WallStSmart

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

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PayPal Holdings Inc generates 1775% more annual revenue ($33.17B vs $1.77B). PYPL leads profitability with a 15.8% profit margin vs 14.5%. 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: 6.7Profit: 8.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0

PYPL

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.66
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ECPGUndervalued (+88.8%)

Margin of Safety

+88.8%

Fair Value

$510.59

Current Price

$70.85

$439.74 discount

UndervaluedFair: $510.59Overvalued
PYPLUndervalued (+82.3%)

Margin of Safety

+82.3%

Fair Value

$253.19

Current Price

$44.85

$208.34 discount

UndervaluedFair: $253.19Overvalued

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
81.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 81.8%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
78.3%10/10

Revenue surging 78.3% year-over-year

Return on EquityProfitability
29.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PYPL6 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
25.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.698/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
39.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 39.4% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.19B8/10

Generating 2.2B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ECPG2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
1.5%4/10

1.5% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$1.52B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

PYPL2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.7%4/10

3.7% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.664/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ECPG

The strongest argument for ECPG centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 78.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.17 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : PYPL

The strongest argument for PYPL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.8% and operating margin at 17.5%. PEG of 0.69 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ECPG

The primary concerns for ECPG are EPS Growth, Market Cap.

Bear Case : PYPL

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

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 1.46 — expect wider price swings.

ECPG is growing revenue faster at 78.3% — sustainability is the question.

PYPL generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ECPG scores higher overall (90/100 vs 78/100) and 78.3% revenue growth. PYPL offers better value entry with a 82.3% margin of safety. 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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