Latest news with #CashApp
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Can Xsolla Help Affirm Gain an Edge in Gaming Payments?
Affirm Holdings, Inc. AFRM, the leading buy now, pay later (BNPL) solution provider, has entered a new partnership with Xsolla, a prominent gaming company, renowned for driving innovation and shaping the future of video game commerce. This deal unlocks access to Affirm's transparent and flexible payment solutions for game developers, using Xsolla's platform in the United States. With Affirm built directly into the checkout experience, players can divide their purchases ($50 or more) into biweekly payments at no interest or choose extended monthly plans based on their needs. This gives gamers the freedom to access premium content more affordably. Whether purchasing full games or in-game content, players can choose Affirm at checkout, complete a brief eligibility check, and, once approved, select a customized payment plan. They plan to expand in Canada and the U.K. soon. Teaming up with Xsolla will help AFRM to expand its footprint in the growing gaming industry, targeting a tech-savvy audience that prefers convenient and adaptable payment options. By embedding its flexible payment solutions into Xsolla's platform, Affirm can boost transaction volumes through frequent in-game and full-game purchases, while also diversifying beyond its traditional retail and travel partners. This partnership is likely to strengthen Affirm's financial position by unlocking new revenue streams. With players making regular purchases, Affirm can benefit from increased transaction volume, driving up gross merchandise value. By joining Xsolla's large network of game developers and publishers, Affirm can reach more merchants and enhance its brand visibility, which will help it to stay competitive in the growing digital market. PayPal Holdings, Inc. PYPL is a major name in the BNPL space. It recently partnered with Selfbook to streamline hotel payments. The integration offers travelers a seamless way to pay using PayPal while unlocking special rates, making bookings more affordable. This move adds value for users and boosts booking performance for hotels, helping PayPal strengthen its position. Meanwhile, Block, Inc. XYZ is keeping pace in the industry by integrating Afterpay directly into its Cash App debit card, allowing eligible users to split qualifying purchases into biweekly instalments. This move helps Block expand BNPL access into everyday spending, embedding flexible payments right at the point of sale. Over the past year, AFRM shares have gained 9.8% underperforming the industry and outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 Composite. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, Affirm trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 5.49, down from the industry average. AFRM carries a Value Score of F. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Affirm's fiscal 2025 earnings implies a 101.8% improvement year over year, followed by massive growth next year. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Affirm Holdings, Inc. (AFRM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Block, Inc. (XYZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Should You Hold Onto XYZ Stock in 2025 Beyond Its 19% QTD Growth?
Block 's (XYZ) solid 19.8% quarter-to-date (QTD) return has left many investors questioning whether it remains attractively valued or if a better entry opportunity lies ahead. XYZ stock has not only outpaced its peers, such as PayPal Holdings, Inc. PYPL and Shopify Inc. SHOP, but also outperformed the S&P 500 composite over the same time frame. QTD, PayPal shares have gained 12.1%, while Shopify shares have appreciated 17%. There has been a spate of positive news of late for Block, including the launch of Square Handheld in the United Kingdom, the official partnership of Square and Live Nation Canada for extension of seamless commerce to Rogers Stadium and beyond, teaming up of Cash App and WNBA All-Star Angel Reese as well as its partnership with Bambu Dessert Drinks to streamline and centralize operations. However, the question arises whether these developments are sufficient to keep the momentum, or a challenging macroeconomic environment can jeopardize XYZ's growth tempo. So, here we make a detailed analysis of XYZ to conclude whether it will be prudent enough to hold the stock for now, or accumulate more shares, or discard and book profits. What's Driving Block Stock's Performance? Block is building a powerful fintech ecosystem through its dual growth engines, Square and Cash App. These platforms offer comprehensive solutions that span payments, commerce, banking, and lending, positioning Block as a one-stop provider for both consumers and businesses. The latest innovations like the Square Point of Sale app and the rollout of 'Cash App Afterpay' showcase its commitment to user-centric design and revenue diversification. Square is steadily reclaiming market share, supported by a 9% year-over-year increase in gross profit and an 8.2% rise in gross payment volume on a constant currency basis. These gains highlight Block's successful execution on product innovation and its targeted go-to-market approach, which includes expanding field sales, onboarding larger sellers, and deepening strategic partnerships. Despite shifting spending patterns, Cash App is poised for meaningful network expansion. Block is prioritizing user growth among teens and families, while accelerating the rollout of Cash App Borrow following FDIC approval for nationwide lending — a move that's expected to significantly expand eligibility and enhance unit economics beginning in the third quarter of 2025. At the same time, Block is tapping into new revenue opportunities. The 'Cash App Afterpay,' a retroactive buy-now-pay-later product, launched earlier this year, is already showing strong early adoption. Additionally, Block's Proto division is preparing to enter the Bitcoin mining space, with plans to release custom chips and systems in the second half of 2025, a strategic push into the broader digital asset infrastructure market. What Hinders Block's Progress? Although Block continues to roll out new features and expand its ecosystem, it faces several challenges. Economic headwinds, such as trade tariffs and subdued discretionary spending in areas like travel and media, are dampening activity on the Cash App Card. Its gross profit is forecasted to improve later in the year, but the near-term softness is noticeable. Moreover, the company is contending with stiff competition from established players like PayPal and Shopify, as well as a growing wave of fintech disruptors. Despite its broad-based growth and diverse revenue streams, Block's performance remains vulnerable to macroeconomic fluctuations and changes in consumer spending patterns. As a result, external forces may play a larger role than internal execution in shaping its trajectory in 2025. XYZ's Earnings Estimates Revision Trends Southward The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Block's 2025 sales and EPS implies year-over-year growth of 3.5% and a decline of 27%, respectively. EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been southbound over the past 30 days. (Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.) XYZ Shares Trade at a Premium Block shares are overvalued, as suggested by the Value Score of D. In terms of forward 12-month Price/Earnings (P/E), Block is trading at 22.17X compared with PayPal's 13.66X. Final Take on Block Block continues to strengthen its position as a leading fintech innovator through its expanding Square and Cash App ecosystems. Recent partnerships, product rollouts, and innovation across Square and Cash App highlight the company's strong execution and growing ecosystem. Initiatives like Cash App Borrow, Afterpay integration, and expansion into Bitcoin mining signal long-term potential. While macroeconomic uncertainty and premium valuation raise caution, Block's diversified revenue base, user growth strategies, and continued momentum justify holding the stock. For now, maintaining a position in XYZ seems prudent as it navigates challenges while unlocking new growth avenues. At present, Block carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks' Research Chief Picks Stock Most Likely to "At Least Double" Our experts have revealed their Top 5 recommendations with money-doubling potential – and Director of Research Sheraz Mian believes one is superior to the others. Of course, all our picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier recommendations like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%. See Our Top Stock to Double (Plus 4 Runners Up) >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Block, Inc. (XYZ): Free Stock Analysis Report PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL): Free Stock Analysis Report Shopify Inc. (SHOP): Free Stock Analysis Report
CNBC
a day ago
- Business
- CNBC
Trying to eliminate money stress 'isn't realistic,' financial therapist says—do this instead
This summer, young Americans are gearing up to socialize more. But those outings and trips will come at a cost, and many Gen Zers aren't feeling so hot about their finances. A recent Cash App survey found 65% of Gen Zers are ready to increase their spending for experiences this summer, but an equal-sized share say that planning those costly activities makes them anxious. It may be nice to get rid of that anxiety altogether, but "trying to eliminate all financial stress or anxiety isn't realistic," says Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a financial therapist and founder of Mind Money Balance. For starters, some financial stress can be healthy. In the short-term, it can help you realize what's most important to you and help you develop a broader financial plan that reflects your values, Bryan-Podvin says. Stress can also be motivating and help encourage you to stay on track. But if you're trying to make a big financial decision like whether to take a trip with your friends or buy a new car, it's wise to make sure you're in the right headspace to do so. And that doesn't mean trying to eliminate the stress. "A healthier and more doable approach is to dial down the intensity of stress to a level where you still feel capable of making wise financial choices," Bryan-Podvin says. When you have to make a big financial decision, take the time to think through it and get your emotions in check. When you do that, Bryan-Podvin says it's a good idea to think about your money stress on a scale of one to 10, with 10 being the highest. "If you're about to make a large unplanned purchase, like saying yes to a spontaneous weekend trip with friends, and your stress level is at an eight, pause before you reply," she says. From there, go for a walk, journal or whatever else helps you calm down. When your stress level is closer to a four or five, you can make a better decision, Bryan-Podvin says. "It's not about waiting until your stress is at zero or avoiding extra spending altogether," she says. "It's about feeling emotionally good enough to make a wise financial decision." Financial stress can help you figure out what your priorities are. If you're worried about not having enough saved for emergencies, for example, "that can clue us in that we value the peace of mind an emergency fund could provide," Bryan-Podvin says. But it's also possible you're stressing for the wrong reasons, especially if you're doing well financially. If you're aiming for perfection or trying to meet an arbitrary standard of someone who's "made it," it's a good time to check in with yourself. "If your stress is at an eight because you feel like you need to invest more, ask yourself, 'According to who?'" Bryan-Podvin says. "That extra check-in can help you get back in touch with yourself instead of trying to keep up with someone else's financial rules." Everyone may need something different to ease their financial stress. To start, try these four strategies from Bryan-Podvin. If you're not sure what your financial priorities are, you could wind up getting even more stressed with decision fatigue every time a spending opportunity arises. Knowing what you value can take some of the anxiety out of making financial decisions. If boosting your emergency fund is a priority, for example, you may have to skip a concert or a few dinners out this summer, Bryan-Podvin suggests. The decision may require saying "no" to your friends who want you to join, "but it can save you the discomfort of not meeting your financial goals in the long run," she says. Using money tools like automatic contributions to your savings or investment accounts can make it easier for you to hit your financial goals, Bryan-Podvin says. If you don't have to think about moving money manually, you won't give yourself the opportunity to spend it on something else. She also recommends using a high-yield savings account to help your money grow faster. Younger generations are getting better at talking openly about money, and that's a good thing: It can help you actually stick to your financial goals, Bryan-Podvin says. She encourages you to try "cash yapping," a term coined by Cash App to describe talking about money without stigma. "Telling your people what you're focusing on financially can provide accountability, decrease awkward moments and reduce social stress," Bryan-Podvin says. It's good to have a pulse on the actual numbers in your savings account. But if you're checking it constantly and having an emotional reaction, Bryan-Podvin suggests setting some boundaries. "Strike a balance between avoidance and obsession by setting light boundaries, like checking your savings goals weekly instead of daily," she says. "That helps you stay informed without constantly feeding the stress loop."
CTV News
2 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Crypto exchange Kraken debuts peer-to-peer payments app Krak
NEW YORK — Crypto exchange Kraken on Thursday launched a peer-to-peer payments app that enables users to send and receive funds in both cryptocurrency and fiat currency - across more than a hundred countries. The move is a bid to expand Kraken's offerings beyond its digital asset trading business, and puts the firm in competition with PayPal, Venmo and Block's CashApp. 'We're able to move money across borders right off the bat, because that's what we do from a trading perspective in our venues, and we've actually already spent over 10 years building out that system for money transmitter licenses... in all the jurisdictions,' said Arjun Sethi, co-CEO of Kraken, in an interview with Reuters. 'You have to do that as an exchange anyways, and so what we realized is that our customers just wanted to do more with their money.' Crypto exchanges such as Kraken are increasingly signaling an interest in expanding outside of the digital asset trading that initially became popular with retail investors. Kraken said last month that it is launching tokens of U.S. equities, called xStocks, in select markets outside the United States. Krak users will have a dedicated spend account and will be able to instantly send and request payments across 300 different assets, including crypto and local currencies, the company said in a press release. Crypto transfers will be made using blockchain technology, while Kraken will make cash transfers internally without using external banking infrastructure. Kraken plans to launch a series of products through Krak in the future, including physical and virtual cards as well as pay-in-advance services like loans, the company said. (Reporting by Hannah Lang; Editing by Louise Heavens)
France 24
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- France 24
Trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs heads into closing arguments
Both sides have said their climactic summations will last several hours each, as the fate of the once-powerful music mogul hangs in the balance. Prosecutors say Combs, 55, masterminded a decades-long pattern of wrongdoing that saw him and an inner circle of employees carry out crimes including forced labor, arson, bribery and witness tampering. The famed producer coerced two women -- the singer Casandra Ventura and later a woman who testified under the pseudonym Jane -- into years of drug-addled sex with paid escorts, prosecutors say. The most serious charge of racketeering -- which includes the existence of a criminal enterprise that committed a pattern of offenses -- could send Combs to prison for life. He also faces two charges of sex trafficking and two more for transportation for purposes of prostitution. But Combs denies it all: his lawyers have argued the artist's relationships were consensual and have sought to convince jurors that many of the witnesses who testified were doing so for reasons including financial gain or jealousy. Along with alleged victims, government witnesses included former assistants and other employees, as well as escorts, friends and family of Ventura, and a hotel security guard who said he was bribed with $100,000 in a paper bag. Law enforcement officials and a forensic psychologist were also among the 34 individuals to take the stand. Combs opted against testifying on his own behalf, a common strategy of defense teams who are not required to prove innocence, only to cast doubt on government allegations of guilt. The government's evidence included thousands of pages of phone and text records, and hours of testimony involved meticulous readings of some of the most explicit and wrenching exchanges. Many of those records appear to indicate distress on the part of the alleged victims. But a lot of the messages also show affection and desire -- texts the defense underscored again and again. Jurors have seen video evidence of the sex parties prosecutors say were criminal, while the defense has exhibited exchanges they said imply consent. Also in evidence are reams of financial records -- including CashApp payments to escorts -- as well as flight and hotel records. Deliberations up next Since early May the proceedings have gripped the Manhattan federal courthouse where they're taking place. And though electronics -- that includes phones, laptops, and even AirPods -- are barred from the building and must be left with security, dozens of influencers and content creators have buzzed around the courthouse's exterior every day, delivering hot takes to eager social media fans. Combs is incarcerated and does not enter or exit the courthouse publicly. But some of the high-profile attendees and witnesses do, including members of the music mogul's family and figures like Kid Cudi, the rapper who testified that Combs's entourage torched his car. The marathon closing arguments are anticipated to wrap up on Friday. There is a slim chance jurors will go into deliberations that afternoon, but legal teams have indicated it's more likely the panel of citizens will get the case on Monday. Then the world waits, as 12 New Yorkers consider the future of a man whose reputation as a dynamic starmaker is now in tatters.
