Core Insights - Shares of The Western Union Company (WU) have decreased by 4.1% following the release of second-quarter 2025 results, which were weaker than expected due to poor performance in the CMT segment, reduced revenues from Iraq, and a decline in the North America retail business. However, improvements in the consumer services unit and branded digital business, along with lower operating expenses, partially mitigated these negatives [1][8]. Financial Performance - WU reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 42 cents for Q2 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.6%, and representing a 4.5% decline year over year [2]. - Total revenues for the quarter were $1 billion, down 4% on a reported basis and also missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.9% [2]. - The adjusted operating margin remained stable at 19% compared to the previous year, while total expenses decreased by 5% year over year to $833.4 million, which was lower than the estimated $834.8 million [3]. - Operating income rose by 1% year over year to $192.7 million, although it fell short of the estimate of $193.4 million [3]. Segment Analysis - The CMT segment's revenues declined by 8% to $885 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $919.7 million. Operating income for this segment fell by 12% year over year to $167.7 million, also missing consensus estimates [4]. - Transactions within the CMT segment decreased by 3% year over year, despite a 9% growth in the Branded Digital business, which accounted for 29% of CMT's revenues and improved by 6% [5]. - The Consumer Services (CS) unit reported revenues of $141.1 million, a significant increase of 39% year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $115.1 million [5][6]. Financial Position - As of June 30, 2025, WU had cash and cash equivalents of $1 billion, down from $1.5 billion at the end of 2024. Total assets decreased to $8 billion from $8.4 billion [7]. - Borrowings were reduced to $2.7 billion from $2.9 billion as of December 31, 2024, while total stockholders' equity declined to $883.6 million from $968.9 million at the end of 2024 [7]. Outlook - WU has revised its 2025 adjusted revenue and EPS outlook, now forecasting revenues between $4.035 billion and $4.135 billion, indicating a potential 2.7% decline from 2024. Adjusted EPS is now expected to be in the range of $1.65-$1.75, down from the previous estimate of $1.75-$1.85 [11]. - The forecast for GAAP EPS has also been lowered to a range of $1.45-$1.55, reflecting a 45.3% decline from the 2024 figure of $2.74 [12]. Capital Deployment - In Q2 2025, WU returned over $150 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks [10].

Core Viewpoint - BlackRock (BLK.N) projects revenue to exceed $35 billion by 2030 [1] Group 1 - The company anticipates significant growth in its revenue, aiming for over $35 billion by 2030 [1]