These companies seem unstoppable right now.A few years ago, SoFi Technologies (SOFI 4.52%) and Robinhood Markets (HOOD -2.98%) were consistently unprofitable companies that seemed to be going nowhere. However, both have turned things around impressively and have seen their share prices skyrocket in the process.SoFi Technologies is up 75% this year alone, while Robinhood's has climbed by a whopping 300%. The great news is that these companies still have excellent long-term prospects and could deliver superio ...

Key Points SoFi’s stock has nearly quadrupled over the past year. It’s still gaining millions of members and hosting millions of new products. Its stock looks reasonably valued relative to its growth potential. 10 stocks we like better than SoFi Technologies › SoFi's (NASDAQ: SOFI) stock surged nearly 270% over the past 12 months. The fintech company's robust revenue growth, rising profits, and expanding ecosystem all drew a stampede of bulls back to its stock. Expectations for lower interest rate ...

Group 1: Bank Stocks Performance - Bank stocks significantly outperformed the S&P 500 in August, with the SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF generating an 11.4% return compared to the S&P 500's 3.7% gain [1][3] - The market began to price in a higher likelihood of an interest rate cut at the Federal Reserve's upcoming September meeting, which contributed to the positive performance of bank stocks [1] Group 2: Impact of Interest Rates - Lower interest rates could stimulate the economy, boost lending, and help maintain strong credit quality, particularly benefiting banks that thrive under a steeper yield curve [2] - The traditional bank model involves borrowing at lower, shorter-term rates and lending at higher, long-term yields, making a steeper yield curve advantageous for banks [2] Group 3: American Express (AmEx) - AmEx shares rose over 12% in August, driven by its strong credit card lending business and a payments business that differentiates it from other credit card lenders [5][6] - The company serves consumers with prime and super prime FICO scores, allowing it to charge high annual fees for premium cards [5] - AmEx continues to generate strong earnings, with a current stock trading at 21.5 times forward earnings, indicating a strong brand and revenue diversity [7] Group 4: SoFi Technologies - SoFi Technologies experienced a surge of over 20% in August and is now profitable, with a nearly 80% increase in stock value this year [9][10] - The company offers a wide range of financial services, including personal loans and investment brokerage, and has a bank technology business [9] - SoFi's revenue is primarily driven by its lending business, which could benefit from lower interest rates, but the stock trades at a high valuation of over 80 times forward earnings [11][12] Group 5: Risks and Valuation Concerns - SoFi's high valuation leaves it vulnerable if the economy enters a recession or if loan funding from capital markets decreases [12] - The company must mark its loan book to fair value each quarter, which can be influenced by various factors, including loan loss rates [13]

Core Insights - Expanding access to credit is a significant challenge in consumer finance, with legacy systems causing inefficiencies and limiting capital access [1][4] - Figure Technology Solutions aims to modernize consumer lending through AI and blockchain integration, enhancing loan origination, underwriting, and trading processes [1][3] Company Overview - Founded in 2018, Figure started with home equity lending and has developed a vertically integrated model encompassing origination, marketplace distribution, and capital markets execution [3] - The company is expanding its product offerings beyond home equity loans to include a variety of credit products and digital asset marketplaces [3][5] Market Potential - Figure estimates its addressable market in lending and capital markets at approximately $185 billion in annual revenue potential [5] - The asset tokenization market is projected to reach $16 trillion by 2030, while the stablecoin market could approach $5 trillion in the same timeframe [5] Operational Efficiency - The company claims to have achieved profitability with a capital-efficient model, generating revenue from fees on originations, servicing, and technology usage [6] - Partner-branded lending constitutes 77% of total originations, with 168 active partners as of mid-2025 [6] Regulatory Framework - Figure holds over 180 lending and servicing licenses, 48 money transmitter licenses, and SEC registration as a broker-dealer, which supports its scaling ambitions [7] Performance Metrics - For the 12 months ending June 30, 2025, Figure facilitated approximately $6 billion in HELOC lending, a 29% increase from the previous year, with a compound annual growth rate of 70% since mid-2021 [8] - The Figure Connect Marketplace processed $1.3 billion in loan volume in its first year, connecting originators and investors directly [8] Financial Performance - For the six months ending June 30, 2025, net revenue was $191 million, up from $156 million year-over-year, with net income of $29 million compared to a $13 million loss the previous year [12] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $83 million, more than double the prior year [12] Product Diversification - Although HELOCs currently account for 99% of originations, Figure is exploring new products such as debt service coverage ratio loans and digital asset-backed loans [12] - The company plans to use IPO proceeds to invest in new product development and expand its loan marketplace [12]

Core Viewpoint - The market is favoring certain tech companies while Enova International (ENVA) is quietly achieving significant earnings growth, making it a strong investment opportunity [1]. Company Overview - Enova International is a digital financial services company that provides online lending and financing solutions, including personal loans and lines of credit, utilizing proprietary AI-driven underwriting models [2]. - The company operates in both the U.S. and international markets, owning brands like NetCredit, CashNetUSA, and Headway Capital, allowing it to adapt between consumer and commercial lending based on credit conditions [3]. Financial Performance - Enova has received a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to positive earnings estimate revisions, with the consensus estimate for 2025 rising from $11.83 to $12.11 and for the following year from $13.89 to $14.12 [4]. - The company has a track record of ten consecutive earnings beats, with the last quarter's EPS exceeding expectations by 8.75% and revenues also surpassing estimates [5]. Growth Projections - Current year revenue growth is projected at 19.57%, with next year's growth at 16.26%. EPS growth is expected to be 32.35% this year and 16.27% next year, driven by operational efficiencies and smart underwriting [6]. - Analysts anticipate continued earnings expansion for Enova, even amid broader economic uncertainties, due to its ability to adjust credit criteria in real-time [6]. Valuation - Enova is trading at a forward P/E of 8.51, indicating a growth opportunity at a reasonable price compared to its fintech peers [7].

Core Insights - Green Dot (GDOT) and SoFi Technologies (SOFI) are competing U.S.-listed fintech firms in the digital banking sector, with Green Dot focusing on prepaid debit cards and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) solutions, while SoFi operates a full-stack digital banking platform offering various financial services [1][2] Green Dot's Case - Green Dot aims for long-term growth through strategic innovation and partnerships, issuing prepaid cards under its brand and co-branded offerings like Walmart MoneyCard [3] - The company leverages its proprietary technology and FDIC-insured banking license to provide BaaS, offering white-label solutions to major corporations such as Walmart, Uber, and Apple [4][5] - Green Dot's asset-light balance sheet allows for higher interchange margins and reduced reliance on interest income, enhancing operational efficiency and scalability [5] SoFi's Case - SoFi employs a land-and-expand strategy, attracting a growing customer base through a diverse range of financial services, which encourages partners to integrate their offerings [6] - The firm has extended its $2 billion Loan Platform Business agreement with Fortress Investment Group, focusing on personal loans and shifting towards fee-based revenues for more flexibility [7] - SoFi launched new credit cards to enhance its consumer finance footprint, with projections indicating 87% growth in EPS and 26% growth in sales for 2025 [8][10] Financial Estimates - Zacks Consensus Estimates indicate SoFi's 2025 sales will grow by 26% to $3.29 billion, with EPS expected to rise by 87% to $0.28 [10][12] - In contrast, Green Dot's 2025 sales are projected to increase by 20% to $2.05 billion, but EPS is expected to decline by 11% [13][15] Valuation Comparison - Green Dot is considered undervalued with a forward P/E of 7.65X compared to its median of 10.51X, while SoFi's higher forward P/E of 53.2X reflects strong investor confidence in its growth potential [16] Conclusion - SoFi is positioned as the stronger fintech player due to its aggressive growth strategy, national bank charter, and expanding product suite, while Green Dot's declining EPS outlook may limit its momentum [17]

Core Insights - Oportun Financial Corporation's shares have increased by 80.7% in 2025, outperforming both its peers and the broader Finance sector [1][5] - The company has shown solid loan growth and revenue performance, although there are concerns regarding tariff-related issues and geopolitical tensions [2][3] Financial Performance - Oportun's total revenues and loans receivable at fair value have experienced a 5-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% and 8.1%, respectively [3] - The company expects total revenues to be between $945 million and $970 million in 2025, down from $1 billion in 2024 [12][24] - Management anticipates adjusted earnings per share (EPS) to rise to a range of $1.10 to $1.30 in 2025, up from $0.72 in 2024 [5][24] Growth Drivers - Oportun is driving loan growth through diverse offerings, including personal loans and "lending as a service" programs, which help expand its client base [7] - The company has been leveraging technology, particularly AI and machine learning, to enhance underwriting standards and improve customer service [13][15] - Rising non-interest income has been supported by higher subscriptions and servicing fees, with a CAGR of 6.4% over the five years ended 2024 [8] Valuation and Market Position - Oportun's price-to-book (P/B) ratio is 0.72X, significantly lower than the industry average of 3.48X, indicating that the stock is undervalued [18][20] - The company's return on equity (ROE) stands at 10.12%, which is favorable compared to the industry average of 8.06% [26][29] Challenges - Operating expenses have shown a 5-year CAGR of 2.5%, driven by increased sales, marketing, and technology costs [30] - The company has faced weak asset quality, with net charge-offs (NCOs) reflecting a CAGR of 19.7% over the past five years [31]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the potential investment opportunity in Upstart, a company that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into the fintech sector, despite its shares being significantly down from their peak [1][2]. Company Overview - Upstart operates with a market capitalization of $4.5 billion and partners with banks and credit unions to provide AI-powered credit assessment tools [4][5]. - The company has originated over $42 billion in loans, with 92% of its loans fully automated in Q1 2025 [6]. Market Opportunity - Upstart's primary product line has historically been personal loans, but it has expanded to include auto loans and home equity lines of credit, tapping into a U.S. lending market with annual originations exceeding $2 trillion [7]. Financial Performance - In 2021, Upstart's shares increased by 857%, driven by significant growth in revenue (264%) and transaction volume (338%) [9]. - However, in 2023, the company faced challenges, with a 39% year-over-year revenue decline and a net loss of $240 million [10]. - Positive signs emerged in Q1 2025, with revenue and transaction volume increasing by 67% and 102%, respectively, and expectations for positive net income for the full year [11]. Future Outlook - The AI model is expected to improve over time as more data is collected, and the company has adapted to rising interest rates, positioning itself for future economic conditions [12]. - The stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 29, with analysts forecasting a shift from a loss of $0.20 in 2024 to a profit of $3.03 in 2027 [14]. Investment Considerations - The potential for significant upside exists due to the large loan markets and the current low stock price, but the investment carries high risk, requiring favorable economic conditions and effective management execution [15].

Core Insights - LendingTree, Inc. reported a strong performance for Q1 2025, with total revenue reaching $239.7 million, a 43% increase year-over-year [5][9] - The company experienced growth across all three business segments, demonstrating the resilience of its financial performance [2][3] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $24.6 million, reflecting a 14% year-over-year growth [2][6] - The net loss for the quarter was $(12.4) million, or $(0.92) per diluted share, compared to a net income of $1.0 million in Q1 2024 [5][6][9] - Variable marketing margin was $77.7 million, a 12% increase from the previous year [8][9] Segment Performance - Home segment revenue was $37.0 million, up 22% year-over-year, with segment profit increasing by 36% to $13.1 million [7][9] - Consumer segment revenue reached $56.0 million, a 9% increase, with personal loans revenue growing by 16% [7][9] - Insurance segment revenue surged by 71% to $146.7 million, translating into a segment profit of $38.7 million, up 16% [7][9] Marketing and Operational Efficiency - The company emphasized its commitment to operational excellence, which has led to broad growth across all segments [3] - Fixed costs are being managed carefully while strategically investing in growth initiatives, establishing a culture of efficiency [3] Outlook - LendingTree updated its full-year 2025 outlook, projecting revenue between $955 million and $995 million [18] - The second-quarter revenue is expected to be between $241 million and $248 million [18]

Core Viewpoint - SoFi Technologies reported strong first-quarter earnings, leading to a temporary stock price increase, but the stock remains down significantly from its January peak, raising questions about its long-term growth potential [2][5]. Group 1: Company Performance - In Q1 2025, SoFi Technologies achieved record performance metrics, with total lending product originations increasing by 66% year over year to $7.2 billion [5]. - The number of SoFi members grew by 34% year over year to 10.9 million, while the number of financial products managed rose by 35% to 15.9 million [4]. - SoFi raised its guidance, expecting adjusted net revenue to increase by 24% to 27% in 2025, projecting a range between $3.235 billion and $3.31 billion [7]. Group 2: Financial Metrics - Sales and marketing expenses surged by 42% year over year to $238.2 million in Q1, constituting 31% of total net revenue [8][10]. - Management anticipates a significant decline in earnings, with GAAP net income expected to fall about 23.5% this year to $325 million [11]. - The company's current valuation stands at 2.95 times its tangible book value, which is considered high given the projected earnings decline [12]. Group 3: Market Position and Strategy - SoFi's integrated financial services platform allows members to manage various financial products through a single application, appealing to consumers seeking convenience [3]. - The company has secured over $8 billion in new commitments from third parties to support future loan originations [13]. - Despite the positive aspects, there are concerns regarding the sustainability of growth due to high marketing expenses and competition in consumer banking [8].