Western Union growth constrained due to U.S. immigration policy: Oppenheimer

Published 02/06/2025, 16:40
© Reuters.

Investing.com -- Oppenheimer initiated coverage of Western Union (NYSE:WU) with a Perform rating, citing competitive pressures and tightening U.S. immigration policy as key constraints on the company’s growth prospects.

In a note to clients on Monday, Oppenheimer analysts said Western Union is “making progress defending its market share through increased investments in digital capabilities, strategic pricing, and partnerships with fintechs and the card networks.” 

However, they added that they will “remain on the sidelines until we see clearer evidence of a sustained revenue growth turnaround.”

Western Union faces mounting challenges from “tightening U.S. immigration policy, intensifying competition from digital-native players and aggressive pricing from legacy cash-to-cash money remittance providers,” according to the firm.

While the company’s digital strategy and partnerships are steps in the right direction, Oppenheimer expressed concern that these initiatives may not be enough to offset broader structural pressures. 

The analysts noted that competitive dynamics in the money transfer industry continue to evolve rapidly, especially with increased consumer adoption of fintech alternatives.

Still, the stock may appeal to income-focused investors. Oppenheimer highlighted that Western Union “offers an attractive dividend yield near 10%,” making it potentially compelling for those seeking yield in a low-growth environment.

Overall, the firm is taking a cautious stance, signaling that investors should wait for more convincing signs of a turnaround before taking a more bullish view.

 

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.