Markets

Insider Trading

Hedge Funds

Retirement

Opinion

12 Most Promising Fintech Stocks To Buy

In this article, we will be taking a look at the 12 most promising fintech stocks to buy. To skip our detailed analysis of the fintech sector, you can go directly to see the 5 Most Promising Fintech Stocks To Buy.

The Financial Technology (fintech) sector has been benefitting immensely from growing investments since the last global financial crisis. With the world becoming increasingly aware of the shortcomings of the conventional financial services industry after the 2008 financial crisis, the expansion of fintech arose as a reaction. This is commonly known as the first wave of fintech, with the second wave coming about quite recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, the fintech sector evolved even further as financial institutions took steps to partner with emerging technology companies to gain access to newer markets.

The trends noticed in the second wave of fintech explain how today, apart from pure fintech companies like Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:COIN), conventional financial companies like Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA), and Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) are also beginning to join the fintech sector. Today, these companies are the most exciting fintech innovators to follow. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) and Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) have both been working with third-party merchants on smart-chip technologies for contactless payment and more. These companies have also launched cards with embedded fingerprint scanners that act as biometric readers. They are also focusing on expanding their application programming interfaces to simplify their networks and increase their attractiveness to fintech startups.

With the growing interest in fintech mentioned above, it is unsurprising how much the sector’s revenue is expected to increase in the near future. According to a Deloitte report, the global fintech revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11.7% between 2019 and 2024. Between 2018 and 2020, the STOXX Global Fintech Index also rose by 50%. The fintech sector also saw share price recoveries within four months after COVID-19 hit the capital markets, demonstrating the sector’s ability to rebound in times of economic turmoil. As a result, analysts and investors alike are highly bullish on the fintech sector today, leading us to compile a list of the most promising fintech stocks to buy today.

Image by MayoFi from Pixabay

Our Methodology

We scoured the fintech stocks universe and picked 12 stocks with strong upside potential based on average analyst price targets. We used TipRanks data as the source for average price targets. These stocks are also popular among the 943 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey in the fourth quarter of 2022. They are ranked based on the number of hedge funds holding stakes in them, from the lowest to the highest.

Most Promising Fintech Stocks To Buy

12. Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFRM)

Upside Potential as of February 22: 15.7%

Average Price Target: $15.04

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22

Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFRM) is an information technology company operating a platform for digital and mobile-first commerce in the US, Canada, and internationally. The company offers a point-of-sale payment solution for consumers, merchant commerce solutions, and a consumer-focused app. It is based in San Francisco, California.

DA Davidson’s analyst Christopher Brendler holds a Buy rating on Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFRM) shares as of February 9, alongside a $20 price target.

Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFRM) is a leader in the Buy Now Pay Later area, and it has made deals with companies like Amazon.com, Inc. to offer its BNPL services. As of this February, the company has grown its active consumers by 39% year-over-year to 15.6 million. The company’s merchants have also increased year-over-year by 45% to 243,000. This demonstrates the promising nature of Affirm Holdings, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AFRM) strong brand.

In total, 22 hedge funds were long Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFRM) in the fourth quarter, with a total stake value of $65.2 million.

Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFRM), like Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:COIN), Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA), and Visa Inc. (NYSE:V), is a fintech company with overwhelming potential according to hedge funds today.

11. SoFi Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:SOFI)

Upside Potential as of February 22: 21.78%

Average Price Target: $7.94

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 25

SoFi Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:SOFI) is a digital financial services provider based in San Francisco, California. The company operates through its Lending, Technology Platform, and Financial Services segments. Its products and services allow consumers to borrow, save, spend, invest and protect their money.

Ashwin Shirvaikar at Citigroup holds a Buy rating on SoFi Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:SOFI) shares as of January 31.

The company has demonstrated significant growth potential in the fourth quarter. SoFi Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:SOFI) increased its net interest income by 138% year-over-year in the period. Company management also sees more potential in its growing brand power, as annualized revenue per product increased from $21 in the fourth quarter of 2021 to $40 in the fourth quarter of 2022. This demonstrated more brand awareness for SoFi Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:SOFI) products among consumers.

Silver Lake Partners was the largest shareholder in SoFi Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:SOFI) at the end of the fourth quarter, holding 31.2 million shares worth about $143.6 million. In total, 25 hedge funds were long the stock, with a total stake value of $371.3 million.

10. Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU)

Upside Potential as of February 22: 35.84%

Average Price Target: $6.5

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31

Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU) is a digital financial services platform and technology company. It operates mainly in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia and is based in São Paulo, Brazil.

Wolfe Research analyst Darrin Peller holds an Outperform rating on Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU) shares as of January 5.

Warren Buffett is the largest shareholder in Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU) as of the end of the fourth quarter. In 2022, Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway bought a $1 billion stake in the company. Buffett’s interest in the company is a strong indicator of its immense growth potential. Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU) also reported a 171% increase in its revenue for the quarter that ended September 30, bringing it up to a record $1.3 billion.

A total of 31 hedge funds were long Nu Holdings Ltd. in the fourth quarter, with a total stake value of $1.2 billion.

9. Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD)

Upside Potential as of February 22: 31.24%

Average Price Target: $12.94

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 32

Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) is an investment banking and brokerage company based in Menlo Park, California. The company offers a platform through which users can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds, options, gold, and crypto.

As of January 10, JMP Securities analyst Devin Ryan holds an Outperform rating on Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) shares, alongside a $25 price target.

Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) demonstrated growth in the fourth quarter when its revenue grew by 5% year-over-year to $380 million. The company is also expected to benefit from the rising prices of Bitcoin and Dogecoin. Bitcoin rose by over 40% in January, and since Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) depends on crypto and options for its transaction-based revenues, analysts expect the company to fare better in the coming months.

Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) was found in the 13F holdings of 32 hedge funds at the end of the fourth quarter. Their total stake value was $652 million. ARK Investment Management was the largest shareholder in the company, holding 29.2 million shares worth $238.1 million.

8. Paylocity Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:PCTY)

Upside Potential as of February 22: 38.65%

Average Price Target: $282.42

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 33

Paylocity Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:PCTY) is an application software company providing cloud-based human capital management and payroll software solutions in the US. The company is based in Schaumburg, Illinois. It works to simplify payroll, automate processes, and more.

Cowen analyst Bryan Bergin holds an Outperform rating on Paylocity Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:PCTY) shares as of February 3. The analyst also raised his price target on the stock from $231 to $265.

The company beat its revenue guidance in the first fiscal quarter of 2023 by $12 million, when revenue came in at $253.3 million. Paylocity Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:PCTY) generated a profit of $84.5 million in this quarter, which was an increase of $21 million year-over-year. The company is currently guiding for a full-year 2023 revenue of $1.1 billion to $1.2 billion, up about 32% from the previous year.

Paylocity Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:PCTY) had 33 hedge funds long its stock in the fourth quarter, with a total stake value of $798 million.

ClearBridge Investments, an investment management firm, mentioned Paylocity Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:PCTY) in its fourth-quarter 2022 investor letter. Here’s what the firm said:

Paylocity Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:PCTY) also held up well against broad customer spending slowdowns earlier in the year but saw its share price weaken on broader macro headwinds during the quarter. The company’s cloud-based human capital management and payroll software solutions help businesses manage through broad labor shortages and provide solutions to retain talent. However, as excess slack in the labor market has begun to be absorbed, investments in human resources solutions have declined. Additionally, we believe Paylocity continues to have a compelling long-term growth runway as it attracts new customers and gains market share against large, mature competitors.”

7. Block, Inc. (NYSE:SQ)

Upside Potential as of February 22: 22.41%

Average Price Target: $97.35

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 70

Block, Inc. (NYSE:SQ) is a data processing and outsources services company based in San Francisco, California. It creates tools that help sellers to accept card payments, alongside providing reporting and analytics, and next-day settlement.

KeyBanc raised its price target on Block, Inc. (NYSE:SQ) shares on February 22 from $90 to $100. The firm holds an Overweight rating on the stock.

6. Mercadolibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI)

Upside Potential as of February 22: 16.04%

Average Price Target: $1,468.75

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 75

Mercadolibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI) is an internet and direct marketing retail company based in Montevideo, Uruguay. The company operates online commerce platforms in Latin America. Its platform, Mercado Libre Marketplace, enables businesses, merchants, and individuals to list merchandise and conduct sales online.

On February 21, Credit Suisse analyst Stephen Ju reiterated an Outperform rating on Mercadolibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI) shares. The analyst also raised his price target on the stock from $1,450 to $1,685.

Mercadolibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI) has recently partnered with WhatsApp Pay in a bid to expand its e-commerce and fintech market share in Brazil. The company is set to benefit from the new customers available to it through this partnership, since WhatsApp has the highest penetration rate in the Latam social media market, going up to 90% by 2022. Mercadolibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI) has also been seeing promising growth in its Argentina operations, with operating margins of 38.4%.

Generation Investment Management was the largest shareholder in Mercadolibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI) at the end of the fourth quarter, holding 707,061 shares worth about $598.3 million. In total, 75 hedge funds were long the stock, with a total stake value of $3.2 billion.

Lakehouse Capital, an investment management company, mentioned Mercadolibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI) in its November 2022 investor letter. Here’s what the firm said:

“A noteworthy result in November was Buenos Aires based e-commerce leader Mercadolibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:MELI), which posted another impressive quarterly result despite ongoing macro concerns. The company delivered net revenue growth of 45% year-on-year in U.S. dollar terms along with a steady increase in operating profitability, with operating margins increasing 240 basis points to 11%. Its marketplace business experienced strong growth across all key markets – namely Brazil, Argentina and Mexico – and generated $8.6 billion in gross merchandise value, up 32% year-on-year. It was also pleasing to see unique buyers increase 10% to 42.5 million and items purchased per buyer remain broadly stable, indicating stickiness among recently acquired users and market share gains in some of its largest markets, particularly Brazil.”

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Most Promising Fintech Stocks To Buy.

Suggested articles:

Disclosure: None. 12 Most Promising Fintech Stocks To Buy is originally published on Insider Monkey.

AI Fire Sale: Insider Monkey’s #1 AI Stock Pick Is On A Steep Discount

Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal!

The whispers are turning into roars.

Artificial intelligence isn’t science fiction anymore.

It’s the revolution reshaping every industry on the planet.

From driverless cars to medical breakthroughs, AI is on the cusp of a global explosion, and savvy investors stand to reap the rewards.

Here’s why this is the prime moment to jump on the AI bandwagon:

Exponential Growth on the Horizon: Forget linear growth – AI is poised for a hockey stick trajectory.

Imagine every sector, from healthcare to finance, infused with superhuman intelligence.

We’re talking disease prediction, hyper-personalized marketing, and automated logistics that streamline everything.

This isn’t a maybe – it’s an inevitability.

Early investors will be the ones positioned to ride the wave of this technological tsunami.

Ground Floor Opportunity: Remember the early days of the internet?

Those who saw the potential of tech giants back then are sitting pretty today.

AI is at a similar inflection point.

We’re not talking about established players – we’re talking about nimble startups with groundbreaking ideas and the potential to become the next Google or Amazon.

This is your chance to get in before the rockets take off!

Disruption is the New Name of the Game: Let’s face it, complacency breeds stagnation.

AI is the ultimate disruptor, and it’s shaking the foundations of traditional industries.

The companies that embrace AI will thrive, while the dinosaurs clinging to outdated methods will be left in the dust.

As an investor, you want to be on the side of the winners, and AI is the winning ticket.

The Talent Pool is Overflowing: The world’s brightest minds are flocking to AI.

From computer scientists to mathematicians, the next generation of innovators is pouring its energy into this field.

This influx of talent guarantees a constant stream of groundbreaking ideas and rapid advancements.

By investing in AI, you’re essentially backing the future.

The future is powered by artificial intelligence, and the time to invest is NOW.

Don’t be a spectator in this technological revolution.

Dive into the AI gold rush and watch your portfolio soar alongside the brightest minds of our generation.

This isn’t just about making money – it’s about being part of the future.

So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your investment life!

Act Now and Unlock a Potential 10,000% Return: This AI Stock is a Diamond in the Rough (But Our Help is Key!)

The AI revolution is upon us, and savvy investors stand to make a fortune.

But with so many choices, how do you find the hidden gem – the company poised for explosive growth?

That’s where our expertise comes in.

We’ve got the answer, but there’s a twist…

Imagine an AI company so groundbreaking, so far ahead of the curve, that even if its stock price quadrupled today, it would still be considered ridiculously cheap.

That’s the potential you’re looking at. This isn’t just about a decent return – we’re talking about a 10,000% gain over the next decade!

Our research team has identified a hidden gem – an AI company with cutting-edge technology, massive potential, and a current stock price that screams opportunity.

This company boasts the most advanced technology in the AI sector, putting them leagues ahead of competitors.

It’s like having a race car on a go-kart track.

They have a strong possibility of cornering entire markets, becoming the undisputed leader in their field.

Here’s the catch (it’s a good one): To uncover this sleeping giant, you’ll need our exclusive intel.

We want to make sure none of our valued readers miss out on this groundbreaking opportunity!

That’s why we’re slashing the price of our Premium Readership Newsletter by a whopping 70%.

For a ridiculously low price of just $29, you can unlock a year’s worth of in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single restaurant meal!

Here’s why this is a deal you can’t afford to pass up:

• Access to our Detailed Report on this Game-Changing AI Stock: Our in-depth report dives deep into our #1 AI stock’s groundbreaking technology and massive growth potential.

• 11 New Issues of Our Premium Readership Newsletter: You will also receive 11 new issues and at least one new stock pick per month from our monthly newsletter’s portfolio over the next 12 months. These stocks are handpicked by our research director, Dr. Inan Dogan.

• One free upcoming issue of our 70+ page Quarterly Newsletter: A value of $149

• Bonus Reports: Premium access to members-only fund manager video interviews

• Ad-Free Browsing: Enjoy a year of investment research free from distracting banner and pop-up ads, allowing you to focus on uncovering the next big opportunity.

• 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee:  If you’re not absolutely satisfied with our service, we’ll provide a full refund within 30 days, no questions asked.

 

Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $29.

2. Enjoy a year of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the revolutionary AI company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter over the next 12 months.

3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!


No worries about auto-renewals! Our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies whether you’re joining us for the first time or renewing your subscription a year later!

A New Dawn is Coming to U.S. Stocks

I work for one of the largest independent financial publishers in the world – representing over 1 million people in 148 countries.

We’re independently funding today’s broadcast to address something on the mind of every investor in America right now…

Should I put my money in Artificial Intelligence?

Here to answer that for us… and give away his No. 1 free AI recommendation… is 50-year Wall Street titan, Marc Chaikin.

Marc’s been a trader, stockbroker, and analyst. He was the head of the options department at a major brokerage firm and is a sought-after expert for CNBC, Fox Business, Barron’s, and Yahoo! Finance…

But what Marc’s most known for is his award-winning stock-rating system. Which determines whether a stock could shoot sky-high in the next three to six months… or come crashing down.

That’s why Marc’s work appears in every Bloomberg and Reuters terminal on the planet…

And is still used by hundreds of banks, hedge funds, and brokerages to track the billions of dollars flowing in and out of stocks each day.

He’s used this system to survive nine bear markets… create three new indices for the Nasdaq… and even predict the brutal bear market of 2022, 90 days in advance.

Click to continue reading…