I've decided to upgrade MercadoLibre to a "Buy," demonstrating my confidence in its dominant LatAm e-commerce and fintech ecosystem despite recent margin headwinds. MELI's robust scale, logistics, and fintech flywheel drive strong revenue growth and operating leverage growth, potentially offsetting competitive threats from rivals encroaching on its turf. MELI's recent weakness is construed as a timely buying opportunity, with the stock consolidating well, suggesting market conviction.
In the latest trading session, MercadoLibre (MELI) closed at $2, marking a +1.33% move from the previous day.
Most investors find overseas stocks appealing, sparking curiosity alongside reasonable fears. Trusting a company with one's hard-earned money requires a compelling thesis, which allows trust to be built and capital to be put to work outside the United States.
In the most recent trading session, MercadoLibre (MELI) closed at $2, indicating a +1.23% shift from the previous trading day.
EBAY's steady margins and global reach contrast with MELI's growth-at-a-cost strategy amid rising competition.
MercadoLibre (MELI) reported earnings 30 days ago. What's next for the stock?
MELI's steep 42.7X P/E raises questions as margin strain, credit risk and competitive pressure build beneath the surface.
MercadoLibre remains Latin America's e-commerce leader, benefiting from regional e-commerce penetration and a diversified business model including fintech and advertising. Q2 2025 results showed strong revenue growth (33% YoY), robust user gains, and expanding fintech/advertising, but EPS missed expectations and margins compressed. Margin pressure stemmed from increased marketing and shipping incentives; net income dipped slightly due to FX losses, notably from the Argentine Peso.
The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price.
MELI's aggressive growth push hits profitability, with EPS miss and margin squeeze raising investor red flags.
Heavy spending on payments, shipping and credit expansion is fueling MELI's market reach, yet margins reflect the strain of rapid growth plans.
I reiterate my buy recommendation for MercadoLibre after Q2, supported by strong revenue growth and robust fintech performance, especially in Argentina. The company's margin sacrifice is a strategic move for customer loyalty and market share, not a sign of weakness, and can be reversed if needed. Valuation using a 5-year DCF model indicates a fair value of $2,705 per share, offering a 16.8% upside and an attractive risk-reward profile.