Core Insights - MercadoLibre (MELI) is facing significant profitability pressures despite a strong market presence in Latin America, necessitating careful investor scrutiny [1] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, MELI reported net revenues of $6.79 billion, a 34% year-over-year increase, but adjusted EPS of $10.31 missed estimates by 14.15% [2] - Operating margin contracted by 210 basis points year-over-year to 12.2%, primarily due to aggressive investments in free shipping and marketing [2][7] - Operating expenses rose to approximately $2.3 billion, a 38.4% increase year-over-year, now constituting 33.4% of revenues [4] Strategic Decisions - The company's strategy has favored rapid expansion over sustainable earnings, raising concerns about capital allocation efficiency [4] - Significant investments in logistics and promotional campaigns have been made to capture market share, particularly in Brazil [4] Competitive Landscape - MELI faces intensified competition from established players like Nubank in fintech and Amazon in e-commerce, leading to sustained margin compression [5] - Competitors are leveraging advanced technologies and aggressive pricing strategies, forcing MELI to increase marketing expenditures [5] Market Performance - MELI shares have declined by 10% over the past three months, underperforming both the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector and the Zacks Internet-Commerce industry [6][7] - The company's forward 12-month Price/Earnings ratio is 39.84X, significantly higher than the industry average of 24.67X, indicating a stretched valuation [11] Investor Sentiment - Rising political uncertainty, currency volatility, and macroeconomic instability in key markets have negatively impacted investor sentiment towards MELI [7][16] - The current trajectory of MELI suggests a need for investors to reassess their positions due to ongoing margin compression and competitive pressures [16][17]

Core Insights - MercadoLibre (MELI) operates the largest e-commerce and fintech ecosystem in Latin America, focusing on marketplace services, logistics, digital payments, and credit solutions across key markets like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina [1] - The company is experiencing sustained margin pressure as it prioritizes market expansion over short-term profitability, with the operating margin contracting 210 basis points year-over-year to 12.2% in Q2 2025 [1][10] - Significant investments in user acquisition and engagement, particularly in fintech, are expected to keep spending elevated, impacting margins until operational efficiencies are realized [2] Financial Performance - The credit operations portfolio has grown 91% year-over-year to $9.3 billion, leading to higher provisioning and funding costs [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q3 2025 earnings is $9.88 per share, revised downward by 16.6% over the past 30 days, indicating a year-over-year growth of 26.18% [14] - The consensus for 2025 earnings is $44.63 per share, also revised downward by 6.5%, suggesting an 18.41% year-over-year growth [15] Competitive Landscape - Mercado Pago competes with NU and StoneCo in the rapidly growing digital finance sector in Latin America [6] - Both competitors are expanding their product portfolios and increasing customer engagement, intensifying competition in the fintech space [7] Market Trends - E-commerce penetration in core markets remains low, indicating significant growth potential, but the heavy investments required may restrain short-term profitability [5] - Logistics costs are rising due to Brazil's expanded free shipping threshold, adding further pressure on margins [4][10] Stock Performance and Valuation - MELI shares have increased by 38.3% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Internet – Commerce industry and the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector [8] - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio of 3.68X, compared to the industry's 2.27X, indicating a relatively high valuation [12]

Core Insights - MercadoLibre (MELI) reported Q2 2025 earnings of $10.31 per share, missing estimates by 14.15% and down 1.6% year-over-year. Revenues increased by 33.8% year-over-year to $6.8 billion, surpassing estimates by 4.10% [1][10]. Revenue Breakdown - Total revenues were driven by commerce and fintech, growing 29.3% to $3.8 billion and 40.3% to $3 billion, respectively. Brazil and Mexico showed strong growth, with revenues up 29% and 32% year-over-year [2][10]. - Brazil generated $3.47 billion (51.1% of total revenues), up 24.7% year-over-year. Argentina's revenues soared 76.9% to $1.53 billion (22.5% of total revenues), while Mexico's revenues grew 25.4% to $1.51 billion (22.2% of total revenues) [5][10]. User Engagement and Growth Metrics - Fintech Monthly Active Users rose 30% year-over-year to 67.6 million, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of growth at or above this rate. Assets Under Management increased by 108.6% year-over-year to $13.8 billion [3][10]. - Total payment transactions increased by 34.8% year-over-year to 3.61 billion [8]. Financial Performance - Gross margin contracted by 105 basis points to 46% year-over-year. Operating expenses rose 38.4% to approximately $2.3 billion, expanding as a percentage of revenues to 33.4% [11]. - Operating margin contracted by 210 basis points to 12.2% year-over-year [11]. Market Performance - MELI's shares appreciated 33.9% year-to-date, outperforming the Internet-Commerce industry's return of 5% [4].

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]

MercadoLibre, Inc. MELI released its second-quarter results after Monday's closing bell. Here's a look at the key details from the report.  MELI stock is down after-hours. Track it now here.The Details: MercadoLibre reported quarterly earnings of $10.31 per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $12. Quarterly revenue came in at $6.79 billion, which beat the Street estimate of $6.55 billion and is up from $5.07 billion from the same period last year.Read Next: Opendoor Stock Soars As It Dodges ...

Financial Performance - MercadoLibre's net revenues reached US$6790 million, demonstrating a year-over-year (YoY) growth of 338%[66] - The company's Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) hit US$153 billion, marking a 372% YoY increase on an FX-Neutral basis[11,68] - Adjusted free cash flow was US$454 million[11,58] - Net income reached US$523 million, representing a 77% margin[11,68] Marketplace Metrics - Unique active buyers increased to 708 million, a 25% YoY growth[11,16] - Items sold totaled 5501 million, reflecting a 306% YoY increase[11,68] - Same & Next Day Shipments increased +28% YoY[23] Fintech Performance - Total Payment Volume (TPV) grew to US$646 billion, a 609% YoY increase on an FX-Neutral basis[11,68] - Fintech monthly active users reached 676 million, a 30% YoY growth[28] - The credit portfolio expanded to US$93 billion, showing a 91% YoY growth[11,31] - Assets Under Management (AUM) increased to US$138 billion, a 109% YoY growth[31,68]

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 - PayPal (PYPL) is expected to report second-quarter 2025 results on July 29, with anticipated low to mid-single-digit revenue growth on a currency-neutral basis and non-GAAP earnings projected between $1.29 and $1.31 per share, indicating an 8-10% year-over-year growth [1][4][11] Revenue and Earnings Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter revenues is $8.10 billion, reflecting a 2.68% increase from the previous year [1] - For the full year 2025, the revenue estimate stands at $32.72 billion, suggesting a 2.90% year-over-year rise, while the consensus for full-year EPS is $5.10, indicating a 9.68% increase [4][11] Total Payment Volume (TPV) and Active Accounts - PayPal's Total Payment Volume (TPV) is projected at $434.45 billion, representing a 4.2% year-over-year growth, with active accounts expected to reach 438 million, up from 429 million [7][9] - The number of payment transactions is estimated at 6.722 billion, surpassing the previous year's figure of 6.580 billion [9] Transaction Margin and Value-Added Services - The consensus for transaction revenues is $7.31 billion, indicating a 2.1% increase year-over-year, while transaction margin dollars are expected to range between $3.75 billion and $3.8 billion, reflecting a 4.5% year-over-year increase at the midpoint [11][13] - Revenues from value-added services are projected at $766.91 million for the second quarter, up from $732.00 million in the previous year [12] Strategic Focus and Market Position - PayPal is focusing on portfolio strength, diversification, and balance sheet strength to support growth, with an emphasis on securing checkout leadership [6] - The company is transitioning from a transactional payment provider to a holistic commerce partner, enhancing user experience and expanding international capabilities [18][20] Competitive Landscape and Valuation - PayPal shares have declined 8.6% year-to-date, contrasting with the Zacks Financial Transaction Services' rise of 4.7% and the S&P 500's increase of 8.2% [15] - The stock is trading at a forward 12-month P/E of 14.35X, significantly lower than the industry average of 22.21X, indicating a potentially attractive entry point for investors [17]

Core Insights - MercadoLibre (MELI) is optimistic about Argentina's economic recovery, with analysts forecasting strong GDP growth in 2025 and 2026 as reforms take effect [1] - The company is strategically expanding its operations in Argentina, focusing on cross-border trade and enhancing its marketplace, particularly in the supermarket category [2] - MELI's financial arm, Mercado Pago, plans to apply for a banking license to establish the largest digital bank in Argentina and will start issuing credit cards in the second half of the year [3] Financial Performance - Argentina's revenues for MELI increased from $615 million (14.2% of total revenues) in Q1 2024 to $1.38 billion (23.3% of total revenues) in Q1 2025, more than doubling year-over-year [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter 2025 Argentina revenues is projected at $1.46 billion [4] Competitive Landscape - MercadoLibre faces competition from Amazon, which has introduced flat-rate and free shipping to Argentina, and DLocal, which plans to invest up to $100 million in the country [5][6] Stock Performance and Valuation - MELI shares have gained 40.8% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Internet-Commerce industry and the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector [7] - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio of 3.87X, compared to the industry's 2.17X [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter 2025 earnings is $12.01 per share, indicating a 14.60% year-over-year growth [12]