eBay(US:EBAY)2025-02-27 02:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - eBay reported a GMV growth of over 2% to $19.3 billion in Q4 2024, with revenue growing 1% to $2.58 billion [48][49] - Non-GAAP operating income increased approximately 2% to $698 million, and non-GAAP earnings per share rose over 16% to $1.25 [48][60] - The company returned more than $1 billion to shareholders through repurchases and dividends [60] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Focus category GMV grew over 6% in Q4, significantly outpacing core categories, which saw modest growth [51][52] - Trading cards volume experienced double-digit growth, becoming the largest contributor to GMV growth in Q4 [15][51] - Motors Parts and Accessories (P&A) also contributed to growth, with double-digit inventory growth and mid-single-digit GMV growth for the second consecutive year [17][52] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. GMV grew by 1% in Q4, driven by improved traffic trends and strong late-season holiday demand [52] - International GMV grew over 3% on an FX-neutral basis, with strong trends in cross-border trade, particularly from Greater China and Japan [53] - The U.K. initiative provided an incremental boost to both C2C and overall volumes, with double-digit improvements in C2C GMV growth [22][53] Company Strategy and Development Direction - eBay aims to continue innovating within existing focused categories and extend its playbook to new categories, particularly in collectibles and fashion [39][41] - The company plans to leverage AI to enhance user experiences and improve merchandising [39][44] - eBay is focused on optimizing the C2C experience in the U.K. and Germany while investing in its global buying hub [41][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the macro environment remains dynamic, with resilient demand in the U.S. but weaker trends in the U.K. and Germany [110] - The company expects low-single-digit GMV growth in 2025 on an FX-neutral basis, with advertising, shipping, and financial services as key revenue drivers [71][74] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to generate sustainable long-term growth despite macro uncertainties [80] Other Important Information - eBay has set a 2045 net zero carbon emissions target and achieved 100% renewable energy sourcing for its offices and data centers in 2024 [37][38] - The company is targeting share repurchases of at least $2 billion in 2025 and has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share for Q1 2025 [79][80] Q&A Session Summary Question: eBay's position and exposure to changes in de minimis shipping, particularly regarding China - eBay's exposure to China accounts for approximately 10% of GMV, with 75% of Greater China volume already subject to tariffs [84] Question: Thoughts on the e-commerce discovery funnel and collaboration with OpenAI - eBay is focused on building agentic technology and sees partnerships as opportunities to enhance seller exposure and improve the shopping experience [88][90] Question: Focus category growth expectations for 2025 - Management expects continued momentum in focus categories, with significant growth opportunities in P&A and fashion [95][97] Question: Details on the Facebook Marketplace partnership - The partnership aims to broaden seller reach and enhance buyer trust through eBay's authenticity guarantee and checkout process [101][102] Question: Overall health of the consumer and its impact on eBay - Demand in the U.S. remains resilient, while trends in the U.K. and Germany are weaker due to lower consumer confidence [110] Question: GMV outlook and factors influencing growth - The company anticipates a deceleration from Q4 to Q1 due to strong holiday demand in Q4 and macroeconomic challenges [120][121] Question: Benefits from AI and proprietary LLMs - Over 10 million unique sellers have utilized eBay's Gen AI features, generating several billion dollars in GMV with high customer satisfaction rates [128]