has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board. Mr. Mercer’s experience with accounting principles, financial reporting rules and regulations and evaluating financial results makes him a valuable resource as a director and member of the Audit Committee of CFC.

Mr. Cunningham has been a director of Twin County Electric Power Association in Hollandale, Mississippi since 2004. He has been a self-employed certified public accountant in Belzoni, Mississippi since 1981. Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Mississippi Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs. He also holds the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate issued by NRECA. As a director of Twin County Electric Power Association, Mr. Cunningham has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Cunningham has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board. Mr. Cunningham’s experience with accounting principles, financial reporting rules and regulations and evaluating financial results makes him a valuable resource as a director and member of the Audit Committee of CFC.

Mr. Beavers has been the general manager and CEO of United Electric Cooperative Services in Cleburne, Texas since 1999. Mr. Beavers served as the board chairman of Texas Electric Cooperatives from 2008 to 2009 and as an alternate director of Brazos Electric Power Cooperative since 1999. Mr. Beavers was the chairman of the Rural Electric Management Development Council and former general manager and CEO of Southwest Rural Electric Association. In addition, he was the assistant to the general manager of Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives and a member services coordinator of Cotton Electric Cooperative. As general manager and CEO of United Electric Cooperative Services, Mr. Beavers has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Beavers has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Anderson has been the president and CEO of New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Plymouth, New Hampshire since 1992. He is a founding board member of the New Hampshire Electric Co-op Foundation. Mr. Anderson is also a former board member of the Cooperative Research Council, a former board member of Northway Bank and former member of Northway Bank’s Audit Committee. Mr. Anderson is the former director of finance and administration/CFO, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, Inc.; systems accountant, Rural Electrification Administration; president, vice president and treasurer, Northeast Association of Electric Cooperatives; president, Northeast Public Power Association; and president, Consumer-Owned Energy Foundation. He holds the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate issued by the NRECA. Mr. Anderson also is a current member of the AICPA. As president and CEO of New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, Mr. Anderson has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Anderson has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board. Mr. Anderson’s experience with accounting principles, financial reporting rules and regulations and evaluating financial results makes him a valuable resource as a director and member of the Audit Committee of CFC.

Mr. Bridges has been the CFO of Tri-State G&T Association in Westminster, Colorado, since 2008. He has served as the vice president and treasurer of Texas-New Mexico Power Company from 2000 to 2003. Mr. Bridges has more than 30 years of experience working in the electric power industry and 20 years of experience working for companies registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mr. Bridges has chaired the Finance Subcommittee of the G&T Managers’ Technical Advisory Council from 2009 to 2012, currently serves as secretary of the G&T Accounting and Finance Committee, and is a

 
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board member of the Colorado Council for Economic Education. Mr. Bridges is a certified public accountant and chartered financial analyst. As the CFO of Tri-State G&T Association, Mr. Bridges has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Bridges has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interest of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board. Mr. Bridges’ experience with accounting principles, financial reporting rules and regulations and evaluating financial results makes him a valuable resource as a director and member of the Audit Committee of CFC.

Mr. Brog has been director of Lower Valley Energy in Afton, Wyoming since 1988. He has been a rancher and farmer in Freedom, Wyoming since 1970. Mr. Brog served as secretary-treasurer of NCSC and serves as a board member of Snake River Power Association. He was past president of Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association and former director of Wyoming Rural Electric Association. In addition, Mr. Brog serves as president of Star Valley Cooperative Milk Marketing Association and adviser to the State of Wyoming Economic Development Committee. As a director of Lower Valley Energy, Mr. Brog has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Brog has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Campbell has been the executive vice president and general manager of Central Florida Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Chiefland, Florida since 2005. He has served as the vice president of engineering and operations of Coastal Electric Cooperative in Midway, Georgia from 1998 to 2005 and the engineering manager of Colquitt Electric Membership Corporation in Moultrie, Georgia from 1991 to 1998. He is serving as a trustee on the executive committee of Seminole Electric Cooperative, and as a director and secretary-treasurer of the Florida Rural Electric Self Insurer’s Fund and Florida Rural Electric Credit Union. As a general manager of Central Florida Electric Cooperative, Mr. Campbell has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Campbell has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Clawson has been a trustee of Continental Divide Electric Cooperative in Grants, New Mexico since 1989. He represents District 10 on the NRECA Resolutions Committee. Mr. Clawson is a farmer and rancher and has been the owner of a custom saddle business since 1998. As a trustee of Continental Divide Electric Cooperative, Mr. Clawson has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Clawson has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Coleman has been the CEO of North Arkansas Electric Cooperative in Salem, Arkansas, since 2001. He serves as vice president of NRECA and has been a director since 2004. In addition, Mr. Coleman is a director of Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation, and of the Arkansas Electric Cooperatives. Before becoming CEO, he was assistant general manager from 1999 to 2001, and manager of member services from 1988 to 1999 for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative. Mr. Coleman is a member of the Development Council of Arkansas State University in Mountain Home, Arkansas. As the CEO of North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Mr. Coleman has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Coleman has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interest of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board. Mr. Coleman’s experience with accounting principles, financial reporting rules and regulations and evaluating financial results makes him a valuable resource as a director and member of the Audit Committee of CFC.

Mr. Crook has been a director of Butler Public Power District in David City, Nebraska since 1991. Mr. Crook has served as the CEO of Polk & Butler Mutual Insurance Company since 1992 and is part owner of a farming operation. He also has served as the state director of Nebraska Rural Electric Association from 1997 to 1998 and from 2008 to present. Mr. Crook is a director of Nebraska Farmers Mutual Reinsurance Company, an executive board member of the State Association of Mutual Insurance Companies of Nebraska and board chairman of Nebraska Rural TV Inc. He also holds the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate issued by NRECA. As a director of Butler Public Power District, Mr. Crook has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Crook has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director and member on the CFC board. Mr. Crook’s experience with accounting principles, financial reporting rules and regulations and evaluating financial results makes him a valuable resource as a director and member of the Audit Committee of CFC.

Mr. Doerstler has served as a board director of Whitewater Valley REMC in Liberty, Indiana since 1994. He has served as an officer, an executive committee member and board member of the Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives. Mr. Doerstler has served as vice president of Farm Credit Banks of Louisville, vice president of credit for Wabash Valley Production Credit Association and branch manager of Greencastle Production Credit Association. He holds the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate and the Board Leadership Certificate issued by NRECA. He is semi-retired and formerly owned and operated Louie’s Boot Barn from 1987 until it was sold in June 2008. As a director of Whitewater Valley REMC, Mr. Doerstler has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry

 
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and, therefore, we believe Mr. Doerstler has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Gillen has been the president and CEO of Consumers Power, Inc. in Philomath, Oregon, since 2006. He served as director of information systems from 1986 to 2003 and assistant manager from 2004 to 2005. His career began with Douglas Electric Cooperative in Roseburg, Oregon, where he was an accounting and data processing manager, and then worked for Truckee-Donner Public Utility District in Truckee, California. Mr. Gillen has served as chairman of Power Resources Cooperative from 2008 to 2010, secretary of Casco Communications, Inc. from 2006 to present, and president of the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association from 2011 to 2012 and is secretary-treasurer of PNGC Power. As the president and CEO of Consumer Power, Inc., Mr. Gillen has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Gillen has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interest of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Hamon has been the CEO of White River Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Branson, Missouri since 1999. He currently serves as director and served as past president of Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative and alternate director of KAMO Power. Mr. Hamon serves on the Executive Board, as president of the Alternative Fuel Taskforce and on multiple committees for the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives and was past president of the Cooperative Managers Group. In addition, he was the former Operations and Engineering manager for White River Valley Electric Cooperative. Mr. Hamon is a member of the Energy Efficiency/Demand Side Management Team for Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc., the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers and the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers. As CEO of White River Valley Electric Cooperative, Mr. Hamon has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Hamon has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Handy has been the president and CEO of Cass County Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Fargo, North Dakota since February 2002 and has been employed there in various capacities since October 1982. He has previously served as chairman for the Rural Electric Management Development Council, Minnkota Power Cooperative Manager’s Advisory Committee and the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives Manager’s Advisory Committee. In addition, he is a former board chairman for Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation’s Growth Initiative Fund, a public/private loan pool that lends money for business expansion, vice chairman of the North Dakota State University Alumni Association, and board member of the North Dakota State University Quentin N. Burdick Center for Cooperatives. As president and CEO of Cass County Electric Cooperative, Mr. Handy has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Handy has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Hill has been the board chairman of First Electric Cooperative Corporation in Jacksonville, Arkansas, since 2009 and a director since 1983. He also serves as a director and audit committee member of the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation. Mr. Hill is a former member of the Arkansas State Banking Board and is the former owner of a bank and an accounting firm. He is currently the owner and chair of Hill Investments, LLC, and is a former certified public accountant. As the chair of First Electric Cooperative Corporation, Mr. Hill has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Hill has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interest of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Korver has been the general manager and CEO of North West Rural Electric Cooperative in Orange City, Iowa since 1993. In addition, he was the secretary-treasurer and past chairman of the Resolutions Committee of Mid-West Electric Consumers Association. Mr. Korver was the general manager of Sioux Electric Cooperative Association from 1984 to 1993 and the shared general manager of Sioux Electric Cooperative Association and O’Brien County Rural Electric Cooperative from 1989 to 1993. Mr. Korver was the manager’s representative to the board of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives from 2005 to 2006. He also was a member of NRECA Marketing and Energy Services Committee. He is an ACRE President’s Club member. Mr. Korver has been the president of Orange City Development Corporation since 2007. As general manager and CEO of North West Rural Electric Cooperative, Mr. Korver has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Korver has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC Board.

Mr. Miller has been the president and CEO of Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Millersburg, Ohio since 2004. He currently serves on the board of Buckeye Power, Inc. including the Executive, Audit and Rate committees. Mr. Miller is currently serving on the board of Wayne Savings Community Bank located in Wooster, Ohio, where he also serves on both the Loan, Compensation and Audit Committees. Mr. Miller is a certified public accountant and owner of Glenn W. Miller, CPA. In addition, he is a board member and treasurer of Holmes County Economic Development Council, Inc. and board member of Holmes-Wayne Electric Foundation, Inc. Mr. Miller is a part-owner and vice president of The Pines Golf Club in Orrville, Ohio. As president and CEO of Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative, Mr. Miller has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Miller has the qualifications,

 
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skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board. Mr. Miller’s experience with accounting principles, financial reporting rules and regulations and evaluating financial results makes him a valuable resource as a director and member of the Audit Committee of CFC.

Mr. Nolan has been a director of Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative in Willcox, Arizona since 1993 and a director of NRECA since 2002. Mr. Nolan has also been serving as president of NRECA since March 2013. Mr. Nolan previously served as president and secretary of the Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative and as a secretary-treasurer and vice president of NRECA. He is a former director and a chairman of Southwest Transmission Cooperative and a former director, treasurer and secretary for Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association. Mr. Nolan has been the owner of Nolan Builders since 2005. Mr. Nolan also holds the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate and the Board Leadership Certificate issued by NRECA. As a director of Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, Mr. Nolan has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Nolan has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board. Mr. Nolan’s experience with accounting principles, financial reporting rules and regulations and evaluating financial results makes him a valuable resource as a director and member of the Audit Committee of CFC.

Mr. Park has been a director of Southern Rivers Energy in Barnesville, Georgia, since 1997. He also is a director of Georgia System Operations Corporation. Park has served as the president, CEO and director of several banks. As the director of Southern Rivers Energy, Mr. Park has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Park has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interest of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Rakestraw II has been a director of Sullivan County Rural Electric Cooperative in Forksville, Pennsylvania, since 1986. He also is chairman of Allegheny Electric Cooperative and director of Continental Cooperative Services. Mr. Rakestraw II served as the director and president of the Pennsylvania Corn Growers Association from 1985 to 1997 and as a founding director of Lycoming Farmland Preservation. He is the owner of Rakestraw Farms and Promised Land Busing. As the director of Sullivan County Rural Electric Cooperative, Mr. Rakestraw II has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Rakestraw II has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interest of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board. Mr. Rakestraw II’s experience with accounting principles, financial reporting rules and regulations and evaluating financial results makes him a valuable resource as a director and member of the Audit Committee of CFC.

Mr. Renth has been director of Clinton County Electric Cooperative in Breese, Illinois since 1997. He is a certified public accountant and has been at Rickhoff & Associates LTD of O’Fallon, Illinois from 2011 to current and from 2007 to 2009. Mr. Renth was at Rehkemper & Son, Inc. of St. Rose, Illinois from 2009 to 2011. Mr. Renth was the controller of Auffenberg Auto Group in St. Louis, Missouri from 2006 to 2007. Also in 2006, he served as the plant controller for Cenveo, Inc. in St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Renth served as the chief financial officer of Archway International Trucks/Gateway City International in St. Louis, Missouri from 1997 to 2006. In addition, he is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Illinois Society of CPAs. He also holds the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate and the Board Leadership Certificate issued by NRECA. Mr. Renth is owner and operator of RDR Acres Inc., a family farm corporation. As a director of Clinton County Electric Cooperative, Mr. Renth has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Renth has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board. Mr. Renth’s experience with accounting principles, financial reporting rules and regulations and evaluating financial results makes him a valuable resource as a director and member of the Audit Committee of CFC.

Mr. Rossow has served as a board director of Cam Wal Electric Cooperative in Selby, South Dakota since 1996. Mr. Rossow also is a board member of South Dakota Rural Electric Association. Mr. Rossow has been a self-employed rancher in Herreid, South Dakota since 1980 and is the owner of Rossow Feedlot Cleaning, LLC. He also holds the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate issued by NRECA. As a director of Cam Wal Electric Cooperative, Mr. Rossow has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Rossow has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board.

Mr. Thompson has been the general manager of CMS Electric Cooperative, Inc., in Meade, Kansas since 1991. Mr. Thompson is board president of Kansas Electric Power Cooperative and board president of High Plains Energy LLC. Mr. Thompson is also the board president of Southwest Kansas Area Cooperative District 613. As general manager of CMS Electric Cooperative, Mr. Thompson has acquired extensive experience with and knowledge of the rural electric cooperative industry and, therefore, we believe Mr. Thompson has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to act in the best interests of CFC and to serve as a director on the CFC board. Mr. Thompson’s experience with accounting, financial reporting and evaluating financial results makes him a valuable resource as a director and member of the Audit Committee of CFC.

 
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Mr. Petersen joined CFC in August 1983 as an area representative. He became the director of Policy Development and Internal Audit in January 1990, director of Credit Analysis in November 1990 and Corporate Secretary on June 1, 1992. He became Assistant to the Governor on May 1, 1993. He became Assistant to the Governor and Acting Administrative Officer on June 1, 1994. He became Governor and CEO on March 1, 1995. Mr. Petersen began his career in the rural electrification program in 1976 as staff assistant for Nishnabotna Rural Electric Cooperative in Harlan, Iowa. He later served as General Manager of Rock County Electric Cooperative Association in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Mr. Evans joined CFC as Senior Vice President of Operations in November 1997. On June 1, 2010, Mr. Evans became Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He was Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Suburban Hospital Healthcare System, Bethesda, Maryland from 1994 to 1997. He was Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania from 1991 to 1994.

Mr. List joined CFC as a staff attorney in February 1972. He served as Corporate Counsel from June 1980 to 1991. He became Senior Vice President and General Counsel on June 1, 1992, and became Senior Vice President, Member Services and General Counsel on February 1, 1997. Effective July 1, 2013, Mr. List became Senior Vice President of Member Services.

Mr. Lilly joined CFC as a Senior Financial Consultant in October 1983. He became director of Special Finance in June 1985 and director of Corporate Finance in June 1986. He became Treasurer and Principal Finance Officer on June 1, 1993, and became Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on January 1, 1994. Effective July 1, 2013, Mr. Lilly became CFC’s Senior Vice President, Special Asset Management.

Mr. Larochelle joined CFC as director of Corporate Relations in May 1996. He became Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations in August 1998. Before joining CFC, he was the Legislative Director at NRECA where he worked for 12 years. He also worked at the USDA in the Rural Electrification Administration and the Farmers Home Administration.

Mr. Zawalick joined CFC in 1980. Throughout his career with CFC, Mr. Zawalick has held various positions. In February 2000, Mr. Zawalick was named CFC’s Senior Vice President of RTFC. On June 1, 2010, Mr. Zawalick was named Senior Vice President, Affiliate Organizations, which includes oversight responsibilities for both RTFC and NCSC operations.

Mr. Don joined CFC in September 1999 as Director of Loan Syndications and became Vice President of Capital Market Relations in June 2005. Effective June 2010, Mr. Don became CFC’s Senior Vice President and Treasurer. Effective July 1, 2013, Mr. Don became CFC’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining CFC, he held the position of Vice President and Manager of the Washington, D.C. Office for The Bank of Tokyo–Mitsubishi. Mr. Don started his banking career with the Bank of Montreal in New York in 1984 and subsequently was a Vice President for Corporate Banking for The Bank of New York from 1987 to 1990.

Mr. Borak joined CFC in June 2002 as Senior Vice President, Credit Risk Management. Previously, he was with Fleet National Bank, Boston, Massachusetts from 1992 to 2001 where he was a Senior Credit Officer with risk management and loan approval responsibility for several industry banking portfolios including investor-owned utilities. Prior assignments at Fleet in Hartford, Connecticut included Manager of Credit Review and Manager of Loan Workout in Connecticut.

Ms. Grantham joined CFC as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development in February 2013. Before joining CFC, she worked at Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Florida where she was the Chief Executive Officer from 2010 to 2013 and Chief Operating Officer from 2007 to 2010. She worked at Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, Inc. for 21 years where she held various management positions.

(f) Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings.

None to our knowledge.

(g) Promoters and Control Persons.

Inapplicable.

(h) Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Ethics within the meaning of Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K. This Code of Ethics applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. This Code of Ethics is publicly available on our website at www.nrucfc.coop (under the link “About CFC/Corporate Governance”).

 
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(i) Nominating Committee

Our board of directors does not have a standing nominating committee. As described above under “Part III – Item 10(a) Directors,” 20 of our directors are each elected by members in the district for which the director serves. To nominate director candidates, at the district meeting before the meeting at which candidates are to be elected from such district, a nominating committee is elected composed of one person from each state within the district. Each member of the nominating committee must be a trustee, director or manager of one of our members. Each district nominating committee then submits names of two or more nominees for each position in the district for which an election is to be held. We provide members of the nominating committee with director guidelines to use as an aide in reviewing applications from potential candidates. One or more candidates for the at-large director who satisfies the requirements of an Audit Committee financial expert are nominated by our board of directors if the board determines that it is appropriate to fill the seat. Our board of directors believes that it is appropriate for the full board of directors to nominate this director because of the position’s specific qualification requirements and the lack of any local district qualification requirement.

While we do not have a formal policy regarding diversity, the director guidelines we provide to each district nominating committee specify that a variety of perspectives, opinions and backgrounds is critical to the board’s ability to perform its duties and various roles. We recognize the value of having a board that encompasses a broad range of skills, expertise, industry knowledge and diversity of professional and personal experience.

(j) Audit Committee

Our Audit Committee currently consists of 11 directors: Mr. Miller (Chairperson), Mr. Anderson (Vice Chairperson), Mr. Renth (Vice Chairperson), Mr. Mercer (Ex Officio), Mr. Bridges, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Crook, Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Nolan, Mr. Rakestraw II and Mr. Thompson. Mr. Bridges was designated by the board as the “Audit Committee financial expert” as defined by Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The members of the Audit Committee are “independent” as that term is defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act. Among other things, the Audit Committee reviews our financial statements and the disclosure under Management’s Discussion and Analysis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Audit Committee meets with our independent registered public accounting firm, internal auditors, CEO and financial management executives to review the scope and results of audits and recommendations made by those persons with respect to internal and external accounting controls and specific accounting and financial reporting issues and to assess corporate risk. The board has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee that may be found on our website, www.nrucfc.coop (under the link “About CFC/Corporate Governance”).

The Audit Committee completed its review and discussions with management regarding our audited financial statements for the year ended May 31, 2013. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 114, and received from the independent accountants written disclosures and the letter from the independent accountant required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and discussed with the independent accountants their independence.

Based on the review and discussions noted above, the Audit Committee recommended to the board that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2013 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(k) Compensation Committee

Role of the Compensation Committee
Our Compensation Committee currently consists of seven directors: Mr. Mercer, Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Beavers, Mr. Miller, Mr. Clawson, Mr. Korver and Mr. Thompson. The Compensation Committee of the board of directors reviews and makes appropriate recommendations to the full board of directors regarding CFC’s total compensation philosophy and pay components, including, but not limited to, base and incentive pay programs. The Compensation Committee is also responsible for approving the compensation, employment agreements and perquisites for the CEO. The Compensation Committee annually reviews all approved corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation, evaluates performance in light of those goals and approves the CEO’s compensation based on this evaluation, all of which is then submitted to the full board of directors for ratification. The Compensation Committee has delegated authority to the CEO for evaluating the performance and approving the annual base compensation for all of the other named executive officers as identified in the Summary Compensation Table below. Other than the CEO, no other named executive officer makes decisions regarding executive compensation.

The Compensation Committee reports to the board of directors on its actions and recommendations following committee meetings and meets in executive session without members of management present when making specific compensation decisions. Although the board has delegated authority to the Compensation Committee with respect to CFC’s executive and

 
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general employee compensation programs and practices, the full board of directors also reviews and ratifies CFC’s compensation and benefit programs each year.

The Compensation Committee’s charter can be found on our website at www.nrucfc.coop (under the link “About CFC/Corporate Governance”).

The Compensation Committee’s Processes
The Compensation Committee has established a process to assist it in ensuring that CFC’s executive compensation program is achieving its objectives. Prior to the start of each fiscal year, the board of directors approves performance measures for the “corporate balanced scorecard,” which is the basis for the short-term incentive plan, and the specific goal and metrics for the long-term incentive plan. The Compensation Committee reviews and assesses the accomplishment of goals as of the end of the fiscal year and determines whether to authorize the payment of incentive compensation. This authorization is then submitted to the full board of directors for ratification.

The President, Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of the board of directors meet annually with the CEO to review his performance based on his individual achievements, contribution to CFC’s performance and other leadership accomplishments. In determining Mr. Petersen’s base pay, the Compensation Committee subjectively considers a variety of corporate performance measures, including financial metrics, portfolio management, customer satisfaction and market share, industry leadership, and peer group compensation data provided by the compensation consultant, as discussed below.

Role of Compensation Consultant
In fiscal year 2013, the Compensation Committee hired Mercer (US) Inc. (“Mercer US”) to advise it on the CEO’s compensation as compared with the compensation of CEOs of peer group organizations. Through discussions with the Compensation Committee, Mercer US established a peer group of companies to use in assessing the competitiveness of the CEO’s compensation (see “Compensation Analysis” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section below). Mercer US advised the Compensation Committee through an assessment of compensation data from this peer group using both a one-year compensation analysis, which assesses CFC’s CEO compensation and the compensation of peer CEOs for the most recent fiscal year, and a three-year compensation analysis, which assesses average peer CEO pay for the last three fiscal years. Compensation analyses include peer group CEO base pay, actual and target, annual incentives, actual and target total cash compensation, one year and three year average long-term incentives and total direct compensation. Mercer US did not determine or provide the Compensation Committee with a specific recommendation on any component of executive compensation, it only reviewed benchmark data and discussed what is generally occurring with executive compensation. Mercer US did not provide any other service to CFC.

Role of Executive Officers
As described above, the Compensation Committee has delegated the authority for making base pay decisions for the other named executive officers to the CEO. The CEO exercises his judgment to set base pay rates, based on general market data, overall corporate performance and leadership accomplishments. For additional information about the CEO’s role in compensation decisions, see “Base Pay” under the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section below.

(l) Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Inapplicable.

(m) Board Leadership Structure and Role of Risk Oversight by the Board of Directors

Board Leadership Structure
The positions of CEO and President of the CFC Board of Directors are held by two separate individuals. The President must be a member of the board of directors and is elected annually by the board of directors. The President of the CFC Board of Directors has authority, among other things, to appoint members of the board to standing committees, to appoint a vice chairperson to each Board standing committee and to appoint members to ad-hoc Board committees. The President of the board presides over Board meetings, sets meeting agendas and determines materials to be distributed to the board. Accordingly, the board president has substantial ability to influence the direction of the board. CFC believes that separation of the positions of Board President and CEO reinforces the independence of the board in its oversight of its business and affairs. CFC also believes that this leadership structure is appropriate in light of the cooperative nature of the organization.

The board of directors appoints the CEO. The CEO is not a member of the board of directors. If the CEO position becomes vacant, the President will exercise the responsibilities of the CEO until a permanent or interim CEO is selected by the board of directors.

 
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Board Role in Risk Oversight
CFC’s management has primary responsibility for day-to-day management of the risks associated with CFC’s business, including operational, credit, loan, asset and liability management, legal, regulatory and political risks, while the board of directors is primarily responsible for the oversight and direction of risk management. Management’s role includes identifying risks, establishing appropriate internal processes and an effective internal control environment to identify and manage risks, and communicating information about risk to the board. CFC’s management, consisting of the Executive Team and the Operations and Planning Council, which is composed primarily of vice president-level employees, is assisted in its day-to-day duties related to risk by individuals working in the business units, in addition to an Asset Liability Committee, Corporate Credit Committee and Disclosure Committee, which are authorized by the board of directors and have their members appointed by the CEO. Each of these internal, committees consists of certain management-level employees.

In fulfilling its risk management oversight duties, the board of directors receives periodic reports on business activities from management and from various operating groups and committees across the organization, including the Credit Risk Management group, the Member Services group, the Internal Audit group and the Corporate Compliance Officer, as well as the Asset Liability Committee, the Corporate Credit Committee and the Disclosure Committee. The board of directors also reviews CFC’s risk profile and management’s response to those risks throughout the year at its meetings.

CFC has an annual strategic planning process that involves the board of directors, the Executive Team and the Operations and Planning Council.

The process begins with a review of the strategic risk assessment. This session provides the Executive Team an opportunity to discuss the risk assessment with the board of directors and to discuss other pertinent strategic topics. The objective of the risk assessment is to identify significant business risks facing CFC that could impede our ability to achieve our strategic goals. The result of the risk assessment is a listing of significant business risks that are prioritized based on likelihood and impact. The board of directors has developed a risk management philosophy, which is reviewed and, if appropriate, updated annually, which states CFC’s set of shared beliefs and attitudes on how risk is considered from strategy development and implementation to our operations.

The Operations and Planning Council periodically coordinates operational risk assessment sessions, which involve the Executive Team and other senior managers from across the organization. Before the risk assessment session, the Operations and Planning Council requests participants to prioritize the operational risks within CFC’s risk management framework. The Internal Audit team compiles the risk rankings based on the responses received from participants and determines the overall top 10 risks. During the risk assessment session, the participants assess the likelihood and impact for each of the 10 top risks using a high, medium and low scale without any regard to mitigation strategies.

The board of directors has established a risk appetite that includes a common understanding between executive management and the board of directors regarding acceptable risks and risk tolerances underlying the execution of CFC’s strategy. It is also intended as a benchmark for discussing the implications of pursuing new strategies and business opportunities.

The results of the board’s strategic risk assessment and management’s operational risk assessment are used as the basis for the development of the strategic plan.

Additionally, the Risk Committee of the Operations and Planning Council periodically conducts a risk culture survey to assess the strengths and weaknesses of our corporate culture in the following areas: risk management activities, management’s philosophy and operating style, organizational structure, integrity and ethical values. The Operations and Planning Council then provides the Executive Team with recommended action items that are focused on improving the internal control environment.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors assists the full board of directors in its risk oversight responsibilities. In accordance with its charter, CFC’s Audit Committee is required to periodically inquire of the internal auditors and the external auditors regarding significant risks and exposures to the organization, as well as inquire as to the steps management has taken or proposes to take to minimize these risks. The Audit Committee periodically reviews compliance with such steps. The Corporate Compliance group provides the Audit Committee with semi-annual reports on compliance and ethics matters, including any breaches of laws, regulations or organizational standards. In addition, the Internal Audit group provides the Audit Committee with feedback on the effectiveness and design of internal control processes by reporting the results of its internal audits.

 
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Item 11.                      Executive Compensation.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Executive Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
The components of our compensation package for the named executive officers (consisting of Messrs. Petersen, Evans, Lilly, List and Larochelle) are consistent with those offered to all employees.

Our executive compensation program provides a balanced mix of compensation that incorporates the following key components:
·  
annual base pay,
·  
an annual cash incentive that is based on the achievement of short-term (one-year) corporate goals,
·  
a three-year cash incentive that is based on the achievement of longer-term corporate goals, and
·  
retirement, health and welfare and other benefit programs.

While all elements of executive compensation work together to provide a competitive compensation package, each element of compensation is determined independently of the other elements.

Our compensation philosophy is to provide a total compensation package for employees – base pay, short-term incentive, long-term incentive and benefits – that is competitive in the local employment market. However, due to the cooperative nature of the organization, CFC does not meet the total cash compensation levels of named executive officers of other financial services organizations since we do not offer stock or other equity compensation. It is important to CFC, however, to pay the named executive officers of CFC competitively in base pay to retain key talent.

Performance – Named executive officers receive base pay that is both market competitive and reflective of the strategic management they provide to CFC. Other components of compensation – short-term and long-term incentives – reflect the performance of the organization and the success in achieving corporate performance metrics established by the board of directors.

Retention – CFC’s success is due in large part to the relationship between our employees and our members. This makes the retention of employees, including the named executive officers, vital to our business and long-term success. The compensation package, particularly the long-term incentive plan and the retirement benefits, assist in the retention of a highly qualified management team.

Compensation Analysis
In fiscal year 2013, Mercer US was engaged by the Compensation Committee to conduct a compensation survey to provide compensation data for the CEO position using 14 peer organizations identified by Mercer US through discussion with the Compensation Committee. Mercer US included companies in the peer group that were similar to CFC in asset size, industry and business description. The peer group included financial institutions that are private market, commercial and/or mission-driven lenders, offering full-service financing, investment and related services. The companies targeted as peer companies included three members of the Farm Credit system and 12 regional banks or financial services companies. These companies were chosen because their businesses are similar to CFC’s.

The peer group companies had assets ranging from approximately 50 percent to 200 percent of CFC’s December 2011 total assets of $20,430 million, and included six companies with greater total assets than CFC’s. The peer group consisted of financial services organizations New York Community Bancorp, Inc., Astoria Financial Corp., Nelnet, Inc., Webster Financial Corp., Flagstar Bancorp, People’s United Financial Corp., Washington Federal Inc., Hudson City Bancorp Inc., First Niagara Financial Group, TFS Financial Corporation, Everbank Financial Corporation and Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, as well as two Farm Credit System peers. Hudson City Bancorp Inc.’s 2011 assets are outside of the normal targeted asset range, and they have agreed to a merger with M&T Bank Corp. Mercer US recommended that this company remain in the peer group for this year and will re-evaluate the peer group for next year’s analysis. Mercer US also recommended adding Everbank Financial Corporation to the peer group this year due to its close fit with the criteria for peer group inclusion.

Mercer US led the Compensation Committee through an assessment of CEO compensation data at the peer group companies using both a one-year and a three-year compensation analysis. Mercer’s data included both actual compensation and target compensation based on information obtained from each peer group company’s most recent annual report or proxy statement.

 
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The elements of compensation reviewed include:
·  
current base salary;
·  
actual bonus paid for fiscal year 2011 and for the targeted compensation the target bonus for 2012;
·  
three-year average actual long-term incentive paid, which includes restricted stock awards (valued at face value on the date of grant), stock option awards (valued at grant date utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model), other long-term incentive target awards (valued at target value on date of award) and cash long-term incentive payouts (valued at actual payout on date of award if target value is not disclosed); and
·  
sign-on awards, special awards and mega-grants annualized over the term of employment contract or the vesting schedule.

The Compensation Committee reviewed total compensation data for the peer group for informational purposes and used this data solely to determine the competitiveness of our CEO base pay.

In determining the base compensation paid to our other named executive officers, the CEO reviewed national, credible third-party compensation surveys (including the Mercer Executive and CompAnalyst surveys) for financial services and other organizations of similar asset size as CFC in order to obtain a general understanding of current compensation practices and to ensure that the base pay component of compensation for the named executive officers other than the CEO is competitive with such institutions. CFC has often recruited non-CEO talent from industries outside the financial services sector. As a result, the CEO considers data from surveys covering a larger and broader group of for-profit companies in setting compensation for the other named executive officers than the Compensation Committee considers in setting compensation for the CEO. The CEO considered the data to gain a general understanding of current compensation practices at institutions of similar asset size to CFC, and did not review or consider underlying data pertaining to individual organizations comprising any of the survey groups. Instead, the CEO considered the aggregate compensation data to enhance his understanding of current practices in setting compensation at competitive levels.

Elements of Compensation
Base Pay – Our philosophy is to provide annual base pay that reflects the value of the job in the marketplace, targeted at the 50th percentile. To attract and retain a highly skilled work force, we must remain competitive with the pay of other employers that compete with us for talent.

After reviewing the performance of the organization and the evaluation of the CEO’s performance by each board member, it was the assessment of the Compensation Committee that the CEO and the organization performed extremely well during another challenging business year. In fact, the business results exceeded company targets for nearly all key metrics of performance and the CEO continued to demonstrate outstanding leadership. However, at the request of the CEO, given the continued economic and competitive business challenges facing the organization, the Committee did not increase the CEO’s compensation for calendar year 2013.

As discussed under Role of the Compensation Committee above, the CEO exercised his judgment to set the annual base pay for the other named executive officers based on general market data, overall performance and leadership accomplishments.

Mr. Evans, Mr. List, Mr. Larochelle and Mr. Lilly all continue to perform well in their various roles as senior leaders of the organization. They each contributed to the achievement of corporate strategies and objectives in a positive and meaningful way which would typically warrant a merit-based increase in base pay. However, it was determined that these individuals are currently being paid an appropriate base salary for an executive of this organization; therefore, no base increases were made. Mr. Evans, Mr. List and Mr. Larochelle each received a one-time cash award. The cash award amounts are included in the total compensation table below.

Short-Term Incentive – Our short-term cash incentive program is a one-year cash incentive that is tied to the annual performance of the organization as a whole. We believe that by paying a short-term incentive tied to the achievement of annual operating goals, all employees, including named executive officers, will focus their efforts on the most important strategic objectives that will help us to fulfill our mission to our members and our obligations to the financial markets. Additionally, the short-term incentive pay enhances our ability to provide competitive compensation while at the same time tying total compensation paid to the achievement of corporate goals. Every employee participates in the short-term incentive program, and the corporate strategic goals are the same for all employees, including the named executive officers.

The short-term incentive program provides annual cash incentive opportunities based upon the level of the position within our base pay structure, ranging from 15 percent to 25 percent of base pay. Named executive officers are eligible to receive short-term cash incentive compensation up to 25 percent of their base pay. Since its inception in 1999, the actual payout percentage has ranged from 55 percent to 100 percent of total opportunity, with an average over the 15 years of 82.37 percent. This equates to a 15-year average payout of 15.85 percent of base salaries for all employees.

 
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Our approach to establishing corporate goals for short-term incentive compensation has not changed since the plan’s inception. Corporate performance is measured using a balanced scorecard approved by the board of directors prior to the start of the fiscal year. The balanced scorecard is a performance management tool that articulates the corporate strategy into specific, quantifiable, measurable goals. The goals have always been tied to enhancing service to our member owners while ensuring all aspects of the business are effectively managed.

The scorecard is divided into four quadrants, reflecting crucial areas of business performance. Specific goals are established within those quadrants to focus all employees on the target results and measures that must be achieved if we are to succeed at realizing our strategic plan. The intent is to align organizational, departmental and individual initiatives to achieve a common set of goals.

The four quadrants for fiscal year 2013, which were the basis for the short-term incentive payment, are the same as they have been in previous years: Customer Engagement, Financial Ratios, Internal Process and Operations, and Learning, Growth and Innovation. For fiscal year 2013, the board of directors established five corporate goals within these four quadrants. The board of directors establishes corporate goals and measures that they believe are challenging but achievable if each individual performs well in his or her role and we meet our internal business plan goals.

The goals for fiscal year 2013 were:
·  
Customer Engagement: A goal supporting efforts to maintain or increase market share of borrowers in key segments of the loan portfolio.
·  
Internal Process and Operations: Manage CFC’s operating expense levels.
·  
Financial Ratios: Two goals supporting efforts to meet or exceed established financial targets to maintain CFC’s financial strength.
·  
Learning, Growth & Innovation: Targeted interaction with the membership.

The determination of the extent to which the five goals were achieved and, therefore, the amount to be paid out under the short-term incentive plan for fiscal year 2013 was confirmed by the board of directors with the filing of this Form 10-K. The board determined that four of the goals were 100 percent achieved; and one goal was achieved at 75 percent, resulting in an aggregate payout of 95 percent of the total opportunity.

Long-Term Incentive – The long-term incentive program is a three-year plan that is tied to CFC’s long-term strategic objectives. The long-term incentive program was implemented to create dynamic tension between short-term objectives and long-term goals. It is also an effective retention tool, helping us to keep key employees, and supports CFC’s efforts to compensate its employees at market competitive levels.

All employees employed on the first day of the fiscal year, June 1, are eligible to participate in the program for the performance period beginning on that date. Under the long-term incentive program, performance units covering a three-year performance period are issued to each employee at the start of each fiscal year. The long-term incentive is paid out in one lump sum after the end of the performance period, subject to approval by the board of directors and the continued employment of the participant by CFC on the date of payment. We sometimes refer to each three-year performance period as a plan cycle.

The performance measure for all active long-term incentive plans is the achievement of bond rating targets for our senior secured debt as rated by Standard & Poor’s Corporation and Moody’s Investors Service rating agencies. The value of the performance units will range from $0 to $150 per performance unit according to the level of CFC’s secured debt ratings by the rating agencies. To achieve the highest value of $150, which exceeds the targeted value, both agencies would have to raise CFC’s long-term secured debt rating to AA (or the equivalent rating at Moody’s). To determine the payout value of performance units, the ratings are given a numerical value, i.e., 2 for A+ stable, 3 for A+ positive, etc. The ratings are then averaged to achieve the final value of the performance units.

The number of performance units awarded to each employee for each plan cycle is calculated by dividing a percentage, ranging from 15 percent to 25 percent, of the participant’s base pay on the first day of the plan cycle, by the payout value assigned to the target rating level. For the program cycle ending May 31, 2013, the target rating level was “AA-Stable”, which was assigned a payout value of $100 per performance unit. For the named executive officers, the number of performance units awarded for that program cycle was based on 25 percent of each named executive officer’s base pay on June 1, 2010. If the highest rating level was achieved at the end of that plan cycle, resulting in payout of $150 per performance unit, the long-term incentive pay for named executive officers would have been 37.5 percent of 2010 base pay.

 
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The following table shows the potential payout values for performance units awarded for the program cycle that ended May 31, 2013:

Senior Secured Debt Rating—Incentive-Performance Linkage

Rating
A+
AA-
AA
Outlook
negative
stable
positive
negative
stable
positive
 
Numerical
Score
1
2
3
4
5
6
 
Plan Pay-Out
Unit Value
$0
$20
$60
$60
$100
$120
$150
* The target objective is in bold.

CFC uses our senior secured debt rating as the performance measure for the long-term incentive plan because, as a financial services company, CFC is dependent on the capital markets and stronger ratings lead to lower interest cost and more reliable access to the capital markets. Since we have no publicly held equity securities and our objective is to offer our members low-cost financial products and services consistent with sound financial management rather than to maximize net income, more traditional performance measures such as net income or earnings per share would not be appropriate.

As of May 31, 2013, there were three active long-term incentive plans in which named executive officers are participants. Performance units issued to named executive officers in June 2010 had a payout value based on our senior secured debt ratings in place on May 31, 2013; performance units issued to named executive officers in June 2011 will have a payout value based on senior secured debt ratings in place on May 31, 2014; and performance units issued to named executive officers in June 2012 will have a payout value based on senior secured debt ratings in place on May 31, 2015. Payments made to named executive officers for fiscal year 2013 were for performance units issued in June 2010 and were based on the May 31, 2013 senior secured debt rating level of A+ stable outlook, which has a value of $20 per performance unit, or 20 percent of the targeted opportunity (5 percent of June 2010 base pay).

All current plans will pay out if both rating agencies, Standard & Poor’s Corporation and Moody’s Investors Services, rate our senior secured debt at a high enough level to receive a payout. The payout will be based on the average of the two ratings (averages are calculated and rounded down to the next whole number).

Risk Assessment
The Compensation Committee conducts an annual risk assessment of the Company’s compensation policies and practices, particularly the short-term and long-term incentive plan goals, to ensure that the policies and practices do not encourage excessive risk. For fiscal year 2013 the Compensation Committee concluded that our compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to provide incentives for behavior that could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Benefits
An important retention tool is our defined benefit pension plan, the Retirement Security Plan. CFC participates in a multiple employer pension plan managed by NRECA. We balance the effectiveness of this plan as a compensation and retention tool with the cost of the annual premium incurred to participate in this pension plan. The value of the pension benefit is determined by base pay only and does not include other cash compensation.

We also offer a Pension Restoration Plan, which is a component of the NRECA Retirement Security Plan, to a select group of management, including the named executive officers, to increase their retirement benefits above amounts available under the Retirement Security Plan, which is restricted by IRS limitations on annual pay levels and maximum annual annuity benefits. The Pension Restoration Plan restores the value of the Retirement Security Plan for named executive officers to the level it would be if the IRS limits on annual pay and annual annuity benefits were not in place. Unlike the Retirement Security Plan, the Pension Restoration Plan is an unfunded, unsecured obligation of CFC and is not qualified for tax purposes. We pay the amount owed to the named executive officers for the pension restoration benefit; amounts paid are then deducted from the premium due for the next Retirement Security Plan invoice(s) from NRECA.

For more information on the Retirement Security Plan and the Pension Restoration Plan, see the Pension Benefits Table and accompanying narrative below.

As an additional retention tool designed to assist named executive officers in deferring compensation for use in retirement, each named executive officer is also eligible to participate in CFC’s non-qualified 457(b) deferred compensation savings plan. Contributions to the plan are limited by IRS regulations. The calendar year 2013 cap for contributions is $17,500. There

 
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is no CFC contribution to the deferred compensation plan. For more information see Nonqualified Deferred Compensation below.

Other Compensation
We provide named executive officers with other benefits, as reflected in the All Other Compensation column in the Summary Compensation Table below, that we believe are reasonable and consistent with our compensation philosophy. We do not provide significant perquisites or personal benefits to the named executive officers.

The Compensation Committee considers perquisites for the CEO in connection with its annual review of the CEO’s total compensation package described above. The perquisites provided to Mr. Petersen are limited to an annual automobile allowance as well as an annual spousal air travel allowance to permit Mr. Petersen’s spouse to accompany him on business travel. To provide these perquisites in an efficient fashion, the board of directors authorizes an annual allowance rather than providing unlimited reimbursement or use of a company-owned vehicle. The amount of each allowance is authorized annually by the board of directors and is determined based on the estimated cost for operation and maintenance of an automobile and the anticipated cost of air travel by the CEO’s spouse. For 2013, the board of directors authorized an aggregate of $30,000 to cover these allowances.

Severance/Change-in-Control Agreements
Mr. Petersen, Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Evans, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, each have an executive agreement with CFC under which they may continue to receive compensation and benefits in certain circumstances after resignation or termination of employment. The value of Mr. Petersen’s severance package was determined to be appropriate for a CEO and approved by the Compensation Committee as part of his employment contract. The value of Mr. Evans’ severance package was negotiated by the CEO and Mr. Evans as part of Mr. Evans’ employment offer. No other named executive officers have termination or change-in-control agreements. For more information on these severance arrangements, see Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements below.

Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee of the board of directors oversees CFC’s compensation program on behalf of the board. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Compensation Committee reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth in this Form 10-K. Based on this review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the board of directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Form 10-K.

Submitted by the Compensation Committee:
Burns E. Mercer
Joel Cunningham
Ray Beavers
Glenn W. Miller
R. Grant Clawson
Lyle Korver
Kirk A. Thompson


 
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Summary Compensation Table
The summary compensation table below sets forth the aggregate compensation for the years ended May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 earned by the named executive officers and three additional executive officers of CFC that meet the definition of “related persons” pursuant to SEC disclosure requirements.

Name and Principal Position
 
Year
 
Salary
 
Bonus (1)
 
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation (2)
 
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings (3)
 
All Other
Compensation (4)
 
Total
 
Sheldon C. Petersen
 
2013
$
813,700
$
-
$
231,494
$
636,330
$
42,924
$
1,724,448
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
2012
 
799,874
 
100,000
 
156,721
 
896,555
 
41,997
 
1,995,147
 
   
2011
 
775,329
     
229,332
 
540,169
 
34,025
 
1,578,855
 
                               
John T. Evans
 
2013
 
458,300
 
11,500
 
130,546
 
190,874
 
5,833
 
797,053
 
Executive Vice President
2012
 
458,300
 
-
 
88,625
 
260,220
 
9,104
 
816,249
 
& Chief Operating Officer
2011
 
433,800
     
128,330
 
206,602
 
5,994
 
774,726
 
                               
Steven L. Lilly
 
2013
 
405,650
 
-
 
116,622
 
121,167
 
-
 
643,439
 
Senior Vice President &
2012
 
405,650
 
10,000
 
80,727
 
326,923
 
-
 
823,300
 
Chief Financial Officer
2011
 
405,650
     
121,292
 
276,510
 
-
 
803,452
 
                               
John J. List
 
2013
 
405,650
 
8,000
 
116,622
 
115,237
 
5,000
 
650,509
 
Senior Vice President of
2012
 
405,650
 
15,000
 
80,727
 
163,754
 
4,900
 
670,031
 
Member Services and
2011
 
405,650
     
121,292
 
35,705
 
5,759
 
568,406
 
General Counsel
                           
                               
Richard E. Larochelle
 
2013
 
421,876
 
10,500
 
120,476
 
496,981
 
5,000
 
1,054,833
 
Senior Vice President of
2012
 
421,876
 
-
 
83,161
 
628,834
 
5,035
 
1,138,906
 
Corporate Relations
2011
 
405,650
     
121,292
 
347,103
 
5,759
 
879,804
 
                               
Lawrence Zawalick (5)
 
2013
 
320,000
 
-
 
90,780
 
280,498
 
5,483
 
696,761
 
Senior Vice President of
2012
 
312,000
 
-
 
61,300
 
498,172
 
7,037
 
878,509
 
Affiliate Organizations
2011
 
295,600
     
88,400
 
175,814
 
5,687
 
565,501
 
                               
J. Andrew Don (5)
 
2013
 
375,000
 
-
 
101,423
 
219,102
 
6,250
 
701,775
 
Senior Vice President &
2012
 
325,000
 
-
 
58,890
 
206,202
 
9,317
 
599,409
 
Treasurer
2011
 
261,050
     
74,863
 
75,574
 
5,839
 
417,326
 
                               
John M. Borak (5)
 
2013
 
260,049
 
5,200
 
74,762
 
82,225
 
5,000
 
427,236
 
Senior Vice President of
2012
 
260,049
 
8,000
 
51,747
 
68,023
 
4,900
 
392,719
 
Credit Risk Management
2011
 
260,049
     
77,752
 
65,820
 
5,514
 
409,135
 
                             
Leigh V. Grantham (5) (6)
2013
 
99,038
 
-
 
23,522
 
9,032
 
38,220
 
169,812
 
   Senior Vice President of
                           
   Strategy and Business
                           
   Development
                           


 
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Name
 
Year
 
Short-term
Incentive Plan
 
Long-term
Incentive Plan
 
Sheldon C. Petersen
2013
$$
193,254
$$
38,240
 
   
2012
 
119,981
 
36,740
 
   
2011
 
193,832
 
35,500
 
               
John T. Evans
 
2013
 
108,846
 
21,700
 
   
2012
 
68,745
 
19,880
 
   
2011
 
108,450
 
19,880
 
               
Steven L. Lilly
 
2013
 
96,342
 
20,280
 
   
2012
 
60,847
 
19,880
 
   
2011
 
101,412
 
19,880
 
               
John J. List
 
2013
 
96,342
 
20,280
 
   
2012
 
60,847
 
19,880
 
   
2011
 
101,412
 
19,880
 
               
Richard E. Larochelle
2013
 
100,196
 
20,280
 
   
2012
 
63,281
 
19,880
 
   
2011
 
101,412
 
19,880
 
               
Lawrence Zawalick (5)
 
2013
 
76,000
 
14,780
 
   
2012
 
46,800
 
14,500
 
   
2011
 
73,900
 
14,500
 
               
J. Andrew Don (5)
 
2013
 
89,063
 
12,360
 
   
2012
 
48,750
 
10,140
 
   
2011
 
65,263
 
9,600
 
               
John M. Borak (5)
 
2013
 
61,762
 
13,000
 
   
2012
 
39,007
 
12,740
 
   
2011
 
65,012
 
12,740
 
               
Leigh V. Grantham (5) (6)
 
2013
 
23,522
 
-
 
(1) Includes amounts given as one-time cash awards in lieu of base pay increases, except for Mr. Petersen, which was a bonus in addition to a base pay increase in 2012.
(2) Includes amounts earned during each respective fiscal year and payable at May 31 under the long-term and short-term incentive plans. For a discussion of the long-term and short-term incentive plans, see “Elements of Compensation” in Compensation Discussion and Analysis above. The amounts earned by each named executive officer under these incentive plans are listed above.
(3) Represents solely the aggregate change in the actuarial present value of the accumulated pension benefit under NRECA Retirement Security Plan, the multiple employer defined benefit pension plan in which CFC participates, during each respective fiscal year.
(4) For Mr. Petersen, includes $30,000 of perquisites comprising Mr. Petersen’s automobile allowance and his spousal air travel allowance, in each case for fiscal year 2012 and 2013. The annual automobile allowance is calculated based on estimated costs associated with maintenance, use and insurance of a personal automobile. The annual spousal travel allowance is calculated based on the anticipated air travel for Mrs. Petersen during the fiscal year. Mr. Petersen’s also includes earnings for accrued and unused annual leave  in 2013. The remaining amounts included in this column represent CFC contributions on behalf of each named executive officer pursuant to the CFC 401(k) defined contribution plan, contributions to health savings. For Ms. Grantham, these costs include relocation expenses of $34,062 and $2,408 attributable to tax gross up for relocation.
(5) These executives are “related persons” as defined by the SEC’s disclosure requirements and are included in the Summary Compensation Table as we generally treat all of our executive officers equally.
(6) Leigh V. Grantham became an executive officer of CFC on February 4, 2013 when she was appointed Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards
We have a long-term and a short-term incentive plan for all employees, under which the named executive officers may receive a cash incentive up to 37.5 percent and 25 percent of salary, respectively. The incentive payouts are based on the executive officer’s salary at the date the program becomes effective. See the Compensation Discussion and Analysis above for further information on these incentive plans.

 
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The following table contains the estimated possible payouts under our short-term incentive plan and possible future payouts for grants issued under our long-term incentive plan during the year ended May 31, 2013.

       
Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
       
Threshold
 
Target
 
Maximum
Sheldon C. Petersen
           
 Long-term Incentive Plan (1)
$
-
$
203,400
$
  305,100
 Short-term Incentive Plan (2)
 
-
 
193,254
 
  193,254
John T. Evans
           
 Long-term Incentive Plan (1)
 
-
 
114,600
 
  171,900
 Short-term Incentive Plan (2)
 
-
 
108,846
 
  108,846
Steven L. Lilly
           
 Long-term Incentive Plan (1)
 
-
 
101,400
 
  152,100
 Short-term Incentive Plan (2)
 
-
 
  96,342
 
    96,342
John J. List
           
 Long-term Incentive Plan (1)
 
-
 
101,400
 
  152,100
 Short-term Incentive Plan (2)
 
-
 
  96,342
 
    96,342
Richard E. Larochelle
           
 Long-term Incentive Plan (1)
 
-
 
105,500
 
  158,250
 Short-term Incentive Plan (2)
 
-
 
100,196
 
  100,196
Lawrence Zawalick
           
 Long-term Incentive Plan (1)
 
-
 
80,000
 
  120,000
 Short-term Incentive Plan (2)
 
-
 
76,000
 
    76,000
J. Andrew Don
           
 Long-term Incentive Plan (1)
 
-
 
93,800
 
  140,700
 Short-term Incentive Plan (2)
 
-
 
89,063
 
    89,063
John M. Borak
           
 Long-term Incentive Plan (1)
 
-
 
65,000
 
    97,500
 Short-term Incentive Plan (2)
 
-
 
61,762
 
    61,762
Leigh V. Grantham
           
Long-term Incentive Plan (1)
 
-
 
          -
 
             -
     Short-term Incentive Plan (2) (3)
 
-
 
23,522
 
    23,522
(1) Target payouts are calculated using unit values of $100 based on our goal of achieving an average long-term senior secured credit rating of AA- stable at May 31, 2015.
(2) Target and maximum payouts represent 25 percent of May 31, 2013 base salary. For the payout earned under the fiscal year 2013 short-term incentive plan, see the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table above.
(3) Ms. Grantham’s target and maximum are prorated based upon time worked during the fiscal year.

The board of directors approved a new long-term incentive plan and made grants of performance units to the named executive officers in August 2013. The payout under these grants will be determined on May 31, 2016.

Employment Contracts
Pursuant to an employment agreement effective as of January 1, 2008 and amended September 1, 2011, CFC has agreed to employ Mr. Petersen as Chief Executive Officer through February 28, 2015, unless otherwise terminated in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. The amended Agreement provides that CFC shall pay Mr. Petersen a base salary at an annual rate of not less than $790,000 per annum, plus such incentive payments (if any) as may be awarded him. In addition, pursuant to the Agreement, Mr. Petersen is entitled to certain payments in the event of his termination other than for cause (e.g., Mr. Petersen leaving for good reason, disability or termination due to death). See Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements below for a description of these provisions and for information on these amounts.

For information about Mr. Evans’ termination agreement, see Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements.

Pension Benefits Table
CFC is a participant in a multiple employer defined benefit pension plan, the Retirement Security Plan, which is administered by NRECA. Since the plan is a multiple employer plan in which CFC participates, CFC is not liable for the amounts shown in the table below and such amounts are not reflected in CFC’s audited financial statements. CFC’s expense is limited to the annual premium to participate in the plan. There is no funding liability for CFC for the plan.

The Retirement Security Plan is a qualified plan in which all employees are eligible to participate upon completion of one year of service. Each of the named executive officers participates in the qualified pension plan component of the Retirement Security Plan. CFC reduced the value of the pension plan effective September 1, 2010. Under the current pension plan, participants are entitled to receive annually, under a 50 percent joint and surviving spouse annuity, 1.70 percent of the average of their five highest base salaries during their last 10 years of employment, multiplied by the number of years of participation in the plan. The value of the pension benefit is determined by base pay only and does not include other cash

 
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compensation. Normal retirement age under the qualified pension plan is age 65; however, the plan does allow for early retirement with reduced benefits. For early retirement, the pension benefit will be reduced by 1/15 for each of the first five years and 1/30 for each of the next five years by which the elected early retirement date precedes the normal retirement date. Each of the named executive officers is eligible for early retirement under the plan. Benefits accrued prior to September 1, 2010, are based on a benefit level of 1.9 percent of the average of their five highest base salaries during their last 10 years of employment and a normal retirement age of 62.

CFC also offers a Pension Restoration Plan, which is a component of the Retirement Security Plan. Each of the named executive officers participates in the Pension Restoration Plan component of the Retirement Security Plan, the purpose of which is to increase their retirement benefits above amounts available under the Retirement Security Plan, which is restricted by IRS limitations on annual pay levels and maximum annual annuity benefits. The Pension Restoration Plan restores the value of the Retirement Security Plan for each officer to the level it would be if the IRS limits on annual pay and annual annuity benefits were not in place.

The benefit and payout formula under this restoration component of the Retirement Security Plan is similar to that under the qualified plan component. However, each of the named executive officers has satisfied the provisions established to receive the benefit from this plan. Since there is no longer a risk of forfeiture of the benefit under the Pension Restoration Plan, distributions will be made from the plan to each named executive officer annually.

The following table contains the years of service, the present value of the accumulated benefit for the executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table at May 31, 2013 and distributions from the plan for the fiscal year then ended.

Name
 
Plan Name
 
Number of Years
Credited Service (1)
 
Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit (2)
 
Payments During
Last Fiscal Year (3)
Sheldon C. Petersen
 
NRECA Retirement Security Plan
 
29.75
 
$
2,724,318
$
489,898
John T. Evans (4)
 
NRECA Retirement Security Plan
 
2.75
   
203,244
 
102,597
Steven L. Lilly (4)
 
NRECA Retirement Security Plan
 
2.75
   
193,979
 
37,514
John J. List (5)
 
NRECA Retirement Security Plan
 
4.92
   
174,382
 
48,366
Richard E. Larochelle
 
NRECA Retirement Security Plan
 
29.00
   
2,384,019
 
244,715
Lawrence Zawalick
 
NRECA Retirement Security Plan
 
32.67
   
1,887,173
 
339,974
J. Andrew Don
 
NRECA Retirement Security Plan
 
12.67
   
806,828
 
-
John M. Borak (5)
 
NRECA Retirement Security Plan
 
6.92
   
466,224
 
3,111
Leigh V. Grantham
 
NRECA Retirement Security Plan
 
20.50
   
711,545
 
-
(1) CFC is a participant in a multiple employer pension plan. Credited years of service, therefore, includes not only years of service with CFC, but also years of service with another cooperative participant in the multiple employer pension plan. Mr. Larochelle and Ms. Grantham have credited years of service with another cooperative in addition to CFC. All other executives have credited years of service only with CFC.
(2) Amount represents the actuarial present value of the executive officer’s accumulated benefit under the plan as of May 31, 2013, as
provided by the plan administrator, NRECA, using interest rates ranging from 0.75 percent to 4.60 percent per annum and mortality according to tables prescribed by the IRS as published in Revenue Rulings 2001-62 and 2007-67.
(3) Distributions during fiscal year 2013 were as a result of executive officers no longer being at risk of forfeiture with respect to these amounts provided under the deferred compensation restoration component of the Retirement Security Plan.
(4) Due to the quasi-retirements of Mr. Evans in March of 2012 and Mr. Lilly in January 2012, for benefit earned through August 2010, their credited years of service were reduced to reflect credited years of service for the remainder of the 2010 calendar year and they received 12 months of credited service in January of each year thereafter.
(5) Due to quasi-retirements of Mr. List in January 2009 and Mr. Borak in January 2007, their credited years of service were reduced to zero at that time. Subsequent to the quasi-retirement, they received credited years of service for the remainder of the year in which the quasi-retirement occurred and  received 12 months of credited service in January of each year thereafter.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
The CFC deferred compensation plan is a nonqualified deferred compensation savings program for the senior executive group, including each of the named executive officers, and other selected management or highly compensated employees designated by CFC. Participants may elect to defer up to the lesser of 100 percent of their compensation for the year or the applicable IRS statutory dollar limit in effect for that calendar year. The calendar year 2013 cap for contributions is $17,500. Compensation for the purpose of this plan is defined as the total amount of compensation, including incentive pay, if any, paid by CFC. CFC does not make any contributions to the plan.

The accounts are credited with “earnings” based on the participants’ selection of available investment options (currently, eight options) within the Homestead Funds. When a participant ceases to be an employee for any reason, distribution of the account will generally be made in 15 substantially equal annual payments beginning approximately 60 days after termination (unless an election is made to change the form and timing of the payout). The participant may elect either a single lump sum or substantially equal annual installments paid over no less than two and no more than 14 years. The amount paid is based on the accumulated value of the account.

 
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The following table summarizes information related to the nonqualified deferred compensation plan in which the executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table were eligible to participate during the year ended May 31, 2013.
 
Name
Executive
Contributions
in Last
Fiscal Year (1)
Registrant
Contributions
in Last
Fiscal Year
Aggregate
Earnings in Last
Fiscal Year
Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
Aggregate
Balance at Last
Fiscal Year End
Sheldon C. Petersen
$
17,617
$
-
$
103,685
 
$
-
$
437,915
                       
John T. Evans
 
17,000
 
-
 
24,820
   
-
 
240,574
                         
Steven L. Lilly
 
-
 
-
 
51,924
   
-
 
249,576
                         
John J. List
 
17,208
 
-
 
46,821
   
-
 
201,178
                         
Richard E. Larochelle
 
17,583
 
-
 
12,415
   
-
 
301,909
                         
Lawrence Zawalick
 
15,500
 
-
 
56,738
   
-
 
241,717
                         
J. Andrew Don
 
-
 
-
 
-
   
-
 
        -
                       
John M. Borak
   
17,000
 
-
 
6,306
   
-
 
149,940
                         
Leigh V. Grantham
   
-
 
-
 
-
   
-
 
         -
(1) Executive contributions are also included in the fiscal year 2013 Salary column in the Summary Compensation Table above.

Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements
Mr. Petersen and Mr. Evans each have an executive agreement with CFC under which each such officer may continue to receive base salary and benefits in certain circumstances after resignation or termination of employment. No other named executive officers have termination or change-in-control agreements.

Mr. Petersen
Under the executive agreement with Mr. Petersen, if CFC terminates his employment without “cause,” or Mr. Petersen terminates his employment for “good reason” (each term as defined below), CFC is obligated to pay him a lump sum payment equal to the product of three times his annual base salary at the rate in effect at the time of termination and his short-term incentive bonus, if any, for the previous year (or an amount equal to the short-term incentive bonus for fiscal year 2007). Assuming a triggering event on May 31, 2013, the compensation payable to Mr. Petersen for termination without cause would be $2,801,043. The actual payments due on a termination without cause on different dates could materially differ from this estimate.

For purposes of Mr. Petersen’s executive agreement, “cause” generally means (i) the willful and continued failure by Mr. Petersen to perform his duties under the agreement or comply with written policies of CFC, (ii) willful conduct materially injurious to CFC or (iii) conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude. “Good reason” generally means (i) a reduction in the rate of Mr. Petersen’s base salary, (ii) a decrease in his titles, duties or responsibilities, or the assignment of new responsibilities which, in either case, is materially less favorable to Mr. Petersen when compared with his titles, duties and responsibilities which were in effect immediately prior to such assignment or (iii) the relocation of CFC’s principal office or the relocation of Mr. Petersen to a location more than 50 miles from the principal office of CFC.

Mr. Evans
Under the executive agreement with Mr. Evans, if CFC terminates his employment without cause, Mr. Evans would receive continued annual base salary in effect at the time of termination, incentive compensation, and payment for all health and welfare and retirement plans for an additional nine-month period. Assuming a termination date of May 31, 2013, the cost of compensation payable to Mr. Evans for termination without cause would be $497,485. The actual payments due for a termination without cause on different dates could materially differ from this estimate.

The estimates do not include amounts to which the named executive officers would be entitled to upon termination, such as base salary to date, unpaid bonuses earned, unreimbursed expenses, paid vacation time and any other earned benefits under company plans.

Director Compensation Table
Directors receive a fixed sum for each of the scheduled board meetings attended and for each conference call attended. Additionally, the directors receive reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses. The fixed cash amounts are paid following the conclusion of each board meeting or conference call attended.

 
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The following chart summarizes the total compensation earned by CFC’s directors during the year ended May 31, 2013.

Name
 
Total Fees Earned
   
Burns E. Mercer
$
47,500
   
Joel Cunningham
 
46,600
   
Ray Beavers
 
43,200
   
Frederick C. Anderson
 
43,150
   
Patrick L. Bridges
 
10,300
   
Fred Brog
 
41,650
   
Raphael A. Brumbeloe
 
36,950
   
Mike Campbell
 
41,950
   
R. Grant Clawson
 
42,850
   
Mel Coleman
 
10,150
   
Delbert Cranford
 
41,400
   
Walter K. Crook
 
32,750
   
Jim L. Doerstler
 
42,700
   
Jimmy Ewing, Jr.
 
37,700
   
Roman E. Gillen
 
10,150
   
Michael J. Guidry
 
21,900
   
Christopher L. Hamon
 
43,000
   
Scott W. Handy
 
41,950
   
Robert M. Hill
 
10,300
   
William A. Kopacz
 
37,700
   
Lyle Korver
 
43,000
   
Glenn W. Miller
 
43,900
   
Curtis Nolan
 
37,000
   
Harry N. Park
 
10,300
   
Curtin R. Rakestraw II
 
10,300
   
Randy D. Renth
 
43,150
   
Dwight Rossow
 
42,850
   
R. Wayne Stratton
 
38,600
   
Kirk A. Thompson
 
42,400
   

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During the year ended May 31, 2013, there were no compensation committee interlocks or insider participation related to executive compensation.

Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

Inapplicable.

Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons
Our board of directors has established a written policy governing related-person transactions. The policy covers transactions with related persons such as our directors and executive officers and their immediate family members and entities, such as certain of our members, of which any of our directors or executive officers is an executive officer, director or employee or otherwise controls. Under this policy, a related-person transaction is any transaction in which we are a participant involving in excess of $120,000 in which a related person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than compensatory and expense reimbursement arrangements, transactions where the related person’s interest arises only from the person’s position as a director of another entity that is a party to the transaction, and transactions that are deemed to be related credits. Such related-person transactions are subject to review and approval by the General Counsel, or in some cases, the board of directors (excluding any interested director), based on whether the transaction is fair and reasonable to CFC and consistent with the best interests of CFC.

Related credits are extensions of credit to, or for the benefit of, related persons and entities that are made on substantially the same terms as, and follow underwriting procedures that are no less stringent than, those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions generally offered by CFC. Related credits are not subject to the procedures for transactions with related persons because we were established for the very purpose of extending financing to our members. We, therefore, enter into loan and guarantee transactions with members of which our officers and directors are members, employees, executive officers or directors in the ordinary course of our business. All related credits are reviewed from time to time by our internal Corporate Credit Committee, which monitors our extensions of credit, and our independent third-party reviewer, which reviews our credit extension policies on an annual basis. All loans, including related credits, are approved in accordance with an internal credit approval matrix, with each level of risk or exposure potentially escalating the required approval from our lending staff to management, a credit committee or the board of directors. Related credits of $250,000 or less are generally approved by

 
86

 


our lending staff or internal Corporate Credit Committee. Any related credit in excess of $250,000 requires approval by the full board of directors, except that any interested directors may not participate, directly or indirectly, in the deliberations or vote with respect to such approval and the CEO has the authority to approve emergency lines of credit and certain other loans and lines of credit. Notwithstanding the related-person transaction policy, the CEO will extend such loans and lines of credit in qualifying situations to a member of which a CFC director was a director or officer, provided that all such credits are underwritten in accordance with prevailing standards and terms. Such situations are typically weather related and must meet specific qualifying criteria. To ensure compliance with this policy, no related persons may be present in person or by teleconference while a related credit is being considered. Under no circumstances may we extend credit to a related person or any other person in the form of a personal loan.

Related-Person Transactions
See the Summary Compensation Table in Item 11 for a description of compensation paid to Lawrence Zawalick, J. Andrew Don and John Borak, CFC’s executive officers who are not named executive officers, but meet the definition of a “related person” as described above.
 
As a cooperative, CFC was established for the very purpose of extending financing to its members (from which our directors must be drawn). Loans and guarantees to member systems of which directors of CFC are members, employees, officers or directors are made in the ordinary course of CFC business on the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other members and which do not involve more than normal risk of uncollectibility or present other unfavorable features. It is anticipated that, consistent with its loan and guarantee policies in effect from time to time, additional loans and guarantees will be made by CFC to member systems and trade and service organizations of which directors of CFC are members, employees, officers or directors. CFC has adopted a policy whereby substantially all extensions of credit to entities related to directors or their immediate family members are approved only by the disinterested directors.

Independence Determinations
The board of directors has determined the independence of each director based on a review by the full board. The Audit Committee is subject to the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act. To evaluate the independence of our directors, the board has voluntarily adopted categorical independence standards consistent with the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) standards. However, because we only list debt securities on the NYSE, we are not subject to most of the corporate governance listing standards of the NYSE, including the independence requirements.

No director is considered independent unless the board has affirmatively determined that he or she has no material relationship with CFC, either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with CFC. Material relationships can include banking, legal, accounting, charitable and familial relationships, among others. In addition, a director is not considered independent if any of the following relationships existed:
 
(i)
the director is, or has been within the last three years, an employee of CFC or an immediate family member is, or has been within the last three years, an executive officer of CFC;
 
(ii)
the director has received, or has an immediate family member who has received, during any 12-month period within the last three years, more than $120,000 in direct compensation from CFC, other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service (provided that such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service);
 
(iii)
(a) the director or an immediate family member is a current partner of a firm that is CFC’s internal or external auditor; (b) the director is a current employee of such a firm; (c) the director has an immediate family member who is a current employee of such a firm and personally works on CFC’s audit; or (d) the director or an immediate family member was within the last three years (but is no longer) a partner or employee of such a firm and personally worked on CFC’s audit within that time;
 
(iv)
the director or an immediate family member is, or has been within the last three years, employed as an executive officer of another company where any of CFC’s present executive officers at the same time serves or served on that company’s compensation committee; or
 
(v)
the director is a current employee, or an immediate family member is a current executive officer, of a company that has made payments to, or received payments from, CFC for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1 million, or 2 percent of such other company’s consolidated gross revenue.

The board of directors also reviewed directors’ responses to a questionnaire asking about their relationships with CFC and its affiliates (and those of their immediate family members) and other potential conflicts of interest.

 
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Based on the criteria above, the board of directors has determined that the directors listed below are independent for the period of time served by such directors during fiscal year 2013. The board determined that none of the directors listed below had any of the relationships listed in (i) - (v) above or any other material relationship that would compromise his or her independence.

Independent Directors
Ray Beavers
Walter K. Crook
Curtis Nolan
Patrick L. Bridges
Joel Cunningham
Harry N. Park
Fred Brog
Jim L. Doerstler
Curtin R. Rakestraw II
Raphael A. Brumbeloe (1)
Jimmy Ewing, Jr. (1)
Randy D. Renth
Mike Campbell
Michael J. Guidry (1)
Dwight Rossow
R. Grant Clawson
Robert M. Hill
R. Wayne Stratton (1)
Mel Coleman
Burns E. Mercer
 
Delbert Cranford (1)
Glenn W. Miller
 
(1) This director served during the year ended May 31, 2013; however he was no longer a director at May 31, 2013.

Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

The following table summarizes the aggregate professional fees for the audit of the financial statements for the years ended
May 31, 2013 and 2012 and fees for other services provided during that period by Deloitte & Touche, LLP.

   
2013
     
2012
   
Audit fees (1)
$
1,454,200
   
$
1,435,750
   
Audit-related fees (2)
 
45,000
     
40,000
   
Tax fees (3)
 
115,424
     
126,147
   
All other fees (4)
 
16,500
     
16,500
   
Total
 
$
1,631,124
   
$
1,618,397
   
(1) Audit fees in 2013 and 2012 consist of fees for the audit of our consolidated financial statements, including RTFC and NCSC in accordance with the accounting standards governing variable interest entities, totaling $1,092,250, and fees for the preparation of the stand-alone financial statements for RTFC and NCSC totaling $160,000. Additionally, audit fees in 2013 and 2012 include comfort letter fees and consents related to debt issuances and compliance work required by the independent auditors.
(2) Audit-related fees include fees incurred in connection with the CAH audit.
(3) Tax fees consist of assistance with matters related to tax compliance and consulting.
(4) These fees relate to the audit of a trust serviced by CFC and legislative research fees.

CFC’s Audit Committee is solely responsible for the nomination, approval, compensation, evaluation and discharge of the independent public accountants. The independent registered public accountants report directly to the Audit Committee, and the Audit Committee is responsible for the resolution of disagreements between management and the independent registered public accountants. Consistent with Securities and Exchange Commission requirements, the Audit Committee has adopted a policy to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accountants provided such services do not impair the independent public accountant’s independence. All fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee. CFC’s independent registered public accountants for the current fiscal year have been appointed by the Audit Committee.

 
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PART IV

Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

 
(a)
Documents filed as a part of this report.
 
1.
Consolidated financial statements
Page
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
94
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
95
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
97
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
98
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
99
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
100
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
102
 
       
2.
Financial statement schedules
   
 
All schedules are omitted because they are not required, are inapplicable or the information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
 
3.
Exhibits
 
3.1
-
Articles of Incorporation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement No. 2-46018, filed October 12, 1972.
 
3.2
-
Amended Bylaws as approved by the CFC Board of Directors and members on March 7, 2011. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Form 10-Q filed on April 13, 2011.
 
4.1
-
Form of Capital Term Certificate. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Registration Statement No. 2-46018 filed October 12, 1972.
 
4.2
-
Indenture dated February 15, 1994, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, successor trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Form 10-Q filed on October 15, 2007.
 
4.3
-
Indenture between CFC and Mellon Bank, N.A., as Trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on November 14, 1995 (Registration No. 33-64231).
 
4.4
-
Indenture between CFC and Chemical Bank, as Trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR filed on November 24, 2008 (Registration No. 333-155631).
 
4.5
-
First Supplemental Indenture between CFC and Chemical Bank, as Trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on October 1, 1990 (Registration No. 33-58445).
 
4.6
-
Indenture dated May 15, 2000, between the Registrant and Bank One Trust Company, National Association, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on May 25, 2000 (Registration No. 333-37940).
 
4.7
-
First Supplemental Indenture dated March 12, 2007, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR filed on April 19, 2007 (Registration No. 333-142230).
 
4.8
-
Indenture dated October 25, 2007, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR filed on October 26, 2007 (Registration No. 333-146960).
 
10.1
-
Plan Document for CFC’s Deferred Compensation Program amended and restated July 1, 2003. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-K filed on August 24, 2005.*
 
10.2
-
Employment Contract between CFC and Sheldon C. Petersen, effective January 1, 2008. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 11, 2008.*
 
10.3
-
First Amendment to Employment Contract between CFC and Sheldon C. Petersen, effective September 1, 2011.*
 
10.4
-
Employment Contract between CFC and John T. Evans, dated September 17, 1997 including termination of employment arrangement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Form 10-K filed on August 27, 2007.*
 
10.5
-
Plan Document for CFC’s Deferred Compensation Pension Restoration Plan dated January 1, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to our Form 10-K filed on August 17, 2009.*
 
10.6
-
Revolving Credit Agreement dated March 21, 2011 for $1,125,000,000 originally expiring on March 21, 2014. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Form 10-Q filed on April 13, 2011.
 
10.7
-
Revolving Credit Agreement dated October 21, 2011 for $884,875,000 originally expiring on October 21, 2015. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 17, 2012.
 
10.8
-
Revolving Credit Agreement dated October 21, 2011 for $834,875,000 originally expiring on October 21, 2016. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 17, 2012.
 
10.9
-
Amendment No. 1 dated March 28, 2013 to the Revolving Credit Agreement dated March 21, 2011 originally expiring on March 21, 2014. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Form 10-Q filed on April 12, 2013.
 
10.10
-
Amendment No. 1 dated March 28, 2013 to the Revolving Credit Agreement dated October 21, 2011 originally expiring on October 21, 2015. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Form 10-Q filed on April 12, 2013.
 

 
89

 
 
 
 
10.11
-
Amendment No. 1 dated March 28, 2013 to the Revolving Credit Agreement dated October 21, 2011 originally expiring on October 21, 2016. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Form 10-Q filed on April 12, 2013.
 
10.12
-
Joinder dated May 30, 2013 to the Revolving Credit Agreement dated March 21, 2011 originally expiring on March 21, 2014.
 
10.13
-
Joinder dated July 9, 2013 to the Revolving Credit Agreement dated March 21, 2011 originally expiring on March 21, 2014.
 
10.14
-
Joinder dated July 9, 2013 to the Revolving Credit Agreement dated October 21, 2011 originally expiring on October 21, 2015.
 
10.15
-
Joinder dated July 9, 2013 to the Revolving Credit Agreement dated October 21, 2011 originally expiring on October 21, 2016.
 
10.16
-
Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural Utilities Service dated June 14, 2005 for up to $1,000,000,000. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to our Form 10-K filed on August 24, 2005.
 
10.17
-
Series A Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated June 14, 2005 for up to $1,000,000,000 maturing on July 15, 2028. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to our Form 10-K filed on August 24, 2005.
 
10.18
-
Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural Utilities Service dated April 28, 2006 for up to $1,500,000,000. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to our Form 10-K filed on August 25, 2006.
 
10.19
-
Series B Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated April 28, 2006 for up to $1,500,000,000 maturing on July 15, 2029. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to our Form 10-K filed on August 25, 2006.
 
10.20
-
Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural Utilities Service dated September 19, 2008 for up to $500,000,000. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.29 to our Form 10-Q filed on October 14, 2008.
 
10.21
-
Series C Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated September 19, 2008 for up to $500,000,000 maturing on October 15, 2031. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.32 to our Form 10-Q filed on October 14, 2008.
 
10.22
-
Indenture for Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, Tax Credit Series 2008A dated January 1, 2008, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association. The Indenture has been omitted and will be furnished supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
 
10.23
-
Indenture for Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, Secured Tax Credit Series 2009A dated September 1, 2009 between the Registrant, U.S. Bank Trust National Association as trustee, and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation as guarantor. The Indenture has been omitted and will be furnished supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
 
10.24
-
Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural Utilities Service dated as of November 10, 2010 for up to $500,000,000. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 14, 2011.
 
10.25
-
Series D Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated as of November 10, 2010 for up to $500,000,000 maturing on October 15, 2033. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 14, 2011.
 
10.26
-
Series E Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural Utilities Service dated as of December 1, 2011 for up to $499,000,000. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 17, 2012.
 
10.27
-
Series E Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated as of December 1, 2011 for up to $499,000,000 maturing on October 15, 2034. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our Form 10-Q filed on January 17, 2012.
 
10.28
-
Series F Bond Purchase Agreement between the Registrant, Federal Financing Bank and Rural Utilities Service dated as of December 13, 2012 for up to $424,286,000. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed in January 14, 2013.
 
10.29
-
Series F Future Advance Bond from the Registrant to the Federal Financing Bank dated as of December 13, 2012 for up to $424,286,000 maturing on October 15, 2035. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Form 10-Q filed in January 14, 2013.
 
10.30
-
Amended, Restated and Consolidated Bond Guarantee Agreement between the Registrant and the Rural Utilities Service dated as of December 13, 2012 for up to $3,999,000,000. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q filed in January 14, 2013.
 
10.31
-
Amended, Restated and Consolidated Pledge Agreement dated as of December 13, 2012, between the Registrant, the Rural Utilities Service and U.S. Bank National Association. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q filed in January 14, 2013.
 
10.32
-
Master Sale and Servicing Agreement dated July 24, 2009, between the Registrant and Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.47 to our Form 10-K filed on August 17, 2009.

 
 
90

 


 
10.33
-
Amended and Restated Master Note Purchase Agreement dated March 24, 2011 between the Registrant and Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our Form 10-Q filed on April 13, 2011.
 
10.34
-
Amended, Restated and Consolidated Pledge Agreement dated March 24, 2011, between the Registrant, Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to our Form 10-Q filed on April 13, 2011.
 
10.35
-
First Supplemental Note Purchase Agreement dated March 24, 2011 for $3,900,000,000 between the Registrant and Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to our Form 10-Q filed on April 13, 2011.
 
10.36
-
Construction agreement between CFC and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company dated August 26, 2009. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to our Form 10-K filed on August 30, 2010.
 
10.37
-
First Amendment to construction agreement between CFC and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company executed on June 1, 2010. Exhibit F to the First Amendment to the construction agreement has been omitted and will be furnished supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to our Form 10-K filed on August 30, 2010.
   
-
Registrant agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of all other instruments defining the rights of holders of its long-term debt upon request.
 
12
-
Computations of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
 
23.1
-
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
 
31.1
-
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
31.2
-
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.1
-
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.2
-
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
101.01
-
Financial statements from the Annual Report on Form 10-K of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation for the year ended May 31, 2013, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
       
     
* Identifies a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
       
       
       

 
91

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the County of Loudoun, Commonwealth of Virginia, on the 28th day of August 2013.

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE
FINANCE CORPORATION
   
By:
/s/  SHELDON C. PETERSEN
 
Sheldon C. Petersen
 
Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
 
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
/s/  SHELDON C. PETERSEN
 
Chief Executive Officer
   
Sheldon C. Petersen
       
         
/s/  J. ANDREW DON
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
   
J. Andrew Don
 
Officer
   
         
/s/  ROBERT E. GEIER
 
Vice President and Controller
   
Robert E. Geier
       
         
/s/  BURNS E. MERCER
 
President and Director
   
Burns E. Mercer
       
         
/s/  JOEL CUNNINGHAM
 
Vice President and Director
   
Joel Cunningham
       
         
/s/  RAY BEAVERS
 
Secretary-Treasurer and Director
   
Ray Beavers
       
       
August 28, 2013
/s/  FREDERICK C. ANDERSON
 
Director
   
Frederick C. Anderson
       
         
/s/  PATRICK L. BRIDGES
 
Director
   
Patrick L. Bridges
       
         
/s/  FRED BROG
 
Director
   
Fred Brog
       
         
/s/  MIKE CAMPBELL
 
Director
   
Mike Campbell
       
         
/s/  R. GRANT CLAWSON
 
Director
   
R. Grant Clawson
       
         
/s/  MEL COLEMAN
 
Director
   
Mel Coleman
       
         
/s/  WALTER K. CROOK
 
Director
   
Walter K. Crook
       
         
/s/  JIM L. DOERSTLER
 
Director
   
Jim L. Doerstler
       


 
92

 


/s/  ROMAN E. GILLEN  
 
Director
   
Roman E. Gillen
       
         
/s/  CHRISTOPHER L. HAMON
 
Director
   
Christopher L. Hamon
       
         
/s/  SCOTT W. HANDY
 
Director
   
Scott W. Handy
       
         
/s/  ROBERT M. HILL
 
Director
   
Robert M. Hill
       
         
/s/  LYLE KORVER
 
Director
   
Lyle Korver
     
August 28, 2013
         
/s/  GLENN W. MILLER
 
Director
   
Glenn W. Miller
       
         
/s/  CURTIS NOLAN
 
Director
   
Curtis Nolan
       
         
/s/  HARRY N. PARK
 
Director
   
Harry N. Park
       
         
/s/  CURTIN R. RAKESTRAW II
 
Director
   
Curtin R. Rakestraw II
       
         
/s/  RANDY D. RENTH
 
Director
   
Randy D. Renth
       
         
/s/  DWIGHT ROSSOW
 
Director
   
Dwight Rossow
       
         
/s/  KIRK A. THOMPSON
 
Director
   
Kirk A. Thompson
       
         
         
         
         
         
         
         

 
93

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Members of
National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation
Dulles, Virginia

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of May 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2013. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation and subsidiaries as of May 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2013, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

McLean, Virginia
August 28, 2013



 
94

 




NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
         
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
(in thousands)
       
  A S S E T S
          

   
May 31,
   
   
2013
     
2012
   
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
  177,062
   
$
  191,167
   
                 
Restricted cash
 
 7,696
     
 7,694
   
                 
Investments
 
 731,632
     
 59,045
   
                 
Loans to members
 
 20,305,874
     
 18,919,612
   
   Less: Allowance for loan losses
 
 (54,325)
     
 (143,326
)
 
Loans to members, net
 
 20,251,549
     
 18,776,286
   
                 
Accrued interest and other receivables
 
 175,183
     
 185,827
   
                 
Fixed assets, net
 
 104,508
     
 102,770
   
                 
Debt service reserve funds
 
 39,803
     
 39,803
 
 
                 
Debt issuance costs, net
 
 38,949
     
 43,515
   
                 
Foreclosed assets, net
 
 261,472
     
 223,476
   
                 
Derivative assets
 
 257,878
     
 296,036
   
                 
Other assets
 
 25,919
     
 25,716
   
                 
      Total assets
$
 22,071,651
   
$
 19,951,335
   
                 
See accompanying notes.




 
95

 

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
        
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

L I A B I L I T I E S   A N D   E Q U I T Y


   
May 31,
   
   
2013
     
2012
   
                 
Short-term debt
$
 7,719,483
   
$
 4,493,434
   
                 
Accrued interest payable
 
 144,945
     
 161,817
   
                 
Long-term debt
 
 10,696,433
     
 12,151,967
   
                 
Deferred income
 
 25,717
     
 26,131
   
                 
Derivative liabilities
 
 475,278
     
 654,125
   
                 
Subordinated deferrable debt
 
 400,000
     
 186,440
   
                 
Members’ subordinated certificates:
               
Membership subordinated certificates
 
 644,757
     
 646,279
   
Loan and guarantee subordinated certificates
 
 696,719
     
 678,115
   
Member capital securities
 
 387,750
     
 398,350
   
Total members’ subordinated certificates
 
 1,729,226
     
 1,722,744
   
                 
  Other liabilities
 
 69,308
     
63,922
   
                 
  Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
            Total liabilities
 
 21,260,390
     
19,460,580
   
                 
CFC equity:
               
Retained equity
 
 791,090
     
 473,964
   
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 8,381
     
 9,199
   
Total CFC equity
 
 799,471
     
 483,163
   
Noncontrolling interest
 
 11,790
     
 7,592
   
Total equity
 
 811,261
     
 490,755
   
                 
            Total liabilities and equity
$
 22,071,651
   
$
 19,951,335
   
                 
   
See accompanying notes.


 
96

 




NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
         
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands)


   
For the years ended May 31,
     
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
     
Interest income
$
 955,753
 
$
 960,961
 
$
 1,008,911
     
Interest expense
 
 (692,025)
   
 (761,778
)
 
 (841,080
)
   
                       
Net interest income
 
 263,728
   
 199,183
   
 167,831
     
                       
Recovery of loan losses
 
 70,091
   
 18,108
   
 83,010
     
Net interest income after recovery of loan losses
 333,819
   
217,291
   
 250,841
     
                       
Non-interest income:
                     
Fee and other income
 
 38,181
   
 17,749
   
 23,646
     
Derivative gains (losses)
 
 84,843
   
 (236,620
)
 
 (30,236
)
   
Results of operations of foreclosed assets
 
        (897)
   
        (67,497
)
 
 (15,989
)
   
                       
Total non-interest income
 
 122,127
   
 (286,368
)
 
 (22,579
)
   
                       
Non-interest expense:
                     
Salaries and employee benefits
 
 (55,536)
   
 (39,364
)
 
 (42,856
)
   
Other general and administrative expenses
 
 (28,646)
   
 (25,973
)
 
 (28,591
)
   
Recovery of (provision for) guarantee liability
 
 4,772
   
 (726
)
 
 673
     
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
 (10,636)
   
 (15,525
)
 
 (3,928
)
   
Other
 
 (5,064)
   
 (739
)
 
 (1,018
)
   
                       
Total non-interest expense
 
 (95,110)
   
 (82,327
)
 
 (75,720
)
   
                       
Income (loss) prior to income taxes
 
 360,836
   
(151,404
)
 
 152,542
     
                       
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 (2,749)
   
2,607
   
 (1,327
)
   
                       
Net income (loss)
 
 358,087
   
(148,797
)
 
 151,215
     
                     
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 (4,328)
   
 4,070
   
 (1,789
)
   
                       
Net income (loss) attributable to CFC
$
 353,759
 
$
(144,727
)
$
 149,426
     
                       

See accompanying notes.
 


 
97

 


NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
         
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)

   
For the years ended May 31,
     
   
2013
 
2012
   
2011
     
                     
                     
Net income (loss)
$
 358,087 
$
(148,797
)
$
151,215
     
                     
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
                   
Add: Unrealized gains (losses) on securities
 
 165 
 
 444
   
(30
)
   
Unrealized gains on derivatives
 
 - 
 
-
   
2,551
     
Less: Realized gains on derivatives
 
 (1,004)
 
(1,028
)
 
(795
)
   
Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
 (839)
 
(584
)
 
1,726
     
                     
Total comprehensive income (loss)
 
 357,248 
 
 (149,381
)
 
152,941
     
                     
Less: Total comprehensive (income) loss attributable to
                   
noncontrolling interest
 
 (4,307)
 
4,095
   
(1,761
)
   
                     
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CFC
$
 352,941 
$
(145,286
)
$
 151,180
     
                     

See accompanying notes.
 



 
98

 

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(in thousands)


               
CFC
Accumulated
                 
Membership
 
           
Total
 
other
 
CFC
 
Unallocated
 
Members’
 
Patronage
 
fees and
 
       
Noncontrolling
 
CFC
 
comprehensive
 
retained
 
net income
 
capital
 
capital
 
education
 
   
Total
 
interest
 
equity
 
income
 
equity
 
(loss)
 
reserve
 
allocated
 
fund
 
Balance as of May 31, 2010
$
586,767
 
$   10,186
$
576,581
 
$  8,004
$
568,577
 
$   (106,984)
 
$    191,993
 
$ 481,120
 
$    2,448
 
Patronage capital retirement
 
(51,396)
 
-
 
(51,396)
 
-
 
(51,396)
 
-
 
  -
 
(51,396)
 
-
 
Net income
 
151,215
 
1,789
 
149,426
 
-
 
149,426
 
(23,705)
 
80,133
 
92,173
 
825
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
     1,726
 
(28)
 
1,754
 
  1,754
 
-
 
-
 
  -
 
         -
 
    -
 
Other
 
(1,003)
 
(161)
 
 (842)
 
 -
 
( 842)
 
-
 
  -
 
  -
 
 (842)
 
Balance as of May 31, 2011
$
 687,309
 
$   11,786
$
675,523
 
$    9,758
$
 665,765
 
$   (130,689)
 
$  272,126
 
 $ 521,897
 
$    2,431
 
Patronage capital retirement
 
 (46,265)
 
 (44)
 
 (46,221)
 
 -
 
 (46,221)
 
 -
 
 -
 
 (46,221)
 
 -
 
Net (loss) income
 
 (148,797)
 
 (4,070)
 
 (144,727)
 
 -
 
 (144,727)
 
 (216,252)
 
 -
 
 70,690
 
 835
 
  Other comprehensive loss
 
 (584)
 
 (25)
 
 (559)
 
 (559)
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
Other
 
 (908)
 
 (55)
 
 (853)
 
 -
 
 (853)
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 (853)
 
Balance as of May 31, 2012
$
 490,755
 
$     7,592
$
 483,163
 
$    9,199
$
 473,964
 
$   (346,941)
 
$  272,126
 
 $ 546,366
 
$    2,413
 
Patronage capital retirement
 
 (36,599)
 
 (794)
 
 (35,805)
 
 -
 
 (35,805)
 
 429
 
 -
 
 (36,234)
 
 -
 
Net income
 
 358,087
 
 4,328
 
 353,759
 
 -
 
 353,759
 
 133,257
 
 138,133
 
 81,449
 
 920
 
Other comprehensive loss
 
 (839)
 
 (21)
 
 (818)
 
 (818)
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
Other
 
 (143)
 
 685
 
 (828)
 
 -
 
 (828)
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 (828)
 
Balance as of May 31, 2013
$
 811,261
 
$    11,790
$
 799,471
 
$    8,381
$
 791,090
 
$   (213,255)
 
$  410,259
 
 $ 591,581
 
$    2,505
 


See accompanying notes.

 
99

 



NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)


   
For the years ended May 31,
 
   
2013
 
2012
   
2011
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
               
   Net income (loss)
$
 358,087 
$
 (148,797
)
$
151,215
 
   Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities
             
Amortization of deferred income
 
           (8,766)
 
 (10,409
)
 
(9,079
)
Amortization of debt issuance costs and deferred charges
 
 7,582 
 
 10,897
   
16,298
 
Amortization of discount on long-term debt
 
 4,314 
 
-
   
-
 
Amortization of issuance costs for revolving bank lines of credit
 
 2,932 
 
-
   
-
 
Depreciation
 
 5,381 
 
 4,324
   
2,231
 
Recovery of loan losses
 
 (70,091)
 
 (18,108
)
 
(83,010
)
(Recovery of) provision for guarantee liability
 
    (4,772)
 
 726
   
(673
)
Results of operations of foreclosed assets
 
 897 
 
 67,497
   
15,989
 
Derivative forward value
 
 (141,304)
 
 223,774
   
23,388
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accrued interest and other receivables
 
 17,092 
 
 26,164
   
19,058
 
Accrued interest payable
 
 (16,872)
 
 (33,042
)
 
(19,213
)
Other
 
 9,001 
 
21,044
   
6,393
 
 
               
   Net cash provided by operating activities
 
  163,481 
 
144,070
   
122,597
 
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
   Advances made on loans
 
 (9,027,063)
 
 (6,244,701
)
 
(7,437,411
)
   Principal collected on loans
 
 7,623,527 
 
 6,654,443
   
6,932,195
 
   Investment in fixed assets
 
  (7,119)
 
 (18,300
)
 
(35,343
)
   Proceeds from foreclosed assets
 
 48,144 
 
 39,566
   
  44,884
 
   Investments in foreclosed assets
 
 (87,037)
 
 (49,728
)
 
(133,807
)
   Investments in time deposits
 
 (700,000)
 
-
   
-
 
   Proceeds from early redemption of investments
 
 57,578 
 
-
   
-
 
   Investments in equity securities
 
 (30,000)
 
 -
   
(24
)
   Change in restricted cash
 
  (2)
 
 (4
)
 
8,019
 
                 
   Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
 
 (2,121,972)
 
381,276
   
(621,487
)
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Proceeds from issuances of short-term debt, net
 
 681,612 
 
74,721
   
891,980
 
Proceeds from issuances of short term debt with original maturity greater than 90 days
 
 639,148 
 
411,750
   
 607,283
 
Repayments of short term debt with original maturity greater than 90 days
 
 (517,192)
 
(560,277
)
 
(473,123
)
Issuance costs for revolving bank lines of credit
 
 (3,159)
 
(3,672
)
 
(4,209
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
 
 2,640,850 
 
2,081,533
   
 2,412,703
 
Payments for retirement of long-term debt
 
 (1,569,555)
 
(2,519,650
)
 
 (2,988,805
)
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt
 
 395,724 
 
-
   
-
 
Payments for retirement of subordinated debt
 
       (186,440)
 
-
   
(125,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of members’ subordinated certificates
 
 66,620 
 
34,325
   
65,691
 
Payments for retirement of members’ subordinated certificates
 
 (34,780)
 
 (102,115
)
 
(59,824
)
Payments for retirement of patronage capital
 
 (35,036)
 
 (44,409
)
 
(48,097
)
Cash portion of debt exchange premium
 
 (133,406)
 
-
   
-
 
                 
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
 1,944,386 
 
 (627,794
)
 
278,599
 
                 
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
  (14,105)
 
 (102,448
)
 
(220,291
)
BEGINNING CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 191,167 
 
 293,615
   
513,906
 
ENDING CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
$
 177,062 
$
 191,167
 
$
293,615
 


See accompanying notes.

 
100

 


NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION
  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)
  

   
For the years ended May 31,
 
   
2013
 
2012
   
2011
 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
               
Cash paid for interest
$
         694,069
$
783,923
 
$
843,995
 
Cash paid for income taxes
 
89
 
293
   
1,329
 
                 
Non-cash financing and investing activities:
               
Subordinated certificates applied against loan balances
$
670
$
534
 
$
318
 
Patronage capital applied against loan balances
 
160
 
134
   
1,737
 
Noncontrolling interest patronage capital applied against loan balances
 
58
 
44
   
200
 
Fair value of foreclosed assets applied as repayment of loans
 
-
 
-
   
165,625
 
Charge-offs of allowance for loan losses applied against loan balances
 
19,122
 
-
   
354,248
 
Net decrease in debt service reserve funds/debt service reserve certificates
 
-
 
(5,859
)
 
-
 
Collateral trust bonds issued as debt exchange premium
 
39,647
 
-
   
-
 


See accompanying notes.


 
101

 

NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(1)        General Information and Accounting Policies

(a)       General Information

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (“CFC”) is a member-owned cooperative association incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia in April 1969. CFC’s principal purpose is to provide its members with financing to supplement the loan programs of the Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) of the USDA. CFC makes loans to its rural electric members so they can acquire, construct and operate electric distribution, generation, transmission and related facilities. CFC also provides its members with credit enhancements in the form of letters of credit and guarantees of debt obligations. CFC is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a member-owned cooperative lender, CFC’s objective is to offer its members cost-based financial products and services consistent with sound financial management and is not to maximize net income.

Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (“RTFC”) is a cooperative association originally incorporated in South Dakota in 1987 and reincorporated as a member-owned cooperative association in the District of Columbia in 2005. RTFC’s principal purpose is to provide and arrange financing for its rural telecommunications members and their affiliates. As a member-owned cooperative lender, RTFC’s objective is to offer its members cost-based financial products and services consistent with sound financial management and is not to maximize net income. RTFC’s membership consists of a combination of not-for-profit entities and for-profit entities. RTFC’s results of operations and financial condition are consolidated with CFC in the accompanying financial statements. RTFC is headquartered with CFC in Dulles, Virginia. RTFC is a taxable cooperative that pays income tax based on its net income, excluding patronage-sourced net earnings allocated to its patrons, as permitted under Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code.

National Cooperative Services Corporation (“NCSC”) was incorporated in 1981 in the District of Columbia as a member-owned cooperative association. NCSC’s principal purpose is to provide financing to members of CFC, entities eligible to be members of CFC and the for-profit and non-profit entities that are owned, operated or controlled by or provide significant benefit to certain members of CFC. As a member-owned cooperative lender, NCSC’s objective is to offer its members cost-based financial products and services consistent with sound financial management and is not to maximize net income. At May 31, 2013, NCSC’s membership consisted of distribution systems that were members of CFC or were eligible for such membership. NCSC’s results of operations and financial condition are consolidated with CFC in the accompanying financial statements. NCSC is headquartered with CFC in Dulles, Virginia. NCSC is a taxable cooperative that pays income tax on the full amount of its net income.

(b)       Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying financial statements include the consolidated accounts of CFC, RTFC and NCSC and certain entities created and controlled by CFC to hold foreclosed assets and accommodate loan securitization transactions, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. Unless stated otherwise, references to “we, “our” or “us” represent the consolidation of CFC, RTFC, NCSC and certain entities controlled by CFC to hold foreclosed assets and to accommodate loan securitization transactions.

CFC established limited liability corporations and partnerships to hold foreclosed assets and facilitate loan securitization transactions. CFC owns and controls all of these entities and, therefore, consolidates their financial results. A full consolidation is presented for the entity formed for loan securitization transactions. CFC presents the companies formed to hold foreclosed assets in one line on the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of operations. Foreclosed assets are held by two subsidiaries controlled by CFC. Denton Realty Partners, LP (“DRP”) holds assets including a land development loan, limited partnership interests in certain real estate developments and developed lots and land, raw land and underground mineral rights in Texas. CAH holds our investment in cable and telecommunications operating entities in the United States Virgin Islands (“USVI”), British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten.

Based on the accounting standards governing consolidations, equity controlled by RTFC and NCSC is classified as noncontrolling interest on the consolidated balance sheet, and the subsidiary earnings controlled by RTFC and NCSC is reported as net loss or net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest on the consolidated statement of operations.

We are required to consolidate the financial results of RTFC and NCSC because CFC is the primary beneficiary of variable interests in RTFC and NCSC due to its exposure to absorbing the majority of their incurred losses and because CFC manages the lending activities of RTFC and NCSC. Under separate guarantee agreements, RTFC and NCSC pay CFC a fee to indemnify against loan losses. CFC is the sole lender to and manages the business operations of RTFC through a

 
102

 


management agreement in effect until December 1, 2016. CFC is the primary source of funding to and manages the lending activities of NCSC through a management agreement that is automatically renewable on an annual basis unless terminated by either party. NCSC funds its lending programs through loans from CFC or debt guaranteed by CFC. In connection with these guarantees, NCSC must pay a guarantee fee and purchase from CFC interest-bearing subordinated term certificates in proportion to the related guarantee.

All loans that require RTFC board approval also require approval by CFC for funding under RTFC’s credit facilities with CFC. CFC is not a member of RTFC and does not elect directors to the RTFC board. RTFC has a non-voting associate member relationship with CFC. RTFC members elect directors to the RTFC board based on one vote for each member. All loans that require NCSC board approval also require CFC board approval. CFC is not a member of NCSC. If CFC becomes a member of NCSC, it would control the nomination process for one NCSC director. NCSC members elect directors to the NCSC board based on one vote for each member. NCSC is a service organization member of CFC.

RTFC and NCSC creditors have no recourse against CFC in the event of a default by RTFC and NCSC, unless there is a guarantee agreement under which CFC has guaranteed NCSC or RTFC debt obligations to a third party. At May 31, 2013, CFC had guaranteed $85 million of NCSC debt, derivative instruments and guarantees with third parties, and CFC’s maximum potential exposure for these instruments totaled $93 million. The maturities for NCSC obligations guaranteed by CFC run through 2031. Guarantees of NCSC debt and derivative instruments are not included in Note 12, Guarantees, as the debt and derivatives are reported on the consolidated balance sheet. At May 31, 2013, CFC guaranteed $4 million of RTFC guarantees with third parties. The maturities for RTFC obligations guaranteed by CFC run through 2013 and are renewed on an annual basis. All CFC loans to RTFC and NCSC are secured by all assets and revenue of RTFC and NCSC. At May 31, 2013, RTFC had total assets of $618 million including loans outstanding to members of $503 million, and NCSC had total assets of $800 million including loans outstanding of $773 million. At May 31, 2013, CFC had committed to lend RTFC up to $4,000 million, of which $484 million was outstanding. At May 31, 2013, CFC had committed to provide up to $3,000 million of credit to NCSC, of which $842 million was outstanding, representing $757 million of outstanding loans and $85 million of credit enhancements.

At May 31, 2013, after taking into consideration systems that are members of both CFC and NCSC and eliminating memberships between CFC, RTFC and NCSC, our consolidated membership totaled 1,460 members and 252 associates. Our membership includes the following:
·  
837 distribution systems;
·  
71 power supply systems;
·  
487 telecommunications members;
·  
64 statewide and regional associations; and
·  
1 national association of cooperatives.

Associates are eligible to borrow, however, they are not eligible to vote on matters submitted to the membership for approval. Our members and associates are located in 49 states, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories. All references to members within this document include members and associates.

 
(c)
Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash, certificates of deposit and other investments with original maturities of less than 90 days are classified as cash and cash equivalents.

 
(d)
Restricted Cash

Restricted cash represents cash and cash equivalents for which use is contractually restricted.

Restricted cash totaling $8 million at May 31, 2013 and 2012 related to Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (“CREBs”) that were issued in February 2008 and October 2009 represent the following:
·  
Cash proceeds from the issuance of CREBs that may be used only for funding CREBs loan advances to participating members to reimburse them for costs related to construction, refinancing and reimbursement of capital expenditures related to qualifying renewable energy projects. We may invest these funds; however, the interest earned on the invested cash is restricted as it may be used only to fund qualifying projects.
·  
Cash proceeds from the issuance of CREBs that may be used only to reimburse us for the costs of issuing the CREBs. These funds are held by the trustee and are only released to us to cover the costs of issuance, for which we must submit invoices for reimbursement. We may invest these funds; however, the interest earned on the invested cash is restricted and may be used only to cover issuance expenses and to fund qualifying projects.
·  
Cash from principal payments from members on CREBs loans that may be used only to make debt service payments to bond investors. We collect principal and interest payments from borrowers quarterly. We may withdraw the interest collected on CREBs loans at any time. We may invest these funds, and the interest earned on the invested cash is not restricted and may be withdrawn at any time.

 
103

 

Interest earned on restricted cash accounts where use is contractually restricted is presented as an investing activity in the statement of cash flows. Interest earned on restricted cash accounts where use is not contractually restricted is presented as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows. Changes in the principal balances of restricted cash accounts are reported as investing activities in the statement of cash flows.

(e)  
Investments

We account for our investments in Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Series A Common Stock and Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Series A Preferred Stock as available-for-sale securities based on the accounting standards for debt and equity securities. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses on these securities are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized gains or losses are measured and reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings when investments are sold or when an other-than-temporary impairment exists.

We account for our investments in Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Series C preferred stock under the cost method based on applicable accounting standards as these investments do not meet the definition of a marketable security. Under the cost method of accounting, we record the preferred stock at cost and recognize any dividends earned from net accumulated earnings as interest income. Dividends received in excess of earnings after the date of investment are considered a return of investment and are recorded as reductions to the cost of the investment. We continually monitor these investments for possible impairment. Other-than-temporary impairments are recognized in earnings.

Our investments also include deposits that we made with financial institutions in interest bearing accounts. These deposits are cash equivalents; however, because they have a maturity of greater than 90 days, they are classified as investments and carried at cost.

(f)        Loans to Members

Loans to members are reported at historical cost based on their outstanding principal balances. Loan origination costs are deferred and amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, over the life of the loan as a reduction to interest income.

(g)          Unadvanced Loan Commitments

Unadvanced commitments represent amounts for which we have approved and executed loan contracts, but the funds have not been advanced. The majority of the unadvanced commitments reported represent amounts that are subject to material adverse change clauses at the time of the loan advance. Prior to making an advance on these facilities, we would confirm that there has been no material adverse change in the business or condition, financial or otherwise, of the borrower since the time the loan was approved and confirm that the borrower is currently in compliance with loan terms and conditions. The remaining unadvanced commitments relate to line of credit loans that are not subject to a material adverse change clause at the time of each loan advance. As such, we would be required to advance amounts on these committed facilities as long as the borrower is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the loan.

Unadvanced commitments related to line of credit loans are typically for periods not to exceed five years and are generally revolving facilities used for working capital and backup liquidity purposes. Historically, we have a very low utilization rate on line of credit loan facilities, whether or not there is a material adverse change clause.

Since we generally do not charge a fee on the unadvanced portion of the majority of our loan facilities, our borrowers will typically request long-term facilities to cover multiple-year maintenance and capital expenditure work plans for periods of up to five years and draw down on the facility over that time. In addition, borrowers will typically request an amount in excess of their immediate estimated loan requirements to avoid the expense related to seeking additional loan funding for unexpected items.

The above items all contribute to our expectation that the majority of the unadvanced commitments reported will expire without being fully drawn upon and that the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash funding requirements.
 
(h)        Allowance for Credit Losses

Allowance for Loan Losses
We maintain an allowance for loan losses at a level estimated by management to provide for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is reported separately on the consolidated balance sheet, and the recovery from or provision for loan losses is reported as a separate line item on the consolidated statement of operations.

 
104

 


We review the estimates and assumptions used in the calculations of the loan loss allowance on a quarterly basis. The estimate of the allowance for loan losses is based on a review of the composition of the loan portfolio, past loss experience, specific problem loans, current economic conditions, available market data and/or projection of future cash flows and other pertinent factors that in management’s judgment may contribute to incurred losses. The allowance is based on estimates and, accordingly, actual losses may differ from the allowance amount. The methodology used to calculate the loan loss allowance is summarized below.

The loan loss allowance is calculated by dividing the portfolio into two categories of loans:
(1)
the general portfolio, which comprises loans that are performing according to the contractual agreements; and
(2)
the impaired portfolio, which comprises loans that (i) are not currently performing or (ii) for various reasons we do not expect to collect all amounts as and when due and payable under the loan agreement or (iii) are performing according to a restructured loan agreement, but as a result of the troubled debt restructuring are required to be classified as impaired.

General Portfolio
The general portfolio of loans consists of all loans not specifically identified in the impaired category. We disaggregate the loans in the general portfolio by company: CFC, RTFC and NCSC. We further disaggregate the CFC loan portfolio by member class: distribution, power supply and statewide and associates.

As of May 31, 2013, the Company made refinements in the assumptions used to estimate its allowance for loan losses. As such, we use the following factors to determine the loan loss allowance for the general portfolio category:
·  
Internal risk ratings system. We maintain risk ratings for our borrowers that are updated at least annually and are based on the following:
-  
general financial condition of the borrower;
-  
our judgment of the quality of the borrower’s management;
-  
our judgment of the borrower’s competitive position within its service territory and industry;
-  
our estimate of the potential impact of proposed regulation and litigation; and
-  
other factors specific to individual borrowers or classes of borrowers.
·  
Standard & Poor’s historical utility sector default table. The table provides expected default rates for the utility sector based on rating level and the remaining maturity. We correlate our internal risk ratings to the ratings used in the utility sector default table. We use the default table to assist in estimating our loan loss allowance because we have limited history from which to develop loss expectations.
·  
Loss Emergence Period. Estimated based on the time between the loss causing event(s) and the date that we charge off the unrecoverable portion of the loan.
·  
Recovery rates. Estimated recovery rates are based on our historical recovery experience by member class calculated by comparing loan balances at the time of default to the total loss recorded on the loan. We have been lending to electric cooperatives since our incorporation in 1969.

In addition to the loan loss allowance for the general portfolio, we maintain a qualitative reserve for the general portfolio based on risk factors not captured in the general allowance for loan losses. The overriding factor that creates the necessity for this additional component of loan loss reserves not captured in our loan loss model is lag in the timing of receipt of information regarding our borrowers. We actively monitor the operations and financial performance of our borrowers through the review of audited financial statements, review of borrower prepared financial statements (if required) and discussions with borrower management. As a result of the lag, there could be credit events or circumstances that exist with our borrowers for which we have not been made aware that could potentially lead to reassessing/downgrading of certain BRRs to better reflect the risk of default and ultimate loss. Additional qualitative considerations include our expectations with respect to loan workouts, risks associated with large loan exposures and economic and environmental factors.

To measure these additional risk factors supporting an additional reserve for the general portfolio, we perform an internal credit risk ratings portfolio stress test quantifying the impact that both upgrades and downgrades in internal credit risk ratings would have on our estimate of losses inherent in the portfolio.

Prior to the refinements made as of May 31, 2013 in the assumptions used to estimate our allowance for loan losses, our internal risk rating system measured default risk based on the borrowers risk rating with adjustments for the adequacy of collateral securing our loans. The expected default rates were based on Standard & Poor’s historical corporate bond default table and our loss emergence period was based on the weighted average maturity of loans outstanding. Our recovery rates were based on our historical recovery experience by member class calculated by comparing loan balances at the time of default to the total loss recorded on the loan. Further, the qualitative component of the general reserve was based on quantitative measurement of large loan exposures (single-obligor) as well as economic and environmental factors.

 
105

 


Impaired Loans
A loan is considered to be impaired when we do not expect to collect all principal and interest payments as scheduled by the original loan terms, other than an insignificant delay or an insignificant shortfall in amount. Factors considered in determining impairment may include, but are not limited to:
·  
the review of the borrower’s audited financial statements and interim financial statements if available,
·  
the borrower’s payment history,
·  
communication with the borrower,
·  
economic conditions in the borrower’s service territory,
·  
pending legal action involving the borrower,
·  
restructure agreements between us and the borrower and
·  
estimates of the value of the borrower’s assets that have been pledged as collateral to secure our loans.

An impairment loss on a loan receivable is recognized as the difference between the recorded investment in the loan and the present value of the estimated future cash flows associated with the loan discounted at the effective interest rate. If the current balance in the receivable is greater than the net present value, the impairment is equal to that difference and a portion of the loan loss allowance is specifically reserved based on the calculated impairment. If future cash flows cannot be estimated, the loan is collateral dependent or foreclosure is probable, the impairment is calculated based on the estimated fair value of the collateral securing the loan.

In calculating the impairment on a loan, the estimates of the expected future cash flows or collateral value are the key estimates made by management. Changes in the estimated future cash flows or collateral value affect the amount of the calculated impairment. The change in cash flows required to make the change in the calculated impairment material will be different for each borrower and depend on the period covered, the effective interest rate at the time the loan became impaired and the amount of the loan outstanding. Estimates are not used to determine our investment in the receivables or the discount rate since, in all cases, the investment is equal to the loan balance outstanding at the reporting date, and the discount rate is equal to the effective interest rate on the loan at the time the loan became impaired.

Our policy for recognizing interest income on impaired loans is determined on a case-by-case basis. An impaired loan to a borrower that is non-performing will typically be placed on non-accrual status and we will reverse all accrued and unpaid interest. We generally apply all cash received during the non-accrual period to the reduction of principal, thereby foregoing interest income recognition. Interest income may be recognized on an accrual basis for restructured impaired loans where the borrower is performing and is expected to continue to perform based on agreed-upon terms.

All loans are written off in the period that it becomes evident that collectability is highly unlikely; however, our efforts to recover all charged-off amounts may continue. The determination to write off all or a portion of a loan balance is made based on various factors on a case-by-case basis including, but not limited to, cash flow analysis and the fair value of collateral securing the borrower’s loans.

Allowance for Unadvanced Loan Commitments
We do not maintain an allowance for the majority of our unadvanced loan commitments as the loans are generally subject to material adverse change clauses that would not require us to lend or continue to lend to a borrower experiencing a material adverse change in their business or condition, financial or otherwise. The methodology used to determine an estimate of probable losses for unadvanced commitments related to committed lines of credit that are not subject to a material adverse change clause at the time of each loan advance is consistent with the methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses. Due to the nature of unadvanced commitments, the estimate of probable losses also considers the probability of funding such loans based on our historical average utilization rate for committed lines of credit. The allowance for unadvanced commitments is included in the other liabilities line item on the consolidated balance sheet. Changes to the allowance for unadvanced commitments are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations in other non-interest expense.

Guarantee Liability
We maintain a guarantee liability that represents our contingent and non-contingent exposure related to guarantees and standby liquidity obligations associated with our members’ debt. The guarantee liability is included in the other liabilities line item on the consolidated balance sheet, and the provision for guarantee liability is reported in non-interest expense as a separate line item on the consolidated statement of operations.

The contingent portion of the guarantee liability represents management’s estimate of our exposure to losses within the guarantee portfolio. The methodology used to estimate the contingent guarantee liability is consistent with the methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses.

We record a non-contingent guarantee liability for all new or modified guarantees since January 1, 2003. Our non-contingent guarantee liability represents our obligation to stand ready to perform over the term of our guarantees and liquidity

 
106

 


obligations that we have entered into or modified since January 1, 2003. Our non-contingent obligation is estimated based on guarantee and liquidity fees charged for guarantees issued, which represents management’s estimate of the fair value of our obligation to stand ready to perform. The fees are deferred and amortized using the straight-line method into interest income over the term of the guarantee.

(i)         Non-performing Loans

We classify loans as non-performing when any one of the following criteria is met:
·  
principal or interest payments on any loan to the borrower are past due 90 days or more;
·  
as a result of court proceedings, repayment on the original terms is not anticipated; or
·  
for other reasons, management does not expect the timely repayment of principal and interest.

A loan is considered past due if a full payment of principal and interest is not received within 30 days of its due date. Once a borrower is classified as non-performing, we typically place the loan on non-accrual status and reverse any accrued and unpaid interest recorded during the period in which the borrower stopped performing. We generally apply all cash received during the non-accrual period to the reduction of principal, thereby foregoing interest income recognition. The decision to return a loan to accrual status is determined on a case-by-case basis.

 
(j)
Loan Sales

We account for the sale of loans resulting from direct loan sales to third parties and securitization transactions by removing the financial assets from our consolidated balance sheets when control has been surrendered. We recognize related servicing fees on an accrual basis over the period for which servicing activity is provided. Deferred transaction costs and unamortized deferred loan origination costs related to the loans sold are included in the calculation of the gain or loss on the sale. We do not hold any continuing interest in the loans sold to date other than servicing performance obligations. We have no obligation to repurchase loans from the purchaser, except in the case of breaches of representations and warranties. We retain the servicing performance obligations on these loans. We have not recorded a servicing asset or liability because our servicing fees are at market rates.

During the years ended May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we sold CFC loans with outstanding balances totaling $149 million, $192 million, and $327 million, respectively, at par for cash. We recorded a loss on sale of loans, representing the unamortized deferred loan origination costs and transaction costs for the loans sold, which was immaterial during the years ended May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

During the years ended May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 we recognized $3 million, $3 million and $2 million, respectively, in servicing fees on all direct loan sale and loan securitization transactions.

(k)        Fixed Assets

Fixed assets are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense (approximately $5 million, $4 million and $2 million in fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively) is computed on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from two to 40 years. Interest capitalized in connection with the construction of long-lived assets was not material for the years ended May 31, 2012 and 2011. Fixed assets consisted of the following as of May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
   
2013
     
2012
           
Building and building equipment
 
$
49,168
   
$
47,288
           
Furniture and fixtures
   
5,046
     
3,985
           
Computer software and hardware
   
27,580
     
24,336
           
Other
   
911
     
2,162
           
Less: accumulated depreciation
   
(19,500
)
   
(15,035
)
         
Land
   
38,678
     
38,608
           
Construction-in-progress and software
   
2,625
     
1,426
           
  Fixed assets, net
   
$
104,508
   
$
102,770
           

(l)        Debt Service Reserve Fund

At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we had $40 million pledged to the trustee for our members’ obligations to repay tax-exempt bonds, for which we are the guarantor. The member cooperatives are required to purchase debt service reserve subordinated certificates from us as a condition to obtaining the guarantee. We are required to pledge the proceeds from the members’ purchase of the debt service reserve subordinated certificates to the trustee.

 
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A deficiency in the fund may occur when (i) the member does not pay the full amount of the periodic debt service payments as due to the trustee or (ii) upon maturity, the trustee uses the amount of the debt service reserve fund to reduce the final payment required by the member. If there is a deficiency in the bond payment due from a member, the trustee will first use the pledged amounts in the related debt service reserve fund to make up the deficiency. If there is still a deficiency after the debt service reserve fund amount is used, then we are required to perform under our guarantee. The member cooperatives are required to make up any deficiency in their specific debt service reserve fund. We record a guarantee liability, which is based on the full amount of the tax-exempt bonds guaranteed. We do not have any additional liability specific to the debt service reserve fund as we have the right at any time to offset the member’s investment in the debt service subordinated certificate against the amount that the member is required to pay to replenish the debt service reserve fund. There were no deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund at May 31, 2013 and 2012. Earnings on the debt service reserve fund inure to the benefit of the member cooperatives but are pledged to the trustee and used to reduce the periodic interest payments due from the member cooperatives.

During the year ended May 31, 2013, no guaranteed bonds requiring a debt service reserve fund were fully repaid, and no new guarantees requiring a debt service reserve fund were made. This resulted in no change to the debt service reserve fund and member investments in debt service reserve subordinated certificates. During the year ended May 31, 2012, $4 million of guaranteed bonds requiring a debt service reserve fund were fully repaid and no new guarantees requiring a debt service reserve fund were made. This resulted in a reduction of $6 million to the debt service reserve fund and member investments in debt service reserve subordinated certificates. At maturity, the trustee uses the debt service reserve fund to repay the bonds, reducing the amount that the member must pay. The member is obligated to replenish the debt service reserve fund so the trustee can return the pledged funds to us since the guaranteed tax-exempt bonds have been repaid. We offset our requirement to repay the member the amount of the debt service reserve subordinated certificate against our right to collect the amount of the debt service reserve fund from the trustee. As a result, the member’s obligation to replenish the debt service reserve fund is met. The reduction to the debt service reserve fund and the debt service reserve subordinated certificates on our consolidated balance sheet are offsetting and disclosed as a non-cash transaction in the consolidated statement of cash flows. At inception of the guarantee transaction, the trustee sets aside the required debt service reserve fund amount out of the bond proceeds to be held as the asset pledged by CFC. CFC records a liability for the member’s investment in debt service reserve subordinated certificates and records an asset for the debt service reserve fund. Since the trustee holds the cash out of the proceeds, the increase to the debt service reserve fund and increase to the debt service reserve subordinated certificates are disclosed as a non-cash transaction in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

(m)          Foreclosed Assets

We initially record foreclosed assets received in satisfaction of loan receivables at fair value or fair value less costs to sell and maintain these assets on the consolidated balance sheets as foreclosed assets. Generally, we intend to sell foreclosed assets. We evaluate whether our foreclosed assets meet the conditions to qualify for assets held for sale and, if so, we record these assets at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell at each reporting date with changes for the period recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. Foreclosed assets that do not qualify as assets held for sale are periodically evaluated for impairment. Any loss due to impairment for the period is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations and establishes a new cost basis. Subsequent increases in fair value on certain foreclosed assets including those that qualify as held for sale are recorded as gains, and are limited to the cumulative amount of loss in fair value recognized in prior periods. If applicable, no depreciation is recorded on such foreclosed assets. The results of operations from foreclosed assets are shown separately on the consolidated statements of operations.

(n)          Derivative Financial Instruments

We are an end user of financial derivative instruments and not a swap dealer. We use derivatives such as interest rate swaps and treasury rate locks to mitigate interest rate risk. Consistent with the accounting standards for derivative financial instruments, we record derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability measured at fair value. In recording the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities, we do not net our positions under contracts with individual counterparties. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments along with realized gains and losses from cash settlements are recognized in the derivative gains (losses) line item of the consolidated statement of operations unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.

We formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting treatment. If applicable hedge accounting criteria are satisfied, the change in fair value of derivative instruments is recorded to other comprehensive income, and net cash settlements are recorded in interest expense. The gain or loss on derivatives used as a cash flow hedge of a forecasted debt transaction is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the hedged debt. Any ineffectiveness in the hedging relationship is recognized in the derivative gains (losses) line of the statement of operations.

 
108

 


A transition adjustment was recorded as an other comprehensive loss on June 1, 2001, the date we implemented the accounting standards for derivative financial instruments. This adjustment will be amortized into earnings through April 2029 in the derivative gains (losses) line of the statement of operations.

Cash activity associated with interest rate swaps is classified as an operating activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

(o)          Debt

Debt securities are reported at cost net of discounts or premiums. Issuance costs on all debt except dealer commercial paper and discounts are deferred and amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method or a method approximating the effective interest method over the legal maturity of each bond issue. Issuance costs on dealer commercial paper are recognized as incurred.

(p)          Membership Fees

Members are charged a one-time membership fee based on member class. CFC distribution system members, power supply system members and national associations of cooperatives pay a $1,000 membership fee. CFC service organization members pay a $200 membership fee and CFC associates pay a $1,000 fee. RTFC voting members pay a $1,000 membership fee and RTFC associates pay a $100 fee. NCSC members pay a $100 membership fee. Membership fees are accounted for as members’ equity.

(q)          Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

In the normal course of business, we are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of our member borrowers. These financial instruments include committed lines of credit, standby letters of credit and guarantees of members’ obligations.

(r)          Interest Income

Interest income on loans is recognized using the effective interest method. The following table presents the components of interest income for the years ended May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
     
2012
   
2011
     
Interest on long-term fixed-rate loans
$
 874,287
   
$
 878,604
 
$
 904,464
     
Interest on long-term variable-rate loans
 
            21,684
     
            24,374
   
 45,590
     
Interest on line of credit loans
 
 32,378
     
 30,717
   
 44,346
     
Interest on restructured loans
 
 13,956
     
 16,191
   
 2,789
     
Interest on non-performing loans
 
                      -
     
-
   
149
     
Interest on investments
 
 6,325
     
 3,934
   
 3,830
     
Fee income (1)
 
 7,123
     
 7,141
   
 7,743
     
Total interest income
 
$
 955,753
   
$
960,961
 
$
 1,008,911
     
(1) Primarily related to conversion fees that are deferred and recognized using the effective interest method over the remaining original loan interest rate pricing term, except for a small portion of the total fee charged to cover administrative costs related to the conversion, which is recognized immediately.

Deferred income on the consolidated balance sheets primarily includes deferred conversion fees totaling $21 million and $20 million at May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

(s)          Interest Expense

The following table presents the components of interest expense for the years ended May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
     
2012
   
2011
     
Interest expense on debt (1):
                       
Short-term debt
$
 6,888
   
$
 5,836
 
$
 8,886
     
Medium-term notes
 
 95,495
     
 173,927
   
 241,545
     
Collateral trust bonds
 
 327,978
     
 314,642
   
 306,332
     
Subordinated deferrable debt
 
 12,922
     
 11,225
   
 13,358
     
Subordinated certificates
 
 81,920
     
 81,124
   
 82,057
     
Long-term notes payable
 
 150,553
     
 154,606
   
 167,700
     
Debt issuance costs (2)
 
 7,582
     
 9,044
   
 10,358
     
Fee expense (3)
 
 8,687
     
 11,374
   
 10,844
     
Total interest expense
 
$
 692,025
   
$
761,778
 
$
 841,080
     


 
109

 


(1) Represents interest expense and the amortization of discounts on debt.
(2) Includes amortization of all deferred charges related to the issuance of debt, principally underwriters’ fees, legal fees, printing costs and comfort letter fees. Amortization is calculated using the effective interest method or a method approximating the effective interest method. Also includes issuance costs related to dealer commercial paper, which are recognized as incurred.
(3) Includes various fees related to funding activities, including fees paid to banks participating in our revolving credit agreements. Fees are recognized as incurred or amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the respective agreement.

We exclude indirect costs, if any, related to funding activities from interest expense.

(t)         Early Extinguishment of Debt

We redeem outstanding debt early from time to time to manage liquidity and interest rate risk. When we redeem outstanding debt early, we recognize a gain or loss related to the difference between the amount paid to redeem the debt and the net book value of the extinguished debt as a component of non-interest expense in the gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt line item.

On March 1, 2013, we redeemed $300 million of our $900 million, 5.50 percent, collateral trust bonds due July 1, 2013 at a premium. The premium and unamortized issuance costs totaling $5.2 million were recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt during the fourth quarter of the year ended May 31, 2013.

On May 24, 2013, we redeemed all of our $88 million of Series NRC 6.10 percent subordinated deferrable debt due 2044 and all of our $98 million of Series NRU 5.95 percent subordinated deferrable debt due 2045 at par. We recorded a $5.4 million loss on the extinguishment of debt during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013 for the unamortized issuance costs.

(u)          Income Taxes

While CFC is exempt under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, it is subject to tax on unrelated business taxable income. RTFC is a taxable cooperative under Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code and is not subject to income taxes on income from patronage sources that is allocated to its borrowers, as long as the allocation is properly noticed and at least 20 percent of the amount allocated is retired in cash prior to filing the applicable tax return. RTFC pays income tax based on its net income, excluding amounts allocated to its borrowers. NCSC is a taxable cooperative that pays income tax on the full amount of its net income.

The income tax benefit (expense) recorded in the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 represents the income tax benefit (expense) for RTFC and NCSC at the applicable federal and state income tax rates resulting in approximately 38 percent tax rate. Additionally, fines or penalties assessed against RTFC and NCSC, if any, are recorded in income tax expense.

(v)          Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses reported in the financial statements, as well as amounts included in the notes thereto, including discussion and disclosure of contingent liabilities. The accounting estimates that require our most significant and subjective judgments include the allowance for loan losses and the determination of the fair value of our derivatives and foreclosed assets. While we use our best estimates and judgments based on the known facts at the date of the financial statements, actual results could differ from these estimates as future events occur.

As of May 31, 2013, the Company made refinements in the assumptions used to estimate its allowance for loan losses. Specifically, we updated certain assumptions used to estimate defaults, which included transitioning from the S&P corporate bond default table to the S&P utility sector default table, refining the linkage between the Company’s internal risk ratings and the S&P ratings and reassessing and reducing the loss emergence period. As a result of the refinements made in the assumptions used to estimate the general allowance for loan losses, we also refined our approach for calculating the qualitative component of the general reserve by focusing on risk factors not captured in the general allowance for loan losses. The combination of these refinements resulted in a decrease to the allowance for loan losses of $74 million at May 31, 2013 and a corresponding increase to the recovery of loan losses of $74 million for the quarter ended May 31, 2013.

 
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(w)         Immaterial Correction of Errors

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2013, we identified three errors in the consolidated statement of cash flows related to (1) the classification of advances and sale proceeds of loans sold, (2) the presentation of short-term debt with an original maturity of greater than 90 days and (3) the determination of the amount of “Advances made on loans” reported in the investing activities section of the Statement of Cash Flows. We corrected our previously reported consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended May 31, 2012 and 2011 herein to reflect the impact of the immaterial errors. The errors and the corrections have no effect on the change in cash, our total cash balance, liquidity, consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of operations, key ratios or covenant compliance for any period. We concluded that the errors were not material to any of the previously reported quarterly and annual periods.

The effect of recording the correction of the immaterial errors in the consolidated statement of cash flows is presented below for the years ended May 31:
   
2012
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
 As Filed
 
 Adjustment
 
Corrected
Other
$
(3,956)
 $
25,000 
$
21,044 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
119,070 
 
25,000 
 
144,070 
             
Advances made on loans
 
(6,411,857)
 
167,156 
 
 (6,244,701)
Net proceeds from sale of loans
 
192,156 
 
(192,156)
 
Net cash provided by investing activities
 
406,276 
 
(25,000)
 
381,276 
             
(Repayments of) proceeds from issuances of short-term debt, net
 
(73,806)
 
 148,527 
 
   74,721 
Proceeds from issuances of short term debt with original maturity greater than 90 days
 
 
411,750 
 
411,750 
Repayments of short term debt with original maturity greater than 90 days
 
  - 
 
(560,277)
 
 (560,277)

   
2011
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
 As Filed
 
 Adjustment
 
Corrected
Advances made on loans
 $
(7,764,118)
 $
326,707 
 $
 (7,437,411)
Net proceeds from sale of loans
 
326,707 
 
(326,707)
 
Proceeds from issuances of short-term debt, net
 
1,026,140 
 
 (134,160)
 
   891,980 
Proceeds from issuances of short term debt with original maturity greater than 90 days
 
    - 
 
     607,283 
 
     607,283 
Repayments of short term debt with original maturity greater than 90 days
 
  - 
 
(473,123)
 
 (473,123)

(x)         New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which requires enhanced disclosures about certain financial assets and liabilities that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements or similar agreements, or that have otherwise been offset on the balance sheet under certain specific conditions that permit net presentation. In January 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which clarifies that the scope of the above guidance is limited to derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2014 and is not expected to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires enhanced disclosures of the amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2014 and is not expected to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 
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(2)         Investments

The activity for our investments is summarized below as of and for the years ended May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
     
2012
 
Beginning balance
$
         59,045
   
$
58,601
 
  Investments purchased
 
 730,000
     
-
 
  Investments redeemed
 
 (57,578)
     
-
 
  Fair value adjustment on available-for-sale securities
 
 165
     
444
 
Ending balance
$
       731,632
   
$
59,045
 

Our investments at May 31, 2013 and 2012 include Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Series A preferred stock totaling $29 million and Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Series C preferred stock totaling $58 million, respectively. On January 17, 2013, the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation redeemed the full amount of the Series C preferred stock we held and we purchased $30 million of Series A preferred stock with a dividend rate of 5.875 percent. The Series C preferred stock was valued at cost, while the Series A preferred stock is accounted for as available-for-sale and recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The Series A preferred stock totaling $29 million at May 31, 2013 includes the $30 million cost of purchase and an unrealized loss of $0.6 million recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated balance sheet. Management does not intend to sell this investment for the foreseeable future and believes the decline is temporary.

Our investments at May 31, 2013 and 2012 also includes investments in Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Series A common stock totaling $2 million and $1 million, respectively, which includes the $0.5 million cost of purchases and an unrealized gain of $1.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated balance sheet. Our investment in this Series A common stock is accounted for as available-for-sale and recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value.

Our investments at May 31, 2013 also include $700 million in cash on deposit that we made with financial institutions in interest bearing accounts with maturities of less than one year at the reporting date.

(3)         Loans and Commitments

We are a cost-based lender that offers long-term fixed and variable-rate loans and line of credit loans. On long-term loans, borrowers choose between a variable interest rate or a fixed interest rate for periods of one to 35 years. When a selected fixed interest rate term expires, the borrower may select another fixed-rate term or the variable rate. Unadvanced commitments are approved and executed loan contracts for which the funds have not yet been advanced. Collateral and security requirements for advances on commitments are identical to those required at the time of the initial loan approval.

Loans outstanding to members and unadvanced commitments by loan type and by member class are summarized as follows at May 31:

   
2013
   
2012
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Loans
outstanding
   
Unadvanced
commitments (1)
   
Loans
outstanding
   
Unadvanced
commitments (1)
 
Total by loan type (2):
                       
Long-term fixed-rate loans
$
 17,918,268
 
$
 -
 
$
 16,742,914
 
$
 -
 
Long-term variable-rate loans
 
 782,006
   
 4,718,162
   
 764,815
   
 5,437,881
 
Loans guaranteed by RUS
 
 210,815
   
 -
   
 219,084
   
 -
 
Line of credit loans
 
 1,385,228
   
 8,704,586
   
 1,184,929
   
 8,691,543
 
Total loans outstanding
 
 20,296,317
   
 13,422,748
   
 18,911,742
   
 14,129,424
 
Deferred origination costs
 
 9,557
   
 -
   
 7,870
   
 -
 
Less: Allowance for loan losses
 
  (54,325)
   
 -
   
  (143,326
)
 
 -
 
Net loans outstanding
$
 20,251,549
 
$
 13,422,748
 
$
 18,776,286
 
$
 14,129,424
 
                         
Total by member class (2):
                       
CFC:
                       
Distribution
$
 14,941,192
 
$
 8,948,826
 
$
 14,075,471
 
$
 9,191,227
 
Power supply
 
 4,007,669
   
 3,145,518
   
 3,596,820
   
 3,714,241
 
Statewide and associate
 
 70,956
   
 102,087
   
 73,606
   
 123,189
 
CFC total
 
 19,019,817
   
 12,196,431
   
 17,745,897
   
 13,028,657
 
RTFC
 
 503,359
   
 317,344
   
 571,566
   
 341,792
 
NCSC
 
 773,141
   
 908,973
   
 594,279
   
 758,975
 
Total loans outstanding
 
$
 20,296,317
 
$
 13,422,748
 
$
18,911,742
 
$
 14,129,424
 
(1) The interest rate on unadvanced commitments is not set until drawn, therefore, the long-term unadvanced loan commitments have been classified in this table as variable-rate unadvanced commitments. However, at the time of the advance, the borrower may select a fixed or a variable rate on the new loan.
(2) Includes non-performing and restructured loans.

 
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Non-performing and restructured loans outstanding and unadvanced commitments to members included in the table above are summarized as follows by loan type and by company at May 31:

   
2013
   
2012
 
   
Loans
   
Unadvanced
   
Loans
   
Unadvanced
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
outstanding
   
commitments (1)
   
outstanding
   
commitments (1)
 
Non-performing and restructured loans:
                       
Non-performing loans:
CFC:
                       
Long-term variable-rate loans
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 8,194
 
$
 -
 
Line of credit loans (2)
 
 5,000
   
 -
   
 26,049
   
 -
 
RTFC:
                       
Long-term fixed-rate loans
 
 3,690
   
 -
   
 6,970
   
 -
 
Long-term variable-rate loans
 
 6,807
   
 -
   
-
   
-
 
Total non-performing loans
$
 15,497
 
$
 -
 
$
 41,213
 
$
 -
 
                         
Restructured loans:
                       
CFC:
                       
Long-term fixed-rate loans (3)
$
 46,953
 
$
 -
 
$
 455,689
 
$
 -
 
Long-term variable-rate loans (4)
 
  -
   
 -
   
  -
   
 45,918
 
Line of credit loans (4)
 
 -
   
 5,000
   
 -
   
 5,000
 
Total restructured loans
 
$
 46,953
 
$
 5,000
 
$
 455,689
 
$
50,918
 
(1) The interest rate on unadvanced commitments is not set until drawn, therefore, the long-term unadvanced loan commitments have been classified in this table as variable-rate unadvanced commitments. However, at the time of the advance, the borrower may select a fixed or a variable rate on the new loan.
(2) The unadvanced commitment is available under a debtor-in-possession facility for which the principal and interest has priority over all other claims.
(3) At May 31, 2012, loans outstanding included $416 million of restructured loans that were placed on accrual status at a fixed rate on October 1, 2011. While the loans were on non-accrual status, including loans outstanding of $434 million at May 31, 2011, they were presented as long-term variable-rate loans.
(4) The unadvanced commitment is part of the terms outlined in the related restructure agreement. Loans advanced under these commitments would be classified as performing. Principal and interest due under these performing loans would be in addition to scheduled payments due under the restructured loan agreement.

Unadvanced Loan Commitments
A total of $1,703 million and $1,303 million of unadvanced commitments at May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, represented unadvanced commitments related to committed lines of credit loans that are not subject to a material adverse change clause at the time of each loan advance. As such, we will be required to advance amounts on these committed facilities as long as the borrower is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the facility.

The following table summarizes the available balance under committed lines of credit at May 31, 2013, and the related maturities by fiscal year as follows:

 
Available
 
Notional maturities of committed lines of credit
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
balance
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
Committed lines of  credit
$1,702,683
 
$     151,703
 
$    91,354
 
$   198,800
 
$   501,224
 
$  759,602
 

The remaining unadvanced commitments totaling $11,720 million and $12,826 million at May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were generally subject to material adverse change clauses. Prior to making an advance on these facilities, we confirm that there has been no material adverse change in the business or condition, financial or otherwise, of the borrower since the time the loan was approved and confirm that the borrower is currently in compliance with loan terms and conditions. In some cases, the borrower’s access to the full amount of the facility is further constrained by the imposition of borrower-specific restrictions, or by additional conditions that must be met prior to advancing funds.

Unadvanced commitments related to line of credit loans are typically for periods not to exceed five years and are generally revolving facilities used for working capital and backup liquidity purposes. Historically, we have experienced a very low utilization rate on line of credit loan facilities, whether or not there is a material adverse change clause. Since we generally do not charge a fee on the unadvanced portion of the majority of our loan facilities, our borrowers will typically request long-term facilities to cover maintenance and capital expenditure work plans for periods of up to five years and draw down on the facility over that time. In addition, borrowers will typically request an amount in excess of their immediate estimated loan requirements to avoid the expense related to seeking additional loan funding for unexpected items.

The above items all contribute to our expectation that the majority of the unadvanced commitments will expire without being fully drawn upon and that the total unadvanced amount does not necessarily represent future cash funding requirements.

 
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Payment Status of Loans
The tables below show an analysis of the age of the recorded investment in loans outstanding by member class at May 31:

   
2013
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
30-89 days past due
 
90 days or more
past due (1)
 
Total
past due
 
Current
 
Total financing
receivables
 
Non-accrual loans
CFC:
                       
Distribution
$
 2,841
$
 -
$
 2,841
$
 14,938,351
$
 14,941,192
$
 7,584
Power supply
 
 -
 
 5,000
 
 5,000
 
 4,002,669
 
 4,007,669
 
 5,000
Statewide and associate
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 70,956
 
 70,956
 
 -
CFC total
 
 2,841
 
 5,000
 
 7,841
 
 19,011,976
 
 19,019,817
 
 12,584
RTFC
 
 4,163
 
 4,156
 
 8,319
 
 495,040
 
 503,359
 
 10,497
NCSC
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 773,141
 
 773,141
 
 -
Total loans outstanding
$
 7,004
$
 9,156
$
 16,160
$
 20,280,157
$
 20,296,317
$
 23,081
                         
As a % of total loans
 
0.03
%
0.05%
 
0.08%
 
99.92%
 
100.00%
 
0.11%
(1) All loans 90 days or more past due are on non-accrual status.

   
2012
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
30-89 days past due
 
90 days or more
past due (1)
 
Total
past due
 
Current
 
Total financing
receivables
 
Non-accrual loans
CFC:
                       
Distribution
$
 -
$
 29,243
$
 29,243
$
 14,046,228
$
 14,075,471
$
 29,243
Power supply
 
 -
 
 5,000
 
 5,000
 
 3,591,820
 
 3,596,820
 
 5,000
Statewide and associate
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 73,606
 
 73,606
 
 -
CFC total
 
 -
 
 34,243
 
 34,243
 
 17,711,654
 
 17,745,897
 
 34,243
RTFC
 
 -
 
 4,306
 
 4,306
 
 567,260
 
 571,566
 
 6,970
NCSC
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 594,279
 
 594,279
 
 -
Total loans outstanding
$
 -
$
 38,549
$
 38,549
$
 18,873,193
$
 18,911,742
$
 41,213
                         
As a % of total loans
 
 -
%
0.20%
 
0.20%
 
99.80%
 
100.00%
 
0.22%
(1) All loans 90 days or more past due are on non-accrual status.

Credit Quality
We monitor the credit quality and performance statistics of our financing receivables in an ongoing manner to provide a balance between the credit needs of our members and the requirements for sound credit quality of the loan portfolio. We evaluate the credit quality of our loans using an internal risk rating system that employs similar criteria for all member classes.

Our internal risk rating system is based on a determination of a borrower’s risk of default utilizing both quantitative and qualitative measurements.

We have grouped our risk ratings into the categories of pass and criticized based on the criteria below.
(i)  Pass:  Borrowers that are not experiencing difficulty and/or not showing a potential or well-defined credit weakness.
(ii) Criticized:  Includes borrowers categorized as special mention, substandard and doubtful as described below:
·  
Special mention:  Borrowers that may be characterized by a potential credit weakness or deteriorating financial condition that is not sufficiently serious to warrant a classification of substandard or doubtful.
·  
Substandard:  Borrowers that display a well-defined credit weakness that may jeopardize the full collection of principal and interest.
·  
Doubtful:  Borrowers that have a well-defined weakness and the full collection of principal and interest is questionable or improbable.

Borrowers included in the pass, special mention, and substandard categories are generally reflected in the general portfolio of loans. Borrowers included in the doubtful category are reflected in the impaired portfolio of loans. Each risk rating is reassessed annually based on the receipt of the borrower’s audited financial statements; however, interim downgrades and upgrades may take place at any time as significant events or trends occur.

 
114

 


The following table presents our loan portfolio by risk rating category and member class based on available data as of May 31:

   
2013
 
2012
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Pass
 
Criticized
 
Total
 
Pass
 
Criticized
 
Total
CFC:
                       
   Distribution
$
 14,922,558
$
 18,634
$
 14,941,192
$
 14,046,228
$
 29,243
$
 14,075,471
   Power supply
 
 4,002,669
 
  5,000
 
 4,007,669
 
 3,591,820
 
  5,000
 
 3,596,820
   Statewide and associate
 
 70,668
 
 288
 
  70,956
 
 73,606
 
 -
 
  73,606
CFC total
 
   18,995,895
 
  23,922
 
 19,019,817
 
   17,711,654
 
  34,243
 
 17,745,897
RTFC
 
 483,058
 
 20,301
 
 503,359
 
 564,596
 
 6,970
 
 571,566
NCSC
 
 770,419
 
 2,722
 
 773,141
 
 594,279
 
 -
 
 594,279
Total loans outstanding
$
  20,249,372
$
  46,945
$
 20,296,317
$
  18,870,529
$
  41,213
$
 18,911,742

Credit Concentration
The service territories of our electric and telecommunications members are located throughout the United States and its territories, including 49 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa and Guam. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, loans outstanding to borrowers in any state or territory did not exceed 15 percent and 17 percent, respectively, of total loans outstanding. CFC, RTFC and NCSC each have policies limiting the amount of credit that can be extended to individual borrowers or a controlled group of borrowers. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, the total exposure outstanding to any one borrower or controlled group did not exceed 2.2 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively, of total loans and guarantees outstanding. At May 31, 2013, the 10 largest borrowers included four distribution systems and six power supply systems. At May 31, 2012, the 10 largest borrowers included five distribution systems and five power supply systems. The following table shows the exposure to the 10 largest borrowers as a percentage of total credit exposure broken down by exposure type and by borrower type at May 31:

   
2013
   
2012
   
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Amount
 
%
   
Amount
 
%
   
Total by type:
                     
  Loans
$
 2,981,627
 
14
%
$
 2,852,364
 
14
%
 
  Guarantees
 
 374,340
 
2
   
 481,706
 
3
   
    Total credit exposure to 10 largest borrowers
$
 3,355,967
 
16
%
$
 3,334,070
 
17
%
 
                       
Total by borrower type:
                     
   CFC
$
 3,240,755
 
15
%
$
 3,314,070
 
17
%
 
   NCSC
 
 115,212
 
1
   
 20,000
 
 -
   
    Total credit exposure to 10 largest borrowers
$
 3,355,967
 
16
%
$
 3,334,070
 
17
%
 

Interest Rates
Below is the weighted-average loan balance and weighted-average yield earned during the fiscal years ended May 31:

   
2013
   
2012
   
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Weighted-
average
loans outstanding
 
Weighted-
average
yield
   
Weighted-
average
loans outstanding
 
Weighted-
average
yield
   
Total by loan type:
                         
   Long-term fixed-rate loans
 
$
 17,223,370
 
5.08
%
$
 16,440,288
 
5.34
%
   Long-term variable-rate loans
   
 721,747
 
3.00
   
 658,847
 
3.70
 
   Line of credit loans
   
 1,245,635
 
2.60
   
 1,072,222
 
2.86
 
   Restructured loans
   
 157,059
 
8.89
   
 461,670
 
3.51
 
   Non-performing loans
   
 48,653
 
 -
   
 39,953
 
 -   
 
Total loans
 
$
 19,396,464
 
4.86
 
$
 18,672,980
 
5.09
 
                       
 Total by borrower type:
                     
   CFC
 
$
 18,169,399
 
 4.88
%
$
 17,423,330
 
 5.08
%
   RTFC
   
 539,850
 
 4.77
   
 688,087
 
 5.44
 
   NCSC
   
 687,215
 
 4.37
   
 561,563
 
 5.00
 
Total
   
$
 19,396,464
 
 4.86
 
$
 18,672,980
 
 5.09
 

In general, a borrower can select a fixed interest rate on long-term loans for periods of one to 35 years or a variable rate. Upon expiration of the selected fixed interest rate term, the borrower must select a variable rate or select another fixed-rate term for a period that does not exceed the remaining loan maturity. We set long-term fixed rates daily and variable rates monthly. Upon notification to borrowers, variable-rate loans are eligible to be reset at least monthly.

 
115

 


Loan Repricing
Long-term fixed-rate loans outstanding at May 31, 2013, which will be subject to interest rate repricing during the next five fiscal years, are summarized as follows (due to principal repayments, amounts subject to interest rate repricing may be lower at the actual time of interest rate repricing):

(dollar amounts in thousands)
Amount
repricing
 
Weighted-average
interest rate
     
2014
$
1,318,360
 
4.86
%
   
2015
 
1,102,529
 
4.91
     
2016
 
1,010,598
 
4.78
     
2017
 
773,131
 
4.82
     
2018
 
669,096
 
5.15
     
Thereafter
 
2,374,858
 
5.45
     

Loan Amortization
On most long-term loans, level quarterly payments are required with respect to principal and interest in amounts sufficient to repay the loan principal, generally over periods of up to 35 years from the date of the secured promissory note.

The following table summarizes the principal amortization of long-term loans by loan type in each of the five fiscal years following May 31, 2013 and thereafter as follows:

   
Fixed-rate
   
Variable-rate
     
   
Loan
 
Weighted-average
   
Loan
 
Total loan
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
amortization (1)
 
interest rate
   
amortization (1)
 
amortization (1)
 
2014
$
1,074,262
 
4.66
%
$
71,653
$
1,145,915
 
2015
 
1,024,884
 
4.73
   
64,187
 
1,089,071
 
2016
 
991,012
 
4.87
   
58,360
 
1,049,372
 
2017
 
953,054
 
4.80
   
54,073
 
1,007,127
 
2018
 
901,609
 
4.93
   
44,916
 
946,525
 
Thereafter
 
13,162,744
 
5.29
   
510,335
 
13,673,079
 
     Total
 
$
18,107,565
 
5.16
 
$
803,524
$
18,911,089
 
(1) Represents scheduled amortization based on current rates without consideration for loans that reprice.

Loan Security
Except when providing line of credit loans, we typically lend to our members on a senior secured basis. Long-term loans are typically secured on a parity with other secured lenders (primarily RUS), if any, by all assets and revenue of the borrower with exceptions typical in utility mortgages. Line of credit loans are generally unsecured. In addition to the lien and security interest we receive under the mortgage, our member borrowers are also required to achieve certain financial ratios as required by loan covenants.

The following table summarizes our secured and unsecured loans outstanding by loan type and by company as of May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
   
2012
 
Total by loan type:
 
Secured
 
%
   
Unsecured
 
%
   
Secured
 
%
   
Unsecured
 
%
 
 
Long-term fixed-rate loans
$
 16,871,594
 
 94
%
$
 1,046,674
 
 6
%
$
 16,168,857
 
 97
%
$
 574,057
 
 3
%
 
Long-term variable-rate loans
 
 676,075
 
 86
   
 105,931
 
 14
   
 661,115
 
 86
   
 103,700
 
 14
 
 
Loans guaranteed by RUS
 
 210,815
 
 100
   
 -
 
 -
   
 219,084
 
 100
   
 -
 
 -
 
 
Line of credit loans
 
 294,575
 
 21
   
 1,090,653
 
 79
   
 205,143
 
 17
   
 979,786
 
 83
 
 
  Total loans outstanding
$
 18,053,059
 
 89
 
$
 2,243,258
 
 11
 
$
 17,254,199
 
 91
 
$
 1,657,543
 
 9
 
                                           
Total by company:
                                       
 
CFC
$
 17,049,029
 
 90
%
$
 1,970,788
 
 10
%
$
 16,317,195
 
 92
%
$
 1,428,702
 
 8
%
 
RTFC
 
 482,647
 
 96
   
 20,712
 
 4
   
 549,085
 
 96
   
 22,481
 
 4
 
 
NCSC
 
 521,383
 
 67
   
 251,758
 
 33
   
 387,919
 
 65
   
 206,360
 
 35
 
 
  Total loans outstanding
$
 18,053,059
 
 89
 
$
 2,243,258
 
   11
 
$
 17,254,199
 
 91
 
$
 1,657,543
 
9
 

Loan Loss Allowance
We maintain an allowance for loan losses at a level estimated by management to provide for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Under a guarantee agreement, CFC reimburses RTFC and NCSC for loan losses, therefore, RTFC and NCSC do not maintain separate loan loss allowances.

 
116

 


The activity in the loan loss allowance summarized in the tables below reflects a disaggregation by company of the allowance for loan losses held at CFC based on borrower type as of and for the years ended May 31:

   
2013
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
 CFC
 
RTFC (1)
 
NCSC (1)
 
Total
 
Balance as of May 31, 2012
$
 126,941
$
 8,562
$
 7,823
$
 143,326
 
 (Recovery of) provision for loan losses
 
 (66,785)
 
 596
 
 (3,902)
 
 (70,091)
 
 Charge-offs
 
 (19,122)
 
 -
 
 -
 
 (19,122)
 
 Recoveries of loans previously charged-off
 
 212
 
 -
 
 -
 
 212
 
Balance as of May 31, 2013
$
 41,246
$
 9,158
$
 3,921
$
 54,325
 
                   
   
2012
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
 CFC
 
RTFC (1)
 
NCSC (1)
 
Total
 
Balance as of May 31, 2011
$
 143,706
$
 8,389
$
 9,082
$
 161,177
 
 (Recovery of) provision for loan losses
 
 (16,976)
 
 127
 
 (1,259)
 
 (18,108)
 
 Recoveries of loans previously charged-off
 
 211
 
 46
 
 -
 
 257
 
Balance as of May 31, 2012
$
 126,941
$
 8,562
$
 7,823
$
 143,326
 

   
2011
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
 CFC
 
RTFC (1)
 
NCSC (1)
 
Total
 
Balance as of May 31, 2010
$
177,655
$
406,214
$
8,895
$
592,764
 
  (Recovery of) provision for loan losses
 
(34,160)
 
(49,016)
 
166
 
(83,010)
 
  Charge-offs
 
-
 
(354,248)
 
(28)
 
(354,276)
 
  Recoveries of loans previously charged-off
 
211
 
5,439
 
49
 
5,699
 
Balance as of May 31, 2011
$
143,706
$
8,389
$
9,082
$
161,177
 
(1) The allowance for loan losses recorded for RTFC and NCSC are held at CFC with the exception of $18 thousand of the NCSC loan loss allowance required to cover the exposure for consumer loans at May 31, 2010.

Our allowance for loan losses includes a specific valuation allowance related to individually-evaluated impaired loans, as well as a general reserve for other probable incurred losses for loans that are collectively evaluated. The tables below present the loan loss allowance and the recorded investment in outstanding loans by impairment methodology and by company as of and for the years ended May 31:

   
2013
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
 CFC
 
RTFC
 
NCSC
 
Total
Ending balance of the allowance:
               
Collectively evaluated
$
 41,246
$
 5,731
$
 3,921
$
 50,898
Individually evaluated
 
 -
 
 3,427
 
 -
 
 3,427
Total ending balance of the allowance
$
 41,246
$
 9,158
$
 3,921
$
 54,325
                 
Recorded investment in loans:
               
Collectively evaluated
$
 18,967,864
$
 492,862
$
 773,141
$
 20,233,867
Individually evaluated
 
 51,953
 
 10,497
 
 -
 
 62,450
Total recorded investment in loans
$
 19,019,817
$
 503,359
$
 773,141
$
 20,296,317
                 
Loans to members, net (1)
$
 18,978,571
$
 494,201
$
 769,220
$
 20,241,992

   
2012
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
 CFC
 
RTFC
 
NCSC
 
Total
Ending balance of the allowance:
               
Collectively evaluated
$
 103,681
$
 6,561
$
 7,823
$
 118,065
Individually evaluated
 
  23,260
 
  2,001
 
 -
 
 25,261
Total ending balance of the allowance
$
 126,941
$
 8,562
$
 7,823
$
 143,326
                 
Recorded investment in loans:
               
Collectively evaluated
$
 17,255,965
$
 564,596
$
 594,279
$
 18,414,840
Individually evaluated
 
 489,932
 
 6,970
 
 -
 
 496,902
Total recorded investment in loans
$
 17,745,897
$
 571,566
$
 594,279
$
 18,911,742
                 
Loans to members, net (1)
$
 17,618,956
$
 563,004
$
 586,456
$
 18,768,416
(1) Excludes deferred origination costs of $10 million and $8 million, respectively, at May 31, 2013 and 2012.

 
117

 


Impaired Loans
Our recorded investment in individually-impaired loans and the related specific valuation allowance is summarized below by member class at May 31:

   
2013
 
2012
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Recorded
investment
 
Related
allowance
 
Recorded
investment
 
Related
allowance
 
With no specific allowance recorded:
                 
    CFC/Distribution
$
 46,953
$
 -
$
 415,692
$
-
 
    CFC/Power Supply
 
 5,000
 
 -
 
-
 
-
 
 Total
 
 51,953
 
 -
 
415,692
 
-
 
                   
With a specific allowance recorded:
                 
CFC/Distribution
 
 -
 
 -
 
69,240
 
23,009
 
CFC/Power Supply
 
 -
 
 -
 
5,000
 
251
 
RTFC
 
 10,497
 
 3,427
 
6,970
 
2,001
 
Total
 
 10,497
 
 3,427
 
81,210
 
25,261
 
Total impaired loans
$
 62,450
$
 3,427
$
496,902
$
25,261
 

The recorded investment for impaired loans was equal to the total unpaid principal balance for impaired loans as of May 31, 2013 and 2012.

The table below represents the average recorded investment in impaired loans and the interest income recognized by member class for the years ended May 31:

   
 Average recorded investment 
 
Interest income recognized 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
CFC/Distribution
$
 171,928
$
 490,609
$
 512,316
$
 13,956
$
 16,191
$
 2,789
CFC/Power Supply
 
 5,000
 
 3,167
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
RTFC
 
 6,942
 
 6,196
 
 206,945
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
   Total impaired loans
$
 183,870
$
 499,972
$
 719,261
$
  13,956
$
 16,191
$
 2,789

Non-performing and Restructured Loans
Foregone interest income as a result of holding loans on non-accrual status as of each of the years ended May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
   
2011
     
Non-performing loans
$
 597
 
$
 1,637
 
$
8,886
     
Restructured loans
 
 341
   
 6,714
   
22,208
     
     Total
$
 938
 
$
 8,351
 
$
31,094
     

At May 31, 2013 and 2012, non-performing loans totaled $15 million, or 0.1 percent, of loans outstanding and $41 million or 0.2 percent, of loans outstanding, respectively. One borrower in this group is currently in bankruptcy. The trustee for the borrower filed a disclosure statement and draft plan of reorganization on February 15, 2013. The trustee filed an amended disclosure statement and plan of reorganization on August 14, 2013. The amended disclosure statement and plan of reorganization will be subject to certain changes and ultimate approval of the bankruptcy court, which is expected to occur following a hearing on September 24, 2013. Confirmation of the amended plan of reorganization is expected to occur on November 12, 2013. Another borrower in this group is contesting a ruling that it is required to repay state USF payments received. There are two other borrowers that are currently seeking buyers for their systems, as it is not anticipated that they will have sufficient cash flow to repay their loans without the proceeds from the sale of the business. It is currently anticipated that even with the sale of the business, there will not be sufficient funds to repay the full amount owed. We have approval rights with respect to the sale of either of these companies.

At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we had restructured loans totaling $47 million, or 0.2 percent, of loans outstanding and $456 million, or 2.4 percent, of loans outstanding, respectively, all of which were performing according to their restructured terms. Approximately $14 million of interest income was accrued on restructured loans during the year ended May 31, 2013, respectively, compared with $16 million of interest income in the prior year. One of the restructured loans totaling $39 million and $40 million at May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, has been on accrual status since the time of restructuring. One restructured loan totaling $416 million at May 31, 2012 was on non-accrual status through September 30, 2011, with all amounts collected being applied against the principal balance. On October 1, 2011, the principal balance of the loan was reduced below the level of a prepayment option and as such we placed the loan on accrual status at that time at a rate based on the effective rate returned by the future scheduled cash flows. This loan was paid off early by the borrower on September 13, 2012.

 
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Another loan totaling $8 million and $29 million, respectively, at May 31, 2013 and May 31, 2012 was moved from non-performing loans to restructured loans during fiscal year 2013. The related plan of reorganization was approved by the court on April 1, 2013 and it became effective on May 31, 2013. Following the court’s decision, we recorded a $19 million write-off to decrease the original loan balance to the restructured loan balance of $8 million, the net present value of the future estimated payments discounted at our posted 20-year loan rate at the restructure date. The restructured loan is on non-accrual status.

We believe our allowance for loan loss is adequate to cover the losses inherent in our loan portfolio at May 31, 2013.

Pledging of Loans and Loans on Deposit
We are required to pledge eligible mortgage notes in an amount at least equal to the outstanding balance of our secured debt.

The following table summarizes our loans outstanding as collateral pledged to secure our collateral trust bonds, Clean Renewable Energy Bonds and notes payable to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation and the amount of the corresponding debt outstanding (see Note 5, Short-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements and Note 6, Long-Term Debt) at May 31.
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
Collateral trust bonds:
       
2007 indenture
       
Distribution system mortgage notes
$
 5,674,804
$
 5,833,475
RUS guaranteed loans qualifying as permitted investments
 
 165,823
 
 170,024
Total pledged collateral
$
 5,840,627
$
 6,003,499
Collateral trust bonds outstanding
 
 4,679,372
 
 4,850,000
         
1994 indenture
       
Distribution system mortgage notes
$
 1,641,858
$
 1,574,823
Collateral trust bonds outstanding
 
 1,465,000
 
 1,470,000
         
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation:
       
Distribution and power supply system mortgage notes
$
 1,795,947
$
 1,379,989
Notes payable outstanding
 
  1,542,474
 
  1,165,100
         
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds Series 2009A:
       
Distribution and power supply system mortgage notes
$
 23,536
$
 25,640
Cash
 
 7,634
 
 7,669
Total pledged collateral
$
 31,170
$
 33,309
Notes payable outstanding
 
 19,888
 
 23,487
 
We are required to maintain collateral on deposit in an amount at least equal to the balance of debt outstanding to the Federal Financing Bank of the United States Treasury issued under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (the “Guaranteed Underwriter Program”). See Note 6, Long-Term Debt.

The following table shows the collateral on deposit and the amount of the corresponding debt outstanding at May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
Federal Financing Bank
       
Distribution and power supply system mortgage notes on deposit
$
 3,903,786
$
 3,814,311
Notes payable outstanding
   
 3,674,000
 
  3,419,000

The $3,674 million and $3,419 million, respectively, of notes payable to the Federal Financing Bank at May 31, 2013 and 2012 contain a rating trigger related to our senior secured credit ratings from Standard & Poor’s Corporation and Moody’s Investors Service. A rating trigger event exists if our senior secured debt does not have at least one of the following ratings: (i) A- or higher from Standard & Poor’s Corporation, (ii) A3 or higher from Moody’s Investors Service or (iii) an equivalent rating from a successor rating agency to any of the above rating agencies. If our senior secured credit ratings fall below the levels listed above, the mortgage notes on deposit at that time, which totaled $3,904 million at May 31, 2013, would be pledged as collateral rather than held on deposit. At May 31, 2013, our senior secured debt ratings from Standard & Poor’s Corporation and Moody’s Investors Service were A+ and A1, respectively. At May 31, 2013, both Standard & Poor’s Corporation and Moody’s Investors Service had our ratings on stable outlook.

A total of $3,674 million and $2,419 million of these notes payable to the Federal Financing Bank at May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, have a second trigger requiring that a director on the CFC Board of Directors satisfies the requirements of a financial expert as defined by Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. A financial expert triggering event will occur if the financial expert position remains vacant for more than 90 consecutive days. If CFC does not satisfy the financial expert requirement, the mortgage notes on deposit at that time, which totaled $3,904 million at May 31, 2013, would be pledged as

 
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collateral rather than held on deposit. The financial expert position on the CFC Board of Directors has been filled since March 2007.

(4)        Foreclosed Assets

Assets received in satisfaction of loan receivables are initially recorded at fair value when received and are subsequently evaluated periodically for impairment. These assets are classified on the consolidated balance sheets as foreclosed assets. At May 31, 2013 all foreclosed assets were held by DRP and CAH, which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of CFC.

The activity for foreclosed assets is summarized below as of and for the year ended May 31:

   
2013
       
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
CAH
 
DRP
 
Total
               
Balance as of May 31, 2012
$
     201,558
$
       21,918
$
         223,476
               
Results of operations:
 
            598
 
  (1,495)
 
              (897)
               
Cash investments (proceeds)
       45,893
 
        (7,000)
 
           38,893
               
Balance as of May 31, 2013
$
     248,049
$
 13,423
$
         261,472
               

On October 6, 2010, CFC, through its wholly owned subsidiary CAH, obtained control of 100 percent of the equity interests of ICC’s USVI operating entities and on March 1, 2011, CAH obtained control of 100 percent of the equity interests of ICC’s British Virgin Island and St. Maarten operating entities. The transaction, completed in two phases, resulted from the transfer of ICC’s assets in bankruptcy. CFC recorded an initial investment of $254 million to foreclosed assets, which includes the $166 million fair value of the entities transferred and an additional investment of $88 million to these entities to pay down or fully settle third-party debt obligations outstanding prior to the transfer.

The transfer of ICC’s operating entities to CAH was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and resulted in the establishment of goodwill on the balance sheet of CAH.

The USVI, British Virgin Island and St. Maarten entities transferred to CFC include the following:
·  
a regulated incumbent local exchange carrier offering local telephone and broadband services to both business and residential customers in the USVI;
·  
an Internet service provider serving digital subscriber line (DSL) and dial-up customers in the USVI;
·  
a long-distance service provider offering interstate and international voice and data services for both business and residential markets in the USVI;
·  
a wireless telephone service provider in the USVI; and
·  
providers of cable television services in St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, USVI, the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten.

All CAH results of operations, which include goodwill and other asset impairment charges, do not affect our compliance with debt covenants under our existing indentures and credit facility agreements. As of May 31, 2013, CAH reported total assets of $306 million which included primarily property, plant and equipment and goodwill and other intangible assets.

During the year, our investment in the DRP foreclosed assets decreased primarily due to net cash proceeds received of $4 million from the sale of foreclosed assets.

 
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(5)         Short-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements

The following is a summary of short-term debt outstanding and the weighted-average effective interest rates at May 31:

   
2013
   
2012
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Debt
Outstanding
 
Weighted-Average
Effective
Interest Rate
   
Debt
Outstanding
 
Weighted-Average
Effective
Interest Rate
 
Short-term debt:
                   
Commercial paper sold through dealers, net of discounts (1)
$
 2,009,884
 
0.16
%
$
 1,404,901
 
0.19
%
Commercial paper sold directly to members, at par (1)
 
 812,141
 
0.16
   
 997,778
 
0.19
 
Commercial paper sold directly to non-members, at par (1)
 
 39,298
 
0.18
   
 70,479
 
0.19
 
Select notes
 
 358,390
 
0.34
   
-
 
-
 
Daily liquidity fund notes sold directly to members
 
 680,419
 
0.10
   
 478,406
 
0.10
 
Bank bid notes
 
 150,000
 
0.54
   
 295,000
 
0.52
 
        Subtotal short-term debt
 
 4,050,132
 
0.18
   
 3,246,564
 
0.20
 
                     
Long-term debt maturing within one year:
                   
Medium-term notes sold through dealers
 
 989,607
 
0.76
   
 232,830
 
1.47
 
Medium-term notes sold to members
 
 391,318
 
1.51
   
 409,961
 
1.63
 
Secured collateral trust bonds
 
 1,504,949
 
4.47
   
 254,962
 
2.90
 
Member subordinated certificates
 
 37,176
 
2.63
   
 16,710
 
3.03
 
Secured notes payable
 
 742,402
 
2.06
   
 327,006
 
2.52
 
Unsecured notes payable
 
 3,899
 
5.15
   
 5,401
 
5.86
 
        Total long-term debt maturing within one year
 
 3,669,351
 
2.65
   
 1,246,870
 
2.13
 
Total short-term debt
 
$
 7,719,483
 
1.35
 
$
 4,493,434
 
0.74
 
(1) Backup liquidity is provided by our revolving credit agreements.

We issue commercial paper for periods of one to 270 days. We also issue select notes for periods ranging from 30 to 270 days, which are unsecured obligations that do not require backup bank lines of credit for liquidity purposes. These notes require a larger minimum investment than our commercial paper sold to members and as a result, offer a high interest rate than our commercial paper. We also issue daily liquidity fund notes directly to members, which are unsecured obligations that do not require backup bank lines of credit for liquidity purposes. We also enter into short-term bank bid note agreements, which are unsecured obligations that do not require backup bank lines of credit for liquidity purposes. We do not pay a commitment fee for bank bid notes. The commitments are generally subject to termination at the discretion of the individual banks.

Revolving Credit Agreements
At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we had $3,100 million and $2,845 million, respectively, of commitments under revolving credit agreements. We may request letters of credit for up to $100 million under each agreement in place at May 31, 2013, which then reduces the amount available under the facility. The following table presents the total available and the outstanding letters of credit under our revolving credit agreements at May 31:

   
Total available
 
Letters of credit outstanding
       
(dollar amounts in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
Original maturity
 
Facility fee per
year (1)
Three-year agreement
$
219,000
$
1,125,000
$
-
$
-
 
March 21, 2014
 
15 basis points
Three-year agreement
 
916,000
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
October 21, 2015
 
10 basis points
Four-year agreement
 
1,007,500
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
October 21, 2016
 
10 basis points
Five-year agreement
 
954,012
 
-
 
3,488
 
-
 
October 21, 2017
 
10 basis points
Four-year agreement
 
-
 
883,875
 
-
 
1,000
 
October 21, 2015
 
10 basis points
Five-year agreement
 
-
 
834,875
 
-
 
-
 
October 21, 2016
 
10 basis points
Total
 
$
3,096,512
$
2,843,750
$
3,488
$
1,000
       
(1) Facility fee determined by CFC’s senior unsecured credit ratings based on the pricing schedules put in place at the inception of the related agreement.

On March 28, 2013, we amended our $1,125 million three-year, $885 million four-year, and $835 million five-year revolving credit agreements to (i) extend the maturity dates for the three-year, four-year, and five-year revolving credit agreements to October 21, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively, and (ii) lower the facility fee for the three-year revolving credit agreement to 10 basis points. With respect to the three-year agreement, $219 million of commitments will expire at the original maturity date of March 21, 2014 and the facility fee for lenders holding such commitments will continue to be 15 basis points until maturity. In addition, we exercised our option to increase the commitment levels for the four-year and five-year revolving credit agreements to $1,008 million, and $958 million, respectively. On May 30, 2013, we exercised our option to increase the commitment level for the three-year revolving credit agreement maturing on October 21, 2015 to $1,135 million. The facility fee and applicable margin under each agreement are determined by the pricing matrices in the agreements based on our senior unsecured credit ratings. With respect to the borrowings, we have the right to choose between a (i) Eurodollar rate

 
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plus an applicable margin or (ii) base rate calculated based on the greater of prime rate, the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50 percent or the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1 percent, plus an applicable margin. Our ability to borrow or obtain a letter of credit under all of the agreements is not conditioned on the absence of material adverse changes with regard to CFC. We also have the right, subject to certain terms and conditions, to increase the aggregate amount of the commitments under (i) the three-year credit facility to a maximum of $1,500 million, (ii) the four-year credit facility to a maximum of $1,300 million and (iii) the five-year credit facility to a maximum of $1,300 million.

On July 9, 2013, we further exercised our option to increase the commitment levels for the three-year revolving credit agreement maturing on October 21, 2015, four-year revolving credit agreement maturing on October 21, 2016, and five-year revolving credit agreement maturing on October 21, 2017 to $1,225 million, $1,088 million and $1,033 million, respectively.

For calculating the required financial covenants in our revolving credit agreements, we adjust net income, senior debt and total equity to exclude the non-cash adjustments from the accounting for derivative financial instruments and foreign currency translation. Additionally, the times interest earned ratio (“TIER”) and senior debt to total equity ratio include the following adjustments:
·  
The adjusted TIER, as defined by the agreements, represents the interest expense adjusted to include the derivative cash settlements plus net income prior to the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and dividing that total by the interest expense adjusted to include the derivative cash settlements.
·  
The senior debt to total equity ratio includes adjustments to senior debt to exclude RUS-guaranteed loans, subordinated deferrable debt and members’ subordinated certificates. Total equity is adjusted to include subordinated deferrable debt and members’ subordinated certificates. Senior debt includes guarantees; however, it excludes:
-  
guarantees for members where the long-term unsecured debt of the member is rated at least BBB+ by Standard & Poor’s Corporation or Baa1 by Moody’s Investors Service; and
-  
the payment of principal and interest by the member on the guaranteed indebtedness if covered by insurance or reinsurance provided by an insurer having an insurance financial strength rating of AAA by Standard & Poor’s Corporation or a financial strength rating of Aaa by Moody’s Investors Service.
·  
The CAH results of operations are eliminated from the CFC financial results used to calculate both the adjusted TIER ratio and the senior debt-to-equity ratio.

The following represents our required and actual financial ratios under the revolving credit agreements at or for the years ended May 31:

           
Actual
 
       
Requirement
 
2013
 
2012
 
                   
Minimum average adjusted TIER over the six most recent fiscal quarters (1)
1.025
 
1.27
 
1.21
 
                   
Minimum adjusted TIER for the most recent fiscal year (1) (2)
 
1.05
 
1.29
 
1.18
 
                   
Maximum ratio of adjusted senior debt to total equity (1)
     
10.00
 
5.85
 
5.97
 
(1) In addition to the adjustments made to the leverage ratio set forth in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section, senior debt excludes guarantees to member systems that have certain investment-grade ratings from Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Corporation. The TIER and debt-to-equity calculations include the adjustments set forth in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section and exclude the results of operations for CAH.
(2) We must meet this requirement to retire patronage capital.

At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we were in compliance with all covenants and conditions under our revolving credit agreements and there were no borrowings outstanding under these agreements.

 
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(6)         Long-Term Debt

The following is a summary of long-term debt outstanding and the weighted-average effective interest rates at May 31:

   
2013
   
2012
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Debt
Outstanding
 
Weighted-Average
Effective
Interest Rate
   
Debt
Outstanding
 
Weighted-Average
Effective
Interest Rate
 
Unsecured long-term debt:
                   
Medium-term notes sold through dealers (1)
$
 1,528,424
 
4.79
%
$
 1,692,605
 
5.98
%
Medium-term notes sold to members (2)
 
 182,790
 
1.51
   
 89,261
 
1.63
 
    Subtotal
 
 1,711,214
 
4.44
   
 1,781,866
 
5.76
 
Unamortized discount
 
 (627)
       
 (971)
     
    Total unsecured medium-term notes
 
 1,710,587
       
 1,780,895
     
                     
Unsecured notes payable (3)
 
 3,709,074
 
2.68
   
 3,457,982
 
3.04
 
Unamortized discount
 
 (920)
       
 (1,093)
     
    Total unsecured notes payable
 
 3,708,154
       
 3,456,889
     
Total unsecured long-term debt
 
 5,418,741
 
3.23
   
 5,237,784
 
3.97
 
                     
Secured long-term debt:
                   
Collateral trust bonds
                   
     1.125% Bonds, due 2013
 
-
 
-
   
 300,000
 
1.27
 
     5.50% Bonds, due 2013
 
-
 
-
   
 900,000
 
5.68
 
     4.75% Bonds, due 2014
 
-
 
-
   
 600,000
 
4.84
 
     1.00% Bonds, due 2015
 
 400,000
 
1.23
   
 400,000
 
1.23
 
     1.90% Bonds, due 2015
 
 350,000
 
2.05
   
 350,000
 
2.05
 
     3.875% Bonds, due 2015
 
 250,000
 
4.07
   
 250,000
 
4.07
 
     7.20% Bonds, due 2015
 
 50,000
 
7.32
   
 50,000
 
7.32
 
     3.05% Bonds, due 2016
 
 300,000
 
3.23
   
 300,000
 
3.23
 
     5.45% Bonds, due 2017
 
 570,000
 
5.58
   
 570,000
 
5.58
 
     5.45% Bonds, due 2018
 
 700,000
 
5.57
   
 700,000
 
5.57
 
     6.55% Bonds, due 2018
 
 175,000
 
6.68
   
 175,000
 
6.68
 
     10.375% Bonds, due 2018
 
 1,000,000
 
10.61
   
 1,000,000
 
10.61
 
     3.05% Bonds, due 2022
 
 400,000
 
3.17
   
 400,000
 
3.17
 
     7.35% Bonds, due 2026 (4)
 
 65,000
 
7.45
   
 70,000
 
7.45
 
     4.023% Bonds, due 2032
 
 379,372
 
9.40
   
-
 
-
 
     Subtotal
 
   4,639,372
 
   5.98
   
 6,065,000
 
   5.38
 
Unamortized discount
 
 (181,640)
       
 (12,398)
     
     Total secured collateral trust bonds
 
   4,457,732
       
6,052,602
     
Secured notes payable (5)
 
 819,960
 
1.69
   
 861,581
 
3.02
 
     Total secured long-term debt
 
 5,277,692
 
5.34
   
 6,914,183
 
5.08
 
Total long-term debt
 
$
 10,696,433
 
4.29
 
$
12,151,967
 
4.61
 
(1) As of May 31, 2013 and 2012, medium-term notes sold through dealers mature through 2032. Excludes $990 million and $233 million, respectively, of medium-term notes sold through dealers that were reclassified as short-term debt at May 31, 2013 and 2012.
(2) Medium-term notes sold to members mature through 2032 and 2028 as of May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Excludes $391 million and $410 million of medium-term notes sold to members that were reclassified as short-term debt at May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
(3) Unsecured notes payable mature through 2032 as of May 31, 2013 and 2012. Excludes $4 million and $5 million, respectively, of unsecured notes payable that were reclassified as short-term debt at May 31, 2013 and 2012.
(4) We are required to make mandatory sinking fund payments for these bonds on November 1 of each year through 2025 totaling $5 million to retire 95 percent of the principal amount before maturity.
(5) Secured notes payable mature through 2028 and 2024 as of May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Excludes $742 million and $327 million of secured notes payable that were reclassified as short-term debt at May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The amount of long-term debt maturing in each of the five fiscal years following May 31, 2013 and thereafter is presented in the table below.

   
Amount
     
Weighted-Average
     
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Maturing
     
Interest Rate
     
2014 (1)
$
-
     
-
%
   
2015
 
996,929
     
1.55
     
2016
 
1,420,641
     
2.26
     
2017
 
623,115
     
5.20
     
2018
 
41,109
     
2.04
     
Thereafter
 
7,614,639
     
4.73
     
     Total
 
$
10,696,433
     
4.12
     
(1) The amount scheduled to mature in fiscal year 2014 has been presented as short-term debt in Note 5, Short-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements under long-term debt due in one year.

 
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Medium-Term Notes
Medium-term notes represent unsecured obligations that may be issued through dealers in the capital markets or directly to our members.

Collateral Trust Bonds
Collateral trust bonds represent secured obligations sold to investors in the capital markets. Collateral trust bonds are secured by the pledge of mortgage notes or eligible securities in an amount at least equal to the principal balance of the bonds outstanding. In October 2012, we completed an exchange of $340 million of our outstanding 8 percent medium-term notes, Series C, due 2032 for $379 million of 4.023 percent collateral trust bonds due 2032 and $134 million of cash.

Unsecured Notes Payable
At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we had unsecured notes payable totaling $3,674 million and $3,419 million, respectively, outstanding under bond purchase agreements with the Federal Financing Bank and a bond guarantee agreement with RUS issued under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program, which provides guarantees to the Federal Financing Bank. All bond guarantee agreements previously entered into with RUS were consolidated into one amended, restated, and consolidated bond guarantee agreement in December 2012. All pledge agreements previously entered into with RUS and U.S. Bank National Association were consolidated into one amended, restated and consolidated pledge agreement in December 2012. We pay RUS a fee of 30 basis points per year on the total amount borrowed. At May 31, 2013, $3,674 million of unsecured notes payable outstanding under the Guaranteed Underwriter Program require us to place mortgage notes on deposit in an amount at least equal to the principal balance of the notes outstanding. See Note 3, Loans and Commitments, for additional information on the mortgage notes held on deposit and the triggering events that result in these mortgage notes becoming pledged as collateral. During the year ended May 31, 2013, we borrowed $255 million under our committed loan facilities with the Federal Financing Bank. In December 2012, we closed a $424 million commitment from RUS to guarantee a loan from the Federal Financing Bank as part of the Guaranteed Underwriter Program that is available for advance through October 15, 2015. Advances under this facility have a 20-year maturity repayment period. At May 31, 2013, we had up to $749 million available under committed loan facilities from the Federal Financing Bank as part of this program.

Secured Notes Payable
At May 31, 2013 and 2012, secured notes payable include $1,542 million and $1,165 million, respectively, in debt outstanding to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation under a note purchase agreement totaling $3,900 million. Under the terms of the note purchase agreement, we can borrow up to $3,900 million at any time from the date of the agreement through January 11, 2016, and thereafter automatically extend the agreement on each anniversary date of the closing for an additional year, unless prior to any such anniversary date, the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation provides CFC with a notice that the draw period will not be extended beyond the remaining term.

The agreement with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation is a revolving credit facility that allows us to borrow, repay and re-borrow funds at any time through maturity or from time to time as market conditions permit, provided that the principal amount at any time outstanding under the note purchase agreement is not more than the total available under the agreement. We are required to pledge eligible distribution system or power supply system loans as collateral in an amount at least equal to the total principal amount of notes outstanding under the agreement. See Note 3, Loans and Commitments, for additional information on the collateral pledged to secure notes payable under these programs. In November 2012 and April 2013, we issued notes totaling $133 million and $325 million, respectively, under the agreement with the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, $741 million and $325 million, respectively, in debt outstanding to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation had a remaining maturity of less than one year and was classified as short-term debt.

(7)         Subordinated Deferrable Debt

Subordinated deferrable debt represents quarterly income capital securities and subordinated notes that are long-term obligations subordinated to our outstanding debt and senior to subordinated certificates held by our members. Our 4.75 percent subordinated debt due 2043 was issued for a term of up to 30 years, pays interest semi-annually, may be called at par after ten years and allows us to defer the payment of interest for one or more consecutive interest periods not exceeding five consecutive years. To date, we have not exercised our right to defer interest payments. Our 6.10 percent subordinated debt due 2044 and 5.95 percent subordinated debt due 2045 were issued for terms of up to 40 years, pay interest quarterly, may be called at par after five years and allow us to defer the payment of interest for up to 20 consecutive quarters.

 
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The following table is a summary of subordinated deferrable debt outstanding and the effective interest rates at May 31:

     
2013
   
2012
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
   
Amounts
Outstanding
 
Effective
Interest Rate
   
Amounts
Outstanding
 
Effective
Interest Rate
 
4.75% due 2043
 
$
400,000
 
4.82
%
$
-
 
-
%
NRC 6.10% due 2044
   
-
 
-
   
88,201
 
6.33
 
NRU 5.95% due 2045
   
-
 
-
   
98,239
 
6.14
 
     Total
   
$
400,000
 
4.82
 
$
186,440
 
6.23
 

On April 25, 2013, we issued $400 million of 4.75 percent subordinated debt due 2043. On May 24, 2013, we redeemed the $88 million of Series NRC 6.10 percent subordinated debt due 2044 and the $98 million of Series NRU 5.95 percent subordinated debt due 2045 at par. We recorded a $5.4 million loss on the extinguishment of debt during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013 for the unamortized issuance costs.

(8)          Derivative Financial Instruments

We are an end user of financial derivative instruments and not a swap dealer. We utilize derivatives such as interest rate swaps and treasury rate locks for forecasted transactions to mitigate interest rate risk.

Generally, our derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting under the accounting standards for derivative financial instruments. The majority of our interest rate exchange agreements use a LIBOR index as either the pay or receive leg. The correlation between movement in LIBOR and movement in our commercial paper rates is not consistently high enough to qualify for hedge accounting. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we did not have any derivative instruments that were accounted for using hedge accounting. The following table shows the notional amounts outstanding and the weighted-average rate paid and received for our interest rate swaps by type at May 31:

   
2013
 
2012
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Notional
amount
 
Weighted-
average
rate paid
 
Weighted-
average
rate received
   
Notional
amount
 
Weighted-
average
rate paid
 
Weighted-
average
rate received
 
Pay fixed-receive variable
$
 5,287,889
 
3.39
%
0.26
%
$
 5,275,553
 
3.78
%
0.45
%
Pay variable-receive fixed
 
 3,500,440
 
1.12
 
4.62
   
 3,720,440
 
1.29
 
4.68
 
  Total interest rate swaps
$
 8,788,329
 
2.49
 
2.00
 
$
 8,995,993
 
2.75
 
2.20
 

The derivative gains (losses) line item of the consolidated statement of operations includes cash settlements and derivative forward value for derivative instruments that do not meet hedge accounting criteria. Cash settlements includes periodic amounts paid and received related to our interest rate swaps, as well as amounts accrued from the prior settlement date. Derivative forward value includes changes in the fair value of derivative instruments unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. If applicable hedge accounting criteria are satisfied, the change to the fair value is recorded to other comprehensive income (loss) and net cash settlements are recorded in interest expense. Gains and losses recorded on the consolidated statements of operations for our interest rate swaps are summarized below for the years ended May 31:

               
(dollar amounts in thousands)
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
       
Derivative cash settlements
 
$
 (56,461)
 
$
 (12,846
)
$
(6,848
)
     
Derivative forward value
   
 141,304
   
 (223,774
)
 
(23,388
)
     
  Derivative gains (losses)
   
$
 84,843
 
$
(236,620
)
$
(30,236
)
     

In addition to the notional amount of swaps shown in the charts above, we have $123 million notional amount of forward starting swaps with an effective date of November 1, 2013. At May 31, 2013 the $123 million notional amount of forward starting swaps have a related fair value that is recorded on the balance sheet. Because these swaps are not effective as of May 31, 2013, there are no cash settlements and no amounts being accrued as cash settlements.

Rating Triggers
Some of our interest rate swaps have credit risk-related contingent features referred to as rating triggers. Rating triggers are not separate financial instruments and are not required to be accounted for separately as derivatives. At May 31, 2013, the following notional amounts of derivative instruments had rating triggers based on our senior unsecured credit ratings from Moody’s Investors Service or Standard & Poor’s Corporation falling to a level specified in the applicable agreements and are grouped into the categories below. In calculating the payments and collections required upon termination, we netted the agreements for each counterparty, as allowed by the underlying master agreements. At May 31, 2013, our senior unsecured credit ratings from Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Corporation were A2 and A, respectively. At May 31, 2013, both Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Corporation had our ratings on stable outlook.

 
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(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Notional
amount
   
Our required
payment
 
Amount we
would collect
 
Net
total
 
Mutual rating trigger if ratings:
                   
fall to Baa1/BBB+ (1)
$
 1,500
 
$
 (79)
$
 -
$
  (79)
 
fall below Baa1/BBB+ (1)
 
 6,885,828
   
 (209,192)
 
 64,761
 
 (144,431)
 
    Total
 
$
 6,887,328
 
$
 (209,271)
$
 64,761
$
 (144,510)
 
(1) Stated senior unsecured credit ratings are for Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Corporation, respectively. Under these rating triggers, if the credit rating for either counterparty falls to the level specified in the agreement, the other counterparty may, but is not obligated to, terminate the agreement. If either counterparty terminates the agreement, a net payment may be due from one counterparty to the other based on the fair value, excluding credit risk, of the underlying derivative instrument.

In addition to the rating triggers listed above, at May 31, 2013 we had a total notional amount of $450 million of derivative instruments with one counterparty that would require the pledging of collateral totaling $13 million (the fair value of such derivative instruments excluding credit risk) if our senior unsecured ratings from Moody’s Investors Service were to fall below Baa2 or if the ratings from Standard & Poor’s Corporation were to fall below BBB. The aggregate fair value of all interest rate swaps with rating triggers that were in a net liability position at May 31, 2013, including credit risk, was $219 million.

(9)         Members’ Subordinated Certificates

Membership Subordinated Certificates
Our members may be required to purchase membership subordinated certificates as a condition of membership. Such certificates are interest-bearing, unsecured, subordinated debt. Members may purchase the certificates over time as a percentage of the amount they borrow from CFC. RTFC and NCSC members are not required to purchase membership certificates as a condition of membership. Membership certificates typically have an original maturity of 100 years and pay interest at 5 percent semi-annually. The weighted-average maturity for all membership subordinated certificates outstanding at May 31, 2013 and 2012 was 63 years and 64 years, respectively.

Loan and Guarantee Subordinated Certificates
Members obtaining long-term loans, certain line of credit loans or guarantees may be required to purchase additional loan or guarantee subordinated certificates with each such loan or guarantee based on the borrower’s debt-to-equity ratio with CFC. These certificates are unsecured, subordinated debt and may be interest bearing or non-interest bearing.

Under our current policy, most borrowers requesting standard loans are not required to buy equity certificates as a condition of a loan or guarantee. Borrowers meeting certain criteria, including but not limited to, high leverage ratios, or borrowers requesting large facilities, may be required to purchase loan or guarantee subordinated certificates or member capital securities (described below) as a condition of the loan. Loan subordinated certificates have the same maturity as the related long-term loan. Some certificates may amortize annually based on the outstanding loan balance.

The interest rates payable on guarantee subordinated certificates purchased in conjunction with our guarantee program vary in accordance with applicable CFC policy. Guarantee subordinated certificates have the same maturity as the related guarantee.

Member Capital Securities
CFC offers member capital securities to its voting members. Member capital securities are interest-bearing unsecured obligations of CFC and are subordinate to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness and all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of CFC that may be held by or transferred to non-members of CFC, but rank proportionally to our member subordinated certificates. Each member capital security matures 35 years from its date of issuance and is callable at par at our option five years from the date of issuance and anytime thereafter. These securities represent voluntary investments in CFC by the members.

 
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Information with respect to members’ subordinated certificates at May 31 is as follows:

 
2013
 
2012
     
Weighted-
     
Weighted-
 
 
Amounts
 
Average
 
Amounts
 
Average
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Outstanding
 
Interest Rate
 
Outstanding
 
Interest Rate
 
Number of subscribing members
 
908
             
909
           
                                 
Membership subordinated certificates:
                               
Certificates maturing 2020 through 2095
$
628,563
           
$
630,061
           
Subscribed and unissued (1)
 
16,194
             
16,218
           
Total membership subordinated certificates
 
644,757
     
4.90
%
   
646,279
     
4.90
%
 
                                 
Loan and guarantee subordinated certificates (2):
                               
3% certificates maturing through 2040
 
110,281
             
110,996
           
3% to 12% certificates maturing through 2045
 
324,652
             
274,363
           
Non-interest bearing certificates maturing through 2047
 
257,062
             
285,479
           
Subscribed and unissued (1)
 
4,724
             
7,277
           
Total loan and guarantee subordinated certificates
 
696,719
     
2.98
     
678,115
     
2.74
   
Member capital securities:
                               
Securities maturing through 2047
 
387,750
     
7.49
     
398,350
     
7.50
   
Total members’ subordinated certificates
 
$
1,729,226
     
4.71
   
$
1,722,744
     
4.65
   
(1) The subscribed and unissued subordinated certificates represent subordinated certificates that members are required to purchase, but are not yet paid for. Upon collection of the full amount of the subordinated certificate based on various payment options, the amount of the certificate will be reclassified from subscribed and unissued to outstanding.
(2) Excludes $37 million and $17 million of loan and guarantee subordinated certificates that were reclassified as short-term debt at May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The amount of members’ subordinated certificates maturing in each of the five fiscal years following May 31, 2013 and thereafter is presented in the table below.

   
Amount
     
Weighted-Average
     
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Maturing
     
Interest Rate
     
2014 (1)
$
-
     
-
%
   
2015
 
30,812
     
2.90
     
2016
 
20,140
     
2.23
     
2017
 
14,707
     
4.34
     
2018
 
7,132
     
3.88
     
Thereafter
 
1,526,929
     
5.34
     
     Total (2)
 
$
1,599,720
     
5.23
     
(1) The amount scheduled to mature in fiscal year 2014 has been presented as long-term debt due in one year under short-term debt. See Note 5 Short-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements.
(2) Excludes loan subordinated certificates totaling $128 million that amortize annually based on the outstanding balance of the related loan and $1 million in payments not received on certificates subscribed and unissued. There are many items that affect the amortization of a loan, such as loan conversions, loan repricing at the end of an interest rate term and prepayments; therefore, an amortization schedule cannot be maintained for these certificates. Over the past three years, annual amortization on these certificates has averaged $24 million. In fiscal year 2013, amortization represented 18 percent of amortizing loan subordinated certificates outstanding.

(10)          Equity

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

Annually, the CFC Board of Directors allocates its net earnings to its patrons in the form of patronage capital, to a cooperative educational fund, to a general reserve, if necessary, and to board-approved reserves. An allocation to the general reserve is made, if necessary, to maintain the balance of the general reserve at 50 percent of the membership fees collected. CFC’s bylaws require the allocation to the cooperative educational fund to be at least 0.25 percent of its net earnings. Funds from the cooperative educational fund are disbursed annually to statewide cooperative organizations to fund the teaching of cooperative principles and for other cooperative education programs.

Currently, CFC has one additional board-approved reserve, the members’ capital reserve. The CFC Board of Directors determines the amount of net earnings that is allocated to the members’ capital reserve, if any. The members’ capital reserve represents net earnings that CFC holds to increase equity retention. The net earnings held in the members’ capital reserve

 
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have not been specifically allocated to members, but may be allocated to individual members in the future as patronage capital if authorized by the CFC Board of Directors.

All remaining net earnings are allocated to CFC’s members in the form of patronage capital. The amount of net earnings allocated to each member is based on the members’ patronage of CFC’s lending programs during the year. No interest is earned by members on allocated patronage capital. There is no effect on CFC’s total equity as a result of allocating net earnings to members in the form of patronage capital or to board-approved reserves. The CFC Board of Directors has voted annually to retire a portion of the patronage capital allocation. Upon retirement, patronage capital is paid out in cash to the members to whom it was allocated. CFC’s total equity is reduced by the amount of patronage capital retired to its members and by amounts disbursed from board-approved reserves.

The current policy of the CFC Board of Directors is to retire 50 percent of the prior year’s allocated patronage capital and hold the remaining 50 percent for 25 years. The retirement amount and timing remains subject to annual approval by the CFC Board of Directors.

In July 2012, the CFC Board of Directors authorized the allocation of the fiscal year 2012 net earnings as follows: $1 million to the cooperative educational fund and $71 million to members in the form of patronage capital. In July 2012, the CFC Board of Directors authorized the retirement of allocated net earnings totaling $35 million, representing 50 percent of the fiscal year 2012 allocation. This amount was returned to members in cash in September 2012.

In May 2013, the CFC Board of Directors authorized the allocation of $1 million of fiscal year 2013 net earnings to the cooperative educational fund.

In July 2013, the CFC Board of Directors authorized the allocation of the fiscal year 2013 net earnings as follows: $138 million to the members’ capital reserve and $81 million to members in the form of patronage. In July 2013, the CFC Board of Directors authorized the retirement of allocated net earnings totaling $41 million, representing 50 percent of the fiscal year 2013 allocation. This amount will be returned to members in cash in October 2013. Future allocations and retirements of net earnings may be made annually as determined by the CFC Board of Directors with due regard for its financial condition. The CFC Board of Directors has the authority to change the current practice for allocating and retiring net earnings at any time, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

As indicated above, for the year ended May 31, 2013, the board of directors allocated $138 million to the members’ capital reserve. The board of directors decided that $74 million of the amount allocated to the members’ capital reserve at May 31, 2013, resulting from the refinements made by the Company in the assumptions used to estimate its allowance for loan losses, is not intended to be allocated for distribution to members and instead is intended to serve as an enhancement to our capital reserves. The board of directors will continue to evaluate appropriate levels of capital for CFC.

Total equity includes noncontrolling interest, which represents 100 percent of RTFC and NCSC equity, as the members of RTFC and NCSC own or control 100 percent of the interest in their respective companies. In accordance with District of Columbia cooperative law and its bylaws and board policies, RTFC allocates its net earnings to its patrons, a cooperative educational fund and a general reserve, if necessary. RTFC’s bylaws require that it allocate at least 1 percent of net income to a cooperative educational fund. Funds from the cooperative educational fund are disbursed annually to fund the teaching of cooperative principles and for other cooperative education programs. An allocation to the general reserve is made, if necessary, to maintain the balance of the general reserve at 50 percent of the membership fees collected. The remainder is allocated to borrowers in proportion to their patronage. RTFC retires at least 20 percent of the allocation for that year to members in cash prior to filing the applicable tax return. Any additional amounts are retired as determined by the board of directors with due regard for RTFC’s financial condition. In January 2013, RTFC retired $1 million to its members representing 20 percent of allocated net earnings for fiscal year 2012. NCSC’s bylaws require that it allocate at least 0.25 percent of its net earnings to a cooperative educational fund and an amount to the general reserve required to maintain the general reserve balance at 50 percent of membership fees collected. Funds from the cooperative educational fund are disbursed annually to fund the teaching of cooperative principles and for other cooperative education programs. The NCSC Board of Directors has the authority to determine if and when net earnings will be retired. There is no effect on noncontrolling interest as a result of RTFC and NCSC allocating net earnings to borrowers or board-approved reserves. There is a reduction to noncontrolling interest as a result of the cash retirement of amounts allocated to borrowers or to disbursements from board-approved reserves.

 
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Equity includes the following components at May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
     
2012
           
Membership fees
$
 973
   
$
 995
           
Education fund
 
 1,532
     
 1,418
           
Members’ capital reserve
 
 410,259
     
 272,126
           
Allocated net income
 
 591,581
     
 546,366
           
Unallocated net loss (1)
 
 (6,230)
     
 (6,222
)
         
Total members’ equity
 
 998,115
     
 814,683
           
Prior years cumulative derivative forward value
                       
                 and foreign currency adjustments
 
 (340,719)
     
 (124,476
)
         
Year-to-date derivative forward value income (loss) (2)
 
 133,694
     
 (216,243
)
         
Total CFC retained equity
 
 791,090
     
 473,964
           
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 8,381
     
 9,199
           
Total CFC equity
   
 799,471
     
 483,163
           
Noncontrolling interest
   
 11,790
     
 7,592
           
Total equity
 
$
 811,261
   
$
 490,755
           
(1) Excludes derivative forward value.
(2) Represents the derivative forward value income (loss) recorded by CFC for the year-to-date period.

The activity in the accumulated other comprehensive income account is summarized below by component as of and for the years ended May 31:

   
2013
 
2012
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Unrealized gains on securities
 
Unrealized gains on derivatives
 
Total
 
Unrealized gains on securities
 
Unrealized gains on derivatives
 
Total
 
Beginning balance
$
 929
$
 8,270 
$
 9,199 
$
 485
$
 9,273 
$
 9,758 
 
Change in fair value
 
 165
 
 - 
 
 165 
 
 444
 
 - 
 
 444 
 
Realized gains reclassified into earnings
 
 -
 
 (983)
 
 (983)
 
 -
 
 (1,003)
 
 (1,003)
 
  Other comprehensive income
 165
 
 (983)
 
 (818)
 
444
 
 (1,003)
 
 (559)
 
Ending balance
$
 1,094
$
 7,287 
$
 8,381 
$
 929
$
 8,270 
$
 9,199 
 

Approximately $1 million of the accumulated other comprehensive income is expected to be reclassified into earnings over the next 12 months.

(11)         Employee Benefits

CFC is a participant in the NRECA Retirement Security Plan (“the Plan”), a noncontributory, defined benefit multiemployer master pension plan. The employer identification number of the plan is 53-0116145 and the plan number is 333. Plan information is available publicly through the annual Form 5500, including attachments. The plan is available to all qualified CFC employees. Under the Plan, participating employees are entitled to receive annually, under a 50 percent joint and surviving spouse annuity, 1.70 percent of the average of their five highest base salaries during their last 10 years of employment, multiplied by the number of years of participation in the plan. As a multiemployer plan, there is no funding liability for CFC related to the plan. CFC’s expense is limited to the annual premium to participate in the plan.

The risks of participating in CFC’s multiemployer plan are different from single-employer plans based on the following characteristics of the Plan:
·  
Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one participating employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.
·  
If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.
·  
If CFC chooses to stop participating in the Plan, CFC may be required to pay a withdrawal liability representing an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan.

During fiscal year 2011, the Plan was changed to a normal retirement age of 65 (up from age 62) and the annuity factor changed to 1.70 percent from 1.90 percent effective September 1, 2010. Additionally, a pre-retirement death benefit of 100 percent was added effective September 1, 2010 and applies to all earned benefits under the plan.

In the Plan, a certified zone status determination is not required, and therefore not determined, under the Pension Protection Act of 2006. In total, the Plan was more than 80 percent funded at January 1, 2013 and between 65 percent and 80 percent funded at January 1, 2012 based on the Pension Protection Act (PPA) funding target and PPA actuarial value of assets on those dates. CFC made contributions of $17 million, $5 million, and $6 million during fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011,

 
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respectively. The contribution made during fiscal year 2013 includes a voluntary $13 million payment made in January 2013. CFC made this payment to obtain a reduction in the base rate it will pay for the pension plan in all future periods. In each of these years, these contributions represented less than 5 percent of total contributions made to the plan by all participating employers. There are no collective bargaining agreements in place that cover CFC’s employees. At May 31, 2013, CFC’s contribution rate did not include a surcharge, there were no funding improvement plans or rehabilitation plans implemented or pending and there were no required minimum contributions.

The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act of 2001 set a limit of $255,000 for calendar year 2013 on the compensation to be used in the calculation of pension benefits. To restore potential lost benefits, we adopted a Pension Restoration Plan, which is a component of the Retirement Security Plan administered by NRECA. Under the plan, the amount that NRECA invoices CFC for the Retirement Security Plan will continue to be based on the full compensation paid to each employee. Upon the retirement of a covered employee, NRECA will calculate the retirement and security benefit to be paid with consideration of the compensation limits and will pay the maximum benefit thereunder. NRECA will also calculate the retirement and security benefit that would have been available without consideration of the compensation limits and CFC will pay the difference. NRECA will then give CFC a credit against future retirement and security contribution liabilities in the amount paid by CFC to the covered employee.

The Pension Restoration Plan includes a deferred compensation component (Deferred Compensation Pension Restoration Plan). The benefit and payout formula under the restoration component of the Retirement Security Plan is similar to that under the qualified plan component. However, each of the named executive officers has satisfied the provisions established to receive the benefit from this plan. Since there is no longer a risk of forfeiture of the benefit under the Pension Restoration Plan, distributions will be made from the plan to each named executive officer annually and credited back to CFC by NRECA on following pension invoices. Other employees eligible to participate in the Pension Restoration Plan who are not named executive officers, have not yet satisfied the requirements for risk of forfeiture. The Deferred Compensation Pension Restoration Plan benefit shall be payable to the participant in a lump sum payment immediately upon the lapse of the substantial risk of forfeiture.

CFC offers a 401(k) defined contribution savings program, the 401(k) Pension Plan, to all employees that have completed a minimum of 1,000 hours of service in either the first 12 consecutive months or first full calendar year of employment. CFC contributes an amount up to 2 percent of an employee’s salary each year for all employees participating in the program with a minimum 2 percent employee contribution. CFC contributed $0.5 million to the plan during fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011.

(12)         Guarantees

We guarantee certain contractual obligations of our members so they may obtain various forms of financing. We use the same credit policies and monitoring procedures in providing guarantees as we do for loans and commitments. If a member system defaults on its obligation to pay debt service, then we are obligated to pay any required amounts under our guarantees. Meeting our guarantee obligations satisfies the underlying obligation of our member systems and prevents the exercise of remedies by the guarantee beneficiary based upon a payment default by a member system. In general, the member system is required to repay, on demand, any amount advanced by us with interest, pursuant to the documents evidencing the member system’s reimbursement obligation.

The following table summarizes total guarantees by type of guarantee and member class at May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
Total by type:
       
Long-term tax-exempt bonds
$
 547,970
$
 573,110
Indemnifications of tax benefit transfers
 
 784
 
 49,771
Letters of credit
 
 447,683
 
 504,920
Other guarantees
 
 116,334
 
 121,529
Total
$
 1,112,771
$
 1,249,330
         
Total by member class:
       
CFC:
       
Distribution
$
 245,265
$
 340,385
Power supply
 
 810,900
 
 854,444
Statewide and associate
 
 6,948
 
 7,202
CFC total
 
 1,063,113
 
 1,202,031
RTFC
 
 3,711
 
 1,026
NCSC
 
 45,947
 
 46,273
Total
 
$
 1,112,771
$
1,249,330

 
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We guarantee debt issued in connection with the construction or acquisition of pollution control, solid waste disposal, industrial development and electric distribution facilities, classified as long-term tax-exempt bonds in the table above. We unconditionally guarantee to the holders or to trustees for the benefit of holders of these bonds the full principal, interest and in most cases, premium, if any, on each bond when due. If a member system defaults in its obligation to pay debt service, then we are obligated to pay any required amounts under our guarantees. Such payment will prevent the occurrence of an event of default that would otherwise permit acceleration of the bond issue. In general, the member system is required to repay, on demand, any amount advanced by us with interest, pursuant to the documents evidencing the member system’s reimbursement obligation.

The maturities for the long-term tax-exempt bonds and the related guarantees run through calendar year 2042. Amounts in the table represent the outstanding principal amount of the guaranteed bonds. At May 31, 2013, our maximum potential exposure for the $74 million of fixed-rate tax-exempt bonds is $123 million, representing principal and interest. Of the amounts shown in the table above for long-term tax-exempt bonds, $473 million and $498 million as of May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are adjustable or floating-rate bonds that may be converted to a fixed rate as specified in the applicable indenture for each bond offering. We are unable to determine the maximum amount of interest that we could be required to pay related to the remaining adjustable and floating-rate bonds. Many of these bonds have a call provision that in the event of a default allow us to trigger the call provision. This would limit our exposure to future interest payments on these bonds. Our maximum potential exposure is secured by a mortgage lien on all of the system’s assets and future revenue. If the debt is accelerated because of a determination that the interest thereon is not tax-exempt, the system’s obligation to reimburse us for any guarantee payments will be treated as a long-term loan.

The maturities for the indemnifications of tax benefit transfers run through calendar year 2015. The amounts shown represent our maximum potential exposure for guaranteed indemnity payments. A member’s obligation to reimburse CFC for any guarantee payments would be treated as a long-term loan to the extent of any cash received by the member at the outset of the transaction. This amount is secured by a mortgage lien on substantially all of the system’s assets and future revenue. The remainder would be treated as a line of credit loan secured by a subordinated mortgage on substantially all of the member’s property. Due to changes in federal tax law, no further guarantees of this nature are anticipated.

The maturities for letters of credit run through calendar year 2024. The amounts shown in the table above represent our maximum potential exposure, of which $154 million is secured at May 31, 2013. At May 31, 2013 and 2012 the letters of credit include $125 million to provide the standby liquidity for adjustable and floating-rate tax-exempt bonds issued for the benefit of our members, respectively. Security provisions include a mortgage lien on substantially all of the system’s assets, future revenue and the system’s investment in our commercial paper.

In addition to the letters of credit listed in the table, under master letter of credit facilities in place at May 31, 2013, we may be required to issue up to an additional $280 million in letters of credit to third parties for the benefit of our members. As of May 31, 2013, all of our master letter of credit facilities were subject to material adverse change clauses at the time of issuance. Also, at May 31, 2013 we had hybrid letter of credit facilities totaling $2,027 million that represent commitments that may be used for the issuance of letters of credit or line of credit loan advances, at the option of a borrower, and are included in unadvanced loan commitments for line of credit loans reported in Note 3, Loans and Commitments. Hybrid letter of credit facilities subject to material adverse change clauses at the time of issuance totaled $454 million at May 31, 2013. Prior to issuing a letter of credit, we would confirm that there has been no material adverse change in the business or condition, financial or otherwise, of the borrower since the time the loan was approved and confirm that the borrower is currently in compliance with the letter of credit terms and conditions. The remaining commitment under hybrid letter of credit facilities of $1,573 million may be used for the issuance of letters of credit as long as the borrower is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the facility.

The maturities for other guarantees listed in the table run through calendar year 2025. The maximum potential exposure for these other guarantees is $117 million, all of which is unsecured.

At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we had $410 million and $385 million of guarantees, respectively, representing 37 percent and 31 percent, respectively, of total guarantees, under which our right of recovery from our members was not secured.

In addition to the guarantees described above, at May 31, 2013, we are the liquidity provider for a total of $598 million of variable-rate tax-exempt bonds issued for our member cooperatives. While the bonds are in variable-rate mode, in return for a fee, we have unconditionally agreed to purchase bonds tendered or put for redemption if the remarketing agents are unable to sell such bonds to other investors. During the year ended May 31, 2013, we were not required to perform as liquidity provider pursuant to these obligations.

Guarantee Liability
At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we recorded a guarantee liability of $25 million and $29 million, respectively, which represents the contingent and non-contingent exposures related to guarantees and liquidity obligations associated with our members’

 
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debt. The contingent guarantee liability at May 31, 2013 and 2012 was $2 million and $6 million, respectively, based on management’s estimate of exposure to losses within the guarantee portfolio. The remaining balance of the total guarantee liability of $23 million at May 31, 2013 and 2012 relates to our non-contingent obligation to stand ready to perform over the term of our guarantees and liquidity obligations that we have entered into or modified since January 1, 2003.

Activity in the guarantee liability account is summarized below as of and for the years ended May 31:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
   
2011
       
Beginning balance
$
 28,663 
$
22,217
 
$
22,984
       
Net change in non-contingent liability
 851 
 
5,720
   
(94
)
     
(Recovery of) provision for contingent guarantee liability
 (4,772)
 
726
   
(673
)
     
Ending balance
$
 24,742 
$
28,663
 
$
22,217
       
 
                     
Liability as a percentage of total guarantees
 
2.22 
%
2.29
%
 
2.01
%
     

The following table details the scheduled maturities of our outstanding guarantees in each of the five fiscal years following May 31, 2013 and thereafter:

(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Amount
maturing
2014
$
211,851
2015
 
248,210
2016
 
24,070
2017
 
16,082
2018
 
142,328
Thereafter
 
470,230
Total
$
1,112,771

(13)         Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Fair value standards, among other things, require that we maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

Fair value standards establish the following fair value hierarchy:
·  
Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
·  
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
·  
Level 3 – Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.

When a valuation includes inputs from multiple sources at various levels in the fair value hierarchy, we classify the valuation category at the lowest level for which the input has a significant effect on the overall valuation.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on either a recurring or non-recurring basis on the consolidated balance sheets at May 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of investments in common stock and preferred stock, derivative instruments, and collateral-dependent non-performing loans.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
We account for derivative instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) in the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability measured at fair value. Since there is not an active secondary market for the types of interest rate swaps we use, we obtain indicative quotes from the interest rate swap counterparties to estimate fair value on a quarterly basis. The indicative quotes are based on the expected future cash flow and the estimated yield curve.

We perform analysis to validate the indicative quotes obtained from our swap counterparties. We adjust the market values received from the counterparties using credit default swap levels for us and the counterparties. The credit default swap levels represent the credit risk premium required by a market participant based on the available information related to us and the counterparty. We only enter into exchange agreements with counterparties that are participating in our revolving lines of credit at the time the exchange agreements are executed. All of our exchange agreements are subject to master netting agreements.

 
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Our valuation technique for interest rate swaps is based on discounted cash flows and we utilize observable inputs, which reflect market data. To calculate fair value, we determine the forward curve. The forward curve allows us to determine the projected floating rate cash flows and the discount factors needed to calculate the net present value of each interest payment. The significant observable inputs for our derivatives include Spot LIBOR rates, Eurodollar futures contracts, and market swap rates.

Fair values for our interest rate swaps are classified as a Level 2 valuation. We record the change in the fair value of our derivatives for each reporting period in the derivative gains (losses) line, included in non-interest income in the consolidated statements of operations, as currently none of our derivatives qualify for hedge accounting.

At May 31, 2013, our investments in equity securities include investments in the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Series A common stock and Series A preferred stock and are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. At May 31, 2012, our investments in equity securities included investments in the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Series A common stock that is recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. We calculate fair value of the investments based on the quoted price on the stock exchange where the stock is traded. That stock exchange is an active market based on the volume of shares transacted. Fair values for these securities are classified as a Level 1 valuation. For the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012, we recorded an unrealized gain of $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, in accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated balance sheet.

The following table presents our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at May 31:

   
2013
 
2012
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Derivative assets
$
 -
$
 257,878
$
 -
$
 296,036
 
Derivative liabilities
 
 -
 
 475,278
 
 -
 
 654,125
 
Investments in common and
                 
preferred stock
 
 31,632
 
 -
 
 1,467
 
 -
 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
We may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis in accordance with GAAP. Any adjustments to fair value usually result from application of lower-of-cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, we measured certain collateral-dependent non-performing loans at fair value. We utilize the collateral fair value underlying the loan in estimating the specific loan loss allowance. To estimate the fair value of the collateral, we may use third party valuation specialists, internal estimates or a combination of both. The valuation technique used to determine fair value of the non-performing loans provided by both our internal staff and third party specialists includes market multiples (i.e., comparable companies). The significant unobservable inputs used in the determination of fair value include EBITDA multiples ranging from 3.5x to 6.0x. The material inputs used in estimating fair value by both internal staff and third party specialists are Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. In these instances, the valuation is considered to be a non-recurring item. The significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 assets that are valued using fair values obtained from third party specialists are reviewed by our Credit Risk Management group to assess the reasonableness of the assumptions used and the accuracy of the work performed. In cases where we rely on third party inputs, we use the final unadjusted third party valuation analysis as support for any financial statement adjustments and disclosures to the financial statements. The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs for assets classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, which are measured using an internal model, are independently reviewed by other internal staff.

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at May 31, 2013 and 2012 were classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Any increase or decrease to significant unobservable inputs used in the determination of fair value will not have a material impact on the fair value measurement of those assets or to the results of operations of the Company. The following table provides the carrying/fair value of the related individual assets at May 31, 2013 and 2012 and the total losses for the years ended May 31:

 
Level 3 Fair Value
 
Total losses
     
(dollar amounts in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
         
Non-performing loans,
                         
net of specific reserves
$
 12,070
$
16,517
$
 (1,175)
$
(3,861
)
       


 
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(14)         Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Carrying and fair values for our financial instruments are presented as follows at May 31:

     
2013
   
2012
   
(dollar amounts in thousands)
   
Carrying value
   
Fair value
   
Carrying value
   
Fair value
   
Assets:
                           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
 177,062
 
$
 177,062
 
$
 191,167
 
$
 191,167
   
Restricted cash
   
 7,696
   
 7,696
   
 7,694
   
 7,694
   
Investments
   
 731,632
   
 731,632
   
 59,045
   
 59,045
   
Loans to members, net
   
 20,251,549
   
 21,318,406
   
 18,776,286
   
 20,405,353
   
Debt service reserve funds
   
 39,803
   
 39,803
   
 39,803
   
 39,803
   
Derivative instruments
   
 257,878
   
 257,878
   
 296,036
   
 296,036
   
                             
Liabilities:
                           
Short-term debt
   
 7,719,483
   
 7,751,021
   
 4,493,434
   
 4,498,565
   
Long-term debt
   
 10,696,433
   
 12,156,097
   
 12,151,967
   
 13,936,540
   
Guarantee liability
   
 24,742
   
 27,730
   
 28,663
   
 31,518
   
Derivative instruments
 475,278
   
 475,278
   
654,125
 
 
654,125
 
 
Subordinated deferrable debt
   
 400,000
   
 404,300
   
 186,440
   
 187,335
   
Members’ subordinated certificates
   
 1,729,226
   
 1,880,672
   
 1,722,744
   
 1,880,558
   
                             
Off-balance sheet instruments:
                           
Commitments
     
 -
   
 -
 
 
-
 
 
-
   

See Note 13, Fair Value Measurement, for more details on assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis on our consolidated balance sheets. We consider observable prices in the principal market in our valuations where possible. Fair value estimates were developed at the reporting date and may not necessarily be indicative of amounts that could ultimately be realized in a market transaction at a future date.

With the exception of redeeming debt under early redemption provisions, terminating derivative instruments under early termination provisions and allowing borrowers to prepay their loans, we held and intend to hold all financial instruments to maturity excluding common stock and preferred stock investments that have no stated maturity. Below is a summary of significant methodologies used in estimating fair value amounts at May 31, 2013 and 2012.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash and certificates of deposit with original maturities of less than 90 days. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at the carrying value, which approximates fair value. Cash and cash equivalents are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, cash and cash equivalents classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy totaled $177 million and $191 million, respectively.

Restricted Cash
Restricted cash consists of cash and cash equivalents for which use is contractually restricted. Restricted cash is valued at the carrying value, which approximates fair value. Restricted cash is classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, restricted cash classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy totaled $8 million.

Investments
Our investments include investments in the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Series A common stock and Series A preferred stock. The Series A common stock and Series A preferred stock are classified as available-for-sale securities and recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. We calculate fair value based on the quoted price on the stock exchange where the stock is traded. That stock exchange is an active market based on the volume of shares transacted. The common stock and preferred stock are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, investments classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy totaled $32 million and $1 million, respectively.

At May 31, 2012, our investments also include investments in Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Series C non-voting, cumulative preferred stock purchased based on a percentage of debt issued under note purchase agreements. The fair value for the Series C preferred stock is estimated at cost, which approximates fair value as the preferred stock securities do not meet the definition of marketable securities and the stock is callable at par. These securities carry with it a netting provision against our debt held by Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation in case of non-payment, therefore transferability of these securities is unlikely. The Series C preferred stock is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. At May 31, 2012, investments classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy totaled $58 million.

At May 31, 2013, our investments also include cash deposits that we made with financial institutions in interest bearing accounts with maturities of less than one year as of the reporting date. The deposits are valued at the carrying value, which

 
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approximates fair value. The deposits are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. At May 31, 2013, investments classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy totaled $700 million.

Loans to Members, net
As part of receiving a loan from us, our members have additional requirements and rights that are not typical of other financial institutions, such as the ability to receive a patronage capital allocation, the general requirement to purchase subordinated certificates or member capital securities to meet their capital contribution requirements as a condition of obtaining additional credit from us, the option to select fixed rates from one year to maturity with the fixed rate resetting or repricing at the end of each selected rate term, the ability to convert from a fixed rate to another fixed rate or the variable rate at any time, and certain interest rate discounts that are specific to the borrower’s activity with us. These features make it difficult to obtain market data for similar loans. Therefore, we must use other methods to estimate the fair value.

Fair values for fixed-rate loans are estimated using a discounted cash flow technique by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which we would make similar loans to new borrowers for the same remaining maturities. The maturity date used in the fair value calculation of loans with a fixed rate for a selected rate term is the next repricing date since these borrowers must reprice their loans at various times throughout the life of the loan at the current market rate.

Loans with different risk characteristics, specifically non-performing and restructured loans, are valued by using collateral valuations or by adjusting cash flows for credit risk and discounting those cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made by us to borrowers for the same remaining maturities. See Note 13, Fair Value Measurement, for more details about how we calculate the fair value of certain non-performing loans.

The carrying value of our variable rate loans adjusted for credit risk approximates fair value since variable-rate loans are eligible to be reset at least monthly.

Credit risk for the loan portfolio is estimated based on similar assumptions and inputs used in our estimate of the allowance for loan losses.

Loans to members are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and at May 31, 2013 and 2012, totaled $21,318 million and $20,405 million, respectively.

Debt Service Reserve Funds
Debt service reserve funds represent cash and/or investments on deposit with the bond trustee for tax-exempt bonds that we guarantee. Debt service reserve fund investments are comprised of actively traded tax exempt municipal bonds and commercial paper. Carrying value is considered to be equal to fair value. Debt service reserve funds are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, debt service reserve funds classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy totaled $40 million.

Short-Term Debt
Short-term debt consists of commercial paper, select notes, bank bid notes, daily liquidity fund and other long-term debt due within one year. The fair value of short-term debt with maturities less than or equal to 90 days is carrying value, which is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value of short-term debt with maturities greater than 90 days is estimated based on discounted cash flows and quoted market rates for debt with similar maturities. Short-term debt classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy is comprised of dealer commercial paper, bank bid notes and daily liquidity fund. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, short-term debt classified within the Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy is based on quoted prices in active markets and totaled $2,840 million and $2,179 million, respectively. Short-term debt classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy is comprised of member commercial paper, non-member commercial paper and select notes. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, short-term debt classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy was determined based on discounted cash flows using discount rates consistent with current market rates for similar products with similar remaining terms and totaled $1,210 million and $1,068 million, respectively.

Short-term debt classified within Level 2 also includes our collateral trust bonds and medium-term notes maturing within one year. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, short-term debt classified within the Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy totaled $2,912 million and $902 million, respectively. The fair value of short term debt classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy was determined based on discounted cash flows using a pricing model that incorporates available market information such as indicative benchmark yields and credit spread assumptions that are provided by third party pricing services such as our banks that underwrite our other debt transactions.

Short-term debt classified within the Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy includes our notes payable due within one year and totaled $789 million and $350 million at May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The fair value of short term debt classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy was determined based on discounted cash flows using benchmark yields and

 
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spreads for similar instruments supplied by underwriter quotes for similar instruments, if available or by the original issuer. Secondary trading quotes for our debt instruments used in the determination of fair value incorporate our credit risk.

Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of collateral trust bonds, medium-term notes and long-term notes payable. We issue all collateral trust bonds and some medium-term notes in underwritten public transactions. Collateral trust bonds and medium-term notes are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, long-term debt classified within the Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy totaled $7,410 million and $9,256 million, respectively. The fair value of long- term debt classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy was determined based on discounted cash flows. There is no active secondary trading for all underwritten collateral trust bonds and medium-term notes; therefore, dealer quotes and recent market prices are both used in estimating fair value. There is essentially no secondary market for the medium-term notes issued to our members or in transactions that are not underwritten; therefore, fair value is estimated based on observable benchmark yields and spreads for similar instruments supplied by banks that underwrite our other debt transactions.

The long-term notes payable are issued in private placement transactions and there is no secondary trading of such debt. Long-term notes payable are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Long-term debt classified within the Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy totaled $4,746 million and $4,681 million, respectively. The fair value was determined based on discounted cash flows using benchmark yields and spreads for similar instruments supplied by underwriter quotes for similar instruments, if available or by the original issuer. Secondary trading quotes for our debt instruments used in the determination of fair value incorporate our credit risk.

Guarantees
The fair value of our guarantee liability is based on the fair value of our contingent and non-contingent exposure related to our guarantees. The fair value of our contingent exposure for guarantees is based on management’s estimate of our exposure to losses within the guarantee portfolio using a discounted cash flow method. The fair value of our non-contingent exposure for guarantees issued is estimated based on the total unamortized balance of guarantee fees paid and guarantee fees to be paid discounted at our current short-term funding rate, which represents management’s estimate of the fair value of our obligation to stand ready to perform. Guarantees are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, guarantees classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy totaled $28 million and $32 million, respectively.

Subordinated Deferrable Debt

Subordinated deferrable debt outstanding at May 31, 2013 was issued in an underwritten public transaction. There is not active secondary trading for this subordinated deferrable debt; therefore, dealer quotes and recent market prices are both used in estimating fair value based on a discounted cash flow method. Subordinated deferrable debt is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. At May 31, 2013, subordinated deferrable debt classified within the Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy totaled $404 million.

Our subordinated deferrable debt outstanding as of May 31, 2012 is traded on the New York Stock Exchange; therefore, daily market quotes are available. The fair value for this subordinated deferrable debt is based on the closing market quotes from the last day of the reporting period. Subordinated deferrable debt is classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. At May 31, 2012, subordinated deferrable debt classified within the Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy totaled $187 million.

Members’ Subordinated Certificates
Members’ subordinated certificates include (i) membership subordinated certificates issued to our members, (ii) loan and guarantee subordinated certificates issued as a condition of obtaining loan funds or guarantees and (iii) member capital securities issued as voluntary investments by our members. Membership, loan and guarantee subordinated certificates are non-transferable other than among members with CFC’s consent. There is no ready market from which to obtain fair value quotes for membership, loan and guarantee subordinated certificates. These certificates are valued at par. There also is no ready market from which to obtain fair value quotes for member capital securities. Fair value for member capital securities is based on the discounted cash flows using the coupon interest rate on the last business day of the reporting period. Members’ subordinated certificates are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, members’ subordinated certificates classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy totaled $1,881 million.

Derivative Instruments
We record derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability measured at fair value. Because there is not an active secondary market for the types of interest rate swaps we use, we obtain indicative quotes from the interest rate swap counterparties to estimate fair value on a quarterly basis. The indicative quotes are based on the expected future cash flow and estimated yield curves. We adjust the market values received from the counterparties using credit default swap levels for us and the counterparties. The credit default swap levels represent the credit risk premium required by a market participant based on the available information related to us and the counterparty. Derivative instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. At May 31, 2013 and 2012, derivative asset instruments classified

 
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within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy totaled $258 million and $296 million, respectively, and derivative liability instruments classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy totaled $475 million and $654 million, respectively.

Commitments
The fair value of our commitments is estimated as the carrying value, or zero. Extensions of credit under these commitments, if exercised, would result in loans priced at market rates.

(15)         Segment Information

Our consolidated financial statements include the financial results of CFC, entities controlled by CFC (which were created to hold foreclosed assets and facilitate loan securitization transactions), RTFC and NCSC. Separate financial statements are produced for CFC, RTFC and NCSC and are the primary reports that management reviews in evaluating performance. The separate financial statements for CFC represent the consolidation of the financial results for CFC and the entities controlled by CFC. For more detail on the requirement to consolidate the financial results of RTFC and NCSC see Note 1, General Information and Accounting Policies.

The consolidated CFC financial statements include three operating segments, CFC, RTFC and NCSC. At May 31, 2013, the RTFC and NCSC operating segments are not required to be separately reported as the financial results of RTFC and NCSC do not meet the quantitative thresholds outlined by the accounting standards for segment reporting. As a result, we have elected to aggregate the RTFC and NCSC financial results into a combined "Other" segment.

CFC is the sole source of funding to RTFC. CFC is the primary source of funding to NCSC. Pursuant to a guarantee agreement, CFC has agreed to indemnify RTFC and NCSC for loan losses. Thus, CFC maintains the consolidated loan loss allowance.

The following tables contain the segment presentation for the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended May 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and consolidated balance sheets at May 31, 2013 and 2012.

   
For the year ended May 31, 2013
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
CFC
     
Other
     
Elimination
     
Consolidated
 
Statement of operations:
                             
Interest income
$
 939,780
   
$
 55,987
   
$
 (40,014)
   
$
 955,753
 
Interest expense
 
 (690,355)
     
 (41,684)
     
 40,014
     
 (692,025)
 
Net interest income
 
 249,425
     
 14,303
     
 -
     
 263,728
 
                               
Recovery of loan losses
 
 70,091
     
 -
     
 -
     
 70,091
 
Net interest income after recovery of loan losses
 319,516
     
 14,303
     
 -
     
 333,819
 
                               
Non-interest income:
                             
Fee and other income
 
 37,740
     
 1,347
     
 (906)
     
 38,181
 
Derivative gains
 
 83,604
     
 1,263
     
 (24)
     
 84,843
 
Results of operations from foreclosed assets
 
 (897)
     
 -
     
 -
     
 (897)
 
Total non-interest income
 
 120,447
     
 2,610
     
 (930)
     
 122,127
 
                               
Non-interest expense:
                             
General and administrative expenses
 
 (75,252)
     
 (9,836)
     
 906
     
 (84,182)
 
Recovery of guarantee liability
 
 4,772
     
 -
     
 -
     
 4,772
 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
          (10,636)
     
 -
     
 -
     
 (10,636)
 
Other
 
 (5,088)
     
 -
     
 24
     
 (5,064)
 
Total non-interest expense
 
 (86,204)
     
 (9,836)
     
 930
     
 (95,110)
 
                               
Income prior to income taxes
 
 353,759
     
 7,077
     
 -
     
 360,836
 
Income tax expense
 
 -
     
 (2,749)
     
 -
     
 (2,749)
 
Net income
$
 353,759
   
$
 4,328
   
$
 -
   
$
 358,087
 
                               
Assets:
                             
Total loans outstanding
$
 20,261,437
   
$
 1,276,500
   
$
 (1,241,620)
   
$
 20,296,317
 
Deferred origination costs
 
 9,557
     
 -
     
 -
     
 9,557
 
Less: Allowance for loan losses
 
 (54,325)
     
 -
     
 -
     
 (54,325)
 
Loans to members, net
 
 20,216,669
     
 1,276,500
     
 (1,241,620)
     
 20,251,549
 
Other assets
 
 1,799,348
     
 141,174
     
 (120,420)
     
 1,820,102
 
Total assets
$
 22,016,017
   
$
 1,417,674
   
$
 (1,362,040)
   
$
 22,071,651
 


 
137

 


   
For the year ended May 31, 2012
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
CFC
     
Other
     
Elimination
     
Consolidated
 
Statement of operations:
                             
Interest income
$
 943,450
   
$
 66,216
   
$
 (48,705)
   
$
 960,961
 
Interest expense
 
 (760,155)
     
 (50,331)
     
 48,708
     
 (761,778)
 
Net interest income
 
 183,295
     
 15,885
     
 3
     
 199,183
 
                               
Recovery of loan losses
 
 18,108
     
 -
     
 -
     
 18,108
 
Net interest income after recovery of loan losses
 201,403
     
 15,885
     
 3
     
 217,291
 
                               
Non-interest income:
                             
Fee and other income
 
 17,926
     
 1,099
     
 (1,276)
     
 17,749
 
Derivative losses
 
 (222,437)
     
 (14,189)
     
 6
     
 (236,620)
 
Results of operations from foreclosed assets
 
 (67,497)
     
 -
     
 -
     
 (67,497)
 
Total non-interest income
 
 (272,008)
     
 (13,090)
     
 (1,270)
     
 (286,368)
 
                               
Non-interest expense:
                             
General and administrative expenses
 
 (57,132)
     
 (8,988)
     
 783
     
 (65,337)
 
Provision for guarantee liability
 
 (726)
     
 -
     
 -
     
 (726)
 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
 (15,525)
     
 -
     
 -
     
 (15,525)
 
Other
 
 (739)
     
 (484)
     
 484
     
 (739)
 
Total non-interest expense
 
 (74,122)
     
 (9,472)
     
 1,267
     
 (82,327)
 
                               
Loss prior to income taxes
 
 (144,727)
     
 (6,677)
     
 -
     
 (151,404)
 
Income tax benefit
 
 -
     
 2,607
     
 -
     
 2,607
 
Net loss
$
 (144,727)
   
$
 (4,070)
   
$
 -
   
$
 (148,797)
 
                               
Assets:
                             
Total loans outstanding
$
 18,874,548
   
$
 1,165,845
   
$
 (1,128,651)
   
$
 18,911,742
 
Deferred origination costs
 
 7,870
     
 -
     
 -
     
 7,870
 
Less: Allowance for loan losses
 
 (143,326)
     
 -
     
 -
     
 (143,326)
 
Loans to members, net
 
 18,739,092
     
 1,165,845
     
 (1,128,651)
     
 18,776,286
 
Other assets
 
 1,150,766
     
 146,942
     
 (122,659)
     
 1,175,049
 
Total assets
$
 19,889,858
   
$
 1,312,787
   
$
 (1,251,310)
   
$
 19,951,335
 


   
For the year ended May 31, 2011
   
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
CFC
     
Other
     
Elimination
     
Consolidated
   
Statement of operations:
                               
Interest income
$
986,264
   
$
83,305
   
$
(60,658
)
 
$
1,008,911
   
Interest expense
 
(839,445
)
   
(62,367
)
   
60,732
     
(841,080
)
 
Net interest income
 
146,819
     
20,938
     
74
     
167,831
   
                                 
Recovery of loan losses
 
82,971
     
39
     
-
     
83,010
   
Net interest income after recovery of loan losses
229,790
     
20,977
     
74
     
250,841
   
                                 
Non-interest income:
                               
Fee and other income
 
25,291
     
1,258
     
(2,903
)
   
23,646
   
Derivative losses
 
(22,182
)
   
(8,101
)
   
47
     
(30,236
)
 
Results of operations from foreclosed assets
 
(15,989
)
   
-
     
-
     
(15,989
)
 
          Total non-interest income
 
(12,880
)
   
(6,843
)
   
(2,856
)
   
(22,579
)
 
                                 
Non-interest expense:
                               
General and administrative expenses
 
(63,218
)
   
(9,677
)
   
1,448
     
(71,447
)
 
Recovery of guarantee liability
 
673
     
-
     
-
     
673
   
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
(3,928
)
   
-
     
-
     
(3,928
)
 
Other
 
(1,011
)
   
(1,341
)
   
1,334
     
(1,018
)
 
          Total non-interest expense
 
(67,484
)
   
(11,018
)
   
2,782
     
(75,720
)
 
                                 
Income prior to income taxes
 
149,426
     
3,116
     
-
     
152,542
   
Income tax expense
 
 -
     
(1,327
)
   
-
     
(1,327
)
 
Net income
$
149,426
   
$
1,789
   
$
-
   
$
151,215
   
                                 


 
138

 


Supplementary Information

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Summarized quarterly financial information for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

 
Fiscal Year 2013
   
Quarters Ended
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
August 31,
   
November 30,
   
February 28,
   
May 31,
   
Total Year
 
Interest income
$
240,085
 
$
241,630
 
$
234,021
 
$
240,017
 
$
 955,753
 
Interest expense
 
(176,596)
   
(174,301)
   
(171,899)
   
(169,229)
   
 (692,025)
 
Net interest income
 
63,489
   
67,329
   
62,122
   
70,788
   
 263,728
 
(Provision for) recovery of loan losses
 
(9,122)
   
3,817
   
378
   
75,018
   
 70,091
 
Net interest income after (provision for) recovery of loan losses
 
54,367
   
71,146
   
62,500
   
145,806
   
 333,819
 
Non-interest income:
                             
   Derivative (losses) gains
 
(24,592)
   
(3,766)
   
46,626
   
66,575
   
 84,843
 
   Other non-interest income
 
193
   
16,898
   
12,815
   
7,378
   
 37,284
 
Total non-interest income
 
(24,399)
   
13,132
   
59,441
   
 73,953
   
 122,127
 
Non-interest expense
 
(17,324)
   
(23,743)
   
(30,787)
   
 (23,256)
   
 (95,110)
 
Income prior to income taxes
 
12,644
   
60,535
   
91,154
   
196,503
   
 360,836
 
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
2
   
(454)
   
(1,067)
   
(1,230)
   
 (2,749)
 
Net income
 
12,646
   
60,081
   
90,087
   
195,273
   
 358,087
 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(5)
   
(699)
   
(1,664)
   
(1,960)
   
 (4,328)
 
Net income attributable to CFC
$
 12,641
 
$
 59,382
 
$
 88,423
 
$
193,313
 
$
 353,759
 

 
Fiscal Year 2012
   
Quarters Ended
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
August 31,
   
November 30,
   
February 29,
   
May 31,
   
Total Year
 
Interest income
$
247,250
 
$
237,755
 
$
238,018
 
$
237,938
 
$
 960,961
 
Interest expense
 
(202,044)
   
(194,680)
   
(190,294)
   
(174,760)
   
 (761,778)
 
Net interest income
 
45,206
   
43,075
   
47,724
   
63,178
   
 199,183
 
Recovery of (provision for) loan losses
 
9,130
   
2,995
   
(263)
   
6,246
   
 18,108
 
Net interest income after recovery of (provision for) loan losses
 
54,336
   
46,070
   
47,461
   
69,424
   
 217,291
 
Non-interest income:
                             
   Derivative losses
 
(111,571)
   
(47,753)
   
(25,563)
   
(51,733)
   
 (236,620)
 
   Other non-interest income
 
(5,095)
   
(2,662)
   
(40,853)
   
(1,138)
   
 (49,748)
 
Total non-interest income
 
(116,666)
   
(50,415)
   
(66,416)
   
 (52,871)
   
 (286,368)
 
Non-interest expense
 
(25,993)
   
(23,356)
   
(18,346)
   
 (14,632)
   
 (82,327)
 
(Loss) income prior to income taxes
 
(88,323)
   
(27,701)
   
(37,301)
   
1,921
   
 (151,404)
 
Income tax benefit
 
1,701
   
407
   
2
   
497
   
 2,607
 
Net (loss) income
 
(86,622)
   
(27,294)
   
(37,299)
   
2,418
   
 (148,797)
 
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
2,590
   
533
   
56
   
891
   
 4,070
 
Net (loss) income attributable to CFC
$
 (84,032)
 
$
 (26,761)
 
$
 (37,243)
 
$
3,309
 
$
 (144,727)
 


 
139