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Western Union (WU)
NYSE:WU
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Western Union (WU) AI Stock Analysis

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WU

Western Union

(NYSE:WU)

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Neutral 65 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:65Neutral
Price Target:
$9.50
▲(0.11% Upside)
Western Union's overall stock score reflects strong valuation metrics and solid earnings call highlights, particularly in digital growth and cost management. However, financial performance is impacted by high leverage and declining revenue, while technical indicators suggest potential overbought conditions.
Positive Factors
Digital and Consumer Services Growth
The growth in digital and consumer services indicates Western Union's successful adaptation to digital trends, enhancing its competitive position and long-term revenue potential in a rapidly evolving market.
Operational Efficiency
Improved operational efficiency and cost management enhance profitability, providing a buffer against revenue volatility and supporting sustainable financial performance.
Successful Integration and Expansion
Successful integration of acquisitions like Euro Change strengthens Western Union's market presence and diversifies its revenue streams, contributing to long-term growth.
Negative Factors
Revenue Decline
Ongoing revenue decline poses a risk to Western Union's financial stability, potentially impacting its ability to invest in growth and maintain market share.
High Leverage
High leverage can limit financial flexibility, increase risk during economic downturns, and strain cash flow, challenging long-term sustainability.
Challenges in North America
Weakness in key North American corridors, exacerbated by regulatory changes, could hinder growth and reduce Western Union's competitive edge in a crucial market.

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 margins associated with its money transfer services. When customers send money, they pay a fee that varies based on factors such as the amount sent, the destination, and the payment method used. Additionally, Western Union earns money by converting currencies, where it applies a markup on the exchange rate, allowing it to profit from the difference between the market rate and the rate offered to customers. Key revenue streams include individual consumer transactions, business-to-business transfers, and partnerships with retailers and financial institutions that provide access to Western Union's services. Significant partnerships with banks, mobile network operators, and retail agents enhance its distribution network, broadening its customer base and increasing transaction volumes, contributing to overall earnings.

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 sound financial management with robust profitability and effective cost control. The elimination of debt significantly enhances balance sheet strength. Despite a declining revenue trend, the company maintains strong margins and cash flow management. However, the low equity ratio and slight profitability margin decline pose potential risks that need to be monitored.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Western Union's income statement shows a declining revenue trend over recent years with a slight revenue decrease in TTM. Gross profit margin is strong at approximately 36.1% TTM, indicating effective cost management. However, net profit margin has slightly decreased to 22.1% TTM from 22.2% last year, reflecting challenges in maximizing profitability. Despite these challenges, EBIT and EBITDA margins remain robust at 17.2% and 20.4% TTM, respectively.
Balance Sheet
50
Neutral
The balance sheet indicates a healthy reduction in total debt to zero TTM, significantly improving financial stability. Stockholders' equity has improved, leading to a better debt-to-equity ratio. However, the equity ratio at 11.3% TTM remains relatively low, indicating potential vulnerability to financial fluctuations. Return on equity is strong at 97.4% TTM, showcasing high profitability relative to equity.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
Cash flow statements highlight solid operating cash flow, though it has decreased from the previous year. The free cash flow to net income ratio is favorable, showing efficient conversion of profits to cash. The company has also managed a positive free cash flow growth rate of -1.97% from the previous year, indicating stable cash management practices.
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 Investments947.80M1.47B1.27B1.29B1.21B1.43B
Total Debt2.59B3.13B2.67B2.80B3.01B3.07B
Total Liabilities6.86B7.40B7.72B8.02B8.47B9.31B
Stockholders Equity925.40M968.90M479.00M477.80M355.60M186.60M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow402.80M368.90M635.30M373.40M830.70M720.70M
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 Price9.49
Price Trends
50DMA
8.25
Positive
100DMA
8.22
Positive
200DMA
8.90
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.19
Negative
RSI
76.51
Negative
STOCH
81.64
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 9.49 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 8.27, above the 50-day MA of 8.25, and above the 200-day MA of 8.90, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.19 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 76.51 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 81.64 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
$668.34B34.2451.18%0.68%11.38%7.43%
$511.61B38.18177.90%0.54%14.55%13.25%
$66.66B15.0424.36%4.34%19.71%
$37.53B57.228.59%22.60%
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
$3.06B4.1297.70%9.91%-2.45%17.47%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WU
Western Union
9.49
-0.28
-2.87%
MA
Mastercard
565.93
55.17
10.80%
V
Visa
346.90
58.76
20.39%
PYPL
PayPal Holdings
73.02
-5.20
-6.65%
SOFI
SoFi
31.66
20.44
182.17%

Western Union Corporate Events

Western Union’s Earnings Call: Growth Amid Challenges
Oct 25, 2025

The recent earnings call for Western Union Company revealed a mixed sentiment, highlighting both positive developments and ongoing challenges. The company demonstrated robust growth in its digital and consumer services segments and successfully integrated recent acquisitions. However, it faced revenue declines and challenges in North America, primarily due to macroeconomic factors and U.S. immigration policies. Notably, Western Union’s cost management and operational efficiency were significant positives.

Western Union’s Q3 2025 Earnings: Stable Revenue, Digital Growth
Oct 24, 2025

The Western Union Company is a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments, offering digital financial services to consumers, businesses, and governments across more than 200 countries and territories. In its third quarter of 2025, Western Union reported a GAAP revenue of $1.03 billion, which remained flat compared to the same period last year. The company’s branded digital revenue showed a notable increase, growing by 7% on a reported basis, while consumer services revenue surged by 49%. However, the company’s GAAP earnings per share (EPS) decreased to $0.43 from $0.78 in the previous year, although the adjusted EPS rose slightly to $0.47 from $0.46.

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.

The most recent analyst rating on (WU) stock is a Hold with a $9.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Western Union stock, see the WU Stock Forecast page.

Delistings and Listing ChangesM&A Transactions
Western Union Announces Merger with International Money Express
Neutral
Aug 14, 2025

On August 10, 2025, Western Union announced a merger agreement with International Money Express, Inc. (IMXI), where IMXI will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Western Union. The merger is subject to several conditions, including stockholder approval and regulatory clearances. If completed, IMXI’s shares will be delisted from Nasdaq. The agreement includes provisions for termination fees and conditions under which either party can terminate the merger.

The most recent analyst rating on (WU) stock is a Sell with a $12.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Western Union stock, see the WU Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Western Union Acquires Intermex for $500 Million
Positive
Aug 11, 2025

On August 10, 2025, Western Union announced its acquisition of International Money Express, Inc. (Intermex) for approximately $500 million in an all-cash transaction. This strategic move is expected to bolster Western Union’s retail presence in North America, expand its market coverage in high-growth regions, and accelerate digital customer acquisition. The acquisition is anticipated to enhance operational efficiencies and generate $30 million in annual cost synergies within 24 months, with further revenue synergies expected. The transaction has been approved by both companies’ boards and is expected to close in mid-2026, pending regulatory and stockholder approvals.

The most recent analyst rating on (WU) stock is a Sell with a $12.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Western Union stock, see the WU Stock Forecast page.

Western Union’s Earnings Call: Growth Amid Challenges
Jul 30, 2025

Western Union’s Latest Earnings Call: A Mixed Outlook with Promising Growth and Challenges

Western Union Reports Mixed Q2 2025 Results
Jul 29, 2025

Western Union Company is a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and digital financial services, operating in over 200 countries and territories. In its second quarter of 2025, Western Union reported a GAAP revenue of $1.03 billion, marking a 4% decline from the previous year. The company’s Branded Digital and Consumer Services segments showed growth, with Branded Digital revenue increasing by 6% and Consumer Services revenue rising by 39%. However, the Consumer Money Transfer segment saw an 8% decrease in revenue. Despite these challenges, the company maintained a GAAP operating margin of 19%, benefiting from cost efficiencies and favorable foreign currency impacts. Looking ahead, Western Union remains focused on executing its Evolve 2025 strategy, aiming for a GAAP revenue range of $4.085 to $4.185 billion for the full year, with an expected operating margin of 18% to 20%.

Executive/Board ChangesFinancial Disclosures
Western Union Appoints Ben Hawksworth as COO
Neutral
Jul 28, 2025

Western Union announced the appointment of Ben Hawksworth as Chief Operating Officer, effective August 1, 2025. Hawksworth, who previously served as Chief Technology Officer, will receive a base salary of $550,000 with additional incentive opportunities. In its second quarter 2025 financial results, Western Union reported a 4% decrease in GAAP revenue to $1.03 billion, largely due to a slowdown in North America and lower revenue from Iraq. However, the company saw growth in its Branded Digital and Consumer Services segments. Despite challenges, Western Union’s diversified business model and operational efficiencies helped mitigate some impacts, with a slight increase in GAAP operating margin to 19%.

The most recent analyst rating on (WU) stock is a Sell with a $12.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Western Union stock, see the WU Stock Forecast page.

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: Oct 26, 2025