Listing Numbers Cast Doubt on eBay's Growth Plans

Millions of people spend hours searching eBay (EBAY Quote) for treasure. Some others are scrutinizing eBay itself -- and finding anything but treasure.

In fact, recent studies of prices, listings and users cast a cloud over the uniformly bullish case that investors and Wall Street analysts make for this company. The danger? Key statistics derived from these studies suggest that stellar growth rates in use, sales and profit will be tough to maintain. eBay's pricey stock isn't factoring in a slowdown.

Here's what eBay monitors have found out. ...