MercadoLibre Q3 Revenue Climbs 39.5% to $7.41B as EPS Misses by $1.56
MercadoLibre reported Q3 revenue of $7.41 billion, up 39.5% year-over-year, and EPS of $8.32 missed forecasts by $1.56. Bank Pictet & Cie increased its stake by 17.7% to 2,978 shares valued at $6.96 million, while insiders sold 1,136 shares worth $2.31 million.
1. Recent Trading Session Performance
MercadoLibre shares declined by 2.01% in the most recent trading session, underperforming the broader market’s positive trend. The pullback follows a period of strong momentum in Latin American e-commerce and fintech sectors, where the company has outpaced regional peers in user growth and transaction volume. Investors will be watching closely for any commentary from management on consumer spending patterns ahead of the next earnings release.
2. Institutional Stake Increases
Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG boosted its position in MercadoLibre by 17.7% during the third quarter, acquiring an additional 447 shares to bring its total holding to 2,978 shares. At quarter end, that stake was valued at approximately $6.96 million. Other notable moves included Optimize Financial Inc’s 1.7% increase, Range Financial Group’s 2.7% lift, and E Fund Management Hong Kong’s 26.3% stake build, highlighting continued confidence from hedge funds and asset managers. Overall, institutional investors now control more than 87% of outstanding shares.
3. Insider Selling Activity
Director Henrique Vasoncelos Dubugras sold 845 shares on December 12, generating proceeds of about $1.71 million at an average price near $2,028 per share. Director Emiliano Calemzuk followed with a sale of 45 shares on December 11, for roughly $91,000. These transactions mark a 14.9% reduction in Calemzuk’s holdings, and represent a total of 1,136 insider-sold shares valued at $2.31 million over the past 90 days. Insider activity has edged insider ownership down to just 0.25% of total stock.
4. Analyst Rating Updates
Research firms have shifted their outlook on MercadoLibre in recent weeks. DBS Bank upgraded its recommendation from Hold to Moderate Buy on December 2. Morgan Stanley raised its target and maintained an Overweight rating, citing robust revenue growth in the fintech unit. Citigroup trimmed its objective but kept a Buy stance, while Zacks Research moved the stock to Hold from Strong Sell following valuation concerns. According to MarketBeat data, the consensus among 20 analysts stands at a Moderate Buy, with an average target price near $2,843.