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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)

Rating:72Outperform
Price Target:
$9.50
▲(11.11% Upside)
Western Union's overall stock score reflects a combination of strong valuation metrics and strategic corporate actions, such as the acquisition of Intermex. While financial performance and technical analysis present some challenges, the company's attractive P/E ratio and high dividend yield provide a solid foundation. The earnings call and corporate events highlight both opportunities and risks, with growth in digital and travel money segments being significant positives.
Positive Factors
Dividend and Valuation
The 11% dividend yield and the low P/E multiple will likely support shares.
Retail Growth
Intermex's retail operation has shown healthy growth in a highly competitive market, doubling both principal and revenue over the past five years, while driving 40%+ growth in its newer digital channel.
Synergies and Operations
Anticipated synergies to come from cross-selling, combining capabilities at agent networks, and streamlining operations.
Negative Factors
Political and Macroeconomic Environment
An increasingly negative political and macro environment for Western Union as immigrant deportations pressure US remittances sent abroad, which could persist as a headwind and add to existing competitive pressures.
Revenue and Earnings
Revenue came in below consensus with weakness in North America CMT, more acutely in retail than digital.
Tax Impact
Consumer habituation in the US around retail and a 20% revenue exposure to excise tax on cash-funded remittances are operational headwinds.

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:Jul 28, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Nov 04, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed view with notable growth in specific areas such as the Travel Money business and digital transactions, yet faced significant challenges including a decline in overall revenue, transactional activity, and challenges due to regulatory changes and geopolitical factors, particularly in North America.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Travel Money Business Growth
The Travel Money business is expected to reach $100 million in revenue this year, showing significant growth from nearly nothing a few years ago.
Consumer Services Revenue Increase
Consumer Services adjusted revenue growth was up 40% in the quarter, driven by the acquisition of Eurochange and strong European travel.
Branded Digital Business Growth
The branded digital business increased transactions by 9% and adjusted revenue by 6% in the quarter.
Operational Efficiency Achievements
Year-to-date, $40 million was saved, bringing cumulative savings to over $150 million, completing the program announced at the 2022 Investor Day, 2 years ahead of schedule.
AI Integration Success
AI-powered customer service has reduced handle times by over 50% and increased call sampling for QA to over 90%, showing significant improvements in customer service efficiency.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline
Revenue for the second quarter was $1.026 billion, a decline of 1% year-over-year on an adjusted basis, excluding the impacts from Iraq.
Consumer Money Transfer Transaction Decline
Consumer Money Transfer transactions were down 3% in the quarter, indicating a slowdown in the business.
Challenges in North America
The retail business in North America faced headwinds due to uncertain immigration policies and enforcement activities, leading to reduced transactional activity.
Adjusted Earnings Per Share Decrease
Adjusted EPS was $0.42 compared to $0.44 in the same quarter a year ago, partly due to higher interest expenses.
Regulatory Challenges
The introduction of a 1% tax on cash-based remittance transactions in the U.S., effective 2026, could impact the business, though only expected to affect less than 20% of company revenues tied to U.S. retail cash-based transactions.
Company Guidance
During the Western Union Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call, CEO Devin McGranahan and CFO Matthew Cagwin provided detailed guidance and insights into the company's performance and strategic outlook. The call revealed a slight decline in adjusted revenue, down 1% year-over-year to $1.026 billion, with consumer money transfer transactions declining 3% and cross-border principal growth increasing by mid-single digits on a constant currency basis. The company reported significant growth in its branded digital business, achieving a 9% increase in transactions and a 6% rise in adjusted revenue. Moreover, the Consumer Services segment saw a robust 40% growth in adjusted revenue, primarily driven by the acquisition of Eurochange and the expanding Travel Money business, which is expected to approach $100 million in revenue this year. Despite geopolitical headwinds affecting the retail business in the Americas, the European retail sector performed well with mid-single-digit growth. The company also highlighted the impact of recent U.S. immigration enforcement on transaction volumes and the anticipated effects of a new 1% remittance tax, which is expected to influence cash-based transactions starting in 2026. Additionally, Western Union is exploring opportunities in stablecoins and AI to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. For the full year 2025, adjusted revenue is guided to be between $4.035 billion and $4.135 billion, with operating margins between 19% and 21%, and adjusted EPS projected to range from $1.65 to $1.75.

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
70
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
65
Positive
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
75
Positive
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
EBITDA890.80M917.50M1.03B1.29B1.25B1.20B
Net Income896.10M934.20M626.00M910.60M805.80M744.30M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets7.98B8.37B8.20B8.50B8.82B9.50B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.02B1.47B1.27B1.29B1.21B1.43B
Total Debt0.003.13B2.67B2.80B3.01B3.07B
Total Liabilities7.10B7.40B7.72B8.02B8.47B9.31B
Stockholders Equity883.60M968.90M479.00M477.80M355.60M186.60M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow417.00M368.90M635.30M373.40M830.70M720.70M
Operating Cash Flow494.00M406.30M783.10M581.60M1.05B877.50M
Investing Cash Flow-125.30M-16.30M-140.80M525.50M192.00M-113.40M
Financing Cash Flow-449.60M-69.30M-896.80M-1.18B-1.27B-773.50M

Western Union Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price8.55
Price Trends
50DMA
8.38
Positive
100DMA
8.87
Negative
200DMA
9.50
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.05
Negative
RSI
54.82
Neutral
STOCH
53.50
Neutral
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 8.55 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 8.29, above the 50-day MA of 8.38, and below the 200-day MA of 9.50, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.05 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 54.82 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 53.50 is Neutral, 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
$534.82B40.02177.90%0.50%14.55%13.25%
80
Outperform
$676.58B34.4351.18%0.67%11.38%7.43%
78
Outperform
9.42%128.55%
78
Outperform
$67.05B15.0322.92%4.05%13.85%
72
Outperform
$2.77B3.19135.32%10.99%-3.83%62.05%
72
Outperform
$30.37B51.678.80%22.60%
68
Neutral
$17.84B12.0310.32%3.73%9.70%0.76%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WU
Western Union
8.55
-2.49
-22.55%
DFS
Discover Financial Services
200.05
63.50
46.50%
MA
Mastercard
590.66
112.61
23.56%
V
Visa
350.35
77.94
28.61%
PYPL
PayPal Holdings
69.65
-3.51
-4.80%
SOFI
SoFi
24.96
16.93
210.83%

Western Union Corporate Events

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.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
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.

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%.

Executive/Board Changes
Western Union Appoints New Chief Accounting Officer
Neutral
Jun 30, 2025

On June 27, 2025, Western Union appointed Barry Cooper as Chief Accounting Officer, effective July 1, 2025. Cooper brings extensive experience from previous roles at Envestnet, Echostar Corporation, and First Data Corporation, and his compensation includes a base salary, incentive awards, and a sign-on grant. His appointment is expected to enhance the company’s financial leadership without any conflicts of interest or related-party transactions.

Executive/Board Changes
Western Union COO Andrew Walker Resigns
Neutral
May 22, 2025

Andrew Walker, the Chief Operations Officer of Western Union, announced his resignation effective June 13, 2025, citing personal reasons. His departure is amicable and unrelated to any operational or policy issues within the company.

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: Aug 22, 2025