Archive · 31 Jan 2026
Credit Card Giants Report Mixed Q4 Results
Mastercard and American Express, two big credit card companies, recently shared their financial results for the last three months of 2025.
Mastercard did better than expected, making more money because people spent a lot on travel, fun activities, and everyday needs.
They also announced plans to let go of some employees.
American Express made more money too, but not as much as experts thought they would.
Their stock price went down a bit because of this.
Both companies are investing in new services and marketing to keep their customers happy and spending.
American Express also said they will pay their shareholders more money next year.
Overall, while both companies are doing well, the market reacted differently to their news.
Mastercard exceeded Wall Street profit expectations for Q4 due to strong consumer spending on travel, leisure, and essentials.
American Express reported a 13% increase in profits but fell slightly short of analyst expectations, leading to a 3.82% drop in its stock price.
Both companies are investing heavily in marketing and higher-margin services to drive growth and customer loyalty.
American Express announced a 16% increase in its quarterly dividend for 2026 and a forecasted earnings per share between $17.30 and $17.90.
Mastercard plans to lay off 4% of its full-time workforce, incurring a $200 million restructuring charge in Q1.
- Who
- Mastercard and American Express
- What
- Reported Q4 earnings with mixed results
- When
- Q4 2025
- Where
- Global operations
- Why
- Strong consumer spending, strategic investments, and market expectations
Positive Outlook
Market Concerns
Profit Growth
Positive Outlook
Both Mastercard and American Express reported significant profit growth, with Mastercard exceeding expectations and American Express showing a 13% increase.
Market Concerns
American Express's profits fell slightly short of analyst expectations, leading to a decline in its stock price.
Consumer Spending
Positive Outlook
Strong consumer spending, particularly in travel, leisure, and essentials, drove growth for both companies.
Market Concerns
Increased expenses and higher costs may impact future profitability.
Strategic Investments
Positive Outlook
Both companies are investing in higher-margin services and marketing to drive growth and customer loyalty.
Market Concerns
High marketing and operational costs could pressure margins in the future.
- Mastercard Adjusted Profit
- $4.76 per share
- Mastercard Revenue
- $8.81 billion
- Mastercard Gross Dollar Volume Growth
- 7%
- Mastercard Cross-Border Volume Growth
- 14%
- Mastercard Layoffs
- 4% of full-time workforce
- Mastercard Restructuring Charge
- $200 million in Q1
- Mastercard Value-Added Services Growth
- 26%
- American Express Profit
- $2.46 billion ($3.53 per share)
- American Express Revenue
- $14.5 billion
- American Express Total Spending
- $506.2 billion
- American Express Average Spend per Cardholder
- $6,696
- American Express Loan Balances
- $213 billion
- American Express 2026 EPS Forecast
- $17.30 to $17.90
- American Express Dividend Increase
- 16%, from 82 cents to 95 cents per share
