Upstart's stock surged by 43.3% following its latest earnings report, which showed a significant revenue increase and better-than-expected guidance, signaling a return to growth for the AI-powered lender. The company's revenue for the third quarter was $162 million, a 20% year-over-year increase, and it anticipates further growth in the next quarter. This positive performance comes as interest rates stabilize, attracting more investors back to Upstart's platform. Despite the stock's rise, it remains significantly below its all-time high, and its valuation is higher compared to peers like SoFi Technologies.
The Motley Fool contributor compares Palantir and Upstart to determine the better AI stock for 2024, with Palantir not making the list of 10 best stocks identified by The Motley Fool Stock Advisor. The article also discloses the affiliate relationship between the contributor and The Motley Fool, emphasizing that the opinions remain unaffected by the affiliation.
C3.ai and Upstart Holdings, two AI companies, saw their stock prices soar by 159% and 217% respectively in 2023, driven by advancements in AI technology and strategic investments. C3.ai is expected to accelerate revenue growth with its transition to a consumption-based model and its AI applications across various industries. Upstart, with its AI-based credit assessment algorithm, could benefit from potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2024, indicating a promising future for investors considering these stocks in the new year.
Shares of AI lending platform Upstart (UPST) plunged 20.2% after the company reported weak third-quarter results, missing revenue and EPS estimates. The company cited challenging consumption patterns, lagging incomes, low savings rates, and elevated borrower default trends as factors contributing to the weakness. Upstart expects its business growth to rely on model upgrades and enhanced underwriting accuracy until the macro environment improves. The stock's volatility suggests that this news had a significant impact on market perception.
Warner Bros Discovery stock fell 17% despite narrowing its third-quarter loss, Eli Lilly stock rose 2% after FDA approval for its Tirzepatide drug, Robinhood stock fell 14.9% due to lower-than-expected revenue, Upstart stock slumped over 26% after disappointing quarterly results, and Rivian stock fell 3.3% despite raising its production forecast.
Jim Cramer, host of CNBC's "Mad Money," expressed caution about Upstart due to its risky nature and financial losses. He also declined to recommend Altria, citing personal reasons related to the tobacco industry. Cramer mentioned that he sees potential in SoFi, but prefers owning the stock rather than trading it. As for Nextera, he remains unconvinced.
Upstart Holdings' stock surged 31% in after-hours trading after the AI-powered lending platform reported better-than-expected Q1 earnings and provided a positive outlook for Q2, with expected break-even adjusted EBITDA and higher revenue. The company's Q1 revenue of $103.0M beat the consensus estimate, but dropped from the prior quarter and year-ago quarter. Upstart's bank partners originated fewer loans during the quarter, contributing to a decline in contribution profit and margin. Despite industry headwinds, Upstart secured multiple long-term funding agreements during the quarter.
Upstart Holdings, a lending company that uses AI to inform lending decisions, saw its stock soar 40% in after-hours trading after delivering an upbeat outlook for the current period despite a drop in revenue for the latest quarter. The company has struggled with pricing loans at higher rates, but CEO Dave Girouard said they have expanded their roster of institutional partners to help deliver offers and make progress on funding initiatives.
