Why Freedom Capital Views Shift4 Payments as an Attractive Buy Amid Leadership Changes and Global Blue Integration

Core Viewpoint - Shift4 Payments, Inc. is considered one of the best FinTech stocks to buy in 2026, despite recent challenges and leadership changes [1]. Group 1: Analyst Coverage and Valuation - Freedom Capital Markets initiated coverage on Shift4 Payments with a Buy rating and an $80 price target, highlighting its position as a leading integrated payments and SaaS platform across various sectors [2]. - The analyst attributed the stock's recent underperformance to leadership changes, mixed macro commentary, and skepticism regarding the Global Blue acquisition [2]. - The valuation is framed around 9x the estimated adjusted EBITDA of $1.25 billion for 2026, supporting the $80 target price [3]. Group 2: Financial Developments - On December 3, 2025, Shift4 announced a €435 million tack-on offering of 5.500% senior notes due 2033, with an issue price of 102.50%, expected to close on December 8, 2025 [4]. - The net proceeds from this offering are intended for general corporate purposes, including debt repayment, strategic acquisitions, growth initiatives, and potential share repurchases [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Shift4 Payments is a payments and commerce technology company that enables businesses to accept card payments and manage transactions across multiple channels, serving industries such as hospitality, restaurants, and large-scale venues [5].