PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL) vs Block, Inc. (SQ)

PYPL leads on 11 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of PayPal Holdings, Inc. and Block, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — PYPL vs SQ

growth of $100 · last 9y
PYPL +146.2%SQ +578.4%SQ compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $10020172019202120232025$246$678
PYPL SQ

PYPL vs SQ: by the numbers

  • SQ is the larger company ($51.73B vs $36.63B market cap).
  • PYPL trades at the lower earnings multiple (7.79 vs 49.81 P/E).
  • PYPL is profitable (15.00% net margin) while SQ runs a net loss (-2.04%).
  • SQ grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.19% vs 8.09% CAGR).
  • PYPL pays a dividend (1.01% yield) while SQ does not currently pay one.

Which is better, PYPL or SQ?

Metric tally: PYPL 11 · SQ 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValuePYPL(lower P/E)
GrowthSQ(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityPYPL(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricPYPLSQ
P/E ratio7.7949.81
Forward P/E7.21
P/S ratio1.132.35
P/B ratio1.912.82
PEG ratio0.30696.22
EV / EBITDA5.6226.61
FCF yield14.43%1.28%

Profitability

MetricPYPLSQ
Gross margin46.12%44.85%
Operating margin17.85%4.93%
Net margin15.00%-2.04%
ROE25.26%-2.30%
ROIC14.95%-12.82%

Dividends

MetricPYPLSQ
Dividend yield1.01%
Payout ratio7.69%

Growth (annualized)

MetricPYPLSQ
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.09%13.19%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.81%34.72%
FCF CAGR (5Y)0.75%64.00%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-31.17%4.50%

Frequently asked

Which is better, PYPL or SQ?
It depends on your goal. value: PYPL (lower P/E); growth: SQ (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: PYPL (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, PYPL leads 11 to 4.
Is PYPL or SQ cheaper?
On trailing earnings, PYPL is cheaper: PYPL trades at a 7.79 P/E and SQ at 49.81.
Which has grown faster, PYPL or SQ?
Over the past five years, SQ grew revenue faster — PYPL at a 8.09% CAGR versus SQ at 13.19%.
Does PYPL or SQ pay a bigger dividend?
PYPL pays a dividend (1.01% yield) while SQ does not currently pay one.
Is PYPL or SQ more profitable?
PYPL runs the higher net margin — PYPL at 15.00% versus SQ at -2.04%.
Which has been the better investment, PYPL or SQ?
Over the past 5-year, SQ delivered the higher annualized total return — PYPL at 1.31% versus SQ at 4.50%. 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 June 13, 2026.