MercadoLibre (MELI) reported mixed Q4 results as strong gross merchandise volume and revenue growth were offset by margin pressure tied to elevated investment spending, Wedbush said in a Wednesday note.
The firm said GMV rose 36.8% year over year to $19.9 billion and revenue increased 44.6% to $8.8 billion, both ahead of expectations, while units sold jumped more than 43%, though GMV per unit declined.
Wedbush said operating margin of 10.1% fell short of estimates as higher advertising, logistics investments and credit provisions weighed on profitability, with the investment cycle expected to remain a near-term overhang on operating income.
The firm reiterated its outperform rating but lowered its price target to $2,400 from $2,600, citing reduced operating income forecasts despite raising GMV growth expectations and maintaining a positive long-term view on the company's competitive positioning.
Shares of the company were down by more than 10% in recent trading.
Price: 1748.00, Change: -174.56, Percent Change: -9.08
Comments