The 10-K filing states that the acquisition of EVO Payments, Inc. was completed for $4.3 billion. EVO is a payment technology and services provider, offering payment solutions to merchants across the Americas and Europe. The acquisition aligns with Global Payments' technology-enabled payments strategy and expands its geographic presence and B2B software and payment solutions business.

The filing notes the completion of the sale of the consumer portion of the Netspend business for approximately $1 billion and the sale of the gaming business for approximately $400 million. These dispositions align the company's strategy to focus on core corporate customers, including merchants, financial institutions, software partners, and technology leaders.

The filing mentions the issuance of Euro-denominated senior notes and the launch of a commercial paper program. €800 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% senior unsecured notes due March 2031 were issued, and a $2.0 billion commercial paper program was established, providing cost-effective short-term liquidity.

The 10-K filing highlights that prudent expense management contributed to the increase in operating income, as certain fixed costs do not vary with revenues. This indicates effective cost control measures implemented by management.

The filing notes that the company continues to execute on integration and other activities, such as combining business operations, streamlining technology infrastructure, eliminating duplicative corporate and operational support structures, and realizing scale efficiencies. This suggests management is actively working to realize synergies from acquisitions.

The 10-K filing states that capital allocation priorities are to make planned capital investments in the business, pursue acquisitions, pay dividends, pay down debt, and repurchase shares. This indicates a balanced approach to capital deployment.

The filing emphasizes the company's inability to completely protect its systems and data from continually evolving cybersecurity threats. This poses a risk to service delivery, reputation, card network registration, and can lead to penalties, fines, and legal claims.

The filing states that the payments technology industry is highly competitive and innovative, and some competitors have greater financial and operational resources. This may give them an advantage in pricing and the ability to develop new and disruptive technologies, requiring Global Payments to continually update its services.

The filing indicates that the company's business is subject to government regulation and oversight, and changes to laws and regulations may require significant development and compliance efforts. Failure to comply could have an unfavorable effect on the ability to offer certain services or on financial results.

The filing states that the Merchant Solutions segment competes with financial institutions, merchant acquirers, and other financial technology companies. It mentions specific competitors like Fiserv, Worldpay, and Block. This indicates a highly competitive landscape.

The filing notes that internationally, financial institutions remain the primary providers of payment technology services, but outsourcing is becoming more prevalent. It also mentions competition from large providers and new entrants, suggesting increasing competitive pressures.

The filing identifies technology solutions, including enterprise software and ecommerce enablement solutions, as a key competitive strength. These solutions enable customers to operate more efficiently and increase sales.

The filing indicates that cost of service as a percentage of revenues decreased to 38.6% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 42.1% for the prior year. This suggests improved operational efficiency.

The filing mentions ongoing execution on integration and other activities, such as combining business operations, streamlining technology infrastructure, eliminating duplicative corporate and operational support structures, and realizing scale efficiencies. This indicates a focus on improving operational efficiency.

The filing notes actions taken to reduce the facility footprint in certain markets, resulting in charges related to lease right-of-use assets. This indicates efforts to optimize operational costs by reducing real estate expenses.

The filing states that the company continues to invest in new and innovative technology solutions and infrastructure to support its growing business. This includes new product development and innovation.

The filing mentions the migration of certain underlying technology platforms to cloud environments to enhance performance, improve speed to market, and drive cost efficiencies. This reflects a commitment to modernizing technology infrastructure.

The filing anticipates the increased exploration of use of artificial intelligence in the payments industry.

The filing indicates that $418.3 million was used to repurchase shares during the year ended December 31, 2023. The board also approved an increase to the share repurchase authorization.

The filing notes that $260.4 million was paid in dividends to common shareholders during the year ended December 31, 2023.

The filing mentions capital expenditures of $658.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, to support the development of new technologies and infrastructure to support the growing business.

The filing mentions that the company is working to continually ensure that its sustainability agenda is integrated into its overall business strategy. This indicates a commitment to ESG principles.

The filing states that the company is monitoring proposed and pending climate legislation for effect. This suggests awareness and consideration of environmental regulations.

The filing notes that additional information about the company's approach to sustainability matters is provided in its Global Responsibility Report, available on the investor relations section of its website. This suggests a commitment to transparency and disclosure of ESG-related information.

The filing states that the industry continues to grow as a result of wider merchant acceptance and increased use of credit and debit cards, advances in payment processing technology, and migration to ecommerce, omnichannel, and contactless payment solutions. This indicates a favorable market trend.

The filing acknowledges exposure to general economic conditions, including recessions, inflation, and rising interest rates, which can affect consumer spending. However, it also notes that economic conditions have shown moderate improvement recently.

The filing mentions heightened geopolitical and economic instability and increased difficulty of conducting business in certain regions due to political or military conflict. These factors could negatively affect the business.