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Surging Earnings Estimates Signal Upside for MercadoLibre (MELI) Stock

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MercadoLibre (MELI - Free Report) appears an attractive pick given a noticeable improvement in the company's earnings outlook. The stock has been a strong performer lately, and the momentum might continue with analysts still raising their earnings estimates for the company.

The upward trend in estimate revisions for this operator of an online marketplace and payments system in Latin America reflects growing optimism of analysts on its earnings prospects, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements. Our stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is principally built on this insight.

The five-grade Zacks Rank system, which ranges from a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record of outperformance, with Zacks #1 Ranked stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 2008.

Consensus earnings estimates for the next quarter and full year have moved considerably higher for MercadoLibre, as there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising estimates.

Current-Quarter Estimate Revisions

The company is expected to earn $5.71 per share for the current quarter, which represents a year-over-year change of +123.05%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MercadoLibre has increased 22.27% over the last 30 days, as two estimates have gone higher compared to no negative revisions.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

For the full year, the company is expected to earn $19.25 per share, representing a year-over-year change of +101.99%.

There has been an encouraging trend in estimate revisions for the current year as well. Over the past month, three estimates have moved up for MercadoLibre versus no negative revisions. This has pushed the consensus estimate 15.3% higher.

Favorable Zacks Rank

Thanks to promising estimate revisions, MercadoLibre currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The Zacks Rank is a tried-and-tested rating tool that helps investors effectively harness the power of earnings estimate revisions and make the right investment decision. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Our research shows that stocks with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) significantly outperform the S&P 500.

Bottom Line

Investors have been betting on MercadoLibre because of its solid estimate revisions, as evident from the stock's 10% gain over the past four weeks. As its earnings growth prospects might push the stock higher, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away.


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