The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) shares are on the rise – up 15% in the last 3 months. The debt markets are in a panic, and the mortgage industry has all but evaporated like the foam in your freshly poured beer. But money-transfer kingpin Western Union scoffs at the rest of the pitiful companies in the financial sector.

Here’s why
WU’s biggest growth segment is International. In fact, International revenue and volume surged 19% in Q1, helped by rapid growth in China and India and improved business in Mexico.

Also, Management bought back 14 million shares for nearly $300 million during the quarter. In 2007, the company spent a crazy amount of money – purchasing more than $700 million worth of shares. WU also approved a plan to repurchase $1 billion in common stock.

Expect to see the Analyst upgrades come rolling in during the next few weeks.
Are there any companies out there with a better ticker symbol than WU? Wu-Tang clan comin at ya. Protect ya neck.

Last 5 posts by Eric Cheshier

• Why are Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) shares falling? - October 21st, 2009
• Yamana Gold (AUY): The only stock up today - April 20th, 2009
• Gold stock to watch: Minefinders Corp.(MFN) - February 23rd, 2009
• Intermune (ITMN) rises 35% - February 3rd, 2009
• Bank of America (BAC) shares oversold - January 19th, 2009