PayPal Earnings Preview: Can New CEO's Plans Breathe Life Into the Falling Stock?

 | Oct 31, 2023 19:57

  • PayPal's stock has been in a two-year downtrend due to fierce competition and falling profits
  • The new CEO, Alex Chriss, is expected to focus on SMBs and in-store payments to try and stage a turnaround
  • Can better-than-expected earnings reverse the stock's downward trend?

    • PayPal Holdings (NASDAQ:PYPL) has been in a sustained downward spiral for over two years now. The declining trend shows no signs of abating and is approaching another crucial support level.

    Over the past three years, PayPal's stock price has been marred by dynamic declines that have taken it to its lowest levels since 2017.

    The primary reason for this sharp descent was a significant drop in net profits that began in the second half of 2021, following a pandemic-induced payment volume surge. Additionally, fierce competition, led by Apple Pay, has intensified the challenges in the electronic payments market, further pressuring share prices.

    Nevertheless, the company retains a solid foundation and a few tricks up its sleeve to regain an upward trajectory.

    The newly appointed CEO, Alex Chriss, is expected to unveil a recovery strategy during the upcoming quarterly results announcement, potentially heralding a return to the company's glory days.

    h2 Can Alex Chriss Transform PayPal?/h2

    Alex Chriss was officially announced as PayPal's new CEO a month ago. It is widely anticipated that his tenure will focus primarily on the small and medium-sized business sector, aligning with his previous experience.

    His key challenges include maintaining a strong position in the in-store payments segment, where PayPal still holds an advantage over Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL).

    Notably, Apple's credit and debit cards are compatible with the iPhone and Apple Watch. An expanded app offering a range of tools in one place is also likely to be a target.

    In his initial statements, Alex Chris highlights the company's assets, including Venmo and the Honey app, which have substantial growth potential. Additionally, the company's robust cash reserves of $5 billion offer the opportunity for potential acquisitions.

    h2 Can the Stock Break a Streak of Negative Reactions on Earnings Day?/h2

    Recent quarterly results have set the stage for a continuation of the long-term downward trend. Looking at market reactions on publication days over the past two quarters, there were declines of over 10%, despite results that might not appear abysmal at first glance.