As of March 20, 2025, eBay Inc. (EBAY), the well-known online marketplace, boasts a market cap of $30.4 billion, a figure that cements its position as a leader in the e-commerce sector. Based in San Jose, California, eBay operates various platforms linking buyers and sellers in categories such as electronics, fashion, collectibles, and automotive parts.
eBay's marketplace includes its primary online platform, ebay.com, alongside off-platform businesses and a range of mobile applications that cater to user needs. With its innovative auction-style and fixed-price selling options, eBay attracts a mix of casual users and professional sellers, enhancing user flexibility.
The company has solidified its presence in the internet retail industry, supported by strong brand recognition and the implementation of artificial intelligence that personalizes recommendations. This approach not only boosts the user experience but also aligns with current consumer trends toward sustainability and circular commerce.
Despite these strengths, eBay's stock saw a decline of 6.2% from its 52-week high of $71.61, which was recorded on February 26, 2025. Over the past three months, while eBay's shares have risen by 5.1%, this still pales in comparison to the broader Nasdaq Composite’s decline of 8.4% in the same period. Yet, when examining the longer term, eBay's stock has gained a robust 29.7% over the past year, outperforming the Nasdaq’s modest 9.8% rise.
Year-to-date (YTD) performance shows that eBay's shares have increased by 8.5%, surpassing the Nasdaq's YTD dip of 8.1%, an indication of resilience amid market fluctuations. Notably, eBay has been trading consistently above its 200-day moving average for the past year and has remained above its 50-day moving average since late November 2024, albeit with some fluctuations that reflect the ebbs and flows of the market.
On February 26, 2025, eBay announced its Q4 earnings report, revealing an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.25, reflecting a significant 16.8% increase from the same quarter last year. This figure surpassed the consensus estimate of $1.20 by analysts, suggesting strong operational performance. Revenue for the quarter approached $2.6 billion, demonstrating a slight year-over-year increase and aligning with Wall Street forecasts.
However, on the very next day, February 27, eBay's stock tumbled by 8.2%. This reaction stemmed primarily from the company's somewhat lackluster guidance for Q1 revenue, projected to grow at a mere 1%. This forecast, although consistent with recent trends, fell short of investor expectations as optimism had been burgeoning around potential growth, partly sparked by Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) incorporating eBay listings into its Facebook Marketplace.
Investors were quick to express their disappointment, as the muted guidance underscored an ongoing sluggish growth trend, subsequently leading to a sharp decline in eBay's stock price that has continued to pressure investor sentiment.
In comparing eBay's performance to competitors, the company has lagged behind MercadoLibre, Inc. (MELI), which has seen its shares rise by 36% over the past year and 21.5% year-to-date. Analysts, however, continue to express a moderately optimistic outlook for eBay, with the stock currently holding a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” from 30 analysts monitoring its performance.
As of now, eBay is trading above its mean price target of $66.36, while the highest target among analysts stands at $80, signaling a potential upside of approximately 19% from current levels. This indicates a lingering belief among experts in the company's turnaround potential as it navigates through the challenges ahead.
In a similar vein, Equifax Inc. (EFX), another heavyweight in the financial technology sector, holds a market cap of $29.2 billion as of March 20, 2025. As a leading global data, analytics, and technology company based in Atlanta, Equifax provides a range of information solutions and human resources outsourcing services tailored for businesses, governments, and individual consumers.
Equifax falls under the large-cap stock category due to its significant role in the fintech landscape, boasting extensive operations throughout the Americas, Europe, and Indo-Pacific. Yet, despite its robust position and influence, shares of EFX have plummeted by 21.8% since reaching an all-time high of $309.63 back on September 16, 2024.
In the past three months, Equifax's stock shows a decline of 4.5%, which is a slightly better performance than the Nasdaq Composite’s 8.4% drop. However, examining the broader picture, EFX has underperformed substantially—recording a 19.8% drop over the past six months and a 6.8% fall over the year, diverging from the Nasdaq’s softer figures of a 1.5% dip and a 9.8% gain respectively.
After the firm's Q4 results were released on February 6, 2025, stocks plummeted by 8.4%. Equifax exceeded Wall Street's expectations with a 17.1% year-over-year growth in adjusted EPS, rising to $2.12 and coming in 95 basis points higher than anticipated. Despite this win, the firm reported a 7% rise in operating revenues to $1.4 billion, a figure that fell short of the high hopes on Wall Street.
Looking forward, Equifax anticipates a modest 4.7% increase in revenues for fiscal 2025, which is projected at $5.95 billion. A significant concern lies in expected declines in US mortgage credit inquiries, anticipated at about 12% for the year, leading to only a 2.2% increase in adjusted EPS to $7.45. Investor sentiment is undoubtedly rattled by such forecasts.
Comparing to its peer, TransUnion (TRU), Equifax has fared worse, as TransUnion has only declined by 19.3% in price over the past six months, managing to gain 9.2% over the year. Nevertheless, a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” from 21 analysts covering EFX speaks to a glimmer of hope for potential recovery.
Equifax's mean price target of $286.89 suggests an upside potential of 18.4% from current levels. This outlook presents an opportunity for cautious investors looking for value in the fintech sector amidst volatility.
Lastly, PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG), established in 1883 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, stands as a global frontrunner in the paint, coatings, and specialty materials industry. Valued at $25.8 billion, PPG is well-respected for its advanced solutions that enhance durability, particularly across sectors like automotive and aerospace.
Despite its stature, PPG's stock is currently trading at 22.3% lower than its 52-week high of $145.60, reached back in April 2024. Over the last three months, shares have dipped 5.4%, in comparison to the Nasdaq's 8.4% decline during the same period.
On a broader scale, PPG's performance has reflected a 12.5% reduction over the last six months and a stark 20.1% drop over the last year, dramatically underperforming the Nasdaq's modest growth of 9.8% during the same timeframe. Since mid-April 2024, the stock has consistently traded beneath its 200-day moving average, signaling ongoing weakness.
On January 30, 2025, PPG reported its fourth-quarter earnings, which present an adjusted EPS of $1.61—slightly below analysts' projected $1.65. Net sales dropped by 5% to $3.7 billion, a direct reflection of softening demand in both industrial and architectural coatings sectors, further exacerbated by increased U.S. mortgage rates.
CEO Tim Knavish acknowledged these challenging market conditions, particularly regarding the demand slump in Europe and the global industrial market instability expected to persist into 2025. Nevertheless, anticipation remains that key economic indicators will stabilize later this year.
Following its underwhelming earnings report, PPG's stock dropped 6%, triggering investor concerns about the company’s outlook. In comparison to its competitor Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW), which has seen only a marginal decline over the same period, PPG’s performance has raised eyebrows.
Despite such hurdles, analysts remain cautiously optimistic, providing a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” from 23 analysts who cover PPG. The stock has a mean price target of $131.79, indicating a potential upside of 16.5% from its current trading levels. As 2025 unfolds, the sentiments on PPG echo the broader hopes for recovery and growth in the industry, as it strives to navigate through these turbulent economic times.