Goldman Sachs: AI Automation to Boost Multiple Stocks in 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 14 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
- AI Investment Outlook: Goldman Sachs anticipates a deceleration in AI spending in 2026, while adoption rates increase, potentially causing rotations among major US tech stocks that create two-way risks for the aggregate index.
- EPAM Systems Performance: EPAM Systems has seen strong stock performance since raising its full-year revenue and earnings outlook in early November, with the CEO emphasizing the acceleration of transformation through AI investment and innovation to strengthen strategic positioning in AI-native enterprises.
- Affirm's AI Utilization: Affirm leverages AI to maximize merchant sales, with its AdaptAI providing personalized payment options that drive greater customer engagement, resulting in over a 30% stock price increase over the past year.
- Strong Market Performance: Bank stocks like Bank of America have outperformed the market over the past three months and hit an all-time high last week, indicating strong potential for AI-related stocks.
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Analyst Views on AFRM
Wall Street analysts forecast AFRM stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for AFRM is 95.50 USD with a low forecast of 83.00 USD and a high forecast of 114.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
18 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 65.360
Low
83.00
Averages
95.50
High
114.00
Current: 65.360
Low
83.00
Averages
95.50
High
114.00
About AFRM
Affirm Holdings, Inc. provides consumers with an alternative to traditional payment options. The Company is engaged in building a payment network. Its platform comprises three core elements: point-of-sale payment solutions for consumers, merchant commerce solutions, and a consumer-focused app. Its Affirm App and Website provide tailored offers from merchants based on consumers' preferences. Consumers can apply at affirm.com or via the Affirm App and, upon approval, receive a single-use virtual card to use online or in-store. Its Affirm Card allows consumers to link a bank account to pay in full, or apply to pay overtime through the Affirm App. It offers users an in-app post-purchase feature that allows them to instantly apply to convert any eligible debit transaction into an installment loan. Through the Affirm app and in partnership with Cross River Bank, it offers a savings account, with no minimum deposit requirements or fees.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Bank Charter Application: Affirm's application for a bank charter is expected to be a significant long-term growth driver, enhancing the company's competitive position in the market according to analysts.
- Rating Upgrade: Needham upgraded Affirm's rating from hold to buy, setting a $100 price target that indicates a 46% upside, reflecting confidence in the company's future performance.
- Lower Funding Costs: By obtaining a bank charter, Affirm will gain access to deposit funding, thereby reducing funding costs and reliance on third parties, which enhances growth and product development potential.
- Product Integration Benefits: Owning a bank will allow Affirm to internalize existing products like the Affirm Money Account and Affirm Card, reducing friction for users and improving unit economics, which is expected to accelerate product launches further.
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