Sallie Mae posts Q3 loss, cuts 2026 EPS outlook and raises charge‑off guidance

Sallie Mae (SLM) reported a third‑quarter 2026 net loss of $32 million, or a GAAP loss per share of $0.19, versus a profit a year earlier. The company lowered its full‑year diluted EPS guidance to $1.95‑$2.05 and raised its net charge‑off outlook to $400‑$420 million. It also announced a three‑year strategic partnership with Sixth Street committing to purchase at least $1.5 billion of newly originated private‑education loans annually.

The reduced EPS outlook signals lower profitability for the year, which may pressure the stock price. The partnership provides a new source of capital for loan originations, potentially supporting future growth despite higher charge‑off expectations.

  • 1Net loss attributable to common stock was $32 million, and diluted GAAP loss per share was $0.19.
  • 2Full‑year diluted EPS guidance was lowered to $1.95‑$2.05.
  • 3Net charge‑offs for the quarter totaled $90 million.
  • 4Private‑education loan originations reached $3.4 billion, a 15% year‑over‑year increase.
  • 5The company entered a strategic partnership with Sixth Street, with a minimum $1.5 billion annual purchase commitment of newly originated loans.
  • 6Net interest income for the quarter was $339 million.
  • Revenue figures differ across sources (e.g., $375 million, $375.5 million, $457.3 million, $616.5 million).

Sources