$SLM

Private student-loan companies like Sallie Mae (SLM) and Navient (NAVI) reported significant growth in graduate lending, with increases of 119% and 173% year-over-year, respectively, following Trump's repayment overhaul. The changes eliminated the Grad PLUS program, creating opportunities for private lenders. SoFi (SOFI) also saw a 96% increase in student-loan originations, attributing it to competitive interest rates.

Sallie Mae (SLM) lowered its 2026 EPS outlook to $1.95-$2.05 from $3.10-$3.20, a 36.5% reduction, and raised its net charge-off forecast to $400-$420M. The changes reflect unfavorable market conditions and credit challenges. GAAP earnings fell to $1.68 per share in the first nine months of 2026. Despite near-term issues, SLM sees growth in private education loan originations.

Sallie Mae (SLM) declared dividends of $0.13 per common share and $1.49 per Series B preferred share, payable December 15 to shareholders of record by December 4. The company, a private student lender, maintains separate distribution terms for its two stock classes.

Sallie Mae (SLM) shares dropped 9% after reporting a Q3 loss of $0.19 per share and reducing 2026 EPS guidance to $1.95–$2.05 from $3.10–$3.20. The company cited slower-than-expected borrower uptake of its credit fix and raised its 2026 net charge-off forecast to $400M–$420M. Record loan growth was offset by higher charge-offs and lower loan sale gains.

Morgan Stanley lowered SLM Corp's price target to $26.00 from $30.00, a 13.33% decrease, while maintaining an Overweight rating. GuruFocus values SLM at $18.51, suggesting a 3.7% overvaluation. The company has a GF Score of 87/100, with strong profitability and growth but weaker financial strength. 11 gurus hold SLM, with mixed recent activity.

RBC Capital maintained an Outperform rating on SLM with a $26 price target, implying a 19.5% upside. The firm cites SLM's 50% market share in private education loans, stable loan originations, and a 15% year-over-year increase in originations to $3.4 billion.

TD Cowen maintained a Buy rating on SLM with a $27 price target, suggesting a 24.1% upside. The firm cites SLM's strong market position in private student loans, high-quality loan origination, and growth potential.

SLM Corporation's average stock price target was reduced from $28.36 to $27.45 by 11 analysts, with a range of $22 to $35. This implies a 26% upside from the Oct. 22 closing price. The consensus rating remains 'Buy' with 7 Buys, 3 Holds, and 1 Sell.

SLM reports 119% year-over-year growth in graduate student lending, with higher FICO scores. Management focuses on loss mitigation, pricing, and loan flow. The company aims to retain low-cost deposits and build fee streams for flexibility. Executives highlight strategic partnerships and share repurchases.

SLM Corp (SLM) filed an SEC Form 8-K — Results of Operations and Financial Condition. Exhibit 99.1 News Release For Immediate Release Sallie Mae Reports Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results NEWARK, Del., Oct. 22, 2026 — Sallie Mae (Nasdaq: SLM), formally SLM Corporation, today released third quarter 2026 financial results. Complete financial results and related ma