Sezzle CEO Says BNPL Takes Share From Banks as Stock Jumps 150% YTD

3 articles · Updated · 24/7 Wall St. · Jun 26

Sezzle shares have climbed more than 150% in 2026, as CEO Charlie Youakim said BNPL is taking wallet share from regional banks, community banks and credit unions that lack digital-first payment rails.
Q1 results backed that pitch: revenue rose 29.2% to $135.54 million, net income increased 41.9% to $51.30 million, and GMV reached about $1.10 billion while active subscribers grew 48.4%.
Youakim argued Sezzle’s short-duration pay-in-five and 6- to 8-week loans are safer than revolving credit cards because missed payments immediately halt further purchases, helping credit-loss provisions improve to 1.2% of GMV from 1.6%.
That model also underpins Sezzle’s contrast with Affirm and Klarna, which he characterized as more exposed to longer-duration installment lending; Sezzle reported a 61% operating margin and 91.9% return on equity.
Management now guides for 30% to 35% revenue growth and $5.10 adjusted EPS for the full year, though investors are also watching its bank charter application, Canada expansion, regulatory scrutiny and antitrust litigation tied to Shopify.