EBay doesn't need Ryan Cohen for its comeback. How to profit from the turnaround

EBay’s comeback pitch centers on improving fundamentals, with a renewed growth story developing independently of headline deal talks. The company cited Q1 2026 results showing revenue up 19% year over year and GMV up 18%, alongside advertising gains, including first-party ad revenue up 33%. The turnaround is in the spotlight after GameStop proposed acquiring eBay for $125 per share in May, which eBay rejected; GameStop has continued pursuing the deal, adding deal optionality. Separately, eBay’s acquisition of Depop is positioned as a way to reach younger consumers, citing about 7 million active buyers, nearly 90% under 35. The article also notes eBay returned $639 million to shareholders in Q1, including $500 million in repurchases.