Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs, Douglas Research Advisory

Douglas Kim

Nearly 25 years of experience in analyzing hundreds of companies, especially in Asia. Deep expertise in the following sectors:
- Technology (E-commerce, SaaS, Internet)
- Consumer 
- Special Situations/Deep Value Plays
- Holdcos/Stubs
- Asian Unicorns/Private Companies

Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs

Upstart Holdings - Up 1,252% from the IPO Price & A Key Comp for Kakao Pay

No More Activation of Volatility Mitigation Device (VI) In the First Day of Trading in Korean IPOs

Why Is the Korean FTC Investigating K-Cube Holdings? (Owned by Kakao Group Chairman Kim Beom-Soo)

Equity Capital Markets

Upstart Holdings  / Equity Capital Markets

<p>Our base case valuation of Upstart Holdings is EV of $3,153 million, implied market cap of $3,236 million, and implied price of $35.8 per share, which would be 63% higher than the high end of the IPO price range of $22. Given the attractive upside, we have a positive view of the Upstart IPO. Our base case valuation uses our estimated sales of $321 million in 2021 and a 9.8x EV/S multiple. The 9.8x EV/S multiple was derived from the average of the comps' 2021 EV/Sales average and median multiples. </p><p>Upstart's core business uses the cloud-based artificial intelligence lending platform and aims to provide lower interest rates, higher approval rates, and a smoother digital experience. Since the company's inception, its bank partners have originated more than 0.62 million personal loans that have generated over 9 million repayments. As of the end of September 2020, about 70% of the Upstart-powered loans were entirely automated. </p>

Our base case valuation of Upstart Holdings is EV of $3,153 million, implied market cap of $3,236 million, and implied price of $35.8 per share, which would be 63% higher than the high end of the IPO price range of $22. Given the attractive upside, we have a positive view of the Upstart IPO. Our base case valuation uses our estimated sales of $321 million in 2021 and a 9.8x EV/S multiple. The 9.8x EV/S multiple was derived from the average of the comps' 2021 EV/Sales average and median multiples. Upstart's core business uses the cloud-based artificial intelligence lending platform and aims to provide lower interest rates, higher approval rates, and a smoother digital experience. Since the company's inception, its bank partners have originated more than 0.62 million personal loans that have generated over 9 million repayments. As of the end of September 2020, about 70% of the Upstart-powered loans were entirely automated. 

Upstart Holdings

Upstart IPO Valuation Analysis