Companies that make it into Berkshire Hathaway's equities portfolio usually pass the Oracle of Omaha's test in terms of quality. However, that doesn't mean the investments are guaranteed to work out well. Thorough analysis requires understanding downside variables.
One of Warren Buffett's top stocks, which makes up more than 16% of the conglomerate's portfolio, faces a big competitive risk. But there are reasons investors shouldn't worry just yet.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
Looking at the rise of innovative payment mechanisms
In the past few years, two of the most prominent developments in the payments industry have been fintech services, such as buy now, pay later (BNPL), and stablecoins. The former can appeal to younger consumers struggling with high costs who don't want to take on credit card debt. The latter provides fast and cheap transfers, which might draw the attention of merchants looking to avoid transaction fees.
Well-known payment processing companies, like PayPal, Fiserv, and Stripe, have issued their own stablecoins or accept them as payments. And with the Genius Act, favorable legislation was passed in 2025 that provides a regulatory framework for stablecoins. This can instill confidence in the industry.
NYSE: AXP
Key Data Points
American Express is thriving
BNPL and stablecoins are two innovations that can pose a potential threat to American Express (AXP 1.32%), a leading Buffett stock, which generated $9.9 billion in revenue from merchants and $2.6 billion in card membership fees in the fourth quarter of 2025. But it's worth mentioning that Amex just reported double-digit percentage revenue and earnings-per-share growth last year, with the same pace forecast for 2026 and over the long term.
It's clearly providing value to its user base. Cardholders have an affinity for the American Express brand. And they love the excellent perks and rewards that they receive. Given that these are high-income consumers, merchants will pay Amex higher processing fees so that they don't have to turn down these sales opportunities.
Investors also shouldn't worry, mainly as it relates to BNPL, because American Express is succeeding at bringing in a younger customer cohort. "As of Q4, millennial and Gen Z customers now make up the largest share of U.S. consumer spending, and they remain the fastest-growing cohorts," Chief Financial Officer Christophe Le Caillec said on the latest earnings call.
Even American Express isn't sitting on its hands. It's exploring stablecoin-related opportunities to potentially pursue. Chief Executive Officer Steve Squeri agrees that they could be used in certain payment situations.
Investors will want to pay attention to developments as they relate to BNPL and stablecoin adoption. Right now, however, there's probably nothing for Amex shareholders to worry about on this front.
