Company Overview - Upstart is a fintech company that utilizes artificial intelligence to automate the loan process, including approval and underwriting, and charges fees for its services [6] - The company went public in late 2020 at approximately $26 per share and is currently trading at around $29.26, reflecting a volatile stock history [2][9] Stock Performance - Year-to-date, Upstart's stock has decreased by 33%, and over the past year, it has dropped by 65% [5] - The stock reached a peak of over $320 per share in October 2021 but fell to around $12 per share during the banking crisis in spring 2023 before recovering to over $85 per share [3] Challenges Faced - Upstart has struggled primarily due to rising interest rates, which discourage lending and increase borrowing costs, leading to higher credit risk [7] - A management transition, with the CEO set to step down, and a high stock valuation despite inconsistent earnings have also negatively impacted investor confidence [7] Comparison with Competitors - Jefferies Financial Group is highlighted as a more stable investment option in the fintech space, with strong deal volume and a focus on investment banking [10][11] - Jefferies has seen a 20% surge in investment banking revenue in Q4, accounting for nearly 60% of total revenue, and is expected to benefit from elevated M&A activity and lower interest rates [13][14]