PayPal shares rise over 4% as CEO leaves door open to potential M&A

Published Jul 28, 02:15 PM UTC

PayPal (PYPL) stock rose more than 4% on July 28, 2026, after CEO Enrique Lores defended the company's multiyear turnaround plan while leaving the door open to a potential merger or acquisition. Earlier this year, Stripe and private equity firm Advent reportedly offered to acquire PayPal for around $60 per share. Lores stated the company remains 'open and objective' in evaluating opportunities that could create superior shareholder value. PayPal reported Q2 earnings per share of $1.38 and payments volume of $486.4 billion, both exceeding analyst forecasts, and raised its full-year adjusted earnings outlook. The company has lost ground to rivals like Apple, Google, and Stripe. Lores, who became CEO in March, reorganized the business into three units in April and plans to spend 2026 and much of 2027 rebuilding its consumer business and modernizing technology. Analysts have called the takeover offer 'lowball,' while investors worry the turnaround may take too long.