eBay Inc (EBAY), Stratasys, Ltd. (SSYS): Will This Company’s Futuristic Thinking Pay Off?

Clearly eBay wants to separate itself from the likes of online conglomerate Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), which sells everything from e-books, web hosting, original streaming video programming, and groceries. For example, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) launched Jet City Comics where the company will produce original print and digital comic books. Amazon represents another company that understands the increasing web-centric nature of the consumer.

Amazon grew its revenue 253% over the past five years, versus 73% for eBay according to YCharts. eBay and Amazon gave shareholders market beating returns of 117% and 343%, respectively.

eBay understands that it operates against some stiff competition and teaming up with Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) represents a good way to set itself apart.

Good year so far

On July 19, eBay reported decent second quarter results. PayPal, the online auction marketplace segment and its e-commerce platform all increased revenue 20%, 10%, and 11%, respectively. So the company is plugging along on all cylinders, and it wants to keep it that way.

Conclusion

eBay sees the need to look to the stars and think in terms of “light years” in order to differentiate itself. Look for the company to find more interesting ways to engage consumers by bringing in more partnerships. Look for Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) to pursue other creative ways to market its line of 3D printers. Amazon will also continue to use its deep pockets to thwart pretty much everyone. These companies will continue to innovate in order to compete effectively in a technological world, and shareholders should benefit.

The article Will This Company’s Futuristic Thinking Pay Off? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by William Bias.

William Bias has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Amazon.com, eBay, and Stratasys. The Motley Fool owns shares of Amazon.com, eBay, and Stratasys. William is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.

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