SLM (NASDAQ:SLM) is preparing to release its quarterly earnings on Thursday, 2026-01-22. Here's a brief overview of what investors should keep in mind before the announcement.

Analysts expect SLM to report an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.94.

SLM bulls will hope to hear the company announce they've not only beaten that estimate, but also to provide positive guidance, or forecasted growth, for the next quarter.

New investors should note that it is sometimes not an earnings beat or miss that most affects the price of a stock, but the guidance (or forecast).

Historical Earnings Performance

During the last quarter, the company reported an EPS missed by $0.18, leading to a 3.33% increase in the share price on the subsequent day.

Here's a look at SLM's past performance and the resulting price change:

Quarter

Q3 2025

Q2 2025

Q1 2025

Q4 2024

EPS Estimate

0.81

0.49

1.18

0.55

EPS Actual

0.63

0.32

1.40

0.50

Price Change %

3.00

2.00

-1.00

-1.00

Market Performance of SLM's Stock

Shares of SLM were trading at $26.0 as of January 20. Over the last 52-week period, shares are down 9.39%. Given that these returns are generally negative, long-term shareholders are likely bearish going into this earnings release.

Analysts' Take on SLM

For investors, grasping market sentiments and expectations in the industry is vital. This ...