Affirm vs Nu Holdings (AFRM vs NU)
Affirm (AFRM) vs Nu Holdings (NU) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Affirm (AFRM) and Nu Holdings (NU) compete in financial services and payments. Here are Affirm and Nu Holdings side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Affirm or Nu Holdings.
Affirm vs Nu Holdings: the figures
| Figure | Affirm | Nu Holdings |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $75.59 (November 4, 2026) | $11.99 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $25.5 billion | $57.9 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 13.7x | 16.4x |
| Forward P/E | 15.1x | 10.7x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +33.0% | +52.1% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 45.3% | 42.7% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 11.3x | N/A |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Beta | 3.71 | 0.97 |
Affirm and Nu Holdings figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Affirm or Nu Holdings figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Affirm and Nu Holdings
- Volatility: Affirm stock moves more (beta 3.71) than Nu Holdings (beta 0.97); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
- Growth: Nu Holdings grew sales +52.1% year on year in its latest quarter, against +33.0% for Affirm.
- Valuation: Nu Holdings trades at 16.4x its annual earnings and Affirm at 13.7x; the market pays more for each dollar of Nu Holdings profit, usually because it expects more growth.
Affirm or Nu Holdings: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Nu Holdings is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you prefer caution: Nu Holdings has a less volatile share price, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Affirm trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Affirm nor Nu Holdings wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Affirm and Nu Holdings make money
Affirm (AFRM)
Affirm offers buy now, pay later installment loans at online and in-store merchants such as Amazon and Shopify, and through its own Affirm Card. It earns from fees merchants pay, interest on its loans and gains from selling those loans to investors. It operates in the US, Canada and the UK. Full Affirm analysis.
Nu Holdings (NU)
Nu Holdings is the parent of Nubank, an app-only digital bank operating in Brazil, Mexico and Colombia. It offers accounts, credit cards, personal loans, investments and insurance. It earns mainly interest on credit cards and loans, plus interchange fees merchants pay on card purchases. Brazil is its largest market. Full Nu Holdings analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Affirm vs Nu Holdings
Is Affirm or Nu Holdings the better stock?
Choosing between Affirm and Nu Holdings depends on what you are looking for. Nu Holdings is growing faster right now, and Affirm trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Affirm or Nu Holdings: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Affirm or Nu Holdings?
Neither pays a dividend as of November 4, 2026: Affirm and Nu Holdings put what they earn into growth or other forms of shareholder return.
Which is more expensive, Affirm or Nu Holdings?
On P/E, Nu Holdings (16.4x) is more expensive than Affirm (13.7x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Affirm and Nu Holdings?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Affirm and Nu Holdings, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Affirm or Nu Holdings.
More comparisons with Affirm or Nu Holdings
More companies like Affirm and Nu Holdings: financial services and payments stocks. Educational content about Affirm and Nu Holdings, not investment advice.