Core Insights - A new study reveals a significant AI skills gap between finance students and seasoned finance professionals, highlighting the need for improved AI readiness in the finance sector [1][3][4] AI Readiness and Skills Gap - Two-thirds (66%) of current corporate finance professionals report using AI at work, while 86% of all respondents believe they will use AI tools in their careers [2] - There is a notable decline in AI skills readiness as professionals gain experience; 89% of finance students feel prepared to use AI, compared to only 54% of professionals with over 10 years of experience [3] - Over half (57%) of finance professionals identify a generational technology divide as a significant issue within their organizations, with the AI skills gap being a major contributor [3] Gender Disparities in AI Adoption - Male finance professionals report higher AI usage (71%) compared to female professionals (61%), indicating a gender gap in technology adoption [5] - Among young finance professionals, only 56% of young women feel prepared to use AI, compared to 69% of young men [6] - In finance education, only 12% of female students expect to rely heavily on AI, versus 68% of male students, reflecting a broader trend in expectations and experience [7] Career Expectations vs. Reality - The top motivators for pursuing a finance career include job stability (63%), high salary (57%), and a clear roadmap for career growth (55%) [8] - There is a disconnect between student expectations and the realities of finance careers; 79% of students expect to work less than 40 hours per week, while 58% of current professionals report working 40 hours or more [9][10] - Only 51% of current professionals believe new graduates are adequately prepared for the realities of finance jobs, emphasizing the need for better training [11] Recommendations for Future Success - To bridge the skills gap, the finance industry must invest in early training programs and modern practices that equip new talent with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment [12]

Core Viewpoint - Pintec Technology Holdings Limited will hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on June 13, 2025, in Beijing, China, to discuss company matters [1]. Group 1: Meeting Details - The extraordinary general meeting (EGM) is scheduled for June 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Beijing time [1]. - Holders of Class A and Class B ordinary shares as of May 13, 2025, are entitled to attend and vote at the EGM [2]. - Voting rights for American Depositary Shares (ADS) holders will be facilitated through The Bank of New York Mellon or other intermediaries [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Pintec is a Nasdaq-listed company that provides technology-enabled financial and digital services to micro, small, and medium enterprises in China [4]. - The company connects business and financial partners on its open platform, enabling efficient financial service delivery to end users [4]. - Pintec holds various licenses in China, including internet micro lending, fund distribution, insurance brokerage, and enterprise credit investigation licenses [4].

Core Insights - Affirm Holdings Inc experienced a significant decline in share price despite reporting fiscal third-quarter results that were broadly in line with expectations [1] - The company's gross merchandise value (GMV) reached $8.6 billion, representing a 36.5% increase, surpassing the consensus estimate of $8.2 billion [2] - Revenue for the quarter was reported at $783.1 million, up 35.9%, aligning with consensus expectations [3] Financial Performance - Affirm raised its fiscal fourth-quarter GMV outlook from a range of $9 billion to $9.3 billion to a new range of $9.4 billion to $9.7 billion, indicating strong execution and growth [4] - The revenue outlook for the fourth quarter was also increased from $810 million to $840 million to a new range of $815 million to $845 million [4] - Despite positive revenue and GMV growth, there were weaker-than-expected results in interest income and gain on sale revenue [3] Market Reaction - Following the earnings report, Affirm's shares fell by 13.71%, trading at $46.82 [4] - Analyst Kyle Peterson maintained a Hold rating on the stock, citing a lack of positive catalysts in the near term due to rising recessionary fears [4]

Company Overview - Remitly Global, Inc. is a trusted provider of digital financial services that operate across borders, with a presence in over 170 countries [2] - The company offers a digitally native, cross-border payments app that provides customers with a fast, reliable, and transparent money movement experience [2] - Remitly is expanding its product suite to further its vision and transform lives globally [2] Upcoming Investor Conferences - Remitly's management team will present at the J.P. Morgan 53rd Annual Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference on May 14, 2025, at 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time [1] - The company will also present at the Barclays 15th Annual Emerging Payments and FinTech Forum on May 20, 2025, at 10:20 a.m. Eastern Time [1] - Presentations will be webcast live from Remitly's investor relations website, with replays available afterward [1]

Core Insights - The financial technology sector is experiencing a new wave of development opportunities driven by strong policy support, including a recent announcement from the central bank to increase the re-lending quota for technological innovation and transformation by 300 billion yuan, bringing the total to 800 billion yuan [1][2] - Financial technology stocks showed mixed performance, with some stocks like Kela Software and Runhe Software seeing significant gains, while others like Donghua Software and Newland experienced declines [1][2] - The financial technology ETF (516860) has seen a cumulative increase of over 62% in the past year, indicating strong market interest [1] Financial Performance - Financial IT companies are witnessing a surge in order volumes, with notable performances from companies like Tonghuashun, which reported a net profit of 120 million yuan, up 16% year-on-year, and Dongfang Caifu, with a net profit of 2.72 billion yuan, up 39% [2] - The net profit of Guiding Compass skyrocketed by 726% year-on-year, primarily due to the explosion of AI advisory services [2] - The financial technology sector is entering a performance realization phase, supported by the integration of AI technology to optimize cost structures and enhance service efficiency [2] Market Trends - The internationalization of the RMB and the expansion of digital RMB trials are creating significant growth opportunities for financial technology, with cross-border RMB settlement amounts reaching 16 trillion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of over 15% [2] - The financial technology index's dynamic PE is currently at 28 times, below the median of the past five years, indicating a favorable valuation compared to other sectors like AI chips, which have a PE of 45 times [5] - Leading companies such as Hengsheng Electronics and Dongfang Caifu have PEs below 30 times, highlighting their attractive value proposition in terms of performance certainty and growth potential [5] Investment Strategy - The financial technology ETF (516860) is positioned as a core tool for investors looking to capitalize on the high growth and AI technology barriers within the financial technology sector [6] - Investors are advised to focus on earnings realization during the earnings season, technological breakthroughs, and capital flows, with a strategy of buying on dips to capture the long-term benefits of "AI + finance" [6]

Core Insights - Toast reported revenue of $1.34 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 24.4% [1] - The company's EPS was $0.20, a significant improvement from -$0.15 in the same quarter last year [1] - Revenue met the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but there was a slight negative surprise of -0.27% [1] - EPS exceeded expectations with a surprise of +5.26% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.19 [1] Key Performance Metrics - Gross Payment Volume (GPV) was reported at $42.2 billion, slightly below the estimated $42.38 billion [4] - Subscription Annualized Recurring Run-Rate reached $883 million, surpassing the average estimate of $867.78 million [4] - The number of locations served by Toast was 140,000, close to the estimated 140,163 [4] - Total Annualized Recurring Run-Rate (ARR) was $1.71 billion, matching the average estimate [4] - Payments Annualized Recurring Run-Rate stood at $830 million, slightly above the estimate of $824.03 million [4] - Revenue from financial technology solutions was $1.08 billion, aligning with the average estimate [4] - Revenue from subscription services was $209 million, exceeding the average estimate of $201.35 million [4] - Revenue from hardware and professional services was $46 million, falling short of the estimated $53.03 million [4] Stock Performance - Toast's shares have returned +3.4% over the past month, compared to the S&P 500 composite's +11.3% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market [3]

Core Insights - Affirm Holdings reported revenue of $783.14 million for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 35.9% [1] - The company's EPS was $0.01, a significant improvement from -$0.43 in the same quarter last year, resulting in an EPS surprise of +111.11% [1] - The reported revenue was slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $783.85 million, indicating a surprise of -0.09% [1] Key Financial Metrics - Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) reached $8,558 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $8,129.51 billion [4] - Transactions per Active Consumer were 6, surpassing the estimated average of 5 [4] - Active Consumers totaled 22, slightly above the average estimate of 21 [4] - Revenue from the Merchant network was $213.97 million, compared to the estimated $199.48 million, marking a year-over-year increase of 34.3% [4] - Revenue from the Card network was $58.57 million, exceeding the estimated $46.40 million, with a year-over-year growth of 64.2% [4] - Revenue from Interest income was $402.70 million, slightly below the estimated $414.44 million, but still reflecting a year-over-year increase of 27.6% [4] - Revenue from Servicing income was $32.05 million, above the estimated $31.25 million, representing a year-over-year change of 26.7% [4] - Revenue from Gain on sales of loans was $75.84 million, below the estimated $81.19 million, but showing a significant year-over-year increase of 88.7% [4] Stock Performance - Affirm Holdings' shares have returned +16.3% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +11.3% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting potential for outperformance in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is pleased to improve its outlook for the current quarter and the fiscal year, indicating a positive trend in financial performance [6] - The company is on a journey towards becoming GAAP profitable, balancing growth and profitability [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The strength in GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume) was broad-based, with strong growth across various categories, particularly in direct-to-consumer services, which grew faster than the overall business [18][19] - March was highlighted as the strongest month of growth, achieving a 40% year-on-year GMV growth [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that the 0% APR product is gaining excellent traction, with a focus on maintaining high credit quality [10][12] - The company is actively responding to merchant requests for promotional financing, which is seen as a growth opportunity [10][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to balance growth opportunities with excellent credit quality while being judicious in spending [6] - The management emphasized the importance of the 0% APR product as a tool for market share growth and customer acquisition, viewing it as a long-term value booster [12][28] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is mindful of the potential implications of student loan enforcement and has factored this into their underwriting processes [59] - The company is continuously monitoring credit trends and is prepared to adjust its strategies based on market conditions [110][115] Other Important Information - The company is focused on enhancing its app to improve user engagement and repayment rates, with ongoing updates and improvements [61][64] - The partnership with Costco is seen as a significant opportunity, although specific timelines for impact were not disclosed [70][71] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the balance between zero APR loans and interest-bearing loans? - Management indicated that while zero APR loans generate slightly lower revenue, they significantly improve credit quality and customer acquisition, leading to long-term benefits [10][12] Question: What are the pockets of strength in GMV? - The company reported strong growth across various categories, with direct-to-consumer services leading the charge [18][19] Question: How does the company view the competitive landscape? - Management acknowledged the competitive environment but emphasized their focus on conversion and impact rather than pricing [126][129] Question: What are the implications of student loan enforcement? - The company is monitoring the situation closely and has already incorporated student loan data into their underwriting processes [59] Question: Can you provide an update on international expansion? - The partnership with Adyen is expected to speed up integration in the UK, with ongoing efforts to educate the market about the company's offerings [91][92] Question: How is AI being utilized within the company? - The company is leveraging machine learning for credit scoring and operational efficiency, while also exploring generative AI for customer interactions [96][100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core revenue grew 14% year over year, reaching $320 million in Q3 [38] - Non-GAAP operating income margin was 15%, exceeding expectations [4][38] - Free cash flow increased by 44% year over year, representing a 25% margin [5][38] - Total revenue for Q3 was $358 million, up 11% year over year [38] - Non-GAAP net income was $59 million, with a net income margin of 16% [44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the integrated platform, excluding the financial institution channel, was $302 million, up 15% year over year [39] - Revenue from the Bill APAR solution was $164 million, up 10% year over year [39] - Revenue from the Bill Spend and Expense solution was $138 million, up 21% year over year [42] - Total payment volume grew 10% year over year, although TPV per customer decreased by 2% [39][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The accounting channel saw net adds grow over 60% year over year, with 9,000 accounting firms using the platform [20] - Local transfer capabilities were enabled in dozens of countries, enhancing international payment solutions [32] - The company processed $79 billion in total payment volume, representing over 1% of GDP [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding capabilities for larger businesses and enhancing its payment portfolio [5][12] - An accelerated AI growth strategy is being implemented to transform financial operations for SMBs [23][24] - The introduction of advanced solutions for procurement and multi-entity management aims to simplify complex financial processes [9][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that SMBs are adapting to a dynamic macro environment, with signs of reduced spending and transaction volume [28][46] - The company remains confident in its ability to capture market opportunities despite current uncertainties [29][46] - Future guidance for Q4 expects core revenue to be between $335 million and $345 million, reflecting 11% to 15% year-over-year growth [48] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $2.2 billion in cash and short-term investments, providing liquidity for growth investments [44] - Stock-based compensation expenses are expected to be approximately 17% of total revenue, reflecting a reduction from earlier estimates [50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Success with accountants adopting Divvy post integration - Management highlighted the significant opportunity within the accountant base, with over 9,000 firms using the product and potential for cross-selling [55] Question: Confidence level regarding investments and expected returns - Management expressed increased confidence in internal execution driving results, with ongoing investments in key priorities [62] Question: Observations from April trends and comparisons to past cycles - Management noted that SMBs are facing significant uncertainty, leading to fewer transactions and decreased spending, similar to conditions seen during COVID [66][68] Question: Impact of tariffs on cross-border transaction revenue - Management indicated that the majority of international transactions are for services, with no significant shift between USD and local currency observed [75][76] Question: Pricing and packaging of the software platform - Management acknowledged the opportunity for pricing adjustments as the platform's value increases, with plans to discuss this in future quarters [82] Question: Payments monetization within Bill APAR - Management detailed that take rate expansion in Q3 was driven by volume growth in emerging payment products and reduced FX losses [90][91]

Financial Performance - Blend Labs achieved $1 million in non-GAAP net operating income, marking the third consecutive quarter of profitability[6] - Revenue reached $26.8 million, exceeding the midpoint of guidance[6] - The company delivered $15.5 million of free cash flow, resulting in a 58% free cash flow margin[6] Revenue Breakdown - Consumer Banking Suite revenue increased to $9.6 million in Q1 2025[9] - Mortgage Suite revenue decreased to $14.6 million in Q1 2025[10] - Total Software Platform revenue increased by 12% year-over-year, reaching $24.26 million in Q1 2025[34] Efficiency and Cost Management - Non-GAAP operating expenses significantly reduced year over year, with FY 2025E projected between $85 million and $90 million[22, 25] - General & Administrative expenses decreased to $6.7 million in Q1 2025[23] - Research & Development expenses decreased to $5.6 million in Q1 2025[23] Mortgage Suite Economics - Mortgage Suite economic value per funded loan increased to $93 in Q1 2025[13] - Near-term economic value per funded loan is expected to generate contribution margin of 90%+[17]