Have you ever stumbled across a deal so good it felt like finding treasure in a thrift store? That’s the vibe I get when I look at eBay’s stock right now. It’s not flashy like some high-flying tech giants, but it’s quietly carving out a spot as one of the most compelling buys in today’s market. With a low price tag, consistent performance, and a knack for dodging trade war pitfalls, eBay is the kind of investment that makes you wonder why everyone isn’t talking about it.
The Case for eBay as a Top Stock Pick
In a world where stock prices often seem divorced from reality, eBay stands out as a rare bargain. It’s a mature tech platform that’s been around the block, yet it’s still growing—slowly, sure, but steadily. What’s more, its unique business model makes it a potential winner in a landscape rattled by tariff talks and economic shifts. Let’s break down why this internet retail giant deserves a closer look.
A Bargain in a Pricey Market
One of the first things that jumps out about eBay is its valuation. In a market where many stocks are trading at nosebleed levels, eBay is practically on clearance. It’s currently priced at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 17x and a forward P/E of 12x, making it one of the cheapest names in the consumer discretionary sector. For context, the broader S&P 500 is hovering around a 24x trailing P/E, and the internet retail industry averages 23x.
Why the discount? Well, eBay isn’t exactly setting the world on fire with explosive growth. It hasn’t posted double-digit revenue growth since mid-2021. But here’s the flip side: it’s delivered nine straight quarters of positive, single-digit revenue growth. That’s the kind of consistency that’s easy to overlook but hard to replicate. In my view, the market’s undervaluing eBay’s durability.
Consistency in revenue growth, even if modest, is a hallmark of a resilient business model.
– Financial analyst
Thriving in Any Economy
eBay’s business model is like a Swiss Army knife—it works in almost any situation. When the economy’s booming, people flock to the platform to buy everything from vintage sneakers to rare coins. When times get tough, more folks turn to eBay to sell their stuff, boosting the platform’s supply side. This counter-cyclical nature makes eBay a stock that can weather storms better than most.
Take a look at its performance this year: eBay’s stock is up 13% in 2025, outpacing 89% of its consumer discretionary peers. It’s not just keeping up; it’s quietly outperforming. And with the stock now approaching multi-year highs, it’s showing technical strength that could signal more gains ahead.
A Trade War Shield
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: tariffs. With trade war rhetoric heating up, many companies are sweating over potential disruptions. Not eBay. Its exposure to tariff-sensitive markets, particularly China-to-U.S. trade, is surprisingly low. Only about 5% of eBay’s Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) comes from Greater China to the U.S., and less than 10% of its total GMV is tied to China overall.
Even better, eBay’s got a game plan for navigating tariffs. Roughly three-quarters of its China-to-U.S. inventory is forward deployed, meaning it’s already in the U.S. and subject to existing tariffs. For the rest, eBay’s proprietary SpeedPAK shipping solution simplifies customs and tariff complexities, making life easier for sellers and buyers alike. Compare that to other retail giants, where China accounts for a much larger slice of revenue, and eBay looks like a fortress.
Smart logistics solutions can turn a trade war threat into a competitive advantage.
– Supply chain expert
Technical Signals Pointing Up
For the chart nerds out there, eBay’s stock is painting a pretty picture. It’s been riding its rising 50-day moving average like a surfer on a wave, with the 200-day moving average acting as a solid floor of support. Sure, there was a brief dip below the 200-day line in early April when tariff fears spiked, but eBay bounced back overnight. That kind of resilience is a green flag for investors.
Right now, the stock is about 13% below its all-time highs, but it’s climbing steadily. If it stays above that 200-day moving average, the bulls are in control. For risk-averse investors, this technical setup offers a clear line in the sand for managing downside.
Why eBay Stands Out in Internet Retail
Unlike some of its flashier peers in the internet retail space, eBay isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s carved out a niche as the go-to platform for unique, often secondhand goods. This focus gives it a moat that’s hard to replicate. While other retailers battle it out over price and speed, eBay thrives on discovery—that thrill of finding something you didn’t even know you wanted.
Plus, eBay’s not burning cash to fuel growth. Its latest earnings report showed beats on both revenue and earnings per share, with management sounding optimistic about the road ahead. That kind of financial discipline is rare in a sector known for splashy spending.
- Low valuation: Trading at a discount to peers and the broader market.
- Consistent growth: Nine quarters of positive revenue growth.
- Trade war resilience: Minimal exposure to tariff-sensitive markets.
- Technical strength: Supported by key moving averages.
Risks to Keep an Eye On
No stock is perfect, and eBay’s not without its challenges. Its slow growth is a double-edged sword—while it’s consistent, it’s not the kind of rocket fuel that gets Wall Street buzzing. There’s also the risk of broader economic slowdowns crimping consumer spending, though eBay’s counter-cyclical model should cushion the blow.
Another thing to watch is competition. The internet retail space is cutthroat, and eBay’s niche focus, while a strength, means it’s not immune to losing market share to bigger players. Still, its valuation already bakes in a lot of this risk, making it a safer bet than many overpriced rivals.
How to Play eBay Stock
If you’re thinking about adding eBay to your portfolio, here’s a quick game plan. First, keep an eye on that 200-day moving average. As long as the stock stays above it, the trend is your friend. If it dips below, it might be time to reassess.
Second, consider eBay as a value play. It’s not going to double overnight, but its low P/E and steady growth make it a solid long-term hold. For those with a shorter horizon, the stock’s technical setup suggests there could be room for near-term gains as it approaches its previous highs.
| Metric | eBay | S&P 500 Average |
| Trailing P/E | 17x | 24x |
| Forward P/E | 12x | 20x |
| 2025 Performance | +13% | +10% |
The Bigger Picture
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of eBay’s story is what it says about the market as a whole. In an era of sky-high valuations and speculative frenzy, eBay reminds us that sometimes the best opportunities are hiding in plain sight. It’s not the sexiest stock, but it’s got the kind of fundamentals that can anchor a portfolio through choppy waters.
I’ve always believed that investing is about finding companies that do the boring stuff well. eBay fits that bill. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s just executing on a proven model with discipline and smarts. And with trade wars looming, its ability to sidestep tariff traps only adds to its appeal.
The best investments often come from companies that quietly deliver value year after year.
– Veteran investor
Final Thoughts
eBay’s stock is like that underrated album you discover years after its release—it’s been there all along, but once you give it a listen, you can’t believe you missed it. With its low valuation, steady growth, and trade war resilience, eBay is a stock that deserves a spot on your watchlist. Whether you’re a value hound or a momentum chaser, there’s something here to like.
So, what’s the next step? Dig into the numbers, watch the charts, and ask yourself: is eBay the hidden gem your portfolio’s been missing? In a market full of overpriced hype, this could be one of the smartest bets you make in 2025.
Disclaimer: Investing involves risks. Always consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
