Solana Emerges as a Leading Ethereum Rival

Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst

Source: Fool

Updated: Mar 26 2026

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WU+0.26%

Should l Buy WU?

Source: Fool

Solana Market Performance: With a market cap of $50 billion, Solana has shown remarkable growth in decentralized finance (DeFi), surpassing Ethereum in monthly trading volume and ranking second only to Ethereum in Total Value Locked (TVL), despite Ethereum potentially dropping over 20% in 2026.
Stablecoin Innovation: Western Union launched a new Solana-based dollar stablecoin in October, solidifying Solana's position as the go-to blockchain for new stablecoin launches, which not only enhances its market recognition but may also attract more users to its ecosystem.
Ecosystem Revenue: According to a report by 21Shares, Solana's blockchain ecosystem generated nearly $3 billion in revenue over the past 12 months, demonstrating the sustainability and growth potential of its business model, even as its price remains below historical highs.
Investor Confidence: Despite Solana's current price of $89, which is a 70% discount from its all-time high of $294 in January 2025, its rapid growth potential distinguishes it in the competition between Ethereum and Solana, drawing increased attention from investors.

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Analyst Views on WU

Wall Street analysts forecast WU stock price to fall

11 Analyst Rating

0 Buy

7 Hold

4 Sell

Moderate Sell

Current: 9.480

Low

7.00

Averages

9.00

High

10.00

Current: 9.480

Low

7.00

Averages

9.00

High

10.00

Cantor Fitzgerald

NULL -> Underweight

initiated

2026-01-26

Reason

Cantor Fitzgerald

Price Target

AI Analysis

2026-01-26

initiated

NULL -> Underweight

Reason

Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage of Western Union with an Underweight rating and $9 price target.

Cantor Fitzgerald

Underweight

initiated

2026-01-26

Reason

Cantor Fitzgerald

Price Target

2026-01-26

initiated

Underweight

Reason

Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage of Western Union with an Underweight rating and $9 price target. Western Union management has made impressive strides in improving the business, though the brick and mortar network is a structural disadvantage compared to digital-first or digital-only remittance platforms, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm added that the company must also navigate ongoing U.S. immigration reform, regulatory developments, and stablecoin-related sentiment headwinds.

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About WU

The Western Union Company is a provider of cross-border, cross-currency money movement, payments, and digital financial services, empowering consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments. Its segments include Consumer Money Transfer and Consumer Services. The Consumer Money Transfer segment facilitates money transfers, which are primarily sent from its retail agent and owned locations worldwide or through Websites and mobile devices. Its money transfer service is provided through one interconnected global network. This service is available for international cross-border transfers and, in certain countries, intra-country transfers. The Consumer Services segment includes the Company’s bill payment services, money order services, retail foreign exchange services, media network, prepaid cards, lending partnerships, and digital wallets. The Company provides its services primarily through a network of agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories.

About the author

Emily J. Thompson

Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.

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