WallStSmart

Synchrony Financial (SYF)vsWestern Union Co (WU)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Synchrony Financial generates 141% more annual revenue ($9.76B vs $4.05B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 12.3%. WU appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.68. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

SYF

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.03

WU

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 7.5Value: 8.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.03
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

SYFUndervalued (+59.2%)

Margin of Safety

+59.2%

Fair Value

$178.92

Current Price

$66.19

$112.73 discount

UndervaluedFair: $178.92Overvalued
WUUndervalued (+4.3%)

Margin of Safety

+4.3%

Fair Value

$10.34

Current Price

$9.02

$1.32 discount

UndervaluedFair: $10.34Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

SYF6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
36.4%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.5%

Return on EquityProfitability
21.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.45B8/10

Generating 2.5B in free cash flow

WU3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
5.9x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
51.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 52 in profit

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

SYF2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
3.272/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.032/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

WU4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.684/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-4.7%2/10

Revenue declined 4.7%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-69.2%2/10

Earnings declined 69.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : SYF

The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.5%.

Bull Case : WU

The strongest argument for WU centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Price/Book.

Bear Case : SYF

The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : WU

The primary concerns for WU are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.80 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SYF profiles as a value stock while WU is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

SYF is growing revenue faster at 5.0% — sustainability is the question.

SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SYF scores higher overall (71/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 36.4% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Synchrony Financial

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.

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Western Union Co

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

The Western Union Company is an American worldwide financial services and communications company, headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

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