Core Viewpoint - Western Union (WU) presents a high dividend yield, but this may be misleading due to underlying fundamental issues that are challenging to resolve [1] Group 1: Company Analysis - The company has fundamental issues that are not easy to fix, which raises concerns about the sustainability of its high dividend yield [1] - The analysis is conducted by a fund manager/analyst with over 18 years of experience in the financial sector, indicating a depth of expertise in evaluating such companies [1]

Core Insights - The company has effectively communicated the progress of its significant acquisition, demonstrating improved cost efficiency and increased reserves [1] - The latest reserves report indicates that the acquisition has resulted in lower costs and a growing inventory of profitable acreage [1] - The company has reported the highest levels of hedging activity in some time, allowing for revenue predictability despite market fluctuations [2] Group 1: Acquisition and Reserves - The acquisition has led to lower costs and an increase in liquids-rich production [1] - Management has noted that profitable production intervals from the acquired acreage extend to legacy acreage, enhancing future production potential [1] - Reserve costs are competitive, aiding the company in managing inflation [1] Group 2: Hedging Strategy - The company has engaged in significant hedging activity, which does not fix sales prices but allows flexibility in responding to market conditions [2] - Management has previously capitalized on negative gas prices to enhance revenue through strategic hedging [2] - The hedging activity reflects a positive outlook on pricing, providing revenue predictability at favorable prices [3]

Hunting for large‑cap, high‑yield dividend plays led me to The Western Union Company ( WU ) last October. The yield was an eye‑catching 11% back then, and I was quite sure I’d uncover something beneathI’ve managed my investments since 1999, gaining perspective across multiple market cycles. With a background in Economics and ongoing CFA certification, my focus is on uncovering mispriced assets that the market has overlooked. I conduct my analyses in a way that allows me to use them myself — not just casuall ...

Financial Performance - Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2025, were $4,050.7 million, a decrease of 4% compared to $4,209.7 million in 2024[217] - Operating income increased by 4% to $757.3 million in 2025 from $725.8 million in 2024[217] - Net income for 2025 was $499.6 million, down 47% from $934.2 million in 2024[217] - Basic earnings per share decreased to $1.53 in 2025, a decline of 44% from $2.75 in 2024[228] - Total expenses for 2025 were $3,293.4 million, down 5% from $3,483.9 million in 2024[217] Segment Performance - Consumer Money Transfer segment revenues decreased by 8% to $3,507.4 million in 2025 from $3,798.0 million in 2024[234] - The Consumer Money Transfer segment accounted for 87% of total revenues in 2025, down from 90% in 2024[232] - Consumer Services segment revenues increased by 32% to $543.3 million in 2025, up from $411.7 million in 2024[244] - Operating income for Consumer Money Transfer decreased due to reduced revenue, partially offset by lower agent commissions and technology expenses[243] Cash Flow and Liquidity - Cash provided by operating activities increased to $543.7 million in 2025 from $406.3 million in 2024, primarily due to an income tax settlement[258] - As of December 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $1,234.4 million, down from $1,474.0 million in 2024[254] - The company has $392.0 million in outstanding commercial paper borrowings as of December 31, 2025, with a weighted-average interest rate of approximately 3.9%[262] Debt and Financing - The Revolving Credit Facility was increased to $1.62 billion, maturing on November 30, 2029[263] - The company had $800.0 million outstanding under the Term Loan Facility, maturing on December 13, 2027[266] - The Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility was established with an aggregate amount of $800.0 million, with the option to increase to $1.0 billion[267] - The consolidated interest coverage ratio was 7:1 for the year ended December 31, 2025[271] - Projected interest payments on outstanding borrowings were $698.6 million as of December 31, 2025[280] Capital Expenditures and Shareholder Returns - Capital expenditures totaled $150.8 million in 2025, up from $130.6 million in 2024[276] - Share repurchases amounted to 23.7 million shares for $224.7 million in 2025, with an average cost of $9.49 per share[277] - Quarterly cash dividends of $0.235 per common share were declared in all four quarters of 2025, totaling $304.7 million[278] Assets and Goodwill - As of December 31, 2025, the carrying value of goodwill was $2,098.5 million, representing approximately 25% of consolidated assets[298] - Goodwill in the Consumer Money Transfer reporting unit was $1,986.4 million, with no impairments recorded for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024[298] - The net carrying value of other intangible assets as of December 31, 2025 was $356.3 million, with immaterial impairments recorded during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024[303] - The company has approximately $2.4 billion in interest-bearing assets, with $1.0 billion bearing floating interest rates[309] Risk Management - A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates would decrease annual pre-tax income by approximately $12 million based on sensitive borrowings[313] - The company manages foreign exchange risk through short-duration foreign currency forward contracts, with maturities ranging from a few days to one month[306] - A hypothetical 10% strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar would result in a pre-tax annual income change of approximately $40 million[308] - Credit and non-credit losses have been less than 2% of consolidated revenues in all periods presented[317] - The company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible assets based on qualitative and quantitative assessments, including discounted cash flows[295] Regulatory and Compliance Risks - The company faces risks related to mergers, acquisitions, and the integration of acquired businesses, which may not yield anticipated financial benefits[323] - There are potential liabilities from litigation, including class-action lawsuits and regulatory enforcement actions, which could incur significant costs[326] - The company must comply with evolving regulations regarding consumer privacy and data security, which may impact operational costs and business practices[326] - Changes in tax laws and their interpretations could adversely affect the company's financial position and operations[323] - The company is exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations, which may impact financial results and require effective management[323] - There are risks associated with the ability to attract and retain qualified key employees, which is crucial for operational success[323] - The company must navigate increased regulatory costs and changes in laws affecting digital currencies and related technologies[323] - The company may face adverse rating actions from credit rating agencies, impacting its financial stability and borrowing costs[323] - The company is at risk of material changes in the market value or liquidity of securities it holds, which could affect its financial health[323] - The company must manage credit and fraud risks presented by agents and clients, which is essential for maintaining operational integrity[323]

Core Viewpoint - Western Union is a significant player in the financial services industry, despite facing competition and operational challenges, particularly in its Americas retail business [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - On February 20, 2026, Western Union reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.36, which was below the estimated $0.43 and a decline from $1.13 in the previous year [2][6]. - The company generated revenue of approximately $1.01 billion, exceeding the estimated $988 million, but reflecting a 5% decrease on both a reported and adjusted basis [3][6]. Sector Performance - The decline in revenue was primarily attributed to a slowdown in the Americas retail business, although there was growth in the Consumer Services and Branded Digital sectors [3]. Valuation Metrics - Western Union's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is approximately 5.78, indicating a relatively low valuation compared to its earnings [4][6]. - The price-to-sales ratio is about 0.71, suggesting that investors are paying 71 cents for every dollar of sales, which may indicate undervaluation [4][6]. Liquidity and Cash Flow - The company has a strong liquidity position with a current ratio of 16.52, demonstrating its ability to meet short-term obligations [5]. - The enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is approximately 3.06, reflecting the company's ability to generate cash flow relative to its enterprise value [5]. - An earnings yield of approximately 17.29% suggests a potentially attractive return on investment for shareholders [5].

Key Takeaways Western Union's Q4 EPS rose 12.5% to 45 cents, beating estimates despite a 5% revenue decline.WU's operating margin expanded 300 bps to 20% as total expenses fell 6% year over year.WU sees 6%-9% revenue growth in 2026 and adjusted EPS of $1.75-$1.85.The Western Union Company (WU) reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 45 cents, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.3%. The bottom line grew 12.5% year over year.Total revenues were $1 billion, which fell 5% ...

Performance was driven by a 26% surge in Consumer Services, specifically travel money and bill payments, which helped offset a 9% decline in adjusted revenue from the Consumer Money Transfer segment. Management attributes retail headwinds in The Americas to shifting geopolitical environments and immigration policy changes, though transaction growth rates in the U.S.-Mexico corridor improved by hundreds of basis points relative to Q3. The company is transitioning from a pure remittance provider to a 'r ...

Western Union stock is feeling bearish pressure. Why is WU stock dropping?Earnings Beat, But Revenue MissesWestern Union posted fourth‑quarter earnings of 45 cents per share, topping analyst estimates of 43 cents and improving 12.5% from 40 cents a year ago. However, revenue came in at $1.008 billion, missing the $1.045 billion consensus and falling 4.73% year‑over‑year. The company is projecting GAAP sales of $4.254 billion to $4.375 billion and adjusted sales of $4.237 billion to $4.357 billion — above th ...

For the quarter ended December 2025, Western Union (WU) reported revenue of $1.01 billion, down 4.7% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.45, compared to $0.40 in the year-ago quarter.The reported revenue represents a surprise of -2.65% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.04 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.43, the EPS surprise was +4.34%.While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine th ...

While I've recently written in some detail about Western Union ( WU ) and Euronet ( EEFT ), some of the more mature players in the remittance industry, I have not yet had theI am an international analyst with a Buffett and Munger inspired approach to investing. My emphasis is on identifying high quality, shareholder-oriented companies which have been unfairly discounted by the market due to short term factors or irrational investor psychology. At the moment, I am particularly interested in legacy businesses ...