Nu Holdings Ltd. (NU – Free Report) has delivered impressive performance over the past three months. Its stock has surged 12% compared with the industry‘s growth of 16%.
NU’s peers have shown contrasting performances. Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A. (BSBR – Free Report) has gained 22%, while SoFi Technologies (SOFI – Free Report) has declined 20% during the same period.
Considering the current strength of NU shares, investors may wonder if now is the right time to invest in the stock. Let’s delve deeper.
NU: Disrupting Banking Across Latin America
As a trailblazer in the fintech industry, Nu Holdings leverages a digital-first and scalable business model to drive down operational costs while boosting efficiency. This innovative approach has positioned NU as a disruptor in traditional banking, enhancing financial inclusion and accessibility across its markets. NuBank, NU’s flagship platform, has earned recognition as one of Latin America’s most trusted and prominent brands.
In Brazil, a market dominated by traditional banking giants, NU has carved out a distinct identity with its innovative cost structure and customer-centric model. Its customer base continues to grow at an impressive pace, propelled by its digital-first strategy. The company is also making substantial strides in expanding its operations across Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Colombia, where adoption is accelerating. With opportunities to penetrate untapped regions, NU’s footprint is poised to expand further. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the company added 4.5 million customers, bringing its global customer count to 114.2 million. The increasing trend toward digitization is expected to sustain and enhance this growth trajectory.
NU’s revenue model is highly diversified, encompassing streams such as lending, interchange fees and marketplace services. This diversification not only mitigates risks but also provides stability during economic uncertainties. The company has consistently demonstrated robust revenue growth, driven by higher monetization of its platform and increased user engagement. Key areas like credit cards and personal loans have significantly contributed to its financial success. In the fourth quarter, NU reported a 24% year-over-year revenue increase.
NU’s Strong Returns on Capital
Return on equity (ROE), a measure of profitability, reflects how effectively a company uses its shareholders’ investments to generate earnings. NU’s trailing 12-month ROE is 30.4% compared with the industry’s average of 11.1%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
NU has also shown strong returns on invested capital (ROIC), with a trailing 12-month ROIC of 12.5%, well above the industry average of 4%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
NU’s Promising Top and Bottom-Line Growth
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NU’s 2024 earnings is pegged at 42 cents, indicating 75% growth from the year-ago level. Earnings in 2025 are expected to increase 39% from the prior-year actuals. The company’s sales are expected to grow 47% and 35% year over year, respectively, in 2024 and 2025.
NU Looks Pricey
NU stock appears significantly overvalued compared to industry peers, currently trading at 19 times forward earnings, more than double the sector’s average of 10 times. This substantial premium reflects the market’s optimism about NU’s growth potential, driven by its innovative fintech model, expanding customer base and strong revenue trajectory. However, such a lofty valuation also introduces risks, as any shortfall in earnings or slower-than-expected growth could lead to a sharp correction.
High Prospects, But Timing is Key
Given Nu Holdings’ recent surge, the stock appears to be trading at a premium compared to industry peers. While NU’s innovative fintech model, robust customer growth and strong financial performance justify its valuation, the current price levels may limit near-term upside potential. Investors should consider holding existing positions to capitalize on long-term growth prospects, particularly as NU expands across Latin America and continues to monetize its platform. However, new investors may want to wait for a pullback or consolidation before entering, as the stock’s recent rally may have already priced in near-term optimism.
NU currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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