Core Insights - The article highlights the potential for consumer discretionary sectors, particularly in lending and installment payments, to deliver significant returns, especially in the context of lower interest rates and the ongoing tech rally [1][4]. Company Overview - Affirm Holdings Inc. specializes in point-of-sale financing solutions, leveraging a business model that includes installment loans, personal loans, and "buy now, pay later" arrangements [2]. - The company reported an earnings per share (EPS) of 20 cents in its most recent quarter, significantly exceeding the MarketBeat consensus estimate of 11 cents, indicating strong performance even before the Fed's rate cuts [2]. Market Expectations - The current analyst consensus price target for Affirm is $80.04 per share, suggesting a nearly 2% downside from the current price, with cautious earnings forecasts for Q1 2026 predicting a loss of two cents, but a rebound to 22 cents is anticipated [3]. - There is a 94% probability of another Fed rate cut by October 2025, which could further enhance consumer borrowing and transaction volumes, positioning Affirm favorably for future growth [4]. Analyst Ratings and Forecasts - Affirm's stock forecast indicates a 12-month price target of $80.04, with some analysts projecting targets as high as $108, implying potential upside of 13% to 28% from current prices [5]. - The stock currently trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 645x, significantly higher than the average of 78x for its peers, reflecting strong institutional demand and high-conviction investment [7]. Institutional Interest - Durable Capital Partners increased its holdings in Affirm by 12.3% to $510.9 million, indicating strong institutional confidence in the company's future earnings potential [7][8].