EPS of $0.01 increased by 102.3% from previous year
Gross margin of 65.4%
Net income of 2.80M
""0% APR⌠it is in fact a 0% APR. At this point, we've actually earned our right/brand. People know when Affirm says it's a 0% deal, it is in fact you will pay no interest for as long as the number of months says."" - Max Levchin
Affirm Holdings Inc (AFRM) QQ3 2025 Earnings Analysis: Momentum in GMV, Solid Cash Flow, and Path to Profitable Growth
Executive Summary
Affirm Holdings reported QQ3 2025 results with solid topâline momentum and improving profitability dynamics, supported by robust gross margins and strong cash generation. Revenue of $783.1 million and gross profit of $512.1 million yielded a gross margin of approximately 65.4%, while operating income remained near breakeven at a negative $8.4 million. Net income was $2.8 million, reflecting a transition toward profitability as the company leans into growth opportunities and selective investments in brand and partnerships. Operating cash flow was $210.4 million and free cash flow was $157.4 million, underscoring a healthy cash-generating core despite an elevated longâterm debt burden.
Key Performance Indicators
Revenue
783.13M
QoQ: -9.61% | YoY:35.92%
Gross Profit
512.12M
65.39% margin
QoQ: -14.96% | YoY:4.95%
Operating Income
-8.39M
QoQ: -94.19% | YoY:60.02%
Net Income
2.80M
QoQ: -96.51% | YoY:102.09%
EPS
0.01
QoQ: -96.00% | YoY:102.33%
Revenue Trend
Margin Analysis
Key Insights
Revenue: $783.134 million; QoQ change: -9.6% (versus Q2 2025); Trailing four-quarter revenue shows a healthy growth trajectory with LTM growth of ~35.9% per the earnings metrics, reflecting sustained scale and merchant network expansion.
Operating Income / Margin: -$8.393 million; operating margin â -1.07%. Despite the quarterly loss, the trajectory points to narrowing losses as revenue mix shifts and operating leverage improves.
Net Income / Margin: $2.804 million; net margin â 0.36%. Net income benefited from mix, financial structuring, and one-time/integration effects across activities.
Earnings per Share: $0.01 basic and diluted; weighted-average shares ~324.1â344.2 million (diluted).
Financial Highlights
Overview of key metrics and drivers for QQ3 2025:
- Revenue: $783.134 million; QoQ change: -9.6% (versus Q2 2025); Trailing four-quarter revenue shows a healthy growth trajectory with LTM growth of ~35.9% per the earnings metrics, reflecting sustained scale and merchant network expansion.
- Gross Profit / Margin: $512.116 million; gross margin â 65.39% (0.654). Margin strength driven by favorable mix and scalable platform economics.
- Operating Income / Margin: -$8.393 million; operating margin â -1.07%. Despite the quarterly loss, the trajectory points to narrowing losses as revenue mix shifts and operating leverage improves.
- Net Income / Margin: $2.804 million; net margin â 0.36%. Net income benefited from mix, financial structuring, and one-time/integration effects across activities.
- Earnings per Share: $0.01 basic and diluted; weighted-average shares ~324.1â344.2 million (diluted).
- Cash Flow: Net cash provided by operating activities $210.4 million; capital expenditures $53.0 million; free cash flow (FCF) $157.4 million.
- Balance Sheet: Total assets $10.437 billion; cash and cash equivalents $1.351 billion; short-term investments $0.781 billion; total current assets $9.081 billion. Long-term debt $7.358 billion; total liabilities $7.561 billion; stockholdersâ equity $2.875 billion. Net debt â $6.008 billion; debt-to-capitalization â 0.719.
- Cash Position & Liquidity: Strong liquidity with substantial cash and marketable securities; current ratio â 63.1 and cash ratio â 9.39, reflecting cushion against near-term volatility and ample capacity to fund growth initiatives.
- Efficiency & Returns: Gross margin ~65.4%; operating margin ~-1.07%; net margin ~0.36%; ROA ~0.027% and ROE ~9.75e-4% (nearly breakeven on equity). Free cash flow per share â $0.486; operating cash flow per share â $0.649.
- Guidance & Momentum: Management signaled a continued emphasis on growth opportunities with âexcellent credit quality and LTV characteristics,â aiming to move toward a gapped profitable model while balancing investment with profitability. GMV growth guidance indicates a high-end target around low- to mid-30% year-over-year.
Income Statement
Metric
Value
YoY Change
QoQ Change
Revenue
783.13M
35.92%
-9.61%
Gross Profit
512.12M
4.95%
-14.96%
Operating Income
-8.39M
60.02%
-94.19%
Net Income
2.80M
102.09%
-96.51%
EPS
0.01
102.33%
-96.00%
Key Financial Ratios
currentRatio
63.09
grossProfitMargin
65.4%
operatingProfitMargin
-1.07%
netProfitMargin
0.36%
returnOnAssets
0.03%
returnOnEquity
0.1%
debtEquityRatio
2.56
operatingCashFlowPerShare
$0.65
freeCashFlowPerShare
$0.49
priceToBookRatio
5.09
priceEarningsRatio
1305.63
Net Income vs. Revenue
Expense Breakdown
Management Commentary
Key takeaways from the QQ3 2025 earnings call:
- Strategy and growth orientation: Max Levchin described a data-driven, brandâoriented push into growth opportunities, noting that Affirm is âleaning into growth opportunities with excellent credit quality and LTV characteristics while hitting our targetsâ and positioning the business as a âsoon-to-be-gapped profitableâ enterprise. He emphasized the strategic value of 0% APR promotions as a long-term growth engine and brand builder.
- 0% APR promotions: Management highlighted the defensible quality of zero-percent financing, with Max stating, â0% APR⌠it is in fact a 0% APR. At this point, weâve actually earned our right/brand. People know when Affirm says itâs a 0% deal, it is in fact you will pay no interest for as long as the number of months says.â The team views these offers as a high-converting acquisition channel with favorable credit quality and long-term value through higher card eligibility rates.
- GMV and mix dynamics: Rob OâHare and others noted broad-based GMV strength across categories with March as the strongest month, citing â40% GMV growth year-on-yearâ in March and broad-based gains across the merchant base. Direct-to-consumer growth, led by card, was highlighted as a key driver of GMV expansion.
- Partnerships and international expansion: The call underscored ongoing ramp with Costco, Walmart, Shopify renewal through 2028, and international expansion plansâUK go-to-market aided by Adyen for faster integrations, Canada beta ongoing, and Shopify in Canada expected to come online. The leadership emphasized speed to goâlive through Adyen and the importance of merchant relationships to scale globally.
- Credit and risk framework: The team described recession preparedness and proactive underwriting adjustments, focusing on front-end credit posture and back-end portfolio balance to preserve capital markets obligations. They reiterated that the loan book turns over quickly, with early stress signals driving timely actions.
- Technology and AI: Affirm articulated a strong emphasis on AI, machine learning for underwriting and operations, and GenAI for internal tasks and customer resolution capabilities. Management stressed that ML is the backbone for credit decisions, while GenAI enhances efficiency and customer service when used responsibly and with guardrails.
"0% APR⌠it is in fact a 0% APR. At this point, we've actually earned our right/brand. People know when Affirm says it's a 0% deal, it is in fact you will pay no interest for as long as the number of months says."
â Max Levchin
"We are at the forefront of the industry in this sense. It took years literally testing what will happen to your credit score if the NPL data is included in it. The hard part is making sure that it's incorporated accurately, represents the behavior truthfully, actually helps people build their scores, doesn't disproportionately benefit or punish them in strange unexpected consequences."
â Max Levchin
Forward Guidance
Outlook and trajectory analysis: Affirm maintains an emphasis on scalable growth alongside improving profitability metrics. The company signaled GMV growth in the 34% YoY range at the high end, implying continued strength in merchant partnerships and consumer adoption, albeit with a note that growth may moderate as the quarter-to-quarter momentum normalizes. Managementâs commentary emphasizes âgrowth opportunitiesâ and a disciplined approach to spending, with expectations to transition toward a gapped profitability profile over time. Key catalysts include: (i) accelerated merchant and enterprise partnerships (Costco, Walmart, Shopify, JP Morgan, UK/Canada expansion); (ii) expanded Affirm Card adoption and 0% APR promotions driving higher-card-eligibility cohorts and longer-term value; (iii) AI-enabled efficiency gains in underwriting, customer service, and operations that sustain margin discipline. Risks to watch include macroeconomic headwinds, funding market volatility, competitive intensity, credit cycle deterioration, and regulatory shifts affecting consumer credit and bank-related considerations. Investors should monitor: (a) GMV trajectory versus the 34% high-end target; (b) the pace of international go-lives and their P&L impact; (c) evolution of funding mix (on/off-balance sheet) and ABS activity; (d) credit performance across the front and back books, particularly under recession scenarios outlined in management commentary; (e) ongoing impact of promotional financing on unit economics and long-run customer quality. Overall, Affirmâs outlook remains constructive as strategic partnerships scale, the card ecosystem deepens, and AI-driven capabilities improve efficiency without compromising repayment discipline.
Competitive Position
Company
Gross Margin
Operating Margin
Return on Equity
P/E Ratio
AFRM Focus
65.39%
-1.07%
0.10%
1,305.63%
UPST
1.00%
-27.80%
-1.13%
-133.39%
SOFI
1.00%
6.94%
0.99%
34.65%
RBLX
77.70%
-30.40%
-1.26%
-30.10%
HOOD
76.10%
23.70%
2.08%
34.51%
Gross Profit Margin
Operating Profit Margin
Return on Equity
P/E Ratio Comparison
Investment Outlook
Affirmâs QQ3 2025 results reinforce a growth-oriented trajectory with meaningful top-line expansion, improving profitability dynamics, and a robust liquidity position. The companyâs strategic leverage from 0% APR promotions, broad merchant partnerships (Costco, Walmart), and international expansion (UK/Canada) provides multiple catalysts for sustained GMV growth. Managementâs emphasis on maintaining credit quality and prudent cost discipline signals a pathway toward profitability, though the company remains sensitive to macroeconomic shifts and funding-market conditions. The balance between accelerating growth and delivering margin expansion will hinge on successful international go-lives, optimization of funding mix (on/off-balance sheet), and continued AI-driven efficiency gains. Given the breadth of partnerships and the scalable nature of Affirmâs platform, the investment thesis centers on continued GMV expansion, monetization across the card and financing ecosystem, and the potential for enhanced profitability as mix shifts and operating leverage materializes, supported by a strong cash position and disciplined capital allocation.
Key Investment Factors
Growth Potential
Affirmâs growth runway is anchored in expanding merchant partnerships (Costco, Walmart, Shopify, JP Morgan), international expansion (UK and Canada, with Adyen enabling faster go-lives), and the continued monetization of the 0% APR program as a customer acquisition and lifetime-value driver. The Affirm Card ecosystem and app ecosystem (dynamic optimization, enhanced search-like experiences) are poised to improve conversion and average spend, supported by AI-enabled product enhancements and a greater penetration of card-eligible customers.
Profitability Risk
Key risks include macroeconomic sensitivity impacting consumer delinquency and repayment rates, competition in a crowded fintech and payments space, funding market volatility affecting securitization and liquidity, regulatory scrutiny around banking partnerships and credit reporting, and execution risk in international launches and enterprise deployments. The Y/Y revenue growth may slow as the base amplifies and the mix shifts; the reliance on 0% APR promotions must be managed to avoid commoditization or margin pressure over time.
Financial Position
Liquidity remains robust with cash and short-term investments totaling approximately $2.13B against long-term debt of ~$7.36B, yielding a net debt position of about $6.01B. Positive operating cash flow of ~$210.4M and free cash flow of ~$157.4M in QQ3 2025 support ongoing investment in growth initiatives and potential capital market activities. The balance sheet shows strong asset backing and limited near-term liquidity risk given substantial cash buffers, though leverage remains elevated due to long-dated debt and the need to fund rapid platform growth.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Healthy gross margin around 65%+ with scalable platform economics
Robust cash generation: operating cash flow $210.4M and FCF $157.4M in QQ3 2025
Strong merchant network with broad-based GMV growth and large enterprise partnerships
Leadership in credit reporting with long-standing collaboration with credit bureaus
Strategic international expansion with UK/Canada pilots and Adyen for faster go-lives
Weaknesses
Elevated long-term debt burden and net debt position (~$6.01B)
Near-term profitability is still marginal; operating loss margin around -1.07%
Exposure to macroeconomic cycles and consumer credit risk
Opportunities
Expansion of 0% APR promotions to drive GMV and identify higher-quality card applicants
AI-enabled product enhancements to improve efficiency, underwriting, and customer service
Further scale through Costco, Walmart, Shopify renewals, and new partnerships (JP Morgan, Adyen-driven UK rollout)
Continued emphasis on credit bureau reporting to strengthen consumer credit scores
Threats
Macro downturns impacting consumer spend and delinquency rates
Regulatory changes affecting bank partnerships, lending capabilities, and data reporting
Competitive intensity in a rapidly evolving fintech/payments landscape
Funding market volatility that could affect securitization and liquidity