FinTech

1 Cathie Wood and Warren Buffett Stock That Could Go Parabolic in 2025

Published January 12, 2025

Cathie Wood, known for her innovative investment strategies, and Warren Buffett, a stalwart of value investing, represent two distinct approaches in the world of finance. However, both of these influential investors find common ground in their investment in a relatively unknown yet promising fintech company.

While Cathie Wood heads Ark Invest, focusing on breakthrough technologies such as artificial intelligence and genomics, Warren Buffett has built his legacy at Berkshire Hathaway by investing in well-established, blue chip stocks rather than taking on the higher risks often associated with growth sectors.

Despite their contrasting philosophies, both Wood and Buffett have invested in Nu Holdings (NU), a fintech entity carving a niche in the Latin and South American markets.

This article explores why Nu Holdings appears particularly promising from a valuation standpoint and discusses potential breakout opportunities in 2025 for this emerging player.

Strong Performance of Nu Holdings

Nu Holdings operates as a digital financial services platform, providing a wide range of products, including checking and savings accounts, investment opportunities, and loans. Initially focused on markets such as Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, Nu is broadening its reach.

In December, the company participated in an investment round for Tyme Group, a digital banking platform that serves 15 million customers in South Africa and the Philippines.

As of September 30, Nu had an impressive 110 million users on its platform, reflecting a robust 23% growth compared to the previous year. Additionally, the average revenue per user (ARPU) has increased to $11 per member, showcasing Nu's ability to enhance profitability.

This improved financial performance is shown by a 300 basis point rise in gross margin and an 83% increase in net income year-over-year, totaling $553 million. These numbers signify the company's solid operational stability.

Compelling Valuation Amidst Growth Potential

When analyzing Nu Holdings' price-to-sales (P/S) ratio, it sits moderately among other international fintech counterparts. This suggests that the stock is relatively attractive regarding its value compared to peers.

However, one noteworthy observation is that Nu's P/S ratio has been steadily decreasing in recent months. This decline may be attributed to macroeconomic pressures affecting Latin America, especially Brazil.

Although these economic concerns are valid, they shouldn't necessarily deter investors. With Nu's upward trend in user growth and profitability, the long-term outlook remains positive.

Comparative Insights with SoFi

To draw parallels, consider SoFi, a company that has faced its own challenges but also saw a resurgence. Similar to Nu, SoFi offers various financial services through a user-friendly mobile platform. SoFi's main revenue driver is lending, which faced hurdles due to rising inflation and shifting monetary policies.

Despite these setbacks, SoFi's business improved as the Federal Reserve started to cut interest rates, leading to a significant recovery. Since mid-September, SoFi's shares have surged by over 80%.

Similarly, Nu Holdings shares could see a resurgence if economic conditions stabilize and improve in Brazil. Current short-term concerns are valid, yet the supportive long-term fundamentals of Nu, including its increasing customer base, cross-selling capabilities, and profitability, offer a reassuring outlook.

Thus, Nu Holdings appears to follow a similar growth trajectory as SoFi. For long-term investors, this stock may present a valuable opportunity in the fintech landscape.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinions and should not be considered as financial advice. Always do thorough research before making investment decisions.

Fintech, Investing, Stocks