Group 1: ServiceNow - ServiceNow's cloud-based digital workflow platform enhances operational efficiency and supports hybrid work environments through AI-powered tools [3][4] - The company reported a 23.5% revenue increase in 2023 and anticipates a 22.5% rise in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 19% over the next three years [4] - Analysts expect ServiceNow's EPS to grow at a CAGR of 28% from 2024 to 2027, indicating strong profitability [4] - Long-term growth is expected to be driven by new government contracts and increased usage of AI tools [5] - The stock is currently valued at 15 times this year's sales, reflecting its growth potential in the cloud and AI markets [5] Group 2: Toast - Toast provides a comprehensive digital solution for restaurants, including POS systems and cloud-based management services [6] - The number of restaurants using Toast grew from 48,000 at its IPO in 2021 to nearly 127,000, demonstrating significant market expansion [6] - Revenue increased by 60% in 2022 and 42% in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 24% from 2023 to 2026 [8] - Adjusted EBITDA is expected to grow at a CAGR of 129%, indicating strong financial health [8] - The stock trades at just 4 times next year's sales, suggesting it may be undervalued [8] Group 3: Affirm - Affirm specializes in buy now, pay later (BNPL) services, offering installment plans that appeal to younger and lower-income consumers [9] - The company does not charge interest on four-installment payments and offers competitive fees compared to traditional credit card networks [10] - Revenue grew by 46% in fiscal 2024, driven by an increase in merchants and the introduction of the Affirm Card [11] - Analysts project a CAGR of 28% for Affirm's revenue from fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2027, with adjusted EBITDA expected to turn positive in fiscal 2025 [12] - The stock is valued at 10 times this year's sales, reflecting its potential in the expanding BNPL market [12]

Core Insights - Affirm has expanded its partnership with Shopify, becoming the exclusive pay-over-time provider for Shopify's Shop Pay Installments program in the U.S. and Canada, with plans to enter the U.K. market [1][2] Company Developments - Shopify's COO emphasized the success of the partnership with Affirm in the U.S. and the intention to extend this value to merchants in Canada and the U.K. [2] - Affirm's CEO highlighted the growth potential of Shop Pay Installments, which has been beneficial for millions of consumers in the U.S. [4] Product Offerings - Eligible Shopify merchants in Canada will soon offer Shop Pay Installments powered by Affirm, allowing customers to make payments in customized biweekly or monthly installments [3] - Shop Pay Installments has been utilized by millions of customers since its launch in 2021 [3] Financial Performance - Affirm reported a 47% increase in revenues to $866 million, driven by a strong holiday shopping season and the growing adoption of BNPL options [4] - The company is on track to achieve positive operating income within five months, indicating significant progress [5] Industry Trends - Research indicates that 56% of consumers used installment payment options in the past year, showcasing the growing popularity of BNPL compared to traditional credit cards [6] - Among various pay-later offerings, BNPL users reported high satisfaction, with 76% expressing strong contentment with their experiences [7]

Core Argument - The New Civil Liberties Alliance (NCLA) filed an amicus curiae brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to vacate a district court's temporary restraining order that requires President Trump to reinstate Hampton Dellinger, emphasizing the President's absolute constitutional authority to remove Executive Branch officials [1][2]. Separation of Powers - The Constitution grants all executive power to the President, which includes the authority to remove subordinates without restriction, as confirmed by recent Supreme Court rulings [2][4]. - The President's removal authority is unqualified, contrasting with the appointment power that requires congressional approval, thus allowing the President to maintain control over Executive Branch officials [2][3]. Judicial Overreach - A federal district court judge overstepped by attempting to prevent the President from exercising his removal power, which is not within the judge's authority [3]. - The NCLA argues that prior lawsuits from fired officials typically seek back pay rather than reinstatement, highlighting the inappropriate nature of the district court's order [3]. Statements from NCLA - NCLA representatives assert that the lower court's order undermines the constitutional separation of powers and the accountability of the President to the voters [4]. - The organization emphasizes that the President alone is responsible for staffing the Executive Branch, reinforcing the need for the Supreme Court to protect the President's constitutional authority [4].

Have you been paying attention to shares of Affirm Holdings (AFRM) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 39.2% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $80.72 in the previous session. Affirm Holdings has gained 32.5% since the start of the year compared to the 12.9% move for the Zacks Business Services sector and the 9.2% return for the Zacks Financial Transaction Services industry.What's Driving the Outperformance?The stock has an impressive record of positive earnings surprises, ...

The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price. Do they really matter, though?Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about Affirm Holdings (AFRM) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.Affirm Holdings currently ...

Core Insights - Affirm has experienced significant stock appreciation, with a 677% increase since the start of 2023, and a recent surge of over 20% following strong earnings results [2][1] - The company is capitalizing on the growing popularity of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, particularly among younger consumers, which has led to impressive growth metrics [1][4] Company Performance - In the most recent quarter, Affirm reported a 35% growth in gross merchandise volume (GMV) and a 47% increase in revenue year-over-year, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing companies in the fintech sector [4] - Affirm's partnerships with major merchants like Amazon and Apple are expected to further enhance its revenue growth, particularly with the integration of BNPL services into Apple Pay [5] Business Model and Sustainability - Affirm's business model focuses on individual loans for each transaction, helping consumers avoid high-interest debt, with only 28% of its products being interest-free loans [3][6] - The company has increased its lending capacity to $22.6 billion from $15.5 billion year-over-year, indicating strong demand and trust from debt investors [7] Financial Health - Affirm maintains a robust balance sheet with $1.8 billion in cash and generated over $600 million in free cash flow in the past year, reflecting its financial stability [8] - The company is building additional revenue streams, such as the Affirm Card, which has reached 1.7 million users, enhancing its presence in everyday transactions [6] Market Position and Valuation - CEO Max Levchin envisions Affirm as a diversified financial company akin to American Express, with Affirm's revenue growth of 46% compared to American Express's 10% year-over-year growth justifying a higher valuation [10] - Given the accelerating growth and potential from Apple Pay integration, Affirm's stock is considered a solid long-term buy despite its volatility [11][12]

Momentum investing revolves around the idea of following a stock's recent trend in either direction. In the 'long' context, investors will be essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." With this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving that way. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.Even though momentum is a popular stock char ...

Group 1 - Affirm Holdings (AFRM) is currently outperforming its peers in the Business Services sector with a year-to-date return of approximately 27.7%, compared to the sector average of 10.8% [4] - The Zacks Rank for Affirm Holdings is 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook, with a 41.7% increase in the consensus estimate for full-year earnings over the past three months [3] - Affirm Holdings is part of the Financial Transaction Services industry, which consists of 36 companies and is currently ranked 82 in the Zacks Industry Rank, with this industry gaining about 9.2% year-to-date [5] Group 2 - Byrna Technologies Inc. (BYRN) is another stock in the Business Services sector that has outperformed, with a year-to-date return of 18.7% and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [4][5] - The Technology Services industry, to which Byrna Technologies belongs, has seen a year-to-date increase of 21.9% and is currently ranked 78 among 152 stocks [6] - Investors interested in Business Services stocks should monitor both Affirm Holdings and Byrna Technologies for continued strong performance [6]

Financial technology (fintech) represents a transformative investment space in a hybrid sector merging finance and technology. The companies featured in the space encompass a variety of services, such as online banking, peer-to-peer payments, insurance, cryptocurrency and cybersecurity, among others. They are relevant because they streamline financial services, apart from enhancing efficiency and security through innovations like mobile banking, online investing and payment processing.The financial technolo ...

PayPal Inc. co-founder and Affirm’s CEO Max Levchin on center stage during day one of Collision 2019 at Enercare Center in Toronto, Canada.Affirm, the online lender founded by Max Levchin, expanded beyond credit and entered the debit market four years ago with a card that let users pay over time. Now the company is making it possible for banks to offer that service to their customers.Affirm, which pioneered the buy now, pay later business (BNPL), has partnered with FIS in a deal that will allow the fintech ...