PayPal Stock Dropped 9% After Earnings. Is it a Red Flag, or a Buying Opportunity?

Core Viewpoint - PayPal's recent stock drop of 9% following its Q2 financial results is viewed as an overreaction, primarily due to a significant decline in free cash flow, which is attributed to timing issues rather than underlying problems [1][3]. Financial Performance - In Q2, PayPal generated free cash flow of $692 million, down 49% year over year, raising concerns among investors [1]. - The company maintains its long-term expectation of $6 billion to $7 billion in free cash flow by 2025, indicating confidence in future performance despite the recent decline [3]. - Q2 revenue growth was modest at 5%, with active accounts increasing by only 2% [4][10]. Profitability and Shareholder Value - PayPal has improved its transaction margin, with transaction margin dollars increasing by 7% in Q2, outpacing revenue growth [5]. - The company has been actively buying back stock, resulting in a 20% year-over-year increase in earnings per share (EPS) for Q2, which is favorable for shareholders [6]. User Growth and Transaction Trends - Active account growth has stalled at 2%, and there has been a concerning 4% drop in transactions per active account on a trailing-12-month basis [10][11]. - The decline in transactions per account began in Q1 and appears to be accelerating, raising caution among investors regarding revenue growth potential [10][11]. Future Growth Potential - PayPal owns Venmo, which accounts for 18% of its total payment volume, and has seen accelerated growth, with a 12% increase in Q2 [12]. - The announcement of PayPal World, a partnership for interoperability with major digital wallets, could enhance adoption and growth, although its impact will be clearer post-launch [13]. Investment Outlook - Despite current growth challenges, PayPal stock is considered a buy, with the caveat that its growth may not surpass the S&P 500 in the next five years [14]. - The company is viewed as low-risk due to its substantial free cash flow and ongoing stock buybacks, which should support modest EPS growth even if overall growth remains sluggish [15]. - The significant drop from its 52-week high provides a margin of safety for investors, with potential for market-beating returns if growth initiatives succeed [16].