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Western Union (WU)
NYSE:WU

Western Union (WU) AI Stock Analysis

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WU

Western Union

(NYSE:WU)

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Neutral 69 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:69Neutral
Price Target:
$10.00
▲(1.94% Upside)
Western Union's overall stock score reflects a mix of strong valuation and positive technical indicators, offset by financial challenges such as high leverage and declining revenue. The company's strategic initiatives and growth in digital services provide a positive outlook, but macroeconomic challenges in North America remain a concern.
Positive Factors
Digital Expansion
The launch of USDPT and a Digital Asset Network signifies Western Union's strategic shift towards digital assets, enhancing its competitive edge and broadening its service offerings. This positions the company to capture new market segments and drive long-term growth.
Strategic Growth Initiatives
The 'Beyond' strategy aims to expand Western Union's financial services network globally, leveraging digital assets. This initiative is expected to drive significant revenue and EPS growth, reinforcing the company's market position and future profitability.
Successful Integration and Expansion
Successful integration of acquisitions like Intermex and Euro Change enhances Western Union's service capabilities and market reach, supporting sustained growth in Consumer Services and strengthening its competitive position in the financial services industry.
Negative Factors
Revenue Decline
The decline in revenue highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining growth, which could impact Western Union's financial stability and ability to invest in strategic initiatives, potentially weakening its market position over time.
High Leverage
High leverage poses financial risks, limiting Western Union's financial flexibility and increasing vulnerability to economic downturns. This could constrain the company's ability to fund growth initiatives and manage operational challenges effectively.
Challenges in North America
Persistent challenges in North America, a key market, could hinder Western Union's revenue growth and market share. Addressing these issues is crucial for sustaining long-term performance and competitiveness in the region.

Western Union (WU) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Western Union Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionThe Western Union Company provides money movement and payment services worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Consumer-to-Consumer and Business Solutions. The Consumer-to-Consumer segment facilitates money transfers between two consumers, primarily through a network of third-party agents and sub-agents; and offers international cross-border transfers and intra-country transfers, as well as money transfer transactions through websites and mobile devices. The Business Solutions segment provides payment and foreign exchange solutions, primarily cross-border and cross-currency transactions for small and medium size enterprises, other organizations, and individuals; and foreign currency forward and option contracts. It also offers bill payment services that facilitates payments from consumers to businesses and other organizations, as well as offers money order and other services. The company was founded in 1851 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.
How the Company Makes MoneyWestern Union generates revenue primarily through transaction fees and foreign exchange commissions. When customers send money, they pay a fee based on the amount transferred, the destination, and the chosen delivery method. Additionally, WU earns money from the spread between the exchange rates it offers customers and the rates it receives from financial markets. Key revenue streams include money transfers, digital payments, and business solutions. Partnerships with various financial institutions, retailers, and agents enhance WU's distribution network, allowing it to reach a broader customer base and increase transaction volume, which in turn boosts revenue.

Western Union Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 23, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 10, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mix of positive developments and ongoing challenges. While the company has shown strong growth in its digital and consumer services segments and has successfully integrated recent acquisitions, it faces revenue declines and challenges in North America, largely due to macroeconomic factors and U.S. immigration policies. The company's cost management and operational efficiency are noteworthy positives.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Digital and Consumer Services Growth
Branded digital business saw transactions grow by 12% and adjusted revenue by 6%. Consumer Services adjusted revenue increased by 49% in the quarter, driven by the acquisition of Euro Change and a strong European travel quarter.
Successful Integration and Expansion Strategies
The acquisition of Intermex and Euro Change has been successful, with Euro Change performing above expectations, contributing significantly to Consumer Services growth. The company is expanding its digital wallet strategy, now live in 7 countries.
Operational Efficiency and Cost Management
Adjusted operating margins improved to 20% from 19% last year. The company completed its cost redeployment program 2 years ahead of schedule, leading to better-than-expected adjusted EPS of $0.47.
Positive Trends in Key Markets
Growth was noted in Europe, South America, and Asia, with the retail business in Europe seeing mid-single-digit transaction and revenue growth. The company also saw transaction growth in corridors like Brazil, India, Haiti, Panama, and Vietnam.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline
Adjusted revenue for the third quarter was $1.03 billion, a decline of 1% year-over-year when excluding the impacts from Iraq.
Challenges in North America
Continued weakness in North America, particularly in the U.S. to Mexico corridor, with significant declines also in El Salvador, Peru, and Ecuador.
Impact of U.S. Immigration Policies
Recent U.S. immigration policy changes have led to a decline in transaction frequency, with customers reducing transaction frequency or shifting to other channels.
Company Guidance
During the Western Union Third Quarter 2025 Results Conference Call, the company provided guidance for the fiscal year 2025, reaffirming its expectations for adjusted revenue to be between $4.035 billion and $4.135 billion, with anticipated adjusted revenue leaning towards the lower end of this spectrum. The adjusted operating margins are projected to be in the range of 19% to 21%, while adjusted earnings per share (EPS) is expected to be between $1.65 and $1.75, with current trends suggesting it could reach the upper end of this range. Western Union reported third-quarter revenue of $1.03 billion, a 1% decline year-over-year when excluding impacts from Iraq. The consumer money transfer transaction growth decreased by 2.5%, excluding Iraq, while the cross-border principal growth rose mid-single digits on a constant currency basis. The branded digital business saw a 6% increase in adjusted revenue and a 12% rise in transactions, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of mid-single-digit or better revenue growth. Additionally, the Consumer Services segment experienced a substantial 49% growth in adjusted revenue, driven by the acquisition of Eurochange and a robust European travel season. Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $0.47, compared to $0.46 in the same period last year.

Western Union Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Western Union demonstrates strong profitability and operational efficiency, but faces challenges with declining revenue and high leverage. The company maintains solid cash generation capabilities, yet the declining free cash flow growth and high debt levels could impact financial flexibility. Overall, while profitability remains a strength, the financial structure and revenue trends warrant careful monitoring.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Western Union's income statement shows a declining revenue trend with a negative growth rate of -8.3% TTM. Despite this, the company maintains a solid net profit margin of 18.8% TTM, indicating efficient cost management. However, the gross profit margin has decreased over time, reflecting potential challenges in maintaining profitability. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are stable, suggesting consistent operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
50
Neutral
The balance sheet reveals a high debt-to-equity ratio of 2.80 TTM, indicating significant leverage which could pose financial risks. Return on equity is strong at 82.95% TTM, showcasing effective use of shareholder funds. However, the equity ratio is low, suggesting limited equity financing and potential vulnerability to financial instability.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
Cash flow analysis shows a decline in free cash flow growth at -3.4% TTM, indicating potential challenges in generating cash. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is robust at 9.88 TTM, reflecting strong cash generation relative to earnings. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio is moderate at 0.74 TTM, suggesting room for improvement in cash conversion.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue4.10B4.21B4.36B4.48B5.07B4.83B
Gross Profit1.53B1.59B1.69B1.85B2.17B2.01B
EBITDA923.10M917.50M1.03B1.29B1.25B1.20B
Net Income770.90M934.20M626.00M910.60M805.80M744.30M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets7.78B8.37B8.20B8.50B8.82B9.50B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments2.82B1.47B1.27B1.29B1.21B4.11B
Total Debt2.59B3.13B2.67B2.78B3.01B3.30B
Total Liabilities6.86B7.40B7.72B8.02B8.47B9.31B
Stockholders Equity925.40M968.90M479.00M477.80M355.60M186.60M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow381.80M368.90M635.30M373.40M830.70M720.70M
Operating Cash Flow542.30M406.30M783.10M581.60M1.05B877.50M
Investing Cash Flow-85.20M-16.30M-140.80M525.50M192.00M-113.40M
Financing Cash Flow-509.30M-69.30M-896.80M-1.18B-1.27B-773.50M

Western Union Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price9.81
Price Trends
50DMA
8.72
Positive
100DMA
8.43
Positive
200DMA
8.78
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.22
Negative
RSI
71.12
Negative
STOCH
94.73
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WU, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 9.81 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 8.87, above the 50-day MA of 8.72, and above the 200-day MA of 8.78, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.22 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 71.12 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 94.73 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for WU.

Western Union Risk Analysis

Western Union disclosed 30 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Western Union reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Western Union Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
81
Outperform
$7.92B11.4221.41%6.06%9.51%29.38%
76
Outperform
$57.22B12.2724.36%4.50%19.71%
72
Outperform
$30.13B10.9410.32%2.80%7.10%12.75%
72
Outperform
$30.85B9.3621.64%1.37%-6.38%19.65%
69
Neutral
$3.01B4.1197.70%9.58%-2.51%17.47%
68
Neutral
$34.12B49.478.59%22.40%215.81%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WU
Western Union
9.81
-0.31
-3.06%
IX
Orix
28.83
7.24
33.53%
SYF
Synchrony Financial
84.22
16.87
25.05%
PYPL
PayPal Holdings
61.66
-29.43
-32.31%
OMF
OneMain Holdings
68.82
17.15
33.19%
SOFI
SoFi
27.28
10.40
61.61%

Western Union Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Western Union Unveils ‘Beyond’ Strategy at Investor Day
Positive
Nov 6, 2025

On November 6, 2025, Western Union hosted an Investor Day in New York City, where it unveiled its ‘Beyond’ strategy, focusing on a digital-first approach to expand its financial services network globally. The company anticipates a 20% revenue increase to $5 billion and a 30% growth in adjusted earnings per share over the next three years, driven by double-digit growth in Consumer Services and the expansion of its Digital Asset Network and USDPT stablecoin strategy.

M&A TransactionsRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Western Union Advances with Intermex Merger Approval
Positive
Oct 7, 2025

On August 10, 2025, Western Union announced a merger agreement with International Money Express, Inc. (Intermex), with the merger expected to close in mid-2026. The expiration of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act waiting period on October 6, 2025, marks a significant regulatory step forward. The acquisition is subject to further regulatory approvals and Intermex stockholder approval, potentially impacting Western Union’s market positioning by expanding its digital money movement capabilities.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 09, 2025