WallStSmart

Affirm Holdings Inc (AFRM)vsSLM Corp (SLM)

VS
⚡

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Affirm Holdings Inc generates 188% more annual revenue ($4.26B vs $1.48B). AFRM leads profitability with a 45.3% profit margin vs 38.3%. SLM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. AFRM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).

AFRM

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 10.0Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.87

SLM

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.5Value: 7.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.14

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AFRM5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
Return on EquityProfitability
35.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
45.3%10/10

Keeps 45 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
33.0%10/10

Revenue surging 33.0% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
2187.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 2187.0% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
13.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

SLM5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
6.5x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
30.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
38.3%10/10

Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.588/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

AFRM4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.793/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
7.882/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.872/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SLM4 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
-55.8%2/10

Revenue declined 55.8%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-9.4%2/10

Earnings declined 9.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-106.38M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.142/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AFRM

The strongest argument for AFRM centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.3% and operating margin at 12.6%. Revenue growth of 33.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : SLM

The strongest argument for SLM centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 38.3% and operating margin at -36.4%. PEG of 0.58 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AFRM

The primary concerns for AFRM are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.79 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : SLM

The primary concerns for SLM are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 2.85 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AFRM profiles as a growth stock while SLM is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

AFRM carries more volatility with a beta of 3.82 — expect wider price swings.

AFRM is growing revenue faster at 33.0% — sustainability is the question.

AFRM generates stronger free cash flow (229M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AFRM scores higher overall (70/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 45.3% margins and 33.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Affirm Holdings Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Affirm Holdings, Inc. operates a platform for digital and mobile commerce in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Visit Website →

SLM Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

SLM Corporation originates and provides private education loan services to students and their families to finance the cost of their education in the United States. The company is headquartered in Newark, Delaware.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?