Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN) unveiled its financial performance for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025 in a press release dated February 18, 2026. The company, which has recently undergone significant transformations, including the acquisition of Worldpay, demonstrated resilience and strategic focus amidst a year of substantial changes.

1. A Year of Transformation and Growth

Cameron Bready, CEO of Global Payments, reflected on 2025 as a pivotal year for the company, stating, “We significantly advanced our agenda to reposition our business as a unified, streamlined operating company.” Bready highlighted the successful launch of the Genius platform and the closure of the Worldpay acquisition as key milestones that propelled the company's transformation agenda. The CEO emphasized that the company’s strategic focus remains on driving consistent and durable growth, aiming to enhance client satisfaction and engagement.

2. Financial Highlights for Q4 2025

Global Payments reported impressive financial results for the fourth quarter:

GAAP Revenues: $1.90 billion

Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS): $0.92

Adjusted Net Revenues: Increased by 1% to $2.32 billion (6% in constant currency, excluding dispositions)

Adjusted EPS: Rose 12% to $3.18 (11% in constant currency)

Adjusted Operating Margin: Expanded by 80 basis points to 44.7%

These results showcase the company's ability to maintain a strong financial foundation while integrating new business segments.

3. Full Year 2025 Performance

For the full year, Global Payments reported the following metrics:

GAAP Revenues: $7.71 billion, slightly down from $7.74 billion in 2024

Diluted EPS: $5.78, compared to $6.16 in the prior year

Adjusted Net Revenues: Grew by 2% to $9.32 billion (6% in constant currency)

Adjusted EPS: Increased by 11% to $12.22

Adjusted Operating Margin: Expanded by 97 basis points to 44.2%

Josh Whipple, CFO, expressed satisfaction with the company's financial and operational performance, noting that the Merchant Solutions business finished the year with over 6% growth. He stated, “We generated strong adjusted free cash flow during the year and balanced ongoing investments in the business with our commitment to return capital to shareholders and reduce our net leverage.”

4. Strategic Capital Allocation

As part of its commitment to returning value to shareholders, Global Payments plans to return $7.5 billion through capital returns by the end of 2027. The company announced an accelerated share repurchase agreement, initiating the buyback of $550 million of its shares.

The Board of Directors has also authorized share repurchases totaling $2.5 billion, with expectations to return over $2 billion to shareholders through repurchases and dividends in 2026. Furthermore, the company declared a dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on March 30, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 9, 2026.

5. Looking Ahead: 2026 Outlook

Global Payments has set ambitious targets for 2026, projecting:

Adjusted Net Revenue Growth: Approximately 5% in constant currency, excluding dispositions

Adjusted Operating Margin Expansion: Approximately 150 basis points

Adjusted EPS: Expected to be between $13.80 and $14.00, representing growth of 13% to 15%

6. Leadership Changes

In conjunction with its financial updates, Global Payments announced the appointment of Jennifer Bozeman Whyte, CPA, as chief accounting officer and principal accounting officer, effective March 1, 2026. This leadership change is expected to further strengthen the company’s financial operations.

7. Conclusion

Global Payments Inc. has navigated a transformative year with strategic acquisitions and solid financial performance, setting the stage for continued growth and value creation for its shareholders. The upcoming conference call, scheduled for February 18, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. ET, will provide further insights into the company’s results and future plans, showcasing its commitment to becoming a leading global commerce solutions provider.

Original press release