OppFi Vs Futu Holdings: Which Fintech Player Holds More Potential?

Core Viewpoint - Both OppFi Inc. (OPFI) and Futu Holdings Limited (FUTU) are fintech companies leveraging technology to transform traditional financial services, attracting growth-oriented investors seeking opportunities in the fintech sector [1][2] Company Overview - Futu Holdings provides fully digitalized financial services, focusing on online brokerage and wealth management primarily in the China market, while OppFi offers alternative lending solutions to underserved U.S. customers [2] - Both companies aim to disrupt traditional financial services through advanced technology [2] OppFi's Case - OppFi's strategy targets affordable credit for underbanked customers, with a projected market growth of 13% CAGR, reaching a $7 trillion market by 2032 [3] - The company utilizes AI and machine learning to enhance credit evaluation, improving the identification and approval of higher-quality applicants [4] - In Q4 2024, 79.5% of OppLoans were approved instantly without human intervention, marking a 630 basis point increase from Q4 2023, contributing to a 60 basis point reduction in expenses before interest year over year [5] Futu Holdings' Case - Futu challenges traditional brokerage with a fully digital platform and low fees, utilizing AI for operational efficiency, resulting in a 116% increase in operating income and a 690 basis point improvement in margin year over year in Q4 2024 [6] - The company launched various AI-driven features to enhance client experience, including automatic interpretation of corporate announcements [7] - Futu's product velocity was high in Q4 2024, with 209 iterations of its mobile and desktop applications and a 28.7% year-over-year increase in registered clients, leading to an 87% surge in top-line revenue [8][9] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Futu's 2025 sales and EPS indicates year-over-year growth of 19.1% and 31.5%, respectively [11] - For OppFi, the estimates show 9.7% growth in sales and 12.6% in EPS for 2025 [12] Valuation Comparison - Futu Holdings trades at a forward earnings multiple of 12.57X, below its 12-month median of 14.22X, while OppFi's forward earnings multiple is 8.41X, higher than its median of 6.73X [13] Conclusion - Both OPFI and FUTU are notable fintech players, but OPFI is viewed as a more compelling investment opportunity due to its focus on advanced AI and ML in the underserved U.S. credit market, operational efficiency, and ability to disrupt traditional lending [15]