Discover Financial Services (DFS) vs PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL)

A side-by-side comparison of Discover Financial Services and PayPal Holdings, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnDFS vs PYPL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
DFS +333.2% (+15.8%/yr)PYPL +95.0% (+6.9%/yr)DFS compounded faster over this window
0200400600800Start $10020172019202120232025$433$195
DFS PYPL

DFS vs PYPL: by the numbers

  • DFS is the larger company ($50.34B vs $45.96B market cap).
  • PYPL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (10.16 vs 10.67 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • DFS converts more revenue to profit (21.65% vs 14.36% net margin).
  • DFS grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.84% vs 7.43% CAGR).
  • PYPL pays a dividend (0.81% yield), while DFS is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricDFSPYPL
P/E ratio10.6710.16
Forward P/E12.599.97
P/S ratio2.271.35
P/B ratio2.652.32

Profitability

MetricDFSPYPL
Gross margin89.46%45.75%
Operating margin88.29%18.78%
Net margin21.65%14.36%
ROE25.29%24.73%

Dividends

MetricDFSPYPL
Dividend yieldN/A0.81%
Payout ratioN/A7.94%

Growth (annualized)

MetricDFSPYPL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)13.84%7.43%
EPS CAGR (5Y)14.26%8.81%
Total return CAGR (5Y)42.81%-28.73%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, DFS or PYPL?
PYPL has the lower trailing P/E: DFS trades at 10.67 and PYPL at 10.16. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, DFS or PYPL?
Over the past five years, DFS grew revenue faster — DFS at a 13.84% CAGR versus PYPL at 7.43%.
Does DFS or PYPL pay a bigger dividend?
PYPL pays a dividend (0.81% yield), while DFS is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is DFS or PYPL more profitable?
DFS runs the higher net margin — DFS at 21.65% versus PYPL at 14.36%.
How have DFS and PYPL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, DFS delivered 15.41% and PYPL delivered 3.33% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 11, 2026.