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Western Union (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
▲(12.83% 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 DescriptionWestern Union (WU) is a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments. Founded in 1851, the company operates in the financial services sector, focusing on money transfer services, payment processing, and digital banking solutions. Western Union offers various products, including money transfers, bill payments, and money orders, catering to individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide. With a vast network of agents and locations, WU facilitates international remittances and domestic transactions, serving millions of customers across diverse markets.
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
Negative
Last Price8.42
Price Trends
50DMA
8.47
Negative
100DMA
8.32
Positive
200DMA
8.83
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.01
Positive
RSI
43.71
Neutral
STOCH
12.09
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WU, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 8.42 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 8.96, below the 50-day MA of 8.47, and below the 200-day MA of 8.83, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.01 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 43.71 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 12.09 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative 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
75
Outperform
$627.78B32.4851.54%0.74%11.34%2.76%
73
Outperform
$56.67B12.1524.36%4.50%19.71%
69
Neutral
$485.28B34.56185.74%0.56%15.67%18.22%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
66
Neutral
$30.38B45.688.59%22.40%215.81%
65
Neutral
$2.68B3.6697.70%11.16%-2.51%17.47%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WU
Western Union
8.42
-1.66
-16.47%
MA
Mastercard
540.40
16.81
3.21%
V
Visa
327.98
17.00
5.47%
PYPL
PayPal Holdings
60.57
-27.00
-30.83%
SOFI
SoFi
25.19
9.49
60.45%

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.

The most recent analyst rating on (WU) stock is a Sell with a $7.00 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
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.

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