Discover Financial Services (DFS)

The past six months have been eventful for Discover Financial Services' stock, highlighted by Capital One's agreement to acquire Discover Financial in a $35.3 billion all-stock deal, which received regulatory approvals in April 2025. Discover's stock hit an all-time high in January 2025 after its fourth-quarter profit more than tripled. Discover settled a class-action lawsuit alleging overcharging of merchants due to card account misclassification, increasing the amount to cover liabilities to $1.2 billion. Over the last 12 months, Discover's stock price rose by 60.16%.

Specific detailed information regarding the demand seasonality for Discover Financial Services' products and services was not explicitly found. Demand for its services could be influenced by broader economic cycles, consumer spending habits, and seasonal retail trends. The company's revenue generation from interest income on outstanding revolving credit balances and fees from merchant services suggests a continuous, rather than highly seasonal, operational model, though transaction volumes might fluctuate.

Discover Financial Services (DFS) is a digital banking and payment services company in the Financial Services sector, offering a range of financial products and services through its subsidiaries, including Discover Bank, Discover Network, PULSE, and Diners Club International. Its products include credit card loans, personal loans, home loans, and deposit products. Discover also operates payment services through the Discover Global Network, facilitating electronic payments globally.

Discover Financial Services is headquartered in Riverwoods, Illinois, USA, with additional offices in various locations. It primarily targets markets in the U.S. and internationally through its electronic funds transfer and global payments networks. The Discover Global Network supports payment processing and network management in over 200 countries and territories.

Discover Financial Services has received recognition for its technological advancements, including the 2025 CIO 100 award for its innovative AI solution. A study commissioned by Discover Global Network highlighted the importance of payment experience. The ongoing acquisition by Capital One and the resolution of the merchant class-action lawsuit have also influenced Discover's brand perception.

Discover Financial Services has a mixed ownership structure comprising institutional, retail, and individual investors. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group Inc., Capital World Investors, and BlackRock, Inc. Approximately 28.43% to 28.57% of the company's stock is owned by Institutional Investors. Individual investors and public companies hold a significant portion, with retail investors holding approximately 95.02% according to some data. Insiders own about 0.18% of the stock.