What happened
eBay (EBAY 0.88%) shareholders pretty much matched the market last month. The stock declined 13% compared to a 12.5% dip in the S&P 500, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence.
The decline put shares in negative territory so far in 2020, but the stock is still slightly ahead of the market by being down just 12% to date.
Image source: Getty Images.
So what
As one of the biggest internet retailers, eBay's business is sensitive to the economic growth slump that has struck most of the world since mid-March due to COVID-19 containment measures. However, investors were just as interested in challenges to the company's business model and executive team.
An activist investor ramped up pressure on the marketplace last month by nominating four candidates for election to the board of directors. eBay has called the move a disappointing distraction at a time when management is focused on guiding the company through the coronavirus pandemic.
Now what
The tech company hasn't scheduled its annual meeting yet, which will be the venue for new elections to the board of directors. That event typically occurs in late May.
If shareholders take the activist investor's side in the board elections, then there will be even more volatility around the direction of this struggling business, which has sold off large portions of itself, drastically changed its capital-return plans, and seen its CEO step down in just the past year.
