The fourth quarter’s results also include a benefit of $204.7m in provision for income taxes related to an agreement with the US Internal Revenue Service in December 2011.
The total revenues for the fourth quarter of 2011 increased 5% to $1.43bn, compared to $1.35bn for the same period a year ago.
Operating income rose 11% to $358.4m, compared to $322.1m for the same period in the previous year.
Global Business Payments revenue rose 24% to $224.4m, compared to $184.4m for the same period in the last year.
Western Union president and CEO Hikmet Ersek said that in 2012 the company’s focus is on execution against the strategic roadmaps. While there are some near-term market challenges in parts of the world, the long-term opportunities for revenue growth and margin expansion are strong.
