EBAY vs FERG Comparison

Founded in 1995, eBay operates one of the world's largest online marketplaces, connecting buyers and sellers across more than 190 markets. In 2025, the firm generated $11.1 billion in revenue on nearly $80 billion of gross merchandise volume, serving 135 million active buyers and 18 million active sellers (users who closed at least one transaction in the past year). The firm monetizes its marketplace primarily through transaction fees and advertising, with 52% of revenue derived from the US and the remainder from international markets. In a bid to expand its reach among Generation Z and in the recommerce sector, eBay announced the $1.2 billion acquisition of fashion resale app Depop from Etsy in early 2026.

Ferguson distributes plumbing and HVAC products to North American repair, maintenance and improvement, new construction, and civil infrastructure markets. It serves over 1 million customers and sources products from 36,000 suppliers. Ferguson engages customers through approximately 1,800 North American branches, over the phone, online, and in residential showrooms. According to Modern Distribution Management, Ferguson is the largest plumbing distributor and second-largest HVAC distributor (next to Watsco) in North America. The firm sold its UK business in 2021 and is now solely focused on the North American market.