As PayPal split looms, eBay plans to think small

EBay plans to grow by thinking small as it prepares for life apart from PayPal.

The company says it is focusing on expanding the number of small- to mid-size businesses and individuals who buy and sell items on its popular online marketplace. That comes as it attempts to address investor concerns about how eBay will fare later this year after it spins off its PayPal payments division, which has long been EBay’s fastest growing segment.

EBay’s first-quarter earnings may have mitigated investors’ concern somewhat. The results beat expectations and revenue, excluding the impact of the stronger dollar, grew in both segments. A stronger dollar cuts into revenue generated overseas when it’s translated back into dollars.