Nelnet Inc
NYSE: NNI · FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES
Updated 2026-04-29
Nelnet Inc (NNI) Stock Valuation Analysis
Fair value estimate, historical valuation range, and quality signals for NNI.
Valued
Valuation reasonably reflects current fundamentals. Limited margin of safety at these levels.
NNI historical valuation range
Where current P/E sits in NNI's own 5Y range.
NNI intrinsic value (DCF)
DCF-based fair value estimate vs current market price.
Standard discounted cash flow models produce unreliable output for unprofitable or near-breakeven companies. Revenue-based multiples such as P/S and EV/Sales, combined with the historical valuation position above, give a more reliable read for this stock.
Intrinsic value calculated using discounted cash flow (DCF) model based on projected free cash flows, discount rate, and terminal growth assumptions. A positive margin of safety indicates the current price is below estimated fair value, providing a cushion against estimation error.
NNI valuation signals
Quick-read green flags, caution flags, and risks based on current metrics.
P/E Ratio — History
Current: 12.10x
P/S Ratio — History
Current: 3.07x
Is NNI overvalued in 2026?
Nelnet Inc (NNI) currently trades at $142.48 per share with a market capitalization of $5,128,137,000.00. Based on our multi-factor framework, the stock trades at a fair valuation with a Smart Value Score of 58/100. This score blends growth quality, financial health, and price attractiveness into a single institutional-grade read.
The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 12.1x, above its 5-year median of 11.8x. The PEG ratio of 0.46 suggests earnings growth is outpacing the multiple, a classic sign of undervaluation.
Looking at its own history, NNI is currently trading more expensive than 60% of the last 5Y on P/E. This places it in the 60th percentile of its historical range, a reasonable but unremarkable position.
A standard DCF model does not produce reliable output for NNI under current conditions. For unprofitable or near-breakeven companies, revenue-based multiples such as EV/Sales and historical P/S percentile are more informative than intrinsic value calculations.
Balance sheet and operating quality look strong. A Piotroski F-Score of 7/9 points to improving profitability, declining leverage, and healthy operating efficiency.
Bottom line: NNI trades at a fair valuation on our framework, with a Smart Value Score of 58/100. The valuation is defensible but offers no obvious bargain. Patience or a better entry price may reward disciplined buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is NNI overvalued in 2026?
Based on a Smart Value Score of 58/100, NNI is fairly valued. Price reasonably reflects current fundamentals with limited cushion in either direction.
What is NNI's fair value?
Standard DCF is unreliable for NNI due to its current profitability profile. Revenue-based approaches such as EV/Sales or historical P/S percentile are more informative for this stock.
What P/E ratio does NNI trade at?
NNI trades at a P/E of 12.1x on trailing twelve-month earnings, compared to its 5-year median of 11.8x.
Is NNI a buy based on valuation?
WallStSmart does not issue buy or sell recommendations. Our Smart Value Score of 58/100 reflects the combined read on growth, quality, and price. The profile is balanced. Best suited for investors with an existing thesis.
How does NNI's valuation compare to its history?
On P/E, NNI currently sits in the 60th percentile of its own 5Y range. That is above its long-run median relative to where it has traded over the period.
What is NNI's Smart Value Score?
NNI's Smart Value Score is 58/100. The Smart Value Score is a proprietary WallStSmart metric blending growth quality, financial health, and valuation attractiveness into a single 0-100 read. Scores above 75 are rare and indicate strong multi-factor alignment.