EBay revenue outlook disappoints as pandemic-led boom fades

The company reported a 5% decline in the number of active buyers on its marketplace in the third quarter

EBay Inc on Wednesday projected holiday-quarter revenue below market expectations, another sign that the online shopping boom fueled by the pandemic was tapering as consumers returned to stores.

The company was a big corporate winner in 2020 when lockdowns forced people to shop on its online marketplace, but growth has slowed since then as vaccinations encourage consumers to step out.

EBay said it expected fourth-quarter revenue between $2.57 billion and $2.62 billion, well below analysts' average estimate of $2.65 billion, according to Refinitiv IBES data.

The company also reported a 5% decline in the number of active buyers on its marketplace in the