WallStSmart

Encore Capital Group Inc (ECPG)vsPayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PayPal Holdings Inc generates 1722% more annual revenue ($33.73B vs $1.85B). ECPG leads profitability with a 16.0% profit margin vs 15.0%. ECPG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.17. ECPG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 90/100 (A).

ECPG

Exceptional Buy

90

out of 100

Grade: A

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 8.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.18

PYPL

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.66

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ECPG6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.1710/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
6.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
38.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.7%

EPS GrowthGrowth
100.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 100.0% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
28.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PYPL4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
25.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.758/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

ECPG3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Market CapQuality
$1.71B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.182/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
3.901/10

Elevated debt levels

PYPL2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.664/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

EPS GrowthGrowth
-6.2%2/10

Earnings declined 6.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ECPG

The strongest argument for ECPG centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.0% and operating margin at 38.7%. Revenue growth of 21.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : PYPL

The strongest argument for PYPL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.75 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ECPG

The primary concerns for ECPG are Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 3.90 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : PYPL

The primary concerns for PYPL are Altman Z-Score, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ECPG profiles as a growth stock while PYPL is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

PYPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.

ECPG is growing revenue faster at 21.0% — sustainability is the question.

PYPL generates stronger free cash flow (911M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ECPG scores higher overall (90/100 vs 72/100), backed by strong 16.0% margins and 21.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Encore Capital Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Encore Capital Group, Inc., a specialty finance company, offers debt recovery solutions and other related services to consumers in a variety of financial assets worldwide. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.

PayPal Holdings Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

PayPal Holdings, Inc. is an American company operating an online payments system in the majority of countries that support online money transfers, and serves as an electronic alternative to traditional paper methods like checks and money orders. The company operates as a payment processor for online vendors, auction sites, and many other commercial users, for which it charges a fee.

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