Providing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish, 10 analysts have published ratings on SLM SLM in the last three months.
The table below offers a condensed view of their recent ratings, showcasing the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
| Bullish | Somewhat Bullish | Indifferent | Somewhat Bearish | Bearish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Ratings | 1 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Last 30D | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1M Ago | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2M Ago | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 3M Ago | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $31.7, a high estimate of $38.00, and a low estimate of $27.00. This upward trend is evident, with the current average reflecting a 9.31% increase from the previous average price target of $29.00.
Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown
A clear picture of SLM's perception among financial experts is painted with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
| Analyst | Analyst Firm | Action Taken | Rating | Current Price Target | Prior Price Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Devries | Barclays | Raises | Overweight | $38.00 | $34.00 |
| Jon Afstrom | RBC Capital | Raises | Outperform | $32.00 | $30.00 |
| Richard Shane | JP Morgan | Raises | Neutral | $30.00 | $29.00 |
| Michael Kaye | Wells Fargo | Raises | Overweight | $33.00 | $32.00 |
| Giuliano Bologna | Compass Point | Raises | Buy | $34.00 | $31.00 |
| Sanjay Sakhrani | Keefe, Bruyette & Woods | Raises | Market Perform | $32.00 | $30.00 |
| Richard Shane | JP Morgan | Raises | Neutral | $29.00 | $27.00 |
| Jeffery Harte | Morgan Stanley | Raises | Overweight | $32.00 | $26.00 |
| Richard Shane | JP Morgan | Raises | Neutral | $27.00 | $24.00 |
| Sanjay Sakhrani | Keefe, Bruyette & Woods | Raises | Market Perform | $30.00 | $27.00 |
Key Insights:
- Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to SLM. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.
- Rating: Delving into assessments, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings communicate expectations for the relative performance of SLM compared to the broader market.
- Price Targets: Analysts explore the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of SLM's stock. This examination reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.
Capture valuable insights into SLM's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table.
Stay up to date on SLM analyst ratings.
Get to Know SLM Better
SLM Corp is the largest student lender in the country. It makes and holds student loans through the guaranteed Federal Family Education Loan Program as well as through private channels. It also engages in debt-management operations, including accounts receivable and collections services, and runs college savings programs.
Understanding the Numbers: SLM's Finances
Market Capitalization Analysis: Positioned below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization faces constraints in size. This could be influenced by factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Revenue Growth: SLM's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 31 December, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 1.57%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Financials sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Net Margin: SLM's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 27.49%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): SLM's ROE excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 5.65%. This signifies robust financial management and efficient use of shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.36%, the company may need to address challenges in generating satisfactory returns from its assets.
Debt Management: SLM's debt-to-equity ratio surpasses industry norms, standing at 3.37. This suggests the company carries a substantial amount of debt, posing potential financial challenges.
How Are Analyst Ratings Determined?
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
Some analysts also offer predictions for helpful metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates to provide further guidance as to what to do with certain tickers. It is important to keep in mind that while stock and sector analysts are specialists, they are also human and can only forecast their beliefs to traders.
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