Navient Corporation (NAVI): A Bull Case Theory 

We came across a bullish thesis on Navient Corporation on Valueinvestorsclub.com by JackBlack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on NAVI. Navient Corporation’s share was trading at $12.35 as of December 1st. NAVI’s trailing and forward P/E were 41.12 and 9.33 respectively according to Yahoo Finance.

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Navient (NAVI) is positioned as a potentially undervalued asset within financials, with a current stock price of $12 and an estimated upside to a $20 target. The company’s narrative is shifting from a declining outlook to one of growth and improved credit performance. A key driver is the planned elimination of federal student lending for new students beginning in 2026, which could expand private lending volumes and support higher earnings. NAVI’s borrower mix is also shifting toward higher-quality refinance and graduate student loans, while legacy pre-spin loans continue to run off, reducing overall credit risk.

The company has implemented a restructuring program, including divestitures, outsourcing, and headcount reductions, which has already cut approximately $400 million in overhead and could further support earnings. NAVI’s loan portfolios, including FFELP and private loans, are expected to generate substantial cash flows over the next several years, covering interest, overhead, and debt obligations.

The company could also attract interest from alternative asset managers, such as Apollo, Blackstone, Carlyle, and KKR, given its origination capabilities and existing loan portfolios. Valuation remains low at around 60% of tangible book, and short interest is elevated, suggesting potential for improved market perception.

Key catalysts include the Grad PLUS termination in July 2026, potential additional cost reductions, new funding agreements, and possible divestitures. Risks include macroeconomic deterioration affecting consumer credit and disruptions in capital markets. Overall, NAVI presents a case of an established player with cash-flow-generating assets and growth opportunities in the evolving student lending market.

Previously we covered a bullish thesis on Nelnet, Inc. (NNI) by Chit Chat Stocks in May 2025, which highlighted the divestiture of its Allo Communications stake, cash-generative education software division, and growth from Next Gen Web Solutions. The stock has appreciated approximately 11.49% since our coverage. The thesis still stands as NNI continues generating cash. JackBlack shares a similar perspective but emphasizes NAVI’s growth from federal lending changes and improved borrower mix.

Navient Corporation is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 23 hedge fund portfolios held NAVI at the end of the second quarter which was 22 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of NAVI as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NAVI and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

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Disclosure: None.