eBay's Long-Term Returns Outpace Market
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 02 2026
0mins
Should l Buy EBAY?
Source: Fool
- Stable Compound Growth: eBay has achieved a 14.3% annual compound growth rate over the past decade, and with a 1.5% dividend policy, its total annual return reaches 15.8%, surpassing the S&P 500's 14.2% return, highlighting its robust investment value.
- Shareholder-Friendly Capital Allocation: In 2025, eBay returned approximately $3 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends, with its share count down by 62% since the end of 2015, indicating a focus on stable margins rather than endless expansion.
- Acquisition Brings New Opportunities: eBay's pending $12 billion acquisition of Etsy's Depop service is expected to attract millions of young users, refreshing its demographic, while management guides for 2026 GMV growth similar to last year's 6% increase.
- Clear Market Positioning: eBay focuses on connecting buyers and sellers of rare or collectible items, and despite risks from sluggish European economies and shifting trade policies, its clear market target makes it more defensible, appealing to long-term investors.
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Analyst Views on EBAY
Wall Street analysts forecast EBAY stock price to fall
8 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
5 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 101.960
Low
60.00
Averages
95.00
High
112.00
Current: 101.960
Low
60.00
Averages
95.00
High
112.00
About EBAY
eBay Inc. is a global commerce company. The Company's technology empowers buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets globally. Its online marketplace is located at www.ebay.com and its localized counterparts, its off-platform marketplaces and its mobile apps. Its Marketplace platforms enable buyers and sellers to its global scale and continue investments in technology, marketing and customer service. Its eBay Money-Back Guarantee program allows buyers to obtain a refund if an item does not arrive, is damaged or faulty, or differs materially from its description, and applies to most purchases completed through payment methods. It develops intuitive user interfaces; buyer, seller and developer tools; and transaction processing, databases and network applications that enable its users to complete transactions on its Marketplace platforms. Its technology infrastructure simplifies the storage and processing of data, eases the deployment and operation of global products and services.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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