Estee Lauder Companies Inc vs Western Union Co — how do they compare? Estee Lauder Companies Inc trades at $82.38 (market cap $29.78B), while Western Union Co trades at $8.18 (market cap $2.51B). The key difference: Estee Lauder Companies Inc is far larger — about 11.9× Western Union Co's market cap, and Western Union Co pays the higher dividend (11.69%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| EL | WU | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $29.78B | $2.51B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Technology |
52-Week High | $119.61 | $10.28 |
52-Week Low | $67.23 | $7.04 |
Enterprise Value | $35.95B | $2.21B |
Dividend Yield | 1.7% | 11.69% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Estée Lauder (EL) trades at $80.86, down 0.36% on the day, with a bearish technical signal and recent earnings beats. The stock shows a high P/E of 147.8 and negative net income margin of -1.67%, though revenue remains substantial at $14.33 billion for 2025. Recent news highlights innovation in beauty trends, but cash flow trends show net outflows over recent years.
Outlook is mixed: analyst consensus targets $90.60 with 44% buy ratings, but high valuation and profitability challenges pose risks. Recovery depends on margin improvement and sustained revenue growth amid competitive pressures.
Western Union (WU) trades at $7.88, up 0.13% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and mixed earnings history. The stock shows strong profitability with a 10.88% net margin and 47.66% ROE, but revenue has declined from $4.5B in 2022 to $4.05B in 2025. Recent developments include a partnership with Total Wireless and the pending acquisition of Intermex, aiming to expand digital reach.
WU presents a value opportunity with low P/E (5.91) and P/S (0.64) ratios, but faces headwinds from revenue erosion and high debt. Analyst consensus is cautious with a $7.50 price target below the current price. Key risks include competitive pressure and execution of digital initiatives. The dividend yield adds income appeal, but growth catalysts are needed for sustained upside.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Estee Lauder is the world leader in the global prestige beauty market, participating across skincare (56% of fiscal 2022 sales), makeup (26%), fragrance (14%), and haircare (4%) categories, with popular brands such as Estee Lauder, Clinique, MAC, La Mer, Jo Malone, Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Too Faced, Origins, Dr. Jart+, and The Ordinary. The firm operates in 150 countries, with 26% of fiscal 2022 revenue stemming from the Americas, 43% from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and 31% from Asia-Pacific. The company sells its products through department stores, travel retail, multi-brand specialty beauty stores, brand-dedicated freestanding stores, e-commerce, salons/spas, and perfumeries.
Read more on EL →Western Union provides domestic and international money transfers through its global network of about 500,000 outside agents. It is the largest money transfer company in the world and one of only a few companies with a truly global agent network.
Read more on WU →