Skip to navigationSkip to main contentSkip to right columnADVERTISEMENTErin Kennedy, The Motley FoolSat, June 27, 2026 at 1:30 PM GMT+2 6 min readAs the retail landscape shifts toward digital marketplaces and reimagined department stores, choosing between eBay (NASDAQ:EBAY) and Macy's (NYSE:M) depends on whether you value high-margin technology or a classic turnaround play.eBay operates a global online platform connecting buyers and sellers, while Macy's anchors its business in physical storefronts and luxury brands. They are sometimes compared because both companies are navigating a rapidly evolving consumer environment where scale and digital integration determine long-term viability in a competitive market.The case for eBayeBay operates a global online marketplace that bypasses the need for owned inventory, focusing instead on connecting millions of buyers and sellers. The company specializes in enthusiast categories such as motor vehicles, collectibles, and refurbished items, often utilizing partners for authentication services. As of June 2026, GameStop (NYSE:GME) has submitted a non-binding acquisition proposal at $125 per share, introducing a new layer of uncertainty regarding the company's future ownership.eBay competes within the broader universe of retail stocks by focusing on these niche categories to drive engagement. In fiscal 2025, revenue reached nearly $11.1 billion, good for roughly 7.9% year-over-year growth. eBay generated net income of roughly $2 billion, resulting in a net margin of close to 18.3%.As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the company maintained a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.6x. That means eBay uses $1.60 of debt for every dollar of equity owned by shareholders to fund its operations. The current ratio, which measures the ability to pay short-term debts with assets that can be converted to cash quickly, stood at 1.1x, while free cash flow reached nearly $1.7 billion for the year.The case for Macy'sMacy's operates an omnichannel retail business through its primary namesake brand, along with the luxury-focused Bloomingdale's and beauty-centric Bluemercury. A significant portion of its financial structure is supported by a long-term commercial agreement with Citigroup (NYSE:C), which manages its credit card portfolio and involves profit-sharing on receivables. The company currently manages hundreds of locations across the United States while expanding its digital presence to reach a broader customer base.Financial results for fiscal 2025 show that revenue was approximately $22.6 billion, a slight decline of roughly 1.7% from the prior year. Despite the dip in sales, the company generated net income of close to $642 million. This led to net margin of approximately 2.8%, reflecting the higher costs associated with maintaining a massive physical store footprint and inventory.Terms and Privacy PolicyEU DSA contactPrivacy & Cookie SettingsMore Info