Core Insights - Upstart Holdings and Affirm Holdings are prominent players in the fintech industry, leveraging artificial intelligence to transform traditional lending practices [1][2] - Upstart focuses on AI-driven personal loans, while Affirm is recognized for its "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) model, with differing financials and future outlooks [2] Upstart Holdings - Upstart has created an AI-based underwriting platform that surpasses traditional FICO scoring by incorporating alternative variables such as education and employment history, allowing for 92% loan automation by Q1 2025 [3] - The company is experiencing growth not only in personal loans but also in auto loans, HELOCs, and small-dollar loans, with auto loan originations increasing by 42%, HELOCs by 52%, and small-dollar loans by 7% sequentially in Q1 2025 [4] - Financially, Upstart reported a 67% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1, with non-GAAP EPS turning from a loss of $0.31 to a profit of $0.30, and it anticipates 76% revenue growth in Q2 and 59% for the full year [5] - Upstart is strengthening its funding relationships, with institutional investors like Fortress Investment Group now funding over half of its originations, and it is shifting towards super-prime borrowers, who now account for 32% of personal loan originations [6] - Despite challenges such as high interest rates and a dip in contribution margin from 61% to 55%, Upstart's expanding product suite and improving credit performance position it as a resilient fintech player [7] Affirm Holdings - Affirm has established a strong BNPL brand, facilitating payment splitting at checkout through partnerships with major companies like Amazon and Shopify, and its AI platform allows for quick loan approvals [8] - The company has 21.9 million active users and 358,000 active merchants as of Q3 fiscal 2025, and is expanding into sectors like travel and home improvement while also moving towards broader banking services [9] - Affirm is pursuing international expansion, recently launching Shop Pay Installments in Canada and planning to enter the U.K., Australia, and Western Europe, although it faces competition from established players like Klarna and PayPal [10] - Financially, Affirm's Q3 fiscal 2025 revenues grew by 36% year-over-year, but this growth lags behind Upstart's performance, with a non-GAAP EPS of $0.01 compared to a loss of $0.43 in the previous year [11] - Management projects Q4 revenue growth between 23% and 28%, indicating a potential slowdown [12] EPS Estimate Trends - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Affirm's fiscal 2025 indicates year-over-year growth of 36.9% for revenue and 95.8% for EPS, but the estimate revision trend has been volatile [13] - In contrast, Upstart's estimates imply a 58.8% revenue increase and an 830% EPS increase for 2025, with a steady upward revision trend reflecting predictable performance [14][15] Price Performance & Valuation - Both companies have experienced share price fluctuations in 2025, with Affirm shares down 11.8% year-to-date and Upstart down 14% [17] - Currently, both companies have similar forward price-to-sales ratios, with Affirm at 4.46 and Upstart at 4.52 [18] Conclusion - While Affirm has built a strong consumer brand and is diversifying its financial services, it remains heavily reliant on the competitive BNPL market, with uncertain profitability and slower growth [21] - Upstart, on the other hand, is executing across multiple high-growth verticals, demonstrating operational leverage and a path towards consistent profitability, making it a more attractive investment opportunity [22][23]

Group 1: Palantir Technologies - Palantir develops data analytics software for commercial and government sectors, with core platforms Gotham and Foundry that integrate complex data and machine learning models [2] - The company reported a 39% increase in revenue to $884 million and a 62% increase in non-GAAP earnings to $0.13 per diluted share, with total customers climbing 39% to 769 [4] - Despite strong financial results, the stock fell sharply due to concerns over valuation, with a forward price-to-sales ratio significantly higher than competitors [5][6] - Analysts have set a target price of $40 per share, indicating a 64% downside from the current price of $110 [10] Group 2: Upstart Holdings - Upstart provides an AI lending platform that automates credit decisions, considering over 2,500 variables compared to the traditional FICO score [8][9] - The company reported a 67% increase in revenue to $2.1 billion, with positive non-GAAP earnings of $0.30 per diluted share, up from a loss in the same quarter last year [11] - Analysts have set a target price of $15 per share for Upstart, implying a 67% downside from its current price of $46 [10] - The outlook for Upstart is mixed, with potential growth due to expected Federal Reserve rate cuts, but also risks from economic uncertainty and tariffs [13][14]

Core Viewpoint - Upstart's Q1 earnings report demonstrated strong growth driven by its new AI model, Model 18, which significantly improved its conversion rates and overall business performance [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 67% to $213.4 million, surpassing estimates of $201.3 million, with fees revenue growing by 34% to $185.5 million [2]. - Loan originations rose by 102% to 240,706 loans, while total originations increased by 89% to over $2.1 billion [3]. - Adjusted EBITDA improved from a loss of $20.3 million to a profit of $42.6 million, with a GAAP loss of $2.4 million, an improvement from a loss of $64.6 million a year ago [4]. Earnings Per Share - Adjusted per-share profit was reported at $0.30, exceeding the consensus estimate of $0.17 and improving from an adjusted loss of $0.31 in the same quarter last year [5]. Guidance and Market Reaction - Despite strong Q1 results, Upstart maintained its full-year guidance, projecting Q2 revenue of $225 million, slightly below the consensus of $226.3 million, leading to a 16% drop in after-hours trading [7][8]. Business Diversification - Upstart has diversified its offerings, with auto loans growing fivefold to $61 million and home loan originations increasing sixfold to $41 million, indicating a shift towards secured loans [9]. Strategic Partnerships - A one-year strategic partnership with OnePay, majority-owned by Walmart, aims to market lending products to Walmart's customer base, presenting a significant growth opportunity [10]. - Fortress Investment Group has committed to purchasing up to $1.2 billion in loans originated on Upstart, enhancing the company's funding base [11]. Valuation and Growth Potential - Following the after-hours sell-off, Upstart's forward P/E ratio is at 31 based on adjusted earnings, with potential for further declines as analysts adjust forecasts [12]. - The company is positioned for growth in the auto and home loan markets, with proprietary data indicating a modest improvement in the macroenvironment [13]. Overall Business Outlook - Upstart's business is strengthening, technology is advancing, and the current valuation appears attractive, with an upcoming "AI day" planned to discuss technology updates and business strategy [14].

Artificial intelligence (AI) lending stock Upstart Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:UPST) was last seen down 11.9% at $45.27, brushing off upbeat first-quarter results as well as a strong full-year forecast, after the company's second-quarter outlook spooked investors. No fewer than four analysts slashed their price targets after the event, including Morgan Stanley all the way to $50 from $70. Options traders are blasting Upstart stock in response. So far today, 62,000 calls and 47,000 puts have been exchanged , which ...

Core Insights - Upstart Holdings, Inc. reported first-quarter earnings of 30 cents per share, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of 17 cents, with quarterly revenue of $213.37 million, up from $127.79 million year-over-year, and beating the consensus estimate of $199.49 million [1][3] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company achieved a revenue increase of 66.9% year-over-year, reflecting strong growth in its lending operations [1] - Upstart slightly raised its full-year revenue outlook, primarily driven by interest income, and increased its EBITDA margin guidance by 100 basis points [3] - Analysts project revenue growth of +58.9% in FY25 and +25.8% in FY26 [4] Group 2: Analyst Perspectives - JPMorgan noted that Upstart is experiencing a flywheel effect, where improved repayment data enhances risk detection, leading to higher loan approval rates and overall volume [1] - Piper Sandler highlighted the potential of Upstart's AI-driven lending platform, especially as the loan funding environment improves, and noted that over half of its originations are now supported by committed capital partners [2] - Analysts have differing ratings, with JPMorgan maintaining a Neutral rating and lowering the price forecast from $79 to $64, while Piper Sandler maintained an Overweight rating with a price forecast of $69 [5]

Core Insights - Upstart Holdings, Inc. reported a revenue of $213.37 million for the quarter ended March 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 67% and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $200.74 million by 6.29% [1] - The company achieved an EPS of $0.30, a significant improvement from -$0.31 a year ago, with an EPS surprise of 57.89% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.19 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Upstart's transaction volume reached $2.13 million, surpassing the average estimate of $1.90 million by two analysts [4] - Revenue from fees, net, was reported at $185.48 million, slightly above the average estimate of $185.42 million based on five analysts, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 34.3% [4] - Total interest income, interest expense, and fair value adjustments, net, amounted to $27.90 million, significantly lower than the estimated $15.28 million, indicating a drastic year-over-year change of -371.5% [4] - Revenue from platform and referral fees, net, was $150.98 million, exceeding the estimate of $148.10 million and showing a year-over-year increase of 45.4% [4] - Revenue from servicing and other fees, net, was reported at $34.50 million, below the average estimate of $37.57 million, with a year-over-year change of 0.9% [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, Upstart shares have returned 37.6%, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's return of 11.5% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - Upstart experienced significant growth in loan originations, with a year-over-year increase of 89% to $2.1 billion, primarily driven by personal loans which grew 83% [1][3] - The company is expanding into the super-prime borrower segment, which now represents 32% of total originations [1][3] - Despite positive growth metrics and management's commentary on improved borrower health, shares fell over 18% in after-hours trading due to a slight decrease in contribution margins [1][4] Loan Originations - Total platform originations reached $2.1 billion, with personal loans accounting for $2 billion, reflecting an 83% increase year-over-year [3] - Automated processes contributed to nearly 92% of loans being originated without human intervention [3] Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 67% due to higher conversion rates on lending, as stated by CEO Dave Girouard [4] - Average loan size increased to approximately $8,865 from $8,580 in the previous quarter, influenced by a higher proportion of loans to super-prime borrowers [8] Automation and Technology - The company introduced embedding algorithms to enhance its personal loan underwriting model, improving accuracy and credit decision-making [5] - Upstart automated 90% of hardship applications in Q1, streamlining processes for borrowers [7] Other Lending Segments - Car loan originations grew 42% sequentially, while home equity line of credit (HELOC) originations surged 52% quarter-over-quarter and more than 6 times year-over-year [6] - Short-term lending accounted for 16% of new borrowers in the quarter [6] Future Outlook - The company projects revenues of $225 million for the current quarter, representing a 75% increase compared to the same period last year [10] - CFO Sanjay Datta noted that while macroeconomic factors have not significantly impacted credit performance, there is increased uncertainty with potential upside and downside scenarios [9][10]

Upstart, which belongs to the Zacks Financial - Miscellaneous Services industry, posted revenues of $213.37 million for the quarter ended March 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.29%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $127.79 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four quarters. Upstart Holdings, Inc. (UPST) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.30 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.19 per share. This compares to loss of $ ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, total revenue reached approximately $213 million, representing a 67% year-on-year growth [26] - Adjusted EBITDA was $43 million, indicating a significant scaling in operating leverage [29] - GAAP net loss was $2 million, which was better than expectations, reflecting strong performance on net interest income [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Platform originations grew 89% year-on-year, with personal loan originations flat sequentially but up 83% year-on-year [5][9] - Home and Auto lending saw sequential growth rates of 5242% and 42% respectively, with auto lending growing almost 5x compared to a year ago [6][13] - HELOC originations grew 52% quarter-on-quarter and more than 6x year-on-year [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The volume of loan transactions across the platform was approximately 241,000, up 102% from the prior year [27] - Average loan size increased to approximately $8,865 from $8,580 in the prior quarter [27] - The Upstart Macro Index remains elevated but stable, indicating improving consumer financial health [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to return to GAAP net income profitability in the second half of the year, with a focus on expanding both core and newer products [21][33] - Upstart is prioritizing AI advancements, with a goal to enhance its leadership in AI lending and improve risk models [20][24] - The company is diversifying its funding sources, with over 50% of loan funding now in committed partnership agreements [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in adapting to changing macroeconomic conditions, noting that credit performance has remained stable despite recent market turbulence [7][31] - The company is cautious about potential risks from reinflation and is planning for a steady macro environment [31] - Guidance for Q2 includes total revenues of approximately $225 million, with expectations for continued strong demand for credit [32] Other Important Information - The company has signed a one-year agreement with Walmart's FinTech, One Pay, to make its products available to Walmart customers [36] - Upstart's HELOC product has expanded its footprint to 37 states plus Washington D.C., covering almost 75% of the U.S. population [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the Walmart partnership? - Management confirmed a one-year agreement with Walmart's FinTech, emphasizing the alignment of values in delivering consumer value [36][37] Question: Any trends in April and early May? - Management indicated that guidance captures the current trends, providing limited additional color [39] Question: Thoughts on conversion rates for the remainder of the year? - Management expects conversion rates to improve with better models and automation, aiming to reach around 20% [45] Question: Why is the 2025 outlook not higher despite new funding? - Management clarified that funding is not the gating item for growth; rather, it is the economic acquisition of the right borrowers [102] Question: How are funding partners reacting to market volatility? - Management reported no pullbacks from committed capital partners, indicating resilience in funding sources [70] Question: How is Upstart adapting to macroeconomic changes? - Management emphasized the adaptability of their models and a conservative approach to planning, with no assumptions of Fed rate cuts this year [74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was approximately $213 million, representing a 67% year-on-year increase [26] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $43 million, marking a significant improvement in operating leverage [30] - GAAP net loss was $2 million, which was better than expectations, reflecting strong net interest income performance [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Platform originations grew 89% year-on-year, with personal loan originations up 83% year-on-year [5][8] - Home and Auto lending saw sequential growth rates of 5242% and 42% respectively [6][13] - HELOC originations grew 52% quarter-on-quarter and more than 6x year-on-year [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The volume of loan transactions across the platform was approximately 241,000, up 102% from the prior year [27] - Average loan size increased to approximately $8,865 from $8,580 in the prior quarter [28] - The Upstart Macro Index remains elevated but stable, indicating improving consumer financial health [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to return to GAAP net income profitability in the second half of 2025 [22] - Focus on enhancing AI capabilities and expanding product offerings to maintain competitive advantage [21] - Plans to diversify funding sources and strengthen partnerships, with over 50% of loan funding in committed partnerships [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in adapting to changing macroeconomic conditions, despite potential risks from government trade policies [7] - The macroeconomic environment is expected to remain stable, with no explicit expectation of rate cuts [32] - Management remains cautious about fixed costs and hiring, reflecting a conservative approach to business planning [75] Other Important Information - The company has signed a one-year agreement with Walmart's fintech subsidiary, One Pay, to offer products to Walmart customers [36] - The introduction of machine learning techniques, such as embeddings, is expected to enhance credit performance predictions [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the Walmart partnership? - The company signed a one-year agreement with Walmart's fintech, One Pay, to make products available to Walmart customers, which has already been launched [36][37] Question: Can you provide trends in April and early May? - Management indicated that guidance captures the current quarter's trends, providing limited additional color [39] Question: How should we think about conversion rates for the remainder of the year? - Conversion rates increased from 14% to 19%, with expectations to drive them higher through improved models and automation [44] Question: Why was the 2025 outlook not increased despite new funding? - The company was never short of funding; the gating item is the economic acquisition of the right borrowers [104] Question: How have funding partners reacted to market volatility? - Committed partnerships are performing as designed, with no pullbacks from private credit partners or banks [72] Question: How is the company adapting to macroeconomic changes? - The company relies on adaptive models and conservatism in planning, with no assumptions of Fed rate cuts this year [75]