SLM Corp (SLM)

SLM Corp.'s stock price has shown an uptrend since late 2023, with expectations normalizing due to higher funding costs. In Q3 2025, Sallie Mae reported earnings that fell short of estimates but still saw a 5% stock increase due to strong loan originations, which increased by 13% year-over-year to $2.8 billion. Sallie Mae announced a multi-year private credit partnership with KKR to support growth and preserve balance sheet capacity. FAFSA delays were anticipated to extend the peak season for loan originations but did not materially impact overall demand. Loan origination benefited from Discover's exit from student lending in 2024. In Q2 2025, Sallie Mae repurchased 2.4 million shares at an average price of $29.46 per share. As of November 26, 2025, the stock was trading at $29.05, with a 52-week range between $23.81 and $34.97.

Demand for SLM Corp.'s products and services exhibits seasonality tied to the academic calendar. The company experiences a peak season for loan originations, influenced by factors like the FAFSA application cycle. FAFSA form delays were anticipated to elongate the peak season, but not materially impact overall demand, with originations ultimately exceeding expectations. The company's credit performance also aligns with seasonal expectations.

SLM Corporation, also known as Sallie Mae, is a U.S. consumer banking company specializing in private education loans and related financial services. It was established in 1972 and transitioned to a private entity in 2004. The company originates and services loans for students and their families, offering products like the Smart Option Student Loan and graduate-specific loans. Sallie Mae also provides deposit products and manages a loan portfolio that includes credit card loans, along with college planning tools and resources.

SLM Corporation is headquartered in Newark, Delaware, and maintains offices in New Castle, Delaware; Newton, Massachusetts; Indianapolis, Indiana; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Sterling, Virginia.

Sallie Mae has engaged in activities that positively contribute to its brand reputation, including awarding $500,000 in scholarships in November 2025 and addressing scholarship myths in October 2025. The company entered a Letter of Intent to explore alternative financing solutions for healthcare students with Adtalem Global Education Inc. in August 2024. Sallie Mae partnered with Delaware State University in November 2023 to address barriers to college completion. Sallie Mae acquired key assets from Scholly, including its scholarship administration technology and the "Scholly Offers" platform, in July 2023.

SLM Corporation has a mixed ownership structure, including institutional investors, mutual fund groups, individual shareholders, and company insiders. Institutional ownership accounts for approximately 89.1% of the company, with major institutional owners including Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and Fmr Llc.