COIN vs. PYPL: Which Crypto Payments Stock is the Better Option Now?

Core Insights - Retail access to cryptocurrencies is improving as platforms enhance onboarding and user experiences while aligning with regulatory standards [1] - The importance of stablecoins is growing in bridging traditional finance and the crypto space, with major banks exploring their own initiatives [2] - The investment attractiveness of Coinbase Global Inc. (COIN) and PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL) is being evaluated based on their fundamentals [3] Factors to Consider for Coinbase (COIN) - Coinbase is the largest registered crypto exchange in the U.S. and is well-positioned to benefit from market volatility and rising digital asset prices [4] - The company more than doubled its total revenues in 2024, driven by increased transaction revenues and market share growth [5] - Coinbase closed 2024 with $9.3 billion in USD resources, a $3.8 billion increase year-over-year, and has improved its debt management [6] - Rising transaction and operating expenses are pressuring profit margins, and the company is highly exposed to cryptocurrency price volatility [7] Factors to Consider for PayPal (PYPL) - PayPal is a leading online payment provider with a strong product portfolio, facilitating secure transactions for customers and merchants [8] - The company allows users to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies, establishing itself as a user-friendly entry point into digital assets [9] - PayPal is actively promoting its stablecoin, PayPal USD (PYUSD), and has integrated it with Solana for low-cost transfers [10] - A partnership with Coinbase enables fee-free PYUSD purchases and enhances distribution, positioning PayPal uniquely in the market [11][12] Estimates for COIN and PYPL - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for COIN's 2025 revenues implies a 5.9% year-over-year increase, while EPS estimates indicate a 61.1% decline [13] - PYPL's 2025 revenue and EPS estimates imply a year-over-year increase of 3.2% and 9.3% respectively [14][15] Valuation Comparison - Coinbase is trading at a forward earnings multiple of 59.67, while PayPal's forward earnings multiple is at 13.75, indicating a significant valuation difference [16] Conclusion - Both Coinbase and PayPal are key players in promoting stablecoin adoption and crypto payments, with distinct strategies that may lead to competitive dynamics in the market [17] - Year-to-date, COIN shares have gained 38.9%, while PayPal shares have decreased by 13.8%, suggesting COIN may be a safer investment option [18]