PayPal is facing tough competition in the payment platform space, with slowing growth in its branded checkout business. The company’s earnings report shows a 1% growth in online branded checkout, disappointing analysts. The CEO is being replaced on March 1, as the company grapples with its performance. Analysts are downgrading PayPal’s stock due to concerns about its ability to improve results.

Former PayPal president David Marcus criticized the company for losing its edge and failing to compete effectively in a changing market. He believes PayPal focused too much on payment volume rather than margin and differentiation. The company’s shift towards unbranded checkout has also been called into question.

As PayPal struggles to maintain its position in the digital checkout market, analysts are reevaluating the company’s potential for growth and innovation. The company’s recent performance and executive changes have raised concerns about its ability to compete with other payment platforms.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: PayPal Struggles to Keep Its Spot in Digital Checkout ‘Friend Zone’