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Should You Buy eBay Stock Before Feb. 18?
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-15 03:40
Core Insights - eBay is transitioning from a traditional marketplace to a high-margin advertising platform, indicating a shift in its business model and market perception [1][7] - The upcoming quarterly results are expected to show earnings per share of approximately $1.35 and revenue around $2.87 billion, reflecting continued growth despite economic challenges [2][3] Financial Performance - In the most recent quarter, eBay's revenue increased by about 9% year over year, while gross merchandise volume (GMV) rose by 8%, demonstrating resilience in its marketplace operations [3] - Advertising revenue reached $525 million in the third quarter, accounting for 2.6% of GMV, highlighting the rapid growth of eBay's advertising business [5] Business Model Evolution - eBay's advertising segment is growing faster than its core business, which enhances the quality of its earnings as it does not rely on inventory or shipping [5][7] - The company is evolving into a monetization platform that leverages AI-driven tools and promoted listings to maximize transaction value [7] Investment Considerations - The stock is viewed as a long-term investment opportunity rather than a short-term trade, with consistent share buybacks and dividends contributing to its appeal as a cash-generating platform [8] - Potential investors are advised to consider buying eBay only if they are prepared to hold for years, focusing on the long-term impact of its advertising and platform shift [10]
IBIT vs. ETHA: Two Unique Approaches for Investing in Crypto
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-15 03:01
Core Insights - Bitcoin and Ethereum experienced negative returns in 2025, but investor optimism for long-term growth remains strong [1][6] - The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) and iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) provide direct exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum, respectively, and are compared based on fees, returns, risk, and portfolio composition [2] Group 1: Cost & Size - Both IBIT and ETHA have an expense ratio of 0.25% and are equally priced [3] - As of February 14, 2026, IBIT has an AUM of $51.53 billion, while ETHA has an AUM of $6.29 billion, indicating a significant difference in scale [3] Group 2: Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past year, IBIT had a return of -29.35% and ETHA had a return of -23.90% [3] - The maximum drawdown for IBIT was -49.36%, while ETHA experienced a larger drawdown of -61.57% [4] - A $1,000 investment in IBIT would have grown to $720, while the same investment in ETHA would have grown to $753 over one year [4] Group 3: Fund Composition - IBIT, launched on January 5, 2024, exclusively holds Bitcoin, while ETHA, launched six months later, exclusively holds Ether [5] - Both funds are characterized by high volatility and provide direct exposure to the cryptocurrency market [5] Group 4: Market Context - The negative performance of Bitcoin and Ethereum in 2025 marks the first annual decline since 2022, highlighting the volatility of the crypto market [6] - Despite ongoing investments from governments and institutions in the crypto space, the market is expected to experience fluctuations similar to the stock market [6] Group 5: Long-term Outlook - Historically, IBIT has increased nearly 40%, while ETHA has decreased by 41%, suggesting a potential advantage for IBIT in the long term [8] - IBIT is associated with a cryptocurrency that has greater institutional and governmental support compared to Ethereum [8]
Could Buying Coupang Stock Today Set You Up for Life?
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-15 02:34
Core Viewpoint - Coupang's stock is currently undervalued, presenting a potential long-term investment opportunity despite recent challenges related to a data breach [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance and Market Data - Coupang's stock has decreased by 26% over the past year, currently trading at $16.99 with a market capitalization of $31 billion [2][3]. - The stock's 52-week range is between $16.74 and $34.08, with a gross margin of 29.62% [3]. Group 2: Data Breach and Company Response - A data breach exposed information from approximately 34 million accounts, leading to government inquiries and criticism of management practices [3][4]. - The South Korean government attributes the breach to "management failure" rather than a sophisticated cyberattack, and the CEO's absence from a parliamentary hearing has exacerbated the situation [3][4]. Group 3: Business Performance and Growth Potential - Despite the data breach, Coupang's business in South Korea is performing well, with net revenue growth of 20% year-over-year and a 10% increase in active customers [5]. - The company aims to achieve an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10% or more, with potential revenue growth reaching $40 billion to $50 billion in the coming years, particularly with new ventures in Taiwan [7][8]. Group 4: Investment Valuation - With a market cap of $32 billion and projected earnings, Coupang's price-to-earnings ratio stands at 6.4, indicating a favorable valuation for long-term investors [9].
SLV vs. SGDM: More Direct Silver Exposure or Investing in Gold Mining?
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-15 02:09
Core Insights - Gold and silver are significant precious metals, with the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) tracking physical silver prices and the Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM) investing in gold mining stocks [1] Cost & Size - Both SLV and SGDM have an expense ratio of 0.50% - SLV has an AUM of $44.77 billion, while SGDM has $823.11 million [2] - The one-year return for SLV is 137.63%, and for SGDM, it is 149.88% [2][3] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over five years, SLV has a max drawdown of 37.65%, while SGDM has 45.05% [4] - A $1,000 investment in SLV would grow to $2,764, compared to $2,667 for SGDM over the same period [4] Holdings - SGDM, launched 11 years ago, invests in 43 gold mining stocks, with major holdings including Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd., Newmont Corp., and Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. [5] - SLV has been offering exposure to silver for nearly 20 years, holding 100% silver bullion in London [5] Market Context - The current economic climate favors precious metals, as they typically perform better during periods of economic uncertainty, with tariffs and global tensions benefiting gold and silver in 2025 and into 2026 [8] Investment Strategy - Both SLV and SGDM can diversify a portfolio with precious metal-related funds, with the choice depending on investor preference for silver or gold and physical assets versus market-related stocks [9]
Better International ETF: Vanguard's VXUS vs. iShares' EEM
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-15 01:53
Core Insights - The Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) differ significantly in cost, yield, diversification, and risk, with VXUS providing broader international exposure and EEM focusing on emerging markets [1][2] Cost & Size Comparison - VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05%, significantly lower than EEM's 0.72% - The one-year return for VXUS is 31.4%, while EEM's is higher at 36.2% - VXUS offers a dividend yield of 3.0%, compared to EEM's 2.1% - VXUS has assets under management (AUM) of $606.2 billion, whereas EEM has $26.95 billion [3][4] Performance & Risk Analysis - Over five years, VXUS experienced a maximum drawdown of 29.43%, while EEM had a higher drawdown of 39.82% - An investment of $1,000 in VXUS would grow to $1,277 over five years, compared to $1,046 for EEM [5] Sector Composition - EEM's portfolio is concentrated in emerging markets, with technology (28%), financial services (22%), and consumer cyclical (12%) as leading sectors, holding 1,214 stocks [6] - VXUS covers a wider range of international markets, with financial services (23%), industrials (16%), and technology (15%) as its top sectors, and it holds 8,602 stocks [7] Investor Suitability - EEM is suited for aggressive investors seeking high growth potential from emerging markets, despite its higher expense ratio and risk profile [8] - VXUS is recommended for long-term investors looking for stability and lower costs, with a more attractive dividend yield [10]
AAAU vs. SGDM: Direct Gold Exposure or Gold Mining Companies?
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-15 01:39
Core Insights - The article discusses two ETFs focused on gold investment: Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU), highlighting their differing investment approaches and performance metrics [1][3]. Cost & Size - SGDM has an expense ratio of 0.50% and assets under management (AUM) of $823.1 million, while AAAU has a lower expense ratio of 0.18% and a larger AUM of $3.11 billion [2]. - The one-year return for SGDM is 149.88%, significantly higher than AAAU's 73.1% [2][3]. Performance & Risk Comparison - Over five years, SGDM has a maximum drawdown of 45.05%, compared to AAAU's 20.94% [4]. - The growth of a $1,000 investment over five years is $2,667 for SGDM and $2,681 for AAAU, indicating similar long-term performance despite SGDM's higher volatility [4]. Investment Composition - AAAU tracks the performance of physical gold, holding 100% of its assets in gold bars stored in the U.K. [5]. - SGDM invests in 43 stocks within the global gold mining industry, with major holdings in companies like Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd., Newmont Corp., and Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. [5]. Market Context - The precious metals market saw significant growth in 2025, with gold prices nearly doubling since the start of that year, driven by geopolitical and economic factors [6]. - Gold and other metals are viewed as hedges against the U.S. dollar, particularly during times of international tension [6].
Is the iShares MSCI China ETF a Buy After Nipun Capital Scooped Up Shares Worth $7.3 Million?
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-15 01:18
Core Viewpoint - Nipun Capital has increased its position in the iShares MSCI China ETF, indicating a bullish outlook towards the fund and its performance in the Chinese equity market [2][7]. Fund Overview - The iShares MSCI China ETF (MCHI) provides broad exposure to large- and mid-cap Chinese equities, tracking the MSCI China Index [1][6]. - As of February 12, 2026, the fund's assets under management (AUM) stand at $7.94 billion, with a share price of $60.58, reflecting a 19.4% increase over the past year [4][3]. - The fund offers an annualized dividend yield of 2.10% and has a total return of 19.42% over the past year [4][3]. Investment Strategy - MCHI's investment strategy focuses on tracking the MSCI China Index, providing exposure to the top 85% of market capitalization in Chinese equity markets [8]. - The fund is structured as a non-diversified ETF with an expense ratio of 0.59%, which is considered relatively high for a passively managed fund [9][8]. Recent Transactions - Nipun Capital increased its stake in MCHI by 116,100 shares during the fourth quarter, with an estimated value of $7.3 million [2]. - Following this transaction, MCHI now represents 22.96% of Nipun Capital's 13F assets under management [3]. Performance Comparison - MCHI has outperformed the S&P 500 by 6.52 percentage points over the past year, indicating strong relative performance in the market [3].
Shopify Shares Sink Despite Strong AI-Powered Growth. Should Investors Buy the Stock on the Dip?
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-15 01:05
Core Viewpoint - Shopify is experiencing a decline in stock price despite strong Q4 results and a positive outlook, primarily due to the broader sell-off in the SaaS sector [1] Financial Performance - Q4 revenue increased by 31% to $3.67 billion, exceeding analyst expectations of $3.58 billion [3] - Gross merchandise volume (GMV) rose by 31% to $123.84 billion, with Europe showing a 45% increase in GMV [3] - Merchant solution revenue grew by 35% to $2.9 billion, while subscription revenue increased by 17% to $777 million [4] - Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) rose by 15% to $205 million [4] - Shopify Payments processed $84 billion, or 68% of GMV, representing a 38% increase in processed GMV [5] Future Outlook - Shopify forecasts Q1 revenue growth in the low 30s percentage range, surpassing analyst expectations of 25.1% [6] - The company has initiated a $2 billion stock buyback program [6] Valuation and Investment Considerations - Shopify currently trades at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 11 based on 2026 estimates, which is considered fair given its growth potential [8] - Despite strong performance, investor concerns about AI disrupting the business persist [8] - It is suggested that investors may consider taking a starter position in Shopify stock, with the potential to add more on further price dips [9]
AAAU & SLV: Two Precious Metal ETFs That Can Add Some Shine to Your Portfolio
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-15 00:10
Core Insights - The iShares Silver Trust (SLV) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) provide direct exposure to silver and gold respectively, with significant returns over the past year [2][3] Cost & Size Comparison - SLV has an expense ratio of 0.50% and an AUM of $44.77 billion, while AAAU has a lower expense ratio of 0.18% and an AUM of $3.13 billion [3] - The 1-year return for SLV is 137.63%, significantly higher than AAAU's 73.1% [3] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, SLV has a max drawdown of 37.65%, compared to AAAU's 20.94% [4] - The growth of $1,000 invested over five years is $2,764 for SLV and $2,681 for AAAU [4] Market Context - The precious metals market has seen a surge in 2025, with gold and silver prices benefiting from geopolitical and economic tensions [6] - Since the start of 2025, gold prices have nearly doubled, while silver prices have surged by 170% [7] Volatility Considerations - Precious metals are known for their volatility, with silver being twice as volatile as gold, necessitating caution for investors [8] - An example of this volatility is a 27% drop in silver's price in one day on January 30 [8] Investment Opportunities - Both AAAU and SLV are considered effective ways for investors to gain exposure to the precious metals market, provided they are aware of the associated volatility [9]
Prediction: Tesla's Optimus Robot Will Transform the Stock by the End of 2026
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-15 00:05
Group 1 - Tesla is experiencing a significant transformation, moving from an electric vehicle company to a broader technology entity, with a focus on the development of Optimus robots [2][10] - The company plans to discontinue its Model S and Model X lines to allocate resources for Optimus production, as over 97% of its Q4 2022 deliveries were from Model 3 and Model Y [5][8] - Tesla's stock has increased by 20% over the past year, driven by investor anticipation of future developments rather than current performance [1][10] Group 2 - The Optimus robots are intended to perform various tasks, including household chores and caregiving, with the potential to "eliminate poverty" as envisioned by CEO Elon Musk [4] - Tesla is heavily investing in its full self-driving (FSD) software, which, if approved, could enable the company to offer robotaxi services [8] - Analysts predict that Tesla's market cap could reach $2 trillion by the end of the year and $3 trillion by the end of 2027, reflecting a potential 25% increase in stock price this year and an 87% increase by 2027 [9]