expectations 2 - The Latremie Post

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.
https://blockonomi.com/affirm-afrm-stock-payment-firm-posts-big-earnings-beat-as-volume-jumps-42/

New Zealand Dollar drifts lower below 0.5650 as China’s Trade Surplus narrows in October

The NZD/USD pair is attracting some sellers near the 0.5620 level during the Asian trading hours on Friday. The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) has weakened against the US Dollar (USD) following a narrowing of China’s trade surplus in October and a disappointing New Zealand jobs report. Traders are also bracing for the flash U-Mich Consumer Sentiment survey scheduled for later on Friday.

Data released by the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China showed that China’s trade surplus narrowed to $90.07 billion in October, down from $90.45 billion previously. This figure fell short of the forecasted $95.60 billion. Meanwhile, exports rose by just 1.1% year-over-year in October, missing expectations for a 3.0% gain. Imports increased by 1.0% year-over-year, a sharp decline from 7.4% in September and below the market consensus of 3.2%.

The narrowing of China’s trade surplus could weigh on the New Zealand Dollar, often seen as a proxy for China, given that China is one of New Zealand’s major trading partners.

Adding to the NZD’s weakness, New Zealand’s unemployment rate climbed to 5.3% in the third quarter (Q3), marking its highest level since 2016. This weak jobs report has strengthened the case for a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) this month, putting additional selling pressure on the NZD. Most economists now expect a 25 basis points (bps) reduction at the RBNZ’s final meeting of the year, scheduled for November 26.

On the US side, Challenger jobs data indicated a sharp increase in job cuts, suggesting a possible cooling in the US labor market. The report revealed that companies cut over 150,000 jobs in October, marking the biggest reduction for the month in more than 20 years.

Following the release of the Challenger jobs data, traders have ramped up bets on a rate cut in the US, which has weighed on the Greenback against the NZD. Trading in Fed funds futures now implies a 70% probability of a rate reduction at the Federal Reserve’s next meeting, up from 62% a day earlier, according to the CME FedWatch tool.

Overall, the combination of weaker Chinese trade data, a disappointing New Zealand jobs report, and signs of softening in the US labor market is influencing price action in the NZD/USD pair as traders adjust their expectations ahead of key upcoming economic releases.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/new-zealand-dollar-drifts-lower-below-0-5650-as-chinas-trade-surplus-narrows-in-october/

Humana Reports $195 Million Profit As Costs Land Within Expectations

Humana Reports $195 Million in Q3 Profits as Medical Cost Trends Stabilize

Humana reported $195 million in third-quarter profits on Wednesday, with the health insurer’s medical cost trends aligning with previous company forecasts. Like its industry peers, Humana has faced increased costs, particularly within its Medicare Advantage plans—a substantial component of the company’s business.

Medicare Advantage plans are government-contracted and offer seniors additional benefits and services, such as disease management, nurse helplines, vision, dental care, and wellness programs. To improve performance, Humana exited certain “unprofitable” plans and counties during the quarter.

“Our 3Q25 insurance segment benefit ratio of 91.1% is in line with our guidance of ‘just above 91%,’” Humana stated in prepared management remarks released alongside its earnings report. The benefit expense ratio, which is the percentage of premium revenue allocated toward medical costs, was 91.1% compared to 89.9% in the same quarter last year.

Despite the elevated expense ratio, Humana’s net income dropped to $195 million, or $1.62 per share, down from $480 million, or $3.98 per share, a year ago. However, revenue increased to $32.6 billion, up from $29.4 billion in the prior-year period.

Humana attributed some stability to less volatile industry cost trends over the past year, reaffirming its full-year 2025 adjusted earnings per share outlook of “approximately $17.00” and maintaining insurance segment benefit ratio guidance of 90.1% to 90.5%. This outlook, Humana noted, is “supported by solid execution and results.”

The company also reported improvements in its Medicare Advantage enrollment, reaching over 5.2 million individual enrollees by the end of the third quarter. “We now anticipate a FY 2025 decline of approximately 425,000 Individual Medicare Advantage (MA) members, improved from our previous expectation of a loss of up to 500,000, driven by stronger retention and better-than-expected sales,” the company said.

Meanwhile, Humana’s CenterWell healthcare services business continues to expand, reporting growth of 56,600 patients, or nearly 15%. “CenterWell Pharmacy continues to drive strong growth across payor-agnostic offerings, with increased Specialty volumes and strong Direct-to-Consumer growth, both exceeding previous expectations in 3Q25,” the company said.

Looking forward, Humana executives expressed confidence in the company’s strategy and outlook. “Our strategy of putting the consumer at the heart of everything we do is working, with solid year-to-date performance and strong momentum heading into the Annual Election Period,” said President and CEO Jim Rechtin. “We feel positive about the direction we’re headed and the value we are creating for our members, patients, and investors.”
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/humana-reports-195-million-profit-as-costs-land-within-expectations/

Milap Zaveri REACTS calmly to Mastiii 4 trailer being called “crap”: “Respect your opinion”

The trailer of *Mastiii 4*, the latest installment of the cult comedy franchise, dropped today (November 4, 2025), and within minutes, it stirred mixed reactions across social media.

While long-time fans of the series rejoiced at the reunion of Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Aftab Shivdasani, others expressed discomfort over its bold, adult-themed humour.

**Milap Zaveri Reacts Calmly to Mastiii 4 Trailer Being Called “Crap”: “Respect Your Opinion”**

The trailer, which marks the return of director Milap Milan Zaveri to the comedy space, faced sharp criticism from a section of netizens for its language and suggestive scenes. One journalist called the trailer “ridiculous,” quoting a dialogue to highlight what they felt was a lack of sensitivity.

Responding to the criticism, Zaveri took a measured and respectful approach. Replying directly to the journalist, he wrote, “Respect your opinion bhai. Hopefully audiences will enjoy it,” indicating that he was unfazed by the negative comments and confident in the film’s entertainment value.

Social media reactions, however, remained divided. While some users questioned the film’s tone, others drew parallels to Riteish Deshmukh’s upcoming historical drama on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, suggesting the actor may face contrasting audience expectations.

Despite the online chatter, the makers are optimistic. Backed by Zee Studios and Waveband Production in association with Maruti International and Balaji Motion Pictures, *Mastiii 4* is being pitched as the “biggest comedy entertainer of the year.”

The film also stars Shreya Sharma, Ruhii Singh, and Elnaaz Norouzi alongside the main trio, with special appearances by Arshad Warsi and Tusshar Kapoor. Shot across the UK and Mumbai, the film promises four times the humour, chaos, and nostalgia that made the franchise a fan favourite.

*Mastiii 4* is slated to hit theatres on November 21, 2025.

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**Also Read:**
[Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Aftab Shivdasani come together for the second poster of Mastiii 4]

**More Pages:**
[Mastiii 4 Box Office Collection] | [BOLLYWOOD NEWS LIVE UPDATES]
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/milap-zaveri-reacts-calmly-mastiii-4-trailer-called-crap-respect-opinion/

Saints make flurry of moves after Week 7 injuries

The 2025 season has been another disappointing campaign for the New Orleans Saints. Entering the year with no real expectations, the outlook has now dimmed even further, with predictions suggesting the team will win three games or fewer this season. Currently, the Saints hold a 1-6 record as they prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8.

A recent injury update has dealt a significant blow to the Saints’ offense. The team has placed center Erik McCoy and running back Kendre Miller on season-ending Injured Reserve. To address the gaps, the Saints have signed running back Velus Jones Jr. to their active roster from the practice squad and added running back Audric Estimé to the practice squad.

Erik McCoy, a Texas A&M product, was playing like one of the top centers in the league this season. Unfortunately, he suffered a biceps injury during the loss to the Chicago Bears, ruling him out for the remainder of the year. Given his elite performance despite the team’s struggles, McCoy was potentially a trade candidate ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline.

Running back Kendre Miller, who hails from TCU and was part of their national title appearance, has also been sidelined with a torn ACL. His absence is a severe setback for New Orleans’ offense. Miller served as the primary backup to Alvin Kamara, and with him out, the team will need to look to Devin Neal to share the workload. Before the injury, Miller carried the ball 47 times for 193 yards and one touchdown, averaging 4.1 yards per carry over seven games. Miller’s injury history adds to the concern, as he has yet to play more than eight games in a single season. The hope remains that he can recover fully and return stronger in the future.

The addition of Audric Estimé, a former Denver Broncos running back, provides some depth but the Saints’ offense still faces an uphill battle for the remainder of the season.

Overall, with key offensive players sidelined and a tough schedule ahead, the Saints will need resilience and adjustments to salvage what remains of their 2025 campaign.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-new-orleans-makes-flurry-of-moves-after-week-7-injuries

Telusu Kada box office collection day 3: Neeraja Kona’s directorial debut ends up EARNING Rs..

**Telugu Romantic Drama *Telusu Kada* Completes Opening Weekend with Slow Box Office Performance**

The Telugu romantic drama *Telusu Kada* was released on October 17, 2025. Yesterday, October 19, marked the end of its opening weekend. Written and directed by Neeraja Kona, the film was produced by T. G. Vishwa Prasad and Vivek Kuchibhotla under the banner of People Media Factory.

The storyline revolves around a couple, Anjali and Varun. When Anjali realizes that she cannot give birth, she decides to opt for surrogacy. The film then explores Varun’s reaction to this decision. The movie features a talented cast including Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Raashii Khanna, and Srinidhi Shetty.

### Box Office Performance on Day 3

The first two days since the release saw a slow response at the box office. By the end of Day 2, *Telusu Kada* had earned approximately Rs. 4.10 crore.

However, on Day 3, the film earned an estimated Rs. 1.75 crore, bringing the total revenue over the opening weekend to around Rs. 5.69 crore, according to early estimates reported by Sacnilk.

As per the same report, the film recorded a total Telugu occupancy of 24.55% on Day 3, showing a decline from 28.15% on Day 2.

### More About *Telusu Kada*

Despite having a star-studded cast and a promising premise, *Telusu Kada* seems to be struggling at the box office. The romantic drama, penned and directed by Neeraja Kona and produced by T. G. Vishwa Prasad and Vivek Kuchibhotla under People Media Factory, received a lukewarm response from the audience during its opening weekend.

One of the major reasons for this slow start is attributed to the critical reviews and word-of-mouth feedback. Expectations were high for a bold, urban, and modern film, but many viewers felt these were not met.

While the film is praised for its strong premise, critics and audiences alike pointed out weak execution as a major flaw. Moreover, the movie appears to have struggled to connect with the broader Telugu audience.

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With its opening weekend behind it, *Telusu Kada* will need strong word of mouth and positive reviews to turn the tide and improve its performance in the coming weeks.
https://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/telusu-kada-box-office-collection-day-3-neeraja-konas-directorial-debut-ends-up-earning-rs-3268239/

Apple’s failure to finalize the design of one component could delay iPhone Fold

**Foldable iPhone May Be Delayed Until 2027 Due to Hinge Design Challenges**

The launch of Apple’s first foldable iPhone might be pushed back to 2027, owing to setbacks in the design of a crucial component. Until now, most reports suggested that Apple would unveil its much-anticipated foldable iPhone as early as next September, debuting alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Air. The base iPhone 18 model was expected in the following spring, along with a more affordable iPhone 18e.

However, new speculation indicates that the device, likely to be named the iPhone Fold, could face a significant delay—potentially not arriving until 2027. This update comes from Japanese securities firm Mizuho Securities.

### Hinge Production Delays Could Push iPhone Fold Release to 2027

According to South Korean website The Elec, Mizuho informed its clients that Apple has yet to finalize both the design and specifications for its first foldable iPhone. There are lingering questions about several components, the most notable being the hinge—a critical part for foldable devices.

Apple reportedly planned to use a unique hinge designed to minimize, or even eliminate, the crease that plagues current foldable phones. Just recently, respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted that the hinge for Apple’s foldable iPhone may end up costing $20 to $40 less than previously expected. Currently, the price per hinge is estimated at $100 to $120, but Kuo predicts this could drop to $70 or $80 by the time mass production begins.

Mizuho’s note, translated by AppleInsider, stated: “It is not easy to mass-produce a foldable phone in the third quarter of 2026 and release it in September. It takes time to decide the final design and specification of Apple’s hinge.” This could be reason enough for Apple to delay the iPhone Fold’s release until 2027.

### Anticipated Specs and Launch Numbers

Mizuho Securities forecasts that the iPhone Fold will feature a 7.58-inch internal screen and a 5.38-inch cover display. Previous reports had predicted a slightly larger 5.49-inch external screen and a 7.76-inch internal screen. For comparison, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will have an 8-inch internal display and a 6.5-inch external screen.

If Apple does manage a 2026 launch, Mizuho believes that the company would produce five to seven million fewer iPhone Folds than originally planned. The anticipated number of display panels has been revised downward from 13 million to 9 million units.

### Is There Demand for a Foldable iPhone?

A poll taken about the device revealed a divided audience:

– **Yes, I can’t wait for the iPhone Fold.**
– **No, I don’t like foldable phones.**
– **I would love a foldable phone, but not a foldable iPhone.**

### Foldables Remain a Niche Market

Foldable phones currently account for roughly 1.5% to 1.6% of the global smartphone market in 2025, with total shipments forecast to reach nearly 20 million units this year. The largest manufacturer in this segment is Huawei, holding 45% of the foldable market as of the second quarter of 2025.

Motorola’s Razr line has also surged, doubling its global foldable market share to 28% and securing second place. Samsung, meanwhile, holds 9% of the worldwide foldable market. Notably, in the U.S., Motorola and Samsung are the top two foldable phone brands.

### Touch ID May Return with the iPhone Fold

One fan-favorite feature rumored to return with the iPhone Fold is Touch ID. First introduced with the iPhone 5s in 2013 and replaced by Face ID starting with the iPhone X, the fingerprint sensor could be making a comeback with Apple’s first foldable device.

### The Foldable Future

While the foldable smartphone market remains a niche, many analysts predict a surge in popularity if and when Apple enters the space. Until then, enthusiasts and casual users alike will have to wait a bit longer for Apple’s innovative take on the foldable device.

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*Stay tuned for more updates on Apple and the latest technology launches! If you’d like to receive the latest Apple news, be sure to subscribe. And let us know—will you buy a foldable iPhone? Share your thoughts in the comments!*

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https://www.phonearena.com/news/apple-could-delay-iphone-fold_id174981

Pi Network sheds $18B in six months: ‘That’s basically a rug pull’

**Key Takeaways**

– Pi Network’s token, PI, has plunged over 90%, erasing nearly $18 billion in market capitalization and fueling fresh rug pull claims.
– Without addressing community concerns and supply growth issues, PI could remain under downward pressure in the coming months.

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**Why Is Pi Network Facing Rug Pull Claims Again?**

Since its debut in March, the Pi Network [PI] price has crashed over 90%, reigniting allegations that the project might be a rug pull. At launch, the price soared to $2.79, pushing the market capitalization to approximately $18 billion amid a wave of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). However, the price has since slipped below $1 and plunged further to around $0.26, wiping out more than $16 billion in market cap over the past six months.

A pseudonymous crypto market commentator known as Mr Spock weighed in on the situation, stating, “Pi crashed over 90% from its highest position, that’s basically a rug pull.”

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**Hype and Speculative Interest Fade**

Back in May, Pi Network faced similar rug pull accusations after the team allegedly established a $100 million venture fund amid more than six years of unmet expectations and broken promises. Many community members believed that this fund—partly sourced from internal revenue and mining activities—was diverted for external purposes rather than being reinvested into the ecosystem.

This backlash contributed to the token’s inability to rebound in May, dragging the price down below $0.50. Despite the sour market sentiment, data from Pi Scan indicated some continued accumulation of PI tokens. Over the past 24 hours alone, a net flow of $112.3 million was recorded, meaning more PI tokens flowed out of exchanges than into them, which suggests buying activity.

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**Derivatives Data Show Collapse in Speculative Interest**

Despite signs of accumulation, speculative interest has sharply declined. While there has been some improvement in the futures market demand, overall speculative interest dropped by more than 10 times. According to Glassnode, PI’s Open Interest (OI)—the total value of open contracts in the derivatives market—plummeted from nearly $120 million to about $20 million.

This sustained bearish pressure reflects the community’s growing frustration and feeling of being sidelined by the Pi Network team.

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**Inflationary Pressure Weighs on Price**

Another major factor dragging down PI’s price is inflationary pressure. Since May, the circulating supply of PI tokens has surged by over 1 billion tokens, exacerbating downward price pressure.

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**What’s Next for PI?**

Unless the Pi Network team addresses community concerns and carefully manages token supply growth, PI could continue to face heavy downward pressure. Rebuilding trust and stabilizing the token economy will be critical to any future recovery efforts.

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*Stay tuned for updates on Pi Network and other cryptocurrency developments.*
https://ambcrypto.com/pi-network-sheds-18b-in-six-months-thats-basically-a-rug-pull