Shift4 Payments, Inc. Class A (FOUR)

In the past six months, Shift4 Payments' stock has experienced a downward trend. Key events impacting the stock price include Q2 2025 earnings where Shift4 reported a double-miss on adjusted EPS and gross revenue, but raised its full-year guidance due to the Global Blue acquisition. The consolidation of Global Blue Group in July 2025 was a significant event, expected to contribute substantial revenue and adjusted EBITDA. Shift4 reported Q3 2025 earnings with adjusted EPS slightly missing estimates, but gross revenue less network fees grew year-over-year. The Board authorized a new stock repurchase program, and several analysts lowered their price targets for Shift4 Payments. Shift4 agreed to acquire Bambora, and Jared Isaacman announced his intention to resign as CEO upon his confirmation as administrator of NASA, with Taylor Lauber as the incoming CEO.

Shift4 Payments experiences some demand seasonality, particularly within the hospitality industry, which typically sees a decline in transaction volume during the fall. However, this seasonality was less pronounced due to new merchant onboarding and the adoption of contactless payment solutions. The Global Blue acquisition has a business model with a seasonally higher calendar third quarter compared to its fourth quarter. The company's diversified market exposure helps to moderate the impact of seasonality in specific sectors.

Shift4 Payments, Inc. is an American financial technology company specializing in integrated payment processing and commerce-enabling technology solutions, operating within the financial and commercial services sectors. It provides an omnichannel payment platform supporting various payment types and serves over 200,000 businesses across industries like retail, hospitality, and e-commerce. Major products and services include a payments platform with encryption and tokenization, SkyTab POS workstations, SkyTab Mobile solutions, VenueNext for entertainment venues, Lighthouse business management system, Shift4Shop e-commerce platform, The Giving Block for crypto donations, and a Marketplace connecting businesses with third-party applications.

Shift4 Payments operates in the United States, Canada, Europe, and the United Kingdom. It has expanded into Australia and New Zealand, and through acquisitions like Global Blue, it has increased its reach in Europe and Asia, particularly within the luxury retail space.

Shift4 Payments generally maintains a positive brand reputation, highlighted by its financial performance and growth strategy. The company emphasizes its role as a leader in commerce-enabling technology. A past federal securities fraud class action lawsuit was dismissed. The broader payments industry has faced negative sentiment due to increased competition and pricing pressure, which could indirectly affect the perception of companies like Shift4.

Shift4 Payments has a mixed ownership structure. Institutional investors hold a significant portion of the company's stock, with major holders including BlackRock, Inc., Wasatch Advisors Inc, and Vanguard Group Inc. Individual insiders own a smaller percentage, while public companies and individual investors hold the remaining portion. Jared Isaacman intends to remain the largest shareholder.