Transaction Margin Growth
Q: What drives transaction margin growth and its sustainability?
A: The transaction margin dollar growth was driven by several contributors: interest income on customer balances added about 3 points in the first half - ; branded checkout continues to grow profitably - ; Braintree is back contributing to margin growth - - ; Venmo is seeing growth in monthly actives - ; and transaction loss favorability continued in Q2. - Looking ahead, we expect the tailwinds from interest income to decline due to higher comps in the second half - , and we're planning for some normalization in transaction loss favorability. - However, we're more positive than three months ago on Braintree profitability and transaction loss - , and we expect the trend of improving margin profiles to continue. -

Braintree Profitability
Q: How is Braintree contributing to profitability and what's the outlook?
A: Braintree is back to contributing to transaction margin dollar growth, which is exciting progress. - We've reoriented the Braintree team around profitable growth and engaged in positive conversations with customers about margin structures and value-added services. - In some cases, we're willing to accept a lower share of revenue for higher-margin contracts. - We expect the improvement in transaction margin dollars to continue, even if volume growth normalizes. -

Second Half EPS Guidance
Q: Why does guidance imply a Q4 EPS step down?
A: More than half of the fourth-quarter EPS pressure is due to ramping growth investments, particularly increased marketing spend for PayPal and Venmo brand campaigns and product launches. - We intentionally deferred some marketing dollars from the first half to the second half. - Additionally, a higher tax rate in the second half compared to the first half impacts the EPS profile. -

Branded Growth Strategy
Q: What is your strategy to accelerate branded growth?
A: We're focusing on enhancing customer experiences, particularly around mobile. - Improvements in the vaulted experience have led to a 75 to 110 basis point lift with our new experience. - We're also rolling out a new, simplified pay sheet experience, resulting in a nice lift in conversion rates. - Combined with our ubiquity across mobile and web, these efforts aim to not only maintain but also take share in the branded experience. -

Competition with Apple Pay
Q: How are you positioned competitively against Apple Pay?
A: We operate in a multitrillion-dollar market and remain the #1 branded experience across all platforms and devices. - Over the past four years, we've seen no degradation in our share of desktop web checkout, which still represents 40–50% of all checkout. - We're continuously improving our offerings, including the best branded experience and checkout solutions like Fastlane, to provide value to merchants and consumers. -

Fastlane and SMB Focus
Q: How important is Fastlane in driving SMB adoption of branded checkout?
A: Fastlane is crucial for SMBs, offering an 80% conversion rate compared to the traditional 50% for repeat users. - It tackles the 60% of checkout that is guest checkout. - By integrating Fastlane with our PayPal Complete Payments (PPCP) platform, SMBs get an end-to-end solution, including branded experiences, unbranded processing, Buy Now, Pay Later, working capital, and advertising tools. - We're accelerating Fastlane's general availability, aiming to onboard as many customers as possible. -

International Opportunities
Q: How are you approaching international markets amid favorable regulatory changes?
A: As a global company operating in over 200 markets, we've invested heavily to ensure compliance worldwide. - Changes in Europe around NFC access present new opportunities, and we will be prepared to participate in that space. - Additionally, 60% of our Buy Now, Pay Later volume comes from outside the U.S. - , highlighting our strong international presence.

Volume Trends
Q: Can you provide color on volume trends in the U.S. and internationally?
A: The U.S. environment remains consistent with what we've seen in the first half. - Internationally, we saw a slight decline in total payment volume this quarter, primarily due to lapping large Braintree wins from last year. - Excluding that factor, international performance is very healthy. -

Transaction Profit Guidance
Q: Has your outlook for transaction profit dollar growth from core businesses changed?
A: We're seeing a stronger branded baseline and have increasing confidence in the trajectory of our Braintree profitability efforts. - This positive outlook influences our full-year guidance.

Branded Checkout Growth
Q: How is branded checkout growth comparing between U.S. and international markets?
A: Both U.S. and international markets are strong contributors. - In the U.S., large enterprises are an area of strength, and we're transitioning small businesses to PPCP. - Internationally, branded checkout is very strong in several European countries, with particular strength in Germany, although the U.K. continues to be pressured. - Transaction expenses are impacted by factors like funding mix and product mix, with Braintree being a significant driver. -