In this piece, we will cover Cathie Wood’s 10 Stock Picks with Huge Upside Potential.In a CNBC Squawk Box Interview on January 16, 2026, Cathie Wood outlined her outlook for 2026, a year in which she sees a concentrated set of stocks with significant upside potential.The ARK Invest CEO looked back at 2025, discussing sharp volatility, trade turmoil in April, and the government shutdown. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, ARK Invest funds ranked among Morningstar’s top performers.The firm’s investment strategy ...

智通财经APP获悉，受四季度业绩不及预期、2026年指引疲软以及市场份额持续流失(尤其是在品牌结 账业务)拖累，PayPal(PYPL.US)股价周二暴跌逾20%，创2017年以来新低。对此，华尔街分析师也表示 失望。 "以2026财年预期自由现金流收益率15%计算，PayPal当前估值已处于明显低位，"Harte表示，"但投资 者仍难以对其长期前景建立信心。"PayPal临时首席执行官Jamie Miller也坦言，公司此前低估了为商户 打造现代化支付体验过程中面临的运营与落地挑战，同时，推动约4亿活跃用户支付消费习惯转变的难 度，也超出了公司最初的预期。 这让将于3月上任的PayPal新任首席执行官Enrique Lores面临艰巨挑战。Evercore ISI分析师Adam Frisch 指出，此次首席执行官交接虽在预期之中，但发生时间早于预期。 Frisch在研报中写道："尽管这位新任高管履历亮眼、口碑良好，但市场核心关注的问题在于，他是会组 建一支实力强劲的支付业务团队，再度开启为期数年的公司转型之路，还是会着手评估PayPal各项战略 资产的处置选项。" PayPal在致股东的信中表示："Enri ...

Core Viewpoint - The fintech stock Block is currently trading 77% below its all-time high established in August 2021, indicating a potential investment opportunity as it may surge before Wall Street takes notice [2]. Valuation - Block's shares are trading at an attractive EV-to-EBIT ratio of 15.1, making it a compelling valuation in a market where valuation is a significant concern [3]. - A lower valuation multiple provides a margin of safety for investors, minimizing downside risk if future performance expectations are overly optimistic [4]. Business Performance - Block is experiencing growth and profitability, with the Square segment showing a 9% year-over-year gross profit growth in Q3, while Cash App's gross profit rose by 24% during the same period [5]. - The company's operating income has been increasing significantly [5]. Bitcoin Focus - Block's Bitcoin initiatives are often overlooked, but they present underappreciated upside potential [6]. - CEO Jack Dorsey has been a proponent of Bitcoin since 2021, believing it could serve as a native currency for the internet due to its digital, decentralized, and scarce nature [7]. - Block's Bitcoin projects include a self-custody wallet called Bitkey, cryptocurrency mining equipment under the Proto brand, Bitcoin trading for Cash App users, and the ability for Square sellers to accept Bitcoin payments [8].

The Bancorp (NasdaqGS:TBBK) Q4 2025 Earnings call January 30, 2026 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAndres Viroslav - Director of Investor RelationsDamian Kozlowski - CEODominic Canuso - CFOStephen Farrell - Investment Management AssociateConference Call ParticipantsEmily Lee - Managing Director and Senior Equity Research AnalystJoe Yanchunis - Equity Research AnalystOperatorGood morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to The Bancorp Q4 and fiscal 2025 earnings conference call. At this time, all lines are ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Bancorp reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.28 for the fourth quarter, reflecting an 11% year-over-year growth [4] - Gross Deposit Value (GDV) increased by 16% for the quarter compared to the prior year [4] - Revenue growth for the quarter was 3% year-over-year, excluding credit enhancement income [4] - Return on Equity (ROE) reached a record 30.4% for the quarter and 28.9% for the full year [8] - Total assets increased to $9.4 billion, up 7% from the prior year [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Credit sponsorship balances ended at $1.1 billion, up 40% from the third quarter and 142% year-over-year [5] - The total loan portfolio increased by $919 million to $7.26 billion, with consumer fintech loans constituting 15% of the portfolio [8] - Non-interest income, excluding credit enhancement, accounted for just over 30% of revenue in the quarter, with approximately 90% of fees coming from the fintech business [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposits in the quarter were $7.6 billion, with an average cost of 177 basis points [9] - Delinquency rates declined from 2.19% at the end of the third quarter to 1.6% at the end of the fourth quarter [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The Bancorp is focused on three main fintech initiatives aimed at creating significant shareholder value [5] - The company is targeting a guidance of $5.90 EPS for 2026 and $8.25 EPS for 2027, which includes stock buybacks [12] - The strategy emphasizes platform efficiency, productivity gains from restructuring, and AI tools [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the EPS guidance for 2026 and highlighted the positive impact of tax season on business [21] - The company anticipates continued growth in credit sponsorship and overall fintech business, with significant improvements in credit metrics [9][10] - Management acknowledged challenges from legal fees and the unexpected duration of the government shutdown affecting GDV [18][19] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $150 million of its stock in the fourth quarter, totaling $375 million for the year [11] - Criticized assets decreased from $268 million to $194 million, a 28% decline quarter-over-quarter [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more building blocks to help bridge the EPS gap? - Management indicated large revenue opportunities and confidence in upcoming initiatives, including credit sponsorship and the embedded finance platform [16] Question: What were the primary drivers affecting fourth-quarter results? - Key drivers included legal fees, the impact of the government shutdown on GDV, and the timing of credit sponsorship growth [18][19] Question: Can you discuss the economics of off-balance sheet deposits? - Management explained that off-balance sheet deposits are used to optimize funding costs and generate revenue as deposit growth exceeds balance sheet capacity [22][41] Question: What is the plan for the Aubrey property? - The company is nearing cash flow break-even and is looking for exit opportunities to maximize value [32][34] Question: How does the company view the threat of fintechs obtaining their own bank charters? - Management believes many partners will not seek licenses and highlighted the scalability and low-cost benefits of their platform [36][39] Question: What is the expectation for net interest margin (NIM)? - Management expects some compression in NIM as the company shifts towards fintech, but anticipates an increase in fee revenue as a portion of total revenue [60][61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Bancorp reported earnings of $1.28 per share for Q4 2025, reflecting an 11% year-over-year growth in EPS [4] - GDV (Gross Deposit Volume) increased by 16% in Q4 compared to the prior year, with a total annual growth of 17% in 2025 [4][5] - Revenue growth for the quarter was 3% year-over-year, excluding credit enhancement income [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Credit sponsorship balances reached $1.1 billion, up 40% from Q3 and 142% year-over-year [5] - Consumer fintech loans increased by $644 million, now constituting 15% of the total loan portfolio, which grew to $7.26 billion [8] - Non-interest income, excluding credit enhancement, accounted for over 30% of revenue in the quarter, with approximately 90% of fees coming from the fintech business [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposits in Q4 were $7.6 billion, with an average cost of 177 basis points [9] - Criticized assets decreased from $268 million to $194 million, a 28% decline quarter-over-quarter [6] - Delinquency rates improved from 2.19% to 1.6% of loans from Q3 to Q4 [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The Bancorp is focused on three main fintech initiatives aimed at creating significant shareholder value, including credit sponsorship, embedded finance platform development, and new program implementations [5] - The company is targeting a 2026 EPS guidance of $5.90, with a preliminary 2027 guidance of $8.25, which includes stock buybacks [12] - The strategy emphasizes optimizing funding costs and increasing revenue through off-balance sheet deposits and fintech partnerships [22][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the EPS targets for 2026 and 2027, citing strong tax season expectations and ongoing fintech initiatives [20][21] - The impact of the government shutdown on GDV was noted, but management does not foresee it affecting Q1 2026 significantly [20] - The company is optimistic about the growth of credit sponsorship and the overall fintech business, expecting substantial improvements in financial metrics [5][9] Other Important Information - Non-interest expense for Q4 was $56.2 million, which included $2 million from a legal settlement [10] - The Bancorp repurchased $150 million of its stock in Q4, totaling $375 million for the year [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the EPS ramp and revenue drivers? - Management highlighted large revenue opportunities and confidence in upcoming announcements regarding credit sponsorship and the embedded finance platform [15][16] Question: What were the primary drivers affecting Q4 results? - Key drivers included legal fees, the unexpected duration of the government shutdown, and the timing of credit sponsorship growth [18][19] Question: What is the plan for off-balance sheet deposits? - The company expects to continue generating deposit growth while optimizing the mix of on and off-balance sheet deposits to enhance earnings [22][39] Question: Can you discuss the refinancing of REBL loans? - Some refinancings were with new partners, and the existing properties are in stronger positions than when originated, with lower interest rates due to the current environment [29] Question: How does the company view the threat of fintechs obtaining bank charters? - Management believes many partners will not seek licenses and emphasizes the scalability and low-cost benefits of their platform [36][38]

Group 1 - Block, Inc. is included in Cathie Wood's Growth Stock Portfolio, indicating a positive outlook from notable investment figures [1] - Piper Sandler has maintained an Underweight rating on Block, Inc. and reduced its price target from $55 to $51 ahead of the company's quarterly reports [2] - Truist has reaffirmed a Hold rating on Block, Inc. and increased its price target from $68 to $72, anticipating strong fourth-quarter results but cautioning about year-over-year comparisons [3] Group 2 - Block, Inc. has raised its full-year gross profit outlook to $10.2 billion for 2025, consistent with the previous quarter's forecast [4] - The company reported a net income of $461.54 million, or 74 cents per share, significantly up from last year's net income of $283.75 million, or 45 cents per share [4] - Block, Inc. provides payment services and has developed Cash App, a person-to-person payment network, highlighting its role in the FinTech sector [4]

Key Takeaways SoFi will report Q4 results Jan. 30, with earnings seen at 12 cents and revenue near $982 million.SOFI's Financial Services, Lending and Technology Platform segments are all expected to show strength.SoFi shares are up 60.5% year over year but down 14% in three months as valuation concerns linger.SoFi Technologies, Inc. (SOFI) will report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on Jan. 30, before the bell.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in the to-be-reported quarter stands at 12 cents, indic ...

Core Insights - Businesses in Las Vegas Valley are increasingly adopting Bitcoin payments to avoid credit card processing fees, which average between 2.5% to 3.5%, while also attracting a growing customer base interested in crypto-friendly merchants [1] Group 1: Adoption of Bitcoin Payments - Cane Juice Bar and Cafe has implemented Bitcoin payments for eight months, allowing customers to pay with cash, card, or Bitcoin [2] - The popularity of Bitcoin is rising among mainstream consumers, not just cryptocurrency enthusiasts, helping businesses attract new customers [3] - Customers who typically wouldn't know about certain shops are visiting specifically to use Bitcoin, aided by Bitcoin maps that help consumers locate accepting businesses [4] Group 2: Technology and Ease of Use - Businesses accepting Bitcoin range from medical practices to juice bars, with payment processing requiring just a few taps on a phone [5] - The checkout process involves scanning a QR code with a Bitcoin app, and the technology is expected to become easier over time [5] Group 3: Corporate Adoption - Major restaurant chains are also adopting Bitcoin, with Steak 'n Shake announcing plans to pay hourly employees a Bitcoin bonus of $0.21 for every hour worked starting March 1, with a two-year vesting period [6] - The CEO of Steak 'n Shake emphasizes the company's transformation into a "real bitcoin company," aiming to provide sound money to working Americans [7]

Apple is reportedly working on bringing Apple Pay to India sometime this year.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.That’s according to a report Wednesday (Jan. 21) from the website Moneycontrol, citing s ...