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Even at $2,200 Per Share, Here's Why MercadoLibre Stock Is Still a Bargain for Long-Term Investors
The Motley Fool· 2025-10-05 09:25
Core Viewpoint - The price per share of MercadoLibre does not accurately reflect its value, and it is considered a bargain for long-term investors despite its high trading price [1][2]. Company Overview - MercadoLibre has experienced significant growth, with its stock price increasing over 7,000% since its IPO nearly 20 years ago [3]. - The company is currently led by CEO and co-founder Marcos Galperin, who will step down in 2025, raising concerns about leadership transition [3][4]. Financial Performance - MercadoLibre's net profit margin decreased from 10.5% in Q2 2024 to 7.7% in Q2 2025, resulting in an estimated loss of $200 million in that quarter [5]. - The decline in profit margins is attributed to changes in exchange rates and adjustments in the cost structure of its e-commerce marketplace [7][8]. Management Stability - The new CEO, Ariel Szarfsztejn, has a history with MercadoLibre, which may provide stability during the transition [6]. - Concerns regarding the leadership change are deemed premature, as the company has a solid foundation [6]. Growth Potential - MercadoLibre is focused on increasing product and service adoption through investments in logistics, financial services, and credit offerings [9]. - The company has approximately 71 million active buyers, with a significant portion of commerce revenue coming from Brazil, indicating room for growth [10]. Advertising Revenue - The emerging advertising business could offset losses from profit margin contractions, suggesting a strategic move that may benefit the company in the long run [11]. Valuation - MercadoLibre's stock is currently trading at less than 5 times its sales, which is considered an attractive valuation for potential investors [11]. - Despite the recent contraction in profit margins, the company remains profitable and is expected to continue growing [13].