NASDAQ:PYPL

PayPal Holdings Inc. (PYPL)

60.74
+0.27 (0.44%)
as of Aug 18, 2026, 6:57:41 pm Market Open.
434 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconAug 18, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 8 opinions in the last 12 months.

PayPal Holdings Inc. (PYPL) has seen mixed reviews from experts, particularly after a notable increase of 32.5% in July due to a potential takeover interest from a private fintech firm, although its future remains uncertain. Many analysts describe the stock as a 'value trap' and suggest better tech investment opportunities, however, some see upside potential with a possible recovery to the $60-70 range. Growth concerns are prevalent, with the company lagging behind competitors in adopting new technologies and experiencing a significant drop in margins from over 70% a decade ago to around 50% now. With increasing competition from peers like Apple Pay and Google Pay, PayPal's rates are considered high, prompting some analysts to recommend focusing on established financial infrastructure rather than PYPL itself.

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Consensus
Caution
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Valuation
Undervalued
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Similar
VISA, V
DON'T BUY

Does not own shares (never has). Very difficult to determine future of business. Lots of competition. Very cheap - but revenue not growing. Unsure on catalyst for company, and would not recommend buying. Prospects don't look bright. 

HOLD

Became bloated during Covid, now restructuring. A lot more competition now. Growth will be substantially slower. Market's adjusting to its new reality. Caters to small businesses, and there's growth there. Generally, global payment systems will do quite well.

SELL ON STRENGTH

He suffered on this one too, and shaved it when it bounced up to $60. Other opportunities out there with longer runways. Struggling with competition. Price target of $72, another 5% to go. Possibly sell calls in the high $60s.

DON'T BUY

It began as the only online payment system, but now there are many. The balance sheet is strong, though. The new CEO needs to increase revenues. Doesn't see a catalyst. He owns Mastercard instead.

PARTIAL BUY

He hasn't liked this stock until they got their new CEO, who did well at Intuit.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

As sector e-commerce sales have returned to pre-pandemic levels, we reiterate this online payment fintech as a TOP PICK PICK.   It trades 18x earnings, supports a ROE of 18%, and trades at 3.4x book.  We like that quarterly cash reserves are growing, while shares are bought back.  We recommend trailing up the stop (from $50) to $53, looking to achieve $74 -- upside potential of 20%.  Yield 0% 

(Analysts’ price target is $74.82)
WATCH

He's been bearish this all year until recently. Could be potential. It has 428 million active users, 35 millions merchants and annual payments are $1.5 trillion. Enormous. Bad news is there's a lot of competition: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shopify. That's why shares have been down and trading half the PE of its peers. Is down 14% this year. There's a new CEO with a good track record; he will shrink the cost base and find more revenue.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Nov 02/23, Up 5.1%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with PYPL is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $37) to $50 at this time.  

SELL ON STRENGTH

Poor fundamentals. Don't sell until later this month after tax-loss selling is done.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Dec 21/22, Down 15%)

He still owns a small position, less than 1%. Leader in transaction and payment processing. Venmo has taken off extremely well in Europe, not as much traction in NA. Reporting has been great, new CEO. Good runway.

(Analysts’ price target is $85.00)
COMMENT

It has a new CEO and its recent quarter was decent. It needs to sell off non-core assets and re-structure. Lots has to go well with this. There are four million actual users.

TOP PICK

Shares have come down a lot to 11x forward PE. The payments space is risky, and PYPL has lost market share. They have Venmo, are on Amazon as payment system, generate free cash flow, and new managers are oriented to profitability. 

(Analysts’ price target is $76.12)
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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Recently reported earnings beat analyst expectations.  If the small business segment of customers, their bread and butter, can show improvement going forward there is great upside.  It trades at 15x earnings, under 3x book value and supports a 20% ROE.  Cash reserves are stable, while the company aggressively buys back shares.  We recommend a stop-loss at $37, looking to achieve $76 -- upside potential over 30%.  Yield 0%  

(Analysts’ price target is $76.73)
DON'T BUY

It is not used as much now. There have been senior management changes and lots of competition. Even though it has a lower multiple she prefers Visa.

DON'T BUY

More consumers are going with payment solutions embedded in phones. Merchants are using other online platforms. Competitive position could be under attack. Profitable, good free cashflow, low valuation. He prefers Visa.

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