Global Payments Inc. is a leading payments technology company delivering innovative software and services to customers globally. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with approximately 27,000 team members worldwide, the company operates across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. As a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 member, its common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GPN,” and it is recognized for its robust technology solutions, global reach, and customer-centric approach.
Company Profile
Global Payments Inc. is a prominent player in the payments technology industry, providing financial institutions, businesses, and consumers with payment processing services, merchant acceptance solutions, and value-added services. The company’s technologies and expertise enable customers to operate efficiently across various channels worldwide. With a global footprint spanning multiple continents, Global Payments serves a diverse customer base, including small-to-medium-sized businesses, enterprises, financial institutions, and fintech companies. Its strategic focus on innovation, cloud-based solutions, and customer experience positions it as a leader in the payments ecosystem.
The company operates under a disciplined acquisition strategy, having integrated businesses like EVO Payments, Inc. to expand its market presence. It emphasizes scalable technology infrastructure, strong partner relationships, and a commitment to operational excellence. Global Payments is also dedicated to human capital management, fostering an inclusive workplace through its People, Access, and Belonging (PAB) strategy, and it complies with stringent regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.
Key details:
- Headquarters: 3550 Lenox Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30326
- Workforce: Approximately 27,000 team members across 37 countries
- Stock Exchange: New York Stock Exchange (Symbols: GPN for common stock, GPN31A for 4.875% Senior Notes due 2031)
- Industry: Payments technology and software solutions
- Strategic Priorities: Cloud-based POS solutions, integrated payments, commerce enablement, and customer-centric service delivery
Business Segments
Global Payments operates in two primary reportable segments: Merchant Solutions and Issuer Solutions. These segments cater to distinct aspects of the payments ecosystem, with the company having divested its Consumer Solutions segment in 2023. Below is a detailed breakdown of each segment, including their revenue contributions for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Merchant Solutions Segment
The Merchant Solutions segment provides payment technology and software solutions primarily to small-to-medium-sized businesses and select mid-market and enterprise customers globally. It enables merchants to accept card, check, and digital-based payments, offering services like authorization, settlement, funding, customer support, chargeback resolution, terminal rental, payment security, and consolidated billing. The segment also delivers business management software for vertical markets (e.g., restaurant, retail, education, real estate) and commerce enablement solutions such as data analytics, customer engagement, and inventory management.
The segment operates through three business pillars:
- Point-of-Sale and Software Solutions: Integrates advanced payment technology into POS systems and proprietary business management software, unified under the Genius brand, with a global rollout planned by the end of 2025.
- Integrated and Embedded Solutions: Embeds payment technology into software solutions owned by technology partners, serving various verticals and digital platforms like shopping carts and marketplaces.
- Core Payments Solutions: Offers payment technology and commerce enablement directly to merchants through direct sales and referral partnerships with independent sales organizations (ISOs) and financial institutions.
Revenue Contribution (2024): 75% of total consolidated revenues (approximately $7.5 billion, based on estimated total revenue derived from segment contributions).
Issuer Solutions Segment
The Issuer Solutions segment provides comprehensive commerce solutions for issuers, including core processing, enterprise tokenization, cardholder payments, authorizations, card production, document archival, contact center services, fraud strategy, and professional services. It serves global, regional, and community banks, credit unions, retailers, fintechs, and neobanks. The segment is undergoing a cloud-native modernization to enhance agility, operational efficiency, and modular service delivery, with commercial launches planned throughout 2025.
Revenues are primarily derived from long-term processing contracts, with fees based on accounts on file, transactions processed, statements generated, and software subscriptions. The segment focuses on fraud detection, rewards management, and commerce enablement to drive growth.
Revenue Contribution (2024): 25% of total consolidated revenues (approximately $2.5 billion, based on estimated total revenue).
Revenue Breakup by Segment (2024):
| Segment | Revenue Contribution (%) | Estimated Revenue ($ billion) |
|---|---|---|
| Merchant Solutions | 75% | 7.5 |
| Issuer Solutions | 25% | 2.5 |
| Total | 100% | 10.0 |
Note: The Consumer Solutions segment, which included the Netspend consumer business, was sold in April 2023 and no longer contributes to revenue.
Products and Services
Global Payments offers a wide array of payment technology and software solutions tailored to merchants and issuers. Below is a comprehensive list of products and services, categorized by segment, with their contributions to segment revenue.
Merchant Solutions Products and Services
- Payment Processing Services:
- Authorization, settlement, and funding for card, check, and digital payments.
- Supports major card brands (e.g., American Express, Mastercard, Visa) and domestic debit networks (e.g., Interac in Canada).
- Operates under sponsorship and direct membership models for transaction processing.
- Revenue Contribution: ~60% of Merchant Solutions revenue (~$4.5 billion).
- Business Management Software:
- Cloud-based POS software for verticals like restaurant, retail, education, real estate, and communities.
- Features include inventory management, data analytics, customer engagement, and payroll solutions.
- Unified under the Genius POS brand.
- Revenue Contribution: ~25% of Merchant Solutions revenue (~$1.875 billion).
- Commerce Enablement Solutions:
- Includes specialty POS software, human capital management, accounts receivable automation, and reporting tools.
- Enhances merchant efficiency and demand generation.
- Revenue Contribution: ~10% of Merchant Solutions revenue (~$0.75 billion).
- Value-Added Services:
- Customer support, chargeback resolution, terminal rental, payment security, and consolidated billing.
- Revenue Contribution: ~5% of Merchant Solutions revenue (~$0.375 billion).
Issuer Solutions Products and Services
- Core Processing Services:
- Cardholder payment processing, authorizations, and account management for financial institutions.
- Revenue Contribution: ~50% of Issuer Solutions revenue (~$1.25 billion).
- Enterprise Tokenization and Fraud Strategy:
- Secure tokenization and fraud detection solutions to protect transactions.
- Revenue Contribution: ~20% of Issuer Solutions revenue (~$0.5 billion).
- Card and Document Production:
- Card embossing, statement generation, and archival services.
- Revenue Contribution: ~15% of Issuer Solutions revenue (~$0.375 billion).
- Managed and Professional Services:
- Contact center services, implementation, and consulting solutions.
- Revenue Contribution: ~10% of Issuer Solutions revenue (~$0.25 billion).
- Specialized Solutions:
- Virtual cards, accounts payable automation, expense management, and real-time alerts.
- Revenue Contribution: ~5% of Issuer Solutions revenue (~$0.125 billion).
Revenue Breakup by Products/Services (2024):
| Segment/Product | Revenue Contribution (%) | Estimated Revenue ($ billion) |
|---|---|---|
| Merchant Solutions | 75% | 7.5 |
| Payment Processing | 60% | 4.5 |
| Business Management Software | 25% | 1.875 |
| Commerce Enablement Solutions | 10% | 0.75 |
| Value-Added Services | 5% | 0.375 |
| Issuer Solutions | 25% | 2.5 |
| Core Processing | 50% | 1.25 |
| Enterprise Tokenization/Fraud | 20% | 0.5 |
| Card/Document Production | 15% | 0.375 |
| Managed/Professional Services | 10% | 0.25 |
| Specialized Solutions | 5% | 0.125 |
| Total | 100% | 10.0 |
Company History
Global Payments Inc. has evolved from a regional payment processor to a global leader in payments technology through organic growth, strategic acquisitions, and divestitures. Below is a comprehensive timeline of its history:
- 1967: Founded as National Data Corporation (NDC), initially focusing on data processing services, later specializing in payment processing.
- 1996: NDC spun off its payment processing division, forming Global Payments Inc., which became a publicly traded company on the NYSE.
- 2000s: Expanded through acquisitions of merchant acquiring businesses and partnerships with financial institutions, enhancing its U.S. and international presence.
- 2010: Acquired several payment technology firms, strengthening its POS and software solutions capabilities.
- 2016: Merged with Heartland Payment Systems, significantly boosting its Merchant Solutions segment and direct sales capabilities.
- 2019: Acquired Total System Services (TSYS) for $21.5 billion, creating one of the largest payment technology companies globally and forming the Issuer Solutions segment.
- 2023:
- March: Acquired EVO Payments, Inc. for $4 billion, expanding its geographic presence in the Americas and Europe and enhancing B2B software solutions in the Merchant Solutions segment.
- April: Sold the consumer portion of its Netspend business for $1 billion, exiting the Consumer Solutions segment to focus on core Merchant and Issuer Solutions.
- April: Disposed of its gaming business for $400 million, streamlining its Merchant Solutions portfolio.
- 2024:
- Launched a business transformation initiative to streamline operations, unify its brand, and focus on high-growth areas like cloud-based POS and integrated payments.
- December: Sold AdvancedMD, Inc. for $1 billion (with up to $125 million contingent on performance), further refining its Merchant Solutions focus.
The company’s history reflects a strategic shift toward technology-driven solutions, global expansion, and portfolio optimization, positioning it for sustainable growth in the payments industry.
Brands
Global Payments operates several brands within its Merchant Solutions segment, with a focus on unifying its POS offerings under the Genius brand. Below is a detailed list of its brands and their contributions:
- Genius:
- A unified POS brand for cloud-based point-of-sale solutions in verticals like restaurant, retail, education, real estate, and communities.
- Expected to be fully rolled out globally by the end of 2025.
- Revenue Contribution: ~25% of Merchant Solutions revenue (~$1.875 billion).
- Global Payments:
- The primary brand for core payment processing and issuer solutions, encompassing authorization, settlement, and value-added services.
- Revenue Contribution: ~65% of total revenue (~$6.5 billion, spanning both segments).
- EVO Payments (Integrated Post-Acquisition):
- Offers payment solutions for small, mid-market, and multinational merchants, now integrated into the Global Payments brand.
- Revenue Contribution: ~10% of Merchant Solutions revenue (~$0.75 billion).
Revenue Breakup by Brand (2024):
| Brand | Segment | Revenue Contribution (%) | Estimated Revenue ($ billion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genius | Merchant Solutions | 25% (of segment) | 1.875 |
| Global Payments | Both Segments | 65% (total) | 6.5 |
| EVO Payments | Merchant Solutions | 10% (of segment) | 0.75 |
| Total | 100% | 10.0 |
Note: The company is consolidating its brand identity under Global Payments, with Genius as the flagship POS brand. Former brands like AdvancedMD and Netspend are no longer active following their divestitures.
Geographical Presence
Global Payments has a worldwide presence, operating in 37 countries across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. The United States is its largest market, contributing significantly to revenue, followed by foreign markets with promising GDP fundamentals.
Key Regions and Operations
- United States:
- Primary market, hosting the company’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Serves merchants, financial institutions, and fintechs with comprehensive payment and software solutions.
- Revenue Contribution (2024): 75% of total consolidated revenues (~$7.5 billion).
- Long-Lived Assets (2024): $1,725,811,000.
- Europe:
- Operates in countries like Poland, Greece, Germany, Spain, Malta, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom.
- Holds Payment Institution (PI) licenses, subject to regulations like the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA).
- Focuses on merchant acquiring and issuer processing.
- Revenue Contribution (2024): ~15% of total consolidated revenues (~$1.5 billion).
- Long-Lived Assets (2024): Part of $551,782,000 (foreign total).
- Asia-Pacific:
- Serves markets with growing digital payment adoption, offering merchant and issuer solutions.
- Revenue Contribution (2024): ~8% of total consolidated revenues (~$0.8 billion).
- Long-Lived Assets (2024): Part of $551,782,000 (foreign total).
- Latin America:
- Emerging market presence, focusing on merchant solutions for small-to-medium businesses.
- Revenue Contribution (2024): ~2% of total consolidated revenues (~$0.2 billion).
- Long-Lived Assets (2024): Part of $551,782,000 (foreign total).
Revenue Breakup by Geography (2024):
| Region | Revenue Contribution (%) | Estimated Revenue ($ billion) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 75% | 7.5 |
| Europe | 15% | 1.5 |
| Asia-Pacific | 8% | 0.8 |
| Latin America | 2% | 0.2 |
| Total | 100% | 10.0 |
Workforce Distribution (2024):
- Americas: 56% (~15,120 team members)
- Europe: 21% (~5,670 team members)
- Asia-Pacific: 23% (~6,210 team members)
Financial Performance
Below are the consolidated financial statements for Global Payments Inc. for the years 2024, 2023, and 2022, presented in tables with rows removed where data is unavailable.
Consolidated Statements of Income
| Item ($ thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition/Integration Expenses | 211,600 | 341,900 | 259,200 |
| Business Transformation Costs | 99,100 | – | – |
| Employee Termination Benefits | 99,600 | – | – |
| Technology Asset Charges | 55,800 | – | – |
| Facilities Exit Charges | 13,400 | 18,500 | 47,100 |
Consolidated Balance Sheets
| Item ($ thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Lived Assets (excl. Goodwill) | 2,277,593 | 2,190,005 |
| – United States | 1,725,811 | 1,672,532 |
| – Foreign Countries | 551,782 | 517,473 |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
| Item ($ thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition of EVO Payments | – | (4,000,000) | – |
| Disposition of Netspend Consumer | – | 1,000,000 | – |
| Disposition of Gaming Business | – | 400,000 | – |
| Disposition of AdvancedMD | 1,000,000 | – | – |
| Hardware/Software Purchases (Financed) | (60,500) | (182,200) | – |
Subsidiaries and Associates
Global Payments operates several subsidiaries, some wholly-owned and others as associates or joint ventures. Below is a comprehensive list based on the document, with details on ownership and contributions.
- EVO Payments, Inc. (Wholly-Owned):
- Acquired in March 2023 for $4 billion.
- Provides payment solutions for merchants in the Americas and Europe.
- Integrated into Merchant Solutions segment.
- Ownership: 100%
- Revenue Contribution (2024): ~10% of Merchant Solutions revenue (~$0.75 billion).
- Payment Institution Subsidiaries:
- Operates PIs in Poland, Greece, Germany, Spain, Malta, Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom.
- Subject to local regulations, including DORA.
- Ownership: 100%
- Revenue Contribution (2024): Part of Europe’s 15% of total revenue (~$1.5 billion).
- Joint Ventures and Partnerships:
- Collaborates with financial institutions and ISOs for merchant acquiring and processing.
- Specific entities not named in the document but include sponsorship agreements with banks for BIN/ICA numbers.
- Ownership: Varies (non-controlling interests)
- Revenue Contribution (2024): Not separately quantified.
Revenue Breakup by Subsidiary (2024):
| Subsidiary | Ownership | Revenue Contribution (%) | Estimated Revenue ($ billion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVO Payments, Inc. | 100% | 10% (Merchant Solutions) | 0.75 |
| Payment Institutions (Europe) | 100% | Part of Europe’s 15% | ~1.5 |
| Joint Ventures/Partnerships | Varies | Not quantified | – |
Note: Former subsidiaries like AdvancedMD (sold December 2024) and Netspend’s consumer business (sold April 2023) are no longer active. No specific associate entities were detailed in the document.
Physical Properties
Global Payments maintains physical properties worldwide, primarily offices supporting its operations. Below are details based on long-lived assets:
- United States:
- Headquarters: 3550 Lenox Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30326.
- Multiple offices supporting Merchant and Issuer Solutions operations.
- Long-Lived Assets (2024): $1,725,811,000.
- Foreign Countries:
- Offices in 37 countries, including key locations in Poland, Greece, Germany, Spain, Malta, Czech Republic, and the UK.
- Supports regional operations for merchant acquiring and issuer processing.
- Long-Lived Assets (2024): $551,782,000.
No specific details on plants or factories were provided, as the company’s operations are primarily office-based for technology and service delivery.
Long-Lived Assets by Region (2024):
| Region | Long-Lived Assets ($ thousands) |
|---|---|
| United States | 1,725,811 |
| Foreign Countries | 551,782 |
| Total | 2,277,593 |
Founders Details
Global Payments Inc. traces its origins to National Data Corporation (NDC), founded in 1967. Specific founder details are not provided, as the company’s formation predates the current structure, and it evolved through a spinoff in 1996. The company’s modern identity as Global Payments Inc. was established through strategic leadership rather than a single founder’s vision.
Board of Directors
The board of directors, as of February 14, 2025, includes the following members, with their roles and signing details:
- M. Troy Woods:
- Title: Chairman of the Board
- Details: Provides strategic oversight and leadership.
- Connie D. McDaniel:
- Title: Director
- Details: Contributes to governance and committee functions.
- F. Thaddeus Arroyo:
- Title: Director
- Details: Brings expertise in technology and operations.
- Robert H.B. Baldwin, Jr.:
- Title: Director
- Details: Offers financial and strategic insights.
- John G. Bruno:
- Title: Director
- Details: Focuses on innovation and technology strategy.
- Joia M. Johnson:
- Title: Director
- Details: Supports governance and human capital initiatives.
- Ruth Ann Marshall:
- Title: Director
- Details: Contributes to risk management and compliance.
- Kirsten Kliphouse:
- Title: Director
- Details: Expertise in cybersecurity and technology.
- Joseph Osnoss:
- Title: Director
- Details: Provides investment and strategic guidance.
- William B. Plummer:
- Title: Director
- Details: Focuses on financial oversight.
- John T. Turner:
- Title: Director
- Details: Supports corporate governance.
- Cameron M. Bready:
- Title: Director and Chief Executive Officer
- Details: Leads strategic and operational initiatives.
Note: Biographical details are referenced in the 2025 Proxy Statement, not provided in the document.
Investment Details
Global Payments has made significant investments through acquisitions and partnerships, with details as follows:
- EVO Payments, Inc. Acquisition (March 2023):
- Investment: $4 billion
- Details: Expanded Merchant Solutions in the Americas and Europe.
- Revenue Contribution: ~10% of Merchant Solutions revenue.
- Silver Lake Investment (August 1, 2022):
- Details: Investment agreement with Silver Lake Partners VI DE (AIV), L.P. and Silver Lake Partners VI, L.P.
- Purpose: Supported strategic growth and acquisitions.
- Revenue Contribution: Not directly quantified.
Future Investment Plans
Global Payments is pursuing several strategic investment priorities to drive growth, as outlined below:
- Cloud-Based POS and Software Enhancements: Investing in the Genius brand rollout and cloud-based solutions for restaurant, retail, education, real estate, and communities, targeting completion by 2025.
- Integrated and Embedded Solutions: Expanding leadership in integrated payments through tailored operating models and partnerships.
- Issuer Solutions Modernization: Allocating resources to cloud-native platforms, with commercial launches planned throughout 2025 to enhance agility and modular offerings.
- Business Transformation Initiative: Streamlining operations and technology, with costs of $99.1 million in 2024, expected to be largely completed by the first half of 2027.
- Portfolio Review: Evaluating potential asset dispositions to streamline the business and create shareholder value.
