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.
MercadoLibre's strong e-commerce and fintech growth in Latin America has outperformed expectations, despite macroeconomic and tariff uncertainties. Recent quarters showed impressive revenue and user growth, with marketplace and fintech segments both accelerating, reinforcing MELI's long-term potential. Rising bad debt expense and margin pressure are concerns, but credit quality and provision coverage remain healthy for now.
Mercado Libre's NASDAQ: MELI shares are up nearly 300% in the last two years and have ample room to run. The business is growing and accelerating, with plenty of market left to address.
When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?
MELI's Q2 earnings miss estimates despite surging 33.8% revenue growth, fueled by strong commerce and fintech momentum.