Finance
Worldline disposal programme nearly complete, it says after hitting annual results targets
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 25, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 25, 2026
Quick Summary
Worldline says disposals are nearly done as it posts results in line with guidance. It reaffirmed 2026 targets, plans a March €500m capital raise, and expects divestments to cut headcount by ~30%.
Worldline says asset sales near completion after meeting annual targets
Feb 25 (Reuters) - Digital payment service group Worldline's disposal of non-core parts of the business is near completion, the company said as it reported annual results in line with guidance after a transformational year under its new CEO.
Revenue and Profit Highlights
Results and Restructuring Overview
The Paris-listed company reported a 2.4% decline in annual revenue to 4.5 billion euros ($5.3 billion), including the digital services business that is due to be sold as part of the disposal programme.
Adjusted core profit, meanwhile, stood at 841 million euros, within the forecast range of 830 million to 855 million euros.
2026 Guidance Outlook
The group reaffirmed 2026 guidance of organic revenue growth in a low single-digit percentage and adjusted core profit between 630 million and 650 million euros.
Divestments and Headcount Impact
The company also said it expects its divestments to bring a 30% decline in headcount.
Capital Increase and Share Sale
CEO Pierre-Antoine Vacheron said that the fourth quarter marked a "decisive turning point" for Worldline and that he believes the earnings report and a 500 million euro capital increase in March will draw a line under two years of crisis at the French payments group.
Market Value and Short-Selling
Worldline is clinging to a fraction of its market value since its pandemic peak, hit by multiple profit warnings, governance shake-ups and media reports accusing it of concealing client fraud. It was also investigated by Belgian prosecutors over potential money laundering.
The planned shares sale, which exceeds Worldline's current market capitalisation of about 400 million euros, is aimed at halting a negative spiral also marked by heavy short-selling and debt pressure.
Credit Rating and Debt Pressure
It is also aimed at protecting the company's credit rating, after a painful downgrade to junk status by S&P late last year.
FX Reference Rate
($1 = 0.8472 euros)
(Reporting by Mateusz RabiegaAdditional reporting by Mathieu RosemainEditing by David Goodman)
Key Takeaways
- •Worldline says its disposal of non-core businesses is almost complete.
- •Annual revenue fell 2.4% to €4.5bn; adjusted core profit reached €841m, within guidance.
- •2026 outlook reaffirmed: low single-digit organic growth and €630–650m adjusted core profit.
- •Divestments are expected to reduce headcount by about 30%.
- •A €500m capital increase planned for March aims to stabilize the balance sheet after a difficult period.
Frequently Asked Questions about Worldline disposal programme nearly complete, it says after hitting annual results targets
1What is the main topic?
Worldline reported annual results in line with guidance and said its disposal programme for non-core assets is nearly complete under new CEO Pierre-Antoine Vacheron.
2How did Worldline perform financially?
Revenue declined 2.4% to €4.5 billion, while adjusted core profit was €841 million—both broadly matching prior guidance.
3What guidance did Worldline provide for 2026?
The company reaffirmed low single‑digit organic revenue growth and expects adjusted core profit between €630 million and €650 million.
