Oppenheimer analysts lowered the rating on PayPal’s (PYPL) stock to Perform from Outperform.
They noted that Braintree's third-quarter 2023 volume grew by approximately 32% year-over-year (YoY) and is anticipated to remain in the mid- to high-20s medium term.
The report suggests that any non-transaction expense growth could pose challenges for increasing operating margins, especially with consensus projecting around 19% unbranded YoY 2025 volume growth.
“With profitability falling as branded to unbranded volume mix shift continues, we don't think PYPL's P/E multiple will expand meaningfully NT,” the analysts said.
Analysts also suggest that PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL)'s P/E multiple is not likely to see significant growth until the impact of PYPL's positive payment card profits on its profitability trajectory becomes more pronounced, potentially offsetting the challenges posed by growing unbranded volume mix.
Furthermore, Oppenheimer believes that the recent stock rally has brought PayPal's valuation more in line with its improving e-commerce volumes, suggesting that there might be better opportunities in peer companies.
“We are incrementally positive on payment stocks but move to the sidelines on PYPL,” the analysts added.
PYPL stock fell 0.7% on the news.