Maximus (MMS) vs Western Union (WU)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Western Union (WU) has outperformed Maximus (MMS) over the past year, losing 25.2% versus a loss of 38.3%. Over five years, MMS leads with a -35.5% price change compared with -71.3% for WU. Maximus is the larger company by market cap ($2.91 billion vs $1.91 billion), about 1.5 times the size.
On valuation, Western Union trades at a lower forward P/E (4.0x vs 6.7x for Maximus). Western Union offers the higher dividend yield (15.38% vs 2.26%).
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | MMS | WU |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $55.65 | $6.11 |
| Market cap | $2.91B | $1.91B |
| 1-day change | +1.77% | -0.49% |
| YTD return | -35.53% | -34.37% |
| 1-year return | -38.32% | -25.21% |
| 5-year return | -35.49% | -71.26% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 8.23 | 4.97 |
| Forward P/E | 6.66 | 4.05 |
| EPS (TTM) | $6.76 | $1.23 |
| Dividend yield | 2.26% | 15.38% |
| Annual dividend | $1.26 | $0.94 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $5.43B | — |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +2.36% | — |
| Net income (latest FY) | $319.03M | — |
| Gross margin | 24.55% | — |
| Operating margin | 9.73% | — |
| Net margin | 5.87% | — |
| 52-week high | $100.00 | $10.35 |
| 52-week low | $51.04 | $5.87 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -44.35% | -40.97% |
| Analyst consensus | none | underperform |
| Avg. price target upside | +66.22% | +11.29% |
| Average volume | 645.25K | 9.96M |
| Shares outstanding | 52.36M | 311.88M |
| Employees | 37,200 | 9,600 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Business Services | Business Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- WU has outperformed MMS by 13.1 percentage points over the past year.
- Maximus trades at a higher earnings multiple (8.2x vs 5.0x trailing P/E).
- Western Union offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (15.38% vs 2.26%).
About Maximus
MMS stock →Maximus, Inc. operates as a provider of government services worldwide.
Consumer Discretionary · Business Services · 37,200 employees
About Western Union
WU stock →The Western Union Company provides money movement payments, and digital financial services in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Consumer Money Transfer and Consumer Services.
Consumer Discretionary · Business Services · 9,600 employees
MMS vs WU FAQ
Which is bigger, Maximus or Western Union?
Maximus (MMS) is larger, with a market capitalization of $2.91B compared with $1.91B for Western Union (WU).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MMS or WU?
WU returned -25.21% over the past 12 months, compared with -38.32% for MMS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, MMS or WU?
WU has the lower trailing P/E at 5.0, versus 8.2 for MMS. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Maximus or Western Union?
Western Union has the higher yield at 15.38%, compared with 2.26% for Maximus.
Are Maximus and Western Union in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Business Services industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.