Synchrony Financial (SYF)vsUpstart Holdings Inc (UPST)
SYF
Synchrony Financial
$67.63
+0.54%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $24.23B
UPST
Upstart Holdings Inc
$26.09
-1.92%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.55B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Synchrony Financial generates 807% more annual revenue ($9.76B vs $1.08B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 5.0%. SYF trades at a lower P/E of 7.3x. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
SYF
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
UPST
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+59.2%
Fair Value
$178.92
Current Price
$67.63
$111.29 discount
Margin of Safety
-57.2%
Fair Value
$21.06
Current Price
$26.09
$5.03 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 48.5%
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 2.5B in free cash flow
Revenue surging 34.4% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.1% earnings growth
ROE of 7.5% — below average capital efficiency
5.0% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SYF
The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.5%.
Bull Case : UPST
The strongest argument for UPST centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 34.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : SYF
The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : UPST
The primary concerns for UPST are EPS Growth, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 57.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 5.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SYF profiles as a value stock while UPST is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
UPST carries more volatility with a beta of 2.19 — expect wider price swings.
UPST is growing revenue faster at 34.4% — sustainability is the question.
SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SYF scores higher overall (71/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 36.4% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Synchrony Financial
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.
Visit Website →Upstart Holdings Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Upstart Holdings, Inc. operates a cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) lending platform. The company is headquartered in San Mateo, California.
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