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Affirm vs. Klarna: Which Tech Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?
A comparison of BNPL companies Affirm and Klarna. Affirm focuses on the U.S. market with strong partnerships and positive cash flow, while Klarna expands globally with nearly a million merchants but still incurs net losses.
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According to a report from Motley Fool, Affirm (NASDAQ: AFRM) and Klarna (pre-IPO) present two different models in the buy now, pay later (BNPL) sector.
Strengths of Each Company
Affirm
- U.S. Partnerships: Affirm relies on strong partnerships with major U.S. retailers, including Amazon (AMZN) and Shopify (SHOP).
- Cash Flow: The company generates positive operating cash flow, enhancing its financial stability.
- Profitability: Although Affirm has not yet achieved net profitability, improving cash flow signals progress toward profitability.
Klarna
- Global Reach: Klarna boasts nearly a million merchants worldwide, giving it a broad international presence.
- Brand Recognition: Klarna is a well-known brand in Europe and is expanding into new markets.
- Ongoing Losses: The company still reports net losses, raising questions about its ability to achieve profitability.
Financial Comparison
| Metric | Affirm | Klarna |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue (annual) | ~$1.5B (estimated) | ~$2B (estimated) |
| Net Income | Loss | Loss |
| Free Cash Flow | Positive | Negative |
| Number of Merchants | ~200,000 | ~1,000,000 |
What This Means for Investors
Choosing the better stock depends on investor goals: if you seek a company with strong cash flow and strategic U.S. partnerships, Affirm may be the better choice. If you prefer exposure to a broader global market with a strong brand, Klarna might be appealing, but with the risk of ongoing losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Affirm is a U.S. consumer finance company offering buy now, pay later (BNPL) services in partnership with merchants like Amazon.
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This article was rewritten in Wrqti's editorial style based on information from the original source above. Content is informational only — not investment advice.