SLM Corp
NASDAQ: SLM · FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES
Updated 2026-05-01
SLM Corp (SLM) Stock Valuation Analysis
Fair value estimate, historical valuation range, and quality signals for SLM.
Valued
Fundamentals support the current valuation. Strong combination of growth, quality, and price.
SLM historical valuation range
Where current P/E sits in SLM's own 5Y range.
SLM 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.
SLM valuation signals
Quick-read green flags, caution flags, and risks based on current metrics.
P/E Ratio — History
Current: 6.39x
P/S Ratio — History
Current: 2.60x
Is SLM overvalued in 2026?
SLM Corp (SLM) currently trades at $22.69 per share with a market capitalization of $4,335,753,000.00. Based on our multi-factor framework, the stock looks attractively valued with a Smart Value Score of 76/100. 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 6.4x, below its 5-year median of 6.8x. The PEG ratio of 0.58 suggests earnings growth is outpacing the multiple, a classic sign of undervaluation.
Looking at its own history, SLM is currently trading cheaper than 68% of the last 5Y on P/E. This places it in the 32th percentile of its historical range, a reasonable but unremarkable position.
A standard DCF model does not produce reliable output for SLM 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: SLM looks attractively valued on our framework, with a Smart Value Score of 76/100. The combination of reasonable price, healthy growth, and quality fundamentals makes it worth serious consideration.
Frequently asked questions
Is SLM overvalued in 2026?
Based on a Smart Value Score of 76/100, SLM is not overvalued. Fundamentals support the current price and offer reasonable margin of safety.
What is SLM's fair value?
Standard DCF is unreliable for SLM 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 SLM trade at?
SLM trades at a P/E of 6.4x on trailing twelve-month earnings, compared to its 5-year median of 6.8x.
Is SLM a buy based on valuation?
WallStSmart does not issue buy or sell recommendations. Our Smart Value Score of 76/100 reflects the combined read on growth, quality, and price. The profile skews favorable for long-term accumulation.
How does SLM's valuation compare to its history?
On P/E, SLM currently sits in the 32th percentile of its own 5Y range. That is below its long-run median relative to where it has traded over the period.
What is SLM's Smart Value Score?
SLM's Smart Value Score is 76/100. 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.