Western Union's Q3 Earnings Beat on CS Unit Strength, Lower Costs

Core Insights - Western Union Company (WU) reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 47 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 9.3% and reflecting a year-over-year growth of 2.2% [1][9] - Total revenues remained flat at $1 billion, surpassing the consensus mark by 1.2% [1][9] Financial Performance - The adjusted operating margin improved by 100 basis points year over year to 20%, driven by cost efficiencies [3] - Total expenses decreased by 5% year over year to $830.7 million, lower than the estimated $833.7 million [3] - Operating income increased by 22% year over year to $201.9 million, exceeding the estimate of $191.3 million [4] Segment Analysis - The Consumer Money Transfer (CMT) segment reported revenues of $878 million, down 6% year over year, falling short of both the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $891 million and the estimate of $903.7 million [5] - Operating income for the CMT segment declined by 9% year over year to $172.2 million, although it beat the consensus mark of $171 million [5] - The Branded Digital business experienced a 12% transaction growth, with revenues rising 7% on a reported basis [6] - The Consumer Services (CS) segment's revenues surged by 49% year over year to $154.6 million, significantly exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $128 million [7] Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, Western Union had cash and cash equivalents of $947.8 million, a decrease of 35.7% from the end of 2024 [8] - Total assets declined by 7% to $7.8 billion, while borrowings decreased by 11.9% to $2.6 billion [8] Shareholder Returns - In the first nine months of 2025, Western Union returned $230 million to shareholders through dividends and $200 million via share buybacks [11] Future Outlook - Management maintains guidance for adjusted revenues between $4.035 billion and $4.135 billion, with adjusted EPS forecasted in the range of $1.65-$1.75, indicating a 2.3% decline from 2024 [12]