Shares of Fiserv, Inc. moved higher in premarket activity Tuesday following the release of its fourth-quarter financial results, which surpassed analyst expectations for profit. The company provided its financial outlook for 2026, which was generally aligned with market forecasts.
The stock, which closed at $60.11 on Monday, had declined approximately 74% over the preceding twelve-month period. The premarket gain of about 3% offered a reprieve as investors assessed the company's ongoing turnaround efforts.
Fiserv reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.99 for the quarter, a 21% decrease from the same period a year ago but ahead of consensus estimates. Adjusted revenue remained flat at $4.90 billion. On a GAAP basis, revenue saw a 1% increase to $5.28 billion. Organic revenue, which excludes currency and acquisition effects, was unchanged, with its Merchant Solutions segment up 1% and Financial Solutions down 2%.
The earnings beat was supported by disciplined cost management, including interest expense that came in below projections. This helped offset a quarter where top-line growth proved elusive.
Management, led by new CEO Mike Lyons, has framed the current year as a transitional period. The company is focusing investments on addressing service shortcomings and rebuilding client trust, even as near-term growth remains subdued. This follows a turbulent 2025 marked by executive changes and a significant recalibration of growth targets.
Investors are monitoring the company's progress in reversing certain prior pricing strategies in its debit processing business, which executives have acknowledged may have hindered new client acquisition. Fiserv is also contending in a competitive payments landscape against rivals such as Fidelity National Information Services and Global Payments.
With organic revenue growth projected in a range of 1% to 3% for 2026 and adjusted EPS guidance set between $8.00 and $8.30, the company's ability to execute its reset strategy will be closely watched. The risk remains that an extended transition could pressure the stock further if client retention weakens or competitive pressures intensify.
Market participants are expected to seek further details on the company's earnings call, particularly regarding merchant volume trends, client retention rates, and new business signings. The next significant corporate event is Fiserv's Investor Day scheduled for May 14 in New York.