Sallie Mae Stock Down 15% in a Year, and One Fund Just Dumped Its $5.5 Million Stake
The Motley Fool
by newsfeedback@fool.com (Jonathan Ponciano)February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sallie Mae (NASDAQ: SLM) stock has dropped by 15% over the past year, and recent developments highlight growing investor uncertainty. Helix Partners Management LP made headlines by selling its entire 200,000-share stake in SLM during the fourth quarter of 2023, a move valued at approximately $5.54 million. This sale underscores shifts in investor sentiment toward the education finance sector.
SLM Corporation specializes in private student loans and related financial services, utilizing its expertise in loan origination and servicing to support U.S. students and families. However, the company's stock has faced challenges, with declining interest rates contributing to reduced revenue from interest income and servicing fees—a key driver of SLM’s earnings. This downturn aligns with broader market trends affecting the education financing industry.
For investors, this sale raises questions about Helix Partners' assessment of SLM's future prospects. While the company remains a significant player in private education lending, the sale signals potential concerns among institutional investors. For readers interested in finance and investing, this situation highlights the importance of monitoring sector-specific challenges and investor behavior in dynamic markets.
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Originally published on The Motley Fool on 2/14/2026