PayPal Shares Surge 18% on $53B Takeover Bid From Stripe and Advent International at $60.50 Per Share

According to reports, Stripe and private equity firm Advent International offered $60.50 per share to acquire PayPal on Wednesday, July 15, valuing the company at approximately $53 billion. PYPL shares jumped as much as 18% in midday trade, marking highs last seen in January.

Wall Street analysts are divided on the offer. BTIG maintained a neutral rating but suggested the board would likely consider it seriously, calling it a "lifeline worth taking." William Blair, with a Market Perform rating, expressed hesitation, citing concerns that the offer may undervalue the company and suggesting CEO Enrique Lores could push back. Jefferies focused on competitive implications, noting the combined Stripe-PayPal would primarily target consumer payments, making the deal roughly neutral for rival Adyen.