Financial Performance - In Q2, MercadoLibre reported revenue growth of over 30% year on year, with record income from operations of $825 million [4] - The company achieved accelerated GMV growth in June following the implementation of a new pricing strategy [5] - Advertising revenue grew by 38% year on year [5][6] Business Line Performance - Monthly active users of Mercado Pago reached 68 million, reflecting rapid user growth and increasing engagement [6] - The credit portfolio surpassed $9.3 billion, growing by 91% year on year, with a significant increase in credit card issuance [6][7] - The company reported that over half of its credit portfolio in Brazil is now NIM positive [8] Market Performance - In Brazil, the free shipping threshold was lowered for the third time in five years, which is expected to enhance user engagement and attract new customers [4][5] - Mexico experienced sharp GMV growth, with the number of items sold increasing at the fastest pace in almost two years [5] Strategic Direction and Industry Competition - The company is focused on bringing offline retail online by reducing frictions in the shopping experience [4] - There is a strong emphasis on integrating AI to improve marketing execution and advertising efficiency [21][22] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term benefits of recent strategic initiatives, including the lower free shipping threshold and reduced seller fees [11][12] - The company is optimistic about the quality of its credit business, with NPLs falling below 7% for the first time since reporting began [7] Other Important Information - The company is investing heavily in marketing, with sales and marketing spend up nearly 50% year on year, driven by high-profile campaigns [15][18] - The integration with Google Manager is seen as a key milestone for Mercado Ads [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Shipping changes and seller fees impact - Management noted that lowering seller fees has a positive impact on pricing and selection over time [11][12] Question: Sales and marketing spend - Increased spend is attributed to successful campaigns, but it has put short-term pressure on margins [17][19] Question: Low ASP strategy compared to Shopee - The company believes it has the widest selection in Brazil and is encouraged by the traction from new sellers [25][26] Question: Shipping strategy in other countries - Management indicated that each market is different, and they will evaluate the implementation of similar policies in Mexico and Argentina [30][32] Question: GMV acceleration in Brazil - Items sold in Brazil grew by 34% year on year in June, indicating a positive trend following the free shipping campaign [35][36] Question: NPLs and asset quality - Management is satisfied with the evolution of NPLs and the profitability of credit portfolios, despite some increases in longer-term NPLs [42][43] Question: Advertising growth and performance - Advertising revenues grew significantly, with display and video ads showing strong performance [46][47] Question: Credit card business profitability - The credit card business in Brazil is now NIM breakeven, with expectations for future growth in Argentina [58][59] Question: Funding mix for credit portfolio - The company is transitioning to more external funding for its credit card portfolio, which may impact NIM in the future [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, MercadoLibre reported revenues growing over 30% year on year, with record income from operations of $825 million [3][4] - The credit portfolio surpassed $9.3 billion, growing by 91% year on year, while the credit card business specifically grew by 118% year on year [5][44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - E-commerce GMV growth accelerated in June, particularly in Brazil, where items sold increased by 34% year on year [35] - Advertising revenue grew by 38% year on year, with off-platform ads showing strong early trends [4][47] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Monthly active users of Mercado Pago reached 68 million, reflecting rapid user growth and increasing engagement [5] - The integration with Google Manager was launched, positioning Mercado Ads as a strategic partner for brand-focused advertisers [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company lowered the free shipping threshold in Brazil to enhance user engagement and attract new customers [4][36] - There is a focus on leveraging AI to improve marketing execution and ad spend efficiency [20][21] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term potential of the e-commerce platform, emphasizing the importance of free shipping in driving customer satisfaction and retention [37][80] - The company is optimistic about the credit business, with stable asset quality and a positive outlook on credit issuance [44][54] Other Important Information - The company has seen a significant increase in sales and marketing spend, up nearly 50% in U.S. dollar terms, attributed to high-profile campaigns [14][17] - The NPL ratio for the credit portfolio remains stable, with improvements in asset quality noted [43][44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Shipping changes and seller fees impact - Management explained that lowering seller fees has a positive impact on pricing and selection over time, smoothing the fee structure [10][11][12] Question: Sales and marketing spend - The increase in sales and marketing spend is a combination of ongoing user acquisition investments and specific high-profile campaigns [18][19] Question: Low ASP strategy compared to Shopee - Management believes they have the widest selection in Brazil and is encouraged by the traction from new sellers and listings [25][26] Question: Shipping strategy in other countries - Each market is different, and while they will evaluate the success of the Brazilian strategy, there are no commitments to replicate it in other countries [31][32] Question: GMV acceleration in Brazil - Management confirmed that GMV in Brazil accelerated following the free shipping campaign, with positive trends in traffic and buyer engagement [35][36] Question: Pricing impact on consumers - Most of the reduction in seller fees has been passed on to consumers, resulting in lower prices on the platform [42] Question: Credit quality and NPLs - NPLs have shown a slight increase in the over 90 days category, but overall asset quality remains strong, with a focus on improving credit models [43][44] Question: Advertising revenue growth - Advertising revenues grew significantly, with Argentina narrowing the gap with Brazil and Mexico due to improved macro conditions and team execution [47][48] Question: Credit card business profitability - The credit card business in Brazil is now breakeven, with expectations for future profitability as the business expands into Argentina [59][60] Question: Funding mix for credit portfolio - The company is shifting towards third-party funding for credit cards, which will impact the net interest margin in the future [63] Question: Infrastructure adaptation for lower ASP products - The company is focused on improving unit economics and believes that the long-term benefits of increased engagement will outweigh short-term profitability concerns [68][69]

Montevideo, Aug. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mercado Libre Delivers Another Strong Performance in Q2'25, reporting $6.8 billion revenue and $825 million income from operations In Commerce, items sold rose 31% YoY driven by the fastest pace of growth in nearly two years in Mexico and the positive impact of the lower free shipping threshold in Brazil In Fintech, the user base grew 30% YoY, reaching 68 million monthly active users, and Mercado Pago's credit portfolio grew 91% YoY, with the credit card as the ...

Core Insights - MercadoLibre (MELI) has established Brazil as its largest market, contributing over 50% of total revenues, but faces risks from a potential 50% U.S. tariff on Brazilian imports [1][10] - S&P Global Ratings upgraded MELI to an investment-grade BBB rating, citing strong business performance and financial management [3][10] - The stock is currently trading at a premium valuation with a forward P/E ratio of 40.79X compared to the industry average of 25.86X, indicating potential overvaluation [6][10] Market Risks - The imposition of tariffs could negatively impact consumer spending in Brazil, affecting MELI's e-commerce and fintech growth [1][2] - Brazil may retaliate with trade actions that could disrupt MELI's logistics and increase operational costs [2] - Investor sentiment is cautious due to geopolitical risks and economic uncertainty in Brazil, leading to underperformance compared to industry peers [12] Competitive Landscape - In fintech, MELI faces competition from Nubank, which has nearly 100 million monthly active users and offers low-cost digital banking services [4] - In e-commerce, Amazon and Sea Limited's Shopee are expanding rapidly in Brazil, increasing competitive pressure on MELI [5] Financial Performance - MELI's share price has returned 13.2% over the past three months, underperforming the broader sector and industry [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings is $47.75 per share, reflecting a 26.69% year-over-year growth, while revenues are expected to reach $27.35 billion, indicating a 31.66% year-over-year growth [15] Growth Initiatives - MELI is focusing on digital advertising through Mercado Ads, aiming to enhance seller engagement and ad adoption [16] - The launch of Mercado Play, a free streaming app, is expected to unlock new advertising opportunities and deepen user engagement [17] - Mercado Pago plans to apply for a banking license in Argentina to expand digital banking services, which could enhance product offerings and user experience [18][19]

Group 1 - Mercado Libre (Meli) is the largest and most successful internet company in Latin America, comparable to Alibaba in China and Sea in Southeast Asia, with significant e-commerce and fintech operations [1][4] - Meli was founded in 1999 in Argentina and has been in the market for over two decades, establishing a comprehensive business system [1][9] - The company's stock performance was relatively modest until 2019, with an annual return rate of only 12% prior to the pandemic, after which it experienced explosive growth [1][11] Group 2 - Meli's business structure consists of two main pillars: e-commerce and fintech, with the e-commerce segment including commissions, logistics, payments, and advertising [4][5] - The fintech segment has expanded beyond on-platform payments to off-platform services, contributing significantly to Meli's overall revenue [5][6] - By Q1 2025, Meli's credit business revenue was approximately 78% of its payment business revenue, indicating a strong growth trajectory [6][7] Group 3 - The Latin American e-commerce market is still in its early stages, with a projected market size of approximately $175 billion by 2024, significantly smaller than mature markets like the US and China [14][15] - Brazil and Mexico account for about 80% of the e-commerce market in Latin America, with Brazil alone representing 44% of the total market [17][19] - Historically, the growth rate of the e-commerce sector in Latin America has been slower compared to Southeast Asia, with pre-pandemic growth rates between 13% and 19% [19][21] Group 4 - Meli holds a dominant position in the Latin American e-commerce market, with a market share of approximately 26% in 2023, significantly ahead of its nearest competitor, Amazon, which holds only 5% [31][34] - In Brazil, Meli's market share is projected to be around 34% in 2024, while in Mexico, it is about 22% [35][36] - The competitive landscape includes players like Shopee and Magazine Luiza, with Shopee rapidly gaining market share in Brazil [36][39] Group 5 - Meli's logistics capabilities are a key competitive advantage, with over 90% of its orders fulfilled through its own logistics network, enhancing delivery speed and reliability [71][75] - The company has developed a comprehensive logistics system that includes drop-shipping, cross-docking, and fulfillment, allowing for efficient order processing [69][71] - Meli's ability to provide fast delivery times, often within one to two days, positions it favorably against competitors [73][75]

Core Insights - MercadoLibre (MELI) and PDD Holdings (PDD) are leading e-commerce platforms in Latin America and China, respectively, with strong logistics and user experience foundations [1][2] Summary of MercadoLibre (MELI) - MELI is capturing market share from physical retail, which still holds nearly 85% of consumer spending in Latin America, with its market share below 5% [3] - The company reported a 25% year-over-year increase in unique active buyers in Q1 2025, driven by improved brand preference in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile [3] - MELI's total GMV reached $13.3 billion, with 492 million items sold, reflecting a 30% forex-neutral GMV growth in Brazil and 23% in Mexico, while Argentina saw a remarkable 126% growth [4] - The logistics network is scaling efficiently, with fulfillment penetration exceeding 60% in Brazil, leading to a decline in cost per order [5] - MELI is focusing on underpenetrated categories like supermarkets, with an emphasis on its 1P model to ensure supply consistency and improve unit economics [6] Summary of PDD Holdings (PDD) - PDD is prioritizing long-term growth through a $15 billion support program for small and mid-sized merchants, aimed at easing competitive pressures in China's retail market [7] - The company reported a 10% year-over-year revenue increase to RMB95.7 billion ($13.3 billion) in Q1 2025, with marketing and transaction services growing by 15% and 6%, respectively [8] - PDD's operating profit decreased to RMB18.3 billion from RMB28.6 billion a year ago, resulting in an operating margin drop from 33% to 19% due to heavy investments in promotions and ecosystem support [8] - The company is modernizing rural supply chains through agriculture e-commerce initiatives, enhancing value for merchants and consumers [9] Stock Performance and Valuation - In the last three months, MELI shares increased by 29.7%, while PDD shares decreased by 8.5% [11] - MELI's share price increase is attributed to its success in capturing offline retail market share, while PDD's decline is linked to rising competition and margin pressures [12] - Valuation metrics indicate that MELI shares are trading at a forward Price/Sales ratio of 4.09X, while PDD is at 2.31X, suggesting both are currently overvalued [16] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MELI's Q2 2025 earnings is $12.01 per share, revised upward by 15.25%, indicating a 14.6% year-over-year increase [19] - Conversely, PDD's Q2 2025 earnings estimate is $2.04 per share, revised downward by 28.42%, indicating a 36.25% year-over-year decrease [20] - MELI has beaten earnings estimates in three of the last four quarters, while PDD has beaten in two, with PDD showing a negative average surprise of 6.21% [21] Conclusion - MELI is experiencing strong e-commerce momentum and market share gains in Latin America, supported by strategic investments in logistics and user engagement [22] - PDD is facing near-term challenges due to competition and margin pressures, making MELI a more favorable option for sustained growth [23]

Core Insights - MercadoLibre (MELI) is enhancing its ecosystem with a focus on digital advertising, positioning Mercado Ads as a potential core growth engine [2] - The company launched Mercado Play, a TV streaming app, targeting a market with significant untapped ad inventory [4] - Mercado Ads has become a $1 billion-plus annual revenue business, growing nearly 50% year over year on an FX-neutral basis [5] Digital Advertising Growth - Brand ads have expanded beyond top brands, leading to strong growth, while display ads grew over 100% year over year in Q1 2025 [3] - New features like automated creative generation and improved analytics have made ad tools more effective and accessible [3] - Ad penetration has increased across Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, indicating a larger opportunity in Latin America's digital ad market [5] Competitive Landscape - Mercado Ads faces competition from global players like Amazon and Sea Limited, which are increasing their ad spend efforts in MELI's key markets [6][7] - Amazon is expanding its ad business in Brazil and Mexico, while Shopee, backed by Sea Limited, is introducing low-cost ad options targeting price-sensitive sellers [6][7] Stock Performance and Valuation - MELI shares have gained 50.6% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Internet – Commerce industry and the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector [8] - The stock is trading at a forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio of 4.20X, compared to the industry's 2.01X [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q2 2025 earnings is $12.01 per share, indicating 14.60% year-over-year growth [14]

Group 1: Palantir Technologies - Palantir Technologies has seen a remarkable stock increase of 64% year-to-date and over 1,800% since 2023, driven by its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) [4][5] - The company specializes in custom software that utilizes AI for data analysis, helping organizations identify trends and optimize processes [5] - Following the launch of its AIP platform in mid-2023, Palantir has entered a new growth phase, with significant market opportunities ahead [6] - Despite strong business performance, Palantir's stock is considered overvalued, trading at an enterprise value of nearly $280 billion against $3.1 billion in trailing-12-month revenue [7][8] Group 2: MercadoLibre - MercadoLibre has experienced a 54% stock increase in 2025, with potential for further growth due to its strong position in Latin America [9] - The company operates in e-commerce, fintech, and logistics, leveraging these sectors to enhance its competitive advantage [9] - With minimal exposure to the U.S. market, MercadoLibre is less affected by tariffs, allowing it to thrive in the region's challenging economic environment [10] - The company reported $5.9 billion in revenue for Q1 2025, a 37% increase year-over-year, with net income rising by 44% to $494 million [13] - Despite a P/E ratio of 63, which may seem high, this valuation is consistent with growth rates seen in similar companies like Amazon [14] Group 3: Netflix - Netflix's stock has risen 33% year-to-date, recovering from a 19% drop earlier in the year, and is currently trading at nearly $1,200 per share [15] - The company's profit margin reached 23% in its most recent quarter, the highest in its history, nearly double that of two years ago [16] - Netflix's large global audience of over 700 million, with more than 450 million outside the U.S., enhances its attractiveness to advertisers [17] - The company has raised prices for its service, reflecting confidence in subscriber retention due to an expanded content offering [18] - Overall, Netflix's strong fundamentals and stock performance position it as a compelling investment opportunity within the Nasdaq-100 [19]