Summary
MercadoLibre Inc. (MELI) reported its first-quarter 2015 financial results, showing a significant increase in net revenues of 28.4% year-over-year to $148.1 million. This growth was primarily driven by strong performance in Argentina and Brazil, with marketplace revenues growing across most segments. However, net income attributable to shareholders saw a sharp decline, falling to $1.7 million ($0.04 per share) from $30.3 million ($0.69 per share) in the prior year's quarter. A major factor impacting profitability was a substantial $16.2 million impairment of long-lived assets related to real estate investments in Venezuela, coupled with significant foreign currency losses stemming from the re-measurement of Venezuelan operations using the SIMADI exchange rate, resulting in a $20.4 million foreign exchange loss. Despite these challenges, the company continued to invest in product and technology development and sales and marketing, reflecting a strategic focus on long-term growth.
Financial Highlights
49 data points| Revenue | $148.10M |
| Cost of Revenue | $44.71M |
| Gross Profit | $103.39M |
| Operating Expenses | $77.81M |
| Operating Income | $25.59M |
| Interest Expense | $4.28M |
| Net Income | $1.72M |
| EPS (Basic) | $0.04 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $0.04 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 44.15M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 44.15M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net revenues increased by 28.4% to $148.1 million, driven by strong performance in Argentina (69.6% growth) and Brazil (30.6% growth).
- 2Net income attributable to shareholders decreased significantly to $1.7 million ($0.04 EPS) from $30.3 million ($0.69 EPS) in Q1 2014.
- 3A $16.2 million impairment of long-lived assets was recorded for Venezuelan real estate investments.
- 4Significant foreign currency losses of $20.4 million were incurred due to the re-measurement of Venezuelan operations using the new SIMADI exchange rate.
- 5Product and technology development expenses increased by 40.7% to $17.2 million, reflecting continued investment in platform enhancements.
- 6Sales and marketing expenses increased by 17.2% to $26.2 million.
- 7The company ended the quarter with $219.8 million in cash and cash equivalents.