Core Insights - Chime and Upstart are both fintech companies focused on providing financial services to lower-income consumers, with Chime offering fee-free banking and Upstart utilizing AI for loan approvals [1][12] Chime Overview - Chime went public at $27 in June but is currently trading around $24, indicating a decline [2] - Chime's services include fee-free checking and savings accounts, overdraft protection, and a Visa debit card, appealing to lower-income users [4][5] - In 2024, Chime's active members increased by 21% to 8 million, with total revenue rising 31% to $1.67 billion [8] - Despite growth, Chime's purchase volume and average revenue per active member (ARPAM) have shown sequential declines, attributed to macroeconomic pressures [9][10] - Analysts project Chime's revenue to grow by 30% to $2.17 billion in 2025, with adjusted EBITDA turning positive [11] Upstart Overview - Upstart, which acts as a marketplace for loans, has seen its loan originations grow by 28% in 2024, with total revenue increasing by 24% to $636.5 million [15] - The company has benefited from lower interest rates and has automated more of its loan processes, expanding its lending partners [16] - Analysts expect Upstart's revenue and adjusted EBITDA to surge significantly in 2025, driven by favorable interest rate conditions [17] Comparative Analysis - Chime has a higher enterprise value relative to its adjusted EBITDA compared to Upstart, suggesting that Upstart may be a more attractive investment option [18] - Chime faces more competition and has slower growth rates, while Upstart has a clearer path for growth and a lower valuation [19]