Nubank vs Itaú Unibanco

This page compares Nubank and Itaú Unibanco, covering their business models, financial performance, and the market context in which they operate. It presents neutral, accessible information about the two institutions, highlighting similarities and differences to help readers form a balanced view. Educational content, not financial advice.

About The Companies

Nubank (NU)

Nu Holdings Ltd (ticker: NU) is the holding company for Nubank, a leading digital-first bank serving customers across Latin America. With a market capitalisation of about $73.44B, Nu has grown rapidly by offering low-friction mobile banking, credit cards, payments and nascent wealth and insurance services. Its model focuses on customer experience, low-cost digital distribution and cross-selling to increase revenue per user. Investors should note the opportunities from large underbanked populations and product expansion alongside risks: credit exposure, macro volatility in the region, currency swings and regulatory complexity. Competition from incumbents and other fintechs can pressure margins. Nu has shown progress on scale and unit economics, but earnings and growth can vary by period. This content is general educational information, not investment advice. Values can rise and fall, and past growth is not a guarantee of future returns. Consider your personal circumstances or seek independent financial advice before making investment decisions.

Itaú Unibanco (ITUB)

Itaú Unibanco Holding S.A. (ITUB) is one of Brazil’s largest private banks, offering retail and commercial banking, wealth management, insurance and payment services. With a market capitalisation of about $71.44B, the group benefits from a broad domestic franchise, recurring fee income from cards and asset management, and scale advantages in lending. Key performance drivers include net interest margins, loan growth, fee income and operating efficiency, while digital investment and cost control shape future competitiveness. Important risks for investors are Brazil’s macroeconomic and political volatility, currency moves, changes in interest rates and credit cycles. The bank has historically paid dividends and prioritised healthy capital buffers, but past distribution patterns don’t guarantee future payouts. This summary is educational and not personal financial advice — investors should assess their own objectives and risk tolerance and consider professional advice. Values can rise or fall and returns are not guaranteed.

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

Metric

ITUB

$81.89B

Market Cap

$75.11B

N/A

Potential Profit

6.37%

N/A

Analyst Rating

Buy

Why It's Moving

NU Holdings edges higher amid resilient Latin American fintech momentum.

Analysts project robust upside with median targets above current levels, fueled by 32.91% revenue growth and 47% EPS CAGR through 2027.
Company boasts 105 million customers in Brazil, underscoring dominance in Latin America's fintech space with a $57.89 billion market cap.
Positive outlook persists on market expansion potential into new regions like the US or Asia, alongside innovative offerings like NuCel.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Itau Unibanco jumps as board approves large cash distributions and shares go ex‑dividend, fueling sector rotation

Board approved BRL 23.4 billion in total cash distributions — including dividends and interest on capital — and a share cancellation, signaling management is returning capital and aiming to boost per‑share metrics ahead of year‑end.
Shares began trading ex‑rights/ex‑dividend in mid‑December (ex‑date set for December 10–11), prompting short‑term buying from income‑seeking investors and mechanical flows from funds that track ex‑dividend calendars.
The move coincides with heightened banking‑sector volatility linked to recent regulatory scrutiny in the U.S., which has amplified intraday swings and encouraged speculative positioning in options around ITUB’s breakout attempts.

Sentiment:

🌋Volatile

NU Holdings edges higher amid resilient Latin American fintech momentum.

Analysts project robust upside with median targets above current levels, fueled by 32.91% revenue growth and 47% EPS CAGR through 2027.
Company boasts 105 million customers in Brazil, underscoring dominance in Latin America's fintech space with a $57.89 billion market cap.
Positive outlook persists on market expansion potential into new regions like the US or Asia, alongside innovative offerings like NuCel.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Itau Unibanco jumps as board approves large cash distributions and shares go ex‑dividend, fueling sector rotation

Board approved BRL 23.4 billion in total cash distributions — including dividends and interest on capital — and a share cancellation, signaling management is returning capital and aiming to boost per‑share metrics ahead of year‑end.
Shares began trading ex‑rights/ex‑dividend in mid‑December (ex‑date set for December 10–11), prompting short‑term buying from income‑seeking investors and mechanical flows from funds that track ex‑dividend calendars.
The move coincides with heightened banking‑sector volatility linked to recent regulatory scrutiny in the U.S., which has amplified intraday swings and encouraged speculative positioning in options around ITUB’s breakout attempts.

Sentiment:

🌋Volatile

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Brazil Digital Banking: Could Infrastructure Stocks Win?

As more Brazilians turn to digital platforms for managing their wealth, the demand for sophisticated financial technology is growing. This basket offers exposure to US and EU-listed companies providing the critical software, payment systems, and market infrastructure powering this shift.

Published: October 9, 2025

Explore Basket

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Brazil Digital Banking: Could Infrastructure Stocks Win?

Published: October 9, 2025

Explore Basket

Investment Analysis

Nubank

Pros

Nu Holdings operates a leading digital-only banking platform across Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, capturing rapid adoption in underbanked, tech-savvy Latin American markets.
The company has delivered exceptional revenue and earnings growth, with recent annual revenue up nearly 50% and net profit margins above 39%, outperforming traditional banks.
Nu Holdings continues to add millions of customers quarterly, with recent growth to over 100 million users, driving strong cross-selling and higher average products per active customer.

Considerations

Nu Holdings’ valuation metrics, such as a price-to-earnings ratio above 34, are elevated compared to many traditional banks, reflecting high growth expectations already priced in.
The company’s lack of a dividend may deter income-focused investors, despite robust profitability and cash generation.
As a digital disruptor, Nu Holdings faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny and potential new compliance costs in multiple Latin American jurisdictions as its footprint expands.

Itaú Unibanco

ITUB

Pros

Itaú Unibanco is the largest private bank in Brazil, with a diversified revenue base, deep customer relationships, and a leading position in corporate and retail banking.
The bank maintains a strong capital position and consistent profitability, supported by its scale, operational efficiency, and prudent risk management through economic cycles.
Itaú Unibanco benefits from a well-established branch network and brand recognition, providing stability and cross-selling opportunities even as digital channels grow.

Considerations

Itaú Unibanco’s growth rates are modest compared to digital-native peers, as its mature business faces slower customer acquisition and loan expansion in a competitive market.
The bank is exposed to macroeconomic volatility in Brazil, including interest rate fluctuations and currency risks, which can pressure earnings and asset quality.
Itaú Unibanco’s cost structure is higher than digital competitors, with legacy branch networks and IT systems limiting margin expansion potential in the near term.

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About The Companies

Comparison Snapshot

Why It's Moving

NU Holdings edges higher amid resilient Latin American fintech momentum.

Itau Unibanco jumps as board approves large cash distributions and shares go ex‑dividend, fueling sector rotation

NU Holdings edges higher amid resilient Latin American fintech momentum.

Itau Unibanco jumps as board approves large cash distributions and shares go ex‑dividend, fueling sector rotation

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Brazil Digital Banking: Could Infrastructure Stocks Win?

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Brazil Digital Banking: Could Infrastructure Stocks Win?