Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)vsSLM Corp (SLM)
COF
Capital One Financial Corporation
$185.23
+0.32%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $112.86B
SLM
SLM Corp
$20.43
+1.24%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $4.00B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Capital One Financial Corporation generates 1885% more annual revenue ($32.78B vs $1.65B). SLM leads profitability with a 45.1% profit margin vs 7.5%. COF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.19. SLM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 90/100 (A+).
COF
Strong Buy75
out of 100
Grade: B+
SLM
Exceptional Buy90
out of 100
Grade: A+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-50.8%
Fair Value
$142.20
Current Price
$185.23
$43.03 premium
Margin of Safety
+84.0%
Fair Value
$161.93
Current Price
$20.43
$141.50 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 51.6% year-over-year
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 22.9%
Earnings expanding 22.2% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit
Keeps 45 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 66.8%
Revenue surging 67.8% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 126.2% YoY
Areas to Watch
ROE of 2.4% — below average capital efficiency
7.5% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : COF
The strongest argument for COF centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 51.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.19 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : SLM
The strongest argument for SLM centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.1% and operating margin at 66.8%. Revenue growth of 67.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : COF
The primary concerns for COF are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 54.0x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : SLM
The primary concerns for SLM are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.39 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
COF profiles as a hypergrowth stock while SLM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
SLM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.16 — expect wider price swings.
SLM is growing revenue faster at 67.8% — sustainability is the question.
COF generates stronger free cash flow (6.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SLM scores higher overall (90/100 vs 75/100), backed by strong 45.1% margins and 67.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Strong 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.
Capital One Financial Corporation
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Capital One Financial Corporation is an American bank holding company specializing in credit cards, auto loans, banking, and savings accounts, headquartered in McLean, Virginia with operations primarily in the United States.
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.
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