Core Insights - Qifu Technology (QFIN) and Sezzle (SEZL) are significant players in the credit tech sector, with QFIN focusing on AI-powered credit solutions in China and SEZL providing buy-now-pay-later services in the U.S. [2][8] Qifu Technology (QFIN) - QFIN operates a capital-light model that reduces credit risk and enhances growth, utilizing the Intelligence Credit Engine (ICE) to connect borrowers with financial partners [4][6] - The company reported a 15.8% year-over-year growth in total facilitation and origination loan volume, with operating income increasing by 44.8% year-over-year [5] - QFIN's AI-Plus credit strategy, launched in early 2025, aims to improve credit processes and has already led to increased loan volumes and stable delinquency rates at 0.6% [6] - The Chinese digital lending platform market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 27.3% from 2024 to 2030, indicating a favorable market environment for QFIN [7] Sezzle (SEZL) - SEZL targets the underbanked population in the U.S. fintech market, capitalizing on the growing digital payment sector expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.8% from 2023 to 2028 [8] - The company experienced a remarkable 123.3% increase in revenues year-over-year in Q1 2025, driven by a 64.1% rise in gross merchandise volume [9] - SEZL's customer purchase frequency increased to 6.5 times annually, reflecting higher transaction volumes and revenue growth [11] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for QFIN's 2025 sales is $2.6 billion, suggesting a 7.6% year-over-year growth, with earnings expected to rise by 25.3% [12] - For SEZL, the 2025 sales estimate is $441.8 million, indicating a 62.9% year-over-year growth, with earnings projected to grow by 77.2% [15] Valuation Comparison - QFIN is trading at a forward P/E ratio of 5.97X, while SEZL is at 43.86X, indicating that QFIN is relatively cheaper compared to SEZL [17] - Despite SEZL's strong growth and high Zacks Rank, QFIN presents a more attractive risk-reward profile for value-conscious investors [19][20]

Core Viewpoint - Qifu Technology reported strong financial results for Q1 2025, demonstrating resilience amid macroeconomic challenges, with significant growth in user activity and loan facilitation volume [4][5][35]. Business Highlights - As of March 31, 2025, Qifu Technology connected 163 financial institutional partners and 268.2 million consumers, marking an 11.1% increase from 241.4 million a year ago [4]. - The number of cumulative users with approved credit lines reached 58.4 million, up 11.6% from 52.3 million a year ago [4]. - Cumulative borrowers with successful drawdown totaled 35.5 million, reflecting a 13.8% increase from 31.2 million a year ago [4]. - Financial institutional partners originated 24,401,374 loans through the platform in Q1 2025 [4]. Financial Highlights - Total net revenue for Q1 2025 was RMB 4,690.7 million (US$ 646.4 million), compared to RMB 4,153.2 million in the same period of 2024 [5][9]. - Net income was RMB 1,796.6 million (US$ 247.6 million), an increase from RMB 1,160.1 million in Q1 2024 [28]. - Non-GAAP net income for the quarter was RMB 1,926.2 million (US$ 265.4 million), compared to RMB 1,204.8 million in the same period of 2024 [28]. - The weighted average contractual tenor of loans originated was approximately 10.17 months, slightly up from 10.10 months in Q1 2024 [4]. Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from Credit Driven Services was RMB 3,110.9 million (US$ 428.7 million), up from RMB 3,016.3 million in Q1 2024 [9]. - Loan facilitation and servicing fees under the capital-heavy model were RMB 429.8 million (US$ 59.2 million), significantly higher than RMB 243.8 million in the same period of 2024 [10]. - Financing income increased to RMB 1,817.2 million (US$ 250.4 million) from RMB 1,535.0 million in Q1 2024 [11]. - Revenue from releasing of guarantee liabilities decreased to RMB 778.2 million (US$ 107.2 million) from RMB 1,166.0 million in the same period of 2024 [12]. Operating Costs and Expenses - Total operating costs and expenses were RMB 2,716.0 million (US$ 374.3 million), down from RMB 2,789.1 million in Q1 2024 [17]. - Sales and marketing expenses rose to RMB 591.5 million (US$ 81.5 million) from RMB 415.6 million in the same period of 2024, reflecting increased marketing efforts [19]. - General and administrative expenses increased to RMB 196.5 million (US$ 27.1 million) from RMB 106.4 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to higher share-based compensations [20]. Share Repurchase and Financial Position - The company completed a US$ 690 million convertible notes offering, providing resources to accelerate share repurchase programs [8]. - As of May 19, 2025, approximately 4.4 million ADSs were repurchased for about US$ 178 million under the 2025 Share Repurchase Plan [33]. - The company expects to use remaining net proceeds from the convertible notes offering for further share repurchases [34]. Business Outlook - For Q2 2025, the company anticipates net income between RMB 1.65 billion and RMB 1.75 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 24% to 31% [35].