Affirm (AFRM) Stock: Payment Firm Posts Big Earnings Beat as Volume Jumps 42%

Affirm Reports Strong Fiscal Q1 2026 Earnings, Beating Expectations Across the Board

Buy now, pay later company Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFRM) delivered an impressive fiscal first quarter performance that surpassed Wall Street estimates on multiple fronts. For the quarter ended September 30, Affirm reported earnings of 23 cents per share, a significant turnaround from a 31 cent loss in the same period last year. Analysts had predicted just an 11 cent profit.

Revenue surged 34% year-over-year to $933 million, beating the consensus forecast of $883 million. The company’s gross merchandise volume (GMV) also posted strong growth, climbing 42% to reach $10.8 billion, outperforming the $10.38 billion estimate.

### Debit Card Contributes $1.4 Billion in Volume, Margins Improve

Affirm’s newly launched debit card contributed $1.4 billion to its total transaction volume. Although revenue from this product came in right at expectations, totaling $69.33 million, it represents a promising addition to the company’s offerings.

The company’s adjusted operating margin expanded notably to 28.3%, up from 19% a year earlier, signaling enhanced profitability and more efficient scaling. Affirm continues to shift its revenue mix towards zero-percent interest payment plans. These plans, which generate fees from merchants rather than interest from consumers, typically carry lower margins than interest-bearing products but tend to attract customers with stronger credit profiles and larger purchase amounts.

### New Partnerships Position Affirm for Future Growth

Affirm faces competition from competitors like Klarna, Sezzle, Afterpay (Block), and PayPal but continues to secure significant partnerships with major retailers such as Amazon and Shopify. A new partnership with Apple, launched in September, now offers Affirm’s payment plans for in-store iPhone purchases at Apple retail locations—a move analysts believe could materially boost growth in 2026.

Additionally, Affirm has entered deals with Wayfair and Fanatics, further diversifying its merchant base. While Walmart recently shifted the majority of its buy now, pay later volume to Klarna, Affirm’s new partnerships help offset that loss.

### Fiscal Q2 Guidance and Stock Performance

Looking ahead, Affirm provided fiscal Q2 revenue guidance of approximately $1.045 billion, which aligns closely with analyst expectations.

Following the strong quarterly results, AFRM stock surged over 11% in after-hours trading to $73.32. The stock had dipped during the regular session but was up 7% year-to-date prior to the earnings announcement. Affirm holds an IBD Composite Rating of 81 and an Accumulation/Distribution Rating of B-minus, reflecting positive technical signals.

### Summary

Affirm’s fiscal Q1 performance highlights robust growth in revenue and volume, improved profitability, and promising progress from new product launches and partnerships. The company appears well-positioned to capitalize on expanding market opportunities within the competitive buy now, pay later space.
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