PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL) vs VeriSign, Inc. (VRSN)

PYPL leads on 10 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of PayPal Holdings, Inc. and VeriSign, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 14, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — PYPL vs VRSN

growth of $100 · last 11y
PYPL +13.1%VRSN +345.8%VRSN compounded faster
200400600800Start $10020172019202120232025$113$446
PYPL VRSN

PYPL vs VRSN: by the numbers

  • PYPL is the larger company ($36.63B vs $25.47B market cap).
  • PYPL trades at the lower earnings multiple (7.79 vs 30.93 P/E).
  • VRSN converts more revenue to profit (49.96% vs 15.00% net margin).
  • PYPL grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.09% vs 5.69% CAGR).
  • VRSN pays the higher dividend yield (1.13% vs 1.01%).

Which is better, PYPL or VRSN?

Metric tally: PYPL 10 · VRSN 6

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValuePYPL(lower P/E)
GrowthPYPL(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeVRSN(higher dividend yield)
QualityPYPL(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricPYPLVRSN
P/E ratio7.7930.93
Forward P/E7.2028.46
P/S ratio1.1315.26
P/B ratio1.91
PEG ratio0.302.66
EV / EBITDA5.6222.63
FCF yield14.43%4.08%

Profitability

MetricPYPLVRSN
Gross margin46.12%88.35%
Operating margin17.85%67.93%
Net margin15.00%49.96%
ROE25.26%-38.33%
ROIC14.95%-61876.44%

Dividends

MetricPYPLVRSN
Dividend yield1.01%1.13%
Payout ratio7.69%35.79%

Growth (annualized)

MetricPYPLVRSN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.09%5.69%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.81%4.52%
FCF CAGR (5Y)0.75%8.12%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-31.17%5.15%

Frequently asked

Which is better, PYPL or VRSN?
It depends on your goal. value: PYPL (lower P/E); growth: PYPL (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: VRSN (higher dividend yield); quality: PYPL (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, PYPL leads 10 to 6.
Is PYPL or VRSN cheaper?
On trailing earnings, PYPL is cheaper: PYPL trades at a 7.79 P/E and VRSN at 30.93.
Which has grown faster, PYPL or VRSN?
Over the past five years, PYPL grew revenue faster — PYPL at a 8.09% CAGR versus VRSN at 5.69%.
Does PYPL or VRSN pay a bigger dividend?
PYPL yields 1.01% and VRSN yields 1.13% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is PYPL or VRSN more profitable?
VRSN runs the higher net margin — PYPL at 15.00% versus VRSN at 49.96%.
Which has been the better investment, PYPL or VRSN?
Over the past 10-year, VRSN delivered the higher annualized total return — PYPL at 1.31% versus VRSN at 12.87%. 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 14, 2026.