Nu Holdings vs Upstart (NU vs UPST)
Nu Holdings (NU) vs Upstart (UPST) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Nu Holdings (NU) and Upstart (UPST) compete in financial services and payments. Here are Nu Holdings and Upstart side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Nu Holdings or Upstart.
Nu Holdings vs Upstart: the figures
| Figure | Nu Holdings | Upstart |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $11.99 (November 4, 2026) | $23.38 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $57.9 billion | $2.3 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 16.4x | 38.3x |
| Forward P/E | 10.7x | 6.5x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +52.1% | +34.1% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 42.7% | 4.7% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | N/A | 12.6x |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Beta | 0.97 | N/A |
Nu Holdings and Upstart figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Nu Holdings or Upstart figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Nu Holdings and Upstart
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Nu Holdings keeps 42.7 as net profit and Upstart keeps 4.7.
- Valuation: Upstart trades at 38.3x its annual earnings and Nu Holdings at 16.4x; the market pays more for each dollar of Upstart profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Growth: Nu Holdings grew sales +52.1% year on year in its latest quarter, against +34.1% for Upstart.
Nu Holdings or Upstart: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Nu Holdings is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If price is what matters most to you: Nu Holdings trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Nu Holdings nor Upstart wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Nu Holdings and Upstart make money
Nu Holdings (NU)
Nu Holdings is the parent of Nubank, an app-only digital bank operating in Brazil, Mexico and Colombia. It offers accounts, credit cards, personal loans, investments and insurance. It earns mainly interest on credit cards and loans, plus interchange fees merchants pay on card purchases. Brazil is its largest market. Full Nu Holdings analysis.
Upstart (UPST)
Upstart uses artificial intelligence models to decide who should get a loan. Most revenue comes from fees paid by banks and credit unions for each loan it originates for them, mainly personal loans but also auto and home equity loans. It operates in the United States and also earns interest on loans it keeps on its balance sheet. Full Upstart analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Nu Holdings vs Upstart
Is Nu Holdings or Upstart the better stock?
Choosing between Nu Holdings and Upstart depends on what you are looking for. Nu Holdings is growing faster right now, and Nu Holdings trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Nu Holdings or Upstart: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Nu Holdings or Upstart?
Neither pays a dividend as of November 4, 2026: Nu Holdings and Upstart put what they earn into growth or other forms of shareholder return.
Which is more expensive, Nu Holdings or Upstart?
On P/E, Upstart (38.3x) is more expensive than Nu Holdings (16.4x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Nu Holdings and Upstart?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Nu Holdings and Upstart, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Nu Holdings or Upstart.
More comparisons with Nu Holdings or Upstart
More companies like Nu Holdings and Upstart: financial services and payments stocks. Educational content about Nu Holdings and Upstart, not investment advice.