Sezzle vs American Express: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

Sezzle Inc. (SEZL)

Q3 202616 Jul – 10 Sep 2026

▲3▼1

Record quarter and raised guidance offset by sharp growth slowdown warning

Record quarter and raised guidance Sezzle reported revenue up 51.7% to $149.7 million and raised earnings guidance to $5.25 per share, showing strong current business momentum.
This is the core positive fundamental result that drove sentiment during the period.
New credit facility and AI cost cuts A $300 million credit facility strengthens funding, while AI is cutting costs and speeding product launches, supporting future growth and margins.
These actions improve financial flexibility and operational efficiency, key drivers of the stock's outlook.
Subscriber and merchant growth Subscribers jumped 76.4% to 854,000, Sezzle Send nears launch with a 100,000-person waitlist, and new merchants like Gymshark and Poshmark expand reach.
These metrics show expanding user base and merchant network, critical for future revenue growth.
Growth slowdown triggers sharp sell-off Growth is expected to slow to roughly 31% in the second half from 51.7%, causing a 34% one-day stock drop that erased about $2 billion in value as investors repriced shares.
This is the major negative event that dominated the period and explains the stock's decline.

August 202616 Jul – 10 Sep 2026

▲3▼1

Record quarter and raised guidance offset by sharp growth slowdown warning

Record quarter and raised guidance Sezzle reported revenue up 51.7% to $149.7 million and raised earnings guidance to $5.25 per share, showing strong current business momentum.
This is the core positive fundamental result that drove sentiment during the period.
New credit facility and AI cost cuts A $300 million credit facility strengthens funding, while AI is cutting costs and speeding product launches, supporting future growth and margins.
These actions improve financial flexibility and operational efficiency, key drivers of the stock's outlook.
Subscriber and merchant growth Subscribers jumped 76.4% to 854,000, Sezzle Send nears launch with a 100,000-person waitlist, and new merchants like Gymshark and Poshmark expand reach.
These metrics show expanding user base and merchant network, critical for future revenue growth.
Growth slowdown triggers sharp sell-off Growth is expected to slow to roughly 31% in the second half from 51.7%, causing a 34% one-day stock drop that erased about $2 billion in value as investors repriced shares.
This is the major negative event that dominated the period and explains the stock's decline.

Latest16 Jul – 10 Sep 2026

▲4

Sezzle grows merchants and users as BNPL market expands

Sezzle Send launch nears with 100,000 waitlist Sezzle's new peer-to-peer money transfer, Sezzle Send, launches in August with over 100,000 people waiting to use it. Each transfer can bring in new users cheaply, and management's 2026 guidance assumes zero help from it, so any adoption is pure upside.
New product launch with a large waitlist is a fresh growth catalyst not previously reported.
Big new merchants widen where Sezzle can be used Sezzle added Gymshark, Debenhams, Follett and Poshmark, reaching millions of students and fashion shoppers. More places to pay means more transactions and new customers, supporting revenue growth and the rising earnings estimates.
Merchant network expansion is a new, concrete driver of transaction volume and revenue.
Subscribers and repeat use keep climbing Active subscribers hit 854,000, up 76.4% from a year earlier, with record purchase frequency of 7.2 times and 97.2% of orders from repeat users. People using Sezzle more often and coming back is the core engine behind its revenue growth.
Subscriber and frequency growth are the fundamental demand metrics that drive Sezzle's earnings.
BNPL market seen growing fast through 2035 Industry forecasts put the buy now, pay later market at $116.94 billion by 2035, growing about 27.6% a year, with Sezzle named a key player. A rising tide of BNPL adoption gives Sezzle room to keep adding users and merchants.
Market growth forecast shows the long-term demand backdrop supporting Sezzle's expansion.

29 Jul – 21 Aug 2026

▲3▼1

Sezzle's growth is slowing from a sprint to a fast jog, and the stock repriced

Record quarter and raised guidance Sezzle reported record second-quarter revenue of $149.7 million, up 51.7% from a year earlier, and lifted its full-year earnings guidance to $5.25 a share. Strong results and higher targets support the stock because they show the business is still growing quickly and making more profit.
This is the core positive force behind SEZL: fast growth and rising profit targets.
Growth is expected to slow sharply in the second half The new outlook implies second-half revenue growth of roughly 31%, down from 40% in the first half and 51.7% in the latest quarter. Investors who had paid up for much faster growth sold, and the stock fell about 34% in a day, wiping out around $2 billion in value.
This is the main reason the stock moved down and the biggest new fact of the period.
New $300 million credit facility Sezzle secured a $300 million credit facility from Mesirow and raised its full-year 2026 revenue growth guidance to 35%. The extra funding gives the company room to grow its lending products without running short of cash, which supports the stock.
New financing and a guidance raise are fresh positive developments that affect SEZL's ability to grow.
AI is cutting costs and speeding up new products Sezzle's AI chatbot now handles 68% of customer messages, AI writes 88% of new code, and developer output rose 20% in a quarter. This lowers costs and helps launch products like Sezzle Send faster, which can lift future profits and support the stock.
AI efficiency is a real, ongoing driver of SEZL's margins and product pipeline.

American Express Company (AXP)

Latest26 Sep – 9 Oct 2026

▲2▼2

AmEx expands AI business tools, but faces $350M fine and new regulation risk

AI and banking push into small and midsize business services AmEx launched business savings accounts, a unified banking platform, AI payroll tools, and an AI expense platform for midsize firms. These moves deepen customer relationships and add fee income beyond card spending, supporting the stock over time, though they raise costs and face competition from big banks.
This is the main new growth initiative this period, showing how AmEx plans to expand revenue beyond cards.
Agentic commerce playbook with AI purchase protection AmEx released a playbook for AI-agent commerce, including a plan to protect card members and merchants from AI-agent errors and a merchant advisory council. It positions AmEx for a future where AI agents shop and pay, but the protection is only an intent, not a live product, so near-term impact is limited.
This is a new strategic step into AI-driven payments, relevant to AmEx's long-term relevance and fee model.
$350 million fine for money-laundering compliance failures Federal regulators fined AmEx $350 million after finding systemic breakdowns in money-laundering detection, with about $13 billion in suspected laundering undetected over a decade. The fine was partly reserved and no asset cap was imposed, but the stock fell nearly 2% after hours on reputational and compliance concerns.
This is a major new regulatory penalty that directly hits AmEx's finances and reputation.
Credit Card Competition Act gains political support Trump and Vance backed the Credit Card Competition Act, which would require cards to support at least two networks, potentially lowering swipe fees that benefit AmEx. The bill is not law yet and faces industry opposition, but it threatens AmEx's network fee model if passed.
This is a new regulatory threat that could reshape the card industry and pressure AmEx's fees.

Q3 20266 Jul – 16 Sep 2026

▲2▼2

AmEx Q2 beats but cost surge and unchanged guidance spook investors

Q2 earnings beat and raised revenue outlook AmEx beat profit expectations and raised its full-year revenue growth target to about 10%, helped by strong card spending, higher billings, and a 16% jump in card fees.
This is the core positive fundamental news that drove the quarter's results.
Platinum fee hike and new partnerships AmEx raised the Platinum annual fee 29% to $895 with near-perfect retention, launched Accor and Bottomline partnerships, and introduced business savings and checking accounts to deepen customer relationships.
These strategic moves show pricing power and expansion into new areas.
Revenue miss and unchanged EPS guidance Despite the earnings beat, revenue of $19.6 billion fell short of estimates, and AmEx kept its full-year EPS guidance unchanged at $17.30–$17.90, signaling it will reinvest rather than return more cash to shareholders.
This is the key negative that disappointed investors and weighed on the stock.
Heavy spending to compress near-term margins AmEx is ramping up marketing, technology, and card-member services spending, which jumped 50%, and this will squeeze profit margins in the near term, causing the stock to fall sharply on cost and guidance concerns.
This explains the sharp stock drop and the margin pressure outlook.

August 202625 Jul – 16 Sep 2026

▲2▼2

AmEx raises outlook on strong spending, but higher costs and spending weigh

Q2 revenue miss and unchanged EPS guidance American Express reported second-quarter revenue of $19.6 billion, up 10% but below Wall Street estimates, and kept its full-year earnings-per-share guidance unchanged at $17.30 to $17.90. The stock fell sharply because investors had hoped for a raise, and the unchanged outlook signaled that extra profit would be reinvested rather than returned.
This is the main reason the stock dropped this period and sets up the tug-of-war between growth spending and near-term profit.
Heavy spending on marketing and technology Management said it will boost marketing spending by 10% in the second half and continue investing in technology and customer acquisition. Card-member services costs jumped 50% to $1.95 billion, and data processing spending rose 13%. Higher costs eat into near-term profit, which is why the stock fell even as revenue guidance was raised.
It explains the cost side of the story and why profit guidance didn't move up despite better revenue.
Raised revenue outlook on strong card spending AmEx lifted its 2026 revenue-growth outlook toward 10%, citing strong card spending, mid-teens earnings-per-share growth, and a 16% jump in card fees. Billings grew 8% to 9%, and net interest income rose at a double-digit rate. This shows the core business is healthy and growing, which supports the stock over time.
It is the key positive counterweight: the company is growing faster than previously expected.
New business savings and checking accounts American Express launched a high-yield business savings account paying 2.95% and a business checking account, aiming to attract small-business deposits and deepen customer relationships. This gives AmEx a new source of funding and more ways to earn fees, though paying interest on deposits will cost money as balances grow.
It is a new product expansion that could add a steady funding base and fee income over time.

25 Jul – 16 Sep 2026

▲2▼2

AmEx raises outlook on strong spending, but higher costs and spending weigh

Q2 revenue miss and unchanged EPS guidance American Express reported second-quarter revenue of $19.6 billion, up 10% but below Wall Street estimates, and kept its full-year earnings-per-share guidance unchanged at $17.30 to $17.90. The stock fell sharply because investors had hoped for a raise, and the unchanged outlook signaled that extra profit would be reinvested rather than returned.
This is the main reason the stock dropped this period and sets up the tug-of-war between growth spending and near-term profit.
Heavy spending on marketing and technology Management said it will boost marketing spending by 10% in the second half and continue investing in technology and customer acquisition. Card-member services costs jumped 50% to $1.95 billion, and data processing spending rose 13%. Higher costs eat into near-term profit, which is why the stock fell even as revenue guidance was raised.
It explains the cost side of the story and why profit guidance didn't move up despite better revenue.
Raised revenue outlook on strong card spending AmEx lifted its 2026 revenue-growth outlook toward 10%, citing strong card spending, mid-teens earnings-per-share growth, and a 16% jump in card fees. Billings grew 8% to 9%, and net interest income rose at a double-digit rate. This shows the core business is healthy and growing, which supports the stock over time.
It is the key positive counterweight: the company is growing faster than previously expected.
New business savings and checking accounts American Express launched a high-yield business savings account paying 2.95% and a business checking account, aiming to attract small-business deposits and deepen customer relationships. This gives AmEx a new source of funding and more ways to earn fees, though paying interest on deposits will cost money as balances grow.
It is a new product expansion that could add a steady funding base and fee income over time.

July 20266 Jul – 24 Jul 2026

▲3

AmEx Q2: Record Spending, Raised Revenue Outlook, but Reinvestment Hits Stock

Platinum Card Annual Fee Raised 29% to $895 American Express raised the Platinum card annual fee from $695 to $895, the first hike since 2021. Card fees already make up over 14% of revenue and are growing fast. Retention stayed near 100%, so this directly boosts revenue and profit.
This is a new pricing move that directly increases a key revenue stream for AXP.
New Accor and Bottomline Partnerships Expand Travel and B2B Payments AmEx launched a global partnership with Accor's loyalty program, letting cardholders transfer points and match elite status. It also integrated Bottomline's Paymode network into its business payments platform. These deals drive more card usage and transaction volume.
These are new partnerships that expand AmEx's network and drive future transaction volume.
Q2 Earnings: EPS Beat, Revenue Miss, Guidance Raised but EPS Held AmEx beat earnings per share ($4.53 vs $4.40) and raised full-year revenue growth guidance to 10%, but revenue slightly missed and EPS guidance was unchanged. Management will reinvest the extra money into growth, so profit margins may compress in the second half. The stock fell about 6% on the news.
This is the main new event of the period and explains the sharp stock drop despite a headline beat.
AI Speeds Up Tech Work, Job Cuts Only Through Attrition CEO Squeri said AI is helping AmEx tackle its technology backlog faster, with workforce reductions happening gradually through attrition. The company launched an AI-powered service portal and is using AI to speed marketing. This could lower costs and improve efficiency over time.
This is a new technology initiative that could improve efficiency and support future earnings.

6 Jul – 24 Jul 2026

▲3

AmEx Q2: Record Spending, Raised Revenue Outlook, but Reinvestment Hits Stock

Platinum Card Annual Fee Raised 29% to $895 American Express raised the Platinum card annual fee from $695 to $895, the first hike since 2021. Card fees already make up over 14% of revenue and are growing fast. Retention stayed near 100%, so this directly boosts revenue and profit.
This is a new pricing move that directly increases a key revenue stream for AXP.
New Accor and Bottomline Partnerships Expand Travel and B2B Payments AmEx launched a global partnership with Accor's loyalty program, letting cardholders transfer points and match elite status. It also integrated Bottomline's Paymode network into its business payments platform. These deals drive more card usage and transaction volume.
These are new partnerships that expand AmEx's network and drive future transaction volume.
Q2 Earnings: EPS Beat, Revenue Miss, Guidance Raised but EPS Held AmEx beat earnings per share ($4.53 vs $4.40) and raised full-year revenue growth guidance to 10%, but revenue slightly missed and EPS guidance was unchanged. Management will reinvest the extra money into growth, so profit margins may compress in the second half. The stock fell about 6% on the news.
This is the main new event of the period and explains the sharp stock drop despite a headline beat.
AI Speeds Up Tech Work, Job Cuts Only Through Attrition CEO Squeri said AI is helping AmEx tackle its technology backlog faster, with workforce reductions happening gradually through attrition. The company launched an AI-powered service portal and is using AI to speed marketing. This could lower costs and improve efficiency over time.
This is a new technology initiative that could improve efficiency and support future earnings.

Q2 202617 Jun – 2 Jul 2026

▲4

AmEx's affluent base powers record spending; digital and dining bets expand

Affluent customers keep spending, boosting AmEx revenue AmEx reported that its wealthy cardholders are still spending strongly despite inflation. Billed business grew 10% in Q1, the fastest in three years, and luxury purchases jumped 18%. This matters because AmEx earns a fee every time a card is used, so more spending directly lifts revenue and profit.
This is the core demand driver behind AmEx's recent earnings strength and stock recovery.
Strong Q1 results and low credit losses cushion AmEx AmEx's Q1 net income rose 15% as fee revenue and net interest income grew double digits. Its loan write-off rate improved to 2%, far below the average bank's 4%. Because AmEx lends to wealthier customers, fewer of them default, which keeps profits stable even in a shaky economy.
Shows the financial health and lower risk that support AmEx's valuation.
AmEx buys TheFork to grow dining and international reach AmEx agreed to buy restaurant booking platform TheFork for $700 million, adding about 75,000 restaurants to its network. This expands AmEx's international presence and gives cardholders more dining perks, which can attract new customers and increase card usage abroad.
A major acquisition that expands AmEx's global footprint and premium offerings.
AmEx joins stablecoin group and adds Apple Pay rewards AmEx joined over 140 companies backing Open USD, a stablecoin project for cheaper digital payments, and now lets U.S. cardholders redeem Membership Rewards points directly through Apple Pay. These moves push AmEx deeper into everyday digital spending, helping it stay competitive with other payment apps.
Highlights AmEx's technology push to keep up with digital payment trends.

June 202617 Jun – 2 Jul 2026

▲4

AmEx's affluent base powers record spending; digital and dining bets expand

Affluent customers keep spending, boosting AmEx revenue AmEx reported that its wealthy cardholders are still spending strongly despite inflation. Billed business grew 10% in Q1, the fastest in three years, and luxury purchases jumped 18%. This matters because AmEx earns a fee every time a card is used, so more spending directly lifts revenue and profit.
This is the core demand driver behind AmEx's recent earnings strength and stock recovery.
Strong Q1 results and low credit losses cushion AmEx AmEx's Q1 net income rose 15% as fee revenue and net interest income grew double digits. Its loan write-off rate improved to 2%, far below the average bank's 4%. Because AmEx lends to wealthier customers, fewer of them default, which keeps profits stable even in a shaky economy.
Shows the financial health and lower risk that support AmEx's valuation.
AmEx buys TheFork to grow dining and international reach AmEx agreed to buy restaurant booking platform TheFork for $700 million, adding about 75,000 restaurants to its network. This expands AmEx's international presence and gives cardholders more dining perks, which can attract new customers and increase card usage abroad.
A major acquisition that expands AmEx's global footprint and premium offerings.
AmEx joins stablecoin group and adds Apple Pay rewards AmEx joined over 140 companies backing Open USD, a stablecoin project for cheaper digital payments, and now lets U.S. cardholders redeem Membership Rewards points directly through Apple Pay. These moves push AmEx deeper into everyday digital spending, helping it stay competitive with other payment apps.
Highlights AmEx's technology push to keep up with digital payment trends.

17 Jun – 2 Jul 2026

▲4

AmEx's affluent base powers record spending; digital and dining bets expand

Affluent customers keep spending, boosting AmEx revenue AmEx reported that its wealthy cardholders are still spending strongly despite inflation. Billed business grew 10% in Q1, the fastest in three years, and luxury purchases jumped 18%. This matters because AmEx earns a fee every time a card is used, so more spending directly lifts revenue and profit.
This is the core demand driver behind AmEx's recent earnings strength and stock recovery.
Strong Q1 results and low credit losses cushion AmEx AmEx's Q1 net income rose 15% as fee revenue and net interest income grew double digits. Its loan write-off rate improved to 2%, far below the average bank's 4%. Because AmEx lends to wealthier customers, fewer of them default, which keeps profits stable even in a shaky economy.
Shows the financial health and lower risk that support AmEx's valuation.
AmEx buys TheFork to grow dining and international reach AmEx agreed to buy restaurant booking platform TheFork for $700 million, adding about 75,000 restaurants to its network. This expands AmEx's international presence and gives cardholders more dining perks, which can attract new customers and increase card usage abroad.
A major acquisition that expands AmEx's global footprint and premium offerings.
AmEx joins stablecoin group and adds Apple Pay rewards AmEx joined over 140 companies backing Open USD, a stablecoin project for cheaper digital payments, and now lets U.S. cardholders redeem Membership Rewards points directly through Apple Pay. These moves push AmEx deeper into everyday digital spending, helping it stay competitive with other payment apps.
Highlights AmEx's technology push to keep up with digital payment trends.