SLM Corp (SLM)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)
SLM
SLM Corp
$26.15
-0.95%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $4.94B
SYF
Synchrony Financial
$74.88
-1.55%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $25.58B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Synchrony Financial generates 488% more annual revenue ($9.91B vs $1.69B). SLM leads profitability with a 43.6% profit margin vs 35.5%. SLM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).
SLM
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
SYF
Strong Buy75
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Keeps 44 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.2%
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 50.2%
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Earnings declined 9.4%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
0.6% revenue growth
3.6% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SLM
The strongest argument for SLM centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 43.6% and operating margin at 29.2%. PEG of 0.58 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : SYF
The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.5% and operating margin at 50.2%. PEG of 0.99 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : SLM
The primary concerns for SLM are EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : SYF
The primary concerns for SYF are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SLM profiles as a mature stock while SYF is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.
SLM is growing revenue faster at 8.1% — sustainability is the question.
SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SYF scores higher overall (75/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 35.5% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.
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.
Synchrony Financial
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.
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