1446 ET - An acquisition of PayPal by Stripe and Advent International may be the company's best path toward value realization, Morgan Stanley says in a note. PayPal has limited options given competitive dynamics in the space, technology debt, and multiple other factors, the analysts say. "While PayPal management can continue to pursue cost efficiencies and product improvements, we don't see other realistic catalysts capable of driving a sustained reacceleration in revenue and earnings growth," the analysts say. The proposed deal would "provide shareholders with an attractive exit from a business whose strategic optionality has narrowed." Stripe and Advent proposed paying $60.50 a share for PayPal, according to WSJ and Reuters. Shares closed with a gain of 17% on Wednesday following the reports. PayPal is up 3% to $57.19.(elias.schisgall@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 16, 2026 14:46 ET (18:46 GMT)

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