SLM is currently showing mixed fundamentals with a composite score of 43/100, resulting in a "Neutral" outlook. Scoring just 0/9 on the Piotroski F-Score, SLM shows concerning weakness in profitability and operational health. As a financial-sector company, the Altman Z-Score is not applicable and has been excluded from the composite calculation. Earnings analysis shows positive earnings momentum with improving financial trends.
| F1 | Positive ROA | ✓ Pass |
| F3 | Improving ROA | ✗ Fail |
| F5 | Decreasing Leverage | ✓ Pass |
| F7 | No Dilution | ✓ Pass |
| F8 | Improving Gross Margin | ✓ Pass |
| F9 | Improving Asset Turnover | ✗ Fail |
Piotroski F-Score is a 9-point scoring system developed by accounting professor Joseph Piotroski to assess the financial strength of a company. It evaluates profitability (ROA, operating cash flow, accruals), leverage and liquidity (debt ratio, current ratio, share dilution), and operating efficiency (gross margin, asset turnover). Scores of 7–9 indicate strong fundamentals, while 0–3 suggest weakness.
Altman Z-Score is a formula developed by professor Edward Altman that predicts the probability of a company entering bankruptcy within two years. It combines five financial ratios — working capital, retained earnings, EBIT, market capitalization, and revenue — all relative to total assets. A score above 2.99 suggests the company is financially safe, while below 1.81 indicates distress. The Z-Score is not applicable to financial-sector companies (banks, insurance).
Earnings Momentum tracks quarter-over-quarter trends in EPS growth, revenue, and profit margins to assess whether a company's financial trajectory is improving or deteriorating. Short Sentiment evaluates bearish market positioning using short interest as a percentage of float, days to cover, and short volume trends — a high score (inverted) indicates bullish sentiment.