Kohl's Corporation (KSS)vsMercadoLibre Inc. (MELI)
KSS
Kohl's Corporation
$15.46
-3.13%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $1.61B
MELI
MercadoLibre Inc.
$1,607.80
-1.65%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $84.81B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
MercadoLibre Inc. generates 106% more annual revenue ($31.80B vs $15.46B). MELI leads profitability with a 6.0% profit margin vs 1.8%. MELI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.07. MELI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
KSS
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
MELI
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+46.6%
Fair Value
$35.17
Current Price
$15.46
$19.71 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
Earnings expanding 144.7% YoY
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
Grey zone — moderate risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency
Trading at 11.2x book value
6.0% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : KSS
The strongest argument for KSS centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
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 : KSS
The primary concerns for KSS are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Debt-to-equity of 1.62 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.8% 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
KSS profiles as a value stock while MELI is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
KSS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.49 — 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
KSS scores higher overall (58/100 vs 58/100). MELI offers better value entry with a 61.8% 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.
Kohl's Corporation
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · DEPARTMENT STORES · USA
Kohl's Corporation is a retail company in the United States. The company is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
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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