PayPal has forecasted lower-than-expected profits for 2026 and reported Q4 earnings below Wall Street estimates, leading to a 17% drop in its shares. The company announced the appointment of Enrique Lores, former CEO of HP Inc., as its new CEO effective March 1, 2026, succeeding interim CEO Jamie Miller. Lores brings over three decades of experience in technology and business transformation. The board also appointed David W. Dorman as Independent Board Chair. The company’s Q4 revenue was $8.68 billion, slightly below the expected $8.80 billion, with adjusted earnings of $1.23 per share versus the forecasted $1.28. PayPal’s full-year profit outlook was revised to low-single-digit percentage decline or slight increase, contrasting with analyst expectations of about 8% growth. The slowdown is partly attributed to softer retail spending due to high interest rates, inflation, and a weakening labor market. Growth in PayPal’s higher-margin branded checkout segment decelerated to 1%, affected by U.S. retail weakness and international headwinds. Despite competition from tech giants like Apple and Google, PayPal continues to focus on core products and innovation. Lores aims to accelerate growth, improve execution, and lead PayPal through rapid technological changes, including AI-driven commerce. The company emphasizes its global scale, data, and customer relationships as key to long-term success.