Go Pro

Western Union (WU) Competitors

Western Union logo
$6.00 -0.03 (-0.42%)
Closing price 03:59 PM Eastern
Extended Trading
$6.03 +0.04 (+0.58%)
As of 07:59 PM Eastern
Extended trading is trading that happens on electronic markets outside of regular trading hours. This is a fair market value extended hours price provided by Massive. Learn more.

WU vs. PYPL, WEX, KLAR, RELY, and PAY

Should you buy Western Union stock or one of its competitors? Western Union's main competitors and comparable companies include PayPal (PYPL), WEX (WEX), Klarna Group (KLAR), Remitly Global (RELY), and Paymentus (PAY). Companies are selected based on similarities in market, industry, and size. These companies are all part of the "transaction & payment processing services" industry.

How does Western Union compare to PayPal?

PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) and Western Union (NYSE:WU) are both finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, institutional ownership, earnings, dividends, media sentiment, valuation, profitability and analyst recommendations.

PayPal has higher revenue and earnings than Western Union. Western Union is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than PayPal, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
PayPal$33.17B1.36$5.23B$5.299.97
Western Union$4.05B0.46$499.60M$1.234.87

In the previous week, PayPal had 23 more articles in the media than Western Union. MarketBeat recorded 33 mentions for PayPal and 10 mentions for Western Union. PayPal's average media sentiment score of 0.80 beat Western Union's score of 0.29 indicating that PayPal is being referred to more favorably in the media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
PayPal
18 Very Positive mention(s)
6 Positive mention(s)
4 Neutral mention(s)
2 Negative mention(s)
2 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Western Union
2 Very Positive mention(s)
1 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
2 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Neutral

PayPal has a beta of 1.27, meaning that its share price is 27% more volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Western Union has a beta of 0.51, meaning that its share price is 49% less volatile than the broader market.

PayPal has a net margin of 14.36% compared to Western Union's net margin of 9.79%. Western Union's return on equity of 50.89% beat PayPal's return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
PayPal14.36% 24.39% 6.06%
Western Union 9.79%50.89%5.87%

PayPal pays an annual dividend of $0.56 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.1%. Western Union pays an annual dividend of $0.94 per share and has a dividend yield of 15.7%. PayPal pays out 10.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Western Union pays out 76.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future.

68.3% of PayPal shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 91.8% of Western Union shares are held by institutional investors. 0.6% of PayPal shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 3.3% of Western Union shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

PayPal presently has a consensus target price of $56.31, indicating a potential upside of 6.77%. Western Union has a consensus target price of $7.36, indicating a potential upside of 22.83%. Given Western Union's higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Western Union is more favorable than PayPal.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
PayPal
4 Sell rating(s)
34 Hold rating(s)
9 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.11
Western Union
8 Sell rating(s)
6 Hold rating(s)
0 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
1.43

Summary

PayPal beats Western Union on 13 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does Western Union compare to WEX?

Western Union (NYSE:WU) and WEX (NYSE:WEX) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, media sentiment, earnings, profitability and dividends.

WEX has a net margin of 12.56% compared to Western Union's net margin of 9.79%. Western Union's return on equity of 50.89% beat WEX's return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
Western Union9.79% 50.89% 5.87%
WEX 12.56%43.19%3.53%

Western Union has a beta of 0.51, suggesting that its stock price is 49% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, WEX has a beta of 0.84, suggesting that its stock price is 16% less volatile than the broader market.

Western Union has higher revenue and earnings than WEX. Western Union is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than WEX, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
Western Union$4.05B0.46$499.60M$1.234.87
WEX$2.66B2.16$304.10M$10.0416.80

Western Union currently has a consensus price target of $7.36, suggesting a potential upside of 22.83%. WEX has a consensus price target of $185.64, suggesting a potential upside of 10.09%. Given Western Union's higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Western Union is more favorable than WEX.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
Western Union
8 Sell rating(s)
6 Hold rating(s)
0 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
1.43
WEX
0 Sell rating(s)
8 Hold rating(s)
6 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.43

91.8% of Western Union shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 97.5% of WEX shares are held by institutional investors. 3.3% of Western Union shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 1.4% of WEX shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

In the previous week, Western Union had 6 more articles in the media than WEX. MarketBeat recorded 10 mentions for Western Union and 4 mentions for WEX. Western Union's average media sentiment score of 0.29 beat WEX's score of 0.29 indicating that Western Union is being referred to more favorably in the media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Western Union
2 Very Positive mention(s)
1 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
2 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Neutral
WEX
1 Very Positive mention(s)
2 Positive mention(s)
1 Neutral mention(s)
0 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Neutral

Summary

Western Union and WEX tied by winning 8 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does Western Union compare to Klarna Group?

Western Union (NYSE:WU) and Klarna Group (NYSE:KLAR) are both finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, institutional ownership, earnings, media sentiment, risk, profitability, analyst recommendations and dividends.

In the previous week, Western Union had 6 more articles in the media than Klarna Group. MarketBeat recorded 10 mentions for Western Union and 4 mentions for Klarna Group. Klarna Group's average media sentiment score of 0.54 beat Western Union's score of 0.29 indicating that Klarna Group is being referred to more favorably in the news media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Western Union
2 Very Positive mention(s)
1 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
2 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Neutral
Klarna Group
1 Very Positive mention(s)
1 Positive mention(s)
2 Neutral mention(s)
0 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Western Union currently has a consensus price target of $7.36, indicating a potential upside of 22.83%. Klarna Group has a consensus price target of $27.79, indicating a potential upside of 123.51%. Given Klarna Group's stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Klarna Group is more favorable than Western Union.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
Western Union
8 Sell rating(s)
6 Hold rating(s)
0 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
1.43
Klarna Group
1 Sell rating(s)
14 Hold rating(s)
7 Buy rating(s)
1 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.35

Western Union has a net margin of 9.79% compared to Klarna Group's net margin of -3.54%. Western Union's return on equity of 50.89% beat Klarna Group's return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
Western Union9.79% 50.89% 5.87%
Klarna Group -3.54%-5.39%-0.76%

91.8% of Western Union shares are owned by institutional investors. 3.3% of Western Union shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Western Union has higher revenue and earnings than Klarna Group. Klarna Group is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Western Union, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
Western Union$4.05B0.46$499.60M$1.234.87
Klarna Group$3.51B1.34-$294M-$0.37N/A

Summary

Western Union beats Klarna Group on 10 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does Western Union compare to Remitly Global?

Western Union (NYSE:WU) and Remitly Global (NASDAQ:RELY) are both finance companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, media sentiment, institutional ownership, valuation, dividends, analyst recommendations, earnings and profitability.

Western Union presently has a consensus price target of $7.36, indicating a potential upside of 22.83%. Remitly Global has a consensus price target of $27.78, indicating a potential upside of 25.67%. Given Remitly Global's stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Remitly Global is more favorable than Western Union.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
Western Union
8 Sell rating(s)
6 Hold rating(s)
0 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
1.43
Remitly Global
0 Sell rating(s)
1 Hold rating(s)
10 Buy rating(s)
2 Strong Buy rating(s)
3.08

Western Union has a beta of 0.51, indicating that its stock price is 49% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Remitly Global has a beta of 0.39, indicating that its stock price is 61% less volatile than the broader market.

Remitly Global has a net margin of 16.85% compared to Western Union's net margin of 9.79%. Western Union's return on equity of 50.89% beat Remitly Global's return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
Western Union9.79% 50.89% 5.87%
Remitly Global 16.85%33.33%21.92%

91.8% of Western Union shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 74.3% of Remitly Global shares are held by institutional investors. 3.3% of Western Union shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 6.5% of Remitly Global shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Western Union has higher revenue and earnings than Remitly Global. Western Union is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Remitly Global, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
Western Union$4.05B0.46$499.60M$1.234.87
Remitly Global$1.64B2.86$67.93M$1.3915.90

In the previous week, Western Union had 5 more articles in the media than Remitly Global. MarketBeat recorded 10 mentions for Western Union and 5 mentions for Remitly Global. Remitly Global's average media sentiment score of 0.85 beat Western Union's score of 0.29 indicating that Remitly Global is being referred to more favorably in the news media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Western Union
2 Very Positive mention(s)
1 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
2 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Neutral
Remitly Global
3 Very Positive mention(s)
0 Positive mention(s)
2 Neutral mention(s)
0 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Summary

Remitly Global beats Western Union on 11 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does Western Union compare to Paymentus?

Paymentus (NYSE:PAY) and Western Union (NYSE:WU) are both finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, institutional ownership, dividends, analyst recommendations, media sentiment, profitability, risk and earnings.

Western Union has a net margin of 9.79% compared to Paymentus' net margin of 6.24%. Western Union's return on equity of 50.89% beat Paymentus' return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
Paymentus6.24% 15.26% 12.80%
Western Union 9.79%50.89%5.87%

Western Union has higher revenue and earnings than Paymentus. Western Union is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Paymentus, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
Paymentus$1.20B3.26$66.94M$0.6646.91
Western Union$4.05B0.46$499.60M$1.234.87

Paymentus has a beta of 1.34, suggesting that its stock price is 34% more volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Western Union has a beta of 0.51, suggesting that its stock price is 49% less volatile than the broader market.

Paymentus presently has a consensus target price of $38.67, indicating a potential upside of 24.89%. Western Union has a consensus target price of $7.36, indicating a potential upside of 22.83%. Given Paymentus' stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe Paymentus is more favorable than Western Union.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
Paymentus
0 Sell rating(s)
5 Hold rating(s)
1 Buy rating(s)
2 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.63
Western Union
8 Sell rating(s)
6 Hold rating(s)
0 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
1.43

In the previous week, Western Union had 5 more articles in the media than Paymentus. MarketBeat recorded 10 mentions for Western Union and 5 mentions for Paymentus. Western Union's average media sentiment score of 0.29 beat Paymentus' score of 0.14 indicating that Western Union is being referred to more favorably in the news media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Paymentus
1 Very Positive mention(s)
0 Positive mention(s)
3 Neutral mention(s)
1 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Neutral
Western Union
2 Very Positive mention(s)
1 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
2 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Neutral

78.4% of Paymentus shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 91.8% of Western Union shares are held by institutional investors. 55.8% of Paymentus shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 3.3% of Western Union shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Paymentus beats Western Union on 9 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

Get Western Union News Delivered to You Automatically

Sign up to receive the latest news and ratings for WU and its competitors with MarketBeat's FREE daily newsletter.

Subscribe Now
SMS is currently available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. By entering your phone number and clicking the sign-up button, you agree to receive periodic text messages from MarketBeat at the phone number you submitted, including texts that may be sent using an automatic telephone dialing system. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency will vary. Messages will consist of stock alerts, news stories, and partner advertisements/offers. Consent is not a condition of the purchase of any goods or services. Text HELP for help/customer support. Unsubscribe at any time by replying "STOP" to any text message that you receive from MarketBeat or by visiting our mailing preferences page. Read our full terms of service and privacy policy.

New MarketBeat Followers Over Time

This chart shows the number of new MarketBeat users adding WU and its top 5 competitors to their watchlist. Each company is represented with a line over a 90 day period.
Skip Chart

Media Sentiment Over Time

This chart shows the average media sentiment of NYSE and its competitors over the past 90 days as caculated by MarketBeat. The averaged score is equivalent to the following: Very Negative Sentiment <= -1.5, Negative Sentiment > -1.5 and <= -0.5, Neutral Sentiment > -0.5 and < 0.5, Positive Sentiment >= 0.5 and < 1.5, and Very Positive Sentiment >= 1.5.
Skip Chart

WU vs. The Competition

MetricWestern UnionFinancial Services IndustryFinance SectorNYSE Exchange
Market Cap$1.88B$26.75B$13.34B$22.65B
Dividend Yield15.61%6.92%6.03%3.73%
P/E Ratio4.8719.4024.4927.75
Price / Sales0.46338.48501.6221.37
Price / Cash2.59264.3146.4538.88
Price / Book1.993.172.704.64
Net Income$499.60M$1.11B$1.32B$1.08B
7 Day Performance-2.88%-2.08%-1.04%-1.06%
1 Month Performance-17.93%0.20%1.00%-5.03%
1 Year Performance-25.76%-3.22%8.15%5.78%

Western Union Competitors List

CompanyMarketRankShare PriceAnalysts' Price Target1Y Price PerformanceMarket CapRevenueP/E RatioEmployee CountIndicator(s)
WU
Western Union
4.067 of 5 stars
$6.00
-0.4%
$7.36
+22.8%
-25.7%$1.88B$4.05B4.879,600
PYPL
PayPal
4.373 of 5 stars
$52.62
+0.4%
$56.03
+6.5%
-20.4%$44.83B$33.17B9.9523,800
WEX
WEX
3.1379 of 5 stars
$187.71
-3.0%
$185.64
-1.1%
+5.6%$6.60B$2.66B18.706,600
KLAR
Klarna Group
3.1597 of 5 stars
$13.68
-0.9%
$27.79
+103.1%
-66.7%$5.21B$3.51BN/A2,831
RELY
Remitly Global
4.2895 of 5 stars
$21.59
-1.6%
$27.78
+28.7%
+32.8%$4.64B$1.64B15.533,200

Related Companies and Tools


This page (NYSE:WU) was last updated on 10/2/2026 by MarketBeat.com Staff.
From Our Partners