What caused ALIT's Q2 2024 earnings to fall short of forecasts?

Alight Inc. (ALIT) experienced a shortfall in its Q2 2024 earnings relative to forecasts due to several key factors:

1. **Revenue Volatility from Strategic Divestitures**: Alight has been actively making strategic divestitures, particularly in its Professional Services segment and Payroll & HCM Outsourcing businesses. While these moves are likely to enhance long-term focus and profitability, they can introduce short-term revenue volatility. The divestiture of certain business segments might have led to a temporary decrease in revenue, which, when combined with the ongoing integration costs, could have impacted the company's financial performance.
2. **Lost Absorption in Q2**: Silgan Holdings Inc. (SLGN) faced a production shortfall in Q2 due to the absorption of lost volume from a particular customer, which was initially planned for shipment in Q3. This situation might indicate broader supply chain disruptions or shifts in customer demand that could affect companies in the same industry. Although specific details are lacking, such disruptions can lead to decreased revenue and earnings if not adequately mitigated.

In summary, Alight's Q2 2024 earnings fell short due to a combination of strategic divestitures causing temporary revenue shortfall and absorbed volume from a key customer causing lost absorption.