WallStSmart

Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)vsSLM Corp (SLM)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Capital One Financial Corporation generates 3147% more annual revenue ($48.11B vs $1.48B). SLM leads profitability with a 38.3% profit margin vs 21.9%. COF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.18. COF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

COF

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 7.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: -0.36

SLM

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.5Value: 7.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.14

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

COF6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.1810/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
33.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.6%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1111.0%10/10

Revenue surging 1111.0% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$123.76B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
21.9%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

SLM5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
6.5x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
30.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
38.3%10/10

Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.588/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

COF3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.2%2/10

Earnings declined 3.2%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.362/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SLM4 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
-55.8%2/10

Revenue declined 55.8%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-9.4%2/10

Earnings declined 9.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-106.38M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.142/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : COF

The strongest argument for COF centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.9% and operating margin at 33.6%. Revenue growth of 1111.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : SLM

The strongest argument for SLM centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 38.3% and operating margin at -36.4%. PEG of 0.58 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : COF

The primary concerns for COF are Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : SLM

The primary concerns for SLM are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 2.85 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

COF profiles as a growth stock while SLM is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

COF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.

COF is growing revenue faster at 1111.0% — sustainability is the question.

COF generates stronger free cash flow (7.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

COF scores higher overall (75/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 21.9% margins and 1111.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Capital One Financial Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Capital One Financial Corporation is an American bank holding company specializing in credit cards, auto loans, banking, and savings accounts, headquartered in McLean, Virginia with operations primarily in the United States.

SLM Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

SLM Corporation originates and provides private education loan services to students and their families to finance the cost of their education in the United States. The company is headquartered in Newark, Delaware.

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