SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ: SOFI) experienced a sharp decline of 12.5% in its stock price as of 9:45 a.m. ET on Tuesday, despite reporting better-than-expected earnings for the quarter. Analysts had anticipated the online banking platform would generate $0.04 per share in earnings on revenue of $632.3 million. Instead, SoFi posted earnings of $0.05 per share alongside revenue of $697.1 million, surpassing forecasts.
In its third-quarter report, SoFi showed substantial growth, increasing its member base by 35% year-over-year, reaching a total of 9.4 million members. However, revenue growth was slightly slower at 30%. CEO Anthony Noto emphasized that the growth trends remain “durable,” and he highlighted that the third quarter marked the strongest performance in the company’s history.
Furthermore, SoFi reported improvements in credit quality, with personal loan charge-offs dropping by 32 basis points to 3.52%, and delinquencies on personal loans decreasing by 7 basis points to 0.57%. These enhancements in credit metrics are expected to support future profitability, as evidenced by a 25% increase in net interest income.
The segment of financial services and technology showed the most rapid growth, with sales soaring 64% year-over-year and now comprising almost half (49%) of SoFi’s overall business. Notably, the company turned a profit of $0.05 per share this quarter, compared to a loss of $0.29 per share a year ago, marking its fourth consecutive quarter of profitability.
While SoFi has demonstrated consistent growth, its stock may be perceived as expensive, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 83 based on its trailing twelve-month earnings of $0.12 per share. Analysts project that in 2024, the company will maintain a revenue growth rate of 22% to 23%, with membership growing 30% and expected earnings doubling to $0.25 per share.
Investors should note that despite SoFi’s impressive growth trajectory, it was not listed among the top recommended stocks by the Motley Fool Stock Advisor’s analyst team. They believe that there are other stocks that could yield significant returns in the coming years.
In conclusion, while SoFi Technologies showcases strong growth and improved financial health, potential investors must weigh its high valuation against the backdrop of its performance and future projections. The company’s continued focus on expanding its service offerings and enhancing credit quality could bode well for its long-term success.
Overall, SoFi’s position in the financial services sector appears promising, offering potential opportunities for future growth, especially as it evolves into a robust player in the online banking landscape.