Figure Technology Solutions, a blockchain-based lending platform that went public last year, is considered potentially undervalued as its loan originations increase and its tokenized credit marketplace expands. According to Cointelegraph, Bernstein analysts have given Figure an “Outperform” rating with a $67 price target, nearly double its recent trading level of around $32.
The optimistic outlook follows a significant rise in lending activity. In March, Figure originated $1.2 billion in loans, a 33% increase from the previous month, marking the first time monthly volumes surpassed $1 billion. The company primarily focuses on home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), which allow homeowners to borrow against their property equity, usually at lower interest rates than unsecured loans. Utilizing the Provence blockchain, Figure claims to enhance efficiency in the loan process, reducing costs by 117 basis points per loan. First-quarter originations reached $2.9 billion, more than doubling from the previous year and defying the typical seasonal slowdown in HELOC demand. The company is now on track for approximately $12 billion in annualized loan volume.
Figure’s growth is attributed to rising consumer loan demand, an expanding partner network, and the ongoing rollout of its blockchain-based credit infrastructure, including its YLDS stablecoin. Despite a strong start to the year and a positive fourth quarter with increased earnings and revenue, Figure's profits fell short of expectations. The company's stock has struggled, declining over 20% this year amid broader volatility in digital asset-linked stocks and sector-specific challenges. Following its high-profile Nasdaq debut last September, which valued the company at nearly $800 million, the stock has faced difficulties regaining momentum.
Bernstein's analysis values Figure at roughly 25 times its projected 2027 EBITDA, indicating the stock trades at a multiple of its expected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. This valuation surpasses existing digital asset companies, reflecting Figure’s potential as both a tokenization platform and a profitable lending business. However, risks persist. HELOC demand can be sensitive to mortgage refinancing trends, and the broader private credit market, a crucial component of Figure’s growth strategy, has shown signs of increasing pressure.
Weatherly