In 3Q24, net revenue grew 4.7% q/q and 35% y/y. However, operating margins were impacted by investments in credit and logistics. MercadoLibre continues to expand its competitive advantages, including credit and logistics operations (five new distribution centers in Brazil and one in Mexico). With a PEG of 1.76x, close to two-year lows, the valuation indicates a buying opportunity despite the elevated price compared to the sector.
I reaffirm my "Buy" rating for MercadoLibre stock, despite a Q3 EPS miss, due to its strong long-term growth potential and undervaluation. MercadoLibre's Q3 2024 report showed solid growth in e-commerce and fintech, with a 35% YoY revenue increase and significant market share gains in Brazil and Mexico. The company's strategic investments in logistics and credit expansion are expected to drive future growth, despite short-term margin pressures.
Investors could not find any enthusiasm in the company's latest reported figures.
MercadoLibre continues to prioritize long-term growth over short-term profitability, leading to a 16% stock decline despite strong revenue and operational performance. Third-quarter results showed 35% revenue growth, with significant contributions from all regions and business lines. MELI's management is focused on seizing long-term opportunities, similar to Amazon, rather than managing quarterly P&L for investor satisfaction.
MercadoLibre's stock dipped 15% despite strong revenue growth due to missing EPS estimates and a significant drop in EBIT margin. The company shows solid operational performance with growth in GMV, unique buyers, and fintech metrics, but faced pressure in margins. MercadoLibre's growth story remains credible, supported by market share gains and expansion opportunities, although competition and economic cyclicality pose risks.
MercadoLibre (NASDAQ:MELI) is certainly among the e-commerce giants I pay closest attention to right now.
Investors wanted to see much higher profits but they might be thinking too short-term.
MELI's third-quarter 2024 results benefit from increasing total payments volume, courtesy of the robust Mercado Pago.
MercadoLibre's Q3 earnings report showed strong revenue growth but lower-than-expected EPS, causing an 8% stock drop due to temporary headwinds. Despite short-term issues, MELI remains fundamentally undervalued with significant long-term growth potential in e-commerce, fintech, and digital advertising in Latin America. The stock's recent decline presents a buying opportunity, supported by favorable valuation metrics and a robust growth outlook.
Mercado Libre NASDAQ: MELI share prices imploded after the Q3 results because of the large miss with the bottom line result, opening up a significant opportunity for investors. The miss is primarily due to business investment, including the fintech and merchant segments, which is ultimately good news for investors.
One share of MercadoLibre stock will cost investors close to $2,000.
While the top- and bottom-line numbers for MercadoLibre (MELI) give a sense of how the business performed in the quarter ended September 2024, it could be worth looking at how some of its key metrics compare to Wall Street estimates and year-ago values.