SLM Corp

SLM Corp is assigned a 5-star quantitative star rating, indicating our belief that this share class offers a compelling opportunity for investors. The stock currently trades at a 21% discount to our quantitative fair value estimate of $28.67 per share; however, caution is warranted due to this estimate's high uncertainty rating.

The company's valuation metrics strengthen our fair value estimate. A company's valuation metrics provide insights into the market's expectations for its future growth and profitability. For example, the firm's enterprise value to market value ratio of 1.4 sits in the top 30% globally. While highly leveraged firms can be risky, they can also be highly rewarding. This company's high enterprise value relative to its market value suggests that wise investments will yield outsize returns for investors. We believe this is a sign that shares could be cheap.

The company's profitability is an additional encouraging factor. Highly profitable companies are often more resilient in recessions and are likely to generate stronger future cash flows for shareholders. The firm's earnings yield of 16.5%, a core component of profitability, lies in the top 10% compared with global peers. This suggests that it is generating substantial earnings relative to its share price, which further promotes our favorable price/fair value ratio.

With its quantitative economic moat rating of none, we do not expect this company to materially outearn its cost of capital in the long run. Additionally, the firm's moderate financial health score suggests it is acceptably positioned against adverse economic circumstances.