Diversified Financials U.S. Community

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 12-Month Price Target: $142 Current Price: $105.71 Implied Upside: 34.3% Rating: STRONG BUY Risk Assessment: MODERATE INVESTMENT THESIS Global Payments (GPN) presents a compelling investment opportunity at current levels, with three key catalysts driving potential outperformance in 2025: Q4 2024 momentum in Merchant Solutions with strong POS adoption (added ~3,000 new locations) Strategic sale of AdvancedMD for $1.125 billion at attractive multiple with $700M earmarked for shareholder returns Successful integration of EVO Payments enhancing B2B capabilities and geographic reach VALUATION METHODOLOGY Our $142 price target reflects: Forward P/E multiple of 13x (below historical average, reflecting current market dynamics) applied to our 2025 EPS estimate of $10.92 EV/EBITDA multiple of 11x on projected 2025 EBITDA, reflecting recent sector compression DCF analysis using 9.5% WACC (adjusted for higher rate environment) and 3% terminal growth KEY GROWTH DRIVERS Recent Performance Highlights Q3 2024 adjusted net revenue increased 6% to $2.36 billion Adjusted operating margin expanded 40 basis points to 46.1% Added 92 new software partners in Q3, up 60% year-over-year Macro Environment U.S. GDP growth projected at 2.4% for 2025, supporting payment volumes Fed funds rate expected to decrease to 3.88%, reducing funding costs Resilient high-income consumer spending evidenced by recent holiday data RISK FACTORS Near-term margin pressure from technology investments and compensation costs Integration execution risk from recent acquisitions Increasing competition in digital payments space Potential policy changes under new administration FINANCIAL METRICS Key Financial Metrics for Q4 2024E: Revenue Growth: 5-6% Operating Margin: 46.1% EPS Growth: 11-12% Free Cash Flow Conversion: 92% Projected Metrics for 2025E: Revenue Growth: 8-9% Operating Margin: 46.6% EPS Growth: 13-14% Free Cash Flow Conversion: 93% STRATEGIC POSITIONING Recent developments reinforce GPN's leadership in: Integrated payments with strong new partner acquisition B2B payments expansion through EVO integration Software-driven solutions with continued innovation International market penetration RECOMMENDATION RATIONALE Our STRONG BUY recommendation at current price of $105.71 is based on: Current valuation represents significant discount to intrinsic value Strong Q3 2024 execution with improving operating leverage Strategic initiatives creating clearer growth path Robust free cash flow generation supporting shareholder returns

Key Takeaways PYPL can persevere as an industry leader and hold onto its market share above 40%. Healthy balance sheet and cash reserves, will allow growth through acquisitions, if needed.

Berkshire has managed to find a balance between a diversified business and an alpha-rich portfolio. The company’s efficiency is reflected in its low risk, which also limits growth.

SoFi Technologies (SOFI) continues to ride the waves in the financial world, propelled by robust membership growth, product adoption, and diversification across its ecosystem. In Q3 2024, the company declared a massive stock price increase over the past month, propelled by investors’ strong confidence in the company’s performance and general potential for further growth.

As PayPal (PYPL) solidifies its position in the digital payments landscape, it presents a promising opportunity driven by transaction growth, profitability, and an attractive valuation. This analysis delves into how each of these areas contributes to PayPal’s robust potential as an investment.

Key Takeaways Well-positioned to benefit from the continued growth of digital payments and the international market Investing heavily in B2B and cross border payments for new revenue growth Has a wide moat, and a large serviceable market, but investor expectations are already high Additionally the Credit Card Competition Act could be a major negative catalyst Risks to my narrative include stronger than expected US consumer, and increased use of Visa network from future Fintech. Catalysts The Benefits of Visa’s Global Reach Visa processes more than $11.6 trillion in gross dollar volume (GDV), made up primarily of digital payments with the remainder being things like ATM withdrawals, B2B transactions, etc.

Berkshire Hathaway: A Fortress of Financial Strength Berkshire Hathaway, the investment conglomerate led by the legendary Warren Buffett, has long been admired for its disciplined investment strategy, long-term focus, and unwavering commitment to shareholder value. As the company prepares for the eventual transition of leadership to Greg Abel, it's essential to examine its financial strength and prospects for continued success.

PayPal exhibits a robust financial position with a substantial cash reserve and consistent profitability. The company's strong balance sheet enables investments in growth initiatives, irrespective of the prevailing economic conditions.

Key Takeaways Payments industry is likely going to become increasingly competitive. PYPL's margin trouble will likely persist - too many competing firms + high incentive to offer lower fees.