Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted net revenue of $2,360 million, an increase of 5% on a constant currency basis excluding dispositions [38] - Adjusted operating margin for the quarter increased by 130 basis points to 44.6%, translating to 110 basis points of expansion excluding dispositions [39] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $3.1, reflecting an 11% increase on both reported and constant currency basis [39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Merchant Solutions achieved adjusted net revenue of $1,830 million for the second quarter, reflecting growth of approximately 5.5% excluding dispositions [39] - The integrated embedded business grew in the high single digits range excluding dispositions, with strong growth in new POS locations [40] - Issuer Solutions produced adjusted net revenue of $547 million for the second quarter, reflecting growth of approximately 3.5% on a constant currency basis [40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong growth was noted in international markets, particularly in Central Europe, LatAm, and Asia Pacific, all achieving high single-digit or greater growth [40] - The company added 15 million traditional accounts on file year to date, driven by new implementations and growth with existing customers [41] - The adjusted operating margin for the Issuer Solutions business improved by 190 basis points from the prior year to 48.7% [42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a transformation agenda aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing growth, with an expected annual run rate operating income benefit of $650 million [48][50] - The acquisition of Worldpay is seen as a significant opportunity to enhance competitive strengths and accelerate growth trajectory [34][37] - The company plans to return $7.5 billion in capital to shareholders between 2025 and 2027, consistent with its capital allocation plan [47][51] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the business model despite a fluid macro environment and muted consumer sentiment [7] - The company expects adjusted net revenue growth of 5% to 6% over 2024, with adjusted EPS growth anticipated at the high end of the 10% to 11% range for the full year [44][47] - Management highlighted the positive reception of the Genius platform and its potential to drive growth in the second half of the year [80] Other Important Information - The company announced the sale of its payroll business for $1.1 billion, allowing for $500 million of additional shareholder returns through an accelerated share repurchase program [6][22] - The company has initiated integration planning for the Worldpay transaction and established critical work streams to support a successful integration [7][32] - The company achieved strong adjusted free cash flow of approximately $800 million for the quarter, representing a conversion rate of adjusted net income to adjusted free cash flow of approximately 110% [43] Q&A Session Summary Question: Should we expect normal seasonal patterns in Q3 and Q4 for merchant growth? - Management expects growth for merchant to be approximately 5.5% in the first half and anticipates acceleration in Q3 and Q4 due to transformation benefits from the Genius platform [55] Question: What is the expected impact of the payroll divestiture on revenue? - The payroll divestiture is expected to close at the end of Q3, contributing approximately $65 million in revenue per quarter [56] Question: Are there plans for additional divestitures in light of the Worldpay acquisition? - Management is reassessing portfolio composition and may consider additional divestitures that do not align with the Worldpay strategy, with proceeds used for shareholder returns [66][70] Question: Is there any friction or attrition related to the Genius brand consolidation? - Management noted a slight pause in buying behavior prior to the Genius launch but has not seen significant attrition in the existing customer base [72] Question: What is the confidence level in the acceleration of growth in the second half of the year? - Management expressed confidence in achieving slightly above 6% growth in the merchant business in the second half, bolstered by the success of the Genius platform and sales force transformation [80]