Global Payments appoints two directors in agreement with Elliott

ATLANTA - Global Payments Inc. (NYSE:GPN), a $20.46 billion payment technology provider with annual revenues exceeding $10 billion, announced Monday the appointment of Patricia Watson and Archana Deskus as independent directors to its Board, effective immediately, as part of an agreement with Elliott Investment Management. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company maintains a GOOD financial health score and is currently trading below its Fair Value.

The payment technology provider will also establish a new Integration Committee to oversee the integration of Worldpay following the completion of its pending acquisition. The committee will focus on execution of integration initiatives and synergy realization from the combination. With a P/E ratio of 14.33 and a track record of maintaining dividend payments for 25 consecutive years, Global Payments has demonstrated strong financial discipline.

Under the agreement with Elliott, one of Global Payments’ largest investors, the company will appoint an additional mutually agreed independent director by or immediately following the 2026 annual meeting of shareholders. The Board size will expand to 12 directors with the new appointments.

Watson previously served as Chief Information and Technology Officer at NCR Atleos and as Global Chief Information Officer at Total System Services (TSYS), which merged with Global Payments in 2019. Deskus most recently worked as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at PayPal Holdings, Inc.

"Patty and Archie will bring a wealth of leadership skills, experience, and financial technology expertise to our boardroom," said Troy Woods, chairman of the Global Payments Board of Directors, according to the company’s press release.

Jason Genrich, partner at Elliott Investment Management, stated that the steps announced "will help ensure the proper oversight and expertise are in place to support the management team as they maximize the value of this transaction and deliver returns for shareholders."

The Board changes come as Global Payments prepares to integrate Worldpay, a transaction that the company says will enhance its competitive strengths and accelerate its growth trajectory. For deeper insights into Global Payments’ financial health and growth prospects, including additional ProTips and detailed metrics, visit InvestingPro, where you’ll find comprehensive analysis and expert research reports.

In other recent news, Global Payments Inc. reported its second-quarter earnings for 2025, exceeding analysts’ expectations with an earnings per share (EPS) of $3.10, compared to the forecasted $3.05. Despite this positive earnings surprise, the company experienced a revenue miss, with adjusted net revenue growing by 5% to $2.36 billion, which was below expectations. Meanwhile, the UK Competition and Markets Authority has initiated a Phase 1 inquiry into Global Payments’ acquisition of Worldpay to assess potential anticompetitive concerns. In a separate development, Global Payments launched its Genius solution in the U.S., a unified commerce platform tailored for various enterprise customers, including restaurants and sports venues. This platform offers a comprehensive integration of point-of-sale and other functionalities, enhancing operational efficiency. On the analyst front, TD Cowen raised its price target for Global Payments to $92 from $84, maintaining a Hold rating, while Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reiterated a Market Perform rating with a price target of $87. These recent developments highlight the company’s ongoing strategic efforts and market evaluations.

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