Key Takeaways
- eBay (EBAY) is acquiring fashion marketplace Depop from Etsy (ETSY) for $1.2 billion in cash to deepen its reach among Gen Z and Millennial consumers.
- Booking Holdings (BKNG) announced a massive 25-for-1 forward stock split alongside a Q4 earnings beat and strong revenue guidance for the first quarter of 2026.
- Occidental Petroleum (OXY) significantly outperformed earnings expectations, reporting an adjusted EPS of $0.31 against analyst estimates of $0.11.
- Meta Platforms (META) is diversifying its strategy by reviving its smartwatch hardware plans for 2026 and launching two Super PACs to influence state-level AI regulation.
- U.S. Treasury data revealed a sharp decline in capital inflows, with total net TIC flows dropping to $44.9 billion in December from a previous $212.0 billion.
eBay Bolsters Resale Dominance with Depop Acquisition
eBay (EBAY) announced a definitive agreement to acquire the social-commerce platform Depop from Etsy (ETSY) for approximately $1.2 billion in cash. The move is designed to accelerate eBay’s "recommerce" strategy by integrating Depop’s 135 million active buyers and its strong popularity among younger, fashion-forward demographics.
The acquisition comes as eBay (EBAY) reported strong fourth-quarter results, with revenue of $2.97 billion and Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) of $21.24 billion, both exceeding Wall Street estimates. For the upcoming first quarter, the company expects revenue to remain robust, forecasting between $3.00 billion and $3.05 billion.
Booking Holdings Unveils Stock Split and Strong Outlook
Booking Holdings (BKNG) surprised investors by announcing a 25-for-1 forward stock split, scheduled to take effect on April 2, 2026. The company also reported Q4 revenue of $6.35 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $2.20 billion, surpassing consensus estimates of $6.13 billion and $2.11 billion, respectively.
Management expressed optimism for the year ahead, projecting Q1 revenue growth of 14% to 16% year-over-year. The stock split is viewed as a move to increase liquidity and make shares more accessible to a broader range of investors following a period of sustained price appreciation.
Occidental Petroleum Crushes Earnings Estimates
Occidental Petroleum (OXY) delivered a significant earnings beat for the fourth quarter, posting adjusted net income of $315 million, nearly triple the estimated $114.8 million. The company’s adjusted EPS of $0.31 blew past the $0.11 forecast, supported by total average global production of 1,481 MBOED.
Despite the strong quarterly performance, the energy giant provided a cautious production outlook for the first quarter of 2026, targeting 1,385 to 1,425 MBOED. The company remains focused on aggressive debt reduction following its recent divestiture of OxyChem to Berkshire Hathaway.
Meta Revives Hardware Ambitions and AI Lobbying
Meta Platforms (META) is reportedly reviving its smartwatch project with a target launch date in 2026, according to reports from The Information. This marks a return to wrist-based wearables after the company previously paused similar hardware initiatives to focus on its Ray-Ban smart glasses and Quest VR headsets.
Simultaneously, Meta (META) is ramping up its political presence by launching two new Super PACs—the American Technology Excellence Project and a California-focused entity. These groups are intended to counter a growing "AI backlash" by supporting state-level candidates who favor pro-innovation policies and resist restrictive AI regulations.
Macroeconomic and Corporate Updates
In the broader market, the U.S. Treasury Department reported that total net TIC flows slowed to $44.9 billion in December, a steep decline from the $212.0 billion recorded in November. Net long-term TIC flows also saw a significant reduction, falling to $28.0 billion from $220.2 billion in the prior period.
In the consumer goods sector, Mondelez International (MDLZ) secured a new $1.5 billion revolving credit agreement. The facility includes an option to expand the line by an additional $500 million, providing the company with enhanced financial flexibility as it terminates its existing 2025 credit facility.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.