SEC Form 10-K Filing Report

Company: Western Union CO
CIK: 1365135
SIC Code: 7389
Filing Date: 2016-02-19 00:00:00
Market Capitalization: 9191061.659849167

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
The Western Union Company (the "Company," "Western Union," "we," "our" or "us") is a leader in global money movement and payment services, providing people and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send money and make payments around the world. The Company was incorporated in Delaware as a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Data Corporation ("First Data") on February 17, 2006, and on September 29, 2006, First Data distributed all of its money transfer and consumer payments businesses and its interest in a Western Union money transfer agent, as well as its related assets, including real estate, through a tax-free distribution to First Data shareholders (the "Spin-off").
The Western Union® brand is globally recognized and represents speed, reliability, trust and convenience. As people move and travel around the world, they are able to use the services of a well-recognized brand to transfer funds. Our Consumer-to-Consumer money transfer service enables people to send money around the world, usually within minutes. As of December 31, 2015, our services were available through a global network of over 500,000 agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories, with approximately 90% of those locations outside of the United States. Each location in our agent network is capable of providing one or more of our services, with the majority offering a Western Union branded service. As of December 31, 2015, approximately 70% of our locations had experienced money transfer activity in the previous 12 months.
We also provide consumers with flexible and convenient options for making one-time or recurring payments in our Consumer-to-Business segment. This segment primarily consists of United States bill payments and Pago Fácil-branded bill payments in Argentina.
The Business Solutions segment facilitates payment and foreign exchange solutions, primarily cross-border, cross-currency transactions, for small and medium size enterprises and other organizations and individuals. The majority of the segment's business relates to exchanges of currency at spot rates, which enable customers to make cross-currency payments. In addition, in certain countries, we write foreign currency forward and option contracts for customers to facilitate future payments.
We believe that brand strength, size and reach of our global network, convenience, reliability and value for the price paid for our customers have been important to the growth of our business. As we continue to seek to meet the needs of our customers for fast, reliable and convenient global money movement and payment services, we are also working to enhance our services and provide our consumer and business clients with access to an expanding portfolio of payment and other financial services and to expand the ways our services can be accessed.
Our Segments
We manage our business around the consumers and businesses we serve and the types of services we offer. Each of our three segments addresses a different combination of customer groups, distribution networks and services offered. Our segments are Consumer-to-Consumer, Consumer-to-Business and Business Solutions. Businesses not considered part of these segments are categorized as "Other" and include our money order and other services, in addition to costs for the review and closing of acquisitions.
The table below presents the components of our consolidated revenue:
No individual country outside the United States accounted for more than approximately 7% of our consolidated revenue for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
For additional details regarding our Consumer-to-Consumer, Consumer-to-Business and Business Solutions segments, including financial information regarding our international and United States revenues and long-lived assets, see Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 17, "Segments," in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
See Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, for a discussion of certain risks relating to our foreign operations.
Consumer-to-Consumer Segment
Individual money transfers from one consumer to another are the core of our business, representing 79% of our total consolidated revenues for 2015. A substantial majority of these transfers were cross-border transactions. We view our money transfer service as one interconnected global network where a money transfer can be sent from one location to another, around the world. The segment includes five geographic regions whose functions are limited to generating, managing and maintaining agent relationships and localized marketing activities, and also includes our online money transfer service conducted through Western Union branded websites ("westernunion.com"). By means of common processes and systems, these regions and westernunion.com create an interconnected network for consumer transactions, thereby constituting one global Consumer-to-Consumer money transfer business and one operating segment.
Although most remittances are sent from one of our agent locations worldwide, in some countries we offer the ability to initiate transactions from a Western Union branded website, including through mobile devices. All agent locations accept cash to initiate a transaction, and some also accept debit cards. We offer consumers several options to receive a money transfer. The vast majority of transfers are paid in cash at agent locations.
Operations
Our revenue in this segment is derived primarily from transaction fees charged to consumers to transfer money. In money transfers involving different send and receive currencies, we also generate revenue based on the difference between the exchange rate set by us to the consumer and the rate at which we or our agents are able to acquire the currency.
In a typical money transfer transaction, a consumer goes to one of our agent locations, completes a form specifying, among other things, the name and other identifying information regarding the recipient, and delivers it, along with the principal amount of the money transfer and the fee, to the agent. Certain of these processes are streamlined for our consumers who participate in our loyalty programs. The sending agent enters the transaction information into our money transfer system and the funds are made available for payment, usually within minutes. In some jurisdictions, the agent collects the principal and fees after the presentation of a written disclosure that generally identifies the exchange rate and all fees and charges associated with the transaction and the consumer has agreed to the transaction, as described in the disclosure. The recipient generally enters an agent location in the designated receiving area or country, presents identification, where applicable, and is paid the transferred amount. Recipients generally do not pay a fee. However, in limited circumstances, a tax may be imposed by the local government on the receipt of the money transfer, or a fee may be charged by the receiver's institution related to the use of an account. We determine the fee paid by the sender, which generally is based on the principal amount of the transaction and the send and receive locations.
We generally pay our agents a commission based on a percentage of revenue. A commission is usually paid to both the agent that initiated the transaction, the "send agent," and the agent that paid the transaction, the "receive agent." For most agents, the costs of providing the physical infrastructure and staff are typically covered by the agent's primary business (e.g., postal services, banking, check cashing, travel and retail businesses), making the economics of being a Western Union agent attractive. Western Union's global reach and large consumer base allow us to attract agents we believe to be of high quality.
To complement the convenience offered by our network's global physical locations, in certain countries we have also made our services available through other channels, as described below under "Services."
No individual country outside the United States accounted for greater than 7% of this segment's revenue during all periods presented.
Services
We offer money transfer services in more than 200 countries and territories with a number of options for sending funds that provide consumers convenience and choice, through both our walk-in and online money transfer channels.
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Walk-in money transfer. The substantial majority of our remittances constitute walk-in transactions in which payment is collected by one of our agents and is available for pick-up at another agent location, usually within minutes. Additionally, in a few select markets, we offer consumers a lower-priced next day delivery service option for money transfers that do not need to be received within minutes.
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Online money transfer. In certain countries, consumers can initiate a money transfer from a Western Union branded website, including through their mobile devices. As of December 31, 2015, we were providing online money transfer services through Western Union branded websites in 34 countries. Additionally, in certain countries, consumers can initiate a Western Union money transfer through their bank’s online banking services.
Our consumers can fund a transaction in a variety of ways, in addition to cash. For example, at certain of our agent locations, consumers can fund a transaction using a debit card, and, where available, consumers can fund a money transfer from an account through an automated teller machine ("ATM"). In our online money transfer channel, consumers can generally fund transactions using a credit card, debit card, electronic funds transfer processed through the automated clearing house ("ACH") payment system, or other bank account-based payment.
We also provide several options for the receipt of funds. At our retail agent locations, consumers generally receive payments in cash. However, in certain countries, our retail agents may also issue a money order or check or provide payout through an ATM. Funds can also be directed to a bank account in a number of countries, by either the sender or receiver, and in more limited circumstances, can be directed to either a mobile wallet or a stored-value card.
Distribution and Marketing Channels
We offer our Consumer-to-Consumer service to consumers around the world primarily through our global network of third-party agents in most countries and territories, with approximately 90% of our agent locations being located outside of the United States. Our agents facilitate the global distribution and convenience associated with our brands, which in turn helps create demand for our services and helps us to recruit and retain agents. Western Union agents include large networks such as post offices, banks and retailers, and other established organizations and smaller independent retail locations that provide other consumer products and services. Many of our agents have multiple locations. Our agents know the markets they serve and work with our management to develop business plans for their markets. In some regions, our agents contribute financial resources to, or otherwise support, our efforts to market the business. Many agents operate in locations that are open outside of traditional banking hours, for example on nights and weekends. Our top 40 agents globally have been with us an average of approximately 20 years and in 2015, these long-standing agents were involved in transactions that generated approximately 60% of our Consumer-to-Consumer revenue. No individual agent accounted for greater than 10% of the segment's revenue during all periods presented.
We provide our third-party agents with access to our multi-currency, real-time money transfer processing systems used to originate and pay money transfers. Our systems and processes enable our agents to pay money transfers in more than 130 currencies worldwide. Certain of our agents can pay in multiple currencies at a single location. Our agents provide the physical infrastructure and staff required to complete the transfers. Western Union provides central operating functions such as transaction processing, settlement, marketing support and consumer relationship management to our agents, as well as compliance training and related support. Some of our agents outside the United States manage subagents. We refer to these agents as superagents. Although the subagents are under contract with these superagents (and not with Western Union directly), the subagent locations typically have access to similar technology and services as our other agent locations. Our international agents often customize services as appropriate for their geographic markets. In some markets, individual agents are independently offering specific services such as stored-value card payout options or Direct to Bank service. While we typically perform services under the Western Union brand, in certain geographic regions, we operate under other brands targeted to the local market.
We market our services to consumers in a number of ways, directly and indirectly through our agent partners, leveraging promotional activities, grassroots and digital advertising, and loyalty programs. Our marketing strategy includes our consumer programs, such as "My WUSM" and "Gold Card," which are available in many countries and territories. These programs offer consumers faster service at the point-of-sale. Additionally, in certain countries and at westernunion.com, consumers can earn points that can be redeemed for rewards, such as reduced transaction fees or cash back; however, such redemption activity has been insignificant to the results of our operations.
Industry Trends
Trends in the cross-border money transfer business tend to correlate to migration trends, global economic opportunity and related employment levels worldwide. Another significant trend impacting the money transfer industry is increasing regulation. Regulations in the United States and elsewhere focus, in part, on anti-money laundering, anti-terrorist financing and consumer protection. Regulations require money transfer providers, banks and other financial institutions to develop systems to prevent, detect, monitor and report certain transactions. Such regulations increase the costs to provide money transfer services and can make it more difficult or less desirable for consumers and others to use money transfer services, either of which could have an adverse effect on money transfer providers' revenues and operating profits. For further discussion of the regulatory impact on our business, see the "Regulation" discussion in this section, Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, and the "Enhanced Regulatory Compliance" section in Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Additionally, our ability to enter into or maintain exclusive arrangements with our agents has been and may continue to be challenged by both regulators and certain of our current and prospective agents. Further, we are seeing increased competition from, and increased market acceptance of, electronic, mobile, and Internet-based money transfer services as well as digital currencies.
Competition
We face robust competition in the highly-fragmented Consumer-to-Consumer money transfer industry. We compete with a variety of remittance providers, including:
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Global money transfer providers - Global money transfer providers allow consumers to send money to a wide variety of locations, in both their home countries and abroad.
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Regional money transfer providers - Regional money transfer providers, or "niche" providers, provide the same services as global money transfer providers, but focus on a smaller group of geographic corridors or services within one region, such as North America to the Caribbean, Central or South America, or Western Europe to North Africa.
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Electronic channels - Online money transfer service providers, including certain electronic payment providers, allow consumers to send and receive money electronically using the Internet or through mobile devices. Electronic channels also include digital wallets, digital currencies, and social media and other predominantly communication or commerce oriented platforms that offer money transfer services.
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Banks, postbanks, and post offices - Banks, postbanks, and post offices of all sizes compete with us in a number of ways, including bank wire services, payment instrument issuances, and card-based services.
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Informal networks - Informal networks enable people to transfer funds without formal mechanisms and often without compliance with government reporting requirements. We believe that such networks comprise a significant share of the market.
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Alternative channels - Alternative channels for sending and receiving money include mail and commercial courier services, and card-based options, such as ATM cards and stored-value cards.
We believe the most significant competitive factors in Consumer-to-Consumer remittances relate to the overall consumer value proposition, including brand recognition, trust, reliability, consumer experience, price, speed of delivery, distribution network, variety of payment methods, and channel options.
Consumer-to-Business Segment
In our Consumer-to-Business segment, which represented 12% of our total consolidated revenues for 2015, we provide fast and convenient options to make one-time or recurring payments from consumers to businesses and other organizations, including utilities, auto finance companies, mortgage servicers, financial service providers, government agencies and other businesses. We believe our business customers who receive payments through our services benefit from their relationship with Western Union as it provides them with real-time or near real-time posting of their customers' payments. In many circumstances, our relationships with business customers also provide them with an additional source of income, as well as reduced expenses for cash and check handling.
Operations
Our revenue in this segment is derived primarily from transaction fees paid by the consumer. The transaction fees are typically less than the fees charged in our Consumer-to-Consumer segment. Consumers may make a cash payment at an agent or Company-owned location or may make an electronic payment on the Internet or over the phone using their credit or debit card, or through ACH. Our Internet services are provided through our own websites or in partnership with other websites for which we act as the service provider. The significant majority of the segment's revenue was generated in the United States during all periods presented, with the remainder primarily generated in Argentina.
Services
Our Consumer-to-Business payments services are available through a variety of options that give consumers choices as to the payment channel and method of payment, and include the following:
Speedpay®. Our Speedpay service is offered principally in the United States and allows consumers to make payments to a variety of businesses using credit cards, debit cards, ACH and in limited situations, checks. Payments are initiated through the Internet or over the phone. We also partner with some businesses to allow their customers to access Speedpay from their websites.
Pago Fácil®. In South America, we offer walk-in, cash bill payment services which allow consumers to make payments for services such as phone, utilities and other recurring bills. In Argentina, we provide this service under the Pago Fácil brand, which constitutes the vast majority of our services in South America. We offer this service under the Western Union brand in Peru and Panama.
Western Union Payments. The Western Union Payments service, which includes our Quick Collect® service, allows consumers to send funds to businesses and government agencies, primarily across the United States and Canada, using cash and, in certain locations, a debit card. This service is offered primarily at Western Union agent locations, but is provided via our westernunion.com website in limited situations. This service is also offered in select international locations under the service mark Quick PaySM. We also offer Quick Cash®, a cash disbursement service used by businesses, government agencies, and financial institutions primarily to send money to employees or individuals with whom they have accounts or other business relationships. Consumers also use our Western Union Convenience Pay® ("Convenience Pay") service to send payments by cash or check from a smaller number of Convenience Pay agent locations primarily to utilities and telecommunication providers.
Distribution and Marketing Channels
Our electronic consumer payment services are available primarily through the phone and Internet, including through certain mobile devices, while our cash-based consumer services are available through our agent networks and at select Company-owned locations that are primarily in South America.
Businesses market our services to consumers in a number of ways, and we market our services directly to consumers using a variety of means, including advertising materials, promotional activities, call campaigns and attendance at trade shows and seminars. Our Internet services are marketed to consumers on our websites, on the websites of our partners who offer our payment solutions or through co-branding arrangements with these partners.
Consumers can make payments to over 15,000 businesses through our Consumer-to-Business services. These relationships are a core component of our payments services. No individual consumer or business accounted for greater than 10% of this segment's revenue during all periods presented.
Industry Trends
The payments industry has evolved with technological innovations that have created new methods of processing payments from consumers to businesses. The various services within the payments industry are in varying stages of development outside the United States. We believe that the United States is moving toward electronic payment methods through the use of multiple technologies and away from cash and paper checks for bill payments.
Competition
Western Union competes with a diverse set of service providers offering both cash and electronic-based payment solutions. Competition in electronic payment services includes financial institutions (which may offer consumer bill payment in their own name or may "host" payment services operated under the names of their clients) and other non-bank competitors. Competition for electronic payments also includes businesses offering their own or third-party services to their own customers and third-party providers of all sizes offering services directly to consumers. Competitors for cash payments include businesses that allow consumers to pay a bill at one of their locations, or at the location of a partner business, as well as mail and courier services. The ongoing trend away from cash-based bill payments in the United States and competitive pressures, which result in lower cash-based bill payment volumes and a shift to lower revenue per transaction services, continues to impact this business.
We believe the most significant competitive factors in this segment relate to customer service, trust and reliability, convenience, speed, price, variety of payment methods, biller relationships and service offerings, innovation, technology, and brand recognition.
Business Solutions Segment
In our Business Solutions segment, which represented 7% of our total consolidated revenues for 2015, we facilitate payment and foreign exchange solutions, primarily cross-border, cross-currency transactions, for small and medium size enterprises and other organizations and individuals.
Operations
The substantial majority of our revenue in this segment is derived from foreign exchange revenues, which are based on the difference between the exchange rate set by us to the customer and the rate at which we are able to acquire the currency. Customers may make an electronic or wire transfer or remit a check in order to initiate a transaction. Our Internet services are provided through our own websites and also in partnership with others. The significant majority of the segment's revenue was generated outside the United States during all periods presented.
Services
Business Solutions payment transactions are conducted through various channels including the phone and Internet. Payments are made predominately through electronic transfers, but in some situations, checks are remitted. The majority of Business Solutions' business relates to exchanges of currency at spot rates, which enable customers to make cross-currency payments. For certain payment services such as for law firms and educational institution payments, we provide tailored payment solutions. In addition, in certain countries, we write foreign currency forward and option contracts for customers to facilitate future payments, which usually generate higher revenue per transaction than spot payments.
Distribution and Marketing Channels
Our Business Solutions services are primarily offered over the phone, through partner channels, and via the Internet. Our Internet services are marketed through co-branding arrangements with our website partners as well as on our own websites.
We have relationships with more than 100,000 customers with respect to our payment solutions. These relationships are a core component of our business payments services. No individual customer accounted for greater than 10% of this segment's revenue.
Industry Trends
The business-to-business payments industry has evolved with technological innovations that have created new methods of processing payments from businesses to other businesses. The various products and services within the business-to-business payments industry are in varying stages of development. We believe that the cross-border payments industry will expand in the future due to the expanding global focus of many businesses. Increased regulation and compliance requirements are trends also impacting the business-to-business payments industry, which will likely result in increased costs in this segment.
Competition
Western Union competes with a diverse set of service providers offering payment services and foreign exchange risk management solutions, including financial institutions and other non-bank competitors. We believe the most significant competitive factors in this segment relate to recurring relationships founded on customer service and expertise in payments and foreign exchange, customized solutions for specific industries and clients, convenience and speed of payments network, availability of derivative products, variety of inbound and outbound payment methods, brand recognition and price.
Other
Our remaining businesses, including our money order services, are grouped in the "Other" category, which also includes costs for the review and closing of acquisitions.
Consumers use our money orders for making purchases, paying bills, and as an alternative to checks. We derive investment income from interest generated on our money order settlement assets, which are primarily held in United States tax exempt state and municipal debt securities.
Intellectual Property
The Western Union logos, trademarks, service marks and trade dress are registered and/or used worldwide and are material to our Company. The WU® service mark and logos are also registered and used in many countries around the world. We offer money transfer services under the Western Union, Orlandi ValutaSM and Vigo® brands. We also provide various payment and other services such as Western Union Payments, Quick Collect, Convenience Pay, Quick Pay, Quick Cash, Speedpay, Pago Fácil (registered in Argentina), and Western Union Business Solutions.
Our operating results over the past several years have allowed us to invest significantly each year to support our brands. In 2015, we invested approximately $210 million to market, advertise and promote our brands and services, including costs of dedicated marketing personnel. In some regions, our agents have also contributed financial resources to assist with marketing our services.
Risk Management
Our Company has a credit risk management department that evaluates and monitors our credit and fraud risks. We are exposed to credit risk related to receivable balances from agents in the money transfer, walk-in bill payment and money order settlement process. We also are exposed to credit risk directly from consumer transactions particularly through our electronic channels, which include our westernunion.com, account based money transfer and mobile money transfer services, where transactions are originated through means other than cash, and therefore are subject to "chargebacks," insufficient funds, or other collection impediments, such as fraud, which are anticipated to increase as electronic channels become a greater proportion of our money transfer business. Our credit risk management team monitors fraud risks jointly with our information security and global compliance departments, performs credit reviews before each agent signing, and conducts periodic analyses of agents and certain other parties we transact with directly.
We are exposed to credit risk in our Business Solutions business relating to: (a) derivatives written by us to our customers and (b) the extension of trade credit when transactions are paid to recipients prior to our receiving cleared funds from the sending customers. For the derivatives, the duration of these contracts at inception is generally less than one year. The credit risk associated with our derivative contracts increases when foreign currency exchange rates move against our customers, possibly impacting their ability to honor their obligations to deliver currency to us or to maintain appropriate collateral with us. For those receivables where we have offered trade credit, collection ordinarily occurs within a few days. To mitigate risk associated with potential customer defaults, we perform credit reviews on an ongoing basis, and, for our derivatives, we may require certain customers to post or increase collateral.
To manage our exposures to credit risk with respect to investment securities, money market fund investments, derivatives and other credit risk exposures resulting from our relationships with banks and financial institutions, we regularly review investment concentrations, trading levels, credit spreads and credit ratings, and we attempt to diversify our investments among global financial institutions.
A key component of the Western Union business model is our ability to manage financial risk associated with conducting transactions worldwide. We settle with the majority of our agents in United States dollars or euros. However, in certain circumstances, we settle in other currencies. We typically require the agent to obtain local currency to pay recipients; thus, we generally are not reliant on international currency markets to obtain and pay illiquid currencies. The foreign currency exposure that does exist is limited by the fact that the majority of money transfer transactions are paid by the next day after they are initiated and agent settlements occur within a few days in most instances. We also utilize foreign currency exchange contracts, primarily forward contracts, to mitigate the risks associated with currency fluctuations and to provide predictability of future cash flows. We have additional foreign exchange risk and associated foreign exchange risk management due to the nature of our Business Solutions business. The majority of this business' revenue is from exchanges of currency at spot rates, which enable customers to make cross-currency payments. Business Solutions aggregates its foreign exchange exposures arising from customer contracts, including the derivative contracts described above, and hedges the resulting net currency risks by entering into offsetting contracts with established financial institution counterparties.
Our financial results may fluctuate due to changes in interest rates. We review our overall exposure to floating and fixed rates by evaluating our net asset or liability position in each, also considering the duration of the individual positions. We manage this mix of fixed versus floating exposure in an attempt to minimize risk, reduce costs and improve returns. Our exposure to interest rates can be modified by changing the mix of our interest-bearing assets as well as adjusting the mix of fixed versus floating rate debt. The latter is accomplished primarily through the use of interest rate swaps and the decision regarding terms of any new debt issuances (i.e., fixed versus floating). We use interest rate swaps designated as hedges to increase the percentage of floating rate debt, subject to market conditions.
International Investment
No provision has been made for United States federal and state income taxes on certain of our outside tax basis differences, which primarily relate to accumulated foreign earnings of approximately $6.1 billion as of December 31, 2015, as we have reinvested and expect to continue to reinvest these earnings outside the United States indefinitely. Over the last several years, such earnings have been used to pay for our international acquisitions and operations and provide initial Company funding of global principal payouts for Consumer-to-Consumer and Business Solutions transactions. However, if we are unable to utilize accumulated earnings outside of the United States and we repatriate these earnings to the United States in the form of actual or constructive dividends, we would be subject to significant United States federal income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits), state income taxes and possible withholding taxes payable to various foreign countries.
Regulation
Our business is subject to a wide range of laws and regulations enacted by the United States federal government, each of the states, many localities and many other countries and jurisdictions, including the European Union. These include an increasingly strict set of legal and regulatory requirements intended to help detect and prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, and other illicit activity. These also include laws and regulations regarding financial services, consumer disclosure and consumer protection, currency controls, money transfer and payment instrument licensing, payment services, credit and debit cards, electronic payments, foreign exchange hedging services and the sale of spot, forward and option currency contracts, unclaimed property, the regulation of competition, consumer privacy, data protection and information security. Failure by Western Union, our agents, or their subagents (agents and subagents are third parties, over whom Western Union has limited legal and practical control), and certain of our service providers to comply with any of these requirements or their interpretation could result in the suspension or revocation of a license or registration required to provide money transfer services and/or payment services or foreign exchange products, the limitation, suspension or termination of services, changes to our business model, loss of consumer confidence, private class action litigation, the seizure of our assets, and/or the imposition of civil and criminal penalties, including fines and restrictions on our ability to offer services.
We have developed and continue to enhance our global compliance programs, including our anti-money laundering program comprised of policies, procedures, systems and internal controls to monitor and to address various legal and regulatory requirements. In addition, we continue to adapt our business practices and strategies to help us comply with current and evolving legal standards and industry practices, including heightened regulatory focus on compliance with anti-money laundering or fraud prevention requirements. As of December 31, 2015, these programs included approximately 2,200 dedicated compliance personnel, training and monitoring programs, suspicious activity reporting, regulatory outreach and education, and support and guidance to our agent network on regulatory compliance. Our money transfer and payment service networks operate through third-party agents in most countries, and, therefore, there are limitations on our legal and practical ability to completely control those agents' compliance activities. In 2015, we spent approximately $200 million on our compliance and regulatory programs.
Money Transfer and Payment Instrument Licensing and Regulation
Most of our services are subject to anti-money laundering laws and regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act in the United States, as amended (collectively, the "BSA"), and similar laws and regulations. The BSA, among other things, requires money transfer companies and the issuers and sellers of money orders to develop and implement risk-based anti-money laundering programs, to report large cash transactions and suspicious activity, and in some cases, to collect and maintain information about consumers who use their services and maintain other transaction records. In addition to United States federal laws and regulations, many other countries and states impose similar and, in some cases, more stringent requirements. These requirements also apply to our agents and their subagents. In addition, the United States Department of the Treasury has interpreted the BSA to require money transfer companies to conduct due diligence into and risk-based monitoring of their agents inside and outside the United States, and certain states also require money transfer companies to conduct due diligence reviews of their agents and subagents. Compliance with anti-money laundering laws and regulations continues to be a focus of regulatory attention, with recent agreements being reached with Western Union, other money transfer providers and several large financial institutions.
Economic and trade sanctions programs administered by the United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") and by certain foreign jurisdictions prohibit or restrict transactions to or from (or dealings with or involving) certain countries, their governments, and in certain circumstances, their nationals, as well as with certain individuals and entities such as narcotics traffickers, terrorists and terrorist organizations. We provide limited money transfer and payments services to individuals in Cuba, Syria and Sudan in accordance with United States laws authorizing such services and pursuant to and as authorized by advisory opinions of, or specific or general licenses issued by, OFAC.
In the United States, almost all states license certain of our services and many exercise authority over the operations of certain aspects of our business and, as part of this authority, regularly examine us. Many states require us to invest the principal of outstanding money orders, money transfers, or payments in highly-rated, investment grade securities, and our use of such investments is restricted to satisfy outstanding settlement obligations. We regularly monitor credit risk and attempt to mitigate our exposure by investing in highly-rated securities in compliance with these regulations. The substantial majority of our investment securities, classified within "Settlement assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are held in order to comply with state licensing requirements in the United States and are required to have credit ratings of "A-" or better from a major credit rating agency.
These licensing laws also cover matters such as government approval of controlling shareholders and senior management of our licensed entities, regulatory approval of agents and in some instances their locations, consumer disclosures and the filing of periodic reports by the licensee, and require the licensee to demonstrate and maintain certain net worth levels. Many states also require money transfer providers and their agents to comply with federal and/or state anti-money laundering laws and regulations.
Outside of the United States, our money transfer business is subject to some form of regulation in almost all of the countries and territories in which we offer those services. These laws and regulations may include limitations on what types of entities may offer money transfer services, agent registration requirements, limitations on the amount of principal that can be sent into or out of a country, limitations on the number of money transfers that may be sent or received by a consumer and controls on the rates of exchange between currencies. They also include laws and regulations intended to detect and prevent money laundering or terrorist financing, including obligations to collect and maintain information about consumers, recordkeeping, reporting and due diligence, and supervision of agents and subagents similar to and in some cases exceeding those required under the BSA. In most countries, either we or our agents are required to obtain licenses or to register with a government authority in order to offer money transfer services.
The Payment Services Directive ("PSD") in the European Union ("EU") and similar laws in other jurisdictions have imposed rules on payment service providers like Western Union. In particular, Western Union is responsible for the regulatory compliance of our agents and their subagents who are engaged by one of our payments institution subsidiaries. Thus, the costs to monitor our agents and the risk of adverse regulatory action against us because of the actions of our agents in those areas have increased. The majority of our EU business is managed through our Irish payment institution subsidiary, which is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Under the PSD and similar laws in certain other jurisdictions, we are subject to requirements such as investment safeguarding rules and periodic examinations similar to those we are subject to in the United States. These rules have resulted in increased compliance costs and may lead to increased competition in our areas of service. Additional countries may adopt legislation similar to these laws. The PSD, as well as legislation in other countries, has also allowed an increased number of non-bank entities to become money transfer agents, allowing Western Union and other money transfer providers to expand their agent networks in these countries but also resulting in increased competition.
On February 11, 2010, Western Union Financial Services, Inc. ("WUFSI"), a subsidiary of the Company, signed a settlement agreement ("Southwest Border Agreement"), which resolved all outstanding legal issues and claims with the State of Arizona and required us to fund a multi-state not-for-profit organization promoting safety and security along the United States and Mexico border, in which California, Texas and New Mexico are participating with Arizona. As part of the Southwest Border Agreement, we have made and expect to make certain investments in our compliance programs along the United States and Mexico border and a monitor (the "Monitor") has been engaged for those programs. We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, significant costs in connection with the Southwest Border Agreement. The Monitor has made a number of recommendations related to our compliance programs, which we are implementing, including programs related to our Business Solutions segment. On January 31, 2014, the Southwest Border Agreement was amended to extend its term until December 31, 2017 (the "Amendment"). The Amendment imposes additional obligations on the Company and WUFSI in connection with WUFSI’s anti-money laundering compliance programs and cooperation with law enforcement. See Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors - "Western Union is the subject of governmental investigations and consent agreements with or enforcement actions by regulators" and Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 5, "Commitments and Contingencies," for more information on the Southwest Border Agreement, including the potential impact on our business.
Regulators worldwide are exercising heightened supervision of money transfer providers and requiring increasing efforts to ensure compliance. As a result, we are experiencing increasing compliance costs related to customer, agent, and subagent due diligence, verification, transaction approval, disclosure, and reporting requirements, including requirements to report transaction data to a greater extent or frequency than previously required, along with other requirements that have had and will continue to have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Government agencies both inside and outside the United States may impose new or additional rules on money transfers affecting us or our agents or their subagents, including regulations that:
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prohibit transactions in, to or from certain countries or with certain governments, individuals and entities;
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impose additional customer identification and customer, agent, and subagent due diligence requirements;
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impose additional reporting or recordkeeping requirements, or require enhanced transaction monitoring;
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limit the types of entities capable of providing money transfer services, impose additional licensing or registration requirements on us, our agents, or their subagents, or impose additional requirements on us with regard to selection or oversight of our agents or their subagents;
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impose minimum capital or other financial requirements on us or our agents and their subagents;
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limit or restrict the revenue which may be generated from money transfers, including transaction fees and revenue derived from foreign exchange;
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require enhanced disclosures to our money transfer customers;
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require the principal amount of money transfers originated in a country to be invested in that country or held in trust until they are paid;
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limit the number or principal amount of money transfers which may be sent to or from the jurisdiction, whether by an individual, through one agent or in aggregate;
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impose taxes or fees on money transfer transactions;
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restrict or limit our ability to process transactions using centralized databases, for example, by requiring that transactions be processed using a database maintained in a particular country; and
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prohibit or limit exclusive arrangements with our agents and subagents.
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Other Similar Legislation
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") became United States federal law in 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the "CFPB") whose purpose is to implement, examine for compliance with and enforce federal consumer protection laws governing financial products and services, including money transfer services. The CFPB has created additional regulatory obligations for us and has the authority to examine and supervise us and our larger competitors, including for matters related to unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts and practices. The CFPB's regulations implementing the remittance provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act have affected our business in a variety of areas. These include: a requirement to provide almost all consumers sending funds internationally from the United States enhanced, written, pre-transaction disclosures, including the disclosure of fees, foreign exchange rates and taxes, an obligation to resolve various errors, including certain errors that may be outside our control, and an obligation to cancel transactions that have not been completed at a consumer's request. We have modified certain of our systems, business practices, service offerings or procedures to comply with these regulations. We also face liability for the failure of our money transfer agents to comply with the rules and have implemented and are continuing to implement additional policies, procedures, and oversight measures designed to foster compliance by our agents. The extent of our, and our agents' implementation of these policies, procedures, and measures may be considered by the CFPB in any action or proceeding against us for noncompliance with the rules by our agents. The CFPB has also implemented a direct portal for gathering information regarding consumer complaints in the money transfer area. It is likely that this effort will lead to additional regulatory scrutiny.
Rules adopted under the Dodd-Frank Act by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as well as the provisions of the European Market Infrastructure Regulation and its technical standards, which are directly applicable in the member states of the European Union, have subjected most of our foreign exchange hedging transactions, including certain intercompany hedging transactions, certain of the corporate interest rate hedging transactions we may enter into in the future, and certain of the foreign exchange derivative contracts we offer as part of our Business Solutions segment, to reporting, recordkeeping, and other requirements. Additionally, certain of the corporate interest rate hedging transactions we may enter into in the future may be subject to centralized clearing and margin requirements and certain of our other transactions may become so in the future. Other jurisdictions outside of the United States and the European Union are considering, have implemented, or are implementing regulations similar to those described above. Derivatives regulations have added costs to our business and any additional requirements, such as future registration requirements and increased regulation of forward contracts, will result in additional costs or impact the way we conduct our hedging activities as well as impact how we conduct our business within our Business Solutions segment. For further discussion of these risks, see Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors - "The Dodd-Frank Act, as well as the regulations required by that Act and the actions of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and similar legislation and regulations enacted by other government authorities, could adversely affect us and the scope of our activities, and could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows."
Unclaimed Property Regulations
Our Company is subject to unclaimed property laws in the United States and in certain other countries. These laws require us to turn over to certain government authorities the property of others held by our Company that has been unclaimed for a specified period of time, such as unpaid money transfers and money orders. We hold property subject to unclaimed property laws and we have an ongoing program designed to help us comply with these laws. We are subject to audits with regard to our escheatment practices.
Privacy Regulations and Information Security Standards
We must collect, transfer, disclose, use and store personal information in order to provide our services. These activities are subject to information security standards, data privacy, data breach and related laws and regulations in the United States and other countries. In the United States, data privacy and data breach laws such as the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and various state laws apply directly to a broad range of financial institutions including money transfer providers like Western Union, and indirectly to companies that provide services to or on behalf of those institutions. The United States Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") has an on-going program of investigating the privacy practices of companies and has commenced enforcement actions against many, resulting in multimillion dollar settlements and multi-year agreements governing the settling companies' privacy practices. The FTC, CFPB, and several states have expanded their area of concern to include privacy practices related to online and mobile applications. Many state laws require us to provide notification to affected individuals, state officers and consumer reporting agencies in the event of a data breach of computer databases or physical documents that contain certain types of non-public personal information and present a risk for unauthorized use or potential harm.
The collection, transfer, disclosure, use and storage of personal information required to provide our services is subject to data privacy laws in countries outside of the United States, such as laws adopted pursuant to the EU's 95/46 EC Directive of the European Parliament, and other national and provincial laws throughout the world. In some cases, these laws are more restrictive than the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and impose more stringent duties on companies. As in the United States, areas of concern include online and mobile applications. These laws, which are not uniform, do one or more of the following: regulate the collection, transfer (including in some cases, the transfer outside the country of collection), processing, storage, use and disclosure of personal information, require notice to individuals of privacy practices, and give individuals certain access and correction rights with respect to their personal information and prevent the use or disclosure of personal information for secondary purposes such as marketing. Under certain circumstances, some of these laws require us to provide notification to affected individuals, data protection authorities and/or other regulators in the event of a data breach. The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union are expected to adopt a comprehensive general data privacy regulation (“GDPR”) in 2016 that will replace the current EU Data Protection Directive and related country-specific legislation. The GDPR is anticipated to take effect in mid-2018. We are analyzing the GDPR to determine its potential effects on our business practices. Complying with the enhanced obligations imposed by the GDPR may result in significant costs to our business and require us to amend certain of our business practices.
These regulations, laws and industry standards also impose requirements for safeguarding personal information through the issuance of internal data security standards, controls or guidelines. Western Union maintains and upgrades its systems and processes to protect the security of our computer systems, software, networks and other technology assets. For further discussion of these risks, see Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors - "Breaches of our information security policies or safeguards could adversely affect our ability to operate and could damage our reputation and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows."
In connection with regulatory requirements to assist in the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing and pursuant to legal obligations and authorizations, Western Union makes information available to certain United States federal, state, and foreign government agencies when required by law. In recent years, Western Union has experienced increasing data sharing requests by these agencies, particularly in connection with efforts to prevent terrorist financing or reduce the risk of identity theft. During the same period, there has also been increased public attention to the corporate use and disclosure of personal information, accompanied by legislation and regulations intended to strengthen data protection, information security and consumer privacy. These regulatory goals - the prevention of money laundering, terrorist financing and identity theft and the protection of the individual's right to privacy - may conflict, and the law in these areas is not consistent or settled. While we believe that Western Union is compliant with its regulatory responsibilities in all material respects, the legal, political and business environments in these areas are rapidly changing, and subsequent legislation, regulation, litigation, court rulings or other events could expose Western Union to increased program costs, liability and reputational damage.
Banking Regulations
We have subsidiaries that operate under banking licenses granted by the Austrian Financial Market Authority and the Brazilian Central Bank. We are also subject to regulation, examination and supervision by the New York State Department of Financial Services (the "Financial Services Department"), which has regulatory authority over our entity that holds all interests in these subsidiaries. Further, an Agreement of Supervision with the Financial Services Department imposes various regulatory requirements including operational limitations, capital requirements, affiliate transaction limitations, and notice and reporting requirements on this entity. However, because this entity and its subsidiaries do not exercise banking powers in the United States, we are not subject to the Bank Holding Company Act in the United States.
Other
Some of our services are subject to card association rules and regulations. For example, an independent standards-setting organization, the Payment Card Industry ("PCI") Security Standards Council (including American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, MasterCard Worldwide and Visa Inc. International) developed a set of comprehensive requirements concerning payment card account security through the transaction process, called the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard ("PCI DSS"). All merchants and service providers that store, process and transmit payment card data are required to comply with PCI DSS as a condition to accepting credit cards. We are subject to annual reviews to ensure compliance with PCI regulations worldwide and are subject to fines if we are found to be non-compliant.
Employees and Labor
As of December 31, 2015, our businesses employed approximately 10,000 employees, of which approximately 8,000 employees are located outside the United States.
Available Information
The Western Union Company is a Delaware corporation and its principal executive offices are located at 12500 East Belford Avenue, Englewood, CO, 80112, telephone (866) 405-5012. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports are available free of charge through the "Investor Relations" portion of the Company's website, www.westernunion.com, as soon as reasonably practical after they are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The SEC maintains a website, www.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information filed electronically with the SEC by the Company.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
As of February 19, 2016, our executive officers consist of the individuals listed below:
Name
Age
Position
Hikmet Ersek
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Rajesh K. Agrawal
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Odilon Almeida
Executive Vice President and President, Americas and European Union
Elizabeth G. Chambers
Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Product Officer
John R. Dye
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Jean Claude Farah
Executive Vice President and President, Middle East, Africa, APAC, Eastern Europe & CIS
Diane Scott
Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer
J. David Thompson
Executive Vice President, Global Operations and Chief Information Officer
Richard L. Williams
Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer
Hikmet Ersek is our President and Chief Executive Officer (from September 2010) and a member of the Company's Board of Directors (from April 2010). From January 2010 to August 2010, Mr. Ersek served as the Company's Chief Operating Officer. Prior to January 2010, Mr. Ersek served as the Company's Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific Region from December 2008. From September 2006 to December 2008, Mr. Ersek served as the Company's Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Europe/Middle East/Africa/South Asia. Prior to September 2006, Mr. Ersek held various positions of increasing responsibility with Western Union. Prior to joining Western Union in September 1999, Mr. Ersek was with GE Capital specializing in European payment systems and consumer finance.
Rajesh K. Agrawal is our Executive Vice President (from November 2011) and Chief Financial Officer (from July 2014) and served as Executive Vice President and Interim Chief Financial Officer from January 2014 to July 2014. Prior to January 2014, Mr. Agrawal served as President, Western Union Business Solutions from August 2011. Prior to August 2011, Mr. Agrawal served as General Manager, Business Solutions from November 2010, and as Senior Vice President of Finance for Business Units from August 2010 to November 2010. Previously, Mr. Agrawal served as Senior Vice President of Finance of the Company's Europe, Middle East, and Africa and Asia Pacific regions from July 2008 to August 2010, and as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Western Union from June 2006 to May 2008. Mr. Agrawal joined Western Union in 2006. Prior to that time, Mr. Agrawal served as Treasurer and Vice President of Investor Relations at Deluxe Corporation, and worked at General Mills, Inc., Chrysler Corporation, and General Motors Corporation.
Odilon Almeida is our Executive Vice President and President, Americas and European Union (from January 2014). From January 2013 through December 2013, Mr. Almeida was Senior Vice President and President for the Americas region for Western Union. Mr. Almeida joined Western Union in 2002 and has held roles of increasing responsibility, including Regional Vice President, Southern Cone, Americas from December 2002 to December 2006; Regional Vice President and Managing Director, South America region from January 2007 to November 2007; Senior Vice President and Managing Director, South America region from December 2007 to November 2010; and Senior Vice President and Managing Director for the Latin America and Caribbean region from December 2010 to December 2012. Prior to joining Western Union, Mr. Almeida worked at FleetBoston Financial, The Coca-Cola Company and Colgate-Palmolive in Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the United States. Mr. Almeida is a director of Millicom International Cellular S.A.
Elizabeth G. Chambers is our Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Product Officer. Prior to taking this position in November 2015, Ms. Chambers was Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at the international law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer from March 2011 to June 2015. Ms. Chambers served as Chief Marketing Officer of retail and commercial banking and Barclaycard at Barclays from June 2006 to November 2010, where she also led Barclaycard’s co-branded credit card issuing business in the United Kingdom for three years. Prior to joining Barclays, Ms. Chambers held a variety of strategy, marketing and new business development roles at Bingham McCutchen LLP from 2004 to 2006, Bank of America from 2002 to 2004 and the Reader’s Digest Association from 1998 to 2002. Earlier in her career, Ms. Chambers was a Partner in the Financial Institutions and Organization practices at McKinsey & Company. Ms. Chambers started her career as a financial analyst with Morgan Stanley & Co.
John R. Dye is our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Prior to taking this position in November 2011, Mr. Dye was Senior Vice President, Interim General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") from July 2011. From July 2007 to July 2011, Mr. Dye served as Senior Vice President, Principal Deputy General Counsel Corporate Affairs, of FHLMC. Prior to joining FHLMC, Mr. Dye served as Associate General Counsel at Citigroup Inc. from August 1999 to July 2007, and as Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel at Salomon Smith Barney from 1994 to 1999. Prior to that time, Mr. Dye was an attorney at the law firm of Brown & Wood. Mr. Dye is a member of the Colorado State Banking Board. Mr. Dye is also Chairman of the Board of the Western Union Foundation.
Jean Claude Farah is our Executive Vice President and President, Middle East, Africa, APAC, Eastern Europe and CIS (from December 2013). From March 2009 to December 2013, Mr. Farah served as Senior Vice President for the Middle East and Africa region at Western Union. Mr. Farah joined Western Union in 1999 as Marketing Manager, Middle East & North Africa. He has held a variety of progressively responsible positions with the company, including Regional Director from March 2003 to June 2005, Regional Vice President from June 2005 to March 2009 and Senior Vice President for the Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan region. Mr. Farah started his career in 1995 with Renault SA. Prior to joining Western Union, he was Area Manager for Orangina Pernod Ricard.
Diane Scott is our Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer (from April 2011). From December 2012 to March 2014, Ms. Scott was also our Chief Product Officer. In addition, from August 2011 to December 2012, Ms. Scott served as President, Western Union Ventures. Prior to April 2011, Ms. Scott was Senior Vice President, Marketing, Americas since March 2009. From March 2008 to March 2009, Ms. Scott served as Vice President, Marketing Services, and General Manager, Domestic Money Transfer. From March 2007 to March 2008, Ms. Scott served as Vice President, Domestic Money Transfer and Marketing Services, and from January 2005 to March 2007, she served as Vice President and General Manager, Domestic Money Transfer. Ms. Scott joined Western Union in 2001. Prior to joining Western Union, Ms. Scott held marketing positions with Izodia plc, US West Communications Inc., and various advertising agencies. Ms. Scott will separate from the Company on March 15, 2016 and will be eligible for benefits under the Company’s Severance/Change in Control Policy (Executive Committee Level).
J. David Thompson is our Executive Vice President, Global Operations (from November 2012) and Chief Information Officer (from April 2012). Prior to April 2012, Mr. Thompson was Group President, Services & Support and Global CIO of Symantec Corporation since January 2008. From February 2006 to January 2008, Mr. Thompson served as Symantec's Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer. Prior to joining Symantec, Mr. Thompson was Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Oracle Corporation from January 2005 to January 2006. From August 1995 to January 2005, he was Vice President of Services and Chief Information Officer at PeopleSoft, Inc. Mr. Thompson is a director of CoreSite Realty Corporation.
Richard L. Williams is our Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer (from October 2013). Mr. Williams previously served as Interim Chief Human Resources Officer from March 2013 to October 2013 and as Senior Vice President, Human Resources - Global Consumer Financial Services from June 2011 to October 2013. Mr. Williams joined Western Union in November 2009 as the Vice President of Human Resources for the Americas and Global Cards. Before joining Western Union, Mr. Williams worked for Fullerton Financial Holdings (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings) as its Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from September 2007 to October 2009. Previously, Mr. Williams spent 17 years (May 1998 to August 2007 and August 1989 to February 1997) with American Express Company.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There are many factors that affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, some of which are beyond our control. These risks include, but are not limited to, the risks described below. Such risks are grouped according to:
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Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry;
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Risks Related to Our Regulatory and Litigation Environment; and
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Risks Related to the Spin-Off.
You should carefully consider all of these risks.
Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry
Global economic downturns or slower growth or declines in the money transfer, payment service, and other markets in which we operate, including downturns or declines related to interruptions in migration patterns, and difficult conditions in global financial markets and financial market disruptions could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The global economy has experienced in recent years, and may experience, downturns, volatility and disruption, and we face certain risks relating to such events, including:
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Demand for our services could soften, including due to low consumer confidence, high unemployment, or reduced global trade.
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Our Consumer-to-Consumer money transfer business relies in large part on migration, which brings workers to countries with greater economic opportunities than those available in their native countries. A significant portion of money transfers are sent by international migrants. Migration is affected by (among other factors) overall economic conditions, the availability of job opportunities, changes in immigration laws, and political or other events (such as war, terrorism or health emergencies) that would make it more difficult for workers to migrate or work abroad. Changes to these factors could adversely affect our remittance volume and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and our cash management strategies, including the amounts, timing, and manner by which cash is repatriated or otherwise made available from our international subsidiaries ("Cash Management Strategies").
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Many of our consumers work in industries that may be impacted by deteriorating economic conditions more quickly or significantly than other industries. Reduced job opportunities, especially in retail, healthcare, hospitality, and construction, or overall weakness in the world’s economies could adversely affect the number of money transfer transactions, the principal amounts transferred and correspondingly our results of operations. If general market softness in the economies of countries important to migrant workers occurs, our results of operations could be adversely impacted. Additionally, if our consumer transactions decline, if the amount of money that consumers send per transaction declines, or if migration patterns shift due to weak or deteriorating economic conditions, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and our Cash Management Strategies may be adversely affected.
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Our agents or clients could experience reduced sales or business as a result of a deterioration in economic conditions. As a result, our agents could reduce their numbers of locations or hours of operation, or cease doing business altogether. Businesses using our services may make fewer cross-currency payments or may have fewer customers making payments to them through us, particularly businesses in those industries that may be more affected by an economic downturn.
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Our Business Solutions business is heavily dependent on global trade. A downturn in global trade or the failure of long-term import growth rates to return to historic levels could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and our Cash Management Strategies. Additionally, as customer hedging activity in our Business Solutions business generally varies with currency volatility, we have experienced and may experience in the future lower foreign exchange revenues in periods of lower currency volatility.
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Our exposure to receivables from our agents, consumers and businesses could impact us. For more information on this risk, see risk factor, "We face credit, liquidity and fraud risks from our agents, consumers and businesses that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows."
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The market value of the securities in our investment portfolio may substantially decline. The impact of that decline in value may adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition, and results of operations.
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The counterparties to the derivative financial instruments that we use to reduce our exposure to various market risks, including changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates, may fail to honor their obligations, which could expose us to risks we had sought to mitigate. This includes the exposure generated by the Business Solutions business, where we write derivative contracts to our customers as part of our cross-currency payments business, and we typically hedge the net exposure through offsetting contracts with established financial institution counterparties. That failure could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
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We may be unable to refinance our existing indebtedness as it becomes due or we may have to refinance on unfavorable terms, which could require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, share repurchases, dividends, and other purposes.
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Our revolving credit facility with a consortium of banks is one source for funding liquidity needs and also backs our commercial paper program. If any of the banks participating in our credit facility fails to fulfill its lending commitment to us, our short-term liquidity and ability to support borrowings under our commercial paper program could be adversely affected.
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The third-party service providers on whom we depend may experience difficulties in their businesses, which may impair their ability to provide services to us and have a potential impact on our own business. The impact of a change or temporary stoppage of services may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
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Banks upon which we rely to conduct our business could fail or be unable to satisfy their obligations to us. This could lead to our inability to access funds and/or credit losses for us and could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business.
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Insurers we utilize to mitigate our exposures to litigation and other risks may be unable to or refuse to satisfy their obligations to us, which could have an adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
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If market disruption and volatility occurs, we could experience difficulty in accessing capital on favorable terms and our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely impacted.
We face competition from global and niche or corridor money transfer providers, United States and international banks, card associations, card-based payments providers and a number of other types of service providers, including electronic, mobile and Internet-based services, and from digital currencies and related protocols, and other innovations in technology and business models. Our future growth depends on our ability to compete effectively in the industry.
Money transfer and business payments are highly competitive industries which include service providers from a variety of financial and non-financial business groups. Our competitors include consumer money transfer companies, banks, credit unions, card associations, web-based services, mobile money transfer services, payment processors, card-based payments providers such as issuers of e-money, travel cards or stored-value cards, informal remittance systems, automated teller machine providers and operators, phone payment systems (including mobile phone networks), postal organizations, retailers, check cashers, mail and courier services, currency exchanges, and digital currencies. These services are differentiated by features and functionalities such as brand recognition, customer service, trust and reliability, distribution network and channel options, convenience, price, speed, variety of payment methods, service offerings and innovation. Distribution network and channel options, such as our electronic channels, which include online, account based and mobile money transfer, have been and may continue to be impacted by increased competition, including from new competitors and the consolidation of competitors and the expansion of their services, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Our future growth depends on our ability to compete effectively in money transfer and business payments. For example, if we fail to price our services appropriately, consumers may not use our services, which could adversely affect our business and financial results. In addition, we have historically implemented and will likely continue to implement price reductions from time to time in response to competition and other factors. Price reductions generally reduce margins and adversely affect financial results in the short term and may also adversely affect financial results in the long term if transaction volumes do not increase sufficiently. Further, failure to compete on service differentiation and service quality could significantly affect our future growth potential and results of operations.
As noted below under risk factor "Risks associated with operations outside the United States and foreign currencies could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows," many of our agents outside the United States are national post offices. These entities are usually governmental organizations that may enjoy special privileges or protections that could allow them to simultaneously develop their own money transfer businesses. International postal organizations could agree to establish a money transfer network among themselves. Due to the size of these organizations and the number of locations they have, any such network could represent significant competition to us.
If customer confidence in our business or in consumer money transfer and payment service providers generally deteriorates, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected.
Our business is built on customer confidence in our brands and our ability to provide fast, reliable money transfer and payment services. Erosion in customer confidence in our business, or in consumer money transfer and payment service providers as a means to transfer money, could adversely impact transaction volumes which would in turn adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and our Cash Management Strategies.
A number of factors could adversely affect customer confidence in our business, or in consumer money transfer and payment service providers generally, many of which are beyond our control, and could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. These factors include:
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changes or proposed changes in laws or regulations or regulator or judicial interpretation thereof that have the effect of making it more difficult or less desirable to transfer money using consumer money transfer and payment service providers, including additional customer due diligence, identification, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements;
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the quality of our services and our customer experience, and our ability to meet evolving consumer needs and preferences, including customer preferences related to our digital services, which include our westernunion.com and mobile money transfer services;
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failure of our agents or their subagents to deliver services in accordance with our requirements;
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reputational concerns resulting from actual or perceived events, including those related to fraud or consumer protection;
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actions by federal, state or foreign regulators that interfere with our ability to transfer consumers' money reliably, for example, attempts to seize money transfer funds, or limit our ability to or prohibit us from transferring money in certain corridors;
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federal, state or foreign legal requirements, including those that require us to provide consumer or transaction data pursuant to our settlement agreement with the State of Arizona and other requirements or to a greater extent than is currently required;
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any significant interruption in our systems, including by fire, natural disaster, power loss, telecommunications failure, terrorism, vendor failure, unauthorized entry and computer viruses or disruptions in our workforce; and
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any breach of our computer systems or other data storage facilities resulting in a compromise of personal data.
Many of our money transfer consumers are migrants. Consumer advocacy groups or governmental agencies could consider migrants to be disadvantaged and entitled to protection, enhanced consumer disclosure, or other different treatment. If consumer advocacy groups are able to generate widespread support for actions that are detrimental to our business, then our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected.
Our ability to adopt new technology and develop and gain market acceptance of new and enhanced products and services in response to changing industry and regulatory standards and evolving customer needs poses a challenge to our business.
Our industry is subject to rapid and significant technological changes, with the constant introduction of new and enhanced products and services and evolving industry and regulatory standards and consumer needs and preferences. Our ability to enhance our current products and services and introduce new products and services that address these changes has a significant impact on our ability to be successful. We actively seek to respond in a timely manner to changes in customer (both consumer and business) needs and preferences, technology advances and new and enhanced products and services such as technology-based money transfer and Business Solutions payments services, including Internet, phone-based and other mobile money transfer services. Failure to respond well to these challenges on a timely basis could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Further, even if we respond well to these challenges, the business and financial models offered by many of these alternative, more technology-reliant means of money transfer and electronic payment solutions may be less advantageous to us than the model offered by our traditional cash/agent model or our current electronic money transfer model.
Risks associated with operations outside the United States and foreign currencies could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
A substantial portion of our revenue is generated in currencies other than the United States dollar. As a result, we are subject to risks associated with changes in the value of our revenues and net monetary assets denominated in foreign currencies. For example, a considerable portion of our revenue is generated in the euro. If we are unable to or elect not to hedge our foreign exchange exposure to the euro against a significant devaluation, the value of our euro-denominated revenue, operating profit and net monetary assets and liabilities would be correspondingly reduced when translated into United States dollars for inclusion in our financial statements. Moreover, if we engage in foreign currency hedging activities related to our revenues, such transactions may help to mitigate the adverse financial effects of an appreciation in the United States dollar relative to other currencies. In an environment of a declining United States dollar relative to other currencies, such hedging transactions could have the effect of limiting the translation benefits on our reported financial results. In addition, our Business Solutions business provides currency conversion and, in certain countries, foreign exchange hedging services to its customers, further exposing us to foreign currency exchange risk. In order to help mitigate these risks, we enter into derivative contracts. However, these contracts do not eliminate all of the risks related to fluctuating foreign currency rates.
We operate in almost all developing markets throughout the world. In many of these markets, our foreign currency exposure is limited because most transactions are receive transactions and we currently reimburse most of our agents in either United States dollars or euros for the payment of these transactions. However, in certain of these developing markets we generate revenue from send transactions. Our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations in those markets is increased as these fluctuations impact our revenues and operating profits. Typically, in these markets the cost of hedging activities is prohibitive.
We have additional foreign exchange risk and associated foreign exchange risk management requirements due to the nature of our Business Solutions business. The majority of this business' revenue is from exchanges of currency at spot rates, which enable customers to make cross-currency payments. In certain countries, this business also writes foreign currency forward and option contracts for our customers. The duration of these derivative contracts at inception is generally less than one year. The credit risk associated with our derivative contracts increases when foreign currency exchange rates move against our customers, possibly impacting their ability to honor their obligations to deliver currency to us or to maintain appropriate collateral with us. Business Solutions aggregates its foreign exchange exposures arising from customer contracts, including the derivative contracts described above, and hedges the resulting net currency risks by entering into offsetting contracts with established financial institution counterparties. If we are unable to obtain offsetting positions, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected.
A substantial portion of our revenue is generated outside of the United States. Repatriating foreign earnings to the United States would, in many cases, result in significant tax obligations because most of these earnings have been taxed at relatively low foreign tax rates compared to our combined federal and state tax rate in the United States. We utilize a variety of planning and financial strategies to help ensure that our worldwide cash is available where needed, including decisions related to the amounts, timing, and manner by which cash is repatriated or otherwise made available from our international subsidiaries. Changes in the amounts, timing, and manner by which cash is repatriated (or deemed repatriated) or otherwise made available from our international subsidiaries, including changes arising from new legal or tax rules, disagreements with legal or tax authorities concerning existing rules that are ultimately resolved in their favor, or changes in our operations or business, could result in material adverse effects on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows including our ability to pay future dividends or make share repurchases. For further discussion regarding the risk that our future effective tax rates could be adversely impacted by changes in tax laws, both domestically and internationally, see risk factor "Changes in tax laws and unfavorable resolution of tax contingencies could adversely affect our tax expense" below.
Money transfers and payments to, from, within, or between countries may be limited or prohibited by law. At times in the past, we have been required to cease operations in particular countries due to political uncertainties or government restrictions imposed by foreign governments or the United States. Occasionally agents or their subagents have been required by their regulators to cease offering our services, see risk factor "Regulatory initiatives and changes in laws, regulations and industry practices and standards affecting us, our agents or their subagents, or the banks with which we or our agents maintain bank accounts needed to provide our services could require changes in our business model and increase our costs of operations, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity" below. Additionally, economic or political instability or natural disasters may make money transfers to, from, within, or between particular countries difficult or impossible, such as when banks are closed, when currency devaluation makes exchange rates difficult to manage or when natural disasters or civil unrest makes access to agent locations unsafe. These risks could negatively impact our ability to offer our services, to make payments to or receive payments from international agents or our subsidiaries or our ability to recoup funds that have been advanced to international agents or are held by our subsidiaries, and as a result could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. In addition, the general state of telecommunications and infrastructure in some lesser developed countries, including countries where we have a large number of transactions, creates operational risks for us and our agents that generally are not present in our operations in the United States and other more developed countries.
Many of our agents outside the United States are post offices, which are usually owned and operated by national governments. These governments may decide to change the terms under which they allow post offices to offer remittances and other financial services. For example, governments may decide to separate financial service operations from postal operations, or mandate the creation or privatization of a "post bank," which could result in the loss of agent locations, or they may require multiple service providers in their network. These changes could have an adverse effect on our ability to distribute or offer our services in countries that are material to our business.
Breaches of our information security policies or safeguards could adversely affect our ability to operate and could damage our reputation and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
We collect, transfer and retain consumer, business, employee and agent data as part of our business. These activities are subject to laws and regulations in the United States and other jurisdictions, see risk factor "Current and proposed regulation addressing consumer privacy and data use and security could increase our costs of operations, which could adversely affect our operations, results of operations and financial condition" below. The requirements imposed by these laws and regulations, which often differ materially among the many jurisdictions, are designed to protect the privacy of personal information and prevent that information from being inappropriately used or disclosed. We have developed and maintain technical and operational safeguards designed to comply with applicable legal requirements. However, despite those safeguards, it is possible that hackers, employees acting contrary to our policies or others could improperly access our systems or the systems of our business partners and service providers and improperly obtain or disclose data about our consumers, business customers, agents, subagents, and/or employees. Further, because a significant and increasing amount of our data is collected and stored by third parties, including providers of cloud-based software services, it is possible that a third party could intentionally or inadvertently disclose personal data in violation of law. Also, in some jurisdictions we transfer data related to our employees, business customers, consumers, subagents, agents and potential employees to third-party vendors in order to perform due diligence and for other reasons. It is possible that a vendor could intentionally or inadvertently disclose such data. Additionally, transactions undertaken through our mobile services may create different risks of fraud, hacking, and other deceptive practices. Any data breach resulting in a compromise of consumer, business, employee or agent data could require us to notify impacted individuals, and in some cases regulators, of a possible or actual breach, expose us to regulatory enforcement action, including fines, limit our ability to provide services, subject us to litigation, damage our reputation, and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Interruptions in our systems, including as a result of cyber attacks, or disruptions in our workforce may have a significant effect on our business.
Our ability to provide reliable service largely depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our computer information systems and those of our service providers. Any significant interruptions could harm our business and reputation and result in a loss of business. These systems and operations could be exposed to damage or interruption from fire, natural disaster, power loss, telecommunications failure, terrorism, vendor failure, unauthorized entry and computer viruses or other causes, many of which may be beyond our control or that of our service providers. Further, we have been and continue to be the subject of cyber attacks, including distributed denial of service attacks. These attacks are primarily aimed at interrupting our business, exposing us to financial losses, or exploiting information security vulnerabilities. Historically, none of these attacks or breaches has individually or in the aggregate resulted in any material liability to us or any material damage to our reputation, and disruptions related to cybersecurity have not caused any material disruption to the Company's business, although there can be no assurance that a material breach will not occur in the future. Although we have taken steps and made investments to prevent systems disruptions, our measures may not be successful and we may experience system disruptions or other problems in the future. We also may experience software defects, development delays, installation difficulties and other systems problems, which would harm our business and reputation and expose us to potential liability which may not be fully covered by our business interruption insurance. Our data applications may not be sufficient to address technological advances, regulatory requirements, changing market conditions or other developments. In addition, any work stoppages or other labor actions by employees, the significant majority of which are located outside the United States, could adversely affect our business.
We receive services from third-party vendors that would be difficult to replace if those vendors ceased providing such services adequately or at all. Cessation of or defects in various services provided to us by third-party vendors could cause temporary disruption to our business.
Some services relating to our business, such as software application support, the development, hosting and maintenance of our operating systems, check clearing, and processing of returned checks are outsourced to third-party vendors, which would be difficult to replace quickly. If our third-party vendors were unwilling or unable to provide us with these services in the future, our business and operations could be adversely affected.
Acquisitions and integration of new businesses create risks and may affect operating results.
We have acquired and may acquire businesses both inside and outside the United States. As of December 31, 2015, we had $3,163.8 million of goodwill comprising approximately 33% of our total assets, including $1,950.1 million of goodwill in our Consumer-to-Consumer reporting unit and $996.0 million of goodwill in our Business Solutions reporting unit. If we or our reporting units do not generate operating cash flows at levels consistent with our expectations, we may be required to write down the goodwill on our balance sheet, which could have a significant adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations in future periods. See the "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" discussion in Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation, for more detail.
In addition to the risk of goodwill impairment, the acquisition and integration of businesses involve a number of other risks. The core risks involve valuation (negotiating a fair price for the business based on inherently limited due diligence) and integration (managing the complex process of integrating the acquired company's people, products and services, technology and other assets in an effort to realize the projected value of the acquired company and the projected synergies of the acquisition). In addition, the need in some cases to improve regulatory compliance standards is another risk associated with acquiring companies, see "Risks Related to Our Regulatory and Litigation Environment" below. Acquisitions often involve additional or increased risks including, for example:
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realizing the anticipated financial benefits from these acquisitions and where necessary, improving internal controls of these acquired businesses;
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managing geographically separated organizations, systems and facilities;
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managing multi-jurisdictional operating, tax and financing structures;
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integrating personnel with diverse business backgrounds and organizational cultures;
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integrating the acquired technologies into our Company;
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complying with regulatory requirements, including those particular to the industry and jurisdiction of the acquired business;
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enforcing intellectual property rights in some foreign countries;
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entering new markets with the services of the acquired businesses; and
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general economic and political conditions, including legal and other barriers to cross-border investment in general, or by United States companies in particular.
Integrating operations could cause an interruption of, or divert resources from, one or more of our businesses and could result in the loss of key personnel. The diversion of management's attention and any delays or difficulties encountered in connection with an acquisition and the integration of the acquired company's operations could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
We face credit, liquidity and fraud risks from our agents, consumers and businesses that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The vast majority of our Consumer-to-Consumer money transfer and Consumer-to-Business activity is conducted through third-party agents that provide our services to consumers at their retail locations. These agents sell our services, collect funds from consumers and are required to pay the proceeds from these transactions to us. As a result, we have credit exposure to our agents. In some countries, our agent networks include superagents that establish subagent relationships; these agents must collect funds from their subagents in order to pay us. We are not insured against credit losses, except in certain circumstances related to agent theft or fraud. If an agent becomes insolvent, files for bankruptcy, commits fraud or otherwise fails to pay money order, money transfer or payment services proceeds to us, we must nonetheless pay the money order, complete the money transfer or payment services on behalf of the consumer.
The liquidity of our agents is necessary for our business to remain strong and to continue to provide our services. If our agents fail to settle with us in a timely manner, our liquidity could be affected.
From time to time, we have made, and may in the future make, short-term advances and longer term loans to our agents. These advances and loans generally are secured by settlement funds payable by us to these agents. However, the failure of these borrowing agents to repay these advances and loans constitutes a credit risk to us.
We are exposed to credit risk in our Business Solutions business relating to: (a) derivatives written by us to our customers and (b) the extension of trade credit when transactions are paid to recipients prior to our receiving cleared funds from the sending customers. The credit risk associated with our derivative contracts increases when foreign currency exchange rates move against our customers, possibly impacting their ability to honor their obligations to deliver currency to us or to maintain appropriate collateral with us. If a customer becomes insolvent, files for bankruptcy, commits fraud or otherwise fails to pay us, we may be exposed to the value of an offsetting position with a financial institution counterparty for the derivatives or may bear financial risk for those receivables where we have offered trade credit.
We offer consumers in select countries the ability to transfer money utilizing their bank account or credit or debit card via the Internet and phone. These transactions have experienced and continue to experience a greater risk of fraud and higher fraud losses. Additionally, money transfers funded by ACH, or similar methods, are not preauthorized by the sender's bank and carry the risk that the account may not exist or have sufficient funds to cover the transaction. We apply verification and other tools to help authenticate transactions and protect against fraud. However, these tools are not always successful in protecting us against fraud. As the merchant of these transactions, we may bear the financial risk of the full amount sent in some of the fraudulent transactions. Issuers of credit and debit cards may also incur losses due to fraudulent transactions through our distribution channels and may elect to block transactions by their cardholders in these channels with or without notice. We may be subject to additional fees or penalties if the amount of chargebacks exceeds a certain percentage of our transaction volume. Such fees and penalties escalate over time if we do not take effective action to reduce chargebacks below the threshold, and if chargeback levels are not ultimately reduced to acceptable levels, our merchant accounts could be suspended or revoked, which would adversely affect our results of operations.
If we are unable to maintain our agent, subagent or global business relationships under terms consistent with those currently in place, including due to increased costs or loss of business as a result of increased compliance requirements or difficulty for us, our agents or their subagents in establishing or maintaining relationships with banks needed to conduct our services, or if our agents or their subagents fail to comply with Western Union business and technology standards and contract requirements, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows would be adversely affected.
Most of our Consumer-to-Consumer revenue is derived through our agent network. Some of our international agents have subagent relationships in which we are not directly involved. If, due to competition or other reasons, agents or their subagents decide to leave our network, or if we are unable to sign new agents or maintain our agent network under terms consistent with those currently in place, or if our agents are unable to maintain relationships with or sign new subagents, our revenue and profits may be adversely affected. Agent attrition might occur for a number of reasons, including a competitor engaging an agent, an agent's dissatisfaction with its relationship with us or the revenue derived from that relationship, an agent's or its subagents' unwillingness or inability to comply with our standards or legal requirements, including those related to compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, anti-fraud measures, or agent registration and monitoring requirements or increased costs or loss of business as a result of difficulty for us, our agents or their subagents in establishing or maintaining relationships with banks needed to conduct our services. For example, changes to our compliance-related practices as a result of our settlement agreement with the State of Arizona and changes to our business model, primarily related to our Vigo and Orlandi Valuta brands, resulted in the loss of over 7,000 agent locations in Mexico in 2012. In addition, agents may generate fewer transactions or less revenue for various reasons, including increased competition, political unrest, or changes in the economy, and the cost of maintaining agent or subagent locations has increased and may continue to increase because of enhanced compliance efforts. Because an agent is a third party that engages in a variety of activities in addition to providing our services, it may encounter business difficulties unrelated to its provision of our services, which could cause the agent to reduce its number of locations, hours of operation, or cease doing business altogether.
Changes in laws regulating competition or in the interpretation of those laws could undermine our ability to enter into or maintain our exclusive arrangements with our current and prospective agents. See risk factor "Regulatory initiatives and changes in laws, regulations and industry practices and standards affecting us, our agents or their subagents, or the banks with which we or our agents maintain bank accounts needed to provide our services could require changes in our business model and increase our costs of operations, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity" below. In addition, certain of our agents and subagents have refused to enter into exclusive arrangements. The inability to enter into exclusive arrangements or to maintain our exclusive rights in agent contracts in certain situations could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations by, for example, allowing competitors to benefit from the goodwill associated with the Western Union brand at our agent locations.
We rely on our agents' information systems and/or processes to obtain transaction data. If an agent or their subagent loses information, if there is a significant disruption to the information systems of an agent or their subagent, or if an agent or their subagent does not maintain the appropriate controls over their systems, we may experience reputational and other harm which could result in losses to the Company.
In our Consumer-to-Business segment, we provide services for making one-time or recurring payments from consumers to businesses and other organizations, including utilities, auto finance companies, mortgage servicers, financial service providers, government agencies and other businesses. For example, consumers can make payments to over 15,000 businesses through our Consumer-to-Business services. These relationships are a core component of our payments services, and we derive a substantial portion of our Consumer-to-Business revenue through these relationships. In Business Solutions, we facilitate payment and foreign exchange solutions, primarily cross-border, cross-currency transactions, for small and medium size enterprises and other organizations and individuals, and we have relationships with more than 100,000 customers with respect to our payment solutions. Increased regulation and compliance requirements are impacting these businesses by making it more costly for us to provide our services or by making it more cumbersome for businesses or consumers to do business with us. We have also had difficulty establishing or maintaining banking relationships needed to conduct our services due to banks’ policies. If we are unable to maintain our current business or banking relationships or establish new relationships under terms consistent with those currently in place, our ability to continue to offer our services may be adversely impacted, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Changes in tax laws and unfavorable resolution of tax contingencies could adversely affect our tax expense.
Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws or their interpretation, both domestically and internationally. For example, the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development ("OECD") has asked countries around the globe to act to prevent what it refers to as base erosion and profit shifting ("BEPS"). The OECD considers BEPS to refer to tax planning strategies that shift, perhaps artificially, profits across borders to take advantage of differing tax laws and rates among countries. Tax reforms recommended in the BEPS action plan include changes that would impact, among other things, global tax reporting, intercompany transfer pricing arrangements, the definition of taxable permanent establishments, and other legal or financial arrangements that are viewed as causing BEPS. The BEPS action plan was finalized by the OECD on October 5, 2015 and a number of governments, including the European Commission, have already enacted or proposed rules to implement, at least to some degree, changes suggested in the recommendations, while other countries are preparing to do so. Any material change in tax laws or policies, or their interpretation, resulting from these or similar legislative proposals or inquiries could result in a higher effective tax rate on our earnings and have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Our tax returns and positions (including positions regarding jurisdictional authority of foreign governments to impose tax) are subject to review and audit by federal, state, local and international taxing authorities. An unfavorable outcome to a tax audit could result in higher tax expense, thereby negatively impacting our results of operations. We have established contingency reserves for a variety of material, known tax exposures. As of December 31, 2015, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was a liability of $113.1 million, including accrued interest and penalties, net of related items. Our reserves reflect our judgment as to the resolution of the issues involved if subject to judicial review. While we believe that our reserves are adequate to cover reasonably expected tax risks, there can be no assurance that, in all instances, an issue raised by a tax authority will be resolved at a financial cost that does not exceed our related reserve, and such resolution could have a material effect on our effective tax rate, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in the current period and/or future periods. With respect to these reserves, our income tax expense would include (i) any changes in tax reserves arising from material changes during the period in the facts and circumstances (i.e. new information) surrounding a tax issue and (ii) any difference from the Company's tax position as recorded in the financial statements and the final resolution of a tax issue during the period. Such resolution could increase or decrease income tax expense in our consolidated financial statements in future periods and could impact our operating cash flows. For example, in 2011, we reached an agreement with the United States Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") resolving substantially all of the issues related to the restructuring of our international operations in 2003, which resulted in a tax benefit of $204.7 million related to the adjustment of reserves associated with this matter and requires cash payments to the IRS and various state tax authorities of approximately $190 million, plus additional accrued interest, of which $94.1 million has been paid as of December 31, 2015. See the "Capital Resources and Liquidity" discussion in Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The IRS completed its examination of the United States federal consolidated income tax returns of First Data, which include our 2005 and pre-Spin-off 2006 taxable periods and issued its report on October 31, 2012 ("FDC 30-Day Letter"). Furthermore, the IRS completed its examination of our United States federal consolidated income tax returns for the 2006 post-Spin-off period through 2009 and issued its report also on October 31, 2012 ("WU 30-Day Letter"). Both the FDC 30-Day Letter and the WU 30-Day Letter propose tax adjustments affecting us, some of which are agreed and some of which are unagreed. We filed our protest on November 28, 2012 related to the unagreed proposed adjustments with the IRS Appeals Division. Discussions with the IRS concerning these adjustments are ongoing. See Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 10, "Income Taxes" for a further discussion of this matter.
Our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be harmed by adverse rating actions by credit rating agencies.
If our credit ratings are downgraded, or if they are placed under review or revised to have a negative outlook, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected and perceptions of our financial strength could be damaged, which could adversely affect our relationships with our agents, particularly those agents that are financial institutions or post offices, and our banking and other business relationships. In addition, an adverse credit rating by a rating agency, such as a downgrade or negative outlook, could result in regulators imposing additional capital and other requirements on us, including imposing restrictions on the ability of our regulated subsidiaries to pay dividends. Although our credit ratings have been downgraded in the past, we still maintain an investment grade rating. Also, a downgrade below investment grade will increase our interest expense under certain of our notes and any significant downgrade could increase our costs of borrowing money more generally or adversely impact or eliminate our access to the commercial paper market, each of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits from productivity and cost-savings and other related initiatives, which may include decisions to downsize or to transition operating activities from one location to another, and we may experience disruptions in our workforce as a result of those initiatives.
We have engaged in actions and activities associated with productivity improvement initiatives and expense reduction measures. We may implement additional initiatives in future periods. While these initiatives are designed to increase productivity and result in cost savings, there can be no assurance that the anticipated benefits will be realized, and the costs to implement such initiatives may be greater than expected. In addition, these initiatives have resulted and will likely result in the loss of personnel, some of whom may support significant systems or operations. Consequently, these initiatives could result in a disruption to our workforce. If we do not realize the anticipated benefits from these initiatives, or the costs to implement them are greater than expected, or if the actions result in a disruption to our workforce greater than anticipated, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected.
There can be no guarantee that we will continue to make dividend payments or repurchase stock.
For risks associated with our ability to continue to make dividend payments or repurchase shares, please see Part II, Item 5, Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Our ability to remain competitive depends in part on our ability to protect our brands and our other intellectual property rights and to defend ourselves against potential intellectual property infringement claims.
The Western Union and WU brands, which are protected by trademark registrations in many countries, are material to our Company. The loss of the Western Union or WU trademarks or a diminution in the perceived quality associated with the names would harm our business. Similar to the Western Union and WU trademarks, the Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Speedpay, Pago Fácil, Western Union Payments, Quick Collect, Quick Pay, Quick Cash, Convenience Pay, Western Union Business Solutions and other trademarks and service marks are also important to our Company and a loss of the service mark or trademarks or a diminution in the perceived quality associated with these names could harm our business.
Our intellectual property rights are an important element in the value of our business. Our failure to take appropriate actions against those who infringe upon our intellectual property could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The laws of certain foreign countries in which we do business do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. Adverse determinations in judicial or administrative proceedings in the United States or in foreign countries could impair our ability to sell our services or license or protect our intellectual property, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition results of operations, and cash flows.
We own patents and patent applications covering various aspects of our processes and services. We have been, are and in the future may be, subject to claims alleging that our technology or business methods infringe intellectual property rights of others, both inside and outside the United States. Unfavorable resolution of these claims could require us to change how we deliver a service, result in significant financial consequences, or both, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Material changes in the market value or liquidity of the securities we hold may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
As of December 31, 2015, we held $1.2 billion in investment securities, the substantial majority of which are state and municipal debt securities. The majority of this money represents the principal of money orders issued by us to consumers primarily in the United States and money transfers sent by consumers. We regularly monitor our credit risk and attempt to mitigate our exposure by investing in highly-rated securities and by diversifying our investments. Despite those measures, it is possible that the value of our portfolio may decline in the future due to any number of factors, including general market conditions, credit issues, the viability of the issuer of the security, failure by a fund manager to manage the investment portfolio consistently with the fund prospectus or increases in interest rates. Any such decline in value may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
The trust holding the assets of our pension plan has assets totaling approximately $276.7 million as of December 31, 2015. The fair value of these assets held in the trust are compared to the plan's projected benefit obligation of $346.0 million to determine the pension liability of $69.3 million recorded within "Other liabilities" in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. We attempt to mitigate risk through diversification, and we regularly monitor investment risk on our portfolio through quarterly investment portfolio reviews and periodic asset and liability studies. Despite these measures, it is possible that the value of our portfolio may decline in the future due to any number of factors, including general market conditions and credit issues. Such declines could have an impact on the funded status of our pension plan and future funding requirements.
We have substantial debt obligations that could restrict our operations.
As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $3.2 billion in consolidated indebtedness, and we may also incur additional indebtedness in the future.
Our indebtedness could have adverse consequences, including:
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limiting our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders or to repurchase stock consistent with our historical practices;
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increasing our vulnerability to changing economic, regulatory and industry conditions;
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limiting our ability to compete and our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry;
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limiting our ability to borrow additional funds; and
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requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other purposes.
There would be adverse tax consequences associated with using certain earnings generated outside the United States to pay the interest and principal on our indebtedness. Accordingly, this portion of our cash flow will be unavailable under normal circumstances to service our debt obligations.
Risks Related to Our Regulatory and Litigation Environment
As described under Part I, Item 1, Business, our business is subject to a wide range of laws and regulations enacted by the United States federal government, each of the states (including licensing requirements), many localities and many other countries and jurisdictions. Laws and regulations to which we are subject include those related to: financial services, consumer disclosure and consumer protection, currency controls, money transfer and payment instrument licensing, payment services, credit and debit cards, electronic payments, foreign exchange hedging services and the sale of spot, forward and option currency contracts, unclaimed property, the regulation of competition, consumer privacy, data protection and information security. The failure by us, our agents or their subagents to comply with any such laws or regulations could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows and could seriously damage our reputation and brands, and result in diminished revenue and profit and increased operating costs.
Our business is subject to a wide range and increasing number of laws and regulations. Liabilities or loss of business resulting from a failure by us, our agents or their subagents to comply with laws and regulations and regulatory or judicial interpretations thereof, including laws and regulations designed to protect consumers, or detect and prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud and other illicit activity, and increased costs or loss of business associated with compliance with those laws and regulations has had and we expect will continue to have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Our services are subject to increasingly strict legal and regulatory requirements, including those intended to help detect and prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, and other illicit activity. The interpretation of those requirements by judges, regulatory bodies and enforcement agencies is changing, often quickly and with little notice. Economic and trade sanctions programs that are administered by the United States Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control prohibit or restrict transactions to or from or dealings with or involving specified countries, their governments, and in certain circumstances, their nationals, and with certain individuals and entities such as narcotics traffickers, terrorists and terrorist organizations. As United States federal and state as well as foreign legislative and regulatory scrutiny and enforcement action in these areas increase, we expect that our costs of complying with these requirements will continue to increase, perhaps substantially, or our compliance will make it more difficult or less desirable for consumers and others to use our services or for us to contract with certain intermediaries, either of which would have an adverse effect on our revenue and operating profit. For example, we made significant additional investments in 2015 in our compliance programs based on the rapidly evolving environment and our internal reviews of the increasingly complex and demanding global regulatory requirements. These additional investments relate to enhancing our compliance capabilities, including our consumer protection efforts. Further, failure by Western Union, our agents, or their subagents (agents and subagents are third parties, over whom Western Union has limited legal and practical control), and certain service providers to comply with any of these requirements or their interpretation could result in the suspension or revocation of a license or registration required to provide money transfer, payment or foreign exchange services, the limitation, suspension or termination of services, changes to our business model, loss of consumer confidence, the seizure of our assets, and/or the imposition of civil and criminal penalties, including fines and restrictions on our ability to offer services.
We are subject to regulations imposed by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the "FCPA") in the United States and similar laws in other countries, such as the Bribery Act in the United Kingdom, which generally prohibit companies and those acting on their behalf from making improper payments to foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Some of these laws, such as the Bribery Act, also prohibit improper payments between commercial enterprises. Because our services are offered in virtually every country of the world, we face significant risks associated with our obligations under the FCPA, the Bribery Act, and other national anti-corruption laws. Any determination that we have violated these laws could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
In addition, our United States business is subject to reporting, recordkeeping and anti-money laundering provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended (collectively, the "BSA"), and to regulatory oversight and enforcement by the United States Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network ("FinCEN"). We have subsidiaries in Brazil and Austria that are subject to banking regulations. These subsidiaries are also subject to regulation, examination and supervision by the New York Department of Financial Services. Under the Payment Services Directive ("PSD") in the European Union ("EU"), which became effective in late 2009, and similar legislation enacted or proposed in other jurisdictions, we have and will increasingly become directly subject to reporting, recordkeeping, and anti-money laundering regulations, and agent oversight and monitoring requirements, which have increased and will continue to increase our costs. These laws could also increase competition in some or all of our areas of service.
The remittance industry, including Western Union, has come under increasing scrutiny from government regulators and others in connection with its ability to prevent its services from being abused by people seeking to defraud others. While we believe our fraud prevention efforts comply with applicable law, the ingenuity of criminal fraudsters, combined with the potential susceptibility to fraud by consumers, make the prevention of consumer fraud a significant and challenging problem. Our failure to continue to help prevent such frauds and increased costs related to the implementation of enhanced anti-fraud measures, or a change in fraud prevention laws or their interpretation or the manner in which they are enforced could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Further, any determination that our agents or their subagents have violated laws and regulations could seriously damage our reputation and brands, resulting in diminished revenue and profit and increased operating costs. In some cases, we could be liable for the failure of our agents or their subagents to comply with laws which also could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The changes associated with the PSD, The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") and similar legislation enacted or proposed in other countries have resulted and will likely continue to result in increased costs to comply with the new requirements, and in the event we or our agents are unable to comply, could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Additional countries may adopt similar legislation.
For example, in the EU, Western Union is responsible for the compliance of our agents and their subagents with the PSD when they are acting on behalf of one of our payments institution subsidiaries. The majority of our EU activity is managed through our Irish payment institution subsidiary, which is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Thus, the risk of adverse regulatory action against Western Union because of actions by its agents or their subagents and the costs to monitor our agents or their subagents in those areas has increased. The regulations implementing the remittance provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act impose responsibility on us for any related compliance failures of our agents and their subagents.
Our fees, profit margins and/or foreign exchange spreads may be reduced or limited because of regulatory initiatives and changes in laws and regulations or their interpretation and industry practices and standards that are either industry wide or specifically targeted at our Company.
The evolving regulatory environment, including increased fees or taxes, regulatory initiatives, and changes in laws and regulations or their interpretation, industry practices and standards imposed by state, federal or foreign governments and expectations regarding our compliance efforts, is impacting the manner in which we operate our business, may change the competitive landscape and is expected to continue to adversely affect our financial results. New and proposed legislation relating to financial services providers and consumer protection in various jurisdictions around the world has and may continue to affect the manner in which we provide our services, see risk factor "The Dodd-Frank Act, as well as the regulations required by that Act and the actions of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and similar legislation and regulations enacted by other government authorities, could adversely affect us and the scope of our activities, and could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows." Recently proposed and enacted legislation related to financial services providers and consumer protection in various jurisdictions around the world and at the federal and state level in the United States has subjected and may continue to subject us to additional regulatory oversight, mandate additional consumer disclosures and remedies, including refunds to consumers, or otherwise impact the manner in which we provide our services. If governments implement new laws or regulations that limit our right to set fees and/or foreign exchange spreads, then our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected. In addition, changes in regulatory expectations, interpretations or practices could increase the risk of regulatory enforcement actions, fines and penalties.
For example, our business has been affected and is currently being affected by on-going changes to our compliance procedures related to our settlement agreement with the State of Arizona. See risk factor "Western Union is the subject of governmental investigations and consent agreements with or enforcement actions by regulators." Due to regulatory initiatives, we have changed our compliance related practices and business model along the United States and Mexico border, including in the southwestern region of the United States. Such changes have had, and will likely continue to have an adverse effect on our revenue, profit margins, and business operations related to our United States to Mexico and United States to Latin America and the Caribbean corridors.
In addition, one state and one United States territory have passed laws imposing a fee on certain money transfer transactions, and certain other states have proposed similar legislation. Several foreign countries have enacted or proposed rules imposing taxes or fees on certain money transfer transactions, as well. Although money transfer services themselves are not generally subject to sales tax elsewhere in the United States, the current budget shortfalls in many jurisdictions, combined with continued federal inaction on comprehensive immigration reform, may lead other states or localities to impose similar taxes or fees. Similar circumstances in foreign countries have invoked and could continue to invoke the imposition of sales, service or similar taxes on money transfer services. A tax or fee exclusively on money transfer services like Western Union could put us at a competitive disadvantage to other means of remittance which are not subject to the same taxes or fees. Other examples of changes to our financial environment include the possibility of regulatory initiatives that focus on lowering international remittance costs. Such initiatives may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Regulators around the world look at each other's approaches to the regulation of the payments and other industries. Consequently, a development in any one country, state or region may influence regulatory approaches in other countries, states or regions. Similarly, new laws and regulations in a country, state or region involving one service may cause lawmakers there to extend the regulations to another service. As a result, the risks created by any one new law or regulation are magnified by the potential they have to be replicated, affecting our business in another place or involving another service. Conversely, if widely varying regulations come into existence worldwide, we may have difficulty adjusting our services, fees and other important aspects of our business, with the same effect. Either of these eventualities could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Regulatory initiatives and changes in laws, regulations and industry practices and standards affecting us, our agents or their subagents, or the banks with which we or our agents maintain bank accounts needed to provide our services could require changes in our business model and increase our costs of operations, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.
Our agents and their subagents are subject to a variety of regulatory requirements, which differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and are subject to change. Material changes in the regulatory requirements for offering money transfer services, including with respect to anti-money laundering requirements, fraud prevention, consumer protection, customer due diligence, agent registration, or increased requirements to monitor our agents or their subagents in a jurisdiction important to our business have meant and could continue to mean increased costs and/or operational demands on our agents and their subagents, which have resulted and could continue to result in their attrition, a decrease in the number of locations at which money transfer services are offered, an increase in the commissions paid to agents and their subagents to compensate for their increased costs, and other negative consequences.
Our regulatory status and the regulatory status of our agents could affect our and their ability to offer our services. For example, we and our agents rely on bank accounts to provide our Consumer-to-Consumer money transfer services. We also rely on bank accounts to provide our payment services. We and our agents are considered Money Service Businesses, or "MSBs," under the BSA, including our Business Solutions operations. An increasing number of banks view MSBs, as a class, as higher risk customers for purposes of their anti-money laundering programs. Furthermore, we and some of our agents have had difficulty establishing or maintaining banking relationships due to the banks' policies. If we or a significant number of our agents are unable to maintain existing or establish new banking relationships, or if we or these agents face higher fees to maintain or establish new bank accounts, our ability and the ability of our agents to continue to offer our services may be adversely impacted, which would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The types of enterprises that are legally authorized to act as our agents vary significantly from one country to another. Changes in the laws affecting the kinds of entities that are permitted to act as money transfer agents (such as changes in requirements for capitalization or ownership) could adversely affect our ability to distribute our services and the cost of providing such services, both by us and our agents. For example, a requirement that a money transfer provider be a bank or other highly regulated financial entity could increase significantly the cost of providing our services in many countries where that requirement does not exist today or could prevent us from offering our services in an affected country. Further, any changes in law that would require us to provide money transfer services directly to consumers as opposed to through an agent network (which would effectively change our business model) or that would prohibit or impede the use of subagents could significantly adversely impact our ability to provide our services, and/or the cost of our services, in the relevant jurisdiction. Changes mandated by laws which make Western Union responsible for acts of its agents while they are providing the Western Union money transfer service increase our risk of regulatory liability and our costs to monitor our agents' performance.
Although most of our Orlandi Valuta and Vigo branded agents also offer money transfer services of our competitors, many of our Western Union branded agents have agreed to offer only our money transfer services. While we expect to continue signing certain agents under exclusive arrangements and believe that these agreements are valid and enforceable, changes in laws regulating competition or in the interpretation of those laws could undermine our ability to enforce them in the future. Various jurisdictions, including the European Union and some of its member countries, continue to increase their focus on agent agreements. In addition, over the past several years, several countries in Eastern Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Africa and South Asia, including India, have promulgated laws or regulations, or authorities in these countries have issued orders, which effectively prohibit payment service providers, such as money transfer companies, from agreeing to exclusive arrangements with agents in those countries. Certain institutions, non-governmental organizations and others are actively advocating against exclusive arrangements in money transfer agent agreements. Advocates for laws prohibiting or limiting exclusive agreements continue to push for enactment of similar laws in other jurisdictions. In addition to legal challenges, certain of our agents and their subagents have refused to enter into exclusive arrangements. See risk factor "If we are unable to maintain our agent, subagent or global business relationships under terms consistent with those currently in place, including due to increased costs or loss of business as a result of increased compliance requirements or difficulty for us, our agents or their subagents in establishing or maintaining relationships with banks needed to conduct our services, or if our agents or their subagents fail to comply with Western Union business and technology standards and contract requirements, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows would be adversely affected" above. The inability to enter into exclusive arrangements or to maintain our exclusive rights in agent contracts in certain situations could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows by, for example, allowing competitors to benefit from the goodwill associated with the Western Union brand at our agent locations.
In addition to legal or regulatory restrictions discussed in the "Capital Resources and Liquidity" section in Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, some jurisdictions use tangible net worth and other financial strength guidelines to evaluate financial position. If our regulated subsidiaries do not abide by these guidelines, they may be subject to heightened review by these jurisdictions, and the jurisdictions may be more likely to impose new formal financial strength requirements. Additional financial strength requirements imposed on our regulated subsidiaries or significant changes in the regulatory environment for money transfer providers could impact our primary source of liquidity.
Western Union is the subject of governmental investigations and consent agreements with or enforcement actions by regulators.
State of Arizona Settlement Agreement
On February 11, 2010, Western Union Financial Services, Inc. ("WUFSI"), a subsidiary of the Company, signed a settlement agreement ("Southwest Border Agreement"), which resolved all outstanding legal issues and claims with the State of Arizona (the "State") and required the Company to fund a multi-state not-for-profit organization promoting safety and security along the United States and Mexico border, in which California, Texas and New Mexico are participating with Arizona. As part of the Southwest Border Agreement, the Company has made and expects to make certain investments in its compliance programs along the United States and Mexico border and a monitor (the "Monitor") has been engaged for those programs. The Company has incurred, and expects to continue to incur, significant costs in connection with the Southwest Border Agreement. The Monitor has made a number of recommendations related to the Company's compliance programs, which we are implementing, including programs related to our Business Solutions segment.
On January 31, 2014, the Southwest Border Agreement was amended to extend its term until December 31, 2017 (the "Amendment"). The Amendment imposes additional obligations on the Company and WUFSI in connection with WUFSI’s anti-money laundering ("AML") compliance programs and cooperation with law enforcement. In particular, the Amendment requires WUFSI to continue implementing the primary and secondary recommendations made by the Monitor appointed pursuant to the Southwest Border Agreement related to WUFSI’s AML compliance program, and includes, among other things, timeframes for implementing such primary and secondary recommendations. Under the Amendment, the Monitor could make additional primary recommendations until January 1, 2015 and may make additional secondary recommendations until January 31, 2017. After these dates, the Monitor may only make additional primary or secondary recommendations, as applicable, that meet certain requirements as set forth in the Amendment. The Monitor has made more than 70 primary recommendations and groups of primary recommendations. Primary recommendations may also be re-classified as secondary recommendations.
The changes in WUFSI’s AML program required by the Southwest Border Agreement, including the Amendment, and the Monitor’s recommendations have had, and will continue to have, adverse effects on the Company’s business, including additional costs. Additionally, and as described in detail in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 5, "Commitments and Contingencies," if WUFSI is not able to implement a successful AML compliance program along the U.S. and Mexico border or timely implement the Monitor’s recommendations, each as determined by the Monitor, the State may pursue remedies under the Southwest Border Agreement and Amendment, including assessment of fines and civil and criminal actions. The Company submitted all of the primary recommendations to the Monitor for review prior to an October 31, 2015 deadline and is currently in the process of demonstrating its compliance with the primary recommendations, but is unable to predict whether the Monitor will conclude that WUFSI has implemented an effective AML compliance program and whether the Monitor's primary and secondary recommendations have been successfully implemented. Should the State pursue remedies under the Southwest Border Agreement, the Company could face significant fines and actions which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Other Matters
As further described under Part I, Item 3, Legal Proceedings, the Company is the subject of ongoing investigations, including by (1) various United States Attorneys' offices; (2) various state attorneys general; and (3) the United States Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC"). Due to the stage and nature of these continuing investigations, the Company is unable to predict their outcome, or the possible loss or range of loss, if any, which could be associated with the resolution of any possible criminal charges or civil claims that may be brought against the Company. Additionally, as it has done in recent years, the Company may enter into consent agreements with governmental authorities (federal, state, local, and foreign) relating to these or other regulatory matters that could require us to make various payments and to take certain measures to enhance our compliance with applicable legal requirements. Should governmental authorities determine to bring criminal charges or civil claims, or if the Company enters into additional consent decrees with governmental authorities, the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected. Further, the Company regularly receives subpoenas and other requests for documents and information from governmental authorities concerning our business, current or former agents, customers or other third parties. We cooperate with such subpoenas and requests in the ordinary course of our business. However, it is possible that, during the course of any investigation or review by such governmental authorities, allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing could arise regarding Western Union, its employees, current or former agents, customers or other third parties, which could lead to investigations or enforcement actions against us.
The Dodd-Frank Act, as well as the regulations required by that Act and the actions of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and similar legislation and regulations enacted by other government authorities, could adversely affect us and the scope of our activities, and could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The Dodd-Frank Act, which became law in the United States on July 21, 2010, calls for significant structural reforms and new substantive regulation across the financial services industry. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act created the CFPB, whose purpose is to implement, examine for compliance with and enforce federal consumer protection laws governing financial products and services, including money transfer services. The CFPB has created additional regulatory obligations for us and has the authority to examine and supervise us and our larger competitors, including for matters related to unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts and practices ("UDAAP"). The CFPB's regulations implementing the remittance provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act have affected our business in a variety of areas. These include: a requirement to provide almost all consumers sending funds internationally from the United States enhanced, written, pre-transaction disclosures, including the disclosure of fees, foreign exchange rates and taxes, an obligation to resolve various errors, including certain errors that may be outside our control, and an obligation to cancel transactions that have not been completed at a consumer's request. In addition, these regulations impose responsibility on us for any related compliance failures of our agents. These requirements have changed the way we operate our business and along with other potential changes under CFPB regulations could adversely affect our operations and financial results and change the way we operate our business. The Dodd-Frank Act and interpretations and actions by the CFPB could also have a significant impact on us by, for example, requiring us to limit or change our business practices, limiting our ability to pursue business opportunities, requiring us to invest valuable management time and resources in compliance efforts, imposing additional costs on us, delaying our ability to respond to marketplace changes, requiring us to alter our products and services in a manner that would make our products less attractive to consumers and impair our ability to offer them profitably, or requiring us to make other changes that could adversely affect our business.
The CFPB has broad authority to enforce consumer protection laws. The CFPB has a large staff and budget, which is not subject to Congressional appropriation, and has broad authority with respect to our money transfer service and related business. It is authorized to collect fines and provide consumer restitution in the event of violations, engage in consumer financial education, track and solicit consumer complaints, request data and promote the availability of financial services to underserved consumers and communities. For example, in July 2015, Paymap, Inc. ("Paymap"), one of our subsidiaries, and the CFPB reached a settlement agreement regarding Paymap’s marketing of its Equity Accelerator service. Under the terms of the agreement, Paymap agreed to pay approximately $33.4 million in restitution and a $5.0 million civil monetary penalty and agreed to ensure that its marketing practices and materials for the Equity Accelerator Program comply with the Consumer Financial Protection Act's prohibition against UDAAP. In addition, the CFPB may adopt other regulations governing consumer financial services, including regulations defining UDAAP, and new model disclosures. The CFPB's authority to change regulations adopted in the past by other regulators, or to rescind or ignore past regulatory guidance, could increase our compliance costs and litigation exposure. Our litigation exposure may also be increased by the CFPB's authority to limit or ban pre-dispute arbitration clauses. In December 2013, the CFPB released the preliminary results of its arbitration study, which is widely viewed as the first step in an effort to restrict the use of such clauses in consumer financial contracts.
We have been and will continue to be subject to examination by the CFPB, which in September 2014 finalized a rule defining "larger participants of a market for other consumer financial products or services" as including companies, such as Western Union, that make at least one million aggregate annual international money transfers. The CFPB has the authority to examine and supervise us and our larger competitors, which will involve providing reports to the CFPB. Based on examination material that has been published by the CFPB, we expect the CFPB to conduct rigorous examinations, which could result in further changes to our operating procedures. The CFPB has used information gained in examinations as the basis for enforcement actions resulting in settlements involving monetary penalties and other remedies.
The effect of the Dodd-Frank Act and the CFPB on our business and operations has been and will continue to be significant and the application of the Dodd-Frank Act's implementing regulations to our business may differ from the application to certain of our competitors, including banks. Further, and in addition to our own compliance costs, implementation of requirements under Dodd-Frank could impact our business relationships with financial institution customers who outsource processing of consumer transactions to our Business Solutions segment. These financial institutions may determine that the compliance costs associated with providing consumer services are too burdensome and consequently may limit or discontinue offering such services.
Rules adopted under the Dodd-Frank Act by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as well as the provisions of the European Market Infrastructure Regulation and its technical standards, which are directly applicable in the member states of the European Union, have subjected most of our foreign exchange hedging transactions, including certain intercompany hedging transactions, certain of the corporate interest rate hedging transactions we may enter into in the future, and certain of the foreign exchange derivative contracts we offer as part of our Business Solutions segment, to reporting, recordkeeping, and other requirements. Additionally, certain of the corporate interest rate hedging transactions we may enter into in the future may be subject to centralized clearing and margin requirements and certain of our other transactions may become so in the future. Our implementation of these requirements has resulted, and will continue to result, in additional costs to our business. Furthermore, our failure to implement these requirements correctly could result in fines and other sanctions, as well as necessitate a temporary or permanent cessation to some or all of our derivative related activities. Any such fines, sanctions or limitations on our business could adversely affect our operations and financial results. Additionally, the regulatory regimes for derivatives in the United States and European Union, such as under the Dodd-Frank Act and the European Markets in Financial Instruments Directive known as "MiFID II," are continuing to evolve and changes to such regimes, our designation under such regimes, or the implementation of new rules under such regimes, such as future registration requirements and increased regulation of forward contracts, may result in additional costs to our business. Other jurisdictions outside of the United States and the European Union are considering, have implemented, or are implementing regulations similar to those described above and these will result in greater costs to us as well.
Western Union is the subject of litigation, including purported class action litigation, which could result in material settlements, fines or penalties.
As a company that provides global financial services primarily to consumers, we are subject to litigation, including purported class action litigation, and regulatory actions alleging violations of consumer protection, anti-money laundering, securities laws and other laws. We also are subject to claims asserted by consumers based on individual transactions. We may not be successful in defending ourselves in these matters, and such failure may result in substantial fines, damages and expenses, revocation of required licenses or other limitations on our ability to conduct business. Any of these outcomes could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Further, we believe increasingly strict legal and regulatory requirements and increased regulatory investigations and enforcement are likely to continue to result in changes to our business, as well as increased costs, supervision and examination for both ourselves and our agents and subagents. These developments in turn may result in additional litigation or other actions. For more information please see Part I, Item 3, Legal Proceedings and Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 5, "Commitments and Contingencies."
Current and proposed regulation addressing consumer privacy and data use and security could increase our costs of operations, which could adversely affect our operations, results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to requirements relating to privacy and data use and security under federal, state and foreign laws. For example, the FTC has an on-going program of investigating the privacy practices of companies and has commenced enforcement actions against many, resulting in multi-million dollar settlements and multi-year agreements governing the settling companies' privacy practices. Furthermore, certain industry groups require us to adhere to privacy requirements in addition to federal, state and foreign laws, and certain of our business relationships depend upon our compliance with these requirements. As the number of countries enacting privacy and related laws increases and the scope of these laws and enforcement efforts expand, we will increasingly become subject to new and varying requirements. For example, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union are expected to adopt a comprehensive general data privacy regulation (“GDPR”) in 2016 that will replace the current EU Data Protection Directive and related country-specific legislation. The GDPR is anticipated to take effect in mid-2018. We are analyzing the GDPR to determine its potential effects on our business practices. Complying with the enhanced obligations imposed by the GDPR may result in significant costs to our business and require us to amend certain of our business practices. Failure to comply with existing or future privacy and data use and security laws, regulations, and requirements to which we are subject or could become subject, including by reason of inadvertent disclosure of confidential information, could result in fines, sanctions, penalties or other adverse consequences and loss of consumer confidence, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations, overall business and reputation.
In addition, in connection with regulatory requirements to assist in the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing and pursuant to legal obligations and authorizations, Western Union makes information available to certain United States federal, state, and foreign government agencies when required by law. In recent years, Western Union has experienced increasing data sharing requests by these agencies, particularly in connection with efforts to prevent terrorist financing or reduce the risk of identity theft. During the same period, there has also been increased public attention to the corporate use and disclosure of personal information, accompanied by legislation and regulations intended to strengthen data protection, information security and consumer privacy. These regulatory goals - the prevention of money laundering, terrorist financing and identity theft and the protection of the individual's right to privacy - may conflict, and the law in these areas is not consistent or settled. The legal, political and business environments in these areas are rapidly changing, and subsequent legislation, regulation, litigation, court rulings or other events could expose Western Union to increased program costs, liability and reputational damage.
We are subject to unclaimed property laws, and differences between the amounts we have accrued for unclaimed property and amounts that are claimed by a state or foreign jurisdiction could have a significant impact on our results of operations and cash flows.
We are subject to unclaimed property laws in the United States and abroad which require us to turn over to certain government authorities the property of others held by us that has been unclaimed for a specified period of time, such as unpaid money transfers. We have an ongoing program to help us comply with those laws. In addition, we are subject to audits with regard to our escheatment practices. Any difference between the amounts we have accrued for unclaimed property and amounts that are claimed by a state or foreign jurisdiction could have a significant impact on our results of operations and cash flows. See "Unclaimed Property Regulations" for further discussion.
Our consolidated balance sheet may not contain sufficient amounts or types of regulatory capital to meet the changing requirements of our various regulators worldwide, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Our regulators expect us to possess sufficient financial soundness and strength to adequately support our regulated subsidiaries. We had substantial indebtedness as of December 31, 2015, which could make it more difficult to meet these requirements if such requirements are increased. In addition, although we are not a bank holding company for purposes of United States law or the law of any other jurisdiction, as a global provider of payments services and in light of the changing regulatory environment in various jurisdictions, we could become subject to new capital requirements introduced or imposed by our regulators that could require us to issue securities that would qualify as Tier 1 regulatory capital under the Basel Committee accords or retain earnings over a period of time. Also, our regulators specify the amount and composition of settlement assets that certain of our subsidiaries must hold in order to satisfy our outstanding settlement obligations. These regulators could further restrict the type of instruments that qualify as settlement assets or these regulators could require our regulated subsidiaries to maintain higher levels of settlement assets. For example, we have seen increased scrutiny from government regulators regarding the sufficiency of our capitalization and the appropriateness of our investments held in order to comply with state and other licensing requirements. Any change or increase in these regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Relating to the Spin-Off
We were incorporated in Delaware as a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Data on February 17, 2006. On September 29, 2006, First Data distributed 100% of its money transfer and consumer payments businesses and its interest in a Western Union money transfer agent, as well as related assets, including real estate, through a tax-free distribution to First Data shareholders (the "Spin-off") through this previously owned subsidiary. The consolidated United States federal income tax return for First Data for 2006, which included the Company, has been examined by the IRS and no adjustments were proposed relating to the tax treatment of the Spin-Off. However, certain other adjustments were proposed by the IRS and are being contested through the IRS appeals process. Accordingly, the statute of limitations covering First Data’s 2006 return has not yet closed.
If the Spin-off does not qualify as a tax-free transaction, First Data and its stockholders could be subject to material amounts of taxes and, in certain circumstances, we could be required to indemnify First Data for material taxes pursuant to indemnification obligations under the tax allocation agreement.
First Data received a private letter ruling from the IRS to the effect that the Spin-off (including certain related transactions) qualifies as a tax-free transaction to First Data, us and First Data stockholders for United States federal income tax purposes under sections 355, 368 and related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, assuming, among other things, the accuracy of the representations made by First Data to the IRS in the private letter ruling request. If the factual assumptions or representations made in the private letter ruling request were determined to be untrue or incomplete, then First Data and we would not be able to rely on the ruling.
The Spin-off was conditioned upon First Data's receipt of an opinion of Sidley Austin LLP, counsel to First Data, to the effect that, with respect to requirements on which the IRS did not rule, those requirements would be satisfied. The opinion was based on, among other things, certain assumptions and representations as to factual matters made by First Data and us which, if untrue or incomplete, would jeopardize the conclusions reached by counsel in its opinion. The opinion is not binding on the IRS or the courts, and the IRS or the courts may not agree with the opinion.
If, notwithstanding receipt of the private letter ruling and an opinion of tax counsel, the Spin-off were determined to be a taxable transaction, each holder of First Data common stock who received shares of our common stock in connection with the Spin-off would generally be treated as receiving a taxable distribution in an amount equal to the fair value of our common stock received. First Data would recognize taxable gain equal to the excess of the fair value of the consideration received by First Data in the contribution over First Data's tax basis in the assets contributed to us in the contribution. If First Data were unable to pay any taxes for which it is responsible under the tax allocation agreement, the IRS might seek to collect such taxes from Western Union.
Even if the Spin-off otherwise qualified as a tax-free distribution under section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Spin-off may result in significant United States federal income tax liabilities to First Data if 50% or more of First Data's stock or our stock (in each case, by vote or value) is treated as having been acquired, directly or indirectly, by one or more persons as part of a plan (or series of related transactions) that includes the Spin-off. For purposes of this test, any acquisitions, or any understanding, arrangement or substantial negotiations regarding an acquisition, within two years before or after the Spin-off are subject to special scrutiny.
With respect to taxes and other liabilities that could be imposed as a result of a final determination that is inconsistent with the anticipated tax consequences of the Spin-off (as set forth in the private letter ruling and relevant tax opinion) ("Spin-off Related Taxes"), we, one of our affiliates or any person that, after the Spin-off, is an affiliate thereof, will be liable to First Data for any such Spin-off Related Taxes attributable solely to actions taken by or with respect to us. In addition, we will also be liable for 50% of any Spin-off Related Taxes (i) that would not have been imposed but for the existence of both an action by us and an action by First Data or (ii) where we and First Data each take actions that, standing alone, would have resulted in the imposition of such Spin-off Related Taxes. We may be similarly liable if we breach certain representations or covenants set forth in the tax allocation agreement. If we are required to indemnify First Data for taxes incurred as a result of the Spin-off being taxable to First Data, it likely would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Properties and Facilities
As of December 31, 2015, we had offices in approximately 50 countries, which included four owned facilities and approximately 20 United States and over 400 international leased properties. Our owned facilities included our corporate headquarters located in Englewood, Colorado.
Our owned and leased facilities are used for operational, sales and administrative purposes in support of our Consumer-to-Consumer, Consumer-to-Business, and Business Solutions segments and are all currently being utilized. In certain locations, our offices include customer service centers, where our employees answer operational questions from agents and customers. Our office in Dublin, Ireland serves as our international headquarters.
We believe that our facilities are suitable and adequate for our current business; however, we periodically review our facility requirements and may acquire new facilities and update existing facilities to meet the needs of our business or consolidate and dispose of or sublet facilities which are no longer required.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
United States Department of Justice Investigations
On March 20, 2012, the Company was served with a federal grand jury subpoena issued by the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California ("USAO-CDCA") seeking documents relating to Shen Zhou International ("US Shen Zhou"), a former Western Union agent located in Monterey Park, California. The principal of US Shen Zhou was indicted in 2010 and in December 2013, pled guilty to one count of structuring international money transfers in violation of United States federal law in U.S. v. Zhi He Wang (SA CR 10-196, C.D. Cal.). Concurrent with the government's service of the subpoena, the government notified the Company that it is a target of an ongoing investigation into structuring and money laundering. Since March 20, 2012, the Company has received additional subpoenas from the USAO-CDCA seeking additional documents relating to US Shen Zhou, materials relating to certain other former and current agents and other materials relating to the Company's anti-money laundering ("AML") compliance policies and procedures. The government has interviewed several current and former Western Union employees and has served grand jury subpoenas seeking testimony from several current and former employees. The government's investigation is ongoing and the Company may receive additional requests for information as part of the investigation. The Company has provided and continues to provide information and documents to the government. Due to the investigative stage of the matter and the fact that no criminal charges or civil claims have been brought, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the government's investigation, or reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, which could be associated with the resolution of any possible charges or claims that may be brought against the Company. Should such charges or claims be brought, the Company could face significant fines, damage awards or regulatory consequences which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
In March 2012, the Company was served with a federal grand jury subpoena issued by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (“USAO-EDPA”) seeking documents relating to Hong Fai General Contractor Corp. (formerly known as Yong General Construction) (“Hong Fai”), a former Western Union agent located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since March 2012, the Company has received additional subpoenas from the USAO-EDPA seeking additional documents relating to Hong Fai. The government's investigation is ongoing and the Company may receive additional requests for information as part of the investigation. The Company has provided and continues to provide information and documents to the government. The government has interviewed several current and former Western Union employees. Due to the investigative stage of the matter and the fact that no criminal charges or civil claims have been brought, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the government's investigation, or reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, which could be associated with the resolution of any possible charges or claims that may be brought against the Company. Should such charges or claims be brought, the Company could face significant fines, damage awards or regulatory consequences which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
On November 25, 2013, the Company was served with a federal grand jury subpoena issued by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania (“USAO-MDPA”) seeking documents relating to complaints made to the Company by consumers anywhere in the world relating to fraud-induced money transfers since January 1, 2008. Concurrent with the government's service of the subpoena, the government notified the Company that it is the subject of the investigation. Since November 25, 2013, the Company has received additional subpoenas from the USAO-MDPA seeking documents relating to certain Western Union agents and Western Union’s agent suspension and termination policies. The government has interviewed several current and former employees and has served grand jury subpoenas seeking testimony from several current and former employees. The government has indicated that it believes Western Union failed to timely terminate or suspend certain Western Union agents who allegedly paid or forwarded thousands of fraud-induced transactions sent from the United States to various countries from at least 2008 to 2012. The government's investigation is ongoing and the Company may receive additional requests for information as part of the investigation. The Company has provided and continues to provide information and documents to the government. Due to the investigative stage of the matter and the fact that no criminal charges or civil claims have been brought, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the government's investigation, or reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, which could be associated with the resolution of any possible charges or claims that may be brought against the Company. Should such charges or claims be brought, the Company could face significant fines, damage awards or regulatory consequences which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
On March 6, 2014, the Company was served with a federal grand jury subpoena issued by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida (“USAO-SDFL”) seeking a variety of AML compliance materials, including documents relating to the Company’s AML, Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”), Suspicious Activity Report (“SAR”) and Currency Transaction Report procedures, transaction monitoring protocols, BSA and AML training programs and publications, AML compliance investigation reports, compliance-related agent termination files, SARs, BSA audits, BSA and AML-related management reports and AML compliance staffing levels. The subpoena also calls for Board meeting minutes and organization charts. The period covered by the subpoena is January 1, 2007 to November 27, 2013. The Company has received additional subpoenas from the USAO-SDFL and the Broward County, Florida Sheriff’s Office relating to the investigation, including a federal grand jury subpoena issued by the USAO-SDFL on March 14, 2014, seeking information about 33 agent locations in Costa Rica such as ownership and operating agreements, SARs and AML compliance and BSA filings for the period January 1, 2008 to November 27, 2013. Subsequently, the USAO-SDFL served the Company with seizure warrants requiring the Company to seize all money transfers sent from the United States to two agent locations located in Costa Rica for a 10-day period beginning in late March 2014. On July 8, 2014, the government served a grand jury subpoena calling for records relating to transactions sent from the United States to Nicaragua and Panama between September 1, 2013 and October 31, 2013. Further, the government recently served Western Union with a subpoena calling for data relating to transactions sent and received by 43 Nicaraguan agents from October 1, 2008 to October 31, 2013 and transactions sent from the United States to the Bahamas, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Haiti from September 1, 2013 to January 2, 2014 and certain documents relating to those agents. The government also advised the Company that it is investigating concerns the Company was aware there were gaming transactions being sent to Panama, Nicaragua, Haiti, Philippines, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and the Bahamas (in addition to Costa Rica) and that the Company failed to take proper steps to stop the activity. The government has also notified the Company that it is a target of the investigation. The government has interviewed several current and former Western Union employees. The government's investigation is ongoing and the Company may receive additional requests for information or seizure warrants as part of the investigation. The Company has provided and continues to provide information and documents to the government. Due to the investigative stage of the matter and the fact that no criminal charges or civil claims have been brought, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the government's investigation, or reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, which could be associated with the resolution of any possible charges or claims that may be brought against the Company. Should such charges or claims be brought, the Company could face significant fines, damage awards or regulatory consequences which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Other Governmental Investigations
Since 2011, Western Union has received civil investigative demands from certain state attorneys general who have initiated an investigation into the adequacy of the Company's consumer protection efforts over the last several years. The civil investigative demands seek information and documents relating to money transfers sent from the United States to certain countries, consumer fraud complaints that the Company has received and the Company's procedures to help identify and prevent fraudulent transfers. Due to the stage of the investigation, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the investigation, or reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, which could be associated with any possible civil claims that might be brought by one or more of the states. Should such claims be brought, the Company could face significant fines, damage awards, or regulatory consequences, or compulsory changes in our business practices, that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The Company has had discussions with the United States Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") regarding the Company's consumer protection and anti-fraud programs. On December 12, 2012, the Company received a civil investigative demand from the FTC requesting that the Company produce (i) all documents relating to communications with the monitor (the "Monitor") appointed pursuant to the agreement and settlement (the "Southwest Border Agreement") Western Union Financial Services, Inc. entered into with the State of Arizona on February 11, 2010, as amended, including information the Company provided to the Monitor and any reports prepared by the Monitor; and (ii) all documents relating to complaints made to the Company by consumers anywhere in the world relating to fraud-induced money transfers since January 1, 2011. On April 15, 2013, the FTC filed a petition in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York requesting an order to compel production of the requested documents. On June 6, 2013, the Court granted in part and denied in part the FTC's request. On August 14, 2013, the FTC filed a notice of appeal. On August 27, 2013, Western Union filed a notice of cross-appeal. On February 21, 2014, the Company received another civil investigative demand from the FTC requesting the production of all documents relating to complaints made to the Company by or on behalf of consumers relating to fraud-induced money transfers that were sent from or received in the United States since January 1, 2004, except for documents that were already produced to the FTC in response to the first civil investigative demand. On October 7, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit entered a summary order reversing in part and vacating and remanding in part the June 6, 2013 order entered by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On October 22, 2014, the Company received another civil investigative demand issued by the FTC requesting documents and information since January 1, 2004 relating to the Company’s consumer fraud program, its policies and procedures governing agent termination, suspension, probation and reactivation, its efforts to comply with its 2005 agreement with 47 states and the District of Columbia regarding consumer fraud prevention, and complaints made to the Company by or on behalf of consumers concerning fraud-induced money transfers that were sent to or from the United States, excluding complaint-related documents that were produced to the FTC in response to the earlier civil investigative demands. The civil investigative demand also seeks various documents concerning approximately 720 agents, including documents relating to the transactions they sent and paid and the Company’s investigations of and communications with them. On July 31, 2015, the Company received another civil investigative demand requesting documents and information relating to the total number of agent and subagent locations in 13 countries annually since 2010, the average and median dollar values for money transfers sent anywhere in the world annually since 2010, copies of the Company’s anti-fraud programs, know your agent policy, know your customer policy, representative agent contracts, transaction data, background investigation documents and fraud complaints associated with four agents in Greece, Peru and Mexico and consumer fraud reports not already produced to the FTC. The Company has responded to each of the civil investigative demands it has received from the FTC. The Company may receive additional civil investigative demands from the FTC, and discussions between the Company and the FTC are ongoing. Due to the investigative stage of the matter and the fact that no claims have been brought, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the government’s investigation, or reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, which could be associated with the resolution of any possible claims that may be brought against the Company.
Shareholder Actions
On December 10, 2013, City of Taylor Police and Fire Retirement System filed a purported class action complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado against The Western Union Company, its President and Chief Executive Officer and a former executive officer of the Company, asserting claims under sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) and Securities and Exchange Commission rule 10b-5 against all defendants. On September 26, 2014, the Court appointed SEB Asset Management S.A. and SEB Investment Management AB as lead plaintiffs. On October 27, 2014, lead plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint, which asserts the same claims as the original complaint, except that it brings the claims under section 20(a) of the Exchange Act only against the individual defendants. The consolidated amended complaint also adds as a defendant another former executive officer of the Company. The consolidated amended complaint alleges that, during the purported class period, February 7, 2012 through October 30, 2012, defendants made false or misleading statements or failed to disclose adverse material facts known to them, including those regarding: (1) the competitive advantage the Company derived from its compliance program; (2) the Company’s ability to increase market share, make limited price adjustments and withstand competitive pressures; (3) the effect of compliance measures under the Southwest Border Agreement on agent retention and business in Mexico; and (4) the Company’s progress in implementing an anti-money laundering program for the Southwest Border Area. On December 11, 2014, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint. The Court referred the motion to a Magistrate Judge, who, on April 14, 2015, issued a report and recommendation, which recommended that the defendants’ motion to dismiss be granted and that the consolidated amended complaint be dismissed in full. On April 28, 2015, plaintiffs filed objections to the report and recommendation. On September 29, 2015, the Court (a) overruled in part and sustained in part plaintiffs’ objections to the report and recommendation; (b) adopted in part the recommendation; (c) granted in part and denied in part defendants’ motion to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint; and (d) dismissed the claims against one of the individual defendants and denied the motion as to the remaining defendants. In particular, the Court denied the motion to dismiss as to certain statements made by the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and a former executive officer during an investor conference call on July 24, 2012, related to category (3) above concerning the effect of compliance measures under the Southwest Border Agreement on agent retention and business in Mexico. On November 3, 2015, defendants filed an answer to the consolidated amended complaint. On February 5, 2016, plaintiffs notified the Court that a witness on whom they had relied in bringing their claims did not have firsthand knowledge of events occurring at Western Union during calendar year 2012, and that without the witness’ support of their claims the consolidated amended complaint would not have survived the defendants’ motion to dismiss. The same day, plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the consolidated amended complaint with prejudice.
On January 13, 2014, Natalie Gordon served the Company with a Verified Shareholder Derivative Complaint and Jury Demand that was filed in District Court, Douglas County, Colorado naming the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, one of its former executive officers, one of its former directors, and all but one of its current directors as individual defendants, and the Company as a nominal defendant. The complaint asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty and gross mismanagement against all of the individual defendants and unjust enrichment against the President and Chief Executive Officer and the former executive officer based on allegations that between February 12, 2012 to October 30, 2012, the individual defendants made or caused the Company to issue false and misleading statements or failed to make adequate disclosures regarding the effects of the Southwest Border Agreement, including regarding the anticipated costs of compliance with the Southwest Border Agreement, potential effects on business operations, and Company projections. Plaintiff also alleges that the individual defendants caused or allowed the Company to lack requisite internal controls, caused or allowed financial statements to be misstated, and caused the Company to be subject to the costs, expenses and liabilities associated with the City of Taylor Police and Fire Retirement System lawsuit. Plaintiff further alleges that the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and the former executive officer received excessive compensation based on the allegedly inaccurate financial statements. On March 12, 2014, the Court entered an order granting the parties' joint motion to stay proceedings in the case during the pendency of certain of the shareholder derivative actions described below.
In 2014, Stanley Lieblein, R. Andre Klein, City of Cambridge Retirement System, Mayar Fund Ltd, Louisiana Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System, and MARTA/ATU Local 732 Employees Retirement Plan filed shareholder derivative complaints in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado naming the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and certain current and former directors and a former executive officer as individual defendants and the Company as a nominal defendant. On January 5, 2015, the court entered an order consolidating the actions and appointing City of Cambridge Retirement System and MARTA/ATU Local 732 Employees Retirement Plan as co-lead plaintiffs. On February 4, 2015, co-lead plaintiffs filed a verified consolidated shareholder derivative complaint naming the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, two of its former executive officers and all but two of its current directors as individual defendants, and the Company as a nominal defendant. The consolidated complaint asserts separate claims for breach of fiduciary duty against the director defendants and the officer defendants, claims against all of the individual defendants for violations of section 14(a) of the Exchange Act, corporate waste and unjust enrichment, and a claim against the former executive officer for breach of fiduciary duties for insider selling and misappropriation of information. The breach of fiduciary duty claim against the director defendants includes allegations that they declined to implement an effective anti-money laundering compliance system after receiving numerous red flags indicating prolonged willful illegality, obstructed the Southwest Border Monitor's efforts to impose effective compliance systems on the Company, failed to take action in response to alleged Western Union management efforts to undermine the Monitor, reappointed the same directors to the Audit Committee and Corporate Governance and Public Policy Committees constituting a majority of those committees between 2006 and 2014, appointed a majority of directors to the Compliance Committee who were directly involved in overseeing the alleged misconduct as members of the Audit Committee and the Corporate Governance and Public Policy Committee, caused the Company to materially breach the Southwest Border Agreement, caused the Company to repurchase its stock at artificially inflated prices, awarded the Company’s senior executives excessive compensation despite their responsibility for the Company’s alleged willful non-compliance with state and federal anti-money laundering laws, and failed to prevent the former executive officer from misappropriating and profiting from nonpublic information when making allegedly unlawful stock sales. The breach of fiduciary duty claim against the officer defendants includes allegations that they caused the Company and allowed its agents to ignore the recording and reporting requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act and parallel anti-money laundering laws and regulations for a prolonged period of time, authorized and implemented anti-money laundering policies and practices that they knew or should have known to be inadequate, caused the Company to fail to comply with the Southwest Border Agreement and refused to implement and maintain adequate internal controls. The claim for violations of section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act includes allegations that the individual defendants caused the Company to issue proxy statements in 2012, 2013 and 2014 containing materially incomplete and inaccurate disclosures - in particular, by failing to disclose the extent to which the Company’s financial results depended on the non-compliance with AML requirements, the Board’s awareness of the regulatory and criminal enforcement actions in real time pursuant to the 2003 Consent Agreement with the California Department of Financial Institutions and that the directors were not curing violations and preventing misconduct, the extent to which the Board considered the flood of increasingly severe red flags in their determination to re-nominate certain directors to the Audit Committee between 2006 and 2010, and the extent to which the Board considered ongoing regulatory and criminal investigations in awarding multi-million dollar compensation packages to senior executives. The corporate waste claim includes allegations that the individual defendants paid or approved the payment of undeserved executive and director compensation based on the illegal conduct alleged in the consolidated complaint, which exposed the Company to civil liabilities and fines. The corporate waste claim also includes allegations that the individual defendants made improper statements and omissions, which forced the Company to expend resources in defending itself in the City of Taylor Police and Fire Retirement System action described above, authorized the repurchase of over $1.565 billion of the Company’s stock at prices they knew or recklessly were aware, were artificially inflated, failed to maintain sufficient internal controls over the Company’s marketing and sales process, failed to consider the interests of the Company and its shareholders, and failed to conduct the proper supervision. The claim for unjust enrichment includes allegations that the individual defendants derived compensation, fees and other benefits from the Company and were otherwise unjustly enriched by their wrongful acts and omissions in managing the Company. The claim for breach of fiduciary duties for insider selling and misappropriation of information includes allegations that the former executive sold Company stock while knowing material, nonpublic information that would have significantly reduced the market price of the stock. On March 16, 2015, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated complaint.
On December 10, 2014, The Police Retirement System of St. Louis filed a Verified Shareholder Derivative Complaint in District Court, Denver County, Colorado, naming the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, one of its former executive officers, three of its former directors and all but two of its current directors as individual defendants, and the Company as a nominal defendant. The complaint asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment, based on allegations that the individual defendants (1) caused the Company to fail to comply with its obligations under the Southwest Border Agreement; (2) misrepresented the costs and impact of the Southwest Border Agreement; (3) caused the Company to repurchase its stock at artificially inflated prices; (4) failed to implement and maintain adequate internal controls; (5) knowingly or recklessly reviewed and approved improper statements in the Company’s public filings, press releases and conference calls; (6) failed to ensure the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (7) facilitated the use of the Company’s operations for money-laundering and other various crimes, including human trafficking; (8) forced the Company to expend valuable resources in defending itself in the City of Taylor Police and Fire Retirement System action described above; and (9) paid improper compensation and bonuses to certain of the Company’s executives and directors who allegedly breached their fiduciary duties. The complaint also alleges that the individual defendants were unjustly enriched as a result of the compensation and director remuneration they received while breaching their fiduciary duties and that the former executive officer sold Company stock while in possession of material, adverse, non-public information that artificially inflated the price of Western Union stock. On December 17, 2014, one of the individual defendants removed the case to the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. On January 16, 2015, plaintiff filed a motion to remand the case to state court. On February 9, 2015, the individual defendant who removed the case filed an opposition to the motion to remand. On February 26, 2015, plaintiff filed a reply brief in support of its motion to remand. On April 23, 2015, the Court issued an order denying the motion to remand. The Company filed a motion to consolidate this action with the Lieblein action described above, which the plaintiff opposed. On April 23, 2015, the Court issued an order granting the motion to consolidate.
All of the actions described above under "Shareholder Actions" are in a preliminary stage and the Company is unable to predict the outcome, or reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, which could be associated with these actions. The Company and the named individuals intend to vigorously defend themselves in all of these matters.
Other Matters
On March 12, 2014, Jason Douglas filed a purported class action complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois asserting a claim under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, 47 U.S.C. § 227, et seq., based on allegations that since 2009, the Company has sent text messages to class members’ wireless telephones without their consent. During the first quarter of 2015, the Company's insurance carrier and the plaintiff reached an agreement to create an $8.5 million settlement fund that will be used to pay all class member claims, class counsel’s fees and the costs of administering the settlement. The agreement has been signed by the parties and, on November 10, 2015, the Court granted preliminary approval to the settlement. The Company accrued an amount equal to the retention under its insurance policy in previous quarters and believes that any amounts in excess of this accrual will be covered by the insurer. However, if the Company's insurer is unable to or refuses to satisfy its obligations under the policy or the parties are unable to reach a definitive agreement or otherwise agree on a resolution, the Company's financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely impacted. As the parties have reached an agreement in this matter, the Company believes that the potential for additional loss in excess of amounts already accrued is remote.
On February 10, 2015, Caryn Pincus filed a purported class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Speedpay, Inc. (“Speedpay”), a subsidiary of the Company, asserting claims based on allegations that Speedpay imposed an unlawful surcharge on credit card transactions and that Speedpay engages in money transmission without a license. The complaint requests certification of a class and two subclasses generally comprised of consumers in Florida who made a payment through Speedpay’s bill payment services using a credit card and were charged a surcharge for such payment during the four-year and five-year periods prior to the filing of the complaint through the date of class certification. On April 6, 2015, Speedpay filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. On April 23, 2015, in response to the motion to dismiss, Pincus filed an amended complaint that adds claims (1) under the Florida Civil Remedies for Criminal Practices Act, which authorizes civil remedies for certain criminal conduct; and (2) for violation of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. On May 15, 2015, Speedpay filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. On October 6, 2015, the Court entered an order denying Speedpay’s motion to dismiss. On October 20, 2015, Speedpay filed an answer to the amended complaint. On December 1, 2015, Pincus filed a second amended complaint that revised her factual allegations, but added no new claims. On December 18, 2015, Speedpay filed an answer to the second amended complaint. As this action is in a preliminary stage, the Company is unable to predict the outcome, or the possible loss or range of loss, if any, which could be associated with this action. Speedpay intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter.
In addition to the principal matters described above and the matters described in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 5, "Commitments and Contingencies," the Company is a party to a variety of other legal matters that arise in the normal course of the Company's business. While the results of these other legal matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the final outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect either individually or in the aggregate on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

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ITEM 4. RESERVED
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WU." There were 3,861 stockholders of record as of February 12, 2016. This figure does not include an estimate of the indeterminate number of beneficial holders whose shares may be held of record by brokerage firms and clearing agencies. The following table presents the high and low prices of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange as well as dividends declared per share during the calendar quarter indicated.
The following table sets forth stock repurchases for each of the three months of the quarter ended December 31, 2015:
____________
*
These amounts represent both shares authorized by the Board of Directors for repurchase under a publicly announced authorization, as described below, as well as shares withheld from employees to cover tax withholding obligations on restricted stock units that have vested.
**
On February 10, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized $1.2 billion of common stock repurchases through December 31, 2017, of which $711.9 remained available as of December 31, 2015. In certain instances, management has historically and may continue to establish prearranged written plans pursuant to Rule 10b5-1. A Rule 10b5-1 plan permits us to repurchase shares at times when we may otherwise be unable to do so, provided the plan is adopted when we are not aware of material non-public information.
Refer to Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 16, "Stock Compensation Plans" and Part III, Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters for information related to our equity compensation plans.
Dividend Policy and Share Repurchases
During 2015, the Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.155 per common share payable on December 31, 2015, September 30, 2015, June 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015. During 2014, the Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.125 per common share payable on December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014, June 30, 2014 and March 31, 2014. The declaration or authorization and amount of future dividends or share repurchases will be determined by the Board of Directors and will depend on our financial condition, earnings, cash generated or made available in the U.S., capital requirements, regulatory constraints, industry practice and any other factors that the Board of Directors believes are relevant. As a holding company with no material assets other than the capital stock of our subsidiaries, our ability to pay dividends or repurchase shares in future periods will be dependent primarily on our ability to use cash generated by our operating subsidiaries. Several of our operating subsidiaries are subject to financial services regulations and their ability to pay dividends and distribute cash may be restricted.
On February 9, 2016, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per common share payable on March 31, 2016.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The financial information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is presented on a consolidated basis and includes the accounts of the Company and our majority-owned subsidiaries. Our selected historical financial data are not necessarily indicative of our future financial condition, future results of operations or future cash flows.
You should read the information set forth below in conjunction with our historical consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
____________
(a)
Revenue for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 included $238.5 million and $35.2 million, respectively, of revenue related to Travelex Global Business Payments ("TGBP"), which was acquired in November 2011 and is included in our Business Solutions segment.
(b)
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 included $46.8 million of restructuring and related expenses, respectively, associated with a restructuring plan designed to reduce overall headcount and migrate positions from various facilities, primarily within the United States and Europe, to regional operating centers.
(c)
During the year ended December 31, 2015, operating expenses included $35.3 million of expenses as a result of a settlement agreement between the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and one of our subsidiaries, Paymap, Inc., which operates solely in the United States. For further discussion of this matter, see Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 5, "Commitments and Contingencies."
(d)
Interest income consists of interest earned on cash balances not required to satisfy settlement obligations.
(e)
Interest expense primarily relates to our outstanding borrowings.
(f)
In 2011, we recognized gains of $20.5 million and $29.4 million, in connection with the remeasurement of our former equity interests in Finint S.r.l. and Angelo Costa S.r.l., respectively, to fair value. These equity interests were remeasured in conjunction with our purchases of the remaining interests in these entities that we previously did not hold. Additionally, in 2011, we recognized a $20.8 million net gain on foreign currency forward contracts entered into in order to reduce the economic variability related to the cash amounts used to fund acquisitions of businesses with purchase prices denominated in foreign currencies, primarily for the TGBP acquisition.
(g)
In December 2011, we reached an agreement with the United States Internal Revenue Service ("IRS Agreement") resolving substantially all of the issues related to the restructuring of our international operations in 2003. As a result of the IRS Agreement, we recognized a tax benefit of $204.7 million related to the adjustment of reserves associated with this matter.
(h)
Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2012 was impacted by tax payments of $92.4 million made as a result of the IRS Agreement.
(i)
Capital expenditures include capitalization of contract costs, capitalization of purchased and developed software and purchases of property and equipment.
(j)
On February 10, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized $1.2 billion of common stock repurchases through December 31, 2017, of which $711.9 million remained available as of December 31, 2015. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011, we repurchased 25.1 million, 29.3 million, 25.7 million, 51.0 million, and 40.3 million shares, respectively.
(k)
Cash dividends per share declared quarterly by the Company's Board of Directors were as follows:
Year
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
$
0.155
$
0.155
$
0.155
$
0.155
$
0.125
$
0.125
$
0.125
$
0.125
$
0.125
$
0.125
$
0.125
$
0.125
$
0.10
$
0.10
$
0.10
$
0.125
$
0.07
$
0.08
$
0.08
$
0.08

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain statements contained in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry, business and future financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See "Risk Factors" and "Forward-looking Statements."
Overview
We are a leading provider of money movement and payment services, operating in three business segments:
•
Consumer-to-Consumer - The Consumer-to-Consumer operating segment facilitates money transfers between two consumers, primarily through a network of third-party agents. Our multi-currency, real-time money transfer service is viewed by us as one interconnected global network where a money transfer can be sent from one location to another, around the world. Our money transfer services are available for international cross-border transfers - that is, the transfer of funds from one country to another - and, in certain countries, intra-country transfers - that is, money transfers from one location to another in the same country. This segment also includes money transfer transactions that can be initiated through websites, mobile devices, and account-based services.
•
Consumer-to-Business - The Consumer-to-Business operating segment facilitates bill payments from consumers to businesses and other organizations, including utilities, auto finance companies, mortgage servicers, financial service providers, government agencies and other businesses. The significant majority of the segment's revenue was generated in the United States during all periods presented, with the remainder primarily generated in Argentina.
•
Business Solutions - The Business Solutions operating segment facilitates payment and foreign exchange solutions, primarily cross-border, cross-currency transactions, for small and medium size enterprises and other organizations and individuals. The majority of the segment's business relates to exchanges of currency at spot rates, which enable customers to make cross-currency payments. In addition, in certain countries, we write foreign currency forward and option contracts for customers to facilitate future payments.
All businesses that have not been classified in the above segments are reported as "Other" and include our money order and other businesses and services, in addition to costs for the review and closing of acquisitions.
Results of Operations
The following discussion of our consolidated results of operations and segment results refers to the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The results of operations should be read in conjunction with the discussion of our segment results of operations, which provide more detailed discussions concerning certain components of the Consolidated Statements of Income. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions between our segments have been eliminated and the below information has been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP").
Our operating income for the year ended December 31, 2015 was negatively impacted by $35.3 million of expenses recorded in the second quarter of 2015 for a settlement agreement between the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the "CFPB") and one of our subsidiaries, Paymap, Inc., which operates solely in the United States, related to restitution, penalties, and other costs (the "Paymap Settlement Agreement"). These charges are reflected within "Selling, general and administrative" expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income and have been recognized within our Consumer-to-Business operating segment.
The following table sets forth our consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
____________
(a)
Calculation not meaningful
Revenues overview
Transaction volume is the primary generator of revenue in our businesses. Transaction fees represent fees that consumers pay when they send money or make payments. Consumer-to-Consumer transaction fees generally vary according to the principal amount of the money transfer and the locations from and to which the funds are sent and received. Additionally, in certain consumer money transfer, bill payment and Business Solutions transactions involving different send and receive currencies, we generate foreign exchange revenues based on the difference between the exchange rate set by us to the consumer or business and the rate at which we or our agents are able to acquire the currency. In our Consumer-to-Consumer business, foreign exchange revenue is primarily driven by international Consumer-to-Consumer cross-currency transactions. The significant majority of transaction fees and foreign exchange revenues were contributed by our Consumer-to-Consumer segment for all periods presented, which is discussed in greater detail in "Segment Discussion."
We use foreign currency forwards to hedge certain foreign exchange impacts on our forecasted revenues. To the extent these derivatives are effective in managing our foreign exchange risk, we reflect the hedge impact in revenues in the period the hedged revenues are recorded.
2015 compared to 2014
During the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 2014, consolidated revenues decreased 2% primarily due to the strengthening of the United States dollar compared to foreign currencies, which negatively impacted revenue by 6%, net of the impact of foreign currency hedges. This decrease was partially offset by transaction growth of 3% in our Consumer-to-Consumer segment for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other currencies, net of the impact of foreign currency hedges, resulted in a reduction to revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $322.6 million over the previous year. Foreign currency hedges benefited revenues by $77.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.
2014 compared to 2013
During the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013, consolidated revenues increased 1% primarily due to 5% transaction growth in our Consumer-to-Consumer segment. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other currencies, net of the impact of foreign currency hedges, negatively impacted consolidated revenue growth by approximately 3% in the year ended December 31, 2014.
Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other currencies, net of the impact of foreign currency hedges, resulted in a reduction to revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014 of $157.5 million over the previous year. Foreign currency hedges benefited revenues by $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Foreign exchange revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to increased amounts of cross-border principal sent in our Consumer-to-Consumer segment, increases in our retail walk-in foreign exchange services due to our acquisition of the Brazilian foreign exchange operations of Fitta DTVM S.A and Fitta Turismo Ltd ("Fitta") in the first quarter of 2014, and growth in our Business Solutions segment.
Operating expenses overview
Enhanced regulatory compliance
The financial services industry, including money services businesses, continues to be subject to increasingly strict legal and regulatory requirements, and we regularly review our compliance programs. In connection with these reviews, and in light of growing and rapidly evolving regulatory complexity and heightened attention of, and increased dialogue with, governmental and regulatory authorities related to our compliance activities, we have made, and continue to make enhancements to our processes and systems designed to detect and prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and fraud and other illicit activity, along with enhancements to improve consumer protection related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and similar regulations outside the United States, and other matters. In coming periods we expect these enhancements will continue to result in changes to certain of our business practices and increased costs. Some of these changes have had, and we believe will continue to have, an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Cost of services
Cost of services primarily consists of agent commissions, which represented more than 60% of total cost of services for the year ended December 31, 2015. Cost of services decreased for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year due to variable costs that generally fluctuate with revenues, including agent commissions, and benefits from and lower costs related to productivity and cost-savings initiatives, partially offset by increased technology expenses. For further discussion of our productivity and cost-savings initiatives, see Note 3 to Part II, Item 8, Financial Statement and Supplementary Data.
Cost of services increased for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year due to variable costs that generally fluctuate with revenues and transactions, such as agent commissions and bank-related fees. Additionally, cost of services increased due to higher bank-related fees in our Consumer-to-Business and Business Solutions segments and higher agent commission rates in the walk-in services of our Consumer-to-Consumer segment, primarily from the renewal of certain strategic agent agreements. These increases were partially offset by benefits from our productivity and cost-savings initiatives. Additionally, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other currencies resulted in a positive impact on the translation of our expenses.
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses were flat for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year and were impacted by the Paymap Settlement Agreement, increased incentive compensation expenses, and increased compliance program costs (see "Enhanced regulatory compliance"), partially offset by benefits from and lower costs related to productivity and cost-savings initiatives. Additionally, the strengthening of the United States dollar compared to foreign currencies resulted in a positive impact on the translation of our expenses.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year due to benefits from our productivity and cost-savings initiatives and decreased integration costs related to the acquisition of Travelex Global Business Payments ("TGBP"). During the year ended December 31, 2013, we incurred $19.3 million of integration expenses related to the acquisition of TGBP, consisting primarily of severance and other benefits, retention, direct and incremental expense consisting of facility relocation, consolidation and closures; IT systems integration; amortization of a transitional trademark license; and other expenses such as training, travel and professional fees. These benefits were partially offset by increased compliance program and legal costs. Additionally, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other currencies resulted in a positive impact on the translation of our expenses.
Total other expense, net
Total other expense, net during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year decreased by 3% due to lower interest expense primarily related to lower average debt balances outstanding. Average debt balances outstanding were $3,636.0 million and $3,843.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in average debt balances outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year was primarily due to the repayment of $500 million of our notes in February 2014, $250 million of our notes in August 2015, and $250 million of our notes in December 2015.
Total other expense, net was materially consistent for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year.
Income taxes
Our effective tax rates on pre-tax income were 11.0%, 12.0% and 13.9% for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The decrease in our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to various tax planning benefits, some of which are non-recurring, partially offset by changes in the composition of foreign earnings between higher taxed and lower taxed and the combined effects of various discrete items. The decrease in our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013 is primarily due to the combined effect of various discrete items, including those related to foreign currency fluctuations on certain income tax attributes, and changes in tax contingency reserves, partially offset by changes in the composition of earnings between foreign and domestic.
We continue to benefit from a significant proportion of profits being foreign-derived and generally taxed at lower rates than our combined federal and state tax rates in the United States. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 103%, 96% and 103%, respectively, of our pre-tax income was derived from foreign sources. Our foreign pre-tax income is subject to tax in multiple foreign jurisdictions, virtually all of which have statutory income tax rates lower than the United States. While the income tax imposed by any one foreign country is not material to us, our overall effective tax rate could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws, both foreign and domestic. Certain portions of our foreign source income are subject to United States federal and state income tax as earned due to the nature of the income, and dividend repatriations of our foreign source income are generally subject to United States federal and state income tax.
We have established contingency reserves for a variety of material, known tax exposures. As of December 31, 2015, the total amount of tax contingency reserves was $113.1 million, including accrued interest and penalties, net of related items. Our tax reserves reflect our judgment as to the resolution of the issues involved if subject to judicial review or other settlement. While we believe that our reserves are adequate to cover reasonably expected tax risks, there can be no assurance that, in all instances, an issue raised by a tax authority will be resolved at a financial cost that does not exceed our related reserve. With respect to these reserves, our income tax expense would include (i) any changes in tax reserves arising from material changes during the period in facts and circumstances (i.e. new information) surrounding a tax issue and (ii) any difference from our tax position as recorded in the financial statements and the final resolution of a tax issue during the period. Such resolution could materially increase or decrease income tax expense in our consolidated financial statements in future periods and could impact our operating cash flows.
Earnings per share
During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, basic earnings per share were $1.63, $1.60 and $1.43, respectively, and diluted earnings per share were $1.62, $1.59 and $1.43, respectively. Outstanding options to purchase Western Union stock and unvested shares of restricted stock are excluded from basic shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock options at the presented dates are exercised and shares of restricted stock have vested. As of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, there were 6.0 million, 15.5 million and 21.2 million, respectively, of outstanding options to purchase shares of Western Union stock excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation under the treasury stock method as their effect was anti-dilutive.
Earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 compared to the prior year increased due to lower weighted-average shares outstanding. Earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2014 also increased due to the previously described factors impacting net income. For both the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 compared to the prior year, the lower number of shares outstanding was due to stock repurchases exceeding stock issuances related to the Company's stock compensation programs.
Segment Discussion
We manage our business around the consumers and businesses we serve and the types of services we offer. Each of our three segments addresses a different combination of consumer groups, distribution networks and services offered. Our segments are Consumer-to-Consumer, Consumer-to-Business and Business Solutions. Businesses and services not considered part of these segments are categorized as "Other."
The business segment measurements provided to, and evaluated by, our chief operating decision maker are computed in accordance with the following principles:
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The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.
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Corporate and other overhead is allocated to the segments primarily based on a percentage of the segments' revenue compared to total revenue.
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Costs incurred for the review and closing of acquisitions are included in "Other."
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All items not included in operating income are excluded from the segments.
The following table sets forth the components of segment revenues as a percentage of the consolidated totals for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Consumer-to-Consumer Segment
The following table sets forth our Consumer-to-Consumer segment results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
We view our Consumer-to-Consumer money transfer service as one interconnected global network where a money transfer can be sent from one location to another, around the world. The segment includes five geographic regions whose functions are limited to generating, managing and maintaining agent relationships and localized marketing activities and also includes our online money transfer service conducted through Western Union branded websites ("westernunion.com"). By means of common processes and systems, these regions and westernunion.com create an interconnected network for consumer transactions, thereby constituting one global Consumer-to-Consumer money transfer business and one operating segment.
Significant allocations are made in determining the transaction and revenue changes under the regional view in the tables that follow. The geographic split for transactions and revenue is determined based upon the region where the money transfer is initiated and the region where the money transfer is paid. For transactions originated and paid in different regions, we split the transaction count and revenue between the two regions, with each region receiving 50%. For money transfers initiated and paid in the same region, 100% of the revenue and transactions are attributed to that region. For money transfers initiated through our websites, 100% of the revenue and transactions are attributed to westernunion.com.
Due to the significance of our Consumer-to-Consumer segment to our overall results and the effect that foreign exchange fluctuations against the United States dollar can have on our reported revenues, constant currency results have been provided in the table below. Constant currency is a non-GAAP financial measure and is provided so that revenue can be viewed without the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, which is consistent with how management evaluates our revenue results and trends. This constant currency disclosure is provided in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the year-over-year percentage change in revenue on a GAAP basis. Other companies may calculate and define similarly labeled items differently, which may limit the usefulness of this measure for comparative purposes.
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(a)
Constant currency revenue growth assumes that revenues denominated in foreign currencies are translated to the U.S. dollar, net of the effect of foreign currency hedges, at rates consistent with those in the prior year.
(b)
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 compared to the prior year, the foreign exchange translation impact is primarily the result of fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and various South American currencies.
The table below sets forth transaction changes by geographic region and westernunion.com compared to the prior year and revenues as a percentage of consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
We provide domestic money transfer services (transactions between and within the United States and Canada), which are included in North America and westernunion.com in the tables above. These services represented approximately 8% of our consolidated revenue for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.
Our consumers transferred $81.6 billion, $85.4 billion, and $82.0 billion in Consumer-to-Consumer principal for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, of which $73.6 billion, $77.2 billion, and $73.9 billion related to cross-border principal, for the same corresponding periods described above.
Revenues
2015 compared to 2014
Consumer-to-Consumer money transfer revenue decreased 3% for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year. The strengthening of the United States dollar compared to foreign currencies, net of the impact of foreign currency hedges, negatively impacted revenue by 6% for the year ended December 31, 2015. This decline was partially offset by transaction growth of 3%.
Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other currencies, net of the impact of foreign currency hedges, resulted in a reduction to revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $256.0 million over the previous year. Foreign currency hedges benefited revenues by $77.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Our Europe and CIS region experienced decreased revenue of 9% for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year and transaction growth of 1%. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and the euro and other currencies, net of the impact of foreign currency hedges, negatively impacted revenue by 10% for the year ended December 31, 2015. Transaction declines in Russia also contributed to the decrease in revenue.
Our North America region experienced decreased revenue of 1% for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year and transaction growth of 4%. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to declines in our retail domestic money transfer services in the United States, which moderated in the second half of 2015, and fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other currencies, net of the impact of foreign currency hedges, which negatively impacted revenue by 1% for the year ended December 31, 2015. Our retail domestic money transfer revenues were negatively impacted by pricing actions taken by competitors in the retail money transfer market and subsequent pricing reductions we implemented beginning in the second quarter of 2015. These declines were partially offset by transaction growth in our United States outbound services, including our United States to Mexico and Latin America corridors.
Our Middle East and Africa region experienced decreased revenue of 4% for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year, on decreased transactions of 1%. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other currencies negatively impacted revenue by 5% for the year ended December 31, 2015. Transaction declines in several African countries also contributed to the decrease in revenue, partially offset by strength in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Our APAC region experienced decreased revenue of 6% for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year, on decreased transactions of 4%. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other currencies, net of the impact of foreign currency hedges, negatively impacted revenue by 5% for the year ended December 31, 2015. Transaction declines in the Philippines and other Asian inbound markets also contributed to the decrease in revenue, partially offset by growth in Japan.
Our LACA region experienced revenue growth of 2% for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to prior year, on transaction growth of 7%. The region experienced growth from transactions originated in the United States, as discussed above. The region was also positively impacted by geographic and product mix for the year ended December 31, 2015. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other currencies negatively impacted revenue by 7% for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Westernunion.com experienced revenue growth of 21% for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year on transaction growth of 26%. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other currencies negatively impacted revenue by 5% for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Foreign exchange revenues increased 6% for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year, primarily due to increases in foreign exchange spreads, which were largely offset by corresponding reductions in transaction fees in certain corridors.
We have historically implemented and will likely continue to implement price reductions from time to time in response to competition and other factors. Price reductions generally reduce margins and adversely affect financial results in the short term and may also adversely affect financial results in the long term if transaction volumes do not increase sufficiently. Consumer-to-Consumer net pricing changes had a minimal impact on our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015.
2014 compared to 2013
For the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year, Consumer-to-Consumer money transfer revenue increased 1%, driven by strong results in westernunion.com. Revenue increased primarily due to transaction growth of 5%, partially offset by price reductions and geographic and product mix. For the year ended December 31, 2014, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other currencies, net of the impact of foreign currency hedges, negatively impacted revenue by 2%.
Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other currencies, net of the impact of foreign currency hedges, resulted in a reduction to revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014 of $80.7 million over the previous year. Foreign currency hedges benefited revenues by $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Our Europe and CIS region experienced flat revenue on transaction growth of 9% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. Revenue was negatively impacted by geographic and product mix and price reductions. Russia experienced strong transaction growth for most of the year but such growth moderated significantly toward the end of 2014; Russia typically generates lower revenue per transaction than the average in this region.
Our North America region experienced revenue growth of 1%, on transaction growth of 3% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. The increase in revenue primarily resulted from transaction growth in our United States outbound and Mexico corridors and was offset by declines in our domestic money transfer services. Our domestic money transfer services in the United States were negatively impacted by declines in higher principal band transactions, which generate higher revenue per transaction, primarily due to competitive prices in the retail money transfer market.
Our Middle East and Africa region experienced revenue growth of 2%, on transaction growth of 3% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. This increase was primarily driven by growth in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, partially offset by declines in several African countries, including Libya.
Our APAC region experienced flat revenue on transaction growth of 1% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. The differential between the revenue and transaction change was primarily due to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other foreign currencies in the region, net of the impact of foreign currency hedges, partially offset by geographic and product mix.
Our LACA region experienced decreased revenue of 6%, and transaction growth of 3% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. Revenue was negatively impacted by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and the Argentine peso and other foreign currencies in the region and by government imposed restrictions on the market in Venezuela.
Westernunion.com experienced revenue growth of 28% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year, on transaction growth of 39%.
Foreign exchange revenues increased 2% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the previous year, primarily due to a 5% increase in cross-border principal.
Consumer-to-Consumer price reductions totaled approximately 1% of both our Consumer-to-Consumer revenue and consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Operating income
2015 compared to 2014
Consumer-to-Consumer operating income declined 1% during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year. Results for the year ended December 31, 2015 were impacted by increased technology expenses, increased compliance program costs, and increased incentive compensation expenses, partially offset by benefits from and lower costs related to productivity and cost-savings initiatives. Results were also impacted by foreign currency translation, as the strengthening of the United States dollar compared to foreign currencies resulted in lower reported revenues and expenses. Revenue declines are described above. The change in operating margins in the segment was primarily due to benefits from foreign currency hedges, as well as the other factors mentioned above.
2014 compared to 2013
Consumer-to-Consumer operating income increased 2% during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year primarily due to the revenue increases described above and benefits from our productivity and cost-savings initiatives. These increases were partially offset by higher agent commissions, which generally increase as revenue increases, including increases in agent commission rates in our walk-in services primarily due to the renewal of certain strategic agent agreements, and increased compliance program costs. The change in operating income margins in the segment was due to the same factors mentioned above.
Consumer-to-Business Segment
The table below sets forth our Consumer-to-Business segment results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. To assist in evaluating the comparable periods' results, we are including additional line items in the table below reflecting Consumer-to-Business operating income and operating income margin excluding the effect of the $35.3 million of expenses related to the Paymap Settlement Agreement, recorded in the second quarter of 2015. Operating income, excluding Paymap Settlement Agreement, and operating income margin, excluding Paymap Settlement Agreement, are non-GAAP financial measures and are used by management in evaluating the operating income results and trends of our Consumer-to-Business segment. This disclosure is provided in addition to, and not as a substitute for, operating income and operating income margin on a GAAP basis for the year ended December 31, 2015.
____________________
(a)
Calculation not meaningful or not applicable
Revenues
2015 compared to 2014
For the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year, Consumer-to-Business revenue increased 6%, primarily due to increases in our bill payments in Argentina and United States electronic bill payments, partially offset by continued declines in our United States cash-based bill payments. The strengthening of the United States dollar against the Argentine peso negatively impacted our Consumer-to-Business revenue growth by 5% for the year ended December 31, 2015.
2014 compared to 2013
Consumer-to-Business revenue decreased 2% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year, primarily due to the strengthening of the United States dollar against the Argentine peso, which negatively impacted our Consumer-to-Business revenue growth by 12%, and declines in our United States cash-based bill payments. These decreases were partially offset by growth in our United States electronic bill payments.
Operating income
2015 compared to 2014
Operating income decreased for the year ended December 31, 2015 when compared to the prior year, primarily due to the Paymap Settlement Agreement and increased technology expenses, partially offset by revenue increases previously described and lower costs related to productivity and cost-savings initiatives as well as benefits from those initiatives. The change in operating margins in the segment was primarily due to the Paymap Settlement Agreement.
2014 compared to 2013
Operating income decreased for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the previous year. The decrease was primarily due to higher bank-related fees resulting from changes in funding in our growing United States electronic bill payments as a result of increased credit card usage from our customers and larger principal transactions, in addition to the items which impacted revenues described earlier. The change in operating margins in the segment was due to these same factors.
Business Solutions
The following table sets forth our Business Solutions segment results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
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(a)
Calculation not meaningful.
Revenues
2015 compared to 2014
For the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year, Business Solutions revenue decreased 1%. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other currencies negatively impacted revenue growth by 8% for the year ended December 31, 2015. Revenue from sales of our hedging products increased, primarily in Europe.
2014 compared to 2013
Business Solutions revenue grew 3% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year due to increased customer activity, including the increased use of hedging products. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and other currencies negatively impacted revenue growth by approximately 1%.
Operating income/(loss)
2015 compared to 2014
For the year ended December 31, 2015, operating income was generated compared to an operating loss in the prior year primarily due to benefits from and lower costs related to productivity and cost-savings initiatives. The change in operating margins in the segment was due to these same factors.
2014 compared to 2013
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the operating loss decreased compared to the prior year due to decreased TGBP integration expenses and the revenue increases described above, partially offset by higher bank fees and increased compliance program costs. The change in operating loss margins in the segment was due to these same factors.
Other
The following table sets forth Other results for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
____________
(a)
Calculation not meaningful.
Revenues
2015 compared to 2014
Other revenue decreased for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the prior year primarily due to declines in prepaid services and decreased investment income in our money order business.
2014 compared to 2013
Other revenue increased for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year primarily due to increases in our retail walk-in foreign exchange services resulting from our acquisition of Fitta, and increased investment income in our money order business, partially offset by declines in our prepaid services.
Operating income/(loss)
2015 compared to 2014
During the year ended December 31, 2015, an operating loss was generated compared to operating income in the prior year due to decreased investment income in our money order business, as noted above.
2014 compared to 2013
For the year ended December 31, 2014, we generated operating income due to increased operating income in our prepaid services and increased investment income in our money order business.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
Our primary source of liquidity has been cash generated from our operating activities, primarily from net income and fluctuations in working capital. Our working capital is affected by the timing of interest payments on our outstanding borrowings and timing of income tax payments, among other items. The significant majority of our interest payments are due in the second and fourth quarters which results in a decrease in the amount of cash provided by operating activities in those quarters and a corresponding increase to the first and third quarters.
Our future cash flows could be impacted by a variety of factors, some of which are out of our control, including changes in economic conditions, especially those impacting migrant populations and changes in income tax laws or the status of income tax audits, including the resolution of outstanding tax matters.
A significant portion of our cash flows from operating activities has been generated from subsidiaries, some of which are regulated entities. Our regulated subsidiaries may transfer all excess cash to the parent company for general corporate use, except for assets subject to legal or regulatory restrictions, including: (1) requirements to maintain cash and other qualifying investment balances, free of any liens or other encumbrances, related to the payment of certain of our money transfer and other payment obligations and (2) other legal or regulatory restrictions, including statutory or formalized net worth requirements. Net assets subject to these other legal or regulatory restrictions totaled approximately $300 million as of December 31, 2015, and include assets outside of the United States subject to restrictions from being transferred outside of the countries where these assets are located.
We believe we have adequate liquidity to meet our business needs, service our debt obligations, pay dividends, and repurchase shares through our existing cash balances and our ability to generate cash flows through operations. To help ensure availability of our worldwide cash where needed, we utilize a variety of planning and financial strategies, including decisions related to the amounts, timing and manner by which cash is repatriated or otherwise made available from our international subsidiaries. These decisions can influence our overall tax rate and impact our total liquidity.
We also have the capacity to borrow up to $1.65 billion in the aggregate under our revolving credit facility ("Revolving Credit Facility"), which supports borrowings under our $1.5 billion commercial paper program and expires in September 2020. As of December 31, 2015, we had no outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility or commercial paper program.
Cash and Investment Securities
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1.3 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively. Approximately $950 million was held by our foreign entities as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014. Our ongoing cash management strategies to fund our business needs could cause United States and foreign cash balances to fluctuate.
Repatriating foreign earnings to the United States would, in many cases, result in significant tax obligations because most of these earnings have been taxed at relatively low foreign tax rates compared to our combined federal and state tax rate in the United States. Over the last several years, such earnings have been used to pay for our international acquisitions and operations and provide initial Company funding of global principal payouts for Consumer-to-Consumer and Business Solutions transactions. We regularly evaluate, taking tax consequences and other factors into consideration, our United States cash requirements and also the potential uses of cash internationally to determine the appropriate level of dividend repatriations of our foreign source income.
In many cases, we receive funds from money transfers and certain other payment services before we settle the payment of those transactions. These funds, referred to as "Settlement assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, are not used to support our operations. However, we earn income from investing these funds. We maintain a portion of these settlement assets in highly liquid investments, classified as "Cash and cash equivalents" within "Settlement assets," to fund settlement obligations.
Investment securities, classified within "Settlement assets," were $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and consist primarily of highly-rated state and municipal debt securities, including fixed rate term notes and variable rate demand notes. The substantial majority of our investment securities are held in order to comply with state licensing requirements in the United States and are required to have credit ratings of "A-" or better from a major credit rating agency.
Investment securities are exposed to market risk due to changes in interest rates and credit risk. We regularly monitor credit risk and attempt to mitigate our exposure by investing in highly-rated securities and diversifying our investment portfolio. Our investment securities are also actively managed with respect to concentration. As of December 31, 2015, all investments with a single issuer and each individual security were less than 10% of our investment securities portfolio.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, cash provided by operating activities was $1,071.1 million, $1,045.9 million and $1,088.6 million, respectively. Cash provided by operating activities is impacted by changes to our consolidated net income, in addition to fluctuations in our working capital balances, among other factors.
Financing Resources
As of December 31, 2015, we had the following outstanding borrowings (in millions):
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(a)
The difference between the stated interest rate and the effective interest rate is not significant.
(b)
We utilize interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges to effectively change the interest rate payments on a portion of our notes from fixed-rate payments to short-term LIBOR-based variable rate payments in order to manage our overall exposure to interest rates. The changes in fair value of these interest rate swaps result in an offsetting hedge accounting adjustment recorded to the carrying value of the related note. These hedge accounting adjustments will be reclassified as reductions to or increases in "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the life of the related notes, and cause the effective rate of interest to differ from the notes’ stated rate.
(c)
As of December 31, 2015, our weighted-average effective rate on total borrowings was approximately 4.8%.
Commercial Paper Program
Pursuant to our commercial paper program, we may issue unsecured commercial paper notes in an amount not to exceed $1.5 billion outstanding at any time, reduced to the extent of borrowings outstanding on our Revolving Credit Facility in excess of $150 million. Our commercial paper borrowings may have maturities of up to 397 days from date of issuance. Interest rates for borrowings are based on market rates at the time of issuance. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had no commercial paper borrowings outstanding. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the average commercial paper balance outstanding was $27.0 million and $13.3 million, respectively, and the maximum balance outstanding was $440.0 million and $200.0 million, respectively. We had a maximum balance outstanding of $50 million for one day during the year ended December 31, 2013. Proceeds from our commercial paper borrowings were used for general corporate purposes and working capital needs.
Revolving Credit Facility
On September 29, 2015, we entered into a credit agreement which expires in September 2020 providing for unsecured financing facilities in an aggregate amount of $1.65 billion, including a $250.0 million letter of credit sub-facility. The Revolving Credit Facility replaced our $1.65 billion revolving credit facility that was set to expire in January 2017.
Interest due under the Revolving Credit Facility is fixed for the term of each borrowing and is payable according to the terms of that borrowing. Generally, interest is calculated using a selected LIBOR rate plus an interest rate margin of 110 basis points. A facility fee of 15 basis points is also payable quarterly on the total facility, regardless of usage. Both the interest rate margin and facility fee percentage are based on certain of our credit ratings.
The purpose of our Revolving Credit Facility, which is diversified through a group of 18 participating institutions, is to provide general liquidity and to support our commercial paper program, which we believe enhances our short-term credit rating. The largest commitment from any single financial institution within the total committed balance of $1.65 billion is approximately 11%. As of and during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had no outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facilities. If the amount available to borrow under the Revolving Credit Facility decreased, or if the Revolving Credit Facility were eliminated, the cost and availability of borrowing under the commercial paper program may be impacted.
Notes
On November 22, 2013, we issued $250.0 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes due May 22, 2019 ("2019 Notes"). Interest with respect to the 2019 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 22 and November 22 of each year, beginning on May 22, 2014, based on the fixed per annum rate of 3.350%. The interest rate payable on the 2019 Notes will be increased if the debt rating assigned to the note is downgraded by an applicable credit rating agency, beginning at a downgrade below investment grade. However, in no event will the interest rate on the 2019 Notes be increased by more than 2.00% above 3.350% per annum. The interest rate payable on the 2019 Notes may also be adjusted downward for debt rating upgrades subsequent to any debt rating downgrades but may not be adjusted below 3.350% per annum. We may redeem the 2019 Notes at any time prior to maturity at the greater of par or a price based on the applicable treasury rate plus 30 basis points.
On August 22, 2013, we issued $250.0 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured floating rate notes due August 21, 2015 ("2015 Floating Rate Notes"). Interest with respect to the 2015 Floating Rate Notes was payable quarterly in arrears on each February 21, May 21, August 21, and November 21, beginning November 21, 2013, at a per annum rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 1.0% (reset quarterly). The 2015 Floating Rate Notes matured and were repaid from our cash balances in August 2015.
On December 10, 2012, we issued $250.0 million and $500.0 million of aggregate principal amounts of unsecured notes due December 10, 2015 ("2015 Fixed Rate Notes") and December 10, 2017 ("2017 Notes"), respectively. The 2015 Fixed Rate Notes matured and were repaid from our cash balances in December 2015. Interest with respect to the 2017 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 10 and December 10 of each year, currently based on the per annum rate of 2.875%. The interest rate payable on the 2017 Notes will be increased if the debt rating assigned to such notes is downgraded by an applicable credit rating agency, beginning at a downgrade below investment grade. However, in no event will the interest rate on the 2017 Notes be increased by more than 2.00% above 2.875% per annum. The interest rate on the 2017 Notes may also be adjusted downward for debt rating upgrades subsequent to any debt rating downgrades but may not be adjusted below 2.875% per annum. We may redeem the 2017 Notes at any time prior to maturity at the greater of par or a price based on the applicable treasury rate plus 40 basis points.
On August 22, 2011, we issued $400.0 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes due August 22, 2018 ("2018 Notes"). Interest with respect to the 2018 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 22 and August 22 of each year, based on the fixed per annum rate of 3.650%. We may redeem the 2018 Notes at any time prior to maturity at the greater of par or a price based on the applicable treasury rate plus 35 basis points.
On June 21, 2010, we issued $250.0 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes due June 21, 2040 ("2040 Notes"). Interest with respect to the 2040 Notes is payable semi-annually on June 21 and December 21 each year based on the fixed per annum rate of 6.200%. We may redeem the 2040 Notes at any time prior to maturity at the greater of par or a price based on the applicable treasury rate plus 30 basis points.
On March 30, 2010, we exchanged $303.7 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes due November 17, 2011 for unsecured notes due April 1, 2020 ("2020 Notes"). Interest with respect to the 2020 Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 each year based on the fixed per annum rate of 5.253%. In connection with the exchange, note holders were given a 7% premium ($21.2 million), which approximated market value at the exchange date, as additional principal. As this transaction was accounted for as a debt modification, this premium was not charged to expense. Rather, the premium, along with the offsetting hedge accounting adjustments, will be accreted into "Interest expense" over the life of the notes. We may redeem the 2020 Notes at any time prior to maturity at the greater of par or a price based on the applicable treasury rate plus 15 basis points.
On November 17, 2006, we issued $500.0 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes due November 17, 2036 ("2036 Notes"). Interest with respect to the 2036 Notes is payable semi-annually on May 17 and November 17 each year based on the fixed per annum rate of 6.200%. We may redeem the 2036 Notes at any time prior to maturity at the greater of par or a price based on the applicable treasury rate plus 25 basis points.
On September 29, 2006, we issued $1.0 billion of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes maturing on October 1, 2016 ("2016 Notes"). Interest on the 2016 Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 each year based on the fixed per annum rate of 5.930%. We may redeem the 2016 Notes at any time prior to maturity at the greater of par or a price based on the applicable treasury rate plus 20 basis points.
Credit Ratings and Debt Covenants
The credit ratings on our debt are an important consideration in our overall business, managing our financing costs and facilitating access to additional capital on favorable terms. Factors that we believe are important in assessing our credit ratings include earnings, cash flow generation, leverage, available liquidity and the overall business.
Our Revolving Credit Facility contains an interest rate margin and facility fee which are determined based on certain of our credit ratings. In addition, the interest rates payable on our 2017 Notes and 2019 Notes can be impacted by our credit ratings. We are also subject to certain provisions in many of our notes and certain of our derivative contracts, which could require settlement or collateral posting in the event of a change in control combined with a downgrade below investment grade. We do not have any other terms within our debt agreements that are tied to changes in our credit ratings.
The Revolving Credit Facility contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict our ability to sell or transfer assets or merge or consolidate with another company, grant certain types of security interests, incur certain types of liens, impose restrictions on subsidiary dividends, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, incur certain subsidiary level indebtedness, subject to certain exceptions, or use proceeds in violation of anti-corruption or anti-money laundering laws. Our notes are subject to similar covenants except that only the 2016 Notes, 2020 Notes and the 2036 Notes contain covenants limiting or restricting subsidiary indebtedness and none of our notes are subject to a covenant that limits our ability to impose restrictions on subsidiary dividends. Our Revolving Credit Facility requires us to maintain a consolidated adjusted EBITDA interest coverage ratio of greater than 3:1 (ratio of consolidated adjusted EBITDA, defined as net income plus the sum of (a) interest expense; (b) income tax expense; (c) depreciation expense; (d) amortization expense; (e) any other non-cash deductions, losses or charges made in determining net income for such period; and (f) extraordinary losses or charges, minus extraordinary gains, in each case determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for such period, to interest expense) for each period comprising the four most recent consecutive fiscal quarters. Our consolidated interest coverage ratio was 9:1 for the year ended December 31, 2015.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with our debt covenants. A violation of our debt covenants could impair our ability to borrow and outstanding amounts borrowed could become due, thereby restricting our ability to use our excess cash for other purposes.
Cash Priorities
Liquidity
Our objective is to maintain strong liquidity and a capital structure consistent with investment-grade credit ratings. We have existing cash balances, cash flows from operating activities, access to the commercial paper markets and our Revolving Credit Facility available to support the needs of our business.
Capital Expenditures
The total aggregate amount paid for contract costs, purchases of property and equipment and purchased and developed software was $266.5 million, $179.0 million and $241.3 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Amounts paid for new and renewed agent contracts vary depending on the terms of existing contracts as well as the timing of new and renewed contract signings. Other capital expenditures during these periods included investments in our information technology infrastructure and purchased and developed software.
Share Repurchases and Dividends
During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 25.1 million, 29.3 million and 25.7 million shares, respectively, were repurchased for $500.0 million, $488.1 million and $393.6 million, respectively, excluding commissions, at an average cost of $19.96, $16.63 and $15.29 per share, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, $711.9 million remained available under a share repurchase authorization approved by our Board of Directors through December 31, 2017.
Our Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.155 per common share in all four quarters of 2015, representing $316.5 million in total dividends. Our Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.125 per common share in all four quarters of 2014 and 2013, representing $265.2 million and $277.2 million, respectively, in total dividends. These amounts were paid to shareholders of record in the respective quarter the dividend was declared.
On February 9, 2016, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per common share payable on March 31, 2016.
Debt Service Requirements
Our 2016 and future debt service requirements will include payments on all outstanding indebtedness including any borrowings under our commercial paper program. In October 2016, our 2016 Notes of $1.0 billion will mature. We plan to fund this maturity by refinancing a portion of this debt and repaying a portion using cash, including cash generated from operations.
Our ability to grow the business, make investments in our business, make acquisitions, return capital to shareholders, including through dividends and share repurchases, and service our debt will depend on our ability to continue to generate excess operating cash through our operating subsidiaries and to continue to receive dividends from those operating subsidiaries, our ability to obtain adequate financing and our ability to identify acquisitions that align with our long-term strategy.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Other than facility and equipment leasing arrangements disclosed in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 12, "Operating Lease Commitments," we have no material off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Pension Plan
We have a frozen defined benefit pension plan ("Plan"), for which we had a recorded unfunded pension obligation of $69.3 million and $74.9 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we made contributions of $6.7 million and $13.2 million, respectively, to the Plan. We are not required to make any contributions to the Plan in 2016.
Our most recent measurement date for our pension plan was December 31, 2015. The calculation of the funded status and net periodic benefit cost is dependent upon three primary assumptions: 1) expected long-term return on plan assets; 2) discount rate; and 3) life expectancy trends.
The expected long-term return on plan assets is 7.00% for 2016. As of our December 31, 2015 measurement date, pension plan target allocations were approximately 60% in debt securities, 20% in equity investments, and 20% in alternative investment strategies (e.g. hedge funds, royalty rights and private equity funds). Hedge fund strategy types include, but are not limited to: equity long-short, commodities/currencies, relative value, event driven and multi-strategy. The Plan holds interest rate derivative contracts directly, including interest rate futures that are based on U.S. Treasury bond rates. The Plan may also hold interest rate swaps, under which the Plan is committed to pay or receive a short-term LIBOR-based variable interest rate in exchange for a fixed interest rate. Additionally, derivatives are held indirectly through funds in which the Plan is invested. Derivatives are used by the Plan to help reduce the Plan's exposure to interest rate volatility and to provide an additional source of return. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements, and periodic asset and liability studies.
The discount rate assumption is set based on the rate at which the pension benefits could be settled effectively. The discount rate is determined by matching the timing and amount of anticipated payouts under the Plan to the rates from an AA spot rate yield curve. The curve is derived from AA bonds of varying maturities. The discount rate assumption for our benefit obligation was 3.52% and 3.27% as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. A 100 basis point change to both the discount rate and long-term rate of return on plan assets would not have a material impact to our annual pension expense.
The assumptions related to life expectancy are used to estimate the expected period over which pension benefits will be required to be paid. Projections used for life expectancy are based on mortality tables and mortality improvement tables, which are statistical tables of expected annual mortality rates and expected future mortality improvements, respectively. We utilize a mortality table that we believe best aligns with the underlying demographics and census data of the Plan participants.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations to third parties as of December 31, 2015 and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods (in millions):
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(a)
We have estimated our interest payments based on (i) the assumption that no debt issuances or renewals will occur upon the maturity dates of our notes and (ii) an estimate of future interest rates on our interest rate swap agreements based on projected LIBOR rates. However, we plan to refinance a portion of our notes maturing in 2016.
(b)
In December 2011, we reached an agreement with the IRS resolving substantially all of the issues related to the restructuring of our international operations in 2003. As a result of the IRS Agreement, we have made cash payments to the IRS and various state tax authorities of $94.1 million as of December 31, 2015. We have estimated that we will make payments of approximately $100 million in 2016 to cover the remaining portion of the additional tax and interest; however, certain of these payments may be made after 2016.
(c)
We have estimated our pension plan funding requirements, including interest, using assumptions that are consistent with current pension funding rates. The actual minimum required amounts each year will vary based on the actual discount rate and asset returns when the funding requirement is calculated.
(d)
Unrecognized tax benefits include associated interest and penalties. The timing of related cash payments for substantially all of these liabilities is inherently uncertain because the ultimate amount and timing of such liabilities is affected by factors which are variable and outside our control.
(e)
Represents the liability position of our foreign currency and interest rate derivative contracts as of December 31, 2015, which will fluctuate based on market conditions.
(f)
This line item relates to accrued and unpaid initial payments for new and renewed agent contracts as of December 31, 2015.
(g)
Many of our contracts contain clauses that allow us to terminate the contract with notice and with a termination penalty. Termination penalties are generally an amount less than the original obligation. Obligations under certain contracts are usage-based and are, therefore, estimated in the above amounts. Historically, we have not had any significant defaults of our contractual obligations or incurred significant penalties for termination of our contractual obligations.
Other Commercial Commitments
We had approximately $85 million in outstanding letters of credit and bank guarantees as of December 31, 2015. The letters of credit and bank guarantees are primarily held in connection with lease arrangements and certain agent agreements. The letters of credit and bank guarantees have expiration dates through 2020, with many having a one-year renewal option. We expect to renew the letters of credit and bank guarantees prior to expiration in most circumstances.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Management's discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition is based on our consolidated financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported for revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and other related disclosures. Actual results may or may not differ from these estimates. Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."
Our critical accounting policies and estimates, described below, are very important to the portrayal of our financial condition and our results of operations and applying them requires our management to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments. We believe that the understanding of these key accounting policies and estimates is essential in achieving more insight into our operating results and financial condition.
Income Taxes
Reinvestment of foreign earnings
Income taxes, as reported in our consolidated financial statements, represent the net amount of income taxes we expect to pay to various taxing jurisdictions in connection with our operations. We provide for income taxes based on amounts that we believe we will ultimately owe after applying the required analyses and judgments.
However, no provision has been made for United States federal and state income taxes on certain of our outside tax basis differences, which primarily relate to accumulated foreign earnings of approximately $6.1 billion as of December 31, 2015, which we have reinvested and expect to continue to reinvest outside of the United States indefinitely. Over the last several years, such earnings have been used to pay for our international acquisitions and operations and provide initial Company funding of global principal payouts for Consumer-to-Consumer and Business Solutions transactions. Upon distribution of those earnings to the United States in the form of actual or constructive dividends, we would be subject to United States federal income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits), state income taxes and possible withholding taxes payable to various foreign countries which could result in a material impact to our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in the period such distribution occurred. Determination of the amount of unrecognized United States deferred tax liability is not practicable because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation.
Income tax contingencies
We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits of the position, that the tax position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of any related appeals or litigation. The tax benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such a position are measured as the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.
We have established contingency reserves for a variety of material, known tax exposures. Our tax reserves reflect our judgment as to the resolution of the issues involved if subject to judicial review or other settlement. While we believe our reserves are adequate to cover reasonably expected tax risks, there can be no assurance that, in all instances, an issue raised by a tax authority will be resolved at a financial cost that does not exceed our related reserve. With respect to these reserves, our income tax expense would include (i) any changes in tax reserves arising from material changes during the period in the facts and circumstances (i.e., new information) surrounding a tax issue and (ii) any difference from our tax position as recorded in the consolidated financial statements and the final resolution of a tax issue during the period.
We were incorporated in Delaware as a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Data on February 17, 2006. On September 29, 2006, First Data distributed all of its money transfer and consumer payments businesses and its interest in a Western Union money transfer agent, as well as its related assets, including real estate, through a tax-free distribution to First Data shareholders (the "Spin-off"). Pursuant to the tax allocation agreement signed in connection with the Spin-off from First Data, we believe we have appropriately apportioned the taxes between First Data and us. If we are required to indemnify First Data for taxes incurred as a result of the Spin-off being taxable to First Data, it likely would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our tax contingency reserves for our uncertain tax positions, including those related to the Spin-off, as of December 31, 2015 were $113.1 million, including accrued interest and penalties, net of related items. While we believe that our reserves are adequate to cover reasonably expected tax risks, in the event that the ultimate resolution of our uncertain tax positions differs from our estimates, we may be exposed to material increases in income tax expense, which could materially impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We use derivatives to (a) minimize our exposures related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates and (b) facilitate cross-currency Business Solutions payments by writing derivatives to customers. We recognize all derivatives in "Other assets" and "Other liabilities" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value. Certain of our derivative arrangements are designated as either cash flow hedges or fair value hedges at the time of inception, and others are not designated as accounting hedges.
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Cash flow hedges - Cash flow hedges consist of foreign currency hedging of forecasted revenues, as well as hedges of the forecasted issuance of fixed rate debt. Derivative fair value changes that are captured in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" are reclassified to earnings in the same period or periods the hedged item affects earnings, to the extent the instrument is effective in offsetting the change in cash flows attributable to the risk being hedged. The portions of the change in fair value that are either considered ineffective or are excluded from the measure of effectiveness are recognized immediately in "Derivative gains/(losses), net."
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Fair value hedges - Fair value hedges consist of hedges of fixed rate debt, through interest rate swaps. The changes in fair value of these hedges, along with offsetting changes in fair value of the related debt instrument attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate, are recorded in "Interest expense."
The accounting guidance related to derivative accounting is complex and contains strict documentation requirements. The details of each designated hedging relationship must be formally documented at the inception of the arrangement, including the risk management objective, hedging strategy, hedged item, specific risks being hedged, the derivative instrument, how effectiveness is being assessed and how ineffectiveness, if any, will be measured. The derivative must be highly effective in offsetting the changes in cash flows or fair value of the hedged item, and effectiveness is evaluated quarterly on a retrospective and prospective basis. If the hedge is no longer deemed effective, we discontinue applying hedge accounting to that relationship prospectively.
While we expect that our derivative instruments that currently qualify for hedge accounting will continue to meet the conditions for hedge accounting, if hedges do not qualify for hedge accounting, the changes in the fair value of the derivatives used as hedges would be reflected in earnings which could have a significant impact on our reported results. As of December 31, 2015, the cumulative pre-tax unrealized gains classified within accumulated other comprehensive loss from such cash flow hedges that would be reflected in earnings if our hedges were disqualified from hedge accounting was $39.0 million. As of December 31, 2015, the cumulative debt adjustments from our fair value hedges that would be reflected in earnings if such hedges were disqualified from hedge accounting was a $7.6 million gain.
Other Intangible Assets
We capitalize acquired intangible assets as well as certain initial payments for new and renewed agent contracts and software. We evaluate such intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. In such reviews, estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with these assets or operations are compared with their carrying amounts to determine if a write-down to fair value (normally measured by the present value technique) is required.
The capitalization of initial payments for new and renewed agent contracts is subject to strict accounting policy criteria and requires management judgment as to the amount to capitalize and the related period of benefit. Our accounting policy is to limit the amount of capitalized costs for a given agent contract to the lesser of the estimated future cash flows from the contract or the termination fees we would receive in the event of early termination of the contract. Additionally, the estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with each asset requires us to make estimates and assumptions, including, among other things, revenue growth rates, and operating margins based on our budgets and business plans.
Disruptions to contractual relationships, significant declines in cash flows or transaction volumes associated with contracts, or other issues significantly impacting the future cash flows associated with the contract would cause us to evaluate the recoverability of the asset. If an event described above occurs and causes us to determine that an asset has been impaired, that could result in an impairment charge. The net carrying value of our other intangible assets as of December 31, 2015 was $705.0 million. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 we recorded immaterial impairments related to other intangible assets.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of tangible and other intangible assets acquired, less liabilities assumed arising from business combinations. An impairment assessment of goodwill is conducted annually as of October 1 at the reporting unit level. This assessment of goodwill is performed more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the goodwill may not be recoverable. Reporting units are determined by the level at which management reviews segment operating results. In some cases, that level is the operating segment and in others it is one level below the operating segment.
Our impairment assessment begins with a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. The initial qualitative assessment includes comparing the overall financial performance of the reporting units against the planned results. Additionally, each reporting unit's fair value is assessed under certain events and circumstances, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, and other relevant entity-specific events. Periodically, we perform a quantitative assessment, as described below, for each of our reporting units, regardless of the results of prior qualitative assessments.
If it is determined in the qualitative assessment that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the standard two-step quantitative impairment test is performed. First, the fair value of the reporting unit is calculated or determined using discounted cash flows and is compared to its carrying value. If the first step indicates the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then the second step is required. The second step is to determine the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill by allocating the determined fair value to all the reporting unit's assets and liabilities, including any unrecognized intangible assets, as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. The remaining fair value of the reporting unit, if any, is deemed to be the implied fair value of the goodwill and an impairment is recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill above its implied fair value.
The determination of the reporting units and which reporting units to include in the qualitative assessment requires significant judgment. Also, all of the assumptions used in the qualitative assessment require judgment. Additionally, for the quantitative goodwill impairment test, we calculate the fair value of reporting units through discounted cash flow analyses which require us to make estimates and assumptions including, among other items, revenue growth rates, operating margins, and capital expenditures based on our budgets and business plans which take into account expected regulatory, marketplace, and other economic factors as well as relevant discount rates and terminal values.
We could be required to evaluate the recoverability of goodwill if we experience disruptions to the business, unexpected significant declines in operating results, a divestiture of a significant component of our business, or other triggering events. In addition, as our business or the way we manage our business changes, our reporting units may also change. If an event described above occurs and causes us to recognize a goodwill impairment charge, it would impact our reported earnings in the period such charge occurs.
The carrying value of goodwill as of December 31, 2015 was $3,163.8 million which represented approximately 33% of our consolidated assets. As of December 31, 2015, goodwill of $1,950.1 million and $996.0 million resides in our Consumer-to-Consumer and Business Solutions reporting units, respectively. The remaining $217.7 million resides in multiple reporting units which are included in either our Consumer-to-Business segment or Other. For the reporting units that comprise Consumer-to-Consumer, Consumer-to-Business, and Other, the fair value of the businesses greatly exceed their carrying amounts.
The fair value of the Business Solutions reporting unit has not significantly exceeded its carrying value in prior years and is sensitive to changes in projections for revenue growth rates and EBITDA margins. However, in the current year, the estimated fair value of the Business Solutions reporting unit increased significantly compared to the prior year. This increase was primarily due to the inclusion of the value derived from recently implemented strategies to optimize cash flow management and global liquidity by furthering our overall ability to utilize international cash balances, including balances generated by our other operating segments, to initially fund global principal payouts for Business Solutions transactions initiated in the United States. The positive impact of these strategies, which would also be available to certain hypothetical market participants, was partially offset by the projected impact of the pending termination of a partner relationship contract.
We did not record any goodwill impairments during the three years ended December 31, 2015.
Legal Contingencies
We are subject to certain claims and litigation that could result in losses, including damages, fines and/or civil penalties, which could be significant, and in some cases, criminal charges. We regularly evaluate the status of legal matters to assess whether a loss is probable and reasonably estimable in determining whether an accrual is appropriate. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss. When a potential loss is considered probable and the reasonable estimate is a range, we accrue on the low end of the range when no amount is a better estimate than any other amount.
Significant judgment is required in determining whether a loss is probable and whether the loss can be reasonably estimated, including determining a loss value within a range. Our judgments are subjective and are based on considerations such as the status of the legal or regulatory proceedings, the merits of our defenses and consultations with in-house and outside legal counsel. As the outcome of claims and litigation is uncertain, accruals are based on the best information available at the time the judgment is made. As additional information becomes available, which may include information we learn through the discovery process, settlement discussions, or rulings by courts, arbitrators or others, we reassess the potential liability related to pending claims and litigation and may revise our estimates.
In determining whether disclosure is appropriate, we evaluate each legal matter to assess if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a material loss or additional material loss may have been incurred beyond those amounts which we have already accrued. If such a reasonable possibility exists, we disclose an estimate of possible loss or range of loss or if such an estimate of possible loss or range of loss cannot be made.
Due to the inherent uncertainties of the legal and regulatory process in the multiple jurisdictions in which we operate and to the varied range of potential outcomes, the actual outcomes may differ materially from our judgments.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risks arising from changes in market rates and prices, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates and credit risk related to our agents and customers. A risk management program is in place to manage these risks.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
We provide Consumer-to-Consumer money transfer services in more than 200 countries and territories. We manage foreign exchange risk through the structure of the business and an active risk management process. We settle with the majority of our agents in United States dollars or euros. However, in certain circumstances, we settle in other currencies. We typically require the agent to obtain local currency to pay recipients; thus, we generally are not reliant on international currency markets to obtain and pay illiquid currencies. The foreign currency exposure that does exist is limited by the fact that the majority of transactions are paid by the next day after they are initiated. To mitigate this risk further, we enter into short duration foreign currency forward contracts, generally with maturities from a few days up to one month, to offset foreign exchange rate fluctuations between transaction initiation and settlement. We also have exposure to certain foreign currency denominated cash and other asset and liability positions and may utilize foreign currency forward contracts, typically with maturities of less than one year at inception, to offset foreign exchange rate fluctuations on these positions. In certain consumer money transfer, bill payment and Business Solutions transactions involving different send and receive currencies, we generate revenue based on the difference between the exchange rate set by us to the consumer or business and the rate at which we or our agents are able to acquire the currency, helping to provide protection against currency fluctuations. We attempt to promptly buy and sell foreign currencies as necessary to cover our net payables and receivables which are denominated in foreign currencies.
We use longer-term foreign currency forward contracts to help mitigate risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates on Consumer-to-Consumer revenues denominated primarily in the euro, and to a lesser degree the Canadian dollar, British pound, Australian dollar, Swiss franc, and other currencies. We use contracts with maturities of up to 36 months at inception to mitigate some of the impact that changes in foreign currency exchange rates could have on forecasted revenues, with a targeted weighted-average maturity of approximately one year. We believe the use of longer-term foreign currency forward contracts provides predictability of future cash flows from our international Consumer-to-Consumer operations.
We have additional foreign exchange risk and associated foreign exchange risk management requirements due to the nature of our Business Solutions business. The majority of this business' revenue is from exchanges of currency at spot rates, which enable customers to make cross-currency payments. In certain countries, this business also writes foreign currency forward and option contracts for our customers to facilitate future payments. The duration of these derivative contracts at inception is generally less than one year. Business Solutions aggregates its foreign exchange exposures arising from customer contracts, including the derivative contracts described above, and hedges the resulting net currency risks by entering into offsetting contracts with established financial institution counterparties.
As of both December 31, 2015 and 2014, a hypothetical uniform 10% strengthening or weakening in the value of the United States dollar relative to all other currencies in which our net income is generated would have resulted in a decrease/increase to pre-tax annual income of approximately $25 million, respectively, based on our forecast of Consumer-to-Consumer unhedged exposure to foreign currency at those dates. There are inherent limitations in this sensitivity analysis, primarily due to the following assumptions: (a) that foreign exchange rate movements are linear and instantaneous, (b) that fixed exchange rates between certain currency pairs are retained, (c) that the unhedged exposure is static, and (d) that we would not hedge any additional exposure. As a result, the analysis is unable to reflect the potential effects of more complex market changes that could arise, which may positively or negatively affect income.
Interest Rates
We invest in several types of interest bearing assets, with a total value as of December 31, 2015 of $2.7 billion. Approximately $1.9 billion of these assets bear interest at floating rates and are therefore sensitive to changes in interest rates. These assets primarily include cash in banks, money market instruments, and state and municipal variable rate securities and are included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets within "Cash and cash equivalents" and "Settlement assets." To the extent these assets are held in connection with money transfers and other related payment services awaiting redemption, they are classified as "Settlement assets." Earnings on these investments will increase and decrease with changes in the underlying short-term interest rates.
The remainder of our interest bearing assets primarily consists of highly-rated state and municipal debt securities which are fixed rate term notes. These investments may include investments made from cash received from our money order services, money transfer business, and other related payment services awaiting redemption classified within "Settlement assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As interest rates rise, the fair value of these fixed-rate interest-bearing securities will decrease; conversely, a decrease to interest rates would result in an increase to the fair values of the securities. We have classified these investments as available-for-sale within "Settlement assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and accordingly, recorded these instruments at their fair value with the net unrealized gains and losses, net of the applicable deferred income tax effect, being added to or deducted from our "Total stockholders' equity" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
$975.0 million of our fixed-rate borrowings at par value are effectively floating rate debt through interest rate swap agreements, changing this fixed-rate debt to LIBOR-based floating rate debt, with weighted-average spreads of approximately 200 basis points above LIBOR.
We review our overall exposure to floating and fixed rates by evaluating our net asset or liability position in each, also considering the duration of the individual positions. We manage this mix of fixed versus floating exposure in an attempt to minimize risk, reduce costs and improve returns. Our exposure to interest rates can be modified by changing the mix of our interest bearing assets as well as adjusting the mix of fixed versus floating rate debt. The latter is accomplished primarily through the use of interest rate swaps and the decision regarding terms of any new debt issuances (i.e., fixed versus floating). We use interest rate swaps designated as hedges to increase the percentage of floating rate debt, subject to market conditions. As of December 31, 2015, our weighted-average effective rate on total borrowings was approximately 4.8%.
A hypothetical 100 basis point increase/decrease in interest rates would result in a decrease/increase to pre-tax income of approximately $10 million and $12 million annually based on borrowings, net of the impact of hedges, on December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, that are sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. The same 100 basis point increase/decrease in interest rates, if applied to our cash and investment balances on December 31, 2015 and 2014 that are sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, would result in an offsetting increase/decrease to annual pre-tax income of approximately $19 million and $25 million, respectively. There are inherent limitations in the sensitivity analysis presented, primarily due to the assumption that interest rate changes would be instantaneous. As a result, the analysis is unable to reflect the potential effects of more complex market changes, including changes in credit risk regarding our investments, which may positively or negatively affect income. In addition, the current mix of fixed versus floating rate debt and investments and the level of assets and liabilities will change over time. We will also be further impacted by changes to future interest rates as we refinance our debt or by reinvesting proceeds from the sale or maturity of our investments.
Credit Risk
To manage our exposures to credit risk with respect to investment securities, money market fund investments, derivatives and other credit risk exposures resulting from our relationships with banks and financial institutions, we regularly review investment concentrations, trading levels, credit spreads and credit ratings, and we attempt to diversify our investments among global financial institutions.
We are also exposed to credit risk related to receivable balances from agents in the money transfer, walk-in bill payment and money order settlement process. We perform a credit review before each agent signing and conduct periodic analyses of agents and certain other parties we transact with directly. In addition, we are exposed to credit risk directly from consumer transactions particularly through our electronic channels, where transactions are originated through means other than cash, and therefore are subject to "chargebacks," insufficient funds or other collection impediments, such as fraud, which are anticipated to increase as electronic channels become a greater proportion of our money transfer business.
We are exposed to credit risk in our Business Solutions business relating to: (a) derivatives written by us to our customers and (b) the extension of trade credit when transactions are paid to recipients prior to our receiving cleared funds from the sending customers. For the derivatives, the duration of these contracts at inception is generally less than one year. The credit risk associated with our derivative contracts increases when foreign currency exchange rates move against our customers, possibly impacting their ability to honor their obligations to deliver currency to us or to maintain appropriate collateral with us. For those receivables where we have offered trade credit, collection ordinarily occurs within a few days. To mitigate the risk associated with potential customer defaults, we perform credit reviews of the customer on an ongoing basis, and, for our derivatives, we may require certain customers to post or increase collateral.
Our losses associated with bad debts have been approximately 1% of our consolidated revenues in all periods presented.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
All financial statement schedules for The Western Union Company have been omitted since the required information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the respective consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Western Union Company's ("Western Union" or the "Company") internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Western Union's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and Board of Directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of Western Union's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, utilizing the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013 framework). Based on the results of its evaluation, the Company's management concluded that as of December 31, 2015, the Company's internal control over financial reporting is effective. Western Union's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, Western Union's independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their attestation report included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of The Western Union Company
We have audited The Western Union Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). The Western Union Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, The Western Union Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of The Western Union Company as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and stockholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 and our report dated February 19, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Denver, Colorado
February 19, 2016
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of The Western Union Company
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Western Union Company as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and stockholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The Western Union Company at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), The Western Union Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 19, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Denver, Colorado
February 19, 2016
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions, except per share amounts)
____________________
* As further described in Note 6, total expenses include amounts for related parties of $65.5 million, $70.2 million and $80.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except per share amounts)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in millions)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Formation of the Entity and Basis of Presentation
The Western Union Company ("Western Union" or the "Company") is a leader in global money movement and payment services, providing people and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send money and make payments around the world. The Western Union® brand is globally recognized. The Company's services are primarily available through a network of agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories. Each location in the Company's agent network is capable of providing one or more of the Company's services.
The Western Union business consists of the following segments:
•
Consumer-to-Consumer - The Consumer-to-Consumer operating segment facilitates money transfers between two consumers, primarily through a network of third-party agents. The Company's multi-currency, real-time money transfer service is viewed by the Company as one interconnected global network where a money transfer can be sent from one location to another, around the world. This service is available for international cross-border transfers - that is, the transfer of funds from one country to another - and, in certain countries, intra-country transfers - that is, money transfers from one location to another in the same country. This segment also includes money transfer transactions that can be initiated through websites, mobile devices and account based money transfers.
•
Consumer-to-Business - The Consumer-to-Business operating segment facilitates bill payments from consumers to businesses and other organizations, including utilities, auto finance companies, mortgage servicers, financial service providers, government agencies and other businesses. The significant majority of the segment's revenue was generated in the United States during all periods presented, with the remainder primarily generated in Argentina.
•
Business Solutions - The Business Solutions operating segment facilitates payment and foreign exchange solutions, primarily cross-border, cross-currency transactions, for small and medium size enterprises and other organizations and individuals. The majority of the segment's business relates to exchanges of currency at spot rates, which enable customers to make cross-currency payments. In addition, in certain countries, the Company writes foreign currency forward and option contracts for customers to facilitate future payments.
All businesses that have not been classified in the above segments are reported as "Other" and include the Company's money order and other services, in addition to costs for the review and closing of acquisitions.
There are legal or regulatory limitations on transferring certain assets of the Company outside of the countries where these assets are located. However, there are generally no limitations on the use of these assets within those countries. Additionally, the Company must meet minimum capital requirements in some countries in order to maintain operating licenses. As of December 31, 2015, the amount of net assets subject to these limitations totaled approximately $300 million.
Various aspects of the Company's services and businesses are subject to United States federal, state and local regulation, as well as regulation by foreign jurisdictions, including certain banking and other financial services regulations.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Spin-off from First Data
On January 26, 2006, the First Data Corporation ("First Data") Board of Directors announced its intention to pursue the distribution of all of its money transfer and consumer payments businesses and its interest in a Western Union money transfer agent, as well as its related assets, including real estate, through a tax-free distribution to First Data shareholders (the "Spin-off"). Effective on September 29, 2006, First Data completed the separation and the distribution of these businesses by distributing The Western Union Company common stock to First Data shareholders (the "Distribution"). Prior to the Distribution, the Company had been a segment of First Data.
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are presented on a consolidated basis and include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.
Consistent with industry practice, the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are unclassified due to the short-term nature of the Company's settlement obligations contrasted with the Company's ability to invest cash awaiting settlement in long-term investment securities.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Principles of Consolidation
The Company consolidates financial results when it has both the power to direct the activities of an entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and the ability to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity. The Company utilizes the equity method of accounting when it is able to exercise significant influence over the entity's operations, which generally occurs when the Company has an ownership interest of between 20% and 50% in an entity.
Earnings Per Share
The calculation of basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Outstanding options to purchase Western Union stock and unvested shares of restricted stock are excluded from basic shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock options at the presented dates are exercised and shares of restricted stock have vested, using the treasury stock method. The treasury stock method assumes proceeds from the exercise price of stock options, the unamortized compensation expense and assumed tax benefits of options and restricted stock are available to acquire shares at an average market price throughout the period, and therefore, reduce the dilutive effect.
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, there were 6.0 million, 15.5 million and 21.2 million, respectively, of outstanding options to purchase shares of Western Union stock excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation, as their effect was anti-dilutive.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following table provides the calculation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions):
Fair Value Measurements
The Company determines the fair values of its assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in accordance with the hierarchy described below. The fair values of the assets and liabilities held in the Company's defined benefit plan trust ("Trust") are recognized or disclosed utilizing the same hierarchy. The following three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value:
•
Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•
Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. For most of these assets, the Company utilizes pricing services that use multiple prices as inputs to determine daily market values. In addition, the Trust has other investments that fall within Level 2 that are valued at net asset value which is not quoted on an active market; however, the unit price is based on underlying investments which are traded on an active market. The individual redemption restrictions of Trust investments measured at net asset value are also considered when determining whether Level 2 classification is appropriate.
•
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include items where the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. The Company has Level 3 assets that are recognized and disclosed at fair value on a non-recurring basis related to the Company's business combinations, where the values of the intangible assets and goodwill acquired in a purchase are derived utilizing one of the three recognized approaches: the market approach, the income approach or the cost approach.
Carrying amounts for many of the Company's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, settlement cash and cash equivalents, and settlement receivables and settlement obligations approximate fair value due to their short maturities. Investment securities and derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value and included in Note 8. Fixed rate notes are carried at their original issuance values as adjusted over time to accrete that value to par, except for portions of notes hedged by interest rate swap agreements as disclosed in Note 14. The fair values of fixed rate notes are also disclosed in Note 8 and are based on market quotations. For more information on the fair value of financial instruments, see Note 8.
The fair values of non-financial assets and liabilities related to the Company's business combinations are disclosed in Note 4.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for all business combinations where control over another entity is obtained using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that most assets (both tangible and intangible), liabilities (including contingent consideration), and remaining noncontrolling interests be recognized at fair value at the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets less liabilities and noncontrolling interests is recognized as goodwill. Certain adjustments to the assessed fair values of the assets, liabilities, or noncontrolling interests made subsequent to the acquisition date, but within the measurement period, which is one year or less, are recorded as adjustments to goodwill. Any adjustments subsequent to the measurement period are recorded in income. Any cost or equity method interest that the Company holds in the acquired company prior to the acquisition is remeasured to fair value at acquisition with a resulting gain or loss recognized in income for the difference between fair value and existing book value. Results of operations of the acquired company are included in the Company's results from the date of the acquisition forward and include amortization expense arising from acquired intangible assets. The Company expenses all costs as incurred related to or involved with an acquisition in "Selling, general and administrative" expenses.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Highly liquid investments (other than those included in settlement assets) with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase (that are readily convertible to cash) are considered to be cash equivalents and are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
The Company maintains cash and cash equivalent balances, including a portion in money market funds, with a group of globally diversified banks and financial institutions. The Company limits the concentration of its cash and cash equivalents with any one institution and regularly reviews investment concentrations and credit worthiness of these institutions.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts when it is probable that the related receivable balance will not be collected based on its history of collection experience, known collection issues, such as agent suspensions and bankruptcies, consumer chargebacks and insufficient funds, and other matters the Company identifies in its routine collection monitoring. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $41.1 million and $37.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and is recorded in the same Consolidated Balance Sheet caption as the related receivable. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the provision for doubtful accounts (bad debt expense) reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income was $60.3 million, $50.7 million and $50.1 million, respectively.
Settlement Assets and Obligations
Settlement assets represent funds received or to be received from agents for unsettled money transfers, money orders and consumer payments. The Company records corresponding settlement obligations relating to amounts payable under money transfers, money orders and consumer payment service arrangements. Settlement assets and obligations also include amounts receivable from, and payable to, customers for the value of their cross-currency payment transactions related to the Business Solutions segment.
Settlement assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, receivables from selling agents and Business Solutions customers, and investment securities. Cash received by Western Union agents generally becomes available to the Company within one week after initial receipt by the agent. Cash equivalents consist of short-term time deposits, commercial paper and other highly liquid investments. Receivables from selling agents represent funds collected by such agents, but in transit to the Company. Western Union has a large and diverse agent base, thereby reducing the credit risk of the Company from any one agent. In addition, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its agents' financial condition and credit worthiness. See Note 7 for information concerning the Company's investment securities.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Receivables from Business Solutions customers arise from cross-currency payment transactions in the Business Solutions segment. Receivables occur when funds have been paid out to a beneficiary but not yet received from the customer. Aside from these receivables, the credit risk associated with spot foreign currency exchange contracts is largely mitigated, as in most cases the Company requires the receipt of funds from customers before releasing the associated cross-currency payment.
Settlement obligations consist of money transfer, money order and payment service payables and payables to agents. Money transfer payables represent amounts to be paid to transferees when they request their funds. Most agents typically settle with transferees first and then obtain reimbursement from the Company. Money order payables represent amounts not yet presented for payment. Payment service payables represent amounts to be paid to utility companies, auto finance companies, mortgage servicers, financial service providers, government agencies and others. Due to the agent funding and settlement process, payables to agents represent amounts due to agents for money transfers that have been settled with transferees.
Settlement assets and obligations consisted of the following (in millions):
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated life of the related assets (generally three to ten years for equipment and furniture and fixtures, and 30 years for buildings) or the lease term. Maintenance and repairs, which do not extend the useful life of the respective assets, are charged to expense as incurred.
Property and equipment consisted of the following (in millions):
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Amounts charged to expense for depreciation of property and equipment were $67.7 million, $66.6 million and $64.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of tangible and other intangible assets acquired, less liabilities assumed arising from business combinations. The Company's annual impairment assessment did not identify any goodwill impairment during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets primarily consist of acquired contracts, contract costs (primarily amounts paid to agents in connection with establishing and renewing long-term contracts) and software. Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the length of the contract or benefit periods. Included in the Consolidated Statements of Income is amortization expense of $202.5 million, $205.3 million and $198.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Acquired contracts include customer and contractual relationships and networks of subagents that are recognized in connection with the Company's acquisitions.
The Company capitalizes initial payments for new and renewed agent contracts to the extent recoverable through future operations or penalties in the case of early termination. The Company's accounting policy is to limit the amount of capitalized costs for a given contract to the lesser of the estimated future cash flows from the contract or the termination fees the Company would receive in the event of early termination of the contract.
The Company purchases and develops software that is used in providing services and in performing administrative functions. Software development costs are capitalized once technological feasibility of the software has been established. Costs incurred prior to establishing technological feasibility are expensed as incurred. Technological feasibility is established when the Company has completed all planning and designing activities that are necessary to determine that a product can be produced to meet its design specifications, including functions, features and technical performance requirements. Capitalization of costs ceases when the product is available for general use. Software development costs and purchased software are generally amortized over a term of three to five years.
The following table provides the components of other intangible assets (in millions):
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The estimated future aggregate amortization expense for existing other intangible assets as of December 31, 2015 is expected to be $183.9 million in 2016, $153.7 million in 2017, $118.2 million in 2018, $82.1 million in 2019, $63.0 million in 2020 and $104.1 million thereafter.
Other intangible assets are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. In such reviews, estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with these assets or operations are compared with their carrying values to determine if a write-down to fair value (normally measured by the present value technique) is required. The Company recorded immaterial impairments related to other intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Revenue Recognition
The Company's revenues are primarily derived from consumer money transfer transaction fees that are based on the principal amount of the money transfer and the locations from and to which funds are transferred. The Company also offers several payments services, including payments from consumers or businesses to other businesses. Transaction fees are set by the Company and recorded as revenue at the time of sale.
In certain consumer money transfer, bill payment and Business Solutions transactions involving different send and receive currencies, the Company generates revenue based on the difference between the exchange rate set by the Company to the consumer or business and the rate at which the Company or its agents are able to acquire the currency. This foreign exchange revenue is recorded at the time the related consumer money transfer transaction fee revenue is recognized or at the time a customer initiates a transaction through the Company's Business Solutions payment service operations.
Cost of Services
Cost of services primarily consists of agent commissions and expenses for call centers, settlement operations and related information technology costs. Expenses within these functions include personnel, software, equipment, telecommunications, bank fees, depreciation, amortization and other expenses incurred in connection with providing money transfer and other payment services.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are charged to operating expenses as incurred. Advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $166.3 million, $162.7 million and $165.1 million, respectively.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method, which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be determined based on the expected future income tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance must be established when, based upon available evidence, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The Company recognizes the tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits of the position, the tax position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of any related appeals or litigation. The tax benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such a position are measured as the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Foreign Currency Translation
The United States dollar is the functional currency for substantially all of the Company's businesses. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities for those businesses for which the local currency is the functional currency are translated into United States dollars based on exchange rates at the end of the year. The effects of foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of assets and liabilities of these businesses are included as a component of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities of businesses for which the United States dollar is the functional currency are remeasured based on exchange rates at the end of the period, and the resulting remeasurement gains and losses are recognized in net income. Non-monetary assets and liabilities of these operations are remeasured at historical rates in effect when the asset was recognized or the liability was incurred.
Derivatives
The Company uses derivatives to (a) minimize its exposures related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates and (b) facilitate cross-currency Business Solutions payments by writing derivatives to customers. The Company recognizes all derivatives in the "Other assets" and "Other liabilities" captions in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value. All cash flows associated with derivatives are included in cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
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Cash flow hedges - Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss." Cash flow hedges consist of foreign currency hedging of forecasted revenues, as well as hedges of the forecasted issuance of fixed rate debt. Derivative fair value changes that are captured in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" are reclassified to earnings in the same period or periods the hedged item affects earnings, to the extent the instrument is effective in offsetting the change in cash flows attributable to the risk being hedged. The portions of the change in fair value that are either considered ineffective or are excluded from the measure of effectiveness are recognized immediately in "Derivative gains/(losses), net."
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Fair value hedges - Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges of fixed rate debt are recorded in "Interest expense." The offsetting change in value of the related debt instrument attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate is also recorded in "Interest expense."
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Undesignated - Derivative contracts entered into to reduce the variability related to (a) money transfer settlement assets and obligations, generally with maturities from a few days up to one month, and (b) certain foreign currency denominated cash and other asset and liability positions, typically with maturities of less than one year at inception, are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and changes in their fair value are included in "Selling, general and administrative." The Company is also exposed to risk from derivative contracts written to its customers arising from its cross-currency Business Solutions payments operations. The duration of these derivative contracts at inception is generally less than one year. The Company aggregates its Business Solutions payments foreign currency exposures arising from customer contracts, including the derivative contracts described above, and hedges the resulting net currency risks by entering into offsetting contracts with established financial institution counterparties (economic hedge contracts) as part of a broader foreign currency portfolio, including significant spot exchanges of currency in addition to forwards and options. The changes in fair value related to these contracts are recorded in "Foreign exchange revenues."
The fair value of the Company's derivatives is derived from standardized models that use market based inputs (e.g., forward prices for foreign currency).
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The details of each designated hedging relationship are formally documented at the inception of the arrangement, including the risk management objective, hedging strategy, hedged item, specific risks being hedged, the derivative instrument, how effectiveness is being assessed and how ineffectiveness, if any, will be measured. The derivative must be highly effective in offsetting the changes in cash flows or fair value of the hedged item, and effectiveness is evaluated quarterly on a retrospective and prospective basis.
Legal Contingencies
The Company is a party to certain legal and regulatory proceedings with respect to a variety of matters. The Company records an accrual for these contingencies to the extent that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable. If some amount within a range of loss appears to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, that amount is accrued. When no amount within a range of loss appears to be a better estimate than any other amount, the lowest amount in the range is accrued.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company currently has a stock-based compensation plan that provides for grants of Western Union stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted and unrestricted stock units to employees and non-employee directors of the Company.
All stock-based compensation to employees is required to be measured at fair value and expensed over the requisite service period and also requires an estimate of forfeitures when calculating compensation expense. The Company recognizes compensation expense on awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Refer to Note 16 for additional discussion regarding details of the Company's stock-based compensation plans.
Severance and Other Related Expenses
The Company records severance-related expenses once they are both probable and estimable in accordance with the provisions of the applicable accounting guidance for severance provided under an ongoing benefit arrangement. One-time, involuntary benefit arrangements and other costs are generally recognized when the liability is incurred. The Company also evaluates impairment issues associated with restructuring and other activities when the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable, in accordance with the appropriate accounting guidance.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a new accounting pronouncement regarding revenue from contracts with customers. This new standard provides guidance on recognizing revenue, including a five step model to determine when revenue recognition is appropriate. The standard requires that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company is required to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of this standard will have on the Company's financial position, results of operations, and related disclosures.
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance on the financial statement presentation of debt issuance costs. This update requires capitalized debt issuance costs to be presented as a reduction to the carrying value of debt instead of being classified as a deferred charge, as currently required. The Company is required to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2016, with adoption retroactive for all periods presented. This update will not have a material impact on the presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and related disclosures.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a new accounting pronouncement regarding classification and measurement of financial instruments. This new standard provides guidance on how entities measure certain equity investments and present changes in the fair value. This standard requires that entities measure certain equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. The Company is required to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of this standard will have on the Company's financial position, results of operations, and related disclosures.
3. Productivity and Cost-Savings Initiatives Expenses
During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company implemented initiatives to improve productivity and reduce costs. A significant majority of the productivity and cost-savings initiatives costs relate to severance and related expenses, including termination benefits received by certain of the Company's former executives. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company incurred $11.1 million, $30.3 million, and $56.9 million, respectively, of expenses related to productivity and cost-savings initiatives. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company made cash payments of $30.0 million, $42.9 million and $41.8 million, respectively, related to productivity and cost-savings initiatives.
The following table presents the above expenses related to productivity and cost-savings initiatives as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income (in millions):
The following table summarizes the above expenses incurred by reportable segment (in millions):
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, amounts remaining to be paid related to productivity and cost-savings initiatives were $14.7 million and $33.6 million, respectively.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. Acquisitions
During the first quarter of 2014, the Company acquired the Brazilian retail, walk-in foreign exchange operations of Fitta DTVM S.A. and Fitta Turismo Ltda. for total consideration of $18.5 million. Of the total consideration, $15.6 million was allocated to identifiable intangible assets, the majority of which relates to contractual relationships. The identifiable intangible assets are being amortized over a period of two to twelve years with a weighted average life of ten years. The Company recognized $2.4 million of goodwill related to this acquisition. The valuation of assets acquired was derived primarily using unobservable Level 3 inputs, which require significant management judgment and estimation.
The following table presents changes to goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in millions):
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. Commitments and Contingencies
Letters of Credit and Bank Guarantees
The Company had approximately $85 million in outstanding letters of credit and bank guarantees as of December 31, 2015. The letters of credit and bank guarantees are primarily held in connection with lease arrangements and certain agent agreements. The letters of credit and bank guarantees have expiration dates through 2020, with many having a one-year renewal option. The Company expects to renew the letters of credit and bank guarantees prior to expiration in most circumstances.
Litigation and Related Contingencies
The Company is subject to certain claims and litigation that could result in losses, including damages, fines and/or civil penalties, which could be significant, and in some cases, criminal charges. The Company regularly evaluates the status of legal matters to assess whether a loss is probable and reasonably estimable in determining whether an accrual is appropriate. Furthermore, in determining whether disclosure is appropriate, the Company evaluates each legal matter to assess if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss or additional loss may have been incurred and whether an estimate of possible loss or range of loss can be made. Unless otherwise specified below, the Company believes that there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss or additional loss may have been incurred for each of the matters described below. For certain of these matters, management is unable to provide a meaningful estimate of the possible loss or range of loss because, among other reasons: (a) the proceedings are in preliminary stages; (b) specific damages have not been sought; (c) damage claims are unsupported and/or unreasonable; (d) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals or motions; (e) there are significant factual issues to be resolved; or (f) novel legal issues or unsettled legal theories are being asserted.
State of Arizona Settlement Agreement
On February 11, 2010, Western Union Financial Services, Inc. ("WUFSI"), a subsidiary of the Company, signed a settlement agreement ("Southwest Border Agreement"), which resolved all outstanding legal issues and claims with the State of Arizona (the "State") and required the Company to fund a multi-state not-for-profit organization promoting safety and security along the United States and Mexico border, in which California, Texas and New Mexico are participating with Arizona. As part of the Southwest Border Agreement, the Company has made and expects to make certain investments in its compliance programs along the United States and Mexico border and a monitor (the "Monitor") has been engaged for those programs. The Company has incurred, and expects to continue to incur, significant costs in connection with the Southwest Border Agreement. The Monitor has made a number of recommendations related to the Company's compliance programs, which the Company is implementing, including programs related to the Company's Business Solutions segment.
On January 31, 2014, the Southwest Border Agreement was amended to extend its term until December 31, 2017 (the "Amendment"). The Amendment imposes additional obligations on the Company and WUFSI in connection with WUFSI’s anti-money laundering ("AML") compliance programs and cooperation with law enforcement. In particular, the Amendment requires WUFSI to continue implementing the primary and secondary recommendations made by the Monitor appointed pursuant to the Southwest Border Agreement related to WUFSI’s AML compliance program, and includes, among other things, timeframes for implementing such primary and secondary recommendations. Under the Amendment, the Monitor could make additional primary recommendations until January 1, 2015 and may make additional secondary recommendations until January 31, 2017. After these dates, the Monitor may only make additional primary or secondary recommendations, as applicable, that meet certain requirements as set forth in the Amendment. Primary recommendations may also be re-classified as secondary recommendations.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Amendment provides that if WUFSI is unable to implement an effective AML compliance program along the U.S. and Mexico border, as determined by the Monitor and subject to limited judicial review, within the timeframes to implement the Monitor’s primary recommendations, the State may, within 180 days after the Monitor delivers its final report on the primary recommendations on December 31, 2016, and subsequent to any judicial review of the Monitor’s findings, elect one, and only one, of the following remedies: (i) assert a willful and material breach of the Southwest Border Agreement and pursue remedies under the Southwest Border Agreement, which could include initiating civil or criminal actions; or (ii) require WUFSI to pay (a) $50 million plus (b) $1 million per primary recommendation or group of primary recommendations that WUFSI fails to implement successfully. There are currently more than 70 primary recommendations and groups of primary recommendations.
If the Monitor concludes that WUFSI has implemented an effective AML compliance program along the U.S. and Mexico border within the timeframes to implement the Monitor’s primary recommendations, the State cannot pursue either of the remedies above, except that the State may require WUFSI to pay $1 million per primary recommendation or group of primary recommendations that WUFSI fails to implement successfully.
If, at the conclusion of the timeframe to implement the secondary recommendations on December 31, 2017, the Monitor concludes that WUFSI has not implemented an effective AML compliance program along the U.S. and Mexico border, the State cannot assert a willful and material breach of the Southwest Border Agreement but may require WUFSI to pay an additional $25 million. Additionally, if the Monitor determines that WUFSI has implemented an effective AML compliance program along the U.S. and Mexico border but has not implemented some of the Monitor’s secondary recommendations or groups of secondary recommendations that were originally classified as primary recommendations or groups of primary recommendations on the date of the Amendment, the State may require WUFSI to pay $500,000 per such secondary recommendation or group of recommendations. There is no monetary penalty associated with secondary recommendations that are classified as such on the date of the Amendment or any new secondary recommendations that the Monitor makes after the date of the Amendment.
The Amendment requires WUFSI to continue funding the Monitor’s reasonable expenses in $500,000 increments as requested by the Monitor. The Amendment also requires WUFSI to make a one-time payment of $250,000, which was paid in March 2014, and thereafter $150,000 per month for five years to fund the activities and expenses of a money transfer transaction data analysis center formed by WUFSI and a Financial Crimes Task Force comprised of federal, state and local law enforcement representatives, including those from the State. In addition, California, Texas, and New Mexico are participating in the money transfer transaction data analysis center.
The changes in WUFSI’s AML program required by the Southwest Border Agreement, including the Amendment, and the Monitor’s recommendations have had, and will continue to have, adverse effects on the Company’s business, including additional costs. Additionally, if WUFSI is not able to implement a successful AML compliance program along the U.S. and Mexico border or timely implement the Monitor’s recommendations, each as determined by the Monitor, the State may pursue remedies under the Southwest Border Agreement and Amendment, including assessment of fines and civil and criminal actions. The Company submitted all of the primary recommendations to the Monitor for review prior to an October 31, 2015 deadline and is currently in the process of demonstrating its compliance with the primary recommendations, but is unable to predict whether the Monitor will conclude that WUFSI has implemented an effective AML compliance program and whether the Monitor's primary and secondary recommendations have been successfully implemented. Based on the stage of this matter, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any. Should the State pursue remedies under the Southwest Border Agreement, the Company could face significant fines and actions which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
United States Department of Justice Investigations
On March 20, 2012, the Company was served with a federal grand jury subpoena issued by the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California ("USAO-CDCA") seeking documents relating to Shen Zhou International ("US Shen Zhou"), a former Western Union agent located in Monterey Park, California. The principal of US Shen Zhou was indicted in 2010 and in December 2013, pled guilty to one count of structuring international money transfers in violation of United States federal law in U.S. v. Zhi He Wang (SA CR 10-196, C.D. Cal.). Concurrent with the government's service of the subpoena, the government notified the Company that it is a target of an ongoing investigation into structuring and money laundering. Since March 20, 2012, the Company has received additional subpoenas from the USAO-CDCA seeking additional documents relating to US Shen Zhou, materials relating to certain other former and current agents and other materials relating to the Company's AML compliance policies and procedures. The government has interviewed several current and former Western Union employees and has served grand jury subpoenas seeking testimony from several current and former employees. The government's investigation is ongoing and the Company may receive additional requests for information as part of the investigation. The Company has provided and continues to provide information and documents to the government. Due to the investigative stage of the matter and the fact that no criminal charges or civil claims have been brought, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the government's investigation, or reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, which could be associated with the resolution of any possible charges or claims that may be brought against the Company. Should such charges or claims be brought, the Company could face significant fines, damage awards or regulatory consequences which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
In March 2012, the Company was served with a federal grand jury subpoena issued by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (“USAO-EDPA”) seeking documents relating to Hong Fai General Contractor Corp. (formerly known as Yong General Construction) (“Hong Fai”), a former Western Union agent located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since March 2012, the Company has received additional subpoenas from the USAO-EDPA seeking additional documents relating to Hong Fai. The government's investigation is ongoing and the Company may receive additional requests for information as part of the investigation. The Company has provided and continues to provide information and documents to the government. The government has interviewed several current and former Western Union employees. Due to the investigative stage of the matter and the fact that no criminal charges or civil claims have been brought, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the government's investigation, or reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, which could be associated with the resolution of any possible charges or claims that may be brought against the Company. Should such charges or claims be brought, the Company could face significant fines, damage awards or regulatory consequences which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
On November 25, 2013, the Company was served with a federal grand jury subpoena issued by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania (“USAO-MDPA”) seeking documents relating to complaints made to the Company by consumers anywhere in the world relating to fraud-induced money transfers since January 1, 2008. Concurrent with the government's service of the subpoena, the government notified the Company that it is the subject of the investigation. Since November 25, 2013, the Company has received additional subpoenas from the USAO-MDPA seeking documents relating to certain Western Union agents and Western Union’s agent suspension and termination policies. The government has interviewed several current and former employees and has served grand jury subpoenas seeking testimony from several current and former employees. The government has indicated that it believes Western Union failed to timely terminate or suspend certain Western Union agents who allegedly paid or forwarded thousands of fraud-induced transactions sent from the United States to various countries from at least 2008 to 2012. The government's investigation is ongoing and the Company may receive additional requests for information as part of the investigation. The Company has provided and continues to provide information and documents to the government. Due to the investigative stage of the matter and the fact that no criminal charges or civil claims have been brought, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the government's investigation, or reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, which could be associated with the resolution of any possible charges or claims that may be brought against the Company. Should such charges or claims be brought, the Company could face significant fines, damage awards or regulatory consequences which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
On March 6, 2014, the Company was served with a federal grand jury subpoena issued by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida (“USAO-SDFL”) seeking a variety of AML compliance materials, including documents relating to the Company’s AML, Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”), Suspicious Activity Report (“SAR”) and Currency Transaction Report procedures, transaction monitoring protocols, BSA and AML training programs and publications, AML compliance investigation reports, compliance-related agent termination files, SARs, BSA audits, BSA and AML-related management reports and AML compliance staffing levels. The subpoena also calls for Board meeting minutes and organization charts. The period covered by the subpoena is January 1, 2007 to November 27, 2013. The Company has received additional subpoenas from the USAO-SDFL and the Broward County, Florida Sheriff’s Office relating to the investigation, including a federal grand jury subpoena issued by the USAO-SDFL on March 14, 2014, seeking information about 33 agent locations in Costa Rica such as ownership and operating agreements, SARs and AML compliance and BSA filings for the period January 1, 2008 to November 27, 2013. Subsequently, the USAO-SDFL served the Company with seizure warrants requiring the Company to seize all money transfers sent from the United States to two agent locations located in Costa Rica for a 10-day period beginning in late March 2014. On July 8, 2014, the government served a grand jury subpoena calling for records relating to transactions sent from the United States to Nicaragua and Panama between September 1, 2013 and October 31, 2013. Further, the government recently served Western Union with a subpoena calling for data relating to transactions sent and received by 43 Nicaraguan agents from October 1, 2008 to October 31, 2013 and transactions sent from the United States to the Bahamas, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Haiti from September 1, 2013 to January 2, 2014 and certain documents relating to those agents. The government also advised the Company that it is investigating concerns the Company was aware there were gaming transactions being sent to Panama, Nicaragua, Haiti, Philippines, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and the Bahamas (in addition to Costa Rica) and that the Company failed to take proper steps to stop the activity. The government has also notified the Company that it is a target of the investigation. The government has interviewed several current and former Western Union employees. The government's investigation is ongoing and the Company may receive additional requests for information or seizure warrants as part of the investigation. The Company has provided and continues to provide information and documents to the government. Due to the investigative stage of the matter and the fact that no criminal charges or civil claims have been brought, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the government's investigation, or reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, which could be associated with the resolution of any possible charges or claims that may be brought against the Company. Should such charges or claims be brought, the Company could face significant fines, damage awards or regulatory consequences which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Shareholder Action and Other Matters
On December 10, 2013, City of Taylor Police and Fire Retirement System filed a purported class action complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado against The Western Union Company, its President and Chief Executive Officer and a former executive officer of the Company, asserting claims under sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) and Securities and Exchange Commission rule 10b-5 against all defendants. On September 26, 2014, the Court appointed SEB Asset Management S.A. and SEB Investment Management AB as lead plaintiffs. On October 27, 2014, lead plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint, which asserts the same claims as the original complaint, except that it brings the claims under section 20(a) of the Exchange Act only against the individual defendants. The consolidated amended complaint also adds as a defendant another former executive officer of the Company. The consolidated amended complaint alleges that, during the purported class period, February 7, 2012 through October 30, 2012, defendants made false or misleading statements or failed to disclose adverse material facts known to them, including those regarding: (1) the competitive advantage the Company derived from its compliance program; (2) the Company’s ability to increase market share, make limited price adjustments and withstand competitive pressures; (3) the effect of compliance measures under the Southwest Border Agreement on agent retention and business in Mexico; and (4) the Company’s progress in implementing an anti-money laundering program for the Southwest Border Area. On December 11, 2014, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint. The Court referred the motion to a Magistrate Judge, who, on April 14, 2015, issued a report and recommendation, which recommended that the defendants’ motion to dismiss be granted and that the consolidated amended complaint be dismissed in full. On April 28, 2015, plaintiffs filed objections to the report and recommendation. On September 29, 2015, the Court (a) overruled in part and sustained in part plaintiffs’ objections to the report and recommendation; (b) adopted in part the recommendation; (c) granted in part and denied in part defendants’ motion to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint; and (d) dismissed the claims against one of the individual defendants and denied the motion as to the remaining defendants. In particular, the Court denied the motion to dismiss as to certain statements made by the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and a former executive officer during an investor conference call on July 24, 2012, related to category (3) above concerning the effect of compliance measures under the Southwest Border Agreement on agent retention and business in Mexico. On November 3, 2015, defendants filed an answer to the consolidated amended complaint. On February 5, 2016, plaintiffs notified the Court that a witness on whom they had relied in bringing their claims did not have firsthand knowledge of events occurring at Western Union during calendar year 2012, and that without the witness’ support of their claims the consolidated amended complaint would not have survived the defendants’ motion to dismiss. The same day, plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the consolidated amended complaint with prejudice.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Company and one of its subsidiaries are defendants in two purported class action lawsuits: James P. Tennille v. The Western Union Company and Robert P. Smet v. The Western Union Company, both of which are pending in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. The original complaints asserted claims for violation of various consumer protection laws, unjust enrichment, conversion and declaratory relief, based on allegations that the Company waits too long to inform consumers if their money transfers are not redeemed by the recipients and that the Company uses the unredeemed funds to generate income until the funds are escheated to state governments. The Tennille complaint was served on the Company on April 27, 2009. The Smet complaint was served on the Company on April 6, 2010. On September 21, 2009, the Court granted the Company's motion to dismiss the Tennille complaint and gave the plaintiff leave to file an amended complaint. On October 21, 2009, Tennille filed an amended complaint. The Company moved to dismiss the Tennille amended complaint and the Smet complaint. On November 8, 2010, the Court denied the motion to dismiss as to the plaintiffs' unjust enrichment and conversion claims. On February 4, 2011, the Court dismissed the plaintiffs' consumer protection claims. On March 11, 2011, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint that adds a claim for breach of fiduciary duty, various elements to its declaratory relief claim and WUFSI as a defendant. On April 25, 2011, the Company and WUFSI filed a motion to dismiss the breach of fiduciary duty and declaratory relief claims. WUFSI also moved to compel arbitration of the plaintiffs' claims and to stay the action pending arbitration. On November 21, 2011, the Court denied the motion to compel arbitration and the stay request. Both companies appealed the decision. On January 24, 2012, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit granted the companies' request to stay the District Court proceedings pending their appeal. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the parties executed a settlement agreement, which the Court preliminarily approved on January 3, 2013. On June 25, 2013, the Court entered an order certifying the class and granting final approval to the settlement. Under the approved settlement, a substantial amount of the settlement proceeds, as well as all of the class counsel’s fees, administrative fees and other expenses, would be paid from the class members' unclaimed money transfer funds, which are included within "Settlement obligations" in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. These fees and other expenses are currently estimated to be approximately $50 million. During the final approval hearing, the Court overruled objections to the settlement that had been filed by several class members. In July 2013, two of those class members filed notices of appeal. On May 1, 2015, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit affirmed the District Court’s decision to overrule the objections filed by the two class members who appealed. On January 11, 2016, the United States Supreme Court denied petitions for certiorari that were filed by the two class members who appealed. On February 1, 2016, pursuant to the settlement agreement and the Court's June 25, 2013 final approval order, Western Union deposited the class members' unclaimed money transfer funds into a class settlement fund, from which class member claims, administrative fees and class counsel’s fees, as well as other expenses will be paid. On November 6, 2013, the Attorney General of California notified Western Union of the California Controller’s position that Western Union’s deposit of the unclaimed money transfer funds into the class settlement fund pursuant to the settlement “will not satisfy Western Union’s obligations to report and remit funds” under California’s unclaimed property law, and that “Western Union will remain liable to the State of California” for the funds that would have escheated to California in the absence of the settlement. The State of Pennsylvania and District of Columbia have previously expressed similar views. Other states have also recently expressed concerns about the settlement and many have not yet expressed an opinion. Since some states and jurisdictions believe that the Company must escheat its full share of the settlement fund and that the deductions for class counsel's fees, administrative costs, and other expenses that are required under the settlement agreement are not permitted, there is a reasonable possibility a loss could result up to approximately the amount of those fees and other expenses. However, given the number of jurisdictions involved and the fact that no actions have been brought, the Company is unable to provide a more precise estimate of the range of possible loss.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Company has had discussions with the United States Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") regarding the Company's consumer protection and anti-fraud programs. On December 12, 2012, the Company received a civil investigative demand from the FTC requesting that the Company produce (i) all documents relating to communications with the Monitor appointed pursuant to the Southwest Border Agreement, including information the Company provided to the Monitor and any reports prepared by the Monitor; and (ii) all documents relating to complaints made to the Company by consumers anywhere in the world relating to fraud-induced money transfers since January 1, 2011. On April 15, 2013, the FTC filed a petition in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York requesting an order to compel production of the requested documents. On June 6, 2013, the Court granted in part and denied in part the FTC's request. On August 14, 2013, the FTC filed a notice of appeal. On August 27, 2013, Western Union filed a notice of cross-appeal. On February 21, 2014, the Company received another civil investigative demand from the FTC requesting the production of all documents relating to complaints made to the Company by or on behalf of consumers relating to fraud-induced money transfers that were sent from or received in the United States since January 1, 2004, except for documents that were already produced to the FTC in response to the first civil investigative demand. On October 7, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit entered a summary order reversing in part and vacating and remanding in part the June 6, 2013 order entered by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On October 22, 2014, the Company received another civil investigative demand issued by the FTC requesting documents and information since January 1, 2004 relating to the Company’s consumer fraud program, its policies and procedures governing agent termination, suspension, probation and reactivation, its efforts to comply with its 2005 agreement with 47 states and the District of Columbia regarding consumer fraud prevention, and complaints made to the Company by or on behalf of consumers concerning fraud-induced money transfers that were sent to or from the United States, excluding complaint-related documents that were produced to the FTC in response to the earlier civil investigative demands. The civil investigative demand also seeks various documents concerning approximately 720 agents, including documents relating to the transactions they sent and paid and the Company’s investigations of and communications with them. On July 31, 2015, the Company received another civil investigative demand requesting documents and information relating to the total number of agent and subagent locations in 13 countries annually since 2010, the average and median dollar values for money transfers sent anywhere in the world annually since 2010, copies of the Company’s anti-fraud programs, know your agent policy, know your customer policy, representative agent contracts, transaction data, background investigation documents and fraud complaints associated with four agents in Greece, Peru and Mexico and consumer fraud reports not already produced to the FTC. The Company has responded to each of the civil investigative demands it has received from the FTC. The Company may receive additional civil investigative demands from the FTC, and discussions between the Company and the FTC are ongoing. Due to the investigative stage of the matter and the fact that no claims have been brought, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the government’s investigation, or reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, which could be associated with the resolution of any possible claims that may be brought against the Company.
In August 2013, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the "CFPB") served Paymap, Inc. ("Paymap"), a subsidiary of the Company which operates solely in the United States, with a civil investigative demand requesting information and documents about Paymap’s Equity Accelerator service, which is designed to help consumers pay off their mortgages more quickly. In August 2014, the CFPB advised the Company of its view that certain aspects of Paymap’s marketing violated the Consumer Financial Protection Act’s prohibition against unfair, deceptive and abusive acts and practices. In July 2015, Paymap agreed to resolve the matter without admitting or denying the CFPB's allegations ("Paymap Settlement Agreement"), and also agreed to pay approximately $33.4 million in restitution and a $5.0 million civil monetary penalty. The Company paid $5.0 million during the third quarter of 2015 and has segregated funds that are included in "Other assets" in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets which will be used to pay the remaining $33.4 million. As this matter has been settled, the Company believes that the potential for additional loss in excess of amounts already accrued is remote.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
On March 12, 2014, Jason Douglas filed a purported class action complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois asserting a claim under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, 47 U.S.C. § 227, et seq., based on allegations that since 2009, the Company has sent text messages to class members’ wireless telephones without their consent. During the first quarter of 2015, the Company's insurance carrier and the plaintiff reached an agreement to create an $8.5 million settlement fund that will be used to pay all class member claims, class counsel’s fees and the costs of administering the settlement. The agreement has been signed by the parties and, on November 10, 2015, the Court granted preliminary approval to the settlement. The Company accrued an amount equal to the retention under its insurance policy in previous quarters and believes that any amounts in excess of this accrual will be covered by the insurer. However, if the Company's insurer is unable to or refuses to satisfy its obligations under the policy or the parties are unable to reach a definitive agreement or otherwise agree on a resolution, the Company's financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely impacted. As the parties have reached an agreement in this matter, the Company believes that the potential for additional loss in excess of amounts already accrued is remote.
On February 10, 2015, Caryn Pincus filed a purported class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Speedpay, Inc. (“Speedpay”), a subsidiary of the Company, asserting claims based on allegations that Speedpay imposed an unlawful surcharge on credit card transactions and that Speedpay engages in money transmission without a license. The complaint requests certification of a class and two subclasses generally comprised of consumers in Florida who made a payment through Speedpay’s bill payment services using a credit card and were charged a surcharge for such payment during the four-year and five-year periods prior to the filing of the complaint through the date of class certification. On April 6, 2015, Speedpay filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. On April 23, 2015, in response to the motion to dismiss, Pincus filed an amended complaint that adds claims (1) under the Florida Civil Remedies for Criminal Practices Act, which authorizes civil remedies for certain criminal conduct; and (2) for violation of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. On May 15, 2015, Speedpay filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. On October 6, 2015, the Court entered an order denying Speedpay’s motion to dismiss. On October 20, 2015, Speedpay filed an answer to the amended complaint. On December 1, 2015, Pincus filed a second amended complaint that revised her factual allegations, but added no new claims. On December 18, 2015, Speedpay filed an answer to the second amended complaint. As this action is in a preliminary stage, the Company is unable to predict the outcome, or the possible loss or range of loss, if any, which could be associated with this action. Speedpay intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter.
In addition to the principal matters described above, the Company is a party to a variety of other legal matters that arise in the normal course of the Company's business. While the results of these other legal matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the final outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect either individually or in the aggregate on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
On January 26, 2006, the First Data Corporation ("First Data") Board of Directors announced its intention to pursue the distribution of all of its money transfer and consumer payments business and its interest in a Western Union money transfer agent, as well as its related assets, including real estate, through a tax-free distribution to First Data shareholders (the “Spin-off”). The Spin-off resulted in the formation of the Company and these assets and businesses no longer being part of First Data. Pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement with First Data in connection with the Spin-off, First Data and the Company are each liable for, and agreed to perform, all liabilities with respect to their respective businesses. In addition, the separation and distribution agreement also provides for cross-indemnities principally designed to place financial responsibility for the obligations and liabilities of the Company's business with the Company and financial responsibility for the obligations and liabilities of First Data's retained businesses with First Data. The Company also entered into a tax allocation agreement that sets forth the rights and obligations of First Data and the Company with respect to taxes imposed on their respective businesses both prior to and after the Spin-off as well as potential tax obligations for which the Company may be liable in conjunction with the Spin-off (see Note 10).
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
6. Related Party Transactions
The Company has ownership interests in certain of its agents accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company pays these agents commissions for money transfer and other services provided on the Company's behalf. Commission expense recognized for these agents for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $65.5 million, $70.2 million and $65.5 million, respectively.
Prior to 2014, the Company had a director who was also a director for a company that held a significant investment in one of the Company's existing agents. This agent had been an agent of the Company prior to the director being appointed to the board. The Company recognized commission expense of $15.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 related to this agent during the period the agent was affiliated with the Company's director. In 2014, this director did not stand for re-election as a director with the Company.
7. Investment Securities
Investment securities included in "Settlement assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist primarily of highly-rated state and municipal debt securities, including fixed rate term notes and variable rate demand notes. Variable rate demand note securities can be put (sold at par) typically on a daily basis with settlement periods ranging from the same day to one week, but have varying maturities through 2049. Generally, these securities are used by the Company for short-term liquidity needs and are held for short periods of time, typically less than 30 days. The Company is required to hold highly-rated, investment grade securities and such investments are restricted to satisfy outstanding settlement obligations in accordance with applicable state and foreign country requirements.
The substantial majority of the Company's investment securities are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value. Investment securities are exposed to market risk due to changes in interest rates and credit risk. Western Union regularly monitors credit risk and attempts to mitigate its exposure by investing in highly-rated securities and through investment diversification.
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and presented as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of related deferred taxes. Proceeds from the sale and maturity of available-for-sale securities during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $8.7 billion, $17.7 billion and $19.0 billion, respectively.
Gains and losses on investments are calculated using the specific-identification method and are recognized during the period in which the investment is sold or when an investment experiences an other-than-temporary decline in value. Factors that could indicate an impairment exists include, but are not limited to: earnings performance, changes in credit rating or adverse changes in the regulatory or economic environment of the asset. If potential impairment exists, the Company assesses whether it has the intent to sell the debt security, more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery or expects that some of the contractual cash flows will not be received. The Company had no material other-than-temporary impairments during the periods presented.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The components of investment securities are as follows (in millions):
____________
(a)
The majority of these securities are fixed rate instruments.
There were no investments with a single issuer or individual securities representing greater than 10% of total investment securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
The following summarizes the contractual maturities of settlement-related debt securities as of December 31, 2015 (in millions):
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay the obligations or the Company may have the right to put the obligation prior to its contractual maturity, as with variable rate demand notes. Variable rate demand notes, having a fair value of $2.9 million and $40.0 million are included in the "Due after 1 year through 5 years" and "Due after 10 years" categories, respectively, in the table above. The majority of the held-to-maturity foreign corporate debt securities are due within 1 year.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value, as defined by the relevant accounting standards, represents the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. For additional information on how the Company measures fair value, refer to Note 2.
The following tables reflect assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
No non-recurring fair value adjustments were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Other Fair Value Measurements
The carrying amounts for many of the Company's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, settlement cash and cash equivalents, and settlement receivables and settlement obligations approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The Company's borrowings are classified as Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy, and the aggregate fair value of these borrowings was based on quotes from multiple banks and excluded the impact of related interest rate swaps. Fixed rate notes are carried in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets at their original issuance values as adjusted over time to accrete that value to par, except for portions of notes hedged by these interest rate swaps, as disclosed in Note 14. As of December 31, 2015, the carrying value and fair value of the Company's borrowings was $3,225.6 million and $3,279.6 million, respectively (see Note 15). As of December 31, 2014, the carrying value and fair value of the Company's borrowings was $3,720.4 million and $3,890.5 million, respectively. The Company's foreign corporate debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity securities within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy and are recorded at amortized cost in "Other Assets" in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The fair value of the assets in the Trust, which holds the assets for the Company's defined benefit plan, is disclosed in Note 11.
9. Other Assets and Other Liabilities
The following table summarizes the components of other assets and other liabilities (in millions):
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. Income Taxes
The components of pre-tax income, generally based on the jurisdiction of the legal entity, were as follows (in millions):
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 103%, 96% and 103% of the Company's pre-tax income was derived from foreign sources, respectively.
The provision for income taxes was as follows (in millions):
Domestic taxes have been incurred on certain pre-tax income amounts that were generated by the Company's foreign operations. Accordingly, the percentage obtained by dividing the total federal, state and local tax provision by the domestic pre-tax income, all as shown in the preceding tables, may be higher than the statutory tax rates in the United States.
The Company's effective tax rates differed from statutory rates as follows:
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The decrease in the Company's effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 2014 is primarily due to various tax planning benefits, some of which are non-recurring, partially offset by changes in the composition of foreign earnings between higher taxed and lower taxed and the combined effects of various discrete items. The decrease in the Company's effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013 is primarily due to the combined effect of various discrete items, including those related to foreign currency fluctuations on certain income tax attributes, and changes in tax contingency reserves, partially offset by changes in the composition of earnings between foreign and domestic. The Company continues to benefit from a significant proportion of its profits being foreign-derived and generally taxed at lower rates than its combined federal and state tax rates in the United States. Certain portions of the Company's foreign source income are subject to United States federal and state income tax as earned due to the nature of the income, and dividend repatriations of the Company's foreign source income are generally subject to United States federal and state income tax.
The Company's provision for income taxes consisted of the following components (in millions):
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities. The following table outlines the principal components of deferred tax items (in millions):
____________
(a)
As of December 31, 2015, deferred tax assets that cannot be fully offset by deferred tax liabilities in the respective tax jurisdictions are reflected in "Other assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The valuation allowances are primarily the result of uncertainties regarding the Company's ability to recognize tax benefits associated with certain U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards, certain foreign net operating losses, and certain foreign undistributed earnings. Such uncertainties include generating sufficient income, generating sufficient U.S. foreign tax credit limitation related to passive income, and demonstrating the ability to distribute certain foreign earnings. Changes in circumstances, or the identification and implementation of relevant tax planning strategies, could make it foreseeable that the Company will recover these deferred tax assets in the future, which could lead to a reversal of these valuation allowances and a reduction in income tax expense.
Uncertain Tax Positions
The Company has established contingency reserves for a variety of material, known tax exposures. As of December 31, 2015, the total amount of tax contingency reserves was $113.1 million, including accrued interest and penalties, net of related items. The Company's tax reserves reflect management's judgment as to the resolution of the issues involved if subject to judicial review or other settlement. While the Company believes its reserves are adequate to cover reasonably expected tax risks, there can be no assurance that, in all instances, an issue raised by a tax authority will be resolved at a financial cost that does not exceed its related reserve. With respect to these reserves, the Company's income tax expense would include (i) any changes in tax reserves arising from material changes during the period in the facts and circumstances (i.e., new information) surrounding a tax issue and (ii) any difference from the Company's tax position as recorded in the financial statements and the final resolution of a tax issue during the period. Such resolution could materially increase or decrease income tax expense in the Company's consolidated financial statements in future periods and could impact operating cash flows.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Unrecognized tax benefits represent the aggregate tax effect of differences between tax return positions and the amounts otherwise recognized in the Company's consolidated financial statements, and are reflected in "Income taxes payable" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows (in millions):
____________
(a)
Includes recurring accruals for issues which initially arose in previous periods.
(b)
Changes to positions taken in prior periods relate to changes in estimates used to calculate prior period unrecognized tax benefits.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $96.8 million and $82.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, excluding interest and penalties.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties with respect to unrecognized tax benefits in "Provision for income taxes" in its Consolidated Statements of Income, and records the associated liability in "Income taxes payable" in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company recognized $1.9 million, $1.5 million and $(1.8) million in interest and penalties during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company has accrued $17.0 million and $15.1 million for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The unrecognized tax benefits accrual as of December 31, 2015 consists of federal, state and foreign tax matters. It is reasonably possible that the Company's total unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $26 million during the next 12 months in connection with various matters which may be resolved.
The Company and its subsidiaries file tax returns for the United States, for multiple states and localities, and for various non-United States jurisdictions, and the Company has identified the United States as its major tax jurisdiction, as the income tax imposed by any one foreign country is not material to the Company. The United States federal income tax returns of First Data, which include the Company, are eligible to be examined for 2005 and 2006. The Company's United States federal income tax returns since the Spin-off are also eligible to be examined.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The United States Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") completed its examination of the United States federal consolidated income tax returns of First Data for 2003 and 2004, which included the Company, and issued a Notice of Deficiency in December 2008. In December 2011, the Company reached an agreement with the IRS resolving substantially all of the issues related to the Company's restructuring of its international operations in 2003 ("IRS Agreement"). As a result of the IRS Agreement, the Company expects to make cash payments of approximately $190 million, plus additional accrued interest, of which $94.1 million has been paid as of December 31, 2015. A substantial majority of these payments were made in the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company expects to pay the remaining amount in 2016 and beyond. The IRS completed its examination of the United States federal consolidated income tax returns of First Data, which include the Company's 2005 and pre-Spin-off 2006 taxable periods and issued its report on October 31, 2012 ("FDC 30-Day Letter"). Furthermore, the IRS completed its examination of the Company's United States federal consolidated income tax returns for the 2006 post-Spin-off period through 2009 and issued its report also on October 31, 2012 ("WU 30-Day Letter"). Both the FDC 30-Day Letter and the WU 30-Day Letter propose tax adjustments affecting the Company, some of which are agreed and some of which are unagreed. Both First Data and the Company filed their respective protests with the IRS Appeals Division on November 28, 2012 related to the unagreed proposed adjustments. Discussions with the IRS concerning these adjustments are ongoing. The Company believes its reserves are adequate with respect to both the agreed and unagreed adjustments.
As of December 31, 2015, no provision has been made for United States federal and state income taxes on certain of the Company's outside tax basis differences, which primarily relate to accumulated foreign earnings of approximately $6.1 billion, which have been reinvested and are expected to continue to be reinvested outside the United States indefinitely. Over the last several years, such earnings have been used to pay for the Company's international acquisitions and operations and provide initial Company funding of global principal payouts for Consumer-to-Consumer and Business Solutions transactions. Upon distribution of those earnings to the United States in the form of actual or constructive dividends, the Company would be subject to United States income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits), state income taxes and possible withholding taxes payable to various foreign countries. Such taxes could be significant. Determination of this amount of unrecognized United States deferred tax liability is not practicable because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation.
Tax Allocation Agreement with First Data
The Company and First Data each are liable for taxes imposed on their respective businesses both prior to and after the Spin-off. If such taxes have not been appropriately apportioned between First Data and the Company, subsequent adjustments may occur that may impact the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
Also under the tax allocation agreement, with respect to taxes and other liabilities that result from a final determination that is inconsistent with the anticipated tax consequences of the Spin-off (as set forth in the private letter ruling and relevant tax opinion) ("Spin-off Related Taxes"), the Company will be liable to First Data for any such Spin-off Related Taxes attributable solely to actions taken by or with respect to the Company. In addition, the Company will also be liable for half of any Spin-off Related Taxes (i) that would not have been imposed but for the existence of both an action by the Company and an action by First Data or (ii) where the Company and First Data each take actions that, standing alone, would have resulted in the imposition of such Spin-off Related Taxes. The Company may be similarly liable if it breaches certain representations or covenants set forth in the tax allocation agreement. If the Company is required to indemnify First Data for taxes incurred as a result of the Spin-off being taxable to First Data, it likely would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. First Data generally will be liable for all Spin-off Related Taxes, other than those described above.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. Employee Benefit Plans
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company administers several defined contribution plans in various countries globally, including The Western Union Company Incentive Savings Plan (the "401(k)"), which covers eligible employees on the United States payroll. Such plans have vesting and employer contribution provisions that vary by country. In addition, the Company sponsors a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for a select group of highly compensated United States employees. The plan provides tax-deferred contributions and the restoration of Company matching contributions otherwise limited under the 401(k). The aggregate amount charged to expense in connection with all of the above plans was $18.0 million, $17.4 million and $16.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Defined Benefit Plan
The Company has a frozen defined benefit pension plan (the "Plan") and recognizes its funded status, measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the projected benefit obligation, in "Other liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Plan assets, which are managed in a third-party trust, primarily consist of a diversified blend of approximately 60% debt securities, 20% equity investments, and 20% alternative investments (e.g., hedge funds, royalty rights and private equity funds) and had a total fair value of $276.7 million and $302.9 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The significant majority of plan assets fall within either Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The benefit obligation associated with the Plan will vary over time only as a result of changes in market interest rates, the life expectancy of the plan participants, and benefit payments, since the accrual of benefits was suspended when the Plan was frozen in 1988. The benefit obligation was $346.0 million and $377.8 million and the discount rate assumption used in the measurement of this obligation was 3.52% and 3.27% as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company’s unfunded pension obligation was $69.3 million and $74.9 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The net periodic benefit cost associated with the Plan was $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $3.8 million for both of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. The expected long-term return on plan assets assumption is 7.00% for 2016. The Company made contributions of $6.7 million and $13.2 million to the Plan in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. No funding to the Plan will be required for 2016. The estimated undiscounted future benefit payments are expected to be $35.0 million in 2016, $33.4 million in 2017, $31.9 million in 2018, $30.4 million in 2019, $28.8 million in 2020 and $120.4 million in 2021 through 2025.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
12. Operating Lease Commitments
The Company leases certain real properties for use as customer service centers and administrative and sales offices. The Company also leases automobiles and office equipment. Certain of these leases contain renewal options and escalation provisions. Total rent expense under operating leases, net of sublease income, was $46.9 million, $54.0 million and $54.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
As of December 31, 2015, the minimum aggregate rental commitments under all non-cancelable operating leases were as follows (in millions):
13. Stockholders' Equity
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss includes all changes in equity during a period that have yet to be recognized in income, except those resulting from transactions with shareholders. The major components include unrealized gains and losses on investment securities, unrealized gains and losses from cash flow hedging activities, foreign currency translation adjustments and defined benefit pension plan adjustments.
Unrealized gains and losses on investment securities that are available for sale, primarily state and municipal debt securities, are included in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" until the investment is either sold or deemed other-than-temporarily impaired. See Note 7 for further discussion.
The effective portion of the change in fair value of derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss." Generally, amounts are recognized in income when the related forecasted transaction affects earnings. See Note 14 for further discussion.
The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the United States dollar are translated using the appropriate exchange rate as of the end of the year. Foreign currency translation adjustments represent unrealized gains and losses on assets and liabilities arising from the difference in the foreign country currency compared to the United States dollar. These gains and losses are accumulated in other comprehensive income. When a foreign subsidiary is substantially liquidated, the cumulative translation gain or loss is removed from "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" and is recognized as a component of the gain or loss on the sale of the subsidiary.
The defined benefit pension plan adjustment is recognized for the difference between estimated assumptions (e.g., asset returns, discount rates, mortality) and actual results. The amount in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" is amortized to income over the remaining life expectancy of the plan participants. Details of the pension plan's assets and obligations are explained further in Note 11.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (in millions). All amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss affect the line items as indicated below within the Consolidated Statements of Income.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Cash Dividends Paid
Cash dividends paid for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $316.5 million, $265.2 million and $277.2 million, respectively. Dividends per share declared quarterly by the Company's Board of Directors during the years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
On February 9, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per common share payable on March 31, 2016.
Share Repurchases
During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 25.1 million, 29.3 million and 25.7 million shares, respectively, have been repurchased for $500.0 million, $488.1 million and $393.6 million, respectively, excluding commissions, at an average cost of $19.96, $16.63 and $15.29 per share, respectively. These amounts represent shares authorized by the Board of Directors for repurchase under the publicly announced authorizations. As of December 31, 2015, $711.9 million remained available under the share repurchase authorization approved by the Company's Board of Directors through December 31, 2017. The amounts included in the "Common stock repurchased" line in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows represent both shares authorized by the Board of Directors for repurchase under the publicly announced authorization, described earlier, as well as shares withheld from employees to cover tax withholding obligations on restricted stock units that have vested.
14. Derivatives
The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates, primarily the euro, and to a lesser degree the British pound, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Swiss franc, and other currencies, related to forecasted money transfer revenues and on money transfer settlement assets and obligations as well as on certain foreign currency denominated cash and other asset and liability positions. The Company is also exposed to risk from derivative contracts written to its customers arising from its cross-currency Business Solutions payments operations. Additionally, the Company is exposed to interest rate risk related to changes in market rates both prior to and subsequent to the issuance of debt. The Company uses derivatives to (a) minimize its exposures related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates and (b) facilitate cross-currency Business Solutions payments by writing derivatives to customers.
The Company executes derivatives with established financial institutions, with the substantial majority of these financial institutions having credit ratings of "A-" or better from a major credit rating agency. The Company also writes Business Solutions derivatives mostly with small and medium size enterprises. The primary credit risk inherent in derivative agreements represents the possibility that a loss may occur from the nonperformance of a counterparty to the agreements. The Company performs a review of the credit risk of these counterparties at the inception of the contract and on an ongoing basis. The Company also monitors the concentration of its contracts with any individual counterparty. The Company anticipates that the counterparties will be able to fully satisfy their obligations under the agreements, but takes action when doubt arises about the counterparties' ability to perform. These actions may include requiring Business Solutions customers to post or increase collateral, and for all counterparties, the possible termination of the related contracts. The Company's hedged foreign currency exposures are in liquid currencies; consequently, there is minimal risk that appropriate derivatives to maintain the hedging program would not be available in the future.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Foreign Currency - Consumer-to-Consumer
The Company's policy is to use longer-term foreign currency forward contracts, with maturities of up to 36 months at inception and a targeted weighted-average maturity of approximately one year, to help mitigate some of the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the United States dollar could have on forecasted revenues denominated in other currencies related to its business. As of December 31, 2015, the Company's longer-term foreign currency forward contracts had maturities of a maximum of 24 months with a weighted-average maturity of approximately one year. These contracts are accounted for as cash flow hedges of forecasted revenue, with effectiveness assessed based on changes in the spot rate of the affected currencies during the period of designation. Accordingly, all changes in the fair value of the hedges not considered effective or portions of the hedge that are excluded from the measure of effectiveness are recognized immediately in "Derivative gains/(losses), net" within the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company also uses short duration foreign currency forward contracts, generally with maturities from a few days up to one month, to offset foreign exchange rate fluctuations on settlement assets and obligations between initiation and settlement. In addition, forward contracts, typically with maturities of less than one year at inception, are utilized to offset foreign exchange rate fluctuations on certain foreign currency denominated cash and other asset and liability positions. None of these contracts are designated as accounting hedges.
The aggregate equivalent United States dollar notional amounts of foreign currency forward contracts as of December 31, 2015 were as follows (in millions):
____________________
(a)
Comprised of exposures to 20 different currencies. None of these individual currency exposures is greater than $25 million.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Foreign Currency - Business Solutions
The Company writes derivatives, primarily foreign currency forward contracts and option contracts, mostly with small and medium size enterprises and derives a currency spread from this activity as part of its Business Solutions operations. The Company aggregates its Business Solutions payments foreign currency exposures arising from customer contracts, including the derivative contracts described above, and hedges the resulting net currency risks by entering into offsetting contracts with established financial institution counterparties (economic hedge contracts). The derivatives written are part of the broader portfolio of foreign currency positions arising from the Company's cross-currency payments operations, which primarily include spot exchanges of currency in addition to forwards and options. The resulting foreign exchange revenues from the total portfolio of positions comprise Business Solutions foreign exchange revenues. None of the derivative contracts used in Business Solutions operations are designated as accounting hedges. The duration of these derivative contracts at inception is generally less than one year.
The aggregate equivalent United States dollar notional amount of foreign currency derivative customer contracts held by the Company in its Business Solutions operations as of December 31, 2015 was approximately $5.5 billion. The significant majority of customer contracts are written in major currencies such as the Australian dollar, British pound, Canadian dollar, and euro.
Interest Rate Hedging - Corporate
The Company utilizes interest rate swaps to effectively change the interest rate payments on a portion of its notes from fixed-rate payments to short-term LIBOR-based variable rate payments in order to manage its overall exposure to interest rates. The Company designates these derivatives as fair value hedges. The change in fair value of the interest rate swaps is offset by a change in the carrying value of the debt being hedged within "Borrowings" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Income has been adjusted to include the effects of interest accrued on the swaps.
The Company, at times, utilizes derivatives to hedge the forecasted issuance of fixed-rate debt. These derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges of the variability in the fixed-rate coupon of the debt expected to be issued. The effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company held interest rate swaps in an aggregate notional amount of $975.0 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. Of this aggregate notional amount held at December 31, 2015, $500.0 million related to notes due in 2017, $300.0 million related to notes due in 2018, and $175.0 million related to notes due in 2020.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Balance Sheet
The following table summarizes the fair value of derivatives reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in millions):
____________________
(a)
In many circumstances, the Company allows its Business Solutions customers to settle part or all of their derivative contracts prior to maturity. However, the offsetting positions originally entered into with financial institution counterparties do not allow for similar settlement. To mitigate this, additional foreign currency contracts are entered into with financial institution counterparties to offset the original economic hedge contracts. This frequently results in increases in our derivative assets and liabilities that may exceed the growth in the underlying derivatives business.
The following table summarizes the net fair value of derivatives held as of December 31, 2015 and their expected maturities (in millions):
The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities associated with contracts that include netting language that the Company believes to be enforceable have been netted in the following tables to present the Company's net exposure with these counterparties. The Company's rights under these agreements generally allow for transactions to be settled on a net basis, including upon early termination, which could occur upon the counterparty's default, a change in control, or other conditions.
In addition, certain of the Company's other agreements include netting provisions, the enforceability of which may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and depending on the circumstances. Due to the uncertainty related to the enforceability of these provisions, the derivative balances associated with these agreements are included within "Derivatives that are not or may not be subject to master netting arrangement or similar agreement" in the following tables. In certain circumstances, the Company may require its Business Solutions customers to maintain collateral balances which may mitigate the risk associated with potential customer defaults.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following tables summarize the gross and net fair value of derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in millions):
Offsetting of Derivative Assets
Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Income Statement
The following tables summarize the location and amount of gains and losses of derivatives in the Consolidated Statements of Income segregated by designated, qualifying hedging instruments and those that are not, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in millions):
Fair Value Hedges
The following table presents the location and amount of gains/(losses) from fair value hedges for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in millions):
Cash Flow Hedges
The following table presents the location and amount of gains/(losses) from cash flow hedges for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in millions):
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Undesignated Hedges
The following table presents the location and amount of net gains/(losses) from undesignated hedges for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in millions):
____________________
(a)
The 2015 loss of $2.3 million was comprised of a loss in value on the debt of $16.0 million and amortization of hedge accounting adjustments of $13.7 million. The 2014 loss of $4.4 million was comprised of a loss in value on the debt of $16.8 million and amortization of hedge accounting adjustments of $12.4 million. The 2013 gain of $19.3 million was comprised of a gain in value on the debt of $8.5 million and amortization of hedge accounting adjustments of $10.8 million.
(b)
The portion of the change in fair value of a derivative excluded from the effectiveness assessment for foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges represents the difference between changes in forward rates and spot rates.
(c)
The Company uses derivatives to hedge the forecasted issuance of fixed-rate debt and records the effective portion of the derivative's fair value in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These amounts are reclassified to "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the life of the related notes.
(d)
The Company uses foreign currency forward and option contracts as part of its Business Solutions payments operations. These derivative contracts are excluded from this table as they are managed as part of a broader currency portfolio that includes non-derivative currency exposures. The gains and losses on these derivatives are included as part of the broader disclosure of portfolio revenue for this business discussed above.
(e)
The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts to offset foreign exchange rate fluctuations on settlement assets and obligations as well as certain foreign currency denominated positions. Foreign exchange losses on settlement assets and obligations, cash balances, and other assets and liabilities, not including amounts related to derivatives activity as displayed above and included in "Selling, general, and administrative" in the Consolidated Statements of Income were $36.1 million, $51.8 million and $5.4 million for the years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(f)
The derivative contracts used in the Company's revenue hedging program are not designated as hedges in the final month of the contract.
An accumulated other comprehensive pre-tax gain of $51.5 million related to the foreign currency forward contracts is expected to be reclassified into revenue within the next 12 months as of December 31, 2015. Approximately $3.6 million of net losses on the forecasted debt issuance hedges are expected to be recognized in "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Income within the next 12 months as of December 31, 2015. No amounts have been reclassified into earnings as a result of the underlying transaction being considered probable of not occurring within the specified time period.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
15. Borrowings
The Company’s outstanding borrowings consisted of the following (in millions):
____________________
(a)
The difference between the stated interest rate and the effective interest rate is not significant.
(b)
The Company utilizes interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges to effectively change the interest rate payments on a portion of its notes from fixed-rate payments to short-term LIBOR-based variable rate payments in order to manage its overall exposure to interest rates. The changes in fair value of these interest rate swaps result in an offsetting hedge accounting adjustment recorded to the carrying value of the related note. These hedge accounting adjustments will be reclassified as reductions to or increases in "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the life of the related notes, and cause the effective rate of interest to differ from the notes’ stated rate.
(c)
As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s weighted-average effective rate on total borrowings was approximately 4.8%.
The following summarizes the Company's maturities of borrowings at par value as of December 31, 2015 (in millions):
The Company’s obligations with respect to its outstanding notes, as described below, rank equally.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Commercial Paper Program
Pursuant to the Company’s commercial paper program, the Company may issue unsecured commercial paper notes in an amount not to exceed $1.5 billion outstanding at any time, reduced to the extent of borrowings outstanding on the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility in excess of $150 million. The Commercial Paper Notes may have maturities of up to 397 days from date of issuance. The Company had no commercial paper borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Revolving Credit Facility
On September 29, 2015, the Company entered into a credit agreement which expires in September 2020 providing for unsecured financing facilities in an aggregate amount of $1.65 billion, including a $250.0 million letter of credit sub-facility ("Revolving Credit Facility"). The Revolving Credit Facility replaced the Company's $1.65 billion revolving credit facility that was set to expire in January 2017. The Revolving Credit Facility contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict the Company's ability to sell or transfer assets or merge or consolidate with another company, grant certain types of security interests, incur certain types of liens, impose restrictions on subsidiary dividends, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, incur certain subsidiary level indebtedness, subject to certain exceptions, or use proceeds in violation of applicable anti-corruption or AML laws. Also, consistent with the prior facility, the Company is required to maintain compliance with a consolidated interest coverage ratio covenant. The Revolving Credit Facility supports borrowings under the Company’s $1.5 billion commercial paper program.
Interest due under the Revolving Credit Facility is fixed for the term of each borrowing and is payable according to the terms of that borrowing. Generally, interest is calculated using a selected LIBOR rate plus an interest rate margin of 110 basis points. A facility fee of 15 basis points is also payable quarterly on the total facility, regardless of usage. Both the interest rate margin and facility fee percentage are based on certain of the Company’s credit ratings.
As of and during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facilities.
Notes
On November 22, 2013, the Company issued $250.0 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes due May 22, 2019 ("2019 Notes"). Interest with respect to the 2019 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 22 and November 22 of each year, beginning on May 22, 2014, based on the fixed per annum rate of 3.350%. The interest rate payable on the 2019 Notes will be increased if the debt rating assigned to the note is downgraded by an applicable credit rating agency, beginning at a downgrade below investment grade. However, in no event will the interest rate on the 2019 Notes be increased by more than 2.00% above 3.350% per annum. The interest rate payable on the 2019 Notes may also be adjusted downward for debt rating upgrades subsequent to any debt rating downgrades but may not be adjusted below 3.350% per annum. The 2019 Notes are subject to covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict the ability of the Company to sell or transfer assets or merge or consolidate with another company, and limit or restrict the Company's and certain of its subsidiaries' ability to incur certain types of security interests, or enter into sale and leaseback transactions. The Company may redeem the 2019 Notes at any time prior to maturity at the greater of par or a price based on the applicable treasury rate plus 30 basis points.
On August 22, 2013, the Company issued $250.0 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured floating rate notes due August 21, 2015 ("2015 Floating Rate Notes"). Interest with respect to the 2015 Floating Rate Notes was payable quarterly in arrears on each February 21, May 21, August 21 and November 21, beginning November 21, 2013, at a per annum rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 1.0% (reset quarterly). The 2015 Floating Rate Notes matured and were repaid from the Company's cash balances in August 2015.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
On December 10, 2012, the Company issued $250.0 million and $500.0 million of aggregate principal amounts of unsecured notes due December 10, 2015 ("2015 Fixed Rate Notes") and December 10, 2017 ("2017 Notes"), respectively. The 2015 Fixed Rate Notes matured and were repaid from the Company's cash balances in December 2015. Interest with respect to the 2017 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 10 and December 10 of each year, currently based on the per annum rate of 2.875%. The interest rate payable on the 2017 Notes will be increased if the debt rating assigned to such notes is downgraded by an applicable credit rating agency, beginning at a downgrade below investment grade. However, in no event will the interest rate on the 2017 Notes be increased by more than 2.00% above 2.875% per annum. The interest rate on the 2017 Notes may also be adjusted downward for debt rating upgrades subsequent to any debt rating downgrades but may not be adjusted below 2.875% per annum. The 2017 Notes are subject to covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict the ability of the Company to sell or transfer assets or merge or consolidate with another company, and limit or restrict the Company’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ ability to incur certain types of security interests, or enter into sale and leaseback transactions. The Company may redeem the 2017 Notes at any time prior to maturity at the greater of par or a price based on the applicable treasury rate plus 40 basis points.
On August 22, 2011, the Company issued $400.0 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes due August 22, 2018 ("2018 Notes"). Interest with respect to the 2018 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 22 and August 22 of each year, based on the fixed per annum rate of 3.650%. The 2018 Notes are subject to covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict the ability of the Company to sell or transfer assets or merge or consolidate with another company, and limit or restrict the Company’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ ability to incur certain types of security interests, or enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions. The Company may redeem the 2018 Notes at any time prior to maturity at the greater of par or a price based on the applicable treasury rate plus 35 basis points.
On June 21, 2010, the Company issued $250.0 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes due June 21, 2040 ("2040 Notes"). Interest with respect to the 2040 Notes is payable semi-annually on June 21 and December 21 each year based on the fixed per annum rate of 6.200%. The 2040 Notes are subject to covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict the Company’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ ability to grant certain types of security interests or enter into sale and leaseback transactions. The Company may redeem the 2040 Notes at any time prior to maturity at the greater of par or a price based on the applicable treasury rate plus 30 basis points.
On March 30, 2010, the Company exchanged $303.7 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes due November 17, 2011 for unsecured notes due April 1, 2020 ("2020 Notes"). Interest with respect to the 2020 Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 each year based on the fixed per annum rate of 5.253%. In connection with the exchange, note holders were given a 7% premium ($21.2 million), which approximated market value at the exchange date, as additional principal. As this transaction was accounted for as a debt modification, this premium was not charged to expense. Rather, the premium, along with the offsetting hedge accounting adjustments, will be accreted into "Interest expense" over the life of the notes. The 2020 Notes are subject to covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict the Company’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ ability to grant certain types of security interests, incur debt (in the case of significant subsidiaries), or enter into sale and leaseback transactions. The Company may redeem the 2020 Notes at any time prior to maturity at the greater of par or a price based on the applicable treasury rate plus 15 basis points.
The 2020 Notes were originally issued in reliance on exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). On October 8, 2010, the Company exchanged the 2020 Notes for notes registered under the Securities Act, pursuant to the terms of a Registration Rights Agreement.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
On February 26, 2009, the Company issued $500.0 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes due February 26, 2014 ("2014 Notes"). Interest with respect to the 2014 Notes was payable semi-annually on February 26 and August 26 each year based on the fixed per annum rate of 6.500%. The 2014 Notes were redeemed upon maturity in February 2014.
On November 17, 2006, the Company issued $500.0 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes due November 17, 2036 ("2036 Notes"). Interest with respect to the 2036 Notes is payable semi-annually on May 17 and November 17 each year based on the fixed per annum rate of 6.200%. The 2036 Notes are subject to covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict the Company’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ ability to grant certain types of security interests, incur debt (in the case of significant subsidiaries), or enter into sale and leaseback transactions. The Company may redeem the 2036 Notes at any time prior to maturity at the greater of par or a price based on the applicable treasury rate plus 25 basis points.
On September 29, 2006, the Company issued $1.0 billion of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes maturing on October 1, 2016 ("2016 Notes"). Interest on the 2016 Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 each year based on the fixed per annum rate of 5.930%. The 2016 Notes are subject to covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict the Company’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ ability to grant certain types of security interests, incur debt (in the case of significant subsidiaries) or enter into sale and leaseback transactions. The Company may redeem the 2016 Notes at any time prior to maturity at the greater of par or a price based on the applicable treasury rate plus 20 basis points.
Certain of the Company’s notes (the 2019 Notes, 2017 Notes, and 2018 Notes) include a change of control triggering event provision, as defined in the terms of the notes. If a change of control triggering event occurs, holders of the notes may require the Company to repurchase some or all of their notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of their notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. A change of control triggering event will occur when there is a change of control involving the Company and among other things, within a specified period in relation to the change of control, the notes are downgraded from an investment grade rating to below an investment grade rating by all three major credit rating agencies.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
16. Stock Compensation Plans
Stock Compensation Plans
The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan and 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan
The Western Union Company 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("2015 LTIP"), approved on May 15, 2015, provides for the granting of stock options, restricted stock awards and units, unrestricted stock awards and units, and other equity-based awards to employees and non-employee directors of the Company. Prior to this, equity-based awards were granted out of the 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("2006 LTIP"). Shares available for grant under the 2015 LTIP were 31.5 million as of December 31, 2015.
Options granted under the 2015 LTIP and the 2006 LTIP are issued with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of Western Union common stock on the grant date, have 10-year terms, and typically vest over four equal annual increments beginning 12 months after the date of grant, with the exception of options granted to retirement eligible employees, which generally will vest on a prorated basis, upon termination. Compensation expense related to stock options is recognized over the requisite service period, which is the same as the vesting period.
Restricted stock unit grants typically vest over four equal annual increments beginning 12 months after the date of grant. Restricted stock units granted prior to 2014 typically become 100% vested on the three year anniversary of the grant date. Restricted stock units granted to retirement eligible employees generally vest on a prorated basis upon termination. The fair value of the awards granted is measured based on the fair value of the shares on the date of grant. The majority of stock unit grants do not provide for the payment of dividend equivalents. For those grants, the value of the grants is reduced by the net present value of the foregone dividend equivalent payments. The related compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period, which is the same as the vesting period.
The compensation committee of the Company's Board of Directors has granted the Company's executives and certain other key employees long-term incentive awards under the 2015 LTIP and 2006 LTIP, which in 2015 and 2014 consisted of 80% performance-based restricted stock unit awards and 20% stock option awards. The compensation committee granted the remaining non-executive employees of the Company participating in the 2015 LTIP and 2006 LTIP (other than those non-executive employees receiving the performance-based restricted stock units described above) annual equity grants consisting solely of restricted stock units for 2015 and 2014.
The performance-based restricted stock units granted in 2015 are restricted stock units, primarily granted to the Company's executives and consist of two separate awards. The first award consists of performance-based restricted stock units, which require the Company to meet certain financial objectives during 2015, 2016 and 2017. The second award consists of performance-based restricted stock units with a market condition tied to the Company's total shareholder return in relation to the S&P 500 Index as calculated over a three-year performance period (2015 through 2017). The actual number of performance-based restricted stock units that the recipients will receive for both 2015 awards will range from 0% up to 150% of the target number of stock units granted based on actual financial and total shareholder return performance results. The performance-based restricted stock units granted in 2014 were designed similar to the 2015 awards described above. The grant date fair value of the performance-based restricted stock units is fixed and the amount of restricted stock units that will ultimately vest depends upon the level of achievement of the performance and market conditions over the performance period. The fair value of the performance-based restricted stock units that are tied solely to performance conditions is measured similar to the restricted stock units discussed above, while the fair value of the performance-based restricted stock units that are tied to a market condition is determined using the Monte-Carlo simulation model. Unlike the performance-based awards that are tied solely to performance conditions, compensation costs related to awards with market conditions are recognized regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied, provided that the requisite service period has been completed.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Company also grants bonus/deferred stock units out of the 2015 LTIP and 2006 LTIP to the non-employee directors of the Company. Since bonus/deferred stock units vest immediately, compensation expense is recognized on the date of grant based on the fair value of the awards when granted. These awards may be settled immediately unless the participant elects to defer the receipt of common shares under the applicable plan rules.
Stock Option Activity
A summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 was as follows (options and aggregate intrinsic value in millions):
The Company received $80.1 million, $14.2 million and $28.6 million in cash proceeds related to the exercise of stock options during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Upon the exercise of stock options, shares of common stock are issued from authorized common shares.
The Company realized total tax benefits during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 from stock option exercises of $4.3 million, $0.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $15.0 million, $3.5 million and $4.2 million, respectively.
Restricted Stock Activity
A summary of activity for restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2015 is listed below (units in millions):
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Stock-Based Compensation
The following table sets forth the total impact on earnings for stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income resulting from stock options, restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units and bonus/deferred stock units for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in millions, except per share data).
As of December 31, 2015, there was $5.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of assumed forfeitures, related to non-vested stock options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years, and there was $55.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of assumed forfeitures, related to non-vested restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.
Fair Value Assumptions
The Company used the following assumptions for the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the value of Western Union options granted.
Risk-free interest rate - The risk-free rate for stock options granted during the period is determined by using a United States Treasury rate for the period that coincided with the expected terms listed above.
Expected dividend yield - The Company's expected annual dividend yield is the calculation of the annualized Western Union dividend divided by an average Western Union stock price on each respective grant date.
Expected volatility - For the Company's executives and non-employee directors, the expected volatility for the 2015, 2014 and 2013 grants was 28.2%, 33.8% and 35.3%, respectively. The expected volatility for the Company's non-executive employees was 35.2% for the 2013 grants. There were no options granted to non-executive employees in 2015 or 2014. The Company used a blend of implied and historical volatility. Volatility was calculated using the market price of traded options on Western Union's common stock and the historical volatility of Western Union stock data.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Expected term - For 2015, 2014 and 2013, Western Union's expected term for all employees was approximately 6 years. The Company's expected term of options was based upon, among other things, historical exercises, the vesting term of the Company's options and the options' contractual term of ten years.
The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options granted are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and the Company's historical experience and future expectations. The calculated fair value is recognized as compensation cost in the Company's consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period of the entire award. Compensation cost is recognized only for those options expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated at the date of grant and evaluated and adjusted periodically to reflect the Company's historical experience and future expectations. Any change in the forfeiture assumption is accounted for as a change in estimate, with the cumulative effect of the change on periods previously reported being reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the period in which the change is made. In the future, as more historical data is available to calculate the volatility of Western Union stock and the actual terms Western Union employees hold options, expected volatility and expected term may change which could change the grant-date fair value of future stock option awards and, ultimately, the recorded compensation expense.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
17. Segments
As previously described in Note 1, the Company classifies its businesses into three segments: Consumer-to-Consumer, Consumer-to-Business and Business Solutions. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities, about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") in deciding where to allocate resources and in assessing performance.
The Consumer-to-Consumer operating segment facilitates money transfers between two consumers. The Company's money transfer service is viewed by the Company as one interconnected global network where a money transfer can be sent from one location to another, around the world. The segment includes five geographic regions whose functions are limited to generating, managing and maintaining agent relationships and localized marketing activities, and also includes online money transfer services conducted through Western Union branded websites ("westernunion.com"). By means of common processes and systems, these regions and westernunion.com create an interconnected network for consumer transactions, thereby constituting one global Consumer-to-Consumer money transfer business and one operating segment.
The Consumer-to-Business operating segment facilitates bill payments from consumers to businesses and other organizations, including utilities, auto finance companies, mortgage servicers, financial service providers, government agencies and other businesses.
The Business Solutions operating segment facilitates payment and foreign exchange solutions, primarily cross-border, cross-currency transactions, for small and medium size enterprises and other organizations and individuals.
All businesses that have not been classified in the above segments are reported as "Other" and include the Company's money order and other services.
The Company's reportable segments are reviewed separately below because each reportable segment represents a strategic business unit that offers different products and serves different markets. The business segment measurements provided to, and evaluated by, the Company's CODM are computed in accordance with the following principles:
•
The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.
•
Corporate and other overhead is allocated to the segments primarily based on a percentage of the segments' revenue compared to total revenue.
•
Costs incurred for the review and closing of acquisitions are included in "Other."
•
All items not included in operating income are excluded from the segments.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following tables present the Company's reportable segment results for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively (in millions):
____________________
(a)
During the year ended December 31, 2015, Consumer-to-Business operating income included $35.3 million of expenses related to the Paymap Settlement Agreement. For additional information on the Paymap Settlement Agreement, refer to Note 5.
(b)
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company incurred $19.3 million, respectively, of integration expenses related to the acquisition of Travelex Global Business Payments ("TGBP"), which was acquired in November 2011. TGBP integration expense consists primarily of severance and other benefits, retention, direct and incremental expense consisting of facility relocation, consolidation and closures; IT systems integration; amortization of a transitional trademark license; and other expenses such as training, travel and professional fees. Integration expense does not include costs related to the completion of the TGBP acquisition, which are included in Other.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Information concerning principal geographic areas was as follows (in millions):
The Consumer-to-Consumer geographic split is determined based upon the region where the money transfer is initiated and the region where the money transfer is paid, including westernunion.com transactions. For transactions originated and paid in different regions, the Company splits the revenue between the two regions, with each region receiving 50%. For money transfers initiated and paid in the same region, 100% of the revenue is attributed to that region. The geographic split of revenue above for the Consumer-to-Business and Business Solutions segments is based upon the country where the transaction is initiated with 100% of the revenue allocated to that country. Long-lived assets, consisting of "Property and equipment, net," are presented based upon the location of the assets.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Based on the method used to attribute revenue between countries described in the paragraph above, each individual country outside the United States accounted for less than 10% of consolidated revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, each individual agent, Consumer-to-Business, or Business Solutions customer accounted for less than 10% of consolidated revenue during these periods.
THE WESTERN UNION COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
Summarized quarterly results for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in millions, except per share data):
(a)
Includes $35.3 million in the second quarter of expenses related to the Paymap Settlement Agreement. For more information, see Note 5.
(b)
Includes $11.1 million in the fourth quarter of expenses related to productivity and cost-savings initiatives. For more information, see Note 3.
(c)
Includes $30.3 million in the fourth quarter of expenses related to productivity and cost-savings initiatives. For more information, see Note 3.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our controls and procedures related to our reporting and disclosure obligations as of December 31, 2015, which is the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us, including our consolidated subsidiaries, in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, as applicable, within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management's report on Western Union's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), and the related Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are set forth under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 Disclosure
As previously reported in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company is making the following disclosure pursuant to Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 and Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), which require us to include certain disclosures in our periodic reports if we or any of our “affiliates” (as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act) knowingly engage in certain specified activities.
The Company’s network agent in the Republic of the Gambia, Trust Bank Ltd., engaged an entity called the Kairaba Shopping Centre to act as a “sub-agent” of Trust Bank Ltd. in 2006. The Kairaba Shopping Centre is located in the city of Serrekunda in the Republic of the Gambia. No money transfers were ever initiated from the Kairaba Shopping Centre, it only processed receipt transactions. The Company did not directly remit fees or other compensation to, or have a contractual relationship with, Kairaba Shopping Centre.
In late March 2015, the Company preliminarily determined that Kairaba Shopping Centre appeared to be a match to an entity that was added to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (“SDN List”) of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) pursuant to Executive Order 13224 on December 9, 2010. On March 25, 2015, the Company took action to prevent the Kairaba Shopping Centre from receiving or initiating money transfer transactions through the Western Union network and has permanently suspended all activity by the Kairaba Shopping Centre. The Company also terminated its relationship with Trust Bank Ltd on May 22, 2015.
From December 9, 2010 to March 25, 2015, the Kairaba Shopping Centre, through its relationship with Trust Bank Ltd., processed transactions with an aggregate principal value - i.e., the total amount of monies paid out to recipients - of $1,296,957. The Company’s total revenues from these transactions during the period from December 9, 2010 to March 25, 2015 were $130,586, and, based on average margins for the period from December 9, 2010 to March 25, 2015, its net profit totaled approximately $36,000.
The Company has disclosed this matter to OFAC and intends to cooperate with regulatory inquiries, if any.
Amended and Restated By-laws
On February 19, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company approved two amendments to the Company’s Amended and Restated By-laws (the “By-laws”), effective the same date.
First, the Board of Directors amended the By-laws to add a new Article IX thereto providing that, unless a majority of the Board of Directors, acting on behalf of the Company, consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum (which consent may be given at any time, including during the pendency of litigation), the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, another state court located within the State of Delaware or, if no court located within the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, (c) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any of its directors, officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or the By-laws (in each case, as may be amended from time to time) or (d) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any of its directors, officers or other employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the State of Delaware, in all cases subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over all indispensable parties named as defendants; provided that the foregoing shall not apply with respect to any litigation that has been filed as of February 19, 2016.
New Article IX further provides that if any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of the immediately preceding sentence is filed in a court other than a court located within the State of Delaware (a “Foreign Action”) in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to (a) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within the State of Delaware in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce the immediately preceding sentence (an “Enforcement Action”) and (b) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such Enforcement Action by service upon such stockholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such stockholder.
Second, the Board of Directors amended Article III, Section 1 of the By-laws to replace a provision that became inapplicable following the de-classification of the Company’s Board of Directors. Pursuant to this amendment, Article III, Section 1 of the By-laws notes that each director shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders following his or her election and until his or her successor shall be elected and shall qualify, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office.
A copy of the By-laws giving effect to the aforementioned amendments is filed herewith as Exhibit 3.2 and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Except for the information required by this item with respect to our executive officers included in Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Code of Ethics, the information required by this Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion in "Proposal 1-Election of Directors," "Board of Directors Information," "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance," and "Corporate Governance-Committees of the Board of Directors" of our definitive proxy statement for the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.
Code of Ethics
The Company's Directors' Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, Procedure for Accounting and Auditing Concerns, Professional Conduct Policy for Attorneys, and the Code of Conduct are available without charge through the "Corporate Governance" portion of the Company's website, www.westernunion.com, or by writing to the attention of: Investor Relations, The Western Union Company, 12500 East Belford Avenue, Englewood, Colorado 80112. In the event of an amendment to, or a waiver from, the Company's Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, the Company intends to post such information on its website, www.westernunion.com.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion in "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Executive Compensation," "Compensation of Directors," and "Compensation and Benefits Committee Report" of our definitive proxy statement for the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders, provided that the Compensation and Benefits Committee Report shall not be deemed filed in this Form 10-K.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion in "Stock Beneficially Owned by Directors, Executive Officers and Our Largest Stockholders," and "Equity Compensation Plan Information" of our definitive proxy statement for the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion of "Corporate Governance-Independence of Directors" and "Certain Transactions and Other Matters" of our definitive proxy statement for the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion in "Proposal 3-Ratification of Selection of Auditors" of our definitive proxy statement for the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1. Financial Statements (See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K);
2. The exhibits listed in the "Exhibit Index" attached to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
The Western Union Company (Registrant)
February 19, 2016
By:
/S/ HIKMET ERSEK
Hikmet Ersek
President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Hikmet Ersek
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
February 19, 2016
Hikmet Ersek
/s/ Rajesh K. Agrawal
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
February 19, 2016
Rajesh K. Agrawal
/s/ Amintore T.X. Schenkel
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
February 19, 2016
Amintore T.X. Schenkel
/s/ Jack M. Greenberg
Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
February 19, 2016
Jack M. Greenberg
/s/ Martin I. Cole
Director
February 19, 2016
Martin I. Cole
/s/ Richard A. Goodman
Director
February 19, 2016
Richard A. Goodman
/s/ Betsy D. Holden
Director
February 19, 2016
Betsy D. Holden
/s/ Jeffrey A. Joerres
Director
February 19, 2016
Jeffrey A. Joerres
/s/ Linda Fayne Levinson
Director
February 19, 2016
Linda Fayne Levinson
/s/ Roberto G. Mendoza
Director
February 19, 2016
Roberto G. Mendoza
/s/ Michael A. Miles, Jr.
Director
February 19, 2016
Michael A. Miles, Jr.
/s/ Robert W. Selander
Director
February 19, 2016
Robert W. Selander
/s/ Frances Fragos Townsend
Director
February 19, 2016
Frances Fragos Townsend
/s/ Solomon D. Trujillo
Director
February 19, 2016
Solomon D. Trujillo
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
2.1
Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, between First Data Corporation and The Western Union Company (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The Western Union Company, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 30, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 3, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
3.2
Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company, as amended as of February 19, 2016.
4.1
Indenture, dated as of September 29, 2006, between The Western Union Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
4.2
Form of 5.930% Note due 2016 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
4.3
Form of 5.930% Note due 2016 (filed as Exhibit 4.11 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 22, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
4.4
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 29, 2006, among The Western Union Company, First Financial Management Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
4.5
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 17, 2006, among The Western Union Company, First Financial Management Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
4.6
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 6, 2007, among The Western Union Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
4.7
Indenture, dated as of November 17, 2006, between The Western Union Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
4.8
Form of 6.200% Note due 2036 (filed as Exhibit 4.14 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 22, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
4.9
Form of 6.200% Note due 2040 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 21, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
4.10
Form of 5.253% Note due 2020 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 5, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
4.11
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 6, 2007, among The Western Union Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.13 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
4.12
Form of 3.650% Note due 2018 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 22, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
4.13
Form of 2.875% Note due 2017 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 11, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
4.14
Form of 3.350% Note due 2019 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
10.1
Tax Allocation Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, between First Data Corporation and The Western Union Company (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
10.2
Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, between First Data Corporation and The Western Union Company (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
10.3
Transition Services Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, between First Data Corporation and The Western Union Company (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
10.4
Patent Ownership Agreement and Covenant Not to Sue, dated as of September 29, 2006, between First Data Corporation and The Western Union Company (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
10.5
Settlement Agreement, dated as of February 11, 2010, by and between Western Union Financial Services, Inc. and the State of Arizona (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 16, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
10.6
Order Tolling Time Frames and Extending Benefits and Obligations of Settlement Agreement issued June 14, 2013 by The Honorable Warren Granville, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 7, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
10.7
Order Tolling Time Frames and Extending Benefits and Obligations of Settlement Agreement issued October 28, 2013 by The Honorable Warren Granville, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 29, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
10.8
Order Tolling Time Frames and Extending Benefits and Obligations of Settlement Agreement issued December 19, 2013 by The Honorable Warren Granville, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
10.9
Settlement Agreement Amendment issued January 31, 2014 by The Honorable Warren Granville, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
10.10
Order Granting Stipulated Motion to Modify Amendment to Settlement Agreement issued March 14, 2014 by The Honorable Warren Granville, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
10.11
Order Granting Stipulated Motion to Extend Deadline for Separate Agreements issued April 14, 2014 by The Honorable Warren Granville, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
10.12
Order Granting Stipulation to Extend Time for Production of Data issued October 17, 2014 by The Honorable Warren Granville, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
10.13
Order Granting Stipulated Motion to Extend Time for Monitor Evaluation issued January 22, 2016 by The Honorable Warren Granville, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge.
10.14
Credit Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2015, among The Western Union Company, the banks named therein, as lenders, Citibank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A., in their respective capacities as Issuing Lenders, Bank of America, N.A. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Syndication Agents, Barclays Bank PLC, U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Documentation Agents, and Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Banks thereunder (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 1, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
10.15
Form of Director Indemnification Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to Amendment No. 2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 (file no. 001-32903) filed on August 28, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.16
The Western Union Company Severance/Change in Control Policy (Executive Committee Level), as Amended and Restated Effective July 28, 2015.*
10.17
The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated on January 31, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.18
The Western Union Company 2006 Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated Effective January 31, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.19
The Western Union Company Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated Effective December 31, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 19, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.20
The Western Union Company Senior Executive Annual Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated Effective February 23, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.21
The Western Union Company Supplemental Incentive Savings Plan, as Amended and Restated Effective November 30, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.22
The Western Union Company Grandfathered Supplemental Incentive Savings Plan, as Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.23
Form of Unrestricted Stock Unit Award Agreement Under The Western Union Company 2006 Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated Effective February 17, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.24
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement Under The Western Union Company 2006 Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated Effective February 17, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.25
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors Residing Outside the United States Under The Western Union Company 2006 Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.26
Form of Unrestricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors Residing in the United States Under The Western Union Company 2006 Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.27
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors Residing in the United States Under The Western Union Company 2006 Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.28
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Executive Committee Members Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 8, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.29
Amendment to Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Executive Committee Members Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 5, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.30
Amendment to Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Executive Committee Members under the 2002 First Data Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 5, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.31
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Executive Committee Members Residing in the United States Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.32
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Section 16 Officers (U.S.) Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.33
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Section 16 Officers (Non - U.S.) Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.30 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.34
Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice for Executive Committee Members (U.S.) Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.38 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.35
Employment Contract, dated as of November 9, 2009, between Western Union Financial Services GmbH and Hikmet Ersek (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.36
Expatriate Letter Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2009, between Western Union Financial Services GmbH, The Western Union Company and Hikmet Ersek (filed as Exhibit 10.36 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.37
First Amendment to Employment Contract and Expatriate Letter Agreement, dated as of October 7, 2010, between Western Union Financial Services GmbH, The Western Union Company and Hikmet Ersek (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 5, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.38
Expatriate Letter Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2012, between Western Union, LLC and Rajesh K. Agrawal (filed as Exhibit 10.42 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.39
Form of Award Agreement Under The Western Union Company Senior Executive Annual Incentive Plan for 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.39 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.40
Form of Bonus Stock Unit Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors Residing in the United States Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.41
Offer Letter, dated as of April 12, 2012, between Western Union, LLC and John "David" Thompson (filed as Exhibit 10.45 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.42
Form of 2013 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice for Section 16 Officers (Non-U.S.) Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.45 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.43
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors Residing Outside the United States Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.46 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.44
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors Residing in the United States Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.47 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.45
Separation Agreement and Release dated as of January 16, 2014 between Scott T. Scheirman, Western Union, LLC, and The Western Union Company (filed as Exhibit 10.48 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.46
Form of Award Agreement Under The Western Union Company Senior Executive Annual Incentive Plan for 2014 and Thereafter (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.47
Form of Supplemental Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Section 16 Officers (Non - U.S.) Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan For Awards Granted in 2014 and Thereafter (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.48
Form of Supplemental Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Section 16 Officers (U.S.) Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan For Awards Granted in 2014 and Thereafter (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.49
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Section 16 Officers (Non - U.S.) Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan For Awards Granted in 2014 and Thereafter (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.50
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Section 16 Officers (U.S.) Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan For Awards Granted in 2014 and Thereafter (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.51
Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Section 16 Officers (Non - U.S.) Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan For Awards Granted in 2014 and Thereafter (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.52
Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Section 16 Officers (U.S.) Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan For Awards Granted in 2014 and Thereafter (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.53
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Section 16 Officers (Non - U.S.) Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan For Awards Granted in 2014 and Thereafter (filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.54
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Section 16 Officers (U.S.) Under The Western Union Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan For Awards Granted in 2014 and Thereafter (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.55
The Western Union Company 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 20, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.56
Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement for U.S. Non-Employee Directors Under The Western Union Company 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan, Effective May 15, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 30, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
10.57
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Grant Agreement for U.S. Non-Employee Directors Under The Western Union Company 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan, Effective May 15, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 30, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).*
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
The Western Union Company Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, as Amended and Restated Effective December 9, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 14 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).
Subsidiaries of The Western Union Company
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of The Western Union Company Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of The Western Union Company Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
* Management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements required to be filed as exhibits pursuant to Item 15(b) of this report.

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Stock Performance Metrics:
Return: -0.001098218141123652
1-Day Return: $1_day_return
3-Day Return: $3_day_return
5-Day Return: $5_day_return
10-Day Return: $10_day_return
20-Day Return: $20_day_return
40-Day Return: $40_day_return
60-Day Return: $60_day_return
80-Day Return: $80_day_return
100-Day Return: $100_day_return
150-Day Return: $150_day_return
252-Day Return: $252_day_return