Every year, workers around the globe send approximately $900 billion to their families back home and, when it comes to helping them send that money, the market is suddenly up for grabs. The reason is the recent momentum behind stablecoins, which offer an easy way to move money across borders—and for a far cheaper price than legacy transfer systems, whose fees can reach as high as 6%. Stablecoins, which are backed by reserves designed to peg their value to a fiat currency like the dollar, were long used b ...

Core Insights - Remitly Global hosted its 2025 Investor Day, presenting strong long-term goals and financial guidance, which positively impacted its stock price, increasing over 10% this week [1][2] - The company aims for significant revenue growth and margin expansion through 2028, projecting annual revenue to reach upwards of $3 billion [4][6] Financial Performance - Remitly currently generates approximately $1.5 billion in revenue and expects to double this figure by 2028 [4][7] - The company anticipates adjusted earnings of over $600 million by 2028, indicating strong profitability potential [6][7] Market Position - Remitly has established itself as a key player in the remittance market, initially focusing on transfers from the U.S. to India, Mexico, and the Philippines, and has since expanded its services to more countries [3][4] - The company has improved its operational efficiency by lowering costs, speeding up transfer times, and enhancing product functionality [3][4] Growth Strategy - Future growth strategies include geographical expansion, targeting wealthier individuals and small businesses, and introducing new banking-like products [4][6] - Management's long-term guidance suggests that the stock remains an attractive investment opportunity, even after recent price increases [7]

Core Insights - Remitly is hosting its first Investor Day, highlighting its long-term vision and strategic direction [1] - The company aims to showcase the growth potential of its core remittance business [1] - Key executives will present on various aspects of the company's strategy, including product innovation and shareholder value [2] Company Overview - CEO and Co-Founder Matt Oppenheimer will outline the company's long-term vision [1] - Chief Business Officer Pankaj Sharma will discuss the durable growth potential of the remittance business [1] - Chief Product and Technology Officer Ankur Sinha will provide insights into new customer categories and product launches [2] - CFO Vikas Mehta will present plans for driving long-term shareholder value [2]

Summary of Western Union Company FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) - **Date of Conference**: November 19, 2025 Key Industry Insights - **Remittance Market Growth**: The global remittance market is expected to grow in line with global GDP, projected at 3-4% [68] - **Geopolitical Impact**: The business is sensitive to geopolitical events, such as elections and conflicts, which can disrupt operations [68] Financial Performance - **Evolve Strategy**: The company is largely on track with its Evolve strategy set in 2022, although the current run rate is slightly lower than anticipated due to geopolitical factors [9][10] - **Revenue Trends**: In Q3, GAAP revenue was flat, with expectations of 0% to 2% growth, indicating challenges in North America [10][12] - **Retail Business Size**: The retail business is currently valued at approximately $2.5 billion, with expectations of low single-digit shrinkage in the coming years [36][37] Digital Strategy - **Digital Growth**: The digital business is projected to grow significantly, with a goal of 50% of revenue coming from digital and consumer services by 2028 [33][34] - **Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)**: The target is to maintain a CAC of under $20, which is considered industry-leading [27] - **Expansion Plans**: The company is expanding its digital services in underpenetrated markets, including the Philippines and Indonesia [28] Competitive Positioning - **Market Competitiveness**: Western Union is currently 70% competitive in pricing, with ongoing adjustments to maintain market position [14][15] - **Compliance and Security**: The company employs 3,000 compliance personnel to manage KYC and AML requirements, emphasizing the importance of regulatory adherence [21] Non-Remittance Revenue Growth - **Diversification Strategy**: Non-remittance revenue is expected to grow from 15% to 25% by 2028, driven by services like bill payment and digital wallets [46] - **Consumer Services Growth**: The consumer services segment is growing at over 20%, indicating strong demand for additional services [35] Acquisition of Intermex - **Strategic Acquisition**: The acquisition of Intermex is expected to add $500 million to $600 million in revenue, with significant synergies in digital capabilities and market reach [40][45] - **Market Expansion**: Intermex will allow Western Union to leverage its payout network to expand services to new corridors [43] Digital Asset Network - **Stablecoin Initiative**: The company is launching its own stablecoin, USDPT, which is expected to enhance transaction speed and reduce reliance on traditional banking systems [60][62] - **Consumer Empowerment**: The stablecoin will allow receivers to hold value in USD, providing them with more control over currency conversion [61] Risks and Opportunities - **Execution Risks**: The business is subject to execution risks related to geopolitical events and economic policies [68] - **Upside Potential**: Opportunities for growth include successful execution of the digital asset network, favorable immigration policies, and increased digital adoption [69] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Western Union FY Conference Call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, financial performance, and market positioning.

Core Viewpoint - Remitly Global is experiencing strong financial performance despite concerns over immigration changes, making it a compelling growth stock opportunity [1][2]. Financial Performance - Remitly's transfer volume grew 35% year-over-year to $19.5 billion, while revenue increased by 25% to $420 million [4]. - The company has an operating margin of 2.5% and a gross profit margin of 58%, indicating potential for margin expansion over time [6]. - The company expects to generate $1.62 billion in revenue this year, with forecasts for high-teens percentage revenue growth in 2026 [11]. Market Position - Remitly is rapidly gaining market share from traditional players like Western Union, even as the overall remittance market shows minimal growth due to U.S. immigration crackdowns [5]. - The company is expanding its offerings to small businesses, increasing its addressable market from $2 trillion to $22 trillion [7]. Product Expansion - Remitly has launched the Remitly One subscription service, which includes a wallet, debit card, and flexible payment options, enhancing customer engagement and revenue potential [8][9]. - The introduction of Remitly One allows the company to build a banking relationship with its customers, offering rewards and bonuses [8]. Investment Potential - The stock has declined significantly, down 55% from highs earlier this year and 75% since its IPO in 2021, presenting a buying opportunity [2][11]. - With potential profit margins of 20% or higher as the business matures, the forward price-to-earnings ratio could be as low as 6.5 based on projected earnings [12][13].

Core Insights - Upslope Capital Management reported a strong performance in Q3 2025, achieving a net return of +8.8%, outperforming the S&P Midcap 400 ETF and HFRX Equity Hedge Index [1] - The fund highlighted International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ:IMXI) as a key stock, noting its recent performance and market capitalization [2] Company Overview - International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ:IMXI) is a financial technology company based in Miami, Florida, specializing in money remittance services [2][3] - As of October 22, 2025, IMXI's stock closed at $14.76 per share, with a market capitalization of approximately $1.44 billion [2] Performance Analysis - IMXI experienced a one-month return of 4.26%, but its shares have declined by 15.78% over the past 52 weeks [2] - Upslope Capital Management had been monitoring IMXI for several quarters and had a small starter position before increasing its investment due to perceived acquisition potential [3] Strategic Insights - The company faced pressure on its stock price due to uncertainties surrounding immigration policy, which raised concerns about its financial stability [3] - Following the announcement of Western Union's acquisition of IMXI at a 60% premium, Upslope sold most of its position, indicating a successful short-term investment strategy [3] Hedge Fund Interest - At the end of Q2 2025, 57 hedge fund portfolios included IMXI, reflecting a slight increase from the previous quarter [4] - Despite the interest in IMXI, some analysts suggest that certain AI stocks may offer better upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article critiques the speculative nature of quantum computing stocks, particularly IonQ, while highlighting the potential of companies like Remitly Global and Portillo's that are currently creating value in the market [2][12]. Group 1: Quantum Computing Stocks - IonQ has seen a significant increase in stock price, up hundreds of percent in the last year, reaching a market cap of $25 billion despite generating less than $100 million in revenue [2]. - The company is characterized as highly speculative with little to no viable business model, making it a risky investment [2][12]. Group 2: Remitly Global - Remitly has experienced a 34% year-over-year revenue growth last quarter, with a 40% increase in send volume, indicating strong performance despite concerns over immigration policies affecting cross-border payments [6][5]. - The company generated $1.46 billion in trailing revenue with an EBIT of $27 million, showcasing its path to profitability and operational leverage compared to IonQ's significant losses [7]. - Remitly is positioned to capture market share from traditional players due to its low fees and user-friendly mobile application [6]. Group 3: Portillo's - Portillo's is expanding its restaurant chain into new markets like Texas and Florida, despite facing challenges from a slowdown in consumer spending [8]. - The company reported a modest 3.6% annual revenue growth, with plans for significant expansion in the coming years as new store openings are scheduled for the latter half of 2025 [9]. - Portillo's generated $65 million in EBIT on $728 million in revenue over the last 12 months, contrasting sharply with IonQ's $53 million in revenue and $351 million in losses [11].

Core Thesis - Remitly Global, Inc. is positioned as a leading digital remittance platform, transitioning from a cash-heavy model to a high-retention, annuity-like business, with strong revenue growth and customer retention metrics [2][5]. Financial Performance - As of Q2 2025, Remitly is experiencing a revenue growth rate of 34% year-to-date and is projected to achieve over 25% free cash flow margins, trading at less than 8 times estimated 2027 unlevered free cash flow [2]. - The company's stock was trading at $19.68 as of September 4th, with a trailing P/E ratio of 324.33 [1]. Competitive Advantage - Remitly's competitive edge stems from its effective marketing strategies, efficient customer acquisition, and product-led retention, offering a superior user experience compared to traditional cash-based networks like Western Union and MoneyGram [3]. - The company demonstrates increasing returns to marketing scale while maintaining a gross profit payback period of less than 12 months on customer acquisition [3]. Market Dynamics - The adoption of stablecoins poses a minor threat to consumers, as their usage is still in the early stages, and regulatory challenges are likely to hinder mainstream adoption [4]. - Recent immigration policy shifts are favorable for digital remittance flows, penalizing cash transfers while promoting app-based remittances [4]. Long-term Outlook - With ongoing product innovation and a strong foundation of customer trust and retention, Remitly is well-positioned for high-margin free cash flow generation, making it an attractive investment opportunity in the digital remittance market [5][6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has achieved eight consecutive quarters of double-digit transaction growth and high single-digit revenue growth in its digital business, indicating a strong performance in this segment [7][16][18] - The retail business outside of the Americas has stabilized and is now a growing asset, with non-Americas business growing over 10% [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail business in Europe has shown high single-digit transaction growth with mid single-digit revenue growth, marking a significant turnaround from previous years [6][35] - Non-remittance services, including bill pay and foreign exchange, have experienced strong double-digit growth, contributing to overall revenue [10][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The political situation in the Americas has disrupted migratory patterns, leading to a decline in transactions, particularly in Latin America, while the U.S. market has seen higher principal amounts sent but fewer transactions [51][54] - The company has a mid to upper single-digit market share in key corridors like India and Guatemala, indicating significant room for growth [22][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The Evolve '20 '25 strategy has transformed the company from a declining business to one with positive growth, focusing on stabilizing the retail business and enhancing digital offerings [5][6] - The company aims to be a globally diversified provider of everyday financial services, expanding beyond remittances into areas like foreign exchange and bill pay [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term trends in global migration patterns, which are expected to support business growth despite short-term challenges [71][72] - The potential introduction of a remittance tax could significantly impact demand, with management noting that it would effectively double the cost of sending money [58][60] Other Important Information - The company has invested significantly in modernizing its retail point of sale systems, which has improved transaction efficiency and customer experience [37][43] - The company is exploring the use of stablecoins for settlements, although regulatory clarity is needed before significant implementation [75][81] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key achievements of the Evolve '20 '25 strategy? - The strategy has stabilized the retail business and driven growth in the digital segment, with a focus on high-growth corridors and enhancing customer experience [5][6][24] Question: How does the company plan to address the potential remittance tax? - Management indicated that the tax would likely be passed on to consumers, significantly increasing the cost of sending money [58][60] Question: What is the company's outlook on global migration trends? - Management believes that inbound migration is essential for GDP growth in developed countries, which will positively impact the business long-term [71][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter revenue of $361.6 million, representing a 34% year-over-year increase, and adjusted EBITDA of $58.4 million, resulting in a 16% adjusted EBITDA margin, marking a "rule of 50" quarter [30][31][40] - Quarterly active customers increased by 29% year-over-year to over 8 million, with send volume per active customer growing by 9% year-over-year, the highest growth rate since 2021 [31][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Send volume grew by 41% to $16.2 billion, outpacing revenue growth, with a gross take rate of 2.24% [32][34] - The company saw strong growth in high amount senders, with send volume related to transactions over $1,000 accelerating to over 45% year-over-year growth [16][36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue grew by 35%, while the rest of the world grew by 41% year-over-year, with revenue from regions outside of India, the Philippines, and Mexico increasing by 45% [33][34] - The company launched remittance services to Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Mali, expanding its geographic footprint and enhancing financial inclusion [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a resilient business model that can deliver across economic cycles and geopolitical changes, focusing on diversifying its business to capture more growth and reduce risk [7][13] - The strategy includes enhancing customer experiences through technology, expanding payment options, and leveraging partnerships to improve transaction efficiency [15][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of remittances and the strength of the diversified business model, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [28][40] - The company raised its full-year outlook for both revenue and adjusted EBITDA, expecting revenue between $1.574 billion and $1.587 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 25% to 26% [41][42] Other Important Information - The company reported a GAAP net income of $11.4 million, a significant improvement compared to a net loss of $21.1 million in the same quarter last year [40] - The company continues to invest in technology and product innovation to enhance customer experience and drive long-term growth [90][95] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the increase in send volume per active user? - Management indicated that increased engagement, higher send limits, and diversification into micro business segments are key drivers of the increase in send volume per active user [50][52][53] Question: Are there any environmental factors influencing the numbers? - Management noted that the majority of revenue comes from prior quarter cohorts, providing high visibility and confidence in revenue durability, with similar drivers expected to continue [58][59] Question: Can you elaborate on direct partner integrations? - Management highlighted that direct integrations lead to faster transactions, lower costs, and improved reliability, contributing to higher customer satisfaction and retention [63][66] Question: What is the strategy for high dollar senders and micro business customers? - The strategy involves targeting specific corridors, improving marketing efficiency, and tailoring products to meet the needs of these customer segments [78][80] Question: What is the significance of the WhatsApp partnership? - Management expressed excitement about the WhatsApp integration, viewing it as a significant opportunity for customer acquisition and improved service delivery, particularly in Latin America [83][85]