10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2006

EBAY INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2006

Filed October 30, 2006For Securities:EBAY

Summary

eBay Inc.'s third quarter 2006 results show robust revenue growth and improved profitability, driven by strong performance in its Marketplaces and Payments segments. Net revenues increased by 31% year-over-year to $1.45 billion for the quarter and 32% for the first nine months to $4.25 billion. Net income also saw a healthy increase of 10% for the quarter to $280.9 million, translating to diluted earnings per share of $0.20. The company's strategic investments in acquisitions like Skype and Shopping.com are contributing to this growth. While operating expenses rose, partly due to the adoption of FAS 123(R) for stock-based compensation, the company managed to improve its overall financial position. Notably, eBay also initiated a significant stock repurchase program in July 2006, signaling confidence in its financial health and commitment to shareholder returns.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue growth of 31% year-over-year for Q3 2006 to $1.45 billion.
  • 2Net income increased by 10% year-over-year to $280.9 million for Q3 2006.
  • 3Diluted EPS of $0.20 for Q3 2006, up from $0.18 in Q3 2005.
  • 4Strong growth in both Marketplaces and Payments segments, with Payments revenue up 42%.
  • 5Adoption of FAS 123(R) increased stock-based compensation expense, impacting operating expenses.
  • 6Company repurchased $666.5 million of its common stock in Q3 2006 under a new $2 billion authorization.
  • 7International net revenues accounted for approximately 47% of total net revenues in the first nine months of 2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

eBay reported strong financial performance in Q3 2006, with net revenues growing 31% year-over-year to $1.45 billion and net income increasing 10% to $280.9 million, or $0.20 per diluted share. This growth was driven by solid performance across its key segments, particularly Marketplaces and Payments.

The adoption of FAS 123(R) on January 1, 2006, required eBay to recognize stock-based compensation expense at fair value. This led to a significant increase in reported stock-based compensation expenses in cost of net revenues, sales and marketing, product development, and general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, compared to the prior year. While this increased operating expenses, it also improved the comparability of financial reporting with other companies.

In July 2006, eBay's Board authorized a $2 billion stock repurchase program. During Q3 2006, the company repurchased approximately $666.5 million worth of its common stock. This signals management's confidence in the company's financial position and its commitment to returning value to shareholders.

eBay's core segments are Marketplaces, Payments (PayPal), and Communications (Skype). The Marketplaces segment showed a 22% increase in net transaction revenues year-over-year for Q3, while the Payments segment experienced substantial growth of 42%. The Communications segment, driven by Skype's acquisition in late 2005, contributed $50 million in net transaction revenues for the quarter. International operations remain a significant contributor, accounting for about 47% of total net revenues in the first nine months.