WallStSmart

SLM Corp (SLM)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Wells Fargo & Company generates 5510% more annual revenue ($83.11B vs $1.48B). SLM leads profitability with a 38.3% profit margin vs 27.6%. SLM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

SLM

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

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

WFC

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.38

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

WFC6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$251.75B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

P/E RatioValuation
11.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
34.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.1%

Profit MarginProfitability
27.6%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$6.78B8/10

Generating 6.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

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

WFC3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.4%4/10

0.4% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.263/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.382/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : WFC

The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.6% and operating margin at 34.1%. PEG of 1.39 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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.

Bear Case : WFC

The primary concerns for WFC are Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SLM profiles as a declining stock while WFC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

SLM carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.

WFC is growing revenue faster at 0.4% — sustainability is the question.

WFC generates stronger free cash flow (6.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WFC scores higher overall (74/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 27.6% margins. 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.

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.

Wells Fargo & Company

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California, operational headquarters in Manhattan, and managerial offices throughout the United States and overseas.

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