Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, MercadoLibre achieved $21 billion in revenue and generated over $1 billion in free cash flow, demonstrating the ability to drive profitable growth while investing in long-term strategic objectives [13] - The company reported a 74% year-on-year increase in its credit portfolio, indicating strong growth in this segment [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The marketplace surpassed 100 million unique buyers and the fintech platform reached over 60 million monthly active users for the first time, reflecting significant user growth [9] - In Argentina, items sold grew by 18% in Q4, a recovery from a tough first half of the year, and the fintech credit book quadrupled year-on-year [39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - MercadoLibre's key top-line metrics, including GMV and acquiring TPV, outpaced the market in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, driving significant market share gains [8] - The company noted a 29% year-on-year increase in items shipped, contributing to improved logistics efficiency [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The long-term growth strategy is based on low e-commerce penetration in the region, the opportunity to offer better financial products, and the digitalization of cash [13] - Investments in logistics infrastructure and credit card offerings are central to the company's ambition of becoming the largest digital bank in Latin America [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future opportunities, particularly in Argentina, where economic recovery signals are strong [40] - The company remains cautious about credit issuance in Brazil due to rising interest rates but is comfortable with the current risk levels [30][32] Other Important Information - The company invested approximately $900 million in CapEx and $3 billion in its fintech business during 2024 [119] - The introduction of the MELI dollar, a stablecoin, and new investment options in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile are part of the fintech expansion strategy [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Credit portfolio risk appetite amid rising interest rates in Brazil - Management noted no signs of deterioration in the credit portfolio, with the lowest first payment default recorded in December [30] - Measures have been taken to reduce risk, including tightening payback periods and reducing micro card issuance [31][32] Question: Tailwinds and headwinds for margins in Argentina - Management is optimistic about Argentina's economic growth, with a strong recovery in item sales and a quadrupled credit book [39][40] - Long-term margin improvement is expected as the company continues to grow and capture market share [42] Question: Progress on opening new warehouses - The company opened two new warehouses in Q4 to support peak season demand and plans to continue expanding capacity [50] Question: Competition in low ASP items - Sales of low ticket items are growing at par or faster than the average, supported by improved user experience and features [51] Question: Measures to reduce credit risk in Brazil - Management is tightening payback periods and limiting card issuance to riskier segments to manage credit risk [57] Question: Trends in NIMAL and profitability of credit card book - NIMAL decreased year-on-year due to a higher share of credit cards, but profitability is improving as older cohorts mature [59][60] Question: Expectations for credit card investments and wallet funding - The company is being more restrictive in issuing cards to riskier segments while expanding limits for existing customers [66][69] Question: Impact of reducing micro cards on GMV growth - Management does not expect significant impact on GMV growth from reducing micro card issuance [72] Question: Advertising growth and future targets - The company is focused on building relationships with brands and expanding advertising inventory, with expectations for long-term growth [81][84] Question: Utilization levels of new fulfillment centers - The logistics network performed well in Q4, with productivity improvements aligning with demand [89] Question: Modeling provisions for future growth - Historical portfolios are performing better, but sequential growth in new portfolios may pressure provisions [92][94] Question: Drivers of e-commerce acceleration and user behavior - User behavior is changing positively, with growth in essentials and improved value propositions driving increased frequency of purchases [100]

Core Insights - MercadoLibre reported $6.06 billion in revenue for Q4 2024, a year-over-year increase of 42.2% [1] - The company's EPS for the same period was $12.61, up from $3.25 a year ago, indicating a significant growth [1] - Revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.84 billion by 3.71%, while EPS surpassed the consensus estimate of $7.26 by 73.69% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Gross merchandise volume was reported at $14.55 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $14.71 billion [4] - Total payment volume reached $58.91 billion, which was lower than the estimated $59.80 billion [4] - Geographic revenue from Argentina was $1.31 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $941.23 million [4] Stock Performance - Shares of MercadoLibre have returned +14.2% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.6% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - MercadoLibre reported quarterly earnings of $12.61 per share, significantly exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.26 per share, and up from $3.25 per share a year ago [1] - The earnings surprise for this quarter was 73.69%, following a previous quarter where the company reported earnings of $7.83 against an expectation of $11.27, resulting in a surprise of -30.52% [2] - The company achieved revenues of $6.06 billion for the quarter, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.71%, and up from $4.26 billion year-over-year [3] Earnings Performance - Over the last four quarters, MercadoLibre has exceeded consensus EPS estimates three times [2] - The company has also topped consensus revenue estimates in all four of the last quarters [3] Stock Performance - MercadoLibre shares have increased approximately 22.1% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 4.5% [4] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [7] Future Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $6.86 on revenues of $5.39 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $43.96 on revenues of $25.24 billion [8] - The Internet - Commerce industry, to which MercadoLibre belongs, is currently ranked in the top 24% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook [9]

Core Insights - MercadoLibre reported strong financial results for Q4 2024, with total revenue reaching $6.06 billion, a 37% increase year-over-year, and adjusted earnings per share soaring by 288% to $12.61, significantly exceeding expectations [2][3]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q4 2024 was $6.06 billion, up from $4.41 billion in Q4 2023, marking a 37% increase [2]. - Adjusted earnings per share rose to $12.61 from $3.25, reflecting a remarkable 288% growth [2]. - Gross merchandise volume increased by 8%, reaching $14.55 billion [2]. - Assets under management surged by 129%, exceeding $10 billion for the first time, totaling $10.58 billion [2]. Business Growth - Commerce-related revenue grew by 44% year-over-year, while fintech revenue increased by 29% [3]. - The number of unique active buyers rose to 67.3 million, a 24% increase from the previous year [4]. - Items sold on the MercadoLibre marketplace increased by 27%, and same-day and next-day shipments via Mercado Envios were up by 21% [4]. Market Reaction - Following the release of the financial results, MercadoLibre's stock price surged by over 13% in after-hours trading, indicating strong investor confidence [6]. Future Outlook - The company expressed optimism in its shareholder letter, anticipating continued growth and momentum into 2025 and beyond [5]. - Engagement on the marketplace and payment activity on the Mercado Pago network are at record levels, suggesting a robust operational environment [7]. - As geopolitical conditions evolve, MercadoLibre's dominance in the Latin American market is expected to strengthen, posing challenges for competitors [8].

Core Insights - MercadoLibre reported stronger-than-expected earnings for Q4 2024, with diluted earnings per share of $12.61, significantly surpassing the analyst estimate of $7.90 [1][3] - Revenue for the quarter reached $6.1 billion, exceeding expectations of $5.88 billion, reflecting robust growth in both e-commerce and fintech sectors [1][3] Financial Performance - EPS (Diluted) increased by 288% year-over-year from $3.25 to $12.61 [3] - Revenue grew by 37.4% year-over-year from $4.41 billion to $6.06 billion [3] - Net income reached $639 million, a 287% increase from $165 million in Q4 2023 [3] - Total payment volume rose to $58.9 billion, up 32.5% year-over-year from $44.5 billion [3] - Gross merchandise volume (GMV) increased by 8.2% year-over-year to $14.5 billion [3] E-commerce and Fintech Growth - The overall performance highlighted solid results across e-commerce and fintech divisions, despite regional challenges [2] - MercadoLibre's total payment volume surged due to strong growth in digital payment services, particularly in Brazil and Mexico [6] - The fintech arm, Mercado Pago, saw a 29% year-over-year increase in monthly active users, reaching 61.2 million, and the total credit portfolio expanded to $6.6 billion, a 74% increase year-over-year [8] Logistics and Operational Efficiency - Mercado Envios processed 1.79 billion items throughout 2024, with over half a billion items delivered in Q4 alone, marking a 27% year-over-year increase [7] - The proportion of same-day or next-day deliveries slightly decreased from 51% to 49%, indicating a need for further enhancements in logistics [7] Market Position and Future Outlook - MercadoLibre is a dominant force in Latin America's e-commerce market, operating across 18 countries and focusing on expanding digital payment solutions and logistics operations [4][5] - Management expressed optimism for 2025, emphasizing strategic investments to enhance e-commerce and fintech capabilities, while monitoring asset quality within credit operations [10][11]

Core Insights - Mercado Libre reported strong Q4 2024 results with net revenue of $6.1 billion, a 37% year-over-year increase, and net income of $639 million, reflecting robust operational performance [3][4][16] Financial Performance - Q4 2024 net revenue reached $6.1 billion, with income from operations at $820 million and net income at $639 million, representing margins of 13.5% and 10.5% respectively [3][16] - For the full year 2024, consolidated net revenue was $21 billion, growing 38% year-over-year, with net income of $1.9 billion and an operating income margin of 12.7% [17] E-commerce Operations - Unique buyers exceeded 67 million in Q4 2024, marking a 24% increase year-over-year, with gross merchandise value (GMV) rising 8% to $14.5 billion [4][8] - Items sold on the platform increased by 27% year-over-year in Q4, with Brazil and Mexico showing significant GMV growth of 32% and 28% respectively [4][8] Strategic Initiatives - The company opened 10 new fulfillment centers in 2024 and expanded its free shipping offerings, resulting in record-breaking new buyer acquisition [5][20] - Logistics improvements led to 49% of shipments being delivered within the same or next day, enhancing operational efficiency [5][20] Advertising and Fintech Growth - Advertising revenue grew by 41% year-over-year in Q4, reaching 2.1% of GMV, driven by successful campaigns during peak seasons [6][20] - Mercado Pago's monthly active users increased by 34% to 61 million, with assets under management climbing 129% year-over-year to $10.6 billion [7][20] Credit Portfolio Expansion - The credit portfolio for Mercado Pago reached $6.6 billion in Q4, up 74% year-over-year, with significant contributions from credit card growth [7][8][20] - The fintech segment's total payment volume (TPV) rose by 34% year-over-year to $197 billion, indicating strong demand for digital financial services [19][20]

Core Insights - MercadoLibre, Inc. reported its financial results for Q4 and the full year ended December 31, 2024, in a letter to shareholders [1] - The company will host an earnings video conference and a conference call for investor questions on February 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time [1] Company Overview - MercadoLibre is the largest online commerce ecosystem in Latin America, based on unique visitors and processed orders, and is a leading fintech platform in the region [5] - The company operates in 18 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Peru [5] E-commerce Platform - MercadoLibre provides a robust and safe environment for buyers and sellers, fostering a large e-commerce community in Latin America, which has a population of over 650 million [6] - The region is experiencing one of the fastest-growing Internet penetration and e-commerce growth rates globally [6] Fintech Services - Through its fintech platform, MercadoPago, the company offers a comprehensive set of financial technology services, including digital accounts, debit cards, online payments, insurance, savings, investments, and credit lines for individuals [7] - For merchants, MercadoPago provides online and physical point-of-sale payment processing services along with digital accounts [7]

Financial Performance - In Q4'24, Mercado Libre achieved net revenues and financial income of $6.1 billion, representing a 37% year-over-year increase and a 96% increase on a foreign exchange-neutral basis[1]. - The company ended 2024 with a net income of $639 million, a 67% year-over-year increase, and generated $1.3 billion of adjusted free cash flow for the year[20]. - Total net revenues and financial income for Q4 2024 reached $20,777 million, a 37.5% increase from $15,107 million in Q4 2023[43]. - Gross profit for Q4 2024 was $9,577 million, up 26.2% from $7,590 million in Q4 2023[43]. - Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $1,911 million, compared to $987 million in 2023, representing a 93.1% increase[46]. - Operating cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $7,918 million, an increase from $5,140 million in 2023[46]. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $972 million, significantly up from $470 million in Q4 2023, reflecting a 106.4% increase[58]. - Operating income for Q4 2024 was $820 million, a 144.8% increase from $335 million in Q4 2023[67]. - The company reported a basic net income per share of $37.69 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $19.64 in 2023, a 91.9% increase[44]. Growth Metrics - The total payment volume (TPV) reached $58.9 billion, up 33% year-over-year and 49% FX-neutral, while gross merchandise volume (GMV) was $14.5 billion, up 8% year-over-year and 56% FX-neutral[1]. - Unique buyers grew to 100 million in 2024, with a 24% year-over-year increase in Q4'24, and the share of unique buyers purchasing three or more categories per month rose by nearly 20 percentage points over the last five years[2][3]. - The fintech segment saw monthly active users (MAUs) increase by 34% year-over-year to 61.2 million, and assets under management (AUM) grew 129% year-over-year to $10.6 billion[7]. - Unique active buyers reached 100 million in Q4 2024, compared to 85 million in Q4 2023, marking a 17.6% increase[24]. - Gross merchandise volume (GMV) for the year was $51.467 billion, up from $44.749 billion in 2023, reflecting a 15.3% growth[24]. - Total payment volume (TPV) rose to $196.660 billion in 2024, compared to $146.738 billion in 2023, indicating a 33.9% increase[24]. - Total payment transactions increased to 11.355 billion in 2024, up from 7.595 billion in 2023, a growth of 49.5%[24]. Operational Highlights - Mercado Envios handled almost 1.8 billion items in 2024, with a 44% year-over-year increase in fulfilled items, and record fulfillment penetration in key markets[5]. - Advertising revenue grew by 41% year-over-year in Q4'24, reaching 2.1% of GMV, driven by improvements in product and brand ads[6]. - The company plans to focus on expanding its fintech services and enhancing its marketplace offerings in the upcoming quarters[24]. - The company will no longer disclose the "Number of items shipped" as a key performance indicator, believing it no longer provides useful information[24]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - The company maintained a strong balance sheet with a leverage ratio of less than 1x and received an investment grade upgrade from Fitch in 2024[20]. - Total assets as of December 31, 2024, amounted to $25,196 million, compared to $17,612 million in 2023, reflecting a 43.1% growth[41]. - Total liabilities increased to $20,845 million in 2024 from $14,541 million in 2023, marking a 43.3% rise[41]. - Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of 2024 were $4,699 million, up from $3,848 million at the end of 2023[46]. - The company’s total current assets increased to $20,142 million in 2024 from $14,260 million in 2023, a growth of 41.3%[41]. - Net cash provided by operating activities (CFO) increased to $7.918 billion in 2024 from $5.140 billion in 2023, representing a 54% increase[74]. - Adjusted free cash flow for 2024 was $1.315 billion, slightly down from $1.389 billion in 2023, indicating a decrease of 5%[74]. - Available cash and investments at the end of 2024 reached $4.810 billion, up from $3.828 billion at the end of 2023, marking a growth of 25.6%[74]. Debt and Financing - The credit card portfolio reached $6.6 billion, reflecting a 74% year-over-year increase, with a net interest margin (NIMAL) spread of 27.6% in Q4'24[11]. - Total debt increased to $6,850 million in Q4 2024 from $5,333 million in Q4 2023, resulting in a net debt of $2,040 million, up from $1,505 million[61]. - Proceeds from loans payable and other financial liabilities related to Fintech solutions increased to $1.706 billion in 2024 from $248 million in 2023, representing a significant increase of 586%[74]. - The company experienced a decrease in cash and cash equivalents related to customer funds due to regulatory requirements, amounting to $(2.947) billion in 2024, compared to $(1.499) billion in 2023[74]. Future Outlook - Looking ahead, Mercado Libre is optimistic about growth opportunities from the shift of offline retail online and the increasing importance of first-party data in advertising[21]. - The earnings conference call is scheduled for February 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time for further investor insights[30].

Core Viewpoint - MercadoLibre is expected to report strong revenue and earnings growth for the fourth quarter of 2024, with revenues estimated at $5.84 billion, reflecting a 37.11% increase year-over-year, and earnings per share projected at $7.26, indicating a 123.8% jump from the previous year [1]. Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter revenues is $5.84 billion and for earnings is $7.26 per share, with no changes in estimates over the past 30 days [1][2]. - The consensus estimate for gross merchandise volume is $14.7 billion, total payments volume is $59.79 billion, and the number of successful items sold is pegged at 505 million [10]. Earnings Surprise History - MercadoLibre has a mixed earnings surprise history, with a negative surprise of 30.52% in the last quarter and an average negative surprise of 14.86% over the last four quarters [2]. Key Growth Factors - The company's logistics network has been strengthened with the addition of six new fulfillment centers, which is expected to enhance delivery capabilities and customer experience, although it may pressure margins in the short term [5]. - The fintech segment, particularly Mercado Pago, is anticipated to continue its growth trajectory, with credit card total payment volume (TPV) growing 166% year-over-year [6]. - The revamped loyalty program, MELI+, is expected to drive user engagement and retention, although its impact on margins is a concern [7]. Market Conditions - Macroeconomic conditions in key markets, especially Brazil and Argentina, are crucial to monitor as they may affect consumer behavior and credit performance [8]. - Despite strong operational momentum, near-term margin pressures and macroeconomic uncertainties suggest a cautious approach for investors [18]. Stock Performance and Valuation - MercadoLibre shares have gained 19.3% over the past year, underperforming compared to the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector and the S&P 500 index [11]. - The current trailing 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 4.11X, significantly higher than the industry average of 1.91X, indicating a stretched valuation [14]. Investment Outlook - The company presents a compelling long-term growth story in Latin American e-commerce and fintech, but investors may want to hold current positions or wait for a better entry point ahead of the fourth-quarter results [17][18].

Core Viewpoint - MercadoLibre, Inc. is set to release its financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2024, on February 20, 2025, and will host a video conference and conference call for investors and analysts [1]. Company Overview - MercadoLibre is the largest online commerce ecosystem in Latin America, recognized for its significant number of unique visitors and processed orders, and is also a leading fintech platform in the region [4]. - The company operates in 18 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Peru, focusing on enabling e-commerce and digital financial services through a comprehensive suite of technology solutions [4]. E-commerce Platform - MercadoLibre provides a robust and secure environment for buyers and sellers, fostering a large e-commerce community in Latin America, which has a population exceeding 650 million and one of the fastest-growing Internet penetration and e-commerce growth rates globally [5]. Fintech Services - Through its fintech platform, MercadoPago, the company offers a wide range of financial technology services, including digital accounts, debit cards, online payments, insurance, savings, investments, and credit lines for individuals, as well as payment processing services for merchants [6].