The financial technology sector is watching Fiserv closely as it approaches a pivotal moment. On February 10, the Milwaukee-based payments giant will disclose its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025. This report arrives amidst tempered expectations following a challenging previous quarter and a series of new strategic moves aimed at regaining momentum.
Strategic Moves Amid Operational Headwinds
Even while navigating recent operational difficulties, Fiserv has been active in forging new alliances. The company announced three significant partnerships in January 2026, signaling an offensive strategy.
Expansion in Japan (January 21): A collaboration with Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company was formed to introduce the Clover product suite to the Japanese market. The target is millions of small and medium-sized businesses across retail, hospitality, and professional services sectors.
Affirm Partnership (January 26): An exclusive deal was struck with buy-now-pay-later provider Affirm. This agreement enables the integration of installment payment functionalities into debit card programs. Thousands of U.S. banks and credit unions within the Fiserv network can consequently offer BNPL options without developing their own credit infrastructure.
ServiceNow Alliance (January 28): Fiserv is broadening its collaboration with ServiceNow to accelerate AI-driven transformation for financial institutions. The rollout of “Now Assist” tools for Financial Services Operations and IT Service Management is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
The Burden of Q3 2025 Performance
The backdrop to these announcements is a third quarter that fell short of forecasts. Fiserv reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.04, a significant miss against analyst expectations. In response, CEO Frank Bisignano revised the full-year guidance downward.
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The updated forecast now calls for organic revenue growth of just 3.5% to 4%, a sharp reduction from the original projection of approximately 10%. Guidance for adjusted EPS was also lowered to a range of $8.50 to $8.60, down from the prior $10.15 to $10.30.
Key factors behind the Q3 shortfall included:
- The Argentina Inflation Effect: Hyperinflation in Argentina during 2024 had artificially boosted growth metrics, contributing roughly 10 percentage points of the reported 16% organic growth. As inflation normalized, this tailwind dissipated.
- Underperformance in Banking: The company’s financial services segment for bank clients delivered disappointing results.
- Clover Segment Pressures: The point-of-sale business faced headwinds as customer concerns regarding its fee structure emerged.
As a countermeasure, Fiserv launched the “One Fiserv” initiative, an action plan designed to sharpen focus on structural, recurring revenue streams.
The February 10 Report: Key Metrics for Investors
The upcoming Q4 2025 earnings release will serve as a critical indicator of whether stabilization efforts are taking hold. Market participants are likely to scrutinize several specific areas:
- Core Organic Growth: Investors will seek clarity on the underlying strength of the business, with growth figures stripped of the anomalous Argentina effects.
- “One Fiserv” Progress: Measurable successes from this internal turnaround initiative will be a focal point.
- Partnership Impact: Analysts will look for early signs that the recently announced strategic deals are beginning to influence key performance indicators.
Looking further ahead, Fiserv has scheduled an Investor Day for the first half of 2026, where management may provide more detailed strategic insights. However, the quarterly results on February 10 will undoubtedly set the initial tone for the year.
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