Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc (ARCO)vsMercadoLibre Inc. (MELI)
ARCO
Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc
$8.66
-4.73%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $1.82B
MELI
MercadoLibre Inc.
$1,792.63
+1.45%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $90.88B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
MercadoLibre Inc. generates 518% more annual revenue ($28.89B vs $4.68B). MELI leads profitability with a 6.9% profit margin vs 4.5%. ARCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.54. MELI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
ARCO
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
MELI
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+54.3%
Fair Value
$18.39
Current Price
$8.66
$9.73 discount
Margin of Safety
+59.5%
Fair Value
$4981.85
Current Price
$1792.63
$3189.22 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit
Revenue surging 44.6% year-over-year
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Generating 4.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
4.5% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 56.9%
Trading at 13.5x book value
6.9% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ARCO
The strongest argument for ARCO centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 10.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.54 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MELI
The strongest argument for MELI centers on Return on Equity, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 44.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.83 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ARCO
The primary concerns for ARCO are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.77 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 4.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : MELI
The primary concerns for MELI are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 45.5x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ARCO profiles as a value stock while MELI is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MELI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.49 — expect wider price swings.
MELI is growing revenue faster at 44.6% — sustainability is the question.
MELI generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MELI scores higher overall (62/100 vs 60/100) and 44.6% revenue growth. ARCO offers better value entry with a 54.3% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. is a McDonald's restaurant franchise. The company is headquartered in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Visit Website →MercadoLibre Inc.
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · INTERNET RETAIL · USA
MercadoLibre, Inc. operates online trading platforms in Latin America. The company is headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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