It’s been a long time since we’ve seen such positive signals in fintech
Nov 8, 2023
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Mary Ann and Alex discuss positive signs in fintech, including Klarna's solid growth and profitability. They also explore the recovery phase of fintech companies, recent developments in the BNPL industry, and the potential dangers of buy now pay later services. They reflect on the hangover and predictions for fintech in 2023, and discuss the lack of coverage on fintech startups closing down and the decline in M&A deals in the industry.
Klarna's Q3 results showcase its ability to bounce back and turn a profit, proving the resilience of the buy now pay later model despite concerns around valuation and consumer credit risks.
Klarna's success in the US market highlights the demand and viability of the buy now pay later model, dispelling doubts about its relevance and potential.
Deep dives
Klarna's Q3 Results: Resilience and Recovery
Klarna, a Swedish buy now pay later (BNPL) company, has bounced back from a significant valuation haircut it faced in July 2022. Despite a decline of over 80% in its valuation, Klarna's Q3 results show promising signs of recovery. The company reported a revenue of $549.9 million, a 30% increase, and achieved a positive operating result of $11.9 million, a significant improvement over the $192.6 million loss in the same quarter last year. With improved credit results, lower expenses, higher revenue, and increased gross merchandise volume, Klarna has demonstrated its resilience and ability to turn a profit, defying previous concerns surrounding BNPL models.
Comparison with Affirm: Diverging BNPL Results
In the buy now pay later space, Klarna's positive results stand in contrast to the recent performance of Affirm, a publicly traded BNPL company. While Affirm reported strong Q2 results, it faced a decline in revenue due to higher funding costs, potentially affected by increased interest rates. The diverging results of these two major players in the BNPL sector suggest varying impacts on the industry, raising questions about investors' initial optimism and subsequent pessimism. Klarna's success, with improved credit outcomes and positive growth, indicates that responsible lending practices can contribute to profitability while managing consumer credit risks.
Klarna's Expansion in the US Market
Klarna's growth in the US market has been a significant factor in its positive results. The company's fourth consecutive quarter of profit in the US, with a 46% increase in gross merchandise volume, demonstrates the strong demand and viability of Klarna's services in the American context. This growth in the US market has contributed to improved credit results and overall financial performance. Klarna's ability to thrive in the US, the largest revenue-generating market for the company, highlights the potential of the BNPL model and its relevance in catering to consumer needs.
Klarna's improved credit results, reduced credit losses, and responsible lending practices come at a time when concerns about increasing consumer debt are prevalent. The BNPL sector and its potential impact on consumer credit have raised questions about the risks of overextension and the potential accumulation of debt. However, Klarna's ability to lend more responsibly and demonstrate decreased credit losses challenges the notion that BNPL companies contribute to consumers' financial strain. While concerns remain, Klarna's positive results and its focus on responsible lending add a new perspective to the ongoing discourse around BNPL and its role in the broader consumer credit landscape.
Fintech fundraising results were on Mary Ann’s mind as we wait for venture capitalists to re-accelerate their investments in the space. Sure, no one wants to return to 2021-era insanity, but after so long in the valuation doghouse, perhaps fintech has reached its nadir?
Credits: Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. Bryce Durbin is our Illustrator. We'd also like to thank the audience development team and Henry Pickavet, who manages TechCrunch audio products.
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