NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new federal excise tax on international money transfers funded with cash, money orders, or cashier’s checks went into effect on January 1, 2026. The cost of this tax, 1% of the amount transferred, will add up quickly for the millions of U.S. money transfer consumers who rely on international remittances to support loved ones overseas. Fortunately, the BOSS Money international money transfer app enables customers to avoid the tax. BOSS Money is the remittanc ...

Core Viewpoint - The article presents a bullish perspective on Western Union (WU), highlighting its stable margins, new stablecoin initiative, and low valuation, complemented by a ~10% dividend yield [1]. Group 1: Company Analysis - Western Union is recognized for its stable margins and low valuation, making it an attractive investment opportunity [1]. - The company is initiating a stablecoin project, which is seen as a positive development for its future growth [1]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The investment approach focuses on identifying high-quality, shareholder-oriented companies that are undervalued due to short-term market factors or irrational investor behavior [2]. - There is a particular interest in legacy businesses in sectors like remittances, ATMs, and tobacco, which are often overlooked despite their cash-generative capabilities and high dividend yields [2].

Market Overview - U.S. equity markets in Q4 2025 were influenced by optimism around potential monetary easing and caution regarding economic growth and valuations [1] - Strong AI-related earnings and a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve in October initially drove market gains, but sentiment cooled later due to mixed signals from the Fed [1] - Large-cap stocks rose 17.4% for the year and 2.4% in the quarter, while small caps gained 12.8% for the year and 2.2% in the quarter [1] - Value stocks outperformed growth stocks, returning 3.3% versus 1.2% for the quarter [1] Fund Performance - Meridian Growth Fund delivered a return of -0.39% (net) in Q4 2025, underperforming the Russell 2500 Growth Index's return of 0.33% [1] - The firm is monitoring factors affecting market returns, including potential changes in monetary policy and the sustainability of AI investments due to high valuations among hyperscalers [1] Company Focus: Remitly Global, Inc. - Remitly Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:RELY) was highlighted as a leading relative detractor for the Meridian Growth Fund in Q4 2025 [2] - The company offers digital financial services for immigrants and has a market capitalization of $3.008 billion [2] - Remitly's stock traded between $12.08 and $27.32 over the past 52 weeks, closing at $14.39 on January 26, 2026 [2] - Despite robust quarterly earnings, Remitly's stock underperformed due to management's guidance indicating a deceleration in revenue growth [3] - The tempered outlook is attributed to challenging year-over-year comparisons and immigration-related headwinds affecting remittance volumes [3] - Remitly continues to expand its market presence despite a temporarily subdued demand environment [3]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of considering dividend-paying stocks for long-term investment portfolios, highlighting their stability compared to growth stocks which can be more volatile and overvalued [1][2] - Companies that pay dividends typically have reliable income streams, making them less likely to cut or eliminate dividends during tough times, which is a significant concern for investors [2] Group 2 - Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) currently offers a dividend yield of 6.7%, but has faced challenges due to decreased demand for its COVID-19 vaccine and treatment, as well as expiring patent protections on some drugs [4][6] - Pfizer is actively working to improve its growth prospects through investments in oncology and a licensing deal with YaoPharma for a GLP-1 drug, while also committing to maintaining and growing its dividend over time [5][6] - The stock is considered attractively valued with a forward-looking price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 8.7, below its five-year average of 9.7 [6] Group 3 - Western Union (NYSE: WU) boasts a higher dividend yield of 10.14%, and when including stock buybacks, its total shareholder yield reaches 17% [9] - The company has a long history dating back to 1851 and has adapted its business model multiple times, currently exploring cryptocurrency and planning a stablecoin and digital money transfer network to stay relevant [10]

Core Viewpoint - The article expresses serious concerns regarding Western Union's new strategic focus on developing a stablecoin cryptocurrency, indicating potential risks associated with this shift in strategy [1]. Group 1: Company Strategy - Western Union is shifting its strategic focus towards the development of a stablecoin cryptocurrency, which raises concerns about the company's direction and potential implications for its business model [1]. Group 2: Analyst Perspective - The analyst emphasizes the importance of identifying companies with durable competitive advantages and strong balance sheets, suggesting a cautious approach to investing in such companies when their shares are available at irrational prices [1].

Core Insights - The Western Union Company (WU) is a prominent player in the financial services sector, known for its extensive global reach and established brand recognition [1] Company Overview - Western Union operates in various regions worldwide, providing money transfer and payment services [1] - The company is characterized by its large scale and significant market presence, making it a noteworthy stock in the financial market [1] Investment Perspective - The analysis emphasizes a fundamental approach to investment, focusing on identifying undervalued stocks with potential for growth, which may apply to Western Union [1]

Core Insights - The Western Union Company (WU) is positioned for growth due to declining expenses, strong performance in Consumer Services and Branded Digital businesses, and investments to enhance digital capabilities [1][10] - The company has a market capitalization of $2.9 billion and is currently rated Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating solid investment prospects [2] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WU's current-year earnings is $1.73 per share, with two upward revisions in the past 60 days [3] - Revenue estimates for 2025 and 2026 are approximately $4.09 billion and $4.11 billion, respectively, supported by growth in high-demand remittance corridors like Latin America [5] - WU's shares have decreased by 12.5% over the past year, compared to an 8.4% decline in the industry [3] Valuation Metrics - WU's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio is 5.24X, significantly lower than its five-year median of 7.54X and the industry average of 21.16X, indicating the stock is more affordable [4] - The company has a Value Score of A, suggesting it is undervalued relative to its peers [4] Operational Efficiency - WU has successfully reduced total expenses by 9% in 2022, with further reductions of 1.4% in 2023, 1.6% in 2024, and 5% in the first nine months of 2025 [6] - The adjusted operating margin is expected to be between 19% and 21% for 2025, benefiting from ongoing cost-reduction strategies [6][10] Shareholder Returns - WU offers an attractive dividend yield of 10.05%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.68% [7] - In 2024, WU returned $496 million to shareholders, including $318 million in dividends and $177 million in share repurchases [7] - As of September 30, 2025, WU had $800.3 million authorized for further share repurchases [7] Strategic Growth Initiatives - The acquisition of International Money Express, Inc. (IMXI) for $500 million is expected to be a major growth driver, enhancing WU's presence in markets with large migrant populations and increasing digital adoption [5] - The transaction is anticipated to close by mid-2026, aligning with WU's expansion plans [5]

Core Insights - Western Union (WU) has partnered with Deutsche Post to enhance its cross-border money transfer services in Germany, starting in Q2 2026 [2][10] - This partnership will significantly expand WU's physical presence in Germany, facilitating easier access to its services for customers [2][5] - Deutsche Post operates over 12,600 postal branches, which will now offer additional financial services through this collaboration [3][10] Company Strategy - Retail partnerships are a fundamental aspect of WU's strategy, complementing its expanding digital channels [4][10] - Germany has been a key market for WU since 1991, and this new agreement builds on existing partnerships with financial institutions and WU's own locations [4][10] - The partnership is expected to strengthen WU's competitive position amid increasing competition from digital-first fintech companies [5][10] Financial Performance - WU reported a 5% year-over-year growth in cross-border principal in Q3 2025, indicating positive momentum in its transaction activities [5][10] - The financial impact of this partnership may be gradual in the near term, but it is anticipated to enhance consumer convenience and competitive advantage in the European remittance market over the long term [6][10] Market Position - Over the past year, WU shares have decreased by 10.6%, while the industry has seen a decline of 7% [7]

Core Insights - The Western Union Company has announced a partnership with Deutsche Post, which is Europe's largest postal network [1] - Cross-border money transfer services will be available to customers in Germany starting in the second quarter of 2026 [1] - The service will be accessible in the majority of Deutsche Post partner branches across Germany [1]

Core Insights - The Western Union Company has announced a partnership with Deutsche Post, which is Europe's largest postal network [1] - Cross-border money transfer services will be available to customers in Germany starting in the second quarter of 2026 [1] - The service will be accessible in the majority of Deutsche Post partner branches across Germany [1]