Global Payments (GPN) experienced a significant 24-hour plunge of 5.49% on Wednesday, despite initially rising after reporting better-than-expected second-quarter earnings. The payment technology company's stock saw a volatile trading session as investors and analysts digested the financial results and future outlook.

Global Payments reported adjusted earnings per share of $3.10 for Q2 2025, beating analyst expectations of $3.05 and showing a 10.7% year-over-year increase. Revenue also slightly topped estimates, reaching $2.36 billion, up 1.6% from the previous year. The company's Merchant Solutions segment, which contributed $1.83 billion in adjusted revenue, drove the growth with a 1.1% increase from the prior year.

However, the stock's sharp decline after initial gains suggests that investors may have reassessed the company's performance and future prospects. While Global Payments reaffirmed its full-year guidance, including adjusted net revenue growth of 5-6% and adjusted EPS growth at the high end of the 10-11% range, some analysts adjusted their price targets. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target to $87 from $85, while RBC Capital increased theirs to $93 from $86. These modest increases, coupled with ongoing transformation expenses and asset disposals affecting GAAP results, may have contributed to the market's negative reaction.