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>>PayPal shares rise 9% following acquisition speculation and the appointment of a new CEO.

PayPal shares rise 9% following acquisition speculation and the appointment of a new CEO.

crypthub

about 6 hours ago

Stock Surge and Takeover Rumors

PayPal rose to $44, up 5.65% after a Bloomberg report of unsolicited takeover interest. Trading briefly halted as price swung between $40.85 and $45.23. Sources say banks are meeting with potential buyers, with at least one rival reviewing a full acquisition and others eyeing assets. Discussions are still preliminary, but investors have already priced a premium.

Long‑Term Decline Context

The stock has fallen about 46% in the past year and 83% over five years, while the S&P 500 rose roughly 76% in the same period. Year‑to‑date it is down 24% versus a flat broader index. Market value is now near $38.4 billion, drawing interest from value investors and strategic suitors. The steep slide raises questions about structural challenges versus opportunistic buying.

Leadership Transition

Enrique Lores will become president and CEO on March 1, replacing Alex Chriss. Lores, former HP CEO and five‑year PayPal board member, is known for restructuring and asset sales. His appointment suggests possible strategic shifts as performance lags peers. The timing aligns with the takeover speculation.

Valuation and Outlook

PayPal trades at a PE of about 8, among the cheapest large‑cap tech stocks, and has announced a $6 billion share‑buyback for 2026. Analysts project 30‑40% upside if growth improves, but competition and slowing margins remain concerns. Investors must weigh takeover buzz, low valuation, and execution risk as the stock’s next direction unfolds.