BRKR vs. SLM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

BRKR (Bruker Corporation) and SLM (SLM Corporation) are both stocks. BRKR operates in Medical Devices (Healthcare), while SLM operates in Credit Services (Financial Services). Over the past 10 years, BRKR returned 8.95%/yr vs 15.22%/yr for SLM. At a 0.26 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

BRKR vs. SLM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bruker Corporation (BRKR) and SLM Corporation (SLM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BRKR achieves a 15.29% return, which is significantly higher than SLM's -16.24% return. Over the past 10 years, BRKR has underperformed SLM with an annualized return of 8.95%, while SLM has yielded a comparatively higher 15.22% annualized return.

BRKR

• 1D: -1.72%
• 1M: 23.67%
• YTD: 15.29%
• 6M: 20.34%
• 1Y: 36.75%
• 3Y*: -10.64%
• 5Y*: -5.60%
• 10Y*: 8.95%

SLM

• 1D: 1.08%
• 1M: 5.61%
• YTD: -16.24%
• 6M: -15.71%
• 1Y: -27.73%
• 3Y*: 12.21%
• 5Y*: 4.06%
• 10Y*: 15.22%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BRKR vs. SLM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BRKR Bruker Corporation	15.29%	-19.24%	-19.99%	7.82%	-18.29%	55.35%	6.58%	71.85%	-12.82%	62.96%
SLM SLM Corporation	-16.24%	-0.20%	47.25%	18.70%	-13.47%	60.54%	40.89%	8.60%	-26.46%	2.54%

Correlation

The correlation between BRKR and SLM is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2000	0.26

Fundamentals

Market Cap BRKR : $8.28B SLM : $4.43B
EPS BRKR : -$0.17 SLM : $3.63
PS Ratio BRKR : 2.39 SLM : 2.04
PB Ratio BRKR : 3.36 SLM : 1.82
Total Revenue (TTM) BRKR : $3.46B SLM : $2.25B
Gross Profit (TTM) BRKR : $1.57B SLM : $1.09B
EBITDA (TTM) BRKR : $224.20M SLM : $599.19M

Return for Risk

BRKR vs. SLM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BRKR

BRKR Risk / Return Rank: 62
BRKR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
BRKR Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
BRKR Omega Ratio Rank: 60
BRKR Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
BRKR Martin Ratio Rank: 60

SLM

SLM Risk / Return Rank: 16
SLM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
SLM Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
SLM Omega Ratio Rank: 14
SLM Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
SLM Martin Ratio Rank: 19

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BRKR vs. SLM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bruker Corporation (BRKR) and SLM Corporation (SLM). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BRKR	SLM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.67	-0.73	+1.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.25	-0.78	+2.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	0.88	+0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.93	-0.62	+1.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.79	-1.11	+2.91

BRKR vs. SLM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRKR Sharpe Ratio is 0.67, which is higher than the SLM Sharpe Ratio of -0.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRKR and SLM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BRKR vs. SLM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRKR drawdown since its inception was -94.83%, roughly equal to the maximum SLM drawdown of -94.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRKR and SLM.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRKR	SLM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-94.83%	-94.50%	-0.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-39.85%	-45.06%	+5.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-68.72%	-45.06%	-23.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-68.72%	-45.06%	-23.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-68.72%	-51.79%	-16.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-41.96%	-33.55%	-8.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-57.69%	-29.89%	-27.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	20.54%	24.92%	-4.38%

Volatility

BRKR vs. SLM - Volatility Comparison

Bruker Corporation (BRKR) has a higher volatility of 20.05% compared to SLM Corporation (SLM) at 11.73%. This indicates that BRKR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SLM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BRKR	SLM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.05%	11.73%	+8.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	38.84%	29.17%	+9.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	55.15%	38.21%	+16.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	41.50%	36.03%	+5.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.73%	36.97%	+0.76%

Dividends

BRKR vs. SLM - Dividend Comparison

BRKR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.37%, less than SLM's 2.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BRKR Bruker Corporation	0.37%	0.42%	0.34%	0.27%	0.29%	0.19%	0.30%	0.31%	0.54%	0.47%	0.76%
SLM SLM Corporation	2.32%	1.92%	1.67%	2.30%	2.65%	1.02%	0.97%	1.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Financials

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRKR and SLM in my portfolio?

BRKR and SLM have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BRKR or SLM?

BRKR has higher volatility (20.05%) compared to SLM (11.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRKR dropped -94.83% vs SLM's -94.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BRKR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.67 vs -0.73), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.