Robinhood Markets vs. Nu: Two Fintech Growth Stocks, but One Looks Like a Better Bargain

The fintech landscape is evolving as mobile-first platforms challenge traditional institutions. Deciding between Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:HOOD) and Nu (NYSE:NU) depends on whether you prefer domestic diversification or international banking scale.

Robinhood transformed trading for a new generation of American investors by making stocks and cryptocurrencies accessible. Meanwhile, Nu disrupted the Brazilian banking market and is now expanding its digital-first model throughout Mexico and Colombia. Both companies are aggressively pursuing growth, but they operate in different regulatory environments and geographic markets.

The case for Robinhood Markets

Robinhood operates a diverse financial services platform that serves approximately 27 million funded customers. Originally focused on U.S. stock trading, the company has expanded into cryptocurrency, options, retirement accounts, and subscription-based financial services through Robinhood Gold. It is also expanding internationally, with operations and new offerings across Europe and other markets.

In FY 2025, Robinhood generated $4.47 billion in revenue, an increase of 51.6% year over year, supported by stronger trading activity, higher net interest income, and growth in subscription services. Net income reached approximately $1.9 billion, resulting in a 42.1% profit margin. These results demonstrate the company's ability to generate substantial profits as it expands its customer base and financial product offerings.

Robinhood ended 2025 with approximately $4.3 billion in cash and cash equivalents. Its current ratio stood at 1.3x, while free cash flow reached approximately $1.6 billion for the year, including the effects of brokerage-related working capital movements. This financial position provides flexibility to invest in new products, expand internationally, and support continued business growth.

The case for Nu

Nu operates a digital-first banking platform serving approximately 131 million customers across Latin America. The company focuses on providing accessible, low-cost financial services to consumers and businesses, with operations in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. Its technology-driven model allows it to expand its customer base and lending operations without the extensive branch networks required by traditional banks.

In FY 2025, Nu generated approximately $15.8 billion in revenue, an increase of 37% year over year, driven by growth in credit card activity, personal lending, and interest income. Net income reached nearly $2.9 billion, up 45.6%, resulting in a profit margin of approximately 18.2%. These results reflect the company's ability to expand its lending business while maintaining profitability.

Nu ended 2025 with approximately $15 billion in cash and cash equivalents and $11.3 billion in total equity. Its debt-to-equity ratio was approximately 0.5x, excluding customer deposits, while operating cash flow reached $3.5 billion for the year. The company's growing earnings and deposit base provide a foundation for continued expansion, although managing credit losses and maintaining sufficient capital remain important considerations as its loan portfolio grows.

Risk profile comparison

Robinhood faces regulatory and legal risks related to its payment for order flow model, cryptocurrency trading, and rapidly expanding event contracts business. Its revenue also depends heavily on trading activity, making earnings vulnerable to periods of reduced market participation.

Nu faces a different set of challenges. Operating primarily across Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, the company is exposed to regional economic conditions, currency fluctuations, and changing banking regulations. Competition from established banks and other digital financial platforms could also pressure profitability. As Nu expands its lending operations, managing credit defaults and maintaining sufficient capital will be essential, particularly if economic conditions weaken or borrowing costs remain elevated.

Valuation comparison

Nu appears cheaper than its peer based on the Forward P/E and the P/S ratio, which measures market cap against sales over the past twelve months.

Valuation metrics include sourcing from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.

Which stock would I buy?

Both Robinhood and Nu have demonstrated impressive growth, but at their current valuations, I would favor Nu as the better long-term investment.

Robinhood has successfully expanded beyond its roots as a stock trading platform, building a profitable business across brokerage services, cryptocurrency trading, and financial products. However, much of that success appears reflected in its valuation. At 47.3 times forward earnings, investors are paying a substantial premium for continued growth, leaving the stock vulnerable if trading activity slows or earnings fall short of expectations.

Nu offers a different opportunity. Its digital banking model continues to attract customers across Latin America, where opportunities for expanding access to credit and financial services remain substantial. Revenue grew 37% in 2025, while net income increased nearly 46%, demonstrating its ability to scale profitably. Despite that performance, the stock trades at just 16.9 times forward earnings, a considerably more attractive valuation than Robinhood.

Nu isn't without risks. Its lending business remains sensitive to credit losses, interest rates, and economic conditions across Latin America. However, the valuation provides a greater margin for potential setbacks.

For investors looking beyond 2026, Nu looks like the better buy. Robinhood remains a compelling growth company, but Nu combines strong earnings growth, substantial room for expansion, and a much more reasonable price.

RJ Fulton has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Nu Holdings. The Motley Fool recommends Robinhood Markets. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.