Shares of Affirm Holdings, Inc. (AFRM) are soaring 5.03% in pre-market trading on Wednesday, following a significant analyst upgrade. Compass Point has raised its rating on the buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) company from Neutral to Buy, signaling increased confidence in Affirm's growth prospects and financial performance.

Affirm Holdings is a leading financial technology company that provides installment loans to consumers at the point of sale, allowing them to split the cost of purchases into fixed monthly payments. The company has gained traction in recent years as the BNPL sector has experienced rapid growth, particularly among younger consumers seeking alternatives to traditional credit cards.

The upgrade from Compass Point could potentially drive further investor interest in Affirm stock. Analyst upgrades often reflect improved outlooks for a company's fundamentals, revenue growth, or market position. For Affirm, this positive assessment may indicate that the firm is well-positioned to capitalize on the expanding BNPL market and navigate potential regulatory challenges facing the sector.