SLM (NASDAQ:SLM) Issues FY 2026 Earnings Guidance
by Danessa Lincoln · The Markets DailySLM (NASDAQ:SLM – Get Free Report) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Thursday. The company provided EPS guidance of 2.700-2.800 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 2.840. The company issued revenue guidance of -.
SLM Stock Performance
Shares of SLM opened at $27.62 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $5.61 billion, a PE ratio of 7.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.27, a current ratio of 1.37 and a quick ratio of 1.37. SLM has a one year low of $23.81 and a one year high of $34.97. The company’s fifty day moving average price is $27.71 and its 200 day moving average price is $28.94.
SLM (NASDAQ:SLM – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The credit services provider reported $1.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.95 by $0.17. SLM had a return on equity of 35.11% and a net margin of 26.04%.The company had revenue of $656.82 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $383.43 million. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.50 earnings per share. SLM has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.700-2.800 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that SLM will post 3.07 earnings per share for the current year.
SLM Dividend Announcement
The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, March 5th will be given a $0.13 dividend. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 5th. SLM’s dividend payout ratio is currently 18.25%.
Wall Street Analyst Weigh In
Several equities analysts recently commented on SLM shares. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of SLM from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Saturday, October 25th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their price target on shares of SLM from $31.00 to $29.00 and set a “market perform” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price objective on shares of SLM from $40.00 to $31.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an “underweight” rating and issued a $25.00 target price (down previously from $29.00) on shares of SLM in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Finally, TD Cowen restated a “buy” rating on shares of SLM in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $31.70.
Check Out Our Latest Research Report on SLM
Key SLM News
Here are the key news stories impacting SLM this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Q4 results beat expectations — EPS of $1.12 vs. $0.95 consensus and revenue well above estimates; profitability metrics (net margin, ROE) improved, supporting the rally. Sallie Mae Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Financial Results
- Positive Sentiment: Management set 2026 origination growth target of ~12–14% and launched a new $500M share‑repurchase program, signaling confidence in cash generation and potential EPS support. SLM outlines 12%-14% origination growth for 2026 while launching new $500M share repurchase program
- Positive Sentiment: Quarterly dividend declared ($0.13 per share; record March 5), adding modest income support and reflecting cash return policy. Dividend Declaration
- Neutral Sentiment: Management commentary and analyst deep dives highlight strategic partnerships and regulatory items that shape 2026 growth — useful context but not an immediate price driver by itself. SLM Q4 Deep Dive: Strategic Partnerships and Regulatory Changes Shape 2026 Outlook
- Negative Sentiment: FY‑2026 EPS guidance of $2.70–2.80 came in slightly below the published consensus (~$2.84), which could cap near‑term upside despite the quarter’s beat. Earnings Presentation / Guidance
- Negative Sentiment: Multiple law firms have filed or solicited lead‑plaintiff candidates in securities‑fraud class actions (class period July 25–Aug 14, 2025) with a Feb. 17, 2026 lead‑plaintiff deadline — ongoing litigation risk that can increase legal costs and add headline volatility. SLM Shareholders Opportunity to Lead Securities Fraud Lawsuit
Institutional Investors Weigh In On SLM
A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Triumph Capital Management bought a new position in shares of SLM during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $69,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of SLM by 118.2% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,995 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $131,000 after acquiring an additional 2,164 shares during the period. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd bought a new position in shares of SLM during the first quarter valued at $263,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of SLM by 6.6% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 21,350 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $627,000 after purchasing an additional 1,319 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors grew its holdings in shares of SLM by 6.1% in the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 36,889 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $1,210,000 after purchasing an additional 2,109 shares during the last quarter. 98.94% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
SLM Company Profile
SLM Corporation, operating as Sallie Mae Bank, is a leading U.S.-based consumer banking company specializing in education financing and related banking products. The company provides a range of private student loans for undergraduate and graduate studies, Parent PLUS loans, and specialized financing for career and certificate programs. In addition to its core lending services, Sallie Mae offers deposit products including savings accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and credit cards tailored to students and young adults.
Founded in 1972 as the Student Loan Marketing Association—a government-sponsored enterprise—Sallie Mae was privatized in 2004 and has since focused on expanding its private education loan offerings and digital banking solutions.