Stocks

3 Compelling Reasons Why MercadoLibre Stands Out for Growth Investors

Published January 31, 2024

Growth investors typically look for stocks displaying above-average financial growth, as these stocks often generate strong interest in the market and yield impressive returns. Identifying a superb growth stock can be a challenge, for they usually come with increased risk and volatility. Moreover, investing in a stock whose growth phase has passed could lead to substantial losses.

In the pursuit of exceptional growth stocks, the Zacks Growth Style Score can be an invaluable tool. This system goes beyond the usual growth measurements to assess a company's real growth potential.

MercadoLibre (MELI) stands out as a recommended stock by this system, boasting not only an excellent Growth Score but also a top Zacks Rank. Rigorous research has shown that stocks with optimal growth features consistently outperform the market, especially those with a mix of a Growth Score of A or B and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy).

Earnings Growth Fuels Investor Interest

Earnings growth is crucial, as rapidly increasing earnings tend to capture investor interest. Growth investors, in particular, favor double-digit earnings growth, which typically signals strong futures and potential for stock price appreciation for the companies they invest in.

MercadoLibre demonstrates a historical EPS growth rate of 229%, with projected growth of 57.6% this year, well above the industry average forecast of 27.5% for EPS growth.

Robust Cash Flow Growth Propels Expansion

Cash flow growth is vital for growth-focused companies, as it enables them to pursue new ventures without incurring debt or raising costly external funds. MercadoLibre shines in this aspect, boasting a year-over-year cash flow growth of 163%, far exceeding the industry average decline of -7.1%.

The company's impressive annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 42.1%, compared to the industry average of 11.1%, underlining its financial health and growth potential.

Encouraging Earnings Estimate Revisions

The trend in earnings estimate revisions can also bolster a stock's standing. A positive trend is a favorable sign, and studies indicate a robust correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock movements.

For MercadoLibre, current-year earnings estimates have been on the rise. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for this year has increased by 1.1% over the past month.

Final Thoughts

With its Growth Score of A, and a Zacks Rank of #2, bolstered by upbeat earnings estimate revisions, MercadoLibre is demonstrating potential for significant outperformance, making it an attractive choice for growth investors seeking promising returns.

Growth, Earnings, CashFlow, Estimates, Investing