Core Insights - Zip US has launched a new payment feature called 'Pay in 2', allowing customers to split purchases into two instalments over a two-week period, aimed at providing a shorter repayment schedule for everyday purchases [1][2] - The 'Pay in 2' option complements Zip's existing 'Pay in 4' plan, which allows payments to be spread across six weeks for higher-value items [2] - A pilot program indicated strong demand for the 'Pay in 2' option, with 95% of survey participants expressing willingness to use it again for routine expenses like groceries and bills [3] Product Features - 'Pay in 2' is designed to help customers manage cash flow within a single billing cycle, offering flexibility for smaller, recurring purchases without the commitment of a longer installment plan [2][4] - To promote early adoption, Zip is providing a limited-time incentive where the first 100 customers each day who initiate a 'Pay in 2' purchase will receive a year without origination fees on future orders [4] Customer Feedback - Customers have reported that 'Pay in 2' feels manageable and fits naturally between paychecks, making everyday purchases less stressful [2][3] - Joe Heck, US CEO at Zip, emphasized the company's commitment to understanding customer preferences and providing alternatives to traditional high-interest credit products [3]

Core Viewpoint - Affirm Holdings, Inc. (AFRM) is experiencing strong market interest, but its valuation metrics, particularly the forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 6.26X, raise concerns about sustainability compared to historical and industry averages [1][2][4] Financial Performance - Affirm's free cash flow increased by 109.3% year-over-year to $609 million, indicating strong cash generation [4][7] - The P/FCF ratio stands at 44.25X, significantly higher than the industry average of 28.86X, suggesting a premium valuation [4][8] - The company ended the fiscal third quarter with $1.4 billion in cash and cash equivalents, a 33.4% increase from the end of fiscal 2024 [8] Growth Drivers - 94% of transactions in Q3 were from repeat users, with transaction volumes rising 45.6% to 31.3 million [7][9] - Affirm is expanding its offerings into essential categories such as groceries and travel, partnering with major retailers like Costco [10] - The company is broadening its product ecosystem by investing in debit solutions and B2B tools, enhancing customer engagement [11] Market Expansion - Affirm's partnership with Shopify aims to launch operations in Europe, targeting markets like France, Germany, and the Netherlands [11] - The company is also entering the gaming sector through a collaboration with Xsolla, focusing on younger consumers [12] Earnings Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts a 103% year-over-year increase in fiscal 2025 earnings to 5 cents per share, with further growth expected in fiscal 2026 [13] - Revenue projections for fiscal 2025 and 2026 are anticipated to grow by 37.2% and 22.8%, respectively [13][14] Stock Performance - Affirm's shares have increased by 28.4% year-to-date, outperforming the industry average of 22.6% and competitors like PayPal and Block [15] Competitive Landscape - The BNPL market is highly competitive, with significant pressure from established players like PayPal and Block, as well as traditional financial institutions [17] - Affirm faces challenges in retaining large merchants, as evidenced by Walmart's switch from Affirm to Klarna [17] Cost Management - Operating expenses have been rising, with a 76.6% increase in fiscal 2022 and a 7.4% increase in the latest fiscal quarter, necessitating tighter cost discipline [18] Investment Considerations - While Affirm shows strong growth potential and cash flow generation, its high valuation and competitive pressures suggest a balanced risk/reward profile [19][20]