Nelnet Inc logo

Nelnet Inc(NNI)

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ADVISORIES YOU CAN VERIFY
QUALITY SIGNAL
1-STAR RATING
PASS
LAST CLOSE
$124.34
09/25/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
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Upturn Advisory & Investor View for NNI

09/25/2026: NNI (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.

Nelnet Inc is a diversified financial services and technology company known for its significant position in U.S. student loan servicing and K-12 education software. Its business model relies on the steady cash flow of legacy servicing operations while expanding into higher-growth areas like renewable energy and payment technology. The primary investment story centers on its unique ability to manage a complex, multi-sector portfolio that provides long-term value. Key risks include heavy dependence on federal policy changes in student lending and competitive pressure in the ed-tech space. The stock may suit value-oriented investors who appreciate a diversified asset base, though they should monitor regulatory shifts and the firm’s continued execution in newer growth markets.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorMixed fitThe business has steady growth segments but is anchored by mature, regulated business lines.
Momentum investorWeak fitThe stock typically exhibits lower volatility and longer-term value-based performance patterns.
Value investorStrong fitThe company is often viewed as a holding company with diversified assets that may be undervalued relative to their combined worth.
Dividend investorMixed fitThe dividend is reliable but modest, reflecting a strategy focused on capital reinvestment.
Low-risk investorMixed fitRegulatory risks inherent in student loan servicing provide a layer of policy uncertainty.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMediumThe stock can react to legislative changes affecting student loans.
Valuation riskLowThe company has a history of prudent capital allocation and asset management.
Competition risk (ed-tech)Medium / highSoftware competitors are constantly innovating in the school management space.
Business qualityStrongNelnet has built a diverse, cash-generative business model over several decades.
Dividend incomeLowIncome is not the primary driver for total return for this stock.
Execution riskMediumIntegration of new businesses and management of solar projects requires operational discipline.

Price Behavior

Rolling Over
PRICE PATH

Rolling Over

The price momentum is slowing down and beginning to turn downward.

Moderately Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Moderately Choppy

The stock has experienced noticeable price swings while retaining some directional structure.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit -5.3%
Avg. Invested days 46
Today’s Advisory PASS
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 3.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 09/25/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
NNI receives a 4-star rating, supported by solid unit economics, and solid company fundamentals. The rating is constrained by soft analyst coverage, weak price momentum, and limited analyst upside.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
NNI has solid overall fundamentals (4 stars), with solid financial health, solid growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, strong earnings growth (+132.8%) supports the fundamentals score.

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
NNI's financial health is supported by solid profitability, including gross margin of 87.0% and operating margin of 50.6%. Liquidity is moderate (3 stars), which helps explain the 4-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Earnings growth is NNI's strongest growth driver at +132.8% FY2025 versus FY2024 (strong, 5 stars). By comparison, revenue growth (+22.6%, solid) is also solid, while free-cash-flow growth (-38.2%, negative) holds the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 49.0% and approximately 64.0% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership of 30.90% supports management-shareholder alignment.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. 5.18%
Magnolia Group, LLC 3.55%
Farmenrs & Merchants Investments Inc 3.30%
BlackRock Inc 2.73%
Vanguard Portfolio Management, LLC 1.90%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
NNI generates approximately $870 of gross profit, $506 of operating income, and $175 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Strong cash conversion and healthy margins support the rating, although capital efficiency remains below the highest tier.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 24.32%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
NNI has a liquid, relatively low-volatility profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Value-OrientedLow VolatilitySmall / Mid Cap RiskHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Mid-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 4.45B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 14.87
1Y Target Price 130
Price to earnings Ratio 14.87
1Y Target Price 130
Volume (30-day avg) 145.4K shares
Beta 0.76
52 Weeks Range 116.02 - 143.64
Updated Date 09/25/2026
52 Weeks Range 116.02 - 143.64
Updated Date 09/25/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 1.03%
Basic EPS (TTM) 8.36

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
Loan ServicingServicing student loans for the Department of Education.Steady fee-based income from managing existing loan portfolios.
Nelnet Business ServicesFACTS platform and payment processing for schools.Software-as-a-service model provides reliable recurring revenue.
Renewable EnergySolar project development and tax equity.Capitalizes on tax incentives for long-term project growth.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

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Valuation

Trailing PE 14.87
Forward PE 13.05
Enterprise Value 11.18B
Price to Sales(TTM) 2.99
Enterprise Value 11.18B
Price to Sales(TTM) 2.99
Enterprise Value to Revenue 8.02
Enterprise Value to EBITDA -
Shares Outstanding 25.16M
Shares Floating 16.10M
Shares Outstanding 25.16M
Shares Floating 16.10M
Percent Insiders 30.9
Percent Institutions 49

Icon representing Upturn AI-generated SWOT analysis summary Upturn AI Summary

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Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

About Nelnet Inc

Exchange NYSE
Headquarters Lincoln, NE, United States
IPO Launch date 2003-12-11
CEO -
Sector Financial Services
Industry Credit Services
Full time employees 5744
Full time employees 5744

Nelnet, Inc. engages in loan servicing, education technology services, and payment businesses worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Loan Servicing and Systems, Education Technology Services and Payments, Asset Generation and Management, and Nelnet Bank. The Loan Servicing and Systems segment provides loan conversion, application processing, borrower updates, customer, payment processing, due diligence procedures, funds management reconciliation, and claim processing services. This segment also offers student loan servicing software; and business process outsourcing services primarily in contact center management, such as inbound calls, outreach campaigns and sales, and interacting with customers through multi-channels, and processing and administrative services. The Education Technology Services and Payments segment provides financial management services; school information system software; a donation platform; education technology solutions; and customized professional development and coaching, and advanced learning and educational instruction services. This segment also offers tuition payment plans, and service and technology for student billings, payments, and refunds; solutions for in-person, online, and mobile payment experiences on campus; payment processing services, such as credit card and electronic transfer; learning management system; an integrated commerce payment platform; and a school management platform that provides administrative, information and financial management, and communication functions for K-12 schools. The Asset Generation and Management segment invest, allocates an manages loan assts. The Nelnet Bank segment operates as an internet industrial bank. It also offers investment advisory, investment, and reinsurance services, as well as engages in the real estate investment; and solar engineering, procurement, and construction businesses. The company was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.