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PayPal: Q4 profits beat forecasts, profit outlook disappoints

PayPal’s shares were marked down sharply after it released fourth-quarter earnings with a disappointing margin outlook.
A paypal user reviewing the app on their phone.jpg

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PayPal’s fourth quarter net revenue grew by 4% in the fourth quarter to $8.4bn. This materially lagged payment volumes which grew by 7%.

Underlying operating income came in ahead of market expectations growing 2% to $1.5bn. But growth was held back by a 10% increase in non-transaction related expenses. Free cash flow fell 11% to $2.2bn. Net cash stood at $0.9bn.

In 2025 PayPal expects transaction margin, (a bit like gross profit) to grow by 4-5% to around $15.3bn, below expectations.

The shares were down 7.7% in pre-market trading.

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PayPal key facts

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This article is original Hargreaves Lansdown content, published by Hargreaves Lansdown. It was correct as at the date of publication, and our views may have changed since then. Unless otherwise stated estimates, including prospective yields, are a consensus of analyst forecasts provided by Refinitiv. These estimates are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Yields are variable and not guaranteed. Investments rise and fall in value so investors could make a loss.

This article is not advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any investment.No view is given on the present or future value or price of any investment, and investors should form their own view on any proposed investment.This article has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is considered a marketing communication.Non - independent research is not subject to FCA rules prohibiting dealing ahead of research, however HL has put controls in place(including dealing restrictions, physical and information barriers) to manage potential conflicts of interest presented by such dealing.Please see our full non - independent research disclosure for more information.
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Written by
Derren Nathan
Derren Nathan
Head of Equity Research

Derren leads our Equity Research team with more than 15 years of experience in his field. Thriving in a passionate environment, Derren finds motivation in intellectual challenges and exploring diverse ideas within his writing.

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Article history
Published: 4th February 2025