Q4 2024 Earnings Summary
- MercadoLibre's FinTech business is showing strong growth and improving profitability, with the credit card portfolio growing by 118% this quarter compared to the overall credit portfolio growth of 57%. Older credit card cohorts are becoming profitable, and the Net Income Margin After Losses (NIMAL) of the credit card continues to improve, indicating successful expansion of their FinTech platform.
- The company is experiencing an acceleration in buyers and increased purchase frequency on its e-commerce platform, driven by enhancements in user experience and strong performance across multiple categories including essentials, apparel, beauty, and consumer electronics. This leads to higher customer engagement and retention, as more users are buying in more than three categories.
- Investments in logistics infrastructure are yielding positive results, with the company being extremely satisfied with the performance of [their] logistics network in Q4, which enables them to handle growing demand efficiently. This is strategic for MercadoLibre to continue growing in the long run.
- Continuous investments in logistics infrastructure and credit card issuance may pressure margins and lead to short-term margin volatility. According to the CFO, "We will continue to make strategic investments... they might put some margin pressure sometimes on our business". Additionally, the company is expanding its logistics capacity, with new warehouses opening during the year , which may increase costs before reaching full utilization.
- Concerns over credit risk management in Brazil, as the company is reducing the issuance of credit cards to riskier segments amid a weaker macroeconomic backdrop and rising interest rates. "We have taken some measures to reduce risk at the margin... we are no longer issuing micro cards", and "we have tightened the payback periods on new issuance". This cautious approach may limit the growth of the FinTech business.
- Increasing share of lower-NIMAL products like credit cards in the credit portfolio could lead to overall margin compression. "The share of credit cards as part of our total portfolio continues to increase... the NIMAL of a credit card continues to improve... but it's a lower-NIMAL product". As the credit card portfolio grows 118% compared to 57% overall credit portfolio growth, this could pressure overall profitability.
Metric | YoY Change | Reason |
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Total Revenue | +42% (from $4,261m in Q4 2023 to $6,059m in Q4 2024) | Strong overall revenue growth was driven by robust expansion in both commerce and fintech segments. The surge is backed by significant increases in revenue across key geographic markets—most notably in Argentina (+152%), Mexico (+87%), and Brazil (+54%)—which built on the prior period’s momentum. |
Operating Income (EBIT) | +242% (from $24m in Q4 2023 to $82m in Q4 2024) | The operating margin improvement came from increased scale and enhanced cost discipline. Improved efficiencies and a higher share of service-based revenues enabled significant EBIT growth over the prior period, reflecting better operating leverage relative to slower-expanding expenses. |
Net Income | +287% (from $165m in Q4 2023 to $639m in Q4 2024) | Net income surged as a result of the dramatic increases in total revenue and operating income, combined with improved profitability measures and possible mitigating effects from reduced FX losses and favorable interest income dynamics compared to prior periods. |
Brazil's Revenue | +54% (from ~$2,230m in Q4 2023 to ~$3,441m in Q4 2024) | Revenue expansion in Brazil was driven by strong gains in commerce services and product sales, reflecting improved gross merchandise volume and operational enhancements that built on previous period gains. |
Argentina's Revenue | +152% (from ~$923m in Q4 2023 to ~$2,334m in Q4 2024) | Explosive growth in Argentina indicates a turnaround despite challenging macroeconomic dynamics. Enhanced fintech and commerce performance—including tactical pricing adjustments amid inflation—helped revenue more than double compared to the prior period. |
Mexico's Revenue | +87% (from ~$919m in Q4 2023 to ~$1,720m in Q4 2024) | Robust revenue growth in Mexico was fueled by a strong increase in commerce and fintech services. Improved user engagement, better logistics, and increased market share built on previous period successes contributed significantly to an 87% jump. |
Other Countries' Revenue |
| Other Countries experienced explosive growth likely from deepening market penetration and expanding commerce/fintech offerings across emerging Latin American markets. While previous period figures were much smaller, the dramatic increase indicates both a broader roll-out of services and higher adoption rates in these regions. |
Topic | Previous Mentions | Current Period | Trend |
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FinTech and Credit Card Business Expansion | Across Q1–Q3, management consistently highlighted aggressive credit card issuance (e.g. 1.5–1.6 million new cards per quarter), portfolio growth, improved underwriting models, and the strategic role of credit cards in driving broader fintech adoption. | In Q4, the focus continues with record issuance of 5.9 million new credit cards, reaffirming the strategic importance of credit cards and long‐term growth ambitions, while underlining profitability improvements in older cohorts. | Consistent emphasis on growth, with Q4 reinforcing previous initiatives with significantly larger scale and an even stronger long-term outlook. |
Credit Risk Management and Quality | Q1–Q3 discussions emphasized robust risk models, managing NPLs, credit portfolio expansion with necessary upfront provisioning, and cautious moves into riskier segments balanced by improved pricing. | Q4 discussions detail tighter measures in Brazil (reducing micro card issuance and shortening payback periods), achievement of the lowest first payment default record, and ongoing confidence in underwriting models. | Enhanced focus on credit quality with more granular regional measures in Q4, maintaining confidence while introducing tighter controls in riskier environments. |
Investments in Logistics, Fulfillment, and Infrastructure | From Q1 through Q3, investments were centered on expanding the logistics network—from shifting away from postal services to opening new fulfillment centers (including metro centers), deploying robotics, and driving efficiency improvements. | In Q4, investments continue with new fulfillment centers, record shipping volumes, expanded free shipping offerings, and strong productivity gains that highlight long-term capacity expansion. | Steady and strategic investment; the current period builds on previous infrastructure expansion with record performance and technology enhancements that reinforce long-term growth. |
Margin Pressure and Profitability Concerns | In Q1–Q3, margin pressure was attributed to factors such as accelerated credit origination (leading to higher upfront provisions), shipping adjustments, and fulfillment investments, though offset by strong performance in Brazil and Mexico and robust EBIT margins. | Q4 maintains the narrative of short-term margin pressures—particularly from strategic credit card investments (notably in Brazil) and provisioning—but with a clear long-term focus on efficiency gains and profitability improvements. | Persistent short-term pressures remain across all periods; however, management consistently frames them as investments that will yield long-term profitability, with Q4 underscoring targeted measures in specific regions. |
Macroeconomic and Regional Challenges | Q1 detailed Argentina’s tough macro environment (peso devaluation, reduced demand) balanced by strong Brazil/Mexico performance, while Q2–Q3 also noted rising interest rates and inflation pressures, alongside improved conditions in Argentina later on. | Q4 shows an optimistic view of Argentina’s recovery (with strong growth in items sold and credit book expansion) and a cautious approach in Brazil (with tighter risk controls amid a weaker macro backdrop). | Consistent challenges with regional nuances; Q4 reflects an improved sentiment in Argentina and sharper risk mitigation in Brazil, indicating a more calibrated response to ongoing macroeconomic trends. |
Advertising and E-commerce Growth | Q1–Q3 consistently reported robust growth in GMV, strong advertising revenue increases, improved ad penetration (ranging from 1.6% upward), and substantial buyer growth across core markets. | Q4 continues this trend with record buyer growth, modest expansion in advertising revenue as a percentage of GMV, and reinforcing the e-commerce value proposition with new categories and free shipping drives. | Strong, bullish growth remains a key narrative; the current period further builds on previous successes, emphasizing incremental gains and enhanced ecosystem synergies. |
Digital Banking Strategy | In Q1 and Q2, digital banking initiatives were highlighted through the launch of digital wallets, credit cards, and remunerated accounts, with ambitions to become a leading fintech player in Mexico and across Latin America. Q3 provided only indirect references via general fintech growth. | In Q4, the strategy is reinforced by record credit card issuance, a clear aim to become the largest digital bank in Latin America, and affirmations that no immediate extra banking license is required, maintaining a disciplined approach. | Strategic expansion continues, with Q4 providing clarity on scalability and integration of digital banking products, reaffirming earlier ambitions and demonstrating a consistent positive sentiment. |
Accounting Adjustments in Shipping Operations | Q1 provided detailed discussion on adjustments to shipping operations—including a switch from agent to principal, resulting in a 3.9% gross margin compression and formalizing practices that had been operational for years. | This topic was not mentioned in Q3 or Q4, and only minimal discussion was noted in Q2 regarding operational efficiencies rather than accounting changes. | Topic phased out; its absence in later periods indicates stabilization and no longer a forefront issue, suggesting that previous accounting challenges in shipping have been resolved or normalized. |
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Brazil Credit Risk
Q: How are you managing credit risk in Brazil amid rising rates?
A: We have seen no signs of deterioration in our credit portfolio, with the lowest first payment default on record in December in Brazil. However, given the weaker macro backdrop and higher interest rates, we've taken measures to reduce risk by significantly reducing the issuance of micro cards and tightening payback periods for new issuances. We're being more cautious, especially with riskier segments, but remain comfortable with the level of risk we're taking. -
Margin Outlook
Q: How should we think about margins in Argentina and Brazil for 2025?
A: In Argentina, we saw a recovery with items sold growing by 18% in Q4, up from 10% in the previous quarter. We quadrupled our credit book, growing it by 4x from last year, with NPLs under control. Argentina, being a higher-margin country compared to Brazil and Mexico, supports overall margins. In Brazil, margin compression is mainly due to investments in the credit card business, which continues to improve in profitability as older cohorts become profitable, but new issuances still drag on margins. -
Growth vs. Margin Balance
Q: How do you balance growth and margin going forward?
A: We focus on capturing the tremendous opportunities in Commerce and FinTech, continuing to make strategic investments in areas like logistics and credit cards. While these investments may put short-term margin pressure, we do not manage for quarterly margin targets but for long-term sustainable growth. We expect to dilute fixed costs over time and improve margins in the long term, acknowledging that the margin trajectory won't be a straight line. -
Credit Card Portfolio Trends
Q: Can you share trends in the credit card portfolio's profitability?
A: The NIMAL (Net Interest Margin After Losses) for credit cards is improving as older cohorts mature and become profitable. This quarter, credit cards grew by 118%, compared to the overall portfolio growth of 57%. While the overall NIMAL decreased year-over-year due to a higher mix of lower NIMAL credit cards, it improved sequentially due to better performance and profitability of the credit card portfolio. -
Impact of Risk Reduction on Growth
Q: Will reducing high-risk products like micro cards affect GMV growth?
A: We do not expect any significant impact on GMV growth from reducing micro card issuance. Micro cards were aimed at onboarding users without credit cards, but their reduction will not materially affect our metrics, as we continue to focus on issuing credit cards to less risky segments. -
Provisions Growth and NIMAL
Q: How should we think about modeling provisions and NIMAL?
A: Provisions are influenced by two factors: historical portfolios performing better, especially as older cohorts become profitable, and sequential portfolio growth, which can pressure bad debt due to upfront provisioning. NIMAL improvements are driven by higher product spreads from decreased bad debt and better collections, partially seasonal. However, as we move upmarket to less risky segments, NIMAL may compress due to lower spreads, and the increasing share of credit cards—which have lower NIMAL compared to other products—will also impact overall NIMAL. -
Argentina FinTech Expectations
Q: What are your expectations for the FinTech business in Argentina?
A: We grew our credit portfolio in Argentina by nearly 4x year-over-year. With central bank rates dropping from 140% to 29%, demand for credit is increasing. Despite the underpenetrated credit market and low bad debt ratios, we remain cautious due to historical macro volatility. We don't need a banking license to expand our book, as we've been able to grow through securitizing receivables, and currently, becoming a bank is not a restriction for growth. -
Buyer Growth and Frequency
Q: What's driving the acceleration in buyer growth and frequency?
A: The growth is a result of 25 years of improving our value proposition, product experience, and adding features that enhance the user experience. Users are purchasing across more categories, with new categories like essentials growing strongly, while traditional categories like consumer electronics and home perform well. Free shipping and improved demand acquisition technologies are also key drivers. -
Advertising Revenue Potential
Q: How is advertising contributing to your GMV, and what's the outlook?
A: Advertising revenues as a percentage of GMV expanded by 50 basis points year-over-year. We are in the early stages compared to international competitors and see significant potential for growth. Efforts include building relationships with brands and agencies, evolving our product offerings, and improving our tech solutions. Though we don't provide targets, we're confident in scaling advertising revenue over the long term. -
Logistics Network and Warehouse Utilization
Q: Did new fulfillment centers meet utilization expectations during peak season?
A: Yes, we are extremely satisfied with our logistics network's performance in Q4. The extra capacity from new warehouses helped us handle demand with improved productivity and efficiency. While peak utilization of warehouses typically takes a few years, we are ahead in the learning process and view investing in logistics capacity as strategic for long-term growth.