SLM Corp (SLM)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)
SLM
SLM Corp
$20.43
+1.24%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $4.00B
SYF
Synchrony Financial
$67.63
+0.54%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $24.23B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Synchrony Financial generates 491% more annual revenue ($9.76B vs $1.65B). SLM leads profitability with a 45.1% profit margin vs 36.4%. SLM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. SLM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 90/100 (A+).
SLM
Exceptional Buy90
out of 100
Grade: A+
SYF
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+84.0%
Fair Value
$161.93
Current Price
$20.43
$141.50 discount
Margin of Safety
+59.2%
Fair Value
$178.92
Current Price
$67.63
$111.29 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 48.5%
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 2.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : SYF
The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.5%.
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.
Bear Case : SYF
The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SLM profiles as a growth stock while SYF is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.
SLM is growing revenue faster at 67.8% — sustainability is the question.
SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SLM scores higher overall (90/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 45.1% margins and 67.8% revenue growth. SYF offers better value entry with a 59.2% margin of safety. 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.
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.
Synchrony Financial
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.
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