Carter’s Inc (CRI)vsMercadoLibre Inc. (MELI)
CRI
Carter’s Inc
$38.19
+0.10%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $1.42B
MELI
MercadoLibre Inc.
$1,607.80
-1.65%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $84.81B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
MercadoLibre Inc. generates 978% more annual revenue ($31.80B vs $2.95B). MELI leads profitability with a 6.0% profit margin vs 3.1%. MELI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.07. MELI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
CRI
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
MELI
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+36.7%
Fair Value
$59.72
Current Price
$38.19
$21.53 discount
Margin of Safety
+61.8%
Fair Value
$5279.65
Current Price
$1607.80
$3671.85 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 49.0% year-over-year
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
3.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.2%
Trading at 11.2x book value
6.0% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CRI
The strongest argument for CRI centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bull Case : MELI
The strongest argument for MELI centers on Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 49.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.07 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CRI
The primary concerns for CRI are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Thin 3.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : MELI
The primary concerns for MELI are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 44.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.70 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CRI profiles as a value stock while MELI is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MELI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.
MELI is growing revenue faster at 49.0% — sustainability is the question.
MELI generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MELI scores higher overall (58/100 vs 50/100) and 49.0% revenue growth. CRI offers better value entry with a 36.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Carter’s Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA
Carter's, Inc. designs, supplies, and markets branded children's clothing under the brands Carter's, OshKosh, Skip Hop, Child of Mine, Just One You, Simple Joys, Carter's little baby basics, and other brands in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
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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