The closed-end fund's holdings include Western Union (WU), which operates in Cuba, and home builder Lennar (LEN), which Herzfeld says has a business plan for the island.

The money transfer firm was among the most active names on the NYSE Tuesday.

Market Perform -- Price 16.75 on Oct. 22
by Morgan Keegan

Reported Q3 revenues of $1.38 billion were below our $1.40 billion estimate but roughly in line with Street consensus; operating EPS of 34 cents ... was below our 35-cent estimate and consensus 34 cents. Pricing pressure (primarily foreign exchange) reaccelerated ... . We're lowering our 2008 EPS estimate to $1.30 from $1.32, 2009 operating EPS to $1.45 from $1.55, and initiating 2010 EPS of $1.69. Market cap: $14.9 billion.

WESTERN UNION
HOT STOCK

WU

PE of 22.68 and a PEG of 1.47. It pays a yield of 0.10%.

Money transfer.

The Englewood, Colorado-based company announced a new $1 billion dollar buyback plan. The money transfer company also raised its long-term EPS growth objective to 15% to 18%, up from 12% to 14%, and maintained its long-term revenue growth target in the range of 10% to 12%.

In addition, Western Union said 2008 profit will be at the high end of its forecasted range of $1.25 a share to $1.29 a share and revenue growth will be at the upper end of its 9% to 11% projection. Shares surged 10.1% on the news, reaching an all time high.

"Our decision to raise the long-term EPS objective comes from our confidence that we are successfully executing on Western Union's strategy that positions us extremely well in the huge and growing global money transfer marketplace," said CEO Christina Gold.

On April 22nd the company posted solid first quarter results with net income jumping 7% to $207 million, or 27 cents a share from $193.2 million, or 25 cents a share in the same period last year. They credited the results to their strong international consumer-to-consumer business. Revenue increased 12% to $1.3 billion, which included $33 million from currency translation of the euro.

We like to see that analyst Wayne Johnson from Raymond James upgraded the stock to outperform from market perform, noting the company’s long-term business prospects in the U.S. and internationally.

Johnson commented, "We are convinced Western Union is focused on improving operational efficiency and has stabilized unfavorable U.S.-to-Mexico transaction volume trends.” He believes the company will make a minimum of $1 billion in free cash flow this year and has a $28.50 price target on the stock.

The Englewood, Colorado-based company announced a new $1 billion dollar buyback plan. The money transfer company also raised its long-term EPS growth objective to 15% to 18%, up from 12% to 14%, and maintained its long-term revenue growth target in the range of 10% to 12%.

In addition, Western Union said 2008 profit will be at the high end of its forecasted range of $1.25 a share to $1.29 a share and revenue growth will be at the upper end of its 9% to 11% projection. Shares surged 10.1% on the news, reaching an all time high.

"Our decision to raise the long-term EPS objective comes from our confidence that we are successfully executing on Western Union's strategy that positions us extremely well in the huge and growing global money transfer marketplace," said CEO Christina Gold.

On April 22nd the company posted solid first quarter results with net income jumping 7% to $207 million, or 27 cents a share from $193.2 million, or 25 cents a share in the same period last year. They credited the results to their strong international consumer-to-consumer business. Revenue increased 12% to $1.3 billion, which included $33 million from currency translation of the euro.

We like to see that analyst Wayne Johnson from Raymond James upgraded the stock to outperform from market perform, noting the company’s long-term business prospects in the U.S. and internationally.

Johnson commented, "We are convinced Western Union is focused on improving operational efficiency and has stabilized unfavorable U.S.-to-Mexico transaction volume trends.” He believes the company will make a minimum of $1 billion in free cash flow this year and has a $28.50 price target on the stock.

Shares Held 200,000

it looks like WU due to the economy will be slow this coming two quarters.

not innovative

volatility

got it free

A loser

I think that the money transfer and bill pay systems will shift in an alternative direction and Western Union willl be forced to spend simply to stay in the field. Yes they are a major player now, but just wait. Western Unions' income on the money transfer side is highly reliant on money sent from US immigrants to thier home countries in Latin America. They are certainly missing out as China's big cities attract more employment opportunities and sending money back to the countyside. Smaller private players have higher growth potential.

will probably do OK once feds quit medddling and PR is less negative re immigrants sending money abroad. short term disappoints me.