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MERCADOLIBRE INC - Quarter Report: 2015 September (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Mark One)

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September  30, 2015

-OR-

 

 

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 001-33647

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MercadoLibre, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delaware

 

98-0212790

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

Arias 3751, 7th Floor

Buenos Aires, C1430CRG, Argentina

(Address of registrant’s principal executive offices)

(+5411) 4640-8000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes       No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.    Yes       No  

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer

 

 

Accelerated filer

 

 

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer

 

  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Smaller reporting company

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes       No  

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

44,156,854 shares of the issuer’s common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding as of October 26, 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents

 

 

MERCADOLIBRE, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1 — Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) 

Item 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

30 

Item 3 — Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

56 

Item 4 — Controls and Procedures 

63 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 

63 

Item 1 — Legal Proceedings 

63 

Item 1A — Risk Factors 

65 

Item 6 — Exhibits 

65 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS 

67 

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents

 

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

and for the nine and three-month periods

ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

 

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents

 

 

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except par value)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

2015

 

2014

Assets

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$        173,024

 

$       223,144

Short-term investments

 

168,015 

 

148,810 

Accounts receivable, net

 

54,551 

 

46,672 

Credit cards receivables, net

 

187,566 

 

85,162 

Prepaid expenses

 

7,614 

 

3,458 

Inventory

 

135 

 

 —

Deferred tax assets

 

10,443 

 

11,520 

Other assets

 

23,866 

 

13,984 

Total current assets

 

625,214 

 

532,750 

Non-current assets:

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments

 

185,733 

 

205,265 

Property and equipment, net

 

82,510 

 

91,545 

Goodwill

 

91,857 

 

68,829 

Intangible assets, net

 

30,509 

 

23,171 

Deferred tax assets

 

16,004 

 

21,554 

Other assets

 

37,001 

 

23,734 

Total non-current assets

 

443,614 

 

434,098 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$     1,068,828

 

$       966,848

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Equity

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

$          75,820

 

$         58,006

Funds payable to customers

 

219,751 

 

165,034 

Salaries and social security payable

 

32,778 

 

28,777 

Taxes payable

 

21,593 

 

26,013 

Loans payable and other financial liabilities

 

4,294 

 

1,642 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

1,731 

 

1,645 

Other liabilities

 

6,796 

 

4,176 

Dividends payable

 

4,548 

 

7,330 

Total current liabilities

 

367,311 

 

292,623 

Non-current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Salaries and social security payable

 

9,867 

 

11,326 

Loans payable and other financial liabilities

 

292,726 

 

282,184 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

23,834 

 

18,746 

Other liabilities

 

11,638 

 

6,181 

Total non-current liabilities

 

338,065 

 

318,437 

Total liabilities

 

$        705,376

 

$       611,060

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.001 par value, 110,000,000 shares authorized,

 

 

 

 

44,156,024 and 44,154,572 shares issued and outstanding at September 30,

 

 

 

 

2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively

 

$                 44

 

$                44

Additional paid-in capital

 

137,842 

 

137,645 

Retained earnings

 

406,353 

 

353,173 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(180,787)

 

(135,074)

Total Equity

 

363,452 

 

355,788 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Equity

 

$     1,068,828

 

$       966,848

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

For the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

$          471,058

 

$           395,166

 

$            168,641

 

$          147,935

Cost of net revenues

(151,832)

 

(111,313)

 

(56,813)

 

(43,402)

Gross profit

319,226 

 

283,853 

 

111,828 

 

104,533 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product and technology development

(53,927)

 

(37,572)

 

(17,042)

 

(13,574)

Sales and marketing

(86,442)

 

(78,227)

 

(31,125)

 

(29,406)

General and administrative

(57,127)

 

(43,324)

 

(18,381)

 

(14,406)

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

(16,226)

 

(49,496)

 

 —

 

 —

Total operating expenses

(213,722)

 

(208,619)

 

(66,548)

 

(57,386)

Income from operations

105,504 

 

75,234 

 

45,280 

 

47,147 

Other income (expenses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income and other financial gains

14,768 

 

10,969 

 

5,777 

 

4,360 

Interest expense and other financial losses

(16,162)

 

(6,718)

 

(6,011)

 

(4,913)

Foreign currency (losses) gains

(6,647)

 

(7,651)

 

2,570 

 

5,220 

Net income before income / asset tax expense

97,463 

 

71,834 

 

47,616 

 

51,814 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income / asset tax expense

(30,639)

 

(33,343)

 

(1,976)

 

(18,062)

Net income

$            66,824

 

$             38,491

 

$              45,640

 

$            33,752

Less: Net Income (loss) attributable to Redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling Interest

 —

 

$                    56

 

 —

 

$                  (14)

Net income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc. shareholders

$            66,824

 

$             38,435

 

$              45,640

 

$            33,766

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

Basic EPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders per common share

 

$               1.51

 

$               0.87

 

$               1.03

 

$               0.76

Weighted average of outstanding common shares

 

44,155,303 

 

44,153,867 

 

44,155,830 

 

44,153,892 

Diluted EPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders per common share

 

$               1.51

 

$               0.87

 

$               1.03

 

$               0.76

Weighted average of outstanding common shares

 

44,155,303 

 

44,153,867 

 

44,155,830 

 

44,153,892 

Cash Dividends declared

 

0.309 

 

0.498 

 

0.103 

 

0.166 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

2


 

Table of Contents

 

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$            66,824

 

$            38,491

 

$            45,640

 

$               33,752

Other comprehensive loss, net of income tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currency translation adjustment

 

(46,054)

 

(35,832)

 

(22,127)

 

(19,731)

Unrealized net losses on available for sale investments

 

(38)

 

(138)

 

(11)

 

(260)

Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) on available for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

investments included in net income

 

379 

 

(25)

 

 —

 

 —

Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

income tax

 

(45,713)

 

(35,995)

 

(22,138)

 

(19,991)

Total comprehensive income

 

$            21,111

 

$              2,496

 

$            23,502

 

$               13,761

Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to Redeemable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling Interest

 

 —

 

(37)

 

 —

 

(138)

Comprehensive income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc. Shareholders

 

$            21,111

 

$              2,533

 

$            23,502

 

$               13,899

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc. Shareholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

$                   66,824

 

$             38,435

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

56 

Devaluation Loss, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,080 

 

13,808 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,226 

 

49,496 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,956 

 

12,346 

Accrued interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9,311)

 

(6,928)

Convertible bonds accrued interest and amortization of debt discount

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,917 

 

3,927 

Long Term Retention Program accrued compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,032 

 

6,311 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,206 

 

(16,515)

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(50,105)

 

(39,477)

Credit Card Receivables

 

 

 

 

 

 

(122,328)

 

(46,297)

Prepaid expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,922)

 

(2,574)

Inventory

 

 

 

 

 

 

(169)

 

 —

Other assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

(13,089)

 

(6,079)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

66,898 

 

74,589 

Funds payable to customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

100,938 

 

48,414 

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,226 

 

1,957 

Interest received from investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,900 

 

6,970 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

111,279 

 

138,439 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,435,655)

 

(1,713,488)

Proceeds from sale and maturity of investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,424,150 

 

1,498,970 

Payment for acquired businesses, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

 

 

 

(45,009)

 

(32,127)

Purchases of intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,502)

 

(543)

Advance for property and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

(17,779)

 

 —

Purchases of property and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

(19,063)

 

(24,446)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

(94,858)

 

(271,634)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funds received from the issuance of convertible notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

330,000 

Transaction costs from the issuance of convertible notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

(8,084)

Purchase of convertible note capped call

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

(19,668)

Proceed from payable and other financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,015 

 

 —

Payments on loans payable and other financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,622)

 

(3,309)

Dividends paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16,426)

 

(20,937)

Repurchase of Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,714)

 

(1,944)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

(18,747)

 

276,058 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

(47,794)

 

(45,644)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

(50,120)

 

97,219 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period

 

 

 

 

 

 

223,144 

 

140,285 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period

 

 

 

 

 

 

$                 173,024

 

$           237,504

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

1. Nature of Business

MercadoLibre, Inc. (“MercadoLibre” or the “Company”) was incorporated in the state of Delaware, in the United States of America in October 1999. MercadoLibre is the leading ecommerce company in Latin America, serving as an integrated regional platform and as an enabler of the necessary online and technology tools to allow businesses and individuals to trade products and services in the region. The Company enables commerce through its marketplace platform (including online classifieds for motor vehicles, vessels, aircraft, services and real estate), which allows users to buy and sell in most of Latin America. 

Through MercadoPago, MercadoLibre enables individuals and businesses to send and receive online payments; through MercadoEnvios, MercadoLibre facilitates the shipping of goods from sellers to buyers; through MercadoClics and other ad-sales products, MercadoLibre facilitates advertising services to large retailers and brands to promote their product and services on the web; and through MercadoShops, MercadoLibre facilitates users to set-up, manage, and promote their own on-line web-stores under a subscription-based business model. In addition, MercadoLibre develops and sells software enterprise solutions to e-commerce business clients in Brazil.

As of September  30, 2015, MercadoLibre, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, operated online ecommerce platforms directed towards Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Uruguay and Venezuela, including the recently launched online ecommerce platforms in Bolivia and Guatemala. Additionally, MercadoLibre operates an online payments solution directed towards Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Chile and Colombia. It also offers a shipping solution directed towards Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and added Colombia to its list of countries where the service is offered from June 2015. In addition, the Company operates a real estate classified platform that covers some areas of State of Florida, in the United States of America.

 

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

Basis of presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements are stated in U.S. dollars, except for amounts otherwise indicated. Intercompany transactions and balances with subsidiaries have been eliminated for consolidation purposes.

Substantially all net revenues, cost of net revenues and operating expenses, are generated in the Company’s foreign operations, amounting to approximately 99.7% and 99.7% of the consolidated amounts during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. Long-lived assets, Intangible assets and Goodwill located in the foreign operations totaled $194,509 thousands and $170,147 thousands as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the Company’s consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. These financial statements also show the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014; and statement of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments that management believes are necessary to fairly state the Company’s financial position, operating results and cash flows.

Because all of the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual consolidated financial statements are not included herein, these unaudited interim condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2014, contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The condensed consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income and of cash flows for the periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of results expected for any future period. For more detailed discussion about the Company’s significant accounting policies, see note 2 to the Form 10-K. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, there were no material updates made to the Company’s significant accounting policies.

Foreign currency translation

Venezuelan currency status

All of the Company’s foreign operations have determined the local currency to be their functional currency, except for Venezuela since January 1, 2010, as described below. Accordingly, these foreign subsidiaries translate assets and liabilities from their local currencies into U.S. dollars by using the period-end exchange rates while income and expense accounts are translated at the average rates in effect during the period, unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly during the period, in which case the exchange rates

 

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Table of Contents

 

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

at the date of the transaction are used. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. Gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in non-functional currencies are recognized in earnings.

According to U.S. GAAP, the Company has transitioned its Venezuelan operations to highly inflationary status as from January 1, 2010, which requires that transactions and balances are re-measured as if the U.S. dollar were the functional currency for such operation.

During December 2013, the Venezuelan regulation that created the SICAD 1 exchange system was amended to expand its use, and to require publication of the average exchange rate implied by transactions settled in SICAD 1 auctions. Additionally, on January 23, 2014, the exchange regulation was amended to include foreign currency sales for certain transactions, such as but not limited to: contracts for leasing and services, use and exploitation of patents, trademarks, foreign investments and payments of royalties, contracts for technology import and technical assistance. Due to the change in rules that provided for the creation of the SICAD 1 system, the official exchange rate remains only available to obtain foreign currency to pay for a limited list of goods considered to be of high priority by the Government, which does not include those relating to the Company’s business. As a consequence, SICAD 1 became, from that moment, the primary system to which the Company would have to request U.S. dollars to settle its transactions. As a result, from January 24 to May 15, 2014, the exchange rate used to re-measure the Company’s net monetary asset position in Bolivares Fuertes (“BsF”) and BsF transactions of its Venezuelan operations was the SICAD 1 exchange rate.

In late February 2014, the Venezuelan government issued a decree to open a new exchange control mechanism (“SICAD 2”) that was intended to allow the purchase of foreign exchange currencies, through authorized foreign exchange operators offered by individuals and companies such as Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA, the oil state-owned corporation of Venezuela), the Central Bank of Venezuela (“BCV”) and other public entities authorized by the Ministry of Finance. The Venezuelan government published operating rules for that exchange mechanism in Exchange Agreement N° 27, and SICAD 2 began operating on March 24, 2014. Since implementation of the SICAD 1 system, the Company was unsuccessful in gaining access to U.S. dollars through SICAD 1. As a result of this ongoing lack of access to the SICAD 1 auction system, on May 16, 2014, the Company decided to start requesting U.S. dollars through the SICAD 2 mechanism. The SICAD 2 system was an open mechanism that was intended to permit any company to request dollars for any purpose. Consequently, the Company was eligible for and was granted, U.S. dollars through the SICAD 2 mechanism.

As a consequence of the determination to obtain U.S. dollars through SICAD 2 and the lack of access to SICAD 1, since May 16, 2014 the Company concluded that the SICAD 2 exchange rate should be used to re-measure their bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities in BsF and to re-measure the results of its Venezuelan operations, effective as of May 16, 2014. As a consequence, the Company recorded a foreign exchange loss of $16.5 million during the second quarter of 2014.

In light of those economic conditions in Venezuela, the determination to access SICAD 2 and re-measure the BsF denominated monetary assets and liabilities of its Venezuelan subsidiaries, and the lower U.S. dollar-equivalent cash flows then expected from the Venezuelan business, the Company reviewed in May 2014, the long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life for impairment and concluded that the carrying value of certain real estate properties would not be fully recoverable. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment of long-lived assets of $49.5 million in the second quarter of 2014. The carrying amount was adjusted to its estimated fair value of that date, by using the market approach, and considering prices for similar assets.

Later, on February 10, 2015, the Venezuelan government issued a decree that unified the two previous foreign exchange systems “SICAD 1 and SICAD 2” into a new single system denominated SICAD, with an initial public foreign exchange rate of 12 BsF per U.S. dollar. The SICAD auction process remains available only to obtain foreign currency to pay for a limited list of goods considered to be of high priority by the Venezuelan government, which does not include those relating to the Company’s business. In the same decree the Venezuelan government created the “Sistema Marginal de Divisas” (“SIMADI”), a new foreign exchange system that is separate from SICAD, which publishes a foreign exchange rate from the BCV on a daily basis.

In light of the disappearance of SICAD 2, and the Company’s inability to gain access to U.S. dollars through the new single system under SICAD, it started requesting and was granted U.S. dollars through SIMADI. As a result, the Company from that moment expected to settle its transactions through SIMADI and concluded that the SIMADI exchange rate should be used to re-measure its bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities and to re-measure the revenues and expenses of the Venezuelan subsidiaries effective as of March 31, 2015. In connection with this re-measurement, the Company recorded a foreign exchange loss of $20.4 million during the first quarter of 2015, with no significant foreign exchange losses recorded during the second and third quarter of 2015. As of September 30, 2015, the SIMADI exchange rate was 199.42 BsF per U.S. dollar.

Considering this change in facts and circumstances and the lower U.S. dollar-equivalent cash flows then expected from the Venezuelan business, the Company has reviewed its long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life for impairment and concluded that the carrying value of certain real estate investments in Venezuela as of March 31, 2015 would not be fully recoverable. As a result, the Company has recorded an impairment of long-lived assets of $ 16.2 million on March 31,

 

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Table of Contents

 

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

2015. The carrying amount has been adjusted to its estimated fair value of approximately $9.2 million as of March 31, 2015, by using the market approach, and considering prices for similar assets.

Until 2010 the Company was able to obtain U.S. dollars for any purpose, including dividends distribution, using alternative mechanisms other than through the Commission for the Administration of Foreign Exchange Control (CADIVI). Those U.S. dollars, obtained at a higher exchange rate than the one offered by CADIVI, and held in balance at U.S. bank accounts of our Venezuelan subsidiaries, were used for dividend distributions from our Venezuelan subsidiaries. The Venezuelan subsidiaries have not requested authorization since 2012 to acquire U.S. dollars to make dividend distributions. The Company has not distributed dividends from the Venezuelan subsidiaries since 2011.

The following table sets forth the assets, liabilities and net assets of the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiaries, before intercompany eliminations of a net liability of $25,745 and $30,798 thousands, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and net revenues for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month periods ended
September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

Venezuelan operations

 

(In thousands)

Net Revenues

 

$            28,529

 

$            45,184

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

57,970 

 

75,153 

Liabilities

 

(36,235)

 

(43,359)

Net Assets

 

$            21,735

 

$            31,794

 

As of September 30, 2015, net assets (before intercompany eliminations) of the Venezuelan subsidiaries amounted to approximately 6.0%  of consolidated net assets, and cash and investments of the Venezuelan subsidiaries held in local currency in Venezuela amounted to approximately 0.9% of our consolidated cash and investments.

The Company’s ability to obtain U.S. dollars in Venezuela is negatively affected by the exchange regulations in Venezuela that are described above and elsewhere in these financial statements. In addition, its business and ability to obtain U.S. dollars in Venezuela would be negatively affected by additional material devaluations or the imposition of significant additional and more stringent controls on foreign currency exchange by the Venezuelan government.

Despite the current difficult macroeconomic environment in Venezuela, the Company continues to actively manage, through its Venezuelan subsidiaries, its investment in Venezuela. Regardless the current operating, political and economic conditions and certain other factors in Venezuela, management currently plans to continue supporting its business in Venezuela in the long run.

Argentine currency status

The Argentine government has implemented certain measures that control and restrict the ability of companies and individuals to exchange Argentine pesos for foreign currencies. Those measures include, among other things, the requirement to obtain the prior approval from the Argentine Tax Authority of the foreign currency transaction (for example and without limitation, for the payment of non-Argentine goods and services, payment of principal and interest on non-Argentine debt and also payment of dividends to parties outside of the country), which approval process could delay, and eventually restrict, the ability to exchange Argentine pesos for other currencies, such as U.S. dollars. Those approvals are administered by the Argentine Central Bank through the Local Exchange Market (“Mercado Unico Libre de Cambios”, or “MULC”), which is the only market where exchange transactions may be lawfully made.

Further, restrictions also currently apply to the acquisition of any foreign currency for holding as cash within Argentina. Although the controls and restrictions on the acquisition of foreign currencies in Argentina place certain limitations on our current ability to convert cash generated by our Argentine subsidiaries into foreign currencies, based on the current state of Argentine currency rules and regulations, we do not expect that the current controls and restrictions, will have a material adverse effect on our business plans in Argentina or on our overall business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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Table of Contents

 

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Additionally, during January 2014 the Argentinean peso exchange rate against the U.S. dollar increased in approximately 23%, from 6.52 Argentinean Pesos per U.S. dollar as of December 31, 2013 to approximately 8.0 Argentinean Pesos per U.S. dollar. Due to the abovementioned increase in the Argentinean peso exchange rate against the U.S. dollar, during the first quarter of 2014, the reported Other Comprehensive Loss increased in $14,625 thousands as a result having a net asset position in Argentinean Pesos; and the Company recognized a foreign exchange gain of $4,597 thousands. As of September 30, 2015, the Argentinean Peso exchange rate was $ 9.43 per U.S. dollar.

Brazilian currency status

During 2015, the Brazilian Reais exchange rate against the U.S. dollar increased in approximately 49%, from 2.66 Brazilian Reais per U.S. dollar as of December 31, 2014 to approximately 3.97 Brazilian Reais per U.S. dollar as of September 30, 2015. Due to the abovementioned devaluation, during the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015,  the reported Other Comprehensive Loss of the Brazilian segment increased in $9,733 thousands and $12,306 thousands, respectively, as a result of having a net asset position in Brazilian Reais; and the Company recognized a foreign exchange gain of $14,468 thousands and $5,704 thousands, respectively, during the same periods.  

Income Tax Holiday in Argentina

According to Argentine law, from fiscal year 2008, the Company’s Argentine subsidiary was a beneficiary of a software development law. Part of the benefits obtained from being a beneficiary of the aforementioned law was a relief of 60% of total income tax determined in each year in connection with promoted activities, thus resulting in an effective tax rate in Argentina lower than the income tax law statutory rate. The law expired on September 17, 2014.

Aggregate tax benefit totaled $2,045 thousands for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, while for the nine-month period ended at such date amounted to $5,644 thousands. Aggregate per share effect of the Argentine tax holiday amounted to $0.05 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, while for the nine-month period ended at such date amounted to $0.13

On August 17, 2011, the Argentine government issued a new software development law and on September 9, 2013 the regulatory decree was issued, which established the new requirements to become beneficiary of the new software development law. The new decree establishes compliance requirements with annual incremental ratios related to exports of services and research and development expenses that must be achieved to remain within the tax holiday. The Argentine operation will have to achieve certain required ratios annually under the new software development law.

The Industry Secretary resolution which rules, among other provisions, on the mechanism to file the information to obtain the benefits derived from the new software development law was issued in late February 2014. During May 2014, the Company presented all the required documentation in order to apply for the new software development law.

On September 17, 2015, the Argentine Industry Secretary issued Resolution 1041/2015 approving the Company’s application for eligibility under the new software development law. As a result, the Company’s Argentinean subsidiary has been granted a tax holiday retroactive from September 18, 2014. A portion of the benefits obtained as beneficiaries of the new law is a relief of 60% of total income tax related to software development activities and a 70% relief in payroll taxes related to software development activities.

The new software development law, which provides that beneficiaries must meet certain on-going eligibility requirements, will expire on December 31, 2019. As a result of the Company’s eligibility under the new law, it recorded a one-time income tax gain of approximately $16 million in the third quarter of 2015, corresponding $5.6 million to the income tax benefit of the third quarter of 2015 and $3.2 million of the fourth quarter of 2014. Furthermore, the Company recorded a one-time labor cost gain of approximately $4.2 million, corresponding $1.0 million to the labor cost benefit of the third quarter of 2015 and $1.3 million of the fourth quarter of 2014.  Additionally, $1.4 million were reserved to pay software development law audit fees. Aggregate per share effect of the Argentine tax holiday amounted to $0.43 and $0.15 for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015, respectively. 

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

The following table sets forth the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation

 

$              (180,749)

 

$          (134,695)

Unrealized loss on investments

 

(64)

 

(578)

Estimated tax gain on unrealized losses on investments

 

26 

 

199 

 

 

$              (180,787)

 

$          (135,074)

 

The following tables summarize the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

Foreign

 

Estimated tax

 

 

 

 

Gains (Losses) on

 

Currency

 

(expense)

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

Translation

 

benefit

 

Total

 

 

(In thousands)

Balances as of December 31, 2014

 

$                    (578)

 

$          (134,695)

 

$                  199

 

$          (135,074)

Other comprehensive loss before reclassification

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

adjustments for gains on available for sale investments

 

(64)

 

(46,054)

 

26 

 

(46,092)

Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other comprehensive income to net income

 

578 

 

 —

 

(199)

 

379 

Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss)

 

514 

 

(46,054)

 

(173)

 

(45,713)

Balances as of September 30, 2015

 

$                      (64)

 

$          (180,749)

 

$                    26

 

$          (180,787)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

 

Details about Accumulated

 

Reclassified from

 

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income

 

Accumulated Other

 

 

 

 

Components for the nine-month

 

Comprehensive

 

Affected Line Item

period ended September 30, 2015

 

Income

 

in the Statement of Income

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

Unrealized losses on investments

 

$                    (578)

 

Interest income and other financial gains

 

 

Estimated tax gain on unrealized losses on investments

 

199 

 

Income / asset tax expense

Total reclassifications for the period

 

$                    (379)

 

Total, net of income taxes

 

Inventory

Inventory, consisting of points of sale (“POS”) available for sale, are accounted for using the first-in first-out (“FIFO”) method, and are valued at the lower of cost or market value. 

Impairment of long-lived assets

The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

As explained in section “Foreign Currency Translation” of the present Note to these interim condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company has subsequently accessed to more unfavorable exchange markets in Venezuela as from December 2013.

Considering these changes in facts and circumstances and the lower U.S. dollar-equivalent cash flows expected from the Venezuelan business, and long-lived assets expected use, the Company compared the carrying amount of the long-lived assets with the expected undiscounted future net cash flows and concluded that certain office spaces held in Caracas, Venezuela, should be impaired. As a consequence, the Company estimated the fair value of the impaired long-lived assets and recorded impairment losses of $16.2 million and $ 49.5 million on March 31, 2015 and in the second quarter of 2014, respectively, by using the market approach and considering prices for similar assets.

 

Convertible Senior Notes

On June 30, 2014, the Company issued $330 million of 2.25% convertible senior notes due 2019 (the “Notes”). The Notes are unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of the Company, which pay interest in cash semi-annually, on January 1 and July 1, at a rate of 2.25% per annum. The Notes will mature on July 1, 2019 unless earlier repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. The Notes may be converted, under specific conditions, based on an initial conversion rate of 7.9353 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $126.02 per share of common stock), subject to adjustment as described in the indenture governing the Notes. The net proceeds from the Notes were approximately $322 million, net of the transaction costs.

Holders may convert their notes at their option at any time prior to January 1, 2019 only under the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on September 30, 2014 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; (2) during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day; or (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On or after January 1, 2019 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances. The conversion rate is subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments. Following certain corporate events described in the Indenture that occur prior to the maturity date, the conversion rate will be increased for a holder who elects to convert its Notes in connection with such corporate event in certain circumstances. The Indenture contains customary terms and covenants, including that upon certain events of default occurring and continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may declare 100% of the principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, all the Notes to be due and payable.

Upon conversion, the Company will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of the Company’s common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our election.

As of September 30, 2015, none of the conditions allowing holders of the Notes to convert had been met.

In accordance with ASC 470-20 Debt with Conversion and Other Options, the convertible debt instrument within the scope of the cash conversion subsection, was separated into debt and equity components at issuance and a fair value was assigned. The value assigned to the debt component was the estimated fair value, as of the issuance date, of a similar debt without the conversion feature. As of the issuance date, the Company determined the fair value of the liability component of the Notes based on market data that was available for senior, unsecured nonconvertible corporate bonds issued by comparable companies. Assumptions used in the estimate represent what market participants would use in pricing the liability component, including market interest rates, credit standing, and yield curves, all of which are defined as level 2 observable inputs. The difference between the cash proceeds and this estimated fair value, represents the value assigned to the equity component and was recorded as a debt discount. The debt discount is amortized using the effective interest method from the origination date through its stated contractual maturity date.

The initial debt component of the Notes was valued at $283,015 thousands, based on the contractual cash flows discounted at an appropriate market rate for a non-convertible debt at the date of issuance, which was determined to be 5.55%. The carrying value of the permanent equity component reported in additional paid-in-capital was initially valued at $46,985 thousands. The effective interest rate after allocation of transaction costs to the liability component is 6.1% and is used to amortize the debt discount and transaction costs. Additionally, the Company recorded a deferred tax liability related to the additional paid in capital component of the convertible notes amounting to $16,445 thousands.

In connection with the issuance of the Notes, the Company paid approximately $19,668 thousands to enter into capped call transactions with respect to its common shares (the “Capped Call Transactions”), with certain financial institutions. The Capped Call Transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution upon conversion of the Convertible Notes and / or offset

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

any cash payments the Company may be required to make in excess of the principal amount of any converted notes in the event that the market price of the common shares is greater than the strike price of the Capped Call Transactions, initially set at $126.02 per common share, which corresponds to the initial conversion price of the Notes and is subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the conversion rate of the Notes, and have a cap price of approximately $155.78 per common share. Therefore, as a result of executing the Capped Call Transactions, the Company will reduce its exposure to potential dilution once the market price of its common shares exceeds the strike price of $126.02 and up to a cap price of approximately $155.78 per common share. The Capped Call Transactions allows the Company to receive shares of the common stock and/or cash related to the excess conversion value that the Company would pay to the holders of the Notes upon conversion, up to the above mentioned cap price.

The $19,668 thousands cost of the capped call transactions, which net of deferred income tax effect amounts to $12,784 thousands, is included as a net reduction to additional paid-in capital in the stockholders’ equity section of these interim condensed consolidated balance sheets, in accordance with the guidance in ASC 815-40 Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity.

Use of estimates

The preparation of interim condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are used for, but not limited to accounting for allowance for doubtful accounts and chargeback provisions, depreciation, amortization, recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life, useful life of long-lived assets and intangible assets, impairment of short-term and long-term investments, impairment of long-lived assets, compensation costs relating to the Company’s long term retention plan, fair value of convertible debt note, recognition of income taxes and contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

On January 9, 2015, the FASB issued the Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2015-01. This new standard eliminates from general accepted accounting principles the concept of extraordinary items included in Subtopic 225-20. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the year of adoption. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

On February 18, 2015 the FASB issued the ASU 2015-02. The update affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities and is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments eliminate three of the six conditions for evaluating whether a fee paid to a decision maker or a service provider represents a variable interest. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

On April 7, 2015 the FASB issued the ASU 2015-03. To simplify presentation of debt issuance costs, the amendments in this update would require that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

On April 15, 2015 the FASB issued the ASU 2015-05. The amendments in this update will help entities evaluate the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement by providing guidance as to whether an arrangement includes the sale or license of software. The amendments will be effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is assessing the effects that the adoption of this accounting pronouncement may have on the Company’s financial statements.

On May, 2015 the FASB issued the ASU 2015-07. The amendments in this update remove, from the fair value hierarchy, investments for which the practical expedient is used to measure fair value at net asset value. Instead, an entity is required to include those investments as a reconciling line item so that the total fair value amount of investments in the disclosure is consistent with the amount on the balance sheet. For public companies, this amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The amendment should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

On July 22, 2015 the FASB issued the ASU 2015-11. The amendments in this update apply to inventory measured using first-in, first-out (“FIFO”), or average cost. An Entity should measure inventory within the scope of this ASU at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably practicable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using LIFO or the retail inventory method.  The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), with an effective date for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, for public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans. The effective date for all other entities was for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The amendments in ASU 2015-14, issued on August 12, 2015, defer the effective date of Update 2014-09. Public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans should apply the guidance in Update 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company is assessing the effects that the adoption of this accounting pronouncement may have on the Company’s financial statements.

On August 16, 2015 the FASB issued the ASU 2015-15. To clarify the SEC staff’s position on presenting and measuring debt issuance costs incurred in connection with line-of-credit arrangements. The guidance in Update 2015-03 does not address presentation or subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. Given the absence of authoritative guidance within Update 2015-03 for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

On September 25, 2015 the FASB issued the ASU 2015-16. Topic 805 requires that an acquirer retrospectively adjust provisional amounts recognized in a business combination, during the measurement period. To simplify the accounting for adjustments made to provisional amounts, the amendments in the Update require that the acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amount is determined. The acquirer is required to also record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. In addition an entity is required to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes to the financial statements the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date.  The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

3. Net income per share

Basic earnings per share for the Company’s common stock is computed by dividing, net income available to common shareholders attributable to common stock for the period, and the corresponding adjustment attributable to changes in redeemable non-controlling interest, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted earnings per share for the Company’s common stock assume the issuance of shares as a consequence of a convertible debt securities conversion event (refer to Note 9 to these interim condensed consolidated financial statements) and the effect of assumed share settlement of Long-term retention plans (refer to Note 2 – Section “Convertible Senior Notes” to these interim condensed consolidated financial statements) for earnings per share calculations.

The following table shows how net income is allocated using the “if converted” and the “treasury stock” method for convertible debt securities and Long-term retention plans, respectively, for earnings per common share for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Basic

 

Diluted

 

Basic

 

Diluted

Net income

 

$               66,824

 

$        66,824

 

$            38,491

 

$            38,491

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 —

 

 —

 

(56)

 

(56)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in redeemable amount of noncontrolling interest

 

 —

 

 —

 

(108)

 

(108)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc. Shareholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

corresponding to common stock

 

$               66,824

 

$        66,824

 

$            38,327

 

$            38,327

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Basic

 

Diluted

 

Basic

 

Diluted

Net income

 

$               45,640

 

$        45,640

 

$            33,752

 

$            33,752

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 —

 

 —

 

14 

 

14 

Change in redeemable amount of noncontrolling interest

 

 —

 

 —

 

(111)

 

(111)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc. Shareholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

corresponding to common stock

 

$               45,640

 

$        45,640

 

$            33,655

 

$            33,655

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

Net income per share of common stock is as follows for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months Ended September 30,

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

Basic

 

Diluted

 

Basic

 

Diluted

 

Basic

 

Diluted

 

Basic

 

Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc. Shareholders per common share

 

$
1.51 

 

$
1.51 

 

$
0.87 

 

$
0.87 

 

$             1.03 

 

$             1.03 

 

$             0.76 

 

$             0.76 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc. Shareholders

 

$
66,824 

 

$
66,824 

 

$
38,327 

 

$
38,327 

 

$         45,640 

 

$         45,640 

 

$         33,655 

 

$         33,655 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average of common stock outstanding for Basic earnings per share

 

44,155,303 

 

44,155,303 

 

44,153,867 

 

44,153,867 

 

44,155,830 

 

44,155,830 

 

44,153,892 

 

44,153,892 

Adjusted weighted average of common stock outstanding for Diluted earnings per share

 

44,155,303 

 

44,155,303 

 

44,153,867 

 

44,153,867 

 

44,155,830 

 

44,155,830 

 

44,153,892 

 

44,153,892 

 

For the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 there was no impact on the calculation of diluted earnings per share as a consequence of the consideration of the Notes and the Long term retention plan referred to above.

 

4. Business combinations, goodwill and intangible assets

Business combinations

Acquisition of online classifieds advertisement company in Mexico

On April 22, 2015, through its subsidiaries Deremate.com de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. and MercadoLibre, S. de R.L. de C.V., the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Metros Cúbicos, S.A. de C.V., company that operates an online classified advertisement platform dedicated to the sale of real estate in Mexico, in order to increase its participation on e-commerce business in that country.

The aggregate purchase price for the acquisition of the 100% of the acquired business was $29,917 thousands, measured at its fair value, amount that included: (i) the total cash payment of $26,917 thousands at closing day; and (ii) an escrow of $3,000 thousands held in an escrow account, according to the stock purchase agreement.

In addition, the Company incurred in certain direct costs of the business combination which were expensed as incurred.

The Company’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated statement of income includes the results of operations of the acquired business as from April 22, 2015. The net revenues and net income of the acquiree included in the Company’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated statement of income since the acquisition amounted to $1,865 thousands and $281 thousands, respectively.

The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation calculated at the date of acquisition:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metros Cúbicos

S.A. de C.V.

In thousands of U.S. dollars

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

593 

Other net tangible assets / (liabilities)

 

 

241 

Trademarks

 

 

4,568 

Customer Lists

 

 

3,924 

Non-solicitation and Non-compete agreements

 

 

229 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

 

 

(2,616)

Goodwill

 

 

22,978 

Purchase Price

 

$

29,917 

 

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

The purchase price was allocated based on the measurement of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed considering the information available as of the date of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. The valuation of identifiable intangible assets acquired reflects management’s estimates based on the use of established valuation methods. Such assets consist of trademarks, customer lists and non-solicitation and non-compete agreements for a total amount of $8,721 thousands. Management of the Company estimates that trademarks have an indefinite useful life and the intangible asset associated with the customer list will be amortized over a five-year period. The non-solicitation and non-compete agreement intangible asset will be amortized over a three-year period.

The Company recognized goodwill for this acquisition based on management expectation that the acquired business will improve the Company’s business in Mexico.

Arising goodwill has been allocated to the Mexican segment identified by the Company’s management, considering the synergies expected from this acquisition and it is expected that the acquiree will contribute to the earnings generation process of such segment.

Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

Acquisition of a software development company in Brazil

On April 1, 2015, through its subsidiaries Ebazar.com.br Ltda. and MercadoLivre.com Atividades de Internet Ltda, the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the company KPL Soluções Ltda., a company that develops ERP software for the e-commerce industry in Brazil.

The aggregate purchase price for the acquisition of the 100% of the acquired business was $22,685 thousands, measured at its fair value, amount that included: (i) the total cash payment of $12,529 thousands at closing day; (ii) an escrow of $3,316 thousands, and (iii) the contingent additional cash considerations up to $6,840 thousands in case the company achieves certain performance targets during the 24 months since the acquisition date, measured at fair value. Additionally, a payment of $1,584 thousands will be transferred to the sellers after the end of the second year after the acquisition date,  aiming to continue the employment relationship as key employees. This additional payment will be expensed over the 24 month-period up to fulfillment of the conditions required by the selling and purchase agreement.

The Company’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated statement of income includes the results of operations of the acquired business as from April 1, 2015. The net revenues and net loss of the acquiree included in the Company’s interim condensed consolidated statement of income since the acquisition amounted to $1,338 thousands and $343 thousands, respectively.

In addition, the Company incurred in certain direct costs of the business combination which were expensed as incurred.

As of September 30, 2015, the fair value of the contingent consideration recorded is $5,747 thousands. Contingent additional cash considerations are to be paid after the achievement of the performance targets.

The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation for the acquisition:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KPL Soluções Ltda.

In thousands of U.S. dollars

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

159 

Other net tangible assets / (liabilities)

 

 

27 

Customer lists

 

 

3,137 

Software

 

 

4,791 

Non-solicitation and Non-compete agreements

 

 

505 

Goodwill

 

 

14,066 

Purchase Price

 

$

22,685 

 

The purchase price was allocated based on the provisional measurement of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed considering the information available as of the date of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. The valuation of identifiable intangible assets acquired reflects management’s estimates based on the use of established valuation methods. Such assets consist of customer lists, software, non-solicitation and non-compete agreements for a total amount of $8,433 thousands. Management of the Company estimates that customer lists, the software and the non-solicitation and non-compete agreements will be amortized over a five-year period.

The Company recognized goodwill for this acquisition based on management expectation that the acquired business will improve the Company’s business.

 

15


 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Arising goodwill has been allocated to the Brazilian segment identified by the Company’s management, considering the synergies expected from this acquisition and it is expected that the acquiree will contribute to the earnings generation process of such segment.

Goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

Supplemental pro forma financial information required by U.S. GAAP for each acquisition, both individually and in the aggregate, was not material to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements of income of the Company and, accordingly, such information has not been presented.

Goodwill and intangible assets

The composition of goodwill and intangible assets is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

(In thousands)

Goodwill

 

$            91,857

 

$            68,829

Intangible assets with indefinite lives

 

 

 

 

— Trademarks

 

13,277 

 

10,276 

Amortizable intangible assets

 

 

 

 

— Licenses and others

 

9,415 

 

5,111 

— Non-compete / solicitation  agreement

 

1,636 

 

1,829 

— Customer lists

 

13,094 

 

11,294 

Total intangible assets

 

$            37,422

 

$            28,510

Accumulated amortization

 

(6,913)

 

(5,339)

Total intangible assets, net

 

$            30,509

 

$            23,171

 

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period ended September 30, 2015

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Brazil

 

Argentina

 

Chile

 

Mexico

 

Venezuela

 

Colombia

 

Other
Countries

 

Total

Balance, beginning of the period

 

10,557 

 

$                       11,859 

 

$                19,101 

 

$                 15,719 

 

$            5,729 

 

$              4,521 

 

$            1,343 

 

$          68,829 

- Business acquisition

 

14,066 

 

 —

 

 —

 

22,978 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

37,044 

- Effect of exchange rates changes

 

(5,838)

 

(1,012)

 

(1,951)

 

(4,083)

 

 —

 

(1,019)

 

(113)

 

(14,016)

Balance, end of the period

 

$          18,785 

 

$                       10,847 

 

$                17,150 

 

$                 34,614 

 

$            5,729 

 

$              3,502 

 

$            1,230 

 

$          91,857 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2014

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Brazil

 

Argentina

 

Chile

 

Mexico

 

Venezuela

 

Colombia

 

Other
Countries

 

Total

Balance, beginning of year

 

$           10,366 

 

$                       14,676 

 

$                  6,520 

 

$                 11,376 

 

$             5,252 

 

$              5,506 

 

$             1,405 

 

$           55,101 

- Bussiness Acquisition

 

1,538 

 

775 

 

14,710 

 

6,293 

 

477 

 

82 

 

48 

 

23,923 

- Effect of exchange rates changes

 

(1,347)

 

(3,592)

 

(2,129)

 

(1,950)

 

 —

 

(1,067)

 

(110)

 

(10,195)

Balance, end of the year

 

$           10,557 

 

$                       11,859 

 

$                19,101 

 

$                 15,719 

 

$             5,729 

 

$              4,521 

 

$             1,343 

 

$           68,829 

 

Intangible assets with definite useful life

Intangible assets with definite useful life are comprised of customer lists and user base, non-compete and solicitation agreements, acquired software licenses and other acquired intangible assets including developed technologies. Aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets totaled $909 thousands and $829 thousands for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014,

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

respectively, while for the nine-month periods ended at such dates amounted to $2,273 thousands and $1,177 thousands, respectively.

The following table summarizes the remaining amortization of intangible assets (in thousands of U.S. dollars) with definite useful life as of September 30, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

For year ended 12/31/2015

 

$                  959

For year ended 12/31/2016

 

3,836 

For year ended 12/31/2017

 

3,582 

For year ended 12/31/2018

 

2,792 

Thereafter

 

6,063 

 

 

$             17,232

 

 

5. Segment reporting

Reporting segments are based upon the Company’s internal organizational structure, the manner in which the Company’s operations are managed, the criteria used by management to evaluate the Company’s performance, the availability of separate financial information, and overall materiality considerations.

Segment reporting is based on geography as the main basis of segment breakdown to reflect the evaluation of the Company’s performance defined by the management. The Company’s segments include Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela and other countries (such as Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Bolivia, Guatemala, Peru, Portugal, Uruguay and USA).

Direct contribution consists of net revenues from external customers less direct costs and any impairment of long lived assets. Direct costs include specific costs of net revenues, sales and marketing expenses, and general and administrative expenses over which segment managers have direct discretionary control, such as advertising and marketing programs, customer support expenses, allowances for doubtful accounts, payroll, third party fees. All corporate related costs have been excluded from the Company’s direct contribution.

Expenses over which segment managers do not currently have discretionary control, such as certain technology and general and administrative costs are monitored by management through shared cost centers and are not evaluated in the measurement of segment performance.

The following tables summarize the financial performance of the Company’s reporting segments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Brazil

 

Argentina

 

Mexico

 

Venezuela

 

Other
Countries

 

Total

Net revenues

 

$             215,651 

 

$             171,496 

 

$             29,308 

 

$             28,529 

 

$             26,074 

 

$             471,058 

Direct costs

 

(127,406)

 

(92,547)

 

(21,175)

 

(10,500)

 

(16,427)

 

(268,055)

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(16,226)

 

 —

 

(16,226)

Direct contribution

 

88,245 

 

78,949 

 

8,133 

 

1,803 

 

9,647 

 

186,777 

Operating expenses and indirect costs of net revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(81,273)

Income from operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

105,504 

Other income (expenses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income and other financial gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,768 

Interest expense and other financial losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16,162)

Foreign currency loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,647)

Net income before income / asset tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$               97,463 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17


 

Table of Contents

 

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Brazil

 

Argentina

 

Mexico

 

Venezuela

 

Other
Countries

 

Total

Net revenues

 

$             194,010 

 

$             102,182 

 

$             27,304 

 

$             45,184 

 

$             26,486 

 

$             395,166 

Direct costs

 

$           (111,528)

 

$             (54,914)

 

$           (16,965)

 

$           (13,121)

 

$           (14,527)

 

$           (211,055)

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

 

$                      — 

 

$                      — 

 

$                    — 

 

$           (49,496)

 

$                    — 

 

$             (49,496)

Direct contribution

 

82,482 

 

47,268 

 

10,339 

 

(17,433)

 

11,959 

 

134,615 

Operating expenses and indirect costs of net revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(59,381)

Income from operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

75,234 

Other income (expenses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income and other financial gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,969 

Interest expense and other financial losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,718)

Foreign currency loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7,651)

Net income before income / asset tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$               71,834 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Brazil

 

Argentina

 

Mexico

 

Venezuela

 

Other
Countries

 

Total

Net revenues

 

$             74,286 

 

$             67,234 

 

$            9,880 

 

$               8,860 

 

$            8,381 

 

$             168,641 

Direct costs

 

(43,730)

 

(38,705)

 

(8,560)

 

(3,665)

 

(5,345)

 

(100,005)

Direct contribution

 

30,556 

 

28,529 

 

1,320 

 

5,195 

 

3,036 

 

68,636 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses and indirect costs of net revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(23,356)

Income from operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

45,280 

Other income (expenses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income and other financial gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,777 

Interest expense and other financial losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,011)

Foreign currency gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,570 

Net income before income / asset tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$               47,616 

 

 

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Brazil

 

Argentina

 

Mexico

 

Venezuela

 

Other
Countries

 

Total

Net revenues

 

$             78,175 

 

$             40,953 

 

$            9,851 

 

$               9,276 

 

$            9,680 

 

$             147,935 

Direct costs

 

(43,218)

 

(20,388)

 

(6,672)

 

(2,630)

 

(5,640)

 

(78,548)

Direct contribution

 

34,957 

 

20,565 

 

3,179 

 

6,646 

 

4,040 

 

69,387 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses and indirect costs of net revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(22,240)

Income from operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

47,147 

Other income (expenses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income and other financial gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,360 

Interest expense and other financial losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,913)

Foreign currency gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,220 

Net loss before income / asset tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$               51,814 

 

 

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the allocation of property and equipment, net based on geography:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

US Property and equipment, net

 

$               11,642

 

$               13,226

Other countries property and equipment, net

 

 

 

 

Argentina

 

29,775 

 

28,005 

Brazil

 

13,114 

 

8,237 

Mexico

 

2,557 

 

2,801 

Venezuela (*)

 

21,496 

 

36,237 

Other countries

 

3,926 

 

3,039 

 

 

$               70,868

 

$               78,319

Total Property and equipment, net

 

$               82,510

 

$               91,545

 

(*)  After the impairment of Venezuelan long-lived assets. See Note 2 “Foreign currency translation - Venezuelan currency status”.

 

During June 2015, our Venezuelan subsidiary acquired two offices in process of construction of a total of 475.48 square meters, in Caracas, Venezuela for a total purchase price of approximately BF$1,474 million, or $7.4 million, for investment purposes and included in non-current other assets. The Venezuelan subsidiary paid the purchase price in Bolivares Fuertes, and funded the transaction with funds from its own operations.

During August 2015, our Venezuelan subsidiary acquired an office in process of construction of a total of 309.19 square meters, in Caracas, Venezuela for a total purchase price of approximately BF$1,188 million, or $6.0 million, for investment purposes and included in non-current other assets. The Venezuelan subsidiary paid the purchase price in Bolivares Fuertes.

During September 2015, our Venezuelan subsidiary acquired an office in process of construction of a total of 169.06 square meters, in Caracas, Venezuela for a total purchase price of approximately BF$883.1 million, or $4.4 million, for investment purposes and included in non-current other assets. The Venezuelan subsidiary paid the purchase price in Bolivares Fuertes.

 

19


 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

The offices acquired during August and September 2015 were funded with funds from its own operations for an amount of BF$1,071 million, and the remaining BF$ 1,000 were funded with a mortgage loan celebrated with Banco del Caribe, C.A. Banco Universal to be paid in monthly installments during five years, and included in current and non-current liabilities under the caption “Loans payable and other financial liabilities”. The mortgage loan bears a fixed interest rate of 24% per annum. The amount of the mortgage climbs to BF$2,000 million, or $10 million as of September 30, 2015.

 

The offices will be delivered on October, 2016 according to the agreements.

 

The following table summarizes the allocation of the goodwill and intangible assets based on geography:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

US intangible assets

 

$                   268

 

$                    172

Other countries goodwill and intangible assets

 

 

 

 

Argentina

 

12,428 

 

12,580 

Brazil

 

22,096 

 

11,212 

Mexico

 

47,375 

 

21,734 

Venezuela

 

7,508 

 

7,515 

Other countries

 

32,691 

 

38,787 

 

 

$            122,098

 

$               91,828

Total goodwill and intangible assets

 

$            122,366

 

$               92,000

 

 

Consolidated net revenues by similar products and services for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-months Ended September 30,

 

Three-months Ended September 30,

Consolidated Net Revenues

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

(In thousands)

 

(In thousands)

Marketplace

 

$          286,523

 

$          271,891

 

$            98,580

 

$         96,931

Non-marketplace (*)

 

184,535 

 

123,275 

 

70,061 

 

51,004 

Total

 

$          471,058

 

$          395,166

 

$          168,641

 

$       147,935

 

(*)  Includes, among other things, Ad Sales, Real Estate, Motors, Financing Fees, Off-platform Payment Fees and other ancillary services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

6. Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in

 

 

 

 

Balances as of

 

active markets for

 

Significant other

 

Balances as of

 

active markets for

 

Significant other

 

 

September 30,

 

identical Assets

 

observable inputs

 

December 31,

 

identical Assets

 

observable inputs

Description

 

2015

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

2014

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

 

(In thousands)

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Money Market Funds

 

$                53,793 

 

$                     53,793 

 

 —

 

$                    37,495 

 

$                      37,495 

 

$                           — 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Sovereign Debt Securities

 

483 

 

483 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Corporate Debt Securities

 

20,193 

 

 —

 

20,193 

 

13,004 

 

108 

 

12,896 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Sovereign Debt Securities

 

58,968 

 

54,682 

 

4,286 

 

49,150 

 

49,150 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Corporate Debt Securities

 

231,408 

 

140,651 

 

90,757 

 

238,643 

 

59,919 

 

178,724 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Certificates of deposits

 

9,516 

 

 —

 

9,516 

 

7,807 

 

 —

 

7,807 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Financial Assets

 

$              374,361 

 

$                   249,609 

 

$                  124,752 

 

$                  346,099 

 

$                    146,672 

 

$                  199,427 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Contingent considerations

 

$                11,395 

 

$                            — 

 

$                    11,395 

 

$                      4,833 

 

$                             — 

 

$                      4,833 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Financial Liabilities

 

$                11,395 

 

$                            — 

 

$                    11,395 

 

$                      4,833 

 

$                             — 

 

$                      4,833 

 

 

As of September 30, 2015, the Company’s financial assets valued at fair value consisted of assets valued using i) Level 1 inputs: unadjusted quoted prices in active markets (Level 1 instrument valuations are obtained from observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets in active markets); and ii) Level 2 inputs, which are obtained from readily-available pricing sources for comparable instruments as well as instruments with inactive markets at the measurement date. As of September 30, 2015, the Company did not have any assets without market values that would require a high level of judgment to determine fair value (Level 3).

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company´s liabilities valued at fair value consisted of contingent considerations from acquisitions valued using level 2 inputs.

The unrealized net gains or loss on short term and long term investments are reported as a component of other comprehensive income. The Company does not anticipate any significant realized losses associated with those investments in excess of the Company’s historical cost.

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the carrying value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at amortized cost approximated their fair value mainly because of its short term maturity. These assets and liabilities included cash and cash equivalents (excluding money markets funds), accounts receivables, credit card receivables, funds payable to customers, other receivables, other assets, accounts payables, social security payables, taxes payables, provisions and other liabilities. The convertible senior notes, the rest of the loans payable and other financial liabilities approximate their fair value because the interest rates are not materially different from market interest rates.

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

In addition, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had $53,856 thousands and $58,475 thousands of short-term investments, respectively, which consisted of time deposits.

Those investments are accounted for at amortized cost which, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, approximates their fair values.

The following table summarizes the fair value level for those financial assets and liabilities of the Company measured at amortized cost as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances as of

 

Significant other

 

Balances as of

 

Significant other

 

 

September 30,

 

observable inputs

 

December 31,

 

observable inputs

 

 

2015

 

(Level 2)

 

2014

 

(Level 2)

 

 

(In thousands)

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Time Deposits

 

$                53,856 

 

$                     53,856 

 

$                    58,475 

 

$                    58,475 

  Accounts receivable

 

54,551 

 

54,551 

 

46,672 

 

46,672 

  Credit Cards receivable

 

187,566 

 

187,566 

 

85,162 

 

85,162 

  Other assets

 

43,088 

 

43,088 

 

37,718 

 

37,718 

Total Assets

 

$              339,061 

 

$                   339,061 

 

$                  228,027 

 

$                  228,027 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

$                75,820 

 

$                     75,820 

 

$                    58,006 

 

$                    58,006 

  Funds payable to customers

 

219,751 

 

219,751 

 

165,034 

 

165,034 

  Salaries and social security payable

 

22,806 

 

22,806 

 

18,835 

 

18,835 

  Tax payable

 

21,593 

 

21,593 

 

26,013 

 

26,013 

  Dividends payable

 

4,548 

 

4,548 

 

7,330 

 

7,330 

  Loans payable and other financial liabilities

 

297,020 

 

297,020 

 

283,826 

 

283,826 

  Other liabilities

 

7,039 

 

7,039 

 

5,524 

 

5,524 

Total Liabilities

 

$              648,577 

 

$                   648,577 

 

$                  564,568 

 

$                  564,568 

 

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company held no direct investments in auction rate securities, collateralized debt obligations or structured investment vehicles, and does not have any non-financial assets or liabilities measured at fair value.

 

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of money market funds, short and long-term investments classified as available for sale securities are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2015

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Cost

 

Gross Unrealized Gains

 

Gross Unrealized Losses (1)

 

Estimated Fair Value

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds

 

$                     53,793 

 

$                    — 

 

$                        — 

 

$                          53,793 

Sovereign Debt Securities

 

487 

 

 —

 

(4)

 

483 

Corporate Debt Securities

 

20,184 

 

16 

 

(7)

 

20,193 

Total Cash and cash equivalents

 

$                     74,464 

 

$                    16 

 

$                       (11)

 

$                          74,469 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign Debt Securities

 

$                     13,851 

 

$                      9 

 

$                        — 

 

$                          13,860 

Corporate Debt Securities

 

94,341 

 

14 

 

(71)

 

94,284 

Certificates of deposits

 

6,014 

 

 

(1)

 

6,015 

Total Short-term investments

 

$                   114,206 

 

$                    25 

 

$                       (72)

 

$                        114,159 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign Debt Securities

 

$                     44,945 

 

$                  195 

 

$                       (32)

 

$                          45,108 

Corporate Debt Securities

 

137,310 

 

188 

 

(374)

 

137,124 

Certificates of deposits

 

3,500 

 

 

 —

 

3,501 

Total Long-term investments

 

$                   185,755 

 

$                  384 

 

$                     (406)

 

$                        185,733 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$                   374,425 

 

$                  425 

 

$                     (489)

 

$                        374,361 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Cost

 

Gross Unrealized Gains

 

Gross Unrealized Losses (1)

 

Estimated Fair Value

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Funds

 

$                     37,531 

 

$                      2 

 

$                       (38)

 

$                          37,495 

Corporate Debt Securities

 

13,009 

 

 —

 

(5)

 

13,004 

Total Cash and cash equivalents

 

$                     50,540 

 

$                      2 

 

$                       (43)

 

$                          50,499 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign Debt Securities

 

$                       4,726 

 

$                    — 

 

$                         (4)

 

$                            4,722 

Corporate Debt Securities

 

81,886 

 

 —

 

(75)

 

81,811 

Certificates of deposit

 

3,802 

 

 

(1)

 

3,802 

Total Short-term investments

 

$                     90,414 

 

$                      1 

 

$                       (80)

 

$                          90,335 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign Debt Securities

 

$                     44,511 

 

$                    — 

 

$                       (83)

 

$
44,428 

Corporate Debt Securities

 

157,205 

 

22 

 

(395)

 

156,832 

Certificates of deposit

 

4,007 

 

 —

 

(2)

 

4,005 

Total Long-term investments

 

$
205,723 

 

$
22 

 

$
(480)

 

$
205,265 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$
346,677 

 

$
25 

 

$
(603)

 

$
346,099 

 

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(1)

Unrealized losses from securities are primarily attributable to market price movements. Management does not believe any remaining unrealized losses represent other-than-temporary impairments based on the evaluation of available evidence including the credit rating of the investments, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 

The material portion of the Sovereign Debt Securities is U.S. Treasury Notes with no significant risk associated.

As of September 30, 2015, the estimated fair values (in thousands of U.S. dollars) of money market funds, short-term and long-term investments classified by its effective maturities are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

One year or less

 

188,628 

One year to two years

 

102,532 

Two years to three years

 

56,139 

Three years to four years

 

11,310 

Four years to five years

 

15,752 

Total

$

374,361 

 

7. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation and Other Legal Matters

The Company is subject to certain contingent liabilities with respect to existing or potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings. The Company accrues liabilities when it considers probable that future costs will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. The proceeding-related reserve is based on developments to date and historical information related to actions filed against the Company. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had established reserves for proceeding-related contingencies of $1,641 thousands to cover legal actions against the Company in which its Management has assessed the likelihood of a final adverse outcome as probable. In addition, as of September 30, 2015 the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to certain legal actions considered by the Company’s management and its legal counsels to be reasonably possible for an aggregate amount up to $3,413 thousands. 

As of September 30, 2015, there were 49 lawsuits pending against the Argentine subsidiary in the Argentine ordinary courts and 965 pending claims in the Argentine Consumer Protection Agencies, where a lawyer is not required to file or pursue a claim.

As of September 30, 2015there were two claims pending against the Mexican subsidiaries in the Mexican ordinary courts and 73 claims pending against our Mexican subsidiary in the Mexican Consumer Protection Agencies, where a lawyer is not required to file or pursue a claim.

As of September 30, 2015, there were 646 lawsuits pending against the Brazilian subsidiaries in the Brazilian ordinary courts. In addition, as of September 30, 2015, there were 2,561 lawsuits pending against the Brazilian subsidiaries in the Brazilian consumer courts, where a lawyer is not required to file or pursue a claim. In most of these cases, the plaintiffs asserted that the Company was responsible for fraud committed against them, or responsible for damages suffered when purchasing an item on our website, when using MercadoPago, or when the Company invoiced them. Management believes that the Company has meritorious defenses to these claims and intends to continue defending them.

No loss amount has been accrued for such reasonably possible legal actions. The most significant legal actions (individually or in the aggregate) are described below.

 

On August 25, 2010, Citizen Watch do Brasil S/A, or Citizen, sued Brazilian subsidiaries in the 31th Central Civil Court State of São Paulo, Brazil. Citizen alleged that the Brazilian subsidiaries were infringing Citizen’s trademarks as a result of users selling allegedly counterfeit Citizen watches through the Brazilian page of the Brazilian subsidiaries’ website. Citizen sought an order enjoining the sale of Citizen-branded watches on the Brazilian subsidiaries’ Marketplace with a $6,000 daily non-compliance penalty. On September 23, 2010, the Brazilian subsidiaries were summoned of an injunction granted to prohibit the offer of Citizen products on its platform, but the penalty was established at $6,000 per day. On September 26, 2010, the Brazilian subsidiaries presented their defense and appealed the decision of the injunction relief to the State Court of Appeals of São Paulo on September 27, 2010. On October 22, 2010 the injunction granted to Citizen was suspended. On March 23, 2011, the Company’s appeal regarding the injunction granted to Citizen was ruled in favor of the Brazilian subsidiaries. On May 4, 2011, Citizen presented a motion to clarify the decision but it was dismissed on March 14, 2012. On May 28, 2012, the Plaintiff filed a special recourse related to the injunction relief to the State Court of Appeals, and the Brazilian subsidiaries presented their defense on August 16, 2012 which was not admitted. In September 2012, the Plaintiff filed a legal action against the Brazilian subsidiaries

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

with same arguments alleged in the injunction request and seeking for compensatory and statutory damages and defenses were presented on March 20, 2013. On January 9, 2013, Citizen presented a motion to request the appeal to be ruled by the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice (Superior Tribunal de Justiça). On March 1, 2013, the Company presented its response to that appeal. On August 27, 2013, the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice ruled against Citizen’s appeal. The Superior Court of Justice ruled that the Brazilian subsidiaries were not responsible for alleged infringement of intellectual property rights by its users and that they should comply with the “notice and take down” procedure it already have in place.

 

On October 4, 2013, Citizen presented a motion to clarify mentioned decision issued by the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice and such motion was denied on November 11, 2013. Citizen then filed, on November 25, 2013, an Extraordinary Appeal aiming the decision rendered by Brazilian Superior Court of Justice to be reviewed by Brazilian Federal Supreme Court. On February 21, 2014, Brazilian subsidiaries presented its response to Citizen’s Extraordinary Appeal. On March 10, 2014, Citizen’s extraordinary appeal was not accepted by the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice and, on March 26, 2014, Citizen filed an appeal against such decision, aiming at its Extraordinary Appeal to be accepted and ruled by Brazilian Federal Supreme Court. On May 5, 2014 the Company presented its response to Citizen’s appeal to The Brazilian Federal Supreme Court. On December, 19, 2014 Brazilian Federal Supreme Court overruled Citizen’s Extraordinary Appeal, ending the discussion regarding the injunction sought by Citizen which was definitely not granted. On February 19, 2015 the judge presiding the 31st Central Civil Court of the City of São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil ruled the case in its merits totally in favor of the Brazilian subsidiary, stating that MercadoLivre shall not be held responsible for any of Citizen’s pleas and allegations. Citizen did not appeal the mentioned decision and, as a consequence, the case is closed. On the merits of the injunction is still pending. In the opinion of the Company’s management and its legal counsel the risk of loss is therefore remote.

State of São Paulo Fraud Claim

On June 12, 2007, a state prosecutor of the State of São Paulo, Brazil presented a claim against MercadoLivre. The state prosecutor alleges that MercadoLivre should be held liable for any fraud committed by sellers on MercadoLivre’s website, or responsible for damages suffered by buyers when purchasing an item on the Brazilian version of the MercadoLivre website. On June 26, 2009, the Lower Court Judge ruled in favor of the State of São Paulo prosecutor, declaring that MercadoLivre shall be held joint and severally liable for fraud committed by sellers and damages suffered by buyers when using the website, and ordering MercadoLivre remove from the Terms of Service of the Brazilian website any provision limiting MercadoLivre’s responsibility, with a penalty of approximately $2,500 per day of non-compliance. On June 29, 2009, the Company presented recourse to the lower court, which was not granted. On September 29, 2009, MercadoLivre presented an appeal and requested to suspend the effects of the ruling issued by the lower court until the appeal is decided by State Court of Appeals, which request was granted on December 1, 2009. On May 23, 2014 the State Court of Appeals issued its ruling stating that MercadoLivre shall not be held responsible for the quality, nature or defective products or services purchased through the Brazilian website. While the decision is not clear, it could be understood that the State Court of Appeals ruled that MercadoLivre could be held joint and severally liable for fraud committed by sellers buyers when using the website. On June 13, 2014, MercadoLivre filed a motion to clarify the decision. On October 6, 2014, the State Court of Appeals overruled MercadoLivre’s motion to clarify its decision. The Company appealed the decision to the Brazilian Federal Superior Court of Justice. As of the date of this report the Company appeal to the Brazilian Federal Superior Court of Justice was still being processed before the State Court of Appeals. On March 23, 2015 the State of São Paulo Prosecutor and MercadoLivre have settled the case by agreeing that MercadoLivre (i) will not be held liable for the quality, nature or defective products or services purchased through the Brazilian website, and/or damages suffered by buyers for purchases made using the website and paid directly to sellers, and (ii) will be jointly liable when buyer used MercadoPago in a purchase made through the website and liable for MercadoLivre’s own services. On July 15, 2015, the settlement was homologated and therefore the case is closed as of the date of these interim condensed financial statements.

City of São Paulo Tax Claim

In 2007 São Paulo tax authorities have asserted taxes and fines against our Brazilian subsidiary relating to the period from 2005 to 2007 in an approximate amount of $5.9 million according to the exchange rate in effect at that time. In 2007, the Company presented administrative defenses against the authorities’ claim and the tax authorities ruled against the Brazilian subsidiary. In 2009, the Company presented an appeal to the Conselho Municipal de Tributos or São Paulo Municipal Council of Taxes which reduced the fine. On February 11, 2011, the Company appealed this decision to the Câmaras Reunidas do Egrégio Conselho Municipal de Tributos or Superior Chamber of the São Paulo Municipal Council of Taxes which affirmed the reduction of the fine. As of the date of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements, the total amount of the claim is approximately $5.8 million including surcharges and interest. With this decision the administrative stage is finished. On August 15, 2011, the Company made a deposit in court of approximately R$ 9.5 million, which including accrued interests amounted to R$ 12.4 million or $3.1 million, according to the exchange rate at September 30, 2015, and filed a lawsuit in 8th Public Treasury Court of the

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

County of São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil, to contest the taxes and fines asserted by the Tax Authorities. As of September 30, 2015, the 8th Public Treasury Court of the County of São Paulo ruling was still pending.

In September 2012 São Paulo tax authorities have asserted taxes and fines against our Brazilian subsidiary related to our Brazilian subsidiary’s activities in São Paulo for the period from 2007 through 2010. On July 27, 2012, the Company presented administrative defenses against the authorities’ claim. On February 2, 2013, São Paulo tax authorities ruled against the Brazilian subsidiary maintaining claimed taxes and fines. On March 4, 2013, the Company presented an appeal to the Conselho Municipal de Tributos or São Paulo Municipal Council of Taxes. On August 23, 2013, the Câmaras Reunidas do Egrégio Conselho Municipal de Tributos or Superior Chamber of the São Paulo Municipal Council of Taxes ruled against the Company’s appeal. On September 5, 2013, the Company presented a special appeal to the Superior Chamber of the São Paulo Municipal Council of Taxes. On October 18, 2013, the mentioned appeal was denied to our Brazilian subsidiary and confirmed the fines. With this decision the administrative stage is finished. On November 13, 2013, the Company filed a lawsuit before the 9th Treasury Court of the City of São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil, to contest the taxes and fines asserted by the Tax Authorities. On November 14, 2013, the Company made a deposit in court related to the lawsuit filed, of approximately R$41 million or $10.3 million, according to the exchange rate at September 30, 2015. On January 28, 2014 São Paulo Municipal Council was summoned and on April 8, 2014 the São Paulo Municipal Council presented its defense. On April 24, 2014 the Company presented its response to the mentioned defense. As of September 30, 2015, the lower court’s ruling was still pending.

In January 2005 the Brazilian subsidiary moved its operations to Santana de Parnaíba City, Brazil and began paying taxes to that jurisdiction and therefore the Company believes that has strong defenses to the claims of the São Paulo authorities with respect to these periods.

The Company’s management and its legal counsel believe that the risk of loss is remote, and as a result, has not reserved any provisions for these claims.

The collection date of the legal deposits cannot be determined since it will depend on the actual duration of the related legal proceedings.

Brazilian Federal Tax Claims

On September 2, 2011, the Brazilian Federal tax authority has asserted taxes and fines against our Brazilian subsidiary relating to the income tax for the 2006 period in an approximate amount of R$6.2 million or $1.6 million, according to the exchange rate at September 30, 2015. On September 30, 2011 the Company presented administrative defenses against the authorities’ claim. On August 24, 2012 the Company presented its appeal to the Board of Tax Appeals (CARF — Conselho Administrativo de Recursos Fiscais) against the tax authorities’ claims. On December 5, 2013, the Board of Tax Appeals ruled against MercadoLivre’s appeal. As of the date of issuance of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements the Superior Administrative Court of Tax Appeals ruling was still pending. The Company’s management and its legal counsel believe that the tax position adopted is more likely than not, based on the technical merits of the tax position, that it will be sustained, and as a result, the Company has not recorded any liability for this claim.

 

State of Rio de Janeiro Customer Service Level Claim

On August 19, 2011, a state prosecutor of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil presented a claim against the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary. The state prosecutor alleges that the Brazilian subsidiary should improve our customer service level and provide (among other things) a telephone number for customer support and requested an injunction against our Brazilian subsidiary. On October 22, 2012, a lower court judge ruled in favor of the Company and dismissed the claim against the Company. The Public Prosecutor appealed the decision and the Company presented its defense on December 12, 2012. On April 9, 2013, the State Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Company confirming the dismissal of the claim. On May 28, 2013 the decision was appealed by the state prosecutor to the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice and the Company presented its response on July 2, 2013. On May 5, 2015 the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice did not accept the extraordinary appeal filed by the Public Prosecutor. The Public Prosecutor filed an appeal against such decision, aiming the appeal to be accepted and ruled by Brazilian Federal Supreme Court, which was not accepted on June 16, 2015. The state prosecutor filed the last  appeal, which awaits trial.  In the opinion of the Company’s management and its legal counsel the risk of loss is remote.

State of Rio Grande do Sul Service Claim

On November 20, 2013, a state prosecutor of the County of Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, presented a claim against our Brazilian subsidiary before the 15th Civil Court of Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The state prosecutor alleged that MercadoLivre should be held liable for any offer or sale of any unlawful products or services through its website. A preliminary injunction was granted on November 25, 2013 ordering the Brazilian subsidiary to monitor and prevent any offer of unlawful products or services. On January 22, 2014, the Brazilian subsidiary was summoned. On March 11, 2014, the

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Company presented its defense. On March 24, 2014, the Company filed an appeal against the preliminary injunction before the State Court of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and on March 26, 2014 it was granted a motion to stay, revoking temporarily the effects of the injunction until the final ruling of the Interlocutory Appeal. On October 16, 2014, the State Court of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, ruled the Interlocutory Appeal in favor of the Brazilian subsidiary, revoking definitely the injunction. As of the date of issuance of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements the case merits’ ruling by the 15th Civil Court of Porto Alegre was still pending. In the opinion of the Company’s management the risk of losing the case is reasonably possible, but not probable.

Argentine Labor Union Claim

On September 29, 2014, the Argentina Commercial Labor Union “Federación Argentina de Empleados de Comercio y Servicios” (“Sindicato de Comercio” or the “Plaintiff”) filed a lawsuit against our Argentine subsidiary, MercadoLibre S.R.L. (“MercadoLibre” or the “Company”), in the First Instance National Court on Labor Matters Number Fifty Eight of Buenos Aires, Argentina (the “Court”). The Plaintiff seeks the payment of allegedly unpaid monthly obligations due for employees for the last 10 years, for AR$ 3.2 million or $0.43 million plus interests and legal expenses. On August 12, 2015 the Company has settled the case in the amount of ARS 2.4 million plus interest and legal expenses. As a consequence, as of September 30, 2015, this case is closed.

Other third parties have from time to time claimed, and others may claim in the future, that the Company was responsible for fraud committed against them, or that the Company has infringed their intellectual property rights. The underlying laws with respect to the potential liability of online intermediaries like the Company are unclear in the jurisdictions where the Company operates. Management believes that additional lawsuits alleging that the Company has violated copyright or trademark laws will be filed against the Company in the future.

Intellectual property and regulatory claims, whether meritorious or not, are time consuming and costly to resolve, require significant amounts of management time, could require expensive changes in the Company’s methods of doing business, or could require the Company to enter into costly royalty or licensing agreements. The Company may be subject to patent disputes, and be subject to patent infringement claims as the Company’s services expand in scope and complexity. In particular, the Company may face additional patent infringement claims involving various aspects of the payments businesses.

From time to time, the Company is involved in other disputes or regulatory inquiries that arise in the ordinary course of business. The number and significance of these disputes and inquiries are increasing as the Company’s business expands and the Company grows larger.

 

8. Long term retention plan (“LTRP”)

 

The following table summarizes  the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 long term retention plan accrued compensation expense for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

2015 (*)

 

2014 (*)

 

 

2015 (*) (**)

 

2014 (*)

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

(In thousands)

LTRP 2009

 

$                     7

 

$                45

 

 

$              (301)

 

$                484

LTRP 2010

 

274 

 

305 

 

 

(237)

 

495 

LTRP 2011

 

365 

 

459 

 

 

(222)

 

516 

LTRP 2012

 

496 

 

663 

 

 

(211)

 

573 

LTRP 2013

 

1,762 

 

2,319 

 

 

(276)

 

1,280 

LTRP 2014

 

2,216 

 

2,522 

 

 

90 

 

1,033 

LTRP 2015

 

2,912 

 

 —

 

 

2,912 

 

 —

Total

 

$              8,032

 

$           6,311

 

 

$            1,755

 

$             4,380

 

(*) (Gain) / Loss

(**) For the three-month period ended September 30, 2015, the table above shows a negative change of compensation costs for LTRP 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 as a consequence of a decrease in the Company’s stock price during the quarter.

 

On August 4, 2015, the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, adopted the 2015 Long-Term Retention Plan (“2015 LTRP”). In order to receive an award under the 2015 LTRP, each eligible employee must satisfy the

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

performance conditions established by the Board of Directors for such employee. The awards under 2015 LTRP are payable in cash, common stock or a combination thereof, in addition to the annual salary and bonus of each employee. The Company has granted the right to any LTRP participant to request settlement in cash. If these conditions are satisfied, the eligible employee will, subject to his or her continued employment as of each applicable payment date, receive the full amount of his or her 2015 LTRP bonus, payable as follows:

· the eligible employee will receive a fixed payment equal to 8.333% of his or her 2015 LTRP bonus once a year for a period of six years starting in March 2016; and

· on each date the Company pays the Annual Fixed Payment to the officer, he or she will also receive a payment equal to the product of (i) 8.333% of the applicable 2015 LTRP bonus and (ii) the quotient of (a) divided by (b), where (a), the numerator, equals the Applicable Year Stock Price (as defined below) and (b), the denominator, equals the 2014 Stock Price (as defined below). For purposes of the 2015 LTRP, the “2014 Stock Price” shall equal $127.29 (the average closing price of the Company´s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market during the final 60-trading days of 2014) and the “Applicable Year Stock Price” shall equal the average closing price of the Company´s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market during the final 60-trading days of the year preceding the applicable payment date for so long as the Company´s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ.

Additionally, on the same date, the Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, approved an amendment of each of the Company´s 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 2013 and 2014 Long Term Retention Plans (“LTRPs”), effective as of January 1, 2015. These LTRPs were amended to (a) revise the prior LTRPs’ definition of the term “Market Value” to distinguish between a Change in Control (as defined in the amended LTRPs) in which the Company is the surviving entity and those transactions in which it is not the surviving entity and (b) include special payment rules in the case of participants who experience a Covered Termination within 120 days before a Change in Control or after a Change in Control. These amendments are also included in the 2015 LTRP described above.

Under these amendments, (a) each participant should receive a single payment equal to fifty percent (50%) of the Award payments scheduled to be paid after a Change in Control (based on the Market Value on the date the Change in Control occurs), and (b) each award payment scheduled to be paid after the Change in Control shall be reduced by fifty percent (50%), to reflect the single payment, and should continue to be paid on March 31 every year. As of the date of issuance of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements, the probability of a Change in Control is remote. According to the amended Change in Control provision, the effects of the acceleration in vesting shall be recorded once the Change in Control event becomes probable.

 

9. 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2019

The following table presents the carrying amounts of the liability and equity components related to the 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2019 as of September 30, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2015

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

(In thousands)

Amount of the equity component (1)

$

45,808 

 

$

45,808 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.25% convertible senior notes due 2019

$

330,000 

 

$

330,000 

Unamortized debt discount (2)

 

(36,401)

 

 

(42,844)

Unamortized transaction costs related to the debt component

 

(5,621)

 

 

(6,526)

Contractual coupon interest accrual

 

5,569 

 

 

3,733 

Contractual coupon interest payment

 

(3,713)

 

 

(3,733)

Net carrying amount

$

289,834 

 

$

280,630 

 

(1)

Net of $1,177 thousands of transaction costs related to the equity component of the Notes.

(2)

As of September 30, 2015, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 3.75 years.

 

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

The following table presents the interest expense for the contractual interest and the accretion of debt discount:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month period ended September 30,

 

Three-month period ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Contractual coupon interest expense

$

5,569 

 

$

1,856 

 

$

1,856 

 

$

1,856 

Amortization of debt discount

 

6,443 

 

 

2,071 

 

 

2,187 

 

 

2,071 

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

905 

 

 

282 

 

 

312 

 

 

282 

Total interest expense related to Notes

$

12,917 

 

$

4,209 

 

$

4,355 

 

$

4,209 

 

 

10. Cash Dividend Distribution

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Company approved cash dividends for a total amount of $29,318 thousands or $0.664 per share, which had all been paid as of the year-end, except for the one approved in October 2014, consisting of $7,330 thousands (or $0.166 per share), which was paid on January 15, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2014.

In each of February, April, July and October of 2014, our Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $7,330 thousands (or $0.166 per share on our outstanding shares of common stock). The dividends were paid on April 15,  July 15October 15, 2014 and January 15, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 29,  June 30September 30, and December 31, 2014.

On February 24, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $4,548 thousands (or $0.103 per share) on the outstanding shares of the Company´s common stock. The first quarterly dividend was paid on April 15, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 31, 2015. 

On April 30, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $4,548 thousands (or $0.103 per share), payable to holders of the Company's common stock. This quarterly cash dividend was paid on July 15, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 30, 2015.

On August 4, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $4,548 (or $0.103 per share) on our outstanding shares of Company’s common stock. This quarterly cash dividend was paid on October 15, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 30, 2015.

On November 3, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $4,548 (or $0.103 per share) on our outstanding shares of Company’s common stock. This quarterly cash dividend will be paid on January 15, 2016 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2015.

 

 

11. New Law of “Costs, Earnings, and Fair Profits”

In November 2013 the Venezuelan Congress approved an “enabling law” granting the president of Venezuela the authority to enact laws and regulations in certain policy areas by decree. This authority includes the ability to restrict profit margins and impose greater controls on foreign exchange and the production, import, and distribution of certain goods. Among other actions, the president has used this decree power to pass the Law of Costs, Earnings, and Fair Profits, which became effective in January 2014 and, among other provisions, authorizes the Venezuelan government to set “fair prices” and maximum profit margins in the private sector. On October 26, 2015, the decree number 2,074 was published in the Official Gazette of Venezuela, establishing certain definitions related to the determination of prices in that country.

Management of the Company is analyzing the potential effects of this law together with the new implementation Decree issued by the Venezuelan Government.

 

 

 

 

 

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Item 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements regarding our future performance made or implied in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “project,” “should,” “may,” “could,” “will” and similar words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate to information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, industry environment, potential growth opportunities, future economic, political and social conditions in the countries in which we operate the effects of future regulation and the effects of competition. Such forward-looking statements reflect, among other things, our current expectations, plans, projections and strategies, anticipated financial results, future events and financial trends affecting our business, all of which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors (in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this report) that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things:

·

our expectations regarding the continued growth of online commerce and Internet usage in Latin America;

·

our ability to expand our operations and adapt to rapidly changing technologies;

·

government and central bank regulations;

·

litigation and legal liability;

·

systems interruptions or failures;

·

our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;

·

consumer trends;

·

security breaches and illegal uses of our services;

·

competition;

·

reliance on third-party service providers;

·

enforcement of intellectual property rights;

·

our ability to attract new customers, retain existing customers and increase revenues;

·

seasonal fluctuations; and

·

political, social and economic conditions in Latin America in general, and Venezuela and Argentina in particular, including Venezuela’s status as a highly inflationary economy for generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), and possible future currency devaluation and other changes to its exchange rate systems such as the “Sistema Marginal de Divisas” (“SIMADI”), and the Argentine government’s default of certain government bonds and possible further devaluations of the Argentine Peso.

Many of these risks are beyond our ability to control or predict. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such risk factors on our Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

These statements are based on currently available information and our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. While we believe that our assumptions, expectations and projections are reasonable in view of the currently available information, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are subject to future events, risks and uncertainties – many of which are beyond our control - as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and projections. Some of the material risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and projections are described in “Item 1A — Risk Factors” in Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)   on February   27 , 2015 , as updated by those described in “Item 1A — Risk Factors” in Part II of our Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2015, June 30, 2015, and this report and in other reports we file from time to time with the SEC.

You should read that information in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 2 of Part I of this report, our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes in Item 1 of Part I of this report and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes in Item 8 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. We note such information for investors as permitted by the

 

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Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. There also may be other factors that we cannot anticipate or that are not described in this report, generally because they are unknown to us or we do not perceive them to be a material risk that could cause results to differ materially from our expectations at this time.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update these forward-looking statements except as may be required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our periodic filings with the SEC.

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations has been organized to present the following:

·

a brief overview of our company;

·

a  discussion of our principal trends and results of operations for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014;

·

a  review of our financial presentation and accounting policies, including our critical accounting policies;

·

a  discussion of the principal factors that influence our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity;

·

a  discussion of our liquidity and capital resources, a discussion of our capital expenditures and a description of our non-GAAP financial measures; and

·

a  discussion of the market risks that we face.

Business Overview

MercadoLibre, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries “us”, “we”, “our” or the “Company”) hosts the largest online commerce platform in Latin America, which is focused on enabling e-commerce and its related services. Our platforms are designed to provide our users with a complete portfolio of services facilitating e-commerce transactions. We are market leaders in e-commerce in each of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, based on unique visitors and page views. We also operate online commerce platforms in the Dominican Republic, Panama, Portugal, Bolivia and Guatemala.

Through our online commerce platform, we provide buyers and sellers with a robust online commerce environment that fosters the development of a large and growing e-commerce community in Latin America, a region with a population of over 605 million people and one of the fastest-growing Internet penetration rates in the world. We believe that we offer a technological and commercial solution that addresses the distinctive cultural and geographic challenges of operating an online commerce platform in Latin America.

We offer our users an eco-system of six related e-commerce services: the MercadoLibre Marketplace, the MercadoLibre Classifieds service, the MercadoPago payments solution, the MercadoLibre Advertising program, the MercadoShops online webstores solutions and the MercadoEnvios shipping service.

The MercadoLibre Marketplace, which we sometimes refer to as our marketplace, is a fully-automated, topically-arranged and user-friendly online commerce service. This service permits both businesses and individuals to list general merchandising items and conduct their sales and purchases online in either a fixed-price or auction-based format. Any Internet user in the countries in which we operate can browse through the various products that are listed on our website and register with the MercadoLibre Marketplace to list, bid for and purchase such items and services.

To complement the MercadoLibre Marketplace, we developed MercadoPago, an integrated online payments solution. MercadoPago is designed to facilitate transactions both on and off the MercadoLibre Marketplace by providing a mechanism that allows our users to securely, easily and promptly send, receive and finance payments online.

Through online classified listings in the motors, real estate and services categories, our users can offer for sale and generate leads on listings in these non-general merchandising categories.

As a further enhancement to the MercadoLibre Marketplace, we developed our MercadoLibre Advertising program to enable businesses to promote their products and services on the Internet. Through MercadoLibre Advertising, users and advertisers are able to place display and/or text advertisements on our web pages in order to promote their brands and offerings. MercadoLibre Advertising offers advertisers a cost-efficient and automated platform that enables advertisers to acquire traffic through advertisements placed on our platform. Advertisers purchase, on a cost per click basis, advertising space that appears around product search results for specific categories and other pages. These advertising placements are clearly differentiated from product search results and direct traffic both to and from our platform depending on the advertiser.

 

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Additionally, during 2010, we launched the MercadoShops online webstores solution. Through MercadoShops users can set-up, manage and promote their own online webstores. These webstores are hosted by MercadoLibre and offer integration with the other marketplace, payments and advertising services we offer. Users can choose from a basic, free webstore or pay monthly subscriptions for enhanced functionality and value-added services on their webstores.

To close out our suite of e-commerce services, we launched the MercadoEnvios shipping solution in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and Colombia. Through this solution, we offer cost-efficient integration with existing logistics and shipping carriers to sellers on our platforms. Sellers opting into the program are able to offer a uniform and seamlessly integrated shipping experience to their buyers.

 

 Reporting Segments and Geographic Information

Our segment reporting is based on geography, which is the current criterion we are using to evaluate our segment performance. Our geographic segments include Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico and other countries (including Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Bolivia, Guatemala, Uruguay and the United States of America (real estate classifieds in the State of Florida only)). 

The following table sets forth the percentage of our consolidated net revenues by segment for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Three-month Periods Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(% of total consolidated net revenues) (*)

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Brazil

 

45.8 

%

 

49.1 

%

 

44.0 

%

 

52.8 

%

Argentina

 

36.4 

 

 

25.9 

 

 

39.9 

 

 

27.7 

 

Mexico

 

6.2 

 

 

6.9 

 

 

5.9 

 

 

6.7 

 

Venezuela

 

6.1 

 

 

11.4 

 

 

5.3 

 

 

6.3 

 

Other Countries

 

5.5 

 

 

6.7 

 

 

5.0 

 

 

6.5 

 

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts.

The following table summarizes the changes in our net revenues by segment for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

Three-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

 

September 30,

to 2015 (*)

 

September 30,

to 2015 (*)

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

 

Net Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brazil

 

$        215.7

 

$        194.0

 

$          21.6

 

11.2 

%

 

$           74.3

 

$          78.2

 

$           (3.9)

 

(5.0)

%

Argentina

 

171.5 

 

102.2 

 

69.3 

 

67.8 

 

 

67.2 

 

41.0 

 

26.3 

 

64.2 

 

Mexico

 

29.3 

 

27.3 

 

2.0 

 

7.3 

 

 

9.9 

 

9.9 

 

0.0 

 

0.3 

 

Venezuela

 

28.5 

 

45.2 

 

(16.7)

 

(36.9)

(**)

 

8.9 

 

9.3 

 

(0.4)

 

(4.5)

 

Other Countries

 

26.1 

 

26.5 

 

(0.4)

 

(1.6)

 

 

8.4 

 

9.7 

 

(1.3)

 

(13.4)

(***)

Total Net Revenues

 

$        471.1

 

$        395.2

 

$          75.9

 

19.2 

%

 

$         168.6

 

$        147.9

 

$          20.7

 

14.0 

%

 

(*)    Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts rather than rounded amounts that appear in the table. The table above may not total due to rounding.

(**)  See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates - Foreign Currency Translation”.

(***) Decrease related to local currency devaluation.

 

 

 

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Recent Developments of the quarter

Income Tax Holiday in Argentina

On September 17, 2015, the Argentine Industry Secretary issued Resolution 1041/2015 approving the Company’s application for eligibility under the new Argentine software development law. As a result, the Company’s Argentine subsidiary has been granted a tax holiday retroactive from September 18, 2014. A portion of the benefits available to beneficiaries of the new law is a relief of 60% of total income tax related to software development activities and a 70% relief in payroll taxes related to software development activities.

The new software development law, which provides that beneficiaries must meet certain on-going eligibility requirements, will expire on December 31, 2019. As a result of the Company’s eligibility under the new law, it recorded a one-time income tax gain of approximately $16 million in the third quarter of 2015, corresponding $5.6 million to the income tax benefit of the third quarter of 2015. Furthermore, the Company recorded a one-time labor cost gain of approximately $4.2 million, corresponding $1.1 million to the labor cost benefit of the third quarter of 2015. Additionally, $1.4 million were reserved to pay software development law audit fees.

Office building acquisition agreements in Caracas

During August 2015, our Venezuelan subsidiary acquired an office in process of construction of a total of 309.19 square meters, in Caracas, Venezuela for a total purchase price of approximately BF$1,188 million, or $6.0 million, for investment purposes and included in non-current other assets. The Venezuelan subsidiary paid the purchase price in Bolivares Fuertes.

During September 2015, our Venezuelan subsidiary acquired an office in process of construction of a total of 169.06 square meters, in Caracas, Venezuela for a total purchase price of approximately BF$883.1 million, or $4.4 million, for investment purposes and included in non-current other assets. The Venezuelan subsidiary paid the purchase price in Bolivares Fuertes.

The offices acquired during August and September 2015 were funded with funds from its own operations for an amount of BF$1,071 million, and the remaining BF$ 1,000 were funded with a mortgage loan celebrated with Banco del Caribe, C.A. Banco Universal to be paid in monthly installments during five years, and included in current and non-current liabilities under the caption “Loans payable and other financial liabilities”. The mortgage loan bears a fixed interest rate of 24% per annum. The amount of the mortgage climbs to BF$2,000 million, or $10 million as of September 30, 2015.

The offices will be delivered on October, 2016 according to the agreements.

 

Description of line Items

Net revenues

We recognize revenues in each of our five reporting segments. Our reporting segments include our operations in Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico and other countries (Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Bolivia, Guatemala, Uruguay and the United States of America).

Within each of our segments, the services we provide generally fall into two distinct revenue streams, “Marketplace” which includes our core business and “Non-Marketplace” which includes ad sales, real estate listings, motors listings, financing fees, off-platform payment fees, shipping fees and other ancillary businesses.

The following table summarizes our consolidated net revenues by revenue stream for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

 

Three-month Periods Ended

Consolidated net revenues

 

 

September 30, (*)

 

 

September 30, (*)

by revenue stream (in millions)

 

 

 

2015

 

 

2014

 

 

 

2015

 

 

2014

Marketplace

 

 

$

286.5 

 

$

271.9 

 

 

$

98.6 

 

$

96.9 

Non-Marketplace (**)

 

 

 

184.5 

 

 

123.3 

 

 

 

70.1 

 

 

51.0 

Total

 

 

$

471.1 

 

$

395.2 

 

 

$

168.6 

 

$

147.9 

 

(*) The table above may not total due to rounding.

(**) Includes, among other things, Ad Sales, Real Estate, Motors, Financing Fees, Off-platform Payment Fees, Shipping Fees, and other ancillary services.

 

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Revenues from MercadoLibre Marketplace transactions are generated from:

·

up-front fees; and

·

final value fees.

For Marketplace services, final value fees representing a percentage of the sale value that are charged to the seller once the item is successfully sold. Up-front fees are charged to the seller in exchange for improved exposure of the listings throughout our platform and are not subject to the successful sale of the items listed.

Revenues for the Non-Marketplace services are generated from:

·

financing fees;

·

off-platform payment fees;

·

motors listings up-front fees;

·

ad sales up-front fees;

·

real estate listings up-front fees;

·

shipping fees; and

·

fees from other ancillary businesses.

With respect to our MercadoPago service, we generate payment related revenues, reported within each of our reporting segments, attributable to:

·

commissions representing a percentage of the payment volume processed that are charged to sellers in connection with Non-Marketplace-platform transactions; and

·

revenues from financing that occur when a buyer elects to pay in installments through our MercadoPago platform, for transactions that occur either on or off our marketplace platform.

Although we also process payments on the Marketplace, we do not charge sellers an added commission for this service, as it is already included in the Marketplace final value fee.

Through our classifieds offerings in motors, real estate and services, we generate revenues from up-front fees. These fees are charged to sellers who opt to give their listings greater exposure throughout our websites.

Our Advertising revenues are generated by selling either display or text link ads throughout our websites to interested advertisers.

Finally, our shipping revenues are generated when a buyer elects to receive the item through our shipping service.

When more than one service is included in one single arrangement with the customer, we recognize revenue according to multiple element arrangements accounting, distinguishing between each of the services provided and allocating revenues based on their respective selling prices.

We have a highly fragmented customer revenue base given the large numbers of sellers and buyers who use our platforms. For the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, no single customer accounted for more than 5.0% of our net revenues. Our MercadoLibre Marketplace is available in fifteen countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Uruguay, Venezuela, Bolivia and Guatemala), and MercadoPago is available in six countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela). We also offer a shipping solution directed towards Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, as well as Colombia which was added to our list of countries where the service is offered from May 2015. The functional currency for each country’s operations is the country’s local currency, except for Venezuela where the functional currency is the U.S. dollar due to Venezuela’s status as a highly inflationary economy. Therefore, our net revenues are generated in multiple foreign currencies and then translated into U.S. dollars at the average monthly exchange rate. See — “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — Foreign Currency Translation” for more information.

Our subsidiaries in Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Colombia are subject to certain taxes on revenues which are classified as a cost of net revenues. These taxes represented 8.0% and 8.7% of net revenues for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015,  as compared to 6.8% and 7.4%, respectively, for the same respective periods in 2014, mainly due to an increase in shipping and finance cost which are disclosed in net revenues. These taxes are applicable mainly in our Brazilian and Argentine subsidiaries.

 

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Cost of net revenues

Cost of net revenues primarily represents bank and credit card processing charges for transactions and fees paid with credit cards and other payment methods, fraud prevention fees, certain taxes on revenues, compensation for customer support personnel, ISP connectivity charges, depreciation and amortization and hosting and website operation fees.

Product and technology development expenses

Our product and technology development related expenses consist primarily of compensation for our engineering and web-development staff, depreciation and amortization costs related to product and technology development, telecommunications costs and payments to third-party suppliers who provide technology maintenance services to us.

Sales and marketing expenses

Our sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of marketing costs for our platforms through online and offline advertising, bad debt charges, chargebacks related to our MercadoPago operations, the salaries of employees involved in these activities, public relations costs, marketing activities for our users and depreciation and amortization costs.

We carry out the majority of our marketing efforts on the Internet. In that regard, we enter into agreements with portals, search engines, social networks, ad networks and other websites in order to attract Internet users to the MercadoLibre Marketplace and convert them into confirmed registered users and active traders on our platform. Additionally, we allocate a portion of our marketing budget to cable television advertising in order to improve our brand awareness and to complement our online efforts.

We also work intensively on attracting, developing and growing our seller community through our supply efforts. We have dedicated professionals in most of our operations that work with sellers through trade show participation, seminars and meetings to provide them with important tools and skills to become effective sellers on our platform.

General and administrative expenses

Our general and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries for management and administrative staff, compensation for outside directors, long-term retention plan compensation, expenses for legal, accounting, audit and other professional services, insurance expenses, office space rental expenses, travel and business expenses, as well as depreciation and amortization costs. Our general and administrative expenses include the costs relating to the following: general management, finance, administration, accounting, legal and human resources.

Impairment of Long-Lived assets

We review long-lived assets for impairments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.

As explained in section “Foreign Currency Translation – Venezuelan Currency Status”, the exchange markets in Venezuela have been unfavorable to us since December 2013.

Considering these changes in facts and circumstances and the lower U.S. dollar-equivalent cash flows expected from the Venezuelan business, and long-lived assets expected use, we compared the carrying amount of the long-lived assets with the expected undiscounted future net cash flows and concluded that certain office spaces held in Caracas, Venezuela, should be impaired. As a consequence, we estimated the fair value of the impaired long-lived assets and recorded impairment losses of $16.2 million and $ 49.5 million on March 31, 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, respectively, by using the market approach and considering prices for similar assets.

Other income (expenses), net

Other income (expenses) consists primarily of interest income derived from our investments and cash equivalents, interest expense related to financial liabilities, foreign currency gains or losses and other non-operating results.

Income and asset tax

We are subject to federal and state taxes in the United States, as well as foreign taxes in the multiple jurisdictions where we operate. Our tax obligations consist of current and deferred income taxes and asset taxes incurred in these jurisdictions. We account for income taxes following the liability method of accounting. Therefore, our income tax expense consists of taxes currently payable, if any (given that in certain jurisdictions we still have net operating loss carry-forwards), plus the change in our deferred tax assets and liabilities during each period.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We have based our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these estimates with our audit committee and our board of directors. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

An accounting policy is considered to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact our interim condensed consolidated financial statements. We believe that the following critical accounting policies reflect the more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our interim condensed consolidated financial statements. You should read the following descriptions of critical accounting policies, judgments and estimates in conjunction with our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, the notes thereto and other disclosures included in this report.

There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies, management estimates or accounting policies followed from the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

Historically, all of our foreign operations have used the local currency as their functional currency. Accordingly, these foreign subsidiaries translate assets and liabilities from their local currencies to U.S. dollars using period/year-end exchange rates while income and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the period. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as part of other comprehensive income (loss), a component of equity. Gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in non-functional currencies are recognized in earnings. Net foreign currency exchange losses or gains are included in the consolidated statements of income under the caption “Foreign currency losses/gains”.

Venezuelan Currency Status

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we have classified our Venezuelan operations as highly inflationary since January 1, 2010, using the U.S. dollar as the functional currency for purposes of reporting our financial statements. Therefore, no translation effect has been accounted for in other comprehensive income related to our Venezuelan operations.

During December 2013, the Venezuelan regulation that created SICAD 1 was amended to expand its use, and to require publication of the average exchange rate implied by transactions settled in SICAD 1 auctions. Additionally, on January 23, 2014, the exchange regulation was amended to include foreign currency sales for certain transactions, such as, but not limited to: contracts for leasing and services, use and exploitation of patents, trademarks, foreign investments and payments of royalties, contracts for technology import and technical assistance. Due to the change in rules that provided for the creation of the SICAD 1 system, the official exchange rate remained only available to obtain foreign currency to pay for a limited list of goods considered to be of high-priority by the Venezuelan government, which did not include those relating to our business. As a consequence, SICAD 1 became, from that moment through May 15, 2014, the primary system to which we would have to request U.S. dollars to settle our transactions. As a result, from January 24, 2014 to May 15, 2014, the exchange rate we used to re-measure our net monetary asset position and BsF transactions of our Venezuelan operations was the SICAD 1 exchange rate. The average exchange rate under SICAD 1 during that period was 10.82 BsF per U.S. dollar.

In late February 2014, the Venezuelan government issued a decree to open a new exchange control mechanism SICAD 2 that allowed the purchase of foreign exchange currencies, through authorized foreign exchange operators offered by individuals and companies such as Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA, the oil state-owned corporation of Venezuela), the BCV and other public entities authorized by the Ministry of Finance. The Venezuelan government published operating rules for the new exchange mechanism in Exchange Agreement N° 27 and, on March 24, 2014, foreign exchange under SICAD 2 began. Since implementation of the SICAD 1 system, we had been unsuccessful in gaining access to U.S. dollars through SICAD 1. As a result of this ongoing lack of access to the SICAD 1 auction system and the establishment of SICAD 2, on May 16, 2014, we started requesting U.S. dollars through the SICAD 2 mechanism. The SICAD 2 system was an open mechanism that permitted any company to request U.S. dollars for any purpose. Consequently, we were eligible for and were granted U.S. dollars through the SICAD 2 mechanism.

 

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As a consequence of our determination to obtain U.S. dollars through SICAD 2 and our continued lack of access to SICAD 1, we concluded that the SICAD 2 exchange rate should be used to re-measure the bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities of our Venezuelan subsidiaries, and the results of our Venezuelan operations in BsF, effective as of May 16, 2014. In connection with this re-measurement, we recorded a foreign exchange loss of $16.5 million and a deferred income tax gain of $8.6 million during the second quarter of 2014. As of June 30, 2014, the SICAD 2 exchange rate was 49.98 BsF per U.S. dollar. The average exchange rate for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, after giving effect to our move to the SICAD 2 mechanism on May 16, 2014, was 33.35 BsF per U.S. dollar.

In light of those economic conditions in Venezuela, the determination to access SICAD 2 and re-measure the BsF denominated monetary assets and liabilities of its Venezuelan subsidiaries, and the lower U.S. dollar-equivalent cash flows then expected from the Venezuelan business, the Company reviewed in May 2014, the long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life for impairment and concluded that the carrying value of certain real estate properties would not be fully recoverable. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment of long-lived assets of $49.5 million in the second quarter of 2014. The carrying amount was adjusted to its estimated fair value of that date, by using the market approach, and considering prices for similar assets.

On February 10, 2015, the Venezuelan government issued a decree that unifies the two previous foreign exchange systems SICAD 1 and SICAD 2 into a new single system denominated SICAD, with an initial public foreign exchange rate of 12 BsF per U.S. dollar. The SICAD auction process remains available only to obtain foreign currency to pay for a limited list of goods considered to be of high-priority by the Venezuelan government, which does not include those relating to our business. In the same decree, the Venezuelan government created the SIMADI, a new foreign exchange system that is separate from SICAD, which publishes a foreign exchange rate from the BCV on a daily basis.

In light of the disappearance of SICAD 2, and our inability to gain access to U.S. dollars through the new single system under SICAD, we started requesting and have been granted U.S. dollars through SIMADI. As a result, we now expect to settle our transactions through SIMADI and have concluded that the SIMADI exchange rate should be used to re-measure our bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities and to re-measure the revenues and expenses of our Venezuelan subsidiaries effective as of March 31, 2015. In connection with this re-measurement, we recorded a foreign exchange loss of $20.4 million and a deferred income tax gain of $3.8 million during the first quarter of 2015, with no significant foreign exchange losses recorded during the second and third quarter of 2015. As of September 30, 2015, the SIMADI exchange rate was 199.4 BsF per U.S. dollar. The average exchange rate for the third quarter of 2015 was 199.1 BsF per U.S. dollar.

Considering this change in facts and circumstances and the lower U.S. dollar-equivalent cash flows then expected from our Venezuelan business, we have reviewed our long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life for impairment, and concluded that the carrying value of certain real estate investments in Venezuela as of March 31, 2015 would not be fully recoverable. As a result, we recorded an impairment of long-lived assets of $16.2 million on March 31, 2015. The carrying amount has been adjusted to its estimated fair value of approximately $9.2 million as of that date, by using the market approach and considering prices for similar assets.

Until 2010 we were able to obtain U.S. dollars for any purpose, including dividend distributions, using alternative mechanisms other than through the Commission for the Administration of Foreign Exchange Control (CADIVI). Those U.S. dollars, obtained at a higher exchange rate than the one offered by CADIVI and held in balance at U.S. bank accounts of our Venezuelan subsidiaries, were used for dividend distributions from our Venezuelan subsidiaries. Our Venezuelan subsidiaries have not requested authorization since 2012 to acquire U.S. dollars to make dividend distributions and we have not distributed dividends from our Venezuelan subsidiaries since 2011.

The following table sets forth the assets, liabilities and net assets of the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiaries, before intercompany eliminations of a net liability of $25.7 million and $30.8 million, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and net revenues for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

(In thousands)

Net Revenues

 

$                 28,529

 

$                 45,184

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2015

 

2014

Assets

 

57,970 

 

75,153 

Liabilities

 

(36,235)

 

(43,359)

Net Assets

 

$                 21,735

 

$                 31,794

 

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As of September 30, 2015, the net assets (before intercompany eliminations) of the Venezuelan subsidiaries amounted to approximately 6.0% of our consolidated net assets, and cash and investments of our Venezuelan subsidiaries held in local currency in Venezuela amounted to approximately 0.9% of our consolidated cash and investments.

Our ability to obtain U.S. dollars in Venezuela is negatively affected by the exchange restrictions in Venezuela that are described above. If our access to U.S. dollars becomes widely available at a more unfavorable rate than the current SIMADI exchange rate (or if SIMADI exchange rate experiences significant devaluation in the future), and we decided to use that alternative mechanism considering that exchange rate as the one applicable for re-measurement, our results of operations, earnings and value of our net assets in Venezuela would be negatively impacted, and we cannot assure that the impact would not be material. In addition, our business and ability to obtain U.S. dollars in Venezuela would be negatively affected by any additional material devaluations or the imposition of significant additional and more stringent controls on foreign currency exchange by the Venezuelan government in the future.

Despite the current difficult macroeconomic environment in Venezuela, we continue actively managing, through our Venezuelan subsidiaries, our investment in Venezuela. Despite the current operating, political and economic conditions and certain other factors in Venezuela, we currently plan to continue supporting our business in Venezuela in the long run.

In November 2013 the Venezuelan Congress approved an “enabling law” granting the president of Venezuela the authority to enact laws and regulations in certain policy areas by decree. This authority includes the ability to restrict profit margins and impose greater controls on foreign exchange and the production, import, and distribution of certain goods. Among other actions, the president has used this decree power to pass the Law of Costs, Earnings, and Fair Profits, which became effective in January 2014 and, among other provisions, authorizes the Venezuelan government to set “fair prices” and maximum profit margins in the private sector. On October 26, 2015, the decree number 2,074 was published in the Official Gazette of Venezuela, establishing certain definitions related to the determination of prices in that country.

Management of the Company is analyzing the potential effects of this law together with the new implementation Decree issued by the Venezuelan Government.

Argentine Currency Status

The Argentine government has implemented certain measures that control and restrict the ability of companies and individuals to exchange Argentine Pesos for foreign currencies. Those measures include, among other things, the requirement to obtain the prior approval from the Argentine Tax Authority of any foreign currency transaction (for example and without limitation, for the payment of non-Argentine goods and services, payment of principal and interest on non-Argentine debt and also payment of dividends to parties outside of the country) which approval process could delay, and eventually restrict, the ability to exchange Argentine Pesos for other currencies, such as U.S. dollars. Those approvals are administered by the Argentine Central Bank through the Local Exchange Market (“Mercado Unico Libre de Cambios”, or “MULC”), which is the only market where exchange transactions may be lawfully made.

Further, restrictions also currently apply to the acquisition of any foreign currency for holding as cash within Argentina. Although the controls and restrictions on the acquisition of foreign currencies in Argentina place certain limitations on our current ability to convert cash generated by our Argentine subsidiaries into foreign currencies, based on the current state of Argentine currency rules and regulations, we do not expect that the current controls and restrictions, will have a material adverse effect on our business plans in Argentina or on our overall business, financial condition or results of operations.

Additionally, during January 2014 the Argentinean peso exchange rate against the U.S. dollar increased in approximately 23%, from 6.52 Argentinean Pesos per U.S. dollar as of December 31, 2013 to approximately 8.0 Argentinean Pesos per U.S. dollar. Due to the abovementioned increase in the Argentinean peso exchange rate against the U.S. dollar, during the first quarter of 2014, the reported Other Comprehensive Loss increased in $14,625 thousands as a result having a net asset position in Argentinean Pesos; and the Company recognized a foreign exchange gain of $4,597 thousands. As of September 30, 2015, the Argentinean Peso exchange rate was $ 9.43 per U.S. dollar.

Brazilian currency status

During 2015, the Brazilian Reais exchange rate against the U.S. dollar increased in approximately 49%, from 2.66 Brazilian Reais per U.S. dollar as of December 31, 2014 to approximately 3.97 Brazilian Reais per U.S. dollar as of September 30, 2015. Due to the abovementioned devaluation, during the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015,  the reported Other Comprehensive Loss of the Brazilian segment increased in $9,733 thousands and $12,306 thousands, respectively, as a result of having a net asset position in Brazilian Reais; and the Company recognized a foreign exchange gain of $14,468 thousands and $5,704 thousands, respectively, during the same periods.  

 

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Allowances for doubtful accounts and for chargebacks

We are exposed to losses due to uncollectible accounts and credits to sellers. Allowances for these items represent our estimate of future losses based on our historical experience. The allowances for doubtful accounts and for chargebacks are recorded as charges to sales and marketing expenses. Historically, our actual losses have been consistent with our charges. However, future adverse changes to our historical experience for doubtful accounts and chargebacks could have a material impact on our future consolidated statements of income and cash flows.

We believe that the accounting estimate related to allowances for doubtful accounts and for chargebacks is a critical accounting estimate because it requires management to make assumptions about future collections and credit analysis. Our management’s assumptions about future collections require significant judgment.

 

Legal contingencies

In connection with certain pending litigation and other claims, we have estimated the range of probable loss and provided for such losses through charges to our condensed consolidated statement of income. These estimates are based on our assessment of the facts and circumstances and historical information related to actions filed against us at each balance sheet date and are subject to change based upon new information and future events.

From time to time, we are involved in disputes that arise in the ordinary course of business. We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings as described in “Legal Proceedings” in Item 1 of Part II of this report, Item 3 of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and in Note 7 to our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, included in this report. We believe that we have meritorious defenses to the claims against us, and we will defend ourselves accordingly. However, even if successful, our defense could be costly and could divert management’s time. If the plaintiffs were to prevail on certain claims, we might be forced to pay material damages or modify our business practices. Any of these consequences could materially harm our business and could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

We review long-lived assets for impairments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. For more information, see “Description of line itemsImpairment of long-lived assets” above.

 

Convertible Senior Notes

On June 30, 2014, we issued $330 million of 2.25% convertible senior notes due 2019 (the “Notes”). The Notes are unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of the Company, which pay interest in cash semi-annually, on January 1 and July 1, at a rate of 2.25% per annum. The Notes will mature on July 1, 2019 unless earlier repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. The Notes may be converted, under specific conditions, based on an initial conversion rate of 7.9353 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $126.02 per share of common stock), subject to adjustment as described in the indenture governing the Notes.

In accordance with ASC 470-20  Debt with Conversion and Other Options , the convertible debt instrument within the scope of the cash conversion subsection, was separated into debt and equity components at issuance and a fair value was assigned. The value assigned to the debt component was the estimated fair value, as of the issuance date, of a similar debt without the conversion feature. As of June 30, 2014, we determined the fair value of the liability component of the Notes by reviewing market data that was available for senior, unsecured nonconvertible corporate bonds issued by comparable companies. The difference between the cash proceeds and this estimated fair value, represents the value assigned to the equity component and was recorded as a debt discount. The debt discount is amortized using the effective interest method from the origination date through its stated contractual maturity date.

The initial debt component of the Notes was valued at $283.0 million, based on the contractual cash flows discounted at an appropriate market rate for a non-convertible debt at the date of issuance, which was determined to be 5.55%. The carrying value of the permanent equity component reported in additional paid-in-capital was initially valued at $47.0 million. This amount represents the total unamortized debt discount we recorded at the time of issuance of the Notes. The aggregate debt discount, including the

 

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transaction costs related to the debt component, is amortized as interest expense over the contractual term of the Notes using the effective interest method using an interest rate of 6.1%.

In connection with the issuance of the Notes, we paid approximately $19.7 million to enter into capped call transactions with respect to shares of our common stock (the “Capped Call Transactions”), with certain financial institutions. The Capped Call Transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution upon conversion of the Convertible Notes in the event that the market price of our common stock is greater than the strike price of the Capped Call Transactions, initially set at $126.02 per share of common stock, which corresponds to the initial conversion price of the Notes and is subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the conversion rate of the Notes, and have a cap price of approximately $155.78 per share of common stock.

The $19.7 million cost of the capped call transactions, which net of deferred income tax effect amounts to $12.8 million, is included as a net reduction to additional paid-in capital in the stockholders’ equity section of our consolidated balance sheets, in accordance with the guidance in ASC 815-40 Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity.

For more detailed information in relation to the Notes and the Capped Call transactions, see “—Results of operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 and three-month period ended September 30, 2015 compared to three-month period ended September 30, 2014  Debt”.

 

Results of operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 and the three-month period ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three-month period ended September 30, 2014

The selected financial data for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 discussed herein is derived from our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this report. These statements include all normal recurring adjustments that management believes are necessary to fairly state our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The results of operations for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2015 or for any other period.

 

Statement of income data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-months Periods Ended
September 30,

 

Three-month Periods Ended
September 30,

(In millions)

 

2015 (*)

 

2014 (*)

 

2015 (*)

 

2014 (*)

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Net revenues

 

$            471.1

 

$        395.2

 

$          168.6

 

$       147.9

Cost of net revenues

 

(151.8)

 

(111.3)

 

(56.8)

 

(43.4)

Gross profit

 

319.2 

 

283.9 

 

111.8 

 

104.5 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product and technology development

 

(53.9)

 

(37.6)

 

(17.0)

 

(13.6)

Sales and marketing

 

(86.4)

 

(78.2)

 

(31.1)

 

(29.4)

General and administrative

 

(57.1)

 

(43.3)

 

(18.4)

 

(14.4)

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

(16.2)

 

(49.5)

 

 —

 

 —

Total operating expenses

 

(213.7)

 

(208.6)

 

(66.5)

 

(57.4)

Income (loss) from operations

 

105.5 

 

75.2 

 

45.3 

 

47.1 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expenses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income and other financial gains

 

14.8 

 

11.0 

 

5.8 

 

4.4 

Interest expense and other financial losses

 

(16.2)

 

(6.7)

 

(6.0)

 

(4.9)

Foreign currency (losses)/gains

 

(6.6)

 

(7.7)

 

2.6 

 

5.2 

Net income (loss) before income / asset tax expense

 

97.5 

 

71.8 

 

47.6 

 

51.8 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income / asset tax expense

 

(30.6)

 

(33.3)

 

(2.0)

 

(18.1)

Net income

 

$              66.8

 

$          38.5

 

$            45.6

 

$         33.8

 

40


 

Less: Net Income attributable to Noncontrolling

 

 —

 

0.1 

 

 —

 

(0.0)

Net income attributable to Mercadolibre, Inc. shareholders

 

$              66.8

 

$          38.4

 

$            45.6

 

$         33.8

 

 

 

(*) The table above may not total due to rounding.

 

Other Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-Month Periods Ended
September 30,

 

Three-month Periods Ended
September 30,

(In millions)

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of confirmed registered users at end of the period 1

 

138.4 

 

115.2 

 

138.4 

 

115.2 

Number of confirmed new registered users during the period 2

 

17.4 

 

15.7 

 

6.1 

 

5.6 

Gross merchandise volume 3

 

5,144.6 

 

5,284.6 

 

1,842.1 

 

1,682.7 

Number of items sold 4

 

91.7 

 

72.3 

 

34.0 

 

26.9 

Total payment volume 5

 

3,627.7 

 

2,424.6 

 

1,384.4 

 

975.1 

Total payment transactions 6

 

54.9 

 

32.0 

 

22.0 

 

12.5 

Capital expenditures

 

83.4 

 

57.1 

 

8.2 

 

8.4 

Depreciation and amortization

 

17.0 

 

12.3 

 

6.0 

 

4.8 

 

(1)

Measure of the cumulative number of users who have registered on the MercadoLibre Marketplace and confirmed their registration.

(2)

Measure of the number of new users who have registered on the MercadoLibre Marketplace and confirmed their registration.

(3)

Measure of the total U.S. dollar sum of all transactions completed through the MercadoLibre Marketplace, excluding motor vehicles, vessels, aircraft and real estate.

(4)

Measure of the number of items that were sold/purchased through the MercadoLibre Marketplace.

(5)

Measure of the total U.S. dollar sum of all transactions paid for using MercadoPago.

(6)

Measure of the number of all transactions paid for using MercadoPago.

 

Net revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

Three-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

 

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

(in millions, except percentages)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Net Revenues

 

 

$        471.1

 

$       395.2

 

$        75.9

 

19.2% 

 

$       168.6

 

$      147.9

 

20.7 

 

14.0% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts rather than rounded amounts that appear in the table. The table above may not total due to rounding.

 

 

 

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Nine-month Periods Ended

 

 

Change from 2014

 

Three-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

Consolidated Net Revenues

 

September 30,

 

 

to 2015 (**)

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (**)

by revenue stream

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

2015

 

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

 

(in millions, except percentages)

Brazil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketplace

 

$              120.6 

 

$          127.6 

 

 

$              (7.0)

 

-5.5%

 

$             39.4 

 

 

$             49.0 

 

$                 (9.6)

 

-19.5%

Non-Marketplace

 

95.0 

 

66.4 

 

 

28.6 

 

43.1% 

 

34.9 

 

 

29.2 

 

5.7 

 

19.4% 

 

 

215.7 

 

194.0 

 

 

21.6 

 

11.2% 

 

74.3 

 

 

78.2 

 

(3.9)

 

-5.0%

Argentina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketplace

 

$              109.8 

 

$            69.4 

 

 

$              40.3 

 

58.1% 

 

$             42.1 

 

 

$             28.1 

 

$                 14.0 

 

49.7% 

Non-Marketplace

 

61.7 

 

32.7 

 

 

29.0 

 

88.5% 

 

25.1 

 

 

12.8 

 

12.3 

 

95.9% 

 

 

171.5 

 

102.2 

 

 

69.3 

 

67.8% 

 

67.2 

 

 

41.0 

 

26.3 

 

64.2% 

Mexico

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketplace

 

$                17.5 

 

$            18.7 

 

 

$              (1.2)

 

-6.4%

 

$               5.2 

 

 

$               6.4 

 

$                 (1.2)

 

-18.1%

Non-Marketplace

 

11.8 

 

8.6 

 

 

3.2 

 

37.4% 

 

4.7 

 

 

3.5 

 

1.2 

 

34.0% 

 

 

29.3 

 

27.3 

 

 

2.0 

 

7.3% 

 

9.9 

 

 

9.9 

 

0.0 

 

0.3% 

Venezuela

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketplace

 

$                25.9 

 

$            40.6 

 

 

$            (14.7)

 

-36.2%

 

$               8.0 

 

 

$               8.4 

 

$                 (0.3)

 

-4.1%

Non-Marketplace

 

2.6 

 

4.6 

 

 

(2.0)

 

-43.1%

 

0.8 

 

 

0.9 

 

(0.1)

 

-8.0%

 

 

28.5 

 

45.2 

 

 

(16.7)

 

-36.9%

 

8.9 

 

 

9.3 

 

(0.4)

 

-4.5%

Other countries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketplace

 

$                12.6 

 

$            15.4 

 

 

$              (2.8)

 

-18.3%

 

$               3.8 

 

 

$               5.1 

 

$                 (1.3)

 

-25.2%

Non-Marketplace

 

13.5 

 

11.1 

 

 

2.4 

 

21.8% 

 

4.6 

 

 

4.6 

 

(0.0)

 

-0.4%

 

 

26.1 

 

26.5 

 

 

(0.4)

 

-1.6%

 

8.4 

 

 

9.7 

 

(1.3)

 

-13.4%

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketplace

 

$              286.5 

 

$          271.9 

 

 

$              14.6 

 

5.4% 

 

$             98.6 

 

 

$             96.9 

 

$                   1.6 

 

1.7% 

Non-Marketplace (*)

 

184.5 

 

123.3 

 

 

61.3 

 

49.7% 

 

70.1 

 

 

51.0 

 

19.1 

 

37.4% 

Total

 

$              471.1 

 

$          395.2 

 

 

$              75.9 

 

19.2% 

 

$           168.6 

 

 

$           147.9 

 

$                 20.7 

 

14.0% 

 

(*) Includes, among other things, ad sales, real estate, motors, financing fees, off-platform payment fees and other ancillary services.

(**) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts rather than rounded amounts that appear in the table. The table above may not total due to rounding.

On a segment basis, our net revenues for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, increased across most geographic segments.

Brazil

Marketplace revenue in Brazil decreased 5.5% in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily a consequence of 27.6% local currency devaluation, partially offset by a 19.1% increase in local currency volume and a 9.6% increase in our take rate. The Non-Marketplace business grew 43.1%, a $28.6 million increase, during the same period, mainly driven by increases in the volume of financing transactions offered to our users and the volume of shipped items.

Marketplace revenue in Brazil decreased 19.5% in the third quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily a consequence of 35.8% local currency devaluation and 3.4% decrease in our take rate, partially offset by a 29.8% increase in local currency volume.  The decrease in our take rate during the three-month period ended September 30, 2015 is a consequence of change in the mix of listing types that have a different levels of monetization. The Non-Marketplace business grew 19.4%, an $5.7 million increase, during the same period, mainly driven by increases in the volume of financing transactions offered to our users and the volume of shipped items.

Argentina

Marketplace revenues of our Argentine segment increased 58.1% in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015  as compared to the same period in 2014, mainly due to a 75.6% increase in local currency volume and 1.0% increase in our take rate. Those increases were partially offset by a local currency devaluation of 10.9%. The Non-Marketplace business grew 88.5%, a $29.0 million increase, during the same period mainly driven by increases in the volume of financing transactions offered to our users, the volume of shipped items and in off-platform payments transactions.

 

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Marketplace revenues of our Argentine segment increased 49.7% in the third quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, mainly due to a 77.3% increase in local currency volume, partially offset by a local currency devaluation of 10.3% and a 5.8% decrease in our take rate. The decrease in our take rate during the three-month period ended September 30, 2015 is a consequence of change in the mix of listing types that have a different levels of monetization. The Non-Marketplace business grew 95.9%, a $12.3 million increase, during the same period mainly driven by increases in the volume of financing transactions offered to our users, the volume of shipped items and in off-platform payments transactions.

Mexico

Marketplace revenues of our Mexican segment during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, decreased by approximately 6.4% when compared to the same period in 2014, mainly due to a 15.8% local currency devaluation, partially offset by a 9.6% increase in local currency volume and a 1.4% increase in our take rate. The Non-Marketplace business increased 37.4% or $3.2 million during the same period, mainly driven by increases in the volume of financing transactions offered to our users, and in classifieds insertion fees, partially offset by the devaluation of the local currency.

Marketplace revenues of our Mexican segment during the third quarter of 2015, decreased by approximately 18.1% when compared to the same period in 2014, mainly due to a 20.2% local currency devaluation and a 1.3% decrease in our take rate, partially offset by a 3.9% increase in local currency volume. The decrease in our take rate during the three-month period ended September 30, 2015 is a consequence of change in the mix of listing types that have a different levels of monetization. The Non-Marketplace business increased 34.0%,  or $1.2 million during the same period, mainly driven by increases in the volume of financing transactions offered to our users, and in classifieds insertion fees, partially offset by the devaluation of the local currency.

Venezuela

Marketplace revenues of our Venezuelan segment during  the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, decreased by approximately 36.2% when compared to the same period in 2014, mainly due to a 81.0% local currency devaluation (see “Foreign Currency Translation — Venezuelan currency status”) and a 12.2% decrease in our take rate. These were partially offset by a 282.5% increase in local currency volume. The Non-Marketplace business decreased 43.1%, or $2.0 million during the same period, mainly by the devaluation mentioned above, partially offset by an increase in the volume of transactions.

Marketplace revenues of our Venezuelan segment during the third quarter of 2015, decreased by approximately 4.1% when compared to the same period in 2014, mainly due to a 74.9 % local currency devaluation (see “Foreign Currency Translation — Venezuelan currency status”) and a 12.0% decrease in our take rate. These were partially offset by a 334.1% increase in local currency volume. The Non-Marketplace business decreased 8.0%, or $0.1 million during the same period, mainly by the devaluation mentioned above, partially offset by an increase in the volume of transactions.

The following table sets forth our total net revenues and the sequential quarterly growth of these net revenues for the periods described below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

March 31,

June 30,

September 30,

December 31,

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

 

 

(*)

2015

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

 

$              148.1

$              154.3

$              168.6

n/a

Percent change from prior quarter

 

-8%

4% 
9% 

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

 

$              115.4

$              131.8

$              147.9

$              161.4

Percent change from prior quarter

 

-14%

14% 
12% 
9% 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

 

$              102.7

$              112.2

$              123.1

$              134.7

Percent change from prior quarter

 

-1%

9% 
10% 
9% 

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts rather than rounded amounts that appear in the table.

 

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The following table sets forth the growth in net revenues in local currencies for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the respective period in 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes from 2014 to 2015 (*)

(% of revenue growth in Local Currency)

 

 

Nine-months

 

Three-months

Brazil

 

 

53.9% 

 

47.3% 

Argentina

 

 

88.1% 

 

83.1% 

Venezuela

 

 

282.2% 

 

280.6% 

Mexico

 

 

27.5% 

 

25.6% 

Other Countries

 

 

12.1% 

 

2.8% 

Total Consolidated

 

 

84.1% 

 

67.9% 

 

(*) The local currency revenue growth was calculated by using the average monthly exchange rates for each month during 2014 and applying them to the corresponding months in 2015, so as to calculate what our financial results would have been had exchange rates remained stable from one year to the next.

In Venezuela, the increase in our net revenues is mainly due to higher average selling prices posted by sellers during the three and nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, which we do not control. The increase in average selling prices is a consequence of: (i) high inflation rate in that country; (ii) a shortage of products in Venezuela and (iii) changes in the mix of categories of the items sold in our marketplace.

In the case of Argentina, the significant increase in local currency growths, as compared to U.S. dollar growth, is due to higher average selling prices posted by sellers during the three and nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, which we do not control. The increase in average selling prices is a consequence of high inflation rates in Argentina.

In Brazil, the significant increase in local currency growth, as compared to U.S. dollar growth, is due to the devaluation of the Brazilian Reais occurred during 2015.

For more explanation of the revenue growth, see above mentioned disclosures in this section. See - “Critical accounting policies and estimates – Foreign Currency Translation”.

 

Cost of net revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

Three-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

 

(in millions, except percentages)

Total cost of net revenues

 

$          151.8

 

$        111.3

 

$           40.5

 

36.4% 

 

$          56.8

 

$           43.4

 

$        13.4

 

30.9% 

  As a percentage of net revenues (*)

 

32.2% 

 

28.2% 

 

 

 

 

 

33.7% 

 

29.3% 

 

 

 

 

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts rather than rounded amounts that appear in the table. The table above may not total due to rounding.

 

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, the increase of $40.5 million in cost of net revenues was primarily attributable to: i) an increase in collection fees amounting to $26.1 million, or 48.7 %, which was mainly attributable to our Argentine and Brazilian operations as a result of the higher penetration of MercadoPago in those countries which has a lower contribution margin (for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, total payment volume (“TPV”) represents 70.5% of our total gross merchandise volume (“GMV”) (excluding motor vehicles, vessels, aircraft and real estate) as compared to 45.9% for the nine-month period ended September  30, 2014); ii) an increase in sales taxes amounting to $10.8 million, mainly related to the growth of our Argentine and Brazilian operations; iii) a $1.1 million increase in customer support costs mainly as a consequence of salaries and wages and temporary services.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, the increase of $13.4 million in cost of net revenues was primarily attributable to: i) an increase in collection fees amounting to $9.3 million, or 43.8 %, which was mainly attributable to our Argentine and Brazilian operations as a result of the higher penetration of MercadoPago in those countries which has a lower contribution margin (for the three-month period ended September 30, 2015,

 

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TPV represents 75.2% of our GMV (excluding motor vehicles, vessels, aircraft and real estate) as compared to 57.9% for the three-month period ended September  30, 2014); ii) an increase in sales taxes amounting to $3.7 million, mainly related to the growth of our Argentine and Brazilian operations; iii) a $0.4 million increase in hosting fees.

Product and technology development expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

Three-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

 

(in millions, except percentages)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product and technology development

 

$           53.9

 

$                   37.6

 

$           16.4

 

43.5% 

 

$           17.0

 

$           13.6

 

$             3.5

 

25.5% 

As a percentage of net revenues (*)

 

11.4% 

 

9.5% 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1% 

 

9.2% 

 

 

 

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts rather than rounded amounts that appear in the table. The table above may not total due to rounding.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, the increase in product and technology development expenses as compared to the same period in 2014 amounted to $16.4 million or 43.5%. The increase was primarily attributable to: i) an increase in salaries and wages of $8.3 million, and ii) an  increase in communication and maintenance expenses of $3.1 million; iii) an increase in depreciation and amortization expenses of $3.1 million; iv) an increase in other expenses of $1.8 million.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2015, the increase in product and technology development expenses as compared to the same period in 2014 amounted to $3.5 million or 25.5%. The increase was primarily attributable to: i) an  increase in communication and maintenance expenses of $2.0 million, and ii) depreciation and amortization expenses of $0.9 million.

We believe product development is one of our key competitive advantages and intend to continue to invest in hiring engineers to meet the increasingly sophisticated product expectations of our customer base.

 

Sales and marketing expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

 

Three-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

Sales and marketing

 

$           86.4

 

$           78.2

 

$             8.2

 

10.5% 

 

 

$           31.1

 

$           29.4

 

$             1.7

 

5.8% 

As a percentage of net revenues (*)

 

18.4% 

 

19.8% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.5% 

 

19.9% 

 

 

 

 

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts rather than rounded amounts that appear in the table. The table above may not total due to rounding.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, the $8.2 million increase in sales and marketing expenses when compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily attributable to: i) a $5.3 million increase in expenses related to our buyer protection program; ii) a $2.5 million increase in salaries and wages; iii) a $2.7 million increase in other marketing expenses; iv) an increase of $1.9 million in on line portal deals expenses;  v) a $0.9 million increase in chargebacks and vi) a $0.8 million increase in off-line marketing expenses.  These increases in sales and marketing expenses were partially offset by a decrease in bad debt of $6.2 million due to a higher penetration of MercadoPago and improvements in recoveries process, which represented 2.1% of our net revenues for the nine period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to a bad debt expense equal to 4.1% for the nine month period ended September 30, 2014.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2015, the $1.7 million increase in sales and marketing expenses when compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily attributable to: i) an increase in chargebacks of $1.5 million; ii) an increase in other marketing expenses of $0.8 million; iii) an increase in expenses related to our buyer protection program of $0.7 million; iv) an increase in off-line marketing expenses of $0.7 million and iv) an increase in salaries and wages of $0.4 million. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $1.7 million decrease in bad debt which represented 1.7% of our net revenues for the three month period ended September 30, 2015, as compared to 3.0% for the three month period ended September 30, 2014 and a $0.8 million decrease in on line portal deals expenses.

 

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General and administrative expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

Three-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

General and administrative

 

$           57.1

 

$           43.3

 

$           13.8

 

31.9% 

 

$           18.4

 

$           14.4

 

$             4.0

 

27.6% 

As a percentage of net revenues (*)

 

12.1% 

 

11.0% 

 

 

 

 

 

10.9% 

 

9.7% 

 

 

 

 

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts rather than rounded amounts that appear in the table. The table above may not total due to rounding. 

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, the $13.8 million increase in general and administrative expenses when compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily attributable to: i) a $9.3 million increase in salaries and wages mainly as a consequence of the LTRP; ii) a $2.7 million increase in other general and administrative expenses and iii) a $1.3 million increase in depreciation and amortization expenses; iv) a $1.0 million increase in tax and other fees and v) a $0.6 million increase in audit fees. These increases were partially offset by a $2.0 million net decrease in legal fees.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2015, the $4.0 million increase in general and administrative expenses when compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily attributable to: i) a $3.7 million increase in other general and administrative expenses as a consequence of a one-time gain recorded in 2014 related with the recovery of certain tax credits that were written off during the first quarter of 2014 ; ii) a $0.8 million increase in tax and other fees and iii) a $0.4 million increase in audit fees. These increases were partially offset by a $ 1.0 million net decrease in legal fees.

Impairment of Long-Lived assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

Three-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

$          16.2

 

$          49.5

 

$       (33.3)

 

-67.2%

 

$             —

 

$             —

 

$           —

 

0.0% 

As a percentage of net revenues (*)

 

3.4% 

 

12.5% 

 

 

 

 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

 

 

 

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts rather than rounded amounts that appear in the table. The table above may not total due to rounding.

We have recorded an impairment of certain real estate offices owned by our Venezuelan subsidiaries of $16.2 million and $49.5 million during the first quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, respectively. For further information, see section “Foreign Currency Translation—Venezuelan currency status.

Other income / (expense), net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

Three-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

 

(in millions, except percentages)

Other income / (expense), net

 

$          (8.0)

 

$          (3.4)

 

$          (4.6)

 

136.5% 

 

$           2.4

 

$                 4.7

 

$          (2.3)

 

-49.9%

As a percentage of net revenues

 

-1.7%

 

-0.9%

 

 

 

 

 

1.4% 

 

3.2% 

 

 

 

 

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts rather than rounded amounts that appear in the table. The table above may not total due to rounding.

 

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For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, the $4.6 million decrease in other income/ (expense), net when compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily attributable to a $9.4 million increase in interest expense due to the Convertible Notes issued on June 30, 2014 partially offset by a $1.0 million decrease in the foreign exchange loss and a $3.8 million increase in interest income. The 2015 foreign exchange loss was a consequence of a $20.7 million foreign exchange loss in Venezuela as a result of start using the SIMADI exchange rate since March 31, 2015, partially offset by a foreign exchange gain in Brazil of  $12.1 million and a $3.7 million foreign exchange gain in Argentina.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2015, the $2.3 million decrease in other income/ (expense), net when compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily attributable to a foreign exchange gain of $2.6 million in 2015 as compared to a $5.2 million gain in the same period in 2014. Additionally, during the three-month period ended September 30, 2015 interest income increased $1.4 million and interest expense increased by $1.1 million as compared to the same period in 2014 mainly as a consequence of the Convertible Notes issued on June 30, 2014.  

 

 

Income and asset tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

 

Three-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

 

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

Income and asset tax

 

 

$          30.6

 

$         33.3

 

$          (2.7)

 

-8.1%

 

 

$          2.0

 

$           18.1

 

$       (16.1)

 

-89.1%

As a percentage of net revenues (*)

 

 

6.5% 

 

8.4% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.2% 

 

12.2% 

 

 

 

 

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts rather than rounded amounts that appear in the table. The table above may not total due to rounding.

During the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the respective periods in 2014, income and asset tax decreased by $2.7 million and $16.1 million respectively. See section “Recent developments” above. It was a consequence of the retroactive tax holiday granted to our Argentinean subsidiary related to the software development law. As a result of our eligibility under the new law, we recorded a one-time income tax gain of approximately $16 million in the third quarter of 2015, corresponding $5.6 to the income tax benefit of the third quarter of 2015.

Our blended tax rate is defined as income and asset tax expense as a percentage of income before income and asset tax. Our effective income tax rate is defined as the provision for income taxes (net of charges related to dividend distributions from foreign subsidiaries that are offset with domestic foreign tax credits) as a percentage of income before income and asset tax. The effective income tax rate excludes the effects of the deferred income tax, and the assets and complementary income tax.

The following table summarizes our blended and effective tax rates for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Three-month Periods Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Blended tax rate

 

 

31.4% 

 

46.4% 

 

4.2% 

 

34.9% 

Effective tax rate

 

 

31.4% 

 

68.7% 

 

4.0% 

 

37.1% 

 

Our blended and effective tax rate for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 decreased as compared to the same periods in 2014 mainly due to the retroactive tax holiday granted to our Argentinean subsidiary related to the software development law.

The following table sets forth our effective income tax rate related to our main segments for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

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Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Three-month Periods Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Effective tax rate by country

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argentina

 

13.2% 

 

26.3% 

 

-19.6%

 

24.7% 

Brazil

 

30.1% 

 

34.9% 

 

34.8% 

 

32.7% 

Mexico

 

-25.1%

 

20.1% 

 

-0.8%

 

17.9% 

Venezuela

 

-0.7%

 

-29.7%

 

1.2% 

 

47.3% 

The decrease in the effective income tax rate in our Argentine subsidiaries during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, is due to the retroactive tax holiday granted to our Argentinean subsidiary related to the software development law. During the three month period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, our Argentine negative effective tax rate was a consequence of the income tax gain recorded during the quarter related to the tax holiday mentioned above.

On August 17, 2011, the Argentine government issued a new software development law and on September 9, 2013 a  regulatory decree was issued, which established the new requirements to become a  beneficiary of the new software development law. The new decree establishes compliance requirements with annual incremental ratios related to exports of services and research and development expenses that must be achieved to remain within the tax holiday. The Argentine operation will have to achieve certain required ratios annually under the new software development law. During May 2014, we presented all the required documentation in order to apply for the new software development law.

On September 17, 2015, the Argentine Industry Secretary issued Resolution 1041/2015 approving the Company’s application for eligibility under the new software development law. As a result, the Company’s Argentinean subsidiary has been granted a tax holiday retroactive from September 18, 2014. A portion of the benefits available to beneficiaries of the new law is a relief of 60% of total income tax related to software development activities and a 70% relief in payroll taxes related to software development activities.

The decrease in our Brazilian effective income tax rate for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 was mainly related to temporary differences deducted in the current period.

The increase in our Brazilian effective income tax rate for the three month period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 is mainly due to an increase in temporally differences.

The negative effective tax rate of our Mexican segment during the nine and three month periods ended September 30, 2015 as compared with the same periods in 2014 is due to the pre-tax loss recorded during those periods in 2015 as a result of the devaluation in that country. The foreign exchange loss is a consequence of US Dollars liabilities assumed due to business acquisitions.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, our Venezuelan negative effective income tax rate was driven by losses recorded during that period in our Venezuelan subsidiaries related to the impairment of long-lived assets and foreign exchange losses, which generated a net loss before income tax. The impairment of long-lived assets charge is non-deductible for tax purposes.

The decrease in the effective income tax rate during the three-month period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 is mainly a consequence of a reduction in the pre-tax income during 2015 related to the devaluation in that country.

We do not expect in the domestic effective income tax rate related to dividend distributions from foreign subsidiaries to have a significant impact on our company since our strategy is to reinvest our cash surplus in our international operations, and to distribute dividends when they can be offset with available tax credits.

Segment information

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Period Ended September 30, 2015

 

 

Brazil

 

Argentina

 

Venezuela

 

Mexico

 

Other
Countries

 

Total

Net revenues

 

$      215.7

 

$      171.5

 

$        28.5

 

$        29.3

 

$        26.1

 

$      471.1

 

48


 

Direct costs

 

(127.4)

 

(92.5)

 

(10.5)

 

(21.2)

 

(16.4)

 

(268.1)

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

 —

 

 —

 

(16.2)

 

 —

 

 —

 

(16.2)

Direct contribution

 

88.2 

 

78.9 

 

1.8 

 

8.1 

 

9.6 

 

186.8 

Margin

 

40.9% 

 

46.0% 

 

6.3% 

 

27.7% 

 

37.0% 

 

39.7% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Period Ended September 30, 2014

 

 

Brazil

 

Argentina

 

Venezuela

 

Mexico

 

Other
Countries

 

Total

Net revenues

 

$      194.0

 

$      102.2

 

$        45.2

 

$        27.3

 

$        26.5

 

$      395.2

Direct costs

 

(111.5)

 

(54.9)

 

(13.1)

 

(17.0)

 

(14.5)

 

(211.1)

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

 —

 

 —

 

(49.5)

 

 —

 

 —

 

(49.5)

Direct contribution

 

82.5 

 

47.3 

 

(17.4)

 

10.3 

 

12.0 

 

134.6 

Margin

 

42.5% 

 

46.3% 

 

-38.6%

 

37.9% 

 

45.2% 

 

34.1% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change from the Nine-month Period Ended
September 30, 2014 to September 30, 2015 (*)

 

 

Brazil

 

Argentina

 

Venezuela

 

Mexico

 

Other
Countries

 

Total

Net revenues

 

$        21.6

 

$        69.3

 

$       (16.7)

 

$          2.0

 

$         (0.4)

 

$        75.9

 

 

11.2% 

 

67.8% 

 

-36.9%

 

7.3% 

 

-1.6%

 

19.2% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct costs

 

$       (15.9)

 

$       (37.6)

 

$          2.6

 

$         (4.2)

 

$         (1.9)

 

$       (57.0)

 

 

14.2% 

 

68.5% 

 

-20.0%

 

24.8% 

 

13.1% 

 

27.0% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

 -

 

 -

 

33.3 

 

 -

 

 -

 

33.3 

 

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

-67.2%

 

0.0% 

 

0.0% 

 

-67.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct contribution

 

$          5.8

 

$        31.7

 

$        19.2

 

$         (2.2)

 

$         (2.3)

 

$        52.2

 

 

7.0% 

 

67.0% 

 

-110.3%

 

-21.3%

 

-19.3%

 

38.7% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three-month Period Ended September 30, 2015

 

 

Brazil

 

Argentina

 

Venezuela

 

Mexico

 

Other
Countries

 

Total

Net revenues

 

$        74.3

 

$        67.2

 

$          8.9

 

$          9.9

 

$          8.4

 

$      168.6

Direct costs

 

(43.7)

 

(38.7)

 

(3.7)

 

(8.6)

 

(5.3)

 

(100.0)

Direct contribution

 

30.6 

 

28.5 

 

5.2 

 

1.3 

 

3.0 

 

68.6 

Margin

 

41.1% 

 

42.4% 

 

58.6% 

 

13.4% 

 

36.2% 

 

40.7% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three-month Period Ended September 30, 2014

 

 

Brazil

 

Argentina

 

Venezuela

 

Mexico

 

Other
Countries

 

Total

Net revenues

 

$        78.2

 

$        41.0

 

$          9.3

 

$          9.9

 

$          9.7

 

$      147.9

Direct costs

 

(43.2)

 

(20.4)

 

(2.6)

 

(6.7)

 

(5.6)

 

(78.5)

Direct contribution

 

35.0 

 

20.6 

 

6.6 

 

3.2 

 

4.0 

 

69.4 

Margin

 

44.7% 

 

50.2% 

 

71.7% 

 

32.3% 

 

41.7% 

 

46.9% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change from the Three-month Period Ended
September 30, 2014 to September 30, 2015 (*)

 

 

Brazil

 

Argentina

 

Venezuela

 

Mexico

 

Other
Countries

 

Total

Net revenues

 

$        (3.9)

 

$       26.3

 

$        (0.4)

 

$         0.0

 

$        (1.3)

 

$       20.7

 

 

-5.0%

 

64.2% 

 

-4.5%

 

0.3% 

 

-13.4%

 

14.0% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

49


 

Direct costs

 

$        (0.5)

 

$      (18.3)

 

$        (1.0)

 

$        (1.9)

 

$         0.3

 

$      (21.5)

 

 

1.2% 

 

89.8% 

 

39.4% 

 

28.3% 

 

-5.2%

 

27.3% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct contribution

 

$        (4.4)

 

$         8.0

 

$        (1.5)

 

$        (1.9)

 

$        (1.0)

 

$        (0.8)

 

 

-12.6%

 

38.7% 

 

-21.8%

 

-58.5%

 

-24.8%

 

-1.1%

 

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts rather than rounded amounts that appear in the table. The table above may not total due to rounding.

Net revenues

Net revenues for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the respective periods in 2014, are described above in “Item 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Net revenues”.

Direct costs and Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Brazil

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, direct costs increased by 14.2%, mainly driven by: i) a 17.9% increase in cost of net revenues, mainly attributable to an increase in collection fees as a consequence of higher penetration of our MercadoPago business and sales tax costs, and salaries and wages; ii ) a 92.9% increase in product and technology development expenses, mainly due to an increase in salaries and wages, higher depreciation and amortization expenses and other product and development expenses and iii) a 5.4% increase in sales and marketing expenses, mainly due to an increase in buyer protection program expenses, partially offset by a decrease in bad debt expenses. These increases were partially offset by a  0.4%  decrease in general and administrative expenses, mainly attributable to a decrease in legal fees partially offset by increase in salaries and wages.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, direct costs increased by 1.2%, mainly driven by: i) a 0.2% increase in cost of net revenues, mainly attributable to an increase in collection fees as a consequence of higher penetration of our MercadoPago business, partially offset by a decrease in sales tax costs and salaries and wages and ii) a 84.6% increase in product and technology development expenses, mainly due to an increase in salaries and wages, higher depreciation and amortization expenses, communication expenses, maintenance expenses and other product and development expenses. These increases were partially offset by a 14.3% decrease in general and administrative expenses, mainly attributable to a decrease in salaries and wages and legal fees, partially offset by increase in other general and administrative expenses; and a 0.8% decrease in sales and marketing mainly attributable to an decrease in salaries and wages, bad debt and on-line marketing expenses, partially offset by increase in chargebacks and other marketing expenses.

Argentina

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, direct costs increased by 68.5%, mainly driven by: i) a 73.6% increase in cost of net revenues, mainly attributable to an increase in collection fees as a consequence of a higher penetration of MercadoPago, customer support costs and sales taxes; ii) a 45.8% increase in sales and marketing expenses, mainly due to an increase in on-line marketing expenses, higher buyer protection program expenses, salaries and wages, chargeback expenses and other marketing expenses; iii) a 293.4%  increase in product and technology development expenses, mainly due to an increase in higher depreciation and amortization expenses and iv) a 49.8%  increase in general and administrative expenses, mainly due to an increase in tax and other fees and legal fees.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, direct costs increased by 89.8%, mainly driven by: i) a  79.0% increase in cost of net revenues, mainly attributable to an increase in collection fees as a consequence of a higher penetration of MercadoPago and sales taxes; ii) a  31.4% increase in sales and marketing expenses, mainly due to an increase in off-line marketing expenses, higher buyer protection program expenses, salaries and wages, chargeback expenses and other marketing expenses, partially offset by a decrease in bad debt expenses; iii) a  213.7% increase in general and administrative expenses, which was primarily a consequence of the tax credits write off recorded during the same period in 2014 in connection with the software development law and vi) a 261.5% increase in product and technology development expenses, mainly due to an increase in higher depreciation and amortization expenses.

Mexico

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, direct costs increased by 24.8%, mainly driven by: i) a  98.2% increase in general and administrative expenses, mainly attributable to an increase in salaries

 

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and wages, and higher depreciation and amortization expenses; ii) a 25.9% increase in cost of net revenues that was mainly attributable to an increase in collection fees due to higher MercadoPago penetration and other costs; iii) a 7.6% increase in sales and marketing expenses, mainly due to an increase in on-line and off-line marketing expenses, chargebacks, salaries and wages and other marketing expenses partially offset by a decrease in bad debt expenses and vi) a  37.1%  increase in product and technology development expense as a result of increase in maintenance expenses and depreciation and amortization expenses.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, direct costs increased by 28.3%, mainly driven by: i) a  109.0% increase in general and administrative expenses, mainly attributable to an increase in salaries and wages, higher depreciation and amortization expenses and other general and administrative expenses; ii) a  23.1% increase in cost of net revenues that was mainly attributable to an increase in collection fees due to higher MercadoPago penetration and other costs and iii) a 10.7% increase in sales and marketing expenses, mainly due to an increase in off-line marketing expenses, salaries and wages, higher buyer protection program expenses, chargeback expenses partially offset by a decrease in bad debt expenses and vi) a 100.7%  increase in product and technology development expense as a result of increase in salaries and wages, maintenance expenses and depreciation and amortization expenses

Venezuela

During first quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, we have recorded an impairment of long-lived assets of $16.2 million and $49.5 million respectively in our Venezuelan subsidiaries. Additionally, direct costs decrease $2.6 million during third quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to; i) a 51.4% decrease in sales and marketing expenses that was mainly attributable to a decrease in salaries and wages, bad debt and chargebacks; ii) a 21.0% decrease in general and administrative expenses that was mainly attributable to a decrease in salaries and wages and higher depreciation and amortization expenses partially offset by increase in other general and administrative expenses and iii) a  71.1% decrease in product and technology development expenses attributable to a decrease in salaries and wages, communication and maintenance expenses and in depreciation and amortization expenses; offset by a 18.9% increase in costs of net revenues mainly attributable to an increase in customer support costs. These decreases are related to local currency devaluation in this country. See section “Critical accounting policies and estimates – Foreign currency translation”. As a result of the above mentioned decreases and excluding the impairment of long lived assets, direct contribution increase during third quarter of 2015 as compared to 2014.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014, direct costs increased by 39.4%, mainly driven by: i) a 111.8% increase in cost of net revenues that was mainly attributable to an increase in collection fees and customer support costs; ii) a 7.6% increase in general and administrative expenses, mainly attributable to an increase in salaries and wages, other general and administrative expenses partially offset by decrease depreciation and amortization expenses and iii) a 30.4% increase in product and technology development expense as a result of increase in salaries and wages and depreciation and amortization expenses. Those increases were partially offset by a 23.0% decrease in sales and marketing expenses, mainly due to a decrease in chargebacks and bad debt expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our main cash requirement historically has been working capital to fund MercadoPago financing operations in Brazil. We also require cash for capital expenditures relating to technology infrastructure, software applications, office space, business acquisitions, to fund the payment of quarterly cash dividends on shares of our common stock and to fund the interests payments on our Convertible Notes.

Since our inception, we have funded our operations primarily through contributions received from our stockholders during the first two years of operations, from funds raised during our initial public offering, and from cash generated from our operations. We issued on June 30, 2014, $330 million principal balance of Convertible Notes for net proceeds to us of approximately $321.7 million. We have funded MercadoPago by discounting credit card receivables, with loans backed with credit card receivables and through cash advances derived from our business.

At September 30, 2015, our main source of liquidity, amounting to $341.0 million of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments and $185.7 million of long-term investments, was provided by cash generated from operations and from the issuance of the Convertible Notes. We consider our long-term investments as part of our liquidity because long-term investments are comprised of available-for-sale securities classified as long-term as a consequence of their contractual maturities.

The significant components of our working capital are cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, funds receivable from and payable to MercadoPago users, and short-term debt. As long as we continue transferring credit card receivables to financial institutions in return for cash, we will continue generating cash.

As of September 30, 2015 cash and investments of foreign subsidiaries amounted to $247.6 million, or 47.0% of our consolidated cash and investments, and approximately 29.5% of our consolidated cash and investments were held outside the U.S., mostly in Brazil and Argentina. Our strategy is to reinvest the undistributed earnings of our foreign operations in those operations and to distribute dividends when they can be offset with available tax credits. We do not expect a material impact in any repatriation of

 

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undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries on our operations since the taxable domestic gains generated by any dividend distributions will be mostly offset with foreign tax credits that arise from income tax paid in our foreign operations, which we are allowed to compute for domestic income tax purposes.

In the event we change the way we manage our business, our working capital needs could be funded, as we did in the past, through a combination of the sale of credit card coupons to financial institutions, loans backed by credit card receivables and cash advances from our business.

The following table presents our cash flows from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, (*)

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

Net cash provided by / (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Operating activities

 

 

 

 

$        111.3

 

$          138.4

   Investing activities

 

 

 

 

(94.9)

 

(271.6)

   Financing activities

 

 

 

 

(18.7)

 

276.1 

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

(47.8)

 

(45.6)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

$         (50.1)

 

$            97.2

 

 (*) The table above may not total due to rounding.

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash provided by operating activities consists of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items, and the effect of changes in working capital and other activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

 

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

Net Cash provided by:

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

 

$          111.3

 

$        138.4

 

$            (27.2)

 

-19.6%

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts rather than rounded amounts that appear in the table. The table above may not total due to rounding.

The $27.2 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014, was primarily driven by a $52.5 million increase in MercadoPago working capital and a $23.0 million increase in net income adjusted by non-cash operating results. These increases in operating cash flow were partially offset by a $86.7 million increase in accounts receivables and credit card receivables, a $7.7 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses and a $7.0 million increase in other assets.

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

 

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

Net Cash used in:

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

$           (94.9)

 

$       (271.6)

 

$         176.8

 

-65.1%

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts rather than rounded amounts that appear in the table. The table above may not total due to rounding.

 

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Net cash used in investing activities in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 resulted mainly from purchases of investments of $1,435.7 million partially offset by proceeds from the sale and maturity of investments of $1,424.1 million, as part of our financial strategy. We used $1.5 million in the purchase of intangible assets, $19.1 million in the purchase of property plant and equipment (mainly in our Argentine offices and in information technology in Argentina and Brazil), $45.0 million to fund the acquisition of KPL Soluções Ltda and Metros Cúbicos S.A. de C.V., and $17.8 million in an advance for property and equipment.

Net cash used in investing activities in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 resulted mainly from purchases of investments of $1,713.5 million partially offset by proceeds from the sale and maturity of investments of $1,499.0 million, as part of our financial strategy. We used $0.5 million in the purchase of intangible assets, $24.4 million in the purchase of property, plant and equipment and $32.1 million to fund the acquisition of Portal Inmobiliario and Guia de Inmuebles.com.

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Change from 2014

 

 

 

September 30,

 

to 2015 (*)

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

in Dollars

 

in %

 

 

 

(in millions, except percentages)

Net Cash (used in) provided by:

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

$           (18.7)

 

$        276.1

 

$         (294.8)

 

-106.8%

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts rather than rounded amounts that appear in the table. The table above may not total due to rounding.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, our primary use of cash was to fund $16.4 million in cash dividends paid on January 15, April 15 and July 15, 2015. In addition, we used $4.6 million for the payment of financial liabilities and $2.7 million for the repurchase of common stock. We received $5.0 million to fund the acquisitions of the Venezuelan offices acquired during the third quarter.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, we received $ 321.9 million from the issuance of the Convertible Notes. Additionally, we used $19.7 million for the purchase of the Convertible Note capped call. We used $20.9 million to fund cash dividends paid on January 15, April 15, and July 15, 2014 and $ 1.9 for the repurchase of common stock.

In the event that we decide to pursue strategic acquisitions in the future, we may fund them with available cash, third-party debt financing, or by raising equity capital, as market conditions allow.

Debt

On June 30, 2014, we issued $330 million of 2.25% convertible senior notes due 2019 (the “Notes”). The Notes are unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of our Company, which pay interest in cash semi-annually, on January 1 and July 1, at a rate of 2.25% per annum. The Notes will mature on July 1, 2019 unless earlier repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. The Notes may be converted, under the conditions specified below, based on an initial conversion rate of 7.9353 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $126.02 per share of common stock), subject to adjustment as described in the indenture governing the Notes.

Holders may convert their notes at their option at any time prior to January 1, 2019 only under the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on September 30, 2014 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; (2) during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day; or (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On or after January 1, 2019 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances. Upon conversion, we will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our election.

As of September 30, 2015, none of the conditions allowing holders of the Notes to convert their notes had been met.

 

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In accordance with ASC 470-20 Debt with conversion and other options, the convertible debt instrument within the scope of the cash conversion subsection, was separated into debt and equity components at issuance and be assigned a fair value. The value assigned to the debt component is the estimated fair value, as of the issuance date, of a similar debt without the conversion feature. As of June 30, 2014, we determined the fair value of the liability component of the Notes by reviewing market data that was available for senior, unsecured nonconvertible corporate bonds issued by comparable companies. Assumptions used in the estimate represent what market participants would use in pricing the liability component, including market interest rates, credit standing, and yield curves, all of which are defined as level 2 observable inputs. The difference between the cash proceeds and this estimated fair value, represents the value assigned to the equity component and is recorded as a debt discount. The debt discount is amortized using the effective interest method from the origination date through its stated contractual maturity date.

The initial debt component of the Notes was valued at $283.0 million, based on the contractual cash flows discounted at an appropriate market rate for a non-convertible debt at the date of issuance, which was determined to be 5.55%. The carrying value of the permanent equity component reported in additional paid-in-capital was initially valued at $47.0 million and recorded as a debt discount. This amount represents the total unamortized debt discount we recorded at the time of issuance of the Notes. The aggregate debt discount, including the transaction costs related to the debt component, is amortized as interest expense over the contractual term of the Notes using the effective interest method using an interest rate of 6.1%.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015; the total interest expense recognized for the Convertible Notes amounted to $12.9 million.

Capped Call Transactions

The net proceeds from the Notes were approximately $321.7 million after considering the transaction costs in an amount of $8.3 million. In connection with the issuance of the Notes, we paid approximately $19.7 million to enter into capped call transactions with respect to its common stock (the “Capped Call Transactions”), with certain financial institutions. The Capped Call Transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution upon conversion of the Convertible Notes in the event that the market price of our common stock is greater than the strike price of the Capped Call Transactions, initially set at $126.02 per common share, which corresponds to the initial conversion price of the Notes and is subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the conversion rate of the Notes, and have a cap price of approximately $155.78 per common share. Therefore, as a result of executing the Capped Call Transactions, we will reduce our exposure to potential dilution once the market price of its common shares exceeds the strike price of $126.02 and up to a cap price of approximately $155.78 per common share. The Capped Call Transactions allow us to receive shares of our common stock and/or cash related to the excess conversion value that we would pay to the holders of the Notes upon conversion, up to the above mentioned cap price.

The $19.7 million cost of the capped call transactions, which net of deferred income tax effect amounts to $12.8 million, is included as a net reduction to additional paid-in capital in the stockholders’ equity section of our consolidated balance sheets, in accordance with the guidance in ASC 815-40 Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity.

Office building acquisition agreements in Caracas

 

During August and September 2015, our Venezuelan subsidiary acquired two offices in process of construction The offices acquired were funded with funds from its own operations for an amount of BF$1,071 million, and the remaining BF$ 1,000 were funded with a mortgage loan celebrated with Banco del Caribe, C.A. Banco Universal to be paid in monthly installments during five years, and included in current and non-current liabilities under the caption “Loans payable and other financial liabilities”. The mortgage loan bears a fixed interest rate of 24% per annum. The amount of the mortgage climbs to BF$2,000 million, or $10 million as of September 30, 2015.

 

Cash Dividends

In each of February, April, July and October of 2014, our board of directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $7.3 million (or $0.166 per share on our outstanding shares of common stock). The dividends were paid on April 15, July 15, October 15, 2014 and January 15, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 29, June 30, September 30, and December 31, 2014, respectively.

On February 24, 2015, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $4.6 million (or $0.103 per share) on the outstanding shares of the Company´s common stock. The first quarterly dividend was paid on April 15, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 31, 2015.

 

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On April 30, 2015, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.103 per share, payable to holders of the Company's common stock. This quarterly cash dividend was paid on July 15, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 30, 2015.

On August 4, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $4.5 (or $0.103 per share) on our outstanding shares of company´s common stock. This quarter cash dividend was paid on October 15, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 30, 2015.

On November 3, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $4.5 (or $0.103 per share) on our outstanding shares of company´s common stock. This quarter cash dividend will paid on January 15, 2016 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2015.

We currently expect to continue paying comparable cash dividends on a quarterly basis. However, any future determination as to the declaration of dividends on our common stock will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, operating and financial condition, capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors, including the applicable requirements of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

 

Capital expenditures

Our capital expenditures (comprised by our payments for property and equipment, intangible assets and acquired business) for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 amounted to $83.4 million and $57.1 million, respectively.

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 we invested $3.8 million in our Argentine and Brazilian offices, and $12.1 million in Information Technology in Argentina and Brazil.

During June 2015, our Venezuelan subsidiary acquired two offices in process of construction of a total of 475.48 square meters, in Caracas, Venezuela for a total purchase price of approximately BF$1,474 million, or $7.4 million, for investment purposes and included in non-current other assets. The Venezuelan subsidiary paid the purchase price in Bolivares Fuertes, and funded the transaction with funds from its own operations.

During August 2015, our Venezuelan subsidiary acquired an office in process of construction of a total of 309.19 square meters, in Caracas, Venezuela for a total purchase price of approximately BF$1,188 million, or $6.0 million, for investment purposes and included in non-current other assets. The Venezuelan subsidiary paid the purchase price in Bolivares Fuertes.

During September 2015, our Venezuelan subsidiary acquired an office in process of construction of a total of 169.06 square meters, in Caracas, Venezuela for a total purchase price of approximately BF$883.1 million, or $4.4 million, for investment purposes and included in non-current other assets. The Venezuelan subsidiary paid the purchase price in Bolivares Fuertes.

The offices acquired during August and September 2015 were funded with funds from our own operations for an amount of BF$1,071 million, and the remaining BF$ 1,000 were funded with a mortgage loan celebrated with Banco del Caribe, C.A. Banco Universal to be paid in monthly installments during five years, and included in current and non-current liabilities under the caption “Loans payable and other financial liabilities”. The mortgage loan bears a fixed interest rate of 24% per annum. The amount of the mortgage climbs to BF$2,000 million, or $10 million as of September 30, 2015.

The offices will be delivered on October, 2016 according to the agreements.

We are permanently increasing the level of investment on hardware and software licenses necessary to improve and update the technology of our platform and cost of computer software developed internally. We anticipate continued investments in capital expenditures related to information technology in the future as we strive to maintain our position in the Latin American e-commerce market.

We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, including the sale of credit card receivables and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to fund our operating activities, property and equipment expenditures and to pay or repay obligations going forward.

 

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Off-balance sheet arrangements

As of September 30, 2015, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our condensed consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we use free cash flows as non-GAAP measure.

This non-GAAP measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. In addition, this non-GAAP measure is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. Non-GAAP measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the amounts associated with our results of operations as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This non-GAAP financial measure should only be used to evaluate our results of operations in conjunction with the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures.

Reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure can be found in the tables included in this quarterly report.

Non-GAAP financial measures are provided to enhance investors’ overall understanding of our current financial performance. Specifically, we believe that free cash flow provides useful information to both management and investors by excluding payments for the acquisition of property, equipment, of intangible assets net of financial liabilities and of businesses net of cash acquired, that may not be indicative of our core operating results. In addition, we report free cash flows to investors because we believe that the inclusion of this measure provides consistency in our financial reporting.

Free cash flow represents cash from operating activities less payment and advances for the acquisition of property, equipment and intangible assets net of financial liabilities and acquired businesses net of cash acquired. We consider free cash flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by our operations after the purchases of property, and equipment, of intangible assets and of acquired businesses net of cash acquired. A limitation of the utility of free cash flow as a measure of financial performance is that it does not represent the total increase or decrease in our cash balance for the period.

Reconciliation of Operating Cash Flows to Free Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Three-month Periods Ended

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, (*)

 

September 30,

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Net Cash provided by Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

$        111.3

 

$          138.4

 

$            14.4

 

$             50.5

Payment for acquired business, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

 

(45.0)

 

(32.1)

 

 —

 

 —

Purchase of intangible assets

 

 

 

 

(1.5)

 

(0.5)

 

(0.1)

 

1.4 

Advance for property and equipment

 

 

 

 

(17.8)

 

 —

 

(10.3)

 

 —

Financial liabilities for acquisition of property and equipment

 

 

 

 

5.0 

 

 —

 

5.0 

 

 —

Purchase of property and equipment

 

 

 

 

(19.1)

 

(24.4)

 

(2.8)

 

(9.8)

Free cash flow

 

 

 

 

32.9 

 

81.3 

 

6.3 

 

42.1 

 (*) The table above may not total due to rounding.

Item 3 — Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosure About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risks arising from our business operations. These market risks arise mainly from the possibility that changes in interest rates and the U.S. dollar exchange rate with local currencies, particularly the Brazilian Real and Argentine Peso due to Brazil’s and Argentine’s respective share of our revenues, may affect the value of our financial assets and liabilities.

 

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Foreign currencies

As of September 30, 2015, we hold cash and cash equivalents in local currencies in our subsidiaries, and have receivables denominated in local currencies in all of our operations. Our subsidiaries generate revenues and incur most of their expenses in their local currencies. As a result, our operational subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency, except for our Venezuelan subsidiaries, which use the U.S. dollar as if it is the functional currency due to Venezuela being a highly inflationary economy. As of September 30, 2015, the total cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies totaled $134.0 million, short-term investments denominated in foreign currencies totaled $63.1 million and accounts receivable and credit cards receivables in foreign currencies totaled $242.0 million. As of September 30, 2015, we had no long-term investments denominated in foreign currencies. To manage exchange rate risk, our treasury policy is to transfer most cash and cash equivalents in excess of working capital requirements into U.S. dollar-denominated accounts in the United States. As of September 30, 2015, our U.S. dollar-denominated cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $144.0 million and our U.S. dollar-denominated long-term investments totaled $185.7 million. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, we had a foreign currency loss of $6.6 million mainly as a result of the devaluation in Venezuela (as a consequence of our determination to use the exchange rate under SIMADI effective as of March 31, 2015), in Chile and in Mexico which amounted to a loss of $20.4 million, $3.4 million and $2.8 million respectively, offset by a foreign exchange gain in Argentina and Brazil for the nine-month period ended 2015, which amounted to a gain of $18.1 million. (See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Results of operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 and three-month period ended September 30, 2015 compared to three-month period ended September 30, 2014” for more information).

If the U.S. dollar weakens against foreign currencies, the translation of these foreign-currency-denominated transactions will result in increased net revenues, operating expenses, and net income while the re-measurement of our net asset position in U.S. dollars will have a negative impact in our Statement of Income. Similarly, our net revenues, operating expenses and net income will decrease if the U.S. dollar strengthens against foreign currencies, while the re-measurement of our net asset position in U.S. dollars will have a positive impact in our Statement of Income.

The following table sets forth the percentage of consolidated net revenues by segment for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended

 

Three-month Periods Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(% of total consolidated net revenues) (*)

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Brazil

 

45.8 

%

 

49.1 

%

 

44.0 

%

 

52.8 

%

Argentina

 

36.4 

 

 

25.9 

 

 

39.9 

 

 

27.7 

 

Mexico

 

6.2 

 

 

6.9 

 

 

5.9 

 

 

6.7 

 

Venezuela

 

6.1 

 

 

11.4 

 

 

5.3 

 

 

6.3 

 

Other Countries

 

5.5 

 

 

6.7 

 

 

5.0 

 

 

6.5 

 

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using whole-dollar amounts. 

Foreign Currency Sensitivity Analysis

The table below shows the impact on our net revenues, expenses, other expenses and income tax, net income and equity for a positive and a negative 10% fluctuation on all the foreign currencies to which we are exposed to as of September 30, 2015 and for the nine-month period then ended:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign Currency Sensitivity Analysis (*)

(In millions)

 

 

-10%

Actual

+10%

 

 

 

(1)

 

(2)

Net revenues

 

 

$            523.0

$           471.1

$           428.1

Expenses

 

 

(405.5)
(365.6)
(332.3)

Income from operations

 

 

117.4 
105.5 
95.8 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expenses and income tax related to P&L items

 

 

(34.4)
(32.0)
(30.1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign Currency impact related to the remeasurement of our Net Asset position

 

 

(7.4)
(6.6)
(6.1)

Net income

 

 

75.7 
66.8 
59.7 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Shareholders' Equity

 

 

$            371.3

$           363.5

$           325.8

 

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(1)

Appreciation of the subsidiaries local currency against U.S. Dollar

(2)

Depreciation of the subsidiaries local currency against U.S. Dollar

(*)  The table above may not total due to rounding.

The table above shows an increase in our net income when the U.S. dollar weakens against foreign currencies because the re-measurement of our net position in U.S. dollars has a lesser impact than the increase in our net revenues, operating expenses, and other expenses, net and income tax lines related to the translation effect. Similarly, the table above shows a decrease in our net income when the U.S. dollar strengthens against foreign currencies because the re-measurement of our net asset position in U.S. dollars has a lesser impact than the decrease in our net revenues, operating expenses, and other expenses, net and income tax lines related to the translation effect.

In the past we have entered into transactions to hedge portions of our foreign currency translation exposure; however, during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, we did not enter into any such hedging transactions.

Venezuelan Segment

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we have classified our Venezuelan operations as highly inflationary since January 1, 2010, using the U.S. dollar as the functional currency for purposes of reporting our financial statements. Therefore, no translation effect has been accounted for in other comprehensive income related to our Venezuelan operations. As of September 30, 2015, monetary assets and liabilities in BsF were re-measured to the U.S. dollar using the SIMADI closing exchange rate of 199.4BsF per U.S. dollar.

The following table sets forth the assets, liabilities and net assets of our Venezuelan subsidiaries, before intercompany eliminations of a net liability of $25.7 million and $30.8 million, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and net revenues for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month Periods Ended September 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

(In million)

Net Revenues

 

$                     28.5

 

$                     45.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2015

 

2014

Assets

 

58.0 

 

75.2 

Liabilities

 

(36.2)

 

(43.4)

Net Assets

 

$                     21.7

 

$                     31.8

As of September 30, 2015, the net assets of our Venezuelan subsidiaries amount to approximately 6.0% of our consolidated net assets, and cash and investments of our Venezuelan subsidiaries held in local currency in Venezuela amount to approximately 0.9% of our consolidated cash and investments.

During December 2013, the Venezuelan regulation that created SICAD 1 was amended to expand its use, and to require publication of the average exchange rate implied by transactions settled in SICAD 1 auctions. Additionally, on January 23, 2014, the exchange regulation was amended to include foreign currency sales for certain transactions, such as, but not limited to: contracts for leasing and services, use and exploitation of patents, trademarks, foreign investments and payments of royalties, contracts for technology import and technical assistance. Due to the change in rules that provided for the creation of the SICAD 1 system, the official exchange rate remains only available to obtain foreign currency to pay for a limited list of goods considered to be of high priority by the Venezuelan government, which does not include those relating to our business. As a consequence, SICAD 1 became, from that moment through May 15, 2014, the primary system to which we would have to request U.S. dollars to settle our transactions. As a result, from January 24 to May 15, 2014, the exchange rate we used to re-measure our net monetary asset position and BsF transactions of our Venezuelan operations was the SICAD 1 exchange rate.

In late February 2014, the Venezuelan government issued a decree to open a new exchange control mechanism (“SICAD 2”) that allowed the purchase of foreign exchange currencies, through authorized foreign exchange operators offered by individuals and companies such as Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA, the oil state-owned corporation of Venezuela), the BCV and other public entities authorized by the Ministry of Finance. The Venezuelan government published operating rules for the new exchange mechanism in Exchange Agreement N° 27 and, on March 24, 2014 SICAD 2 began operating. Since implementation of the SICAD 1 system, we had been unsuccessful in gaining access to U.S. dollars through SICAD 1. As a result of this ongoing lack of access to the SICAD 1 auction system and the establishment of SICAD 2, on May 16, 2014, we started requesting U.S. dollars through the SICAD 2

 

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mechanism. The SICAD 2 system was an open mechanism that permitted any company to request U.S. dollars for any purpose. Consequently, we were eligible for and were granted U.S. dollars through the SICAD 2 mechanism.

As a consequence of the determination to obtain U.S. dollars through SICAD 2 and the lack of access to SICAD 1, since May 16, 2014 the Company concluded that the SICAD 2 exchange rate should be used to re-measure their bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities in BsF and to re-measure the results of its Venezuelan operations, effective as of May 16, 2014. As a consequence, the Company recorded a foreign exchange loss of $16.5 million during the second quarter of 2014.

In light of those economic conditions in Venezuela, the determination to access SICAD 2 and re-measure the BsF denominated monetary assets and liabilities of its Venezuelan subsidiaries, and the lower U.S. dollar-equivalent cash flows then expected from the Venezuelan business, the Company reviewed in May 2014, the long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life for impairment and concluded that the carrying value of certain real estate properties would not be fully recoverable. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment of long-lived assets of $49.5 million in the second quarter of 2014. The carrying amount was adjusted to its estimated fair value of that date, by using the market approach, and considering prices for similar assets.

On February 10, 2015, the Venezuelan government issued a decree that unifies the two previous foreign exchange systems SICAD 1 and SICAD 2 into a new single system denominated SICAD, with an initial public foreign exchange rate of 12 BsF per U.S. dollar. The SICAD auction process remains available only to obtain foreign currency to pay for a limited list of goods considered to be of high priority by the Venezuelan government, which does not include those relating to our business. In the same decree, the Venezuelan government created the SIMADI, a new foreign exchange system that is separate from SICAD, which publishes a foreign exchange rate from the BCV on a daily basis.

In light of the disappearance of SICAD 2, and our inability to gain access to U.S. dollars through the new single system under SICAD, we started requesting and have been granted U.S. dollars through SIMADI. As a result, we now expect to settle our transactions through SIMADI and have concluded that the SIMADI exchange rate should be used to re-measure our bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities and to re-measure the revenues and expenses of our Venezuelan subsidiaries effective as of March 31, 2015. In connection with this re-measurement, we recorded a foreign exchange loss of $20.4 million and a deferred income tax gain of $3.8 million during the first quarter of 2015,  with no significant foreign exchange losses recorded during the second and third quarter of 2015. As of September 30, 2015, the SIMADI exchange rate was 199.4 BsF per U.S. dollar. The average exchange rate for the third quarter of 2015 was 199.11 BsF per U.S. dollar.

Considering this change in facts and circumstances and the lower U.S. dollar-equivalent cash flows now expected from our Venezuelan business, we have reviewed our long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life for impairment and concluded that the carrying value of certain real estate investments in Venezuela as of March 31, 2015 will not be fully recoverable. As a result, we recorded an impairment of long-lived assets of $16.2 million on March 31, 2015 using the exchange rate as of that date.  The carrying amount has been adjusted to its estimated fair value of approximately $9.2 million as of March 31,  2015 by using the market approach and considering prices for similar assets.

Until 2010 we were able to obtain U.S. dollars for any purpose, including dividend distributions, using alternative mechanisms other than through the CADIVI. Those U.S. dollars, obtained at a higher exchange rate than the one offered by CADIVI and held in balance at U.S. bank accounts of our Venezuelan subsidiaries, were used for dividend distributions from our Venezuelan subsidiaries. Our Venezuelan subsidiaries have not requested authorization since 2012 to acquire U.S. dollars to make dividend distributions and we have not distributed dividends from our Venezuelan subsidiaries since 2011.

Although the current mechanisms available to obtain U.S. dollars for dividend distributions to shareholders outside of Venezuela imply increased restrictions, we do not expect that the current restrictions to purchase U.S. dollars will have a significant adverse effect on our business strategy with regard to the investment in Venezuela.

In order to assist investors in their overall understanding of the impact on our Venezuelan segment reporting, we developed a scenario that considers a 400% additional devaluation over the SIMADI rate as of the date of this report, applied for the period starting on January 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015. These disclosures may help investors to project sensitivities, on segment information captions, to devaluations of whatever order of magnitude they choose by simple arithmetic calculations. The information is just a scenario and does not represent a forward-looking statement about our expectations or projections related to future events in Venezuela. The investors and other readers or users of the financial information presented in this caption are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this scenario. This information is not a guarantee of future events.

The information disclosed below does not include any inflation effect, nor the devaluation impact related to the assumed devaluation or any other effect derived from the assumed devaluation. The information below should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, this information is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles.

 

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The evolution of the Venezuelan economy and any future governmental interventions in the Venezuelan economy are beyond our ability to control or predict. New events could happen in the future in Venezuela and it is not possible for management to predict all such events, nor can it assess the impact of all such events on our Venezuelan business.

The table below provides specific sensitivity information of our Venezuelan segment reporting for the period indicated assuming approximately a 400% additional devaluation over the SIMADI rate as of the date of this report, applied for the period starting on January 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine-month period ended
September 30, 2015

 

Three-month period ended
September 30, 2015

 

Actual (*)

 

Sensitivity (**)

 

Actual (*)

 

Sensitivity (**)

 

(In million)

 

(In million)

Net revenues

$
28.5 

 

$
4.5 

 

$
8.9 

 

$
2.2 

Direct costs

(10.5)

 

(1.8)

 

(3.7)

 

(0.8)

Direct contribution before impairment of Long-lived assets

$
18.0 

 

$
2.7 

 

$
5.2 

 

$
1.4 

Direct Contribution Margin before impairment %

63.2% 

 

60.0% 

 

58.4% 

 

63.6% 

 

(*) As reported. Direct Contribution Margin does not include one-time impairments of long-lived assets and international customer service costs have been allocated considering previous year exchange rate.

(**) Computing a hypothetical devaluation of the Venezuelan segment from January 1 to September 30, 2015 assuming an exchange rate of 797.68 BsF per U.S. dollar (400% of the exchange rate as of September 30, 2015).

Despite the continued uncertainty and restrictions relating to foreign currency exchange in Venezuela as described above, we believe that our underlying business in that country is competitively well-positioned and continues to exhibit solid growth, in terms of units sold, even while economic conditions in the Venezuelan economy remain difficult. As economic conditions in that country improve, we expect that our business in Venezuela will benefit accordingly. Although in May 2014 and March 2015 we experienced a strong devaluation of our business in Venezuela, we cannot assure you that the BsF will not experience further devaluations or that the Venezuelan government will not default on its obligations to creditors in the future, which may be significant and could have a material negative impact on our future financial results of our Venezuela segment and value of our bolivar denominated net assets. However, for the reasons stated at the beginning of this paragraph, we remain strongly committed to our business and investment in Venezuela.

Argentine Segment

The Argentine government has implemented certain measures that control and restrict the ability of companies and individuals to exchange Argentine Pesos for foreign currencies. Those measures include, among other things, the requirement to obtain the prior approval from the Argentine Tax Authority of the foreign currency transaction (for example and without limitation, for the payment of non-Argentine goods and services, payment of principal and interest on non-Argentine debt and also payment of dividends to parties outside of the country), which approval process could delay, and eventually restrict, the ability to exchange Argentine Pesos for other currencies, such as U.S. dollars. Those approvals are administered by the Argentine Central Bank through the Local Exchange Market (“Mercado Unico Libre de Cambios”, or “MULC”), which is the only market where exchange transactions may be lawfully made.

Further, restrictions also currently apply to the acquisition of any foreign currency for holding as cash within Argentina. Although the controls and restrictions on the acquisition of foreign currencies in Argentina place certain limitations on our current ability to convert cash generated by our Argentine subsidiaries into foreign currencies, based on the current state of Argentine currency rules and regulations, we do not expect that the current controls and restrictions, will have a material adverse effect on our business plans in Argentina or on our overall business, financial condition or results of operations.

During January 2014 the Argentinean peso exchange rate against the U.S. dollar increased in approximately 23%, from 6.52 Argentinean Pesos per U.S. dollar as of December 31, 2013 to approximately 8.0 Argentinean Pesos per U.S. dollar. Due to the abovementioned increase in the Argentinean peso exchange rate against the U.S. dollar, during the first quarter of 2014, the reported Other Comprehensive Loss increased in $14,625 thousands as a result having a net asset position in Argentinean Pesos; and the Company recognized a foreign exchange gain of $4,597 thousands. As of September 30, 2015, the Argentinean Peso exchange rate was $ 9.43 per U.S. dollar.

Had a hypothetical increase in the Argentine Peso exchange rate against the U.S. dollar of 40% occurred on September 30, 2015, the reported net assets in our Argentine subsidiaries would have decreased by approximately $32.2 million with the related impact in Other Comprehensive Income. Additionally, we would have recorded a foreign exchange gain amounting to approximately $12.1 million in our Argentine subsidiaries.

 

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Brazilian Segment

During 2015, the Brazilian Reais exchange rate against the U.S. dollar increased in approximately 49%, from 2.66 Brazilian Reais per U.S. dollar as of December 31, 2014 to approximately 3.97 Brazilian Reais per U.S. dollar as of September 30, 2015. Due to the abovementioned devaluation, during the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2015,  the reported Other Comprehensive Loss of the Brazilian segment increased in $9,733 thousands and $12,306 thousands, respectively, as a result of having a net asset position in Brazilian Reais; and the Company recognized a foreign exchange gain of $14,468 thousands and $5,704 thousands, respectively, during the same periods.

Had  a hypothetical increase in the Brazilian Reais exchange rate against the U.S. dollar of 10% occurred on September 30, 2015, the reported net assets in our Brazilian subsidiaries would have decreased by approximately $3.4 million with the related impact in Other Comprehensive Income. Additionally, we would have recorded a foreign exchange gain amounting to approximately $1.2 million in our Brazilian subsidiaries.

Interest

Our earnings and cash flows are also affected by changes in interest rates. These changes could have an impact on the interest rates that financial institutions charge us prior to the time we sell our MercadoPago receivables. As of September 30, 2015, MercadoPago’s funds receivable from customers totaled $187.6 million. Interest rate fluctuations could also negatively affect certain of our fixed rate and floating rate investments comprised primarily of time deposits, money market funds, investment grade corporate debt securities and sovereign debt securities. Investments in both fixed rate and floating rate interest earning products carry a degree of interest rate risk. Fixed rate securities may have their fair market value adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates, while floating rate securities may produce less income than predicted if interest rates fall.

Under our current policies, we do not use interest rate derivative instruments to manage exposure to interest rate changes. As of September 30, 2015, the average duration of our available for sale securities, defined as the approximate percentage change in price for a 100-basis-point change in yield, was 1.26%. If interest rates were to instantaneously increase (decrease) by 100 basis points, the fair market value of our available for sale securities as of September 30, 2015 could decrease (increase) by approximately $4.1 million.

As of September 30, 2015, our short-term investments amounted to $168.0 million and our long-term investments amounted to $185.7 million. These investments can be readily converted at any time into cash or into securities with a shorter remaining time to maturity. We determine the appropriate classification of our investments at the time of purchase and re-evaluate such designations as of each balance sheet date.

 

Equity Price Risk

Our board of directors adopted the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 long-term retention plan (the “2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 LTRP”, respectively) payable as follows:

·

eligible employees will receive a fixed payment equal to 6.25% of his or her 2009 and/or 2010 and/or 2011 and/or 2012 LTRP bonus once a year for a period of eight years starting in 2010 and/or 2011 and/or 2012 and/or 2013 (the “2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Annual Fixed Payment”, respectively); and

·

on each date we pay the Annual Fixed Payment to an eligible employee, he or she will also receive a payment (the “2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Variable Payment, respectively”) equal to the product of (i) 6.25% of the applicable 2009 and/or 2010 and/or 2011 and/or 2012 LTRP bonus and (ii) the quotient of (a) divided by (b), where (a), the numerator, equals the Applicable Year Stock Price (as defined below) and (b), the denominator, equals the 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 Stock Price, defined as $13.81, $45.75, $65.41 and $77.77 for the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 LTRP, respectively, which was the average closing price of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market during the final 60 trading days of 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The “Applicable Year Stock Price” equals the average closing price of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market during the final 60 trading days of the year preceding the applicable payment date.

The 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 variable payment LTRP liability subjects us to equity price risk. In May 2013 the board of directors, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, approved certain amendments to the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Long-Term Retention Plans (the Amended LTRPs), to give us (through the approval of the Compensation Committee) the option to pay the compensation due under the Amended LTRPs in cash, common stock or a combination thereof. We have granted the

 

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right to any Amended LTRP participant to request settlement in cash. The Amended LTRPs have been considered to be a substantive liability and classified accordingly in the balance sheet.

On September 27, 2013, our board of directors, upon the recommendation of the compensation committee, approved the 2013 Long Term Retention Plan (the “2013 LTRP”), on March 31, 2014, the board of directors, upon the recommendation of the compensation committee approved the 2014 employee retention programs (“2014 LTRP”) and on August 4, 2015, the board of directors, upon the recommendation of the compensation committee approved the 2015 employee retention programs (“2015 LTRP”). If earned, payments to eligible employees under the 2013 and 2014 LTRP will be in addition to payments of base salary and cash bonus, the latter if earned, made to those employees. The awards under 2013 and/or 2014 LTRP are payable in cash, common stock or a combination thereof and, as we mentioned in the paragraph before for the others LTRP, we granted the right to any LTRP participant to request settlement in cash.

In order to receive an award under the 2013, 2014 and/or 2015 LTRP, each eligible employee must satisfy the performance conditions established by the board of directors for such employee. If these conditions are satisfied, the eligible employee will, subject to his or her continued employment as of each applicable payment date, receive the full amount of his or her 2013, 2014 and/or 2015 LTRP bonus, payable as follows:

·

the eligible employee will receive a fixed payment, equal to 8.333% of his or her 2013, 2014 and/or 2015 LTRP bonus once a year for a period of six years starting in March 2014, 2015 and/or 2016 (the “2013, 2014 and 2015 Annual Fixed Payment, respectively”); and

·

on each date we pay the Annual Fixed Payment to an eligible employee, he or she will also receive a payment (the “Variable Payment”) equal to the product of (i) 8.333% of the applicable 2013, 2014 and/or 2015 LTRP bonus and (ii) the quotient of (a) divided by (b), where (a), the numerator, equals the Applicable Year Stock Price (as defined below) and (b), the denominator, equals the 2012, 2013 and 2014 Stock Price, defined as $79.57, $118.48 and $127.29 for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 LTRP, respectively, which was the average closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market during the final 60 trading days of 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively. The “Applicable Year Stock Price” shall equal the average closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market during the final 60 trading days of the year preceding the applicable payment date.

 

At September 30, 2015, the total contractual obligation of our 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013,  2014 and 2015 Variable Payment LTRP liability amounted to $29.8 million. As of September 30, 2015, the accrued liability related to the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Variable Payment portion of the LTRP included in social security payable in our condensed consolidated balance sheet amounted to $19.8 million. The following table shows a sensitivity analysis of the risk associated with our contractual obligation related to the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Variable Payment if our common stock price per share were to experience increases or decreases by up to 40%:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2015

 

 

MercadoLibre, Inc

 

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015

 

 

Equity Price

 

variable LTRP liability

(In thousands, except equity price)

 

 

Change in equity price in percentage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40% 

 

163.11 

 

41,772 
30% 

 

151.46 

 

38,788 
20% 

 

139.81 

 

35,804 
10% 

 

128.16 

 

32,820 

Static

(*)

116.51 

 

29,837 

-10%

 

104.86 

 

26,853 

-20%

 

93.21 

 

23,869 

-30%

 

81.56 

 

20,886 

-40%

 

69.90 

 

17,902 

 

 

 

(*)Average closing stock price for the last 60 trading days of the closing date.

 

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Item 4 — Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) required by Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b), our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 — Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved in disputes that arise in the ordinary course of our business. The number and significance of these disputes is increasing as our business expands and our Company grows. Any claims against us, whether meritorious or not, may be time consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant amounts of management time, result in the diversion of significant operational resources or require expensive implementations of changes to our business methods to respond to these claims. See “Item 1A — Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2015.

As of September 30, 2015, our total reserves for proceeding-related contingencies were approximately $1.6 million to cover legal actions against us in which we have determined that a loss is probable. The proceeding-related reserve is based on developments to date and historical information related to actions filed against us. We do not reserve for losses we determine to be possible or remote.

As of September 30, 2015, there were 646 lawsuits pending against our Brazilian subsidiaries in the Brazilian ordinary courts. In addition, as of September 30, 2015, there were 2,561 lawsuits pending against our Brazilian subsidiaries in the Brazilian consumer courts, where a lawyer is not required to file or pursue a claim.

As of September 30, 2015, there were 49 lawsuits pending against our Argentine subsidiaries in the Argentine ordinary courts and 930 pending claims in the Argentine Consumer Protection Agencies, where a lawyer is not required to file or pursue a claim.

As of September 30, 2015there were two claims pending against our Mexican subsidiaries in the Mexican ordinary courts and 67 claims pending against our Mexican subsidiaries in the Mexican Consumer Protection Agencies, where a lawyer is not required to file or pursue a claim.

In most of these cases, the plaintiffs asserted that we were responsible for fraud committed against them, or responsible for damages suffered when purchasing an item on our website, when using MercadoPago, or when we invoiced them. We believe we have meritorious defenses to these claims and intend to continue defending them.

Set forth below is a description of the legal proceedings that we have determined to be material to our business. We have excluded ordinary routine legal proceedings incidental to our business. In each of these proceedings we also believe we have meritorious defenses, and intend to continue defending ourselves in these actions. We have established a reserve for those proceedings which we have considered that a loss is probable. The disclosure below updates and supplements the information set forth in “Item 3 — Legal Proceedings” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014:

On February 22, 2008, Nike International Ltd., (or “Nike”), requested a preliminary injunction against our Argentine subsidiary DeRemate.com de Argentina S.A. (or “DeRemate”), in the Court on Civil and Commercial Matters in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Nike alleged that this subsidiary was infringing Nike trademarks as a result of sellers listing allegedly counterfeited Nike

 

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branded products through the website www.deremate.com.ar. A preliminary injunction was granted in February 2008 to suspend the offer of Nike-branded products until sellers could be properly identified. DeRemate appealed the decision. In November 2008, the Federal Court of Appeals on Civil and Commercial Matters lifted the prohibition to allow on the website of DeRemate any listing related to Nike branded products subject to our requesting certain personal information from users listing those items. On March 25, 2008 Nike sued DeRemate in the same venue, for the same reasons argued in the request preliminary injunction. DeRemate presented its defense on September 11, 2009. On May 27, 2014, the Lower Court Judge issued a ruling considering that DeRemate was not liable for the alleged infringement by sellers’ listings, but it considered that DeRemate was liable for the breach of contract entered into by the parties which established a “notice and take down” procedure. On June 6, 2014, DeRemate filed an appeal that was denied on May 5, 2015 by the Federal Court of Appeals on Civil and Commercial Matters. The Federal Court decided, among other things, that (i) DeRemate shall (i) pay to the plaintiff a AR$200,000 for damages and (ii) restrain from buying keywords related with plaintiff’s trademarks. In May 2015 DeRemate filed recourse and an appeal to the Supreme Court under the same Federal Court. As of the date of this report, according to the opinion of external legal counsel of DeRemate, the risk of loss in this case is probable.

On August 25, 2010, Citizen Watch do Brasil S/A, or Citizen, sued Brazilian subsidiaries in the 31st Central Civil Court State of São Paulo, Brazil. Citizen alleged that the Brazilian subsidiaries were infringing Citizen’s trademarks as a result of users selling allegedly counterfeit Citizen watches through the Brazilian page of the Brazilian subsidiaries’ website. Citizen sought an order enjoining the sale of Citizen-branded watches on the Brazilian subsidiaries’ Marketplace with a $6,000 daily non-compliance penalty. On September 23, 2010, the Brazilian subsidiaries were summoned of an injunction granted to prohibit the offer of Citizen products on its platform, but the penalty was established at $6,000 per day. On September 26, 2010, the Brazilian subsidiaries presented their defense and appealed the decision of the injunction relief to the State Court of Appeals of São Paulo on September 27, 2010. On October 22, 2010 the injunction granted to Citizen was suspended. On March 23, 2011, the Company’s appeal regarding the injunction granted to Citizen was ruled in favor of the Brazilian subsidiaries. On May 4, 2011, Citizen presented a motion to clarify the decision but it was dismissed on March 14, 2012. On May 28, 2012, the Plaintiff filed a special recourse related to the injunction relief to the State Court of Appeals, and the Brazilian subsidiaries presented their defense on August 16, 2012 which was not admitted. In September 2012, the Plaintiff filed a legal action against the Brazilian subsidiaries with same arguments alleged in the injunction request and seeking for compensatory and statutory damages and defenses were presented on March 20, 2013. On January 9, 2013, Citizen presented a motion to request the appeal to be ruled by the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice (Superior Tribunal de Justiça). On March 1, 2013, the Brazilian subsidiaries presented their response to that appeal. On August 27, 2013, the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice ruled against Citizen’s appeal. The Superior Court of Justice ruled that the Brazilian subsidiaries were not responsible for alleged infringement of intellectual property rights by its users and that they should comply with the “notice and take down” procedure it already have in place.

On October 4, 2013, Citizen presented a motion to clarify mentioned decision issued by the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice and such motion was denied on November 11, 2013. Citizen then filed, on November 25, 2013, an Extraordinary Appeal aiming the decision rendered by Brazilian Superior Court of Justice to be reviewed by Brazilian Federal Supreme Court. On February 21, 2014, Brazilian subsidiaries presented its response to Citizen’s Extraordinary Appeal. On March 10, 2014, Citizen’s extraordinary appeal was not accepted by the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice and, on March 26, 2014, Citizen filed an appeal against such decision, aiming at its Extraordinary Appeal to be accepted and ruled by Brazilian Federal Supreme Court. On May 5, 2014 the Company presented its response to Citizen’s appeal to The Brazilian Federal Supreme Court. On December, 19, 2014 Brazilian Federal Supreme Court overruled Citizen’s Extraordinary Appeal, ending the discussion regarding the injunction sought by Citizen which was definitely not granted. On February 19, 2015 the judge preceding the 31st Central Civil Court of the City of São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil ruled the case in its merits totally in favor of the Brazilian subsidiary, stating that MercadoLivre shall not be held responsible for any of Citizen’s pleas and allegations and Citizen did not appeal the mentioned decision and, as a consequence, the case is closed. On the merits of the injunction is still pending. In the opinion of the Company’s management and its legal counsel the risk of loss is therefore remote.

On June 12, 2007, a state prosecutor of the State of São Paulo, Brazil presented a claim against MercadoLivre. The state prosecutor alleges that MercadoLivre should be held liable for any fraud committed by sellers on MercadoLivre’s website, or responsible for damages suffered by buyers when purchasing an item on the Brazilian version of the MercadoLivre website. On June 26, 2009, the Lower Court Judge ruled in favor of the State of São Paulo prosecutor, declaring that MercadoLivre shall be held joint and severally liable for fraud committed by sellers and damages suffered by buyers when using the website, and ordering MercadoLivre remove from the Terms of Service of the Brazilian website any provision limiting MercadoLivre’s responsibility, with a penalty of approximately $2,500 per day of non-compliance. On June 29, 2009, the Company presented a recourse to the lower court, which was not granted. On September 29, 2009, MercadoLivre presented an appeal and requested to suspend the effects of the ruling issued by the lower court until the appeal is decided by State Court of Appeals, which request was granted on December 1, 2009. On May 23, 2014 the State Court of Appeals issued its ruling stating that MercadoLivre shall not be held responsible for the quality, nature or defective products or services purchased through the Brazilian website. While the decision is not clear, it could be understood that the State Court of Appeals ruled that MercadoLivre could be held joint and severally liable for fraud committed by sellers buyers when using the website. On June 13, 2014, MercadoLivre filed a motion to clarify the decision. On October 6, 2014, the State Court of Appeals overruled MercadoLivre’s motion to clarify its decision. We appealed the decision to the Brazilian Federal Superior Court of Justice. As of the date of this report we appeal to the Brazilian Federal Superior Court of Justice was still being processed before the State Court of Appeals. On March 23, 2015 the State of São Paulo Prosecutor and MercadoLivre have settled the case by agreeing that MercadoLivre (i) will not be held liable for the quality, nature or defective products or services purchased through the Brazilian website, and/or damages

 

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suffered by buyers for purchases made using the website and paid directly to sellers, and (ii) will be jointly liable when buyer used MercadoPago in a purchase made through the website and liable for MercadoLivre’s own services. On July 15, 2015, the settlement was homologated and therefore the case is closed as of the date of this report.

On August 19, 2011, a state prosecutor of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil presented a claim against our Brazilian subsidiary. The state prosecutor alleges that the Brazilian subsidiary should improve our customer service level and provide (among other things) a telephone number for customer support and requested an injunction against our Brazilian subsidiary. On October 22, 2012, a lower court judge ruled in favor of the Company and dismissed the claim against us. The Public Prosecutor appealed the decision and MercadoLivre presented its defense on December 12, 2012. On April 9, 2013, the State Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Company confirming the dismissal of the claim. On May 28, 2013 the decision was appealed by the state prosecutor to the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice and we presented our response on July 2, 2013. On May 5, 2015 the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice did not accept the extraordinary appeal filed by the Public Prosecutor. The Public Prosecutor filed an appeal against such decision, aiming the appeal to be accepted and ruled by Brazilian Federal Supreme Court, which was not accepted on June 16, 2015. The state prosecutor filed the last appeal, which awaits trial. In the opinion our management and our legal counsel, the risk of loss is remote.

Intellectual Property Claims

In the past, third-parties have from time to time claimed, and others may claim in the future, that we have infringed their intellectual property rights. We have been notified of several potential third-party claims for intellectual property infringement through our website. These claims, whether meritorious or not, are time consuming, can be costly to resolve, could cause service upgrade delays, and could require expensive implementations of changes to our business methods to respond to these claims. See “Item 1A Risk factors — Risks related to our business — We could potentially face legal and financial liability for the sale of items that infringe on the intellectual property rights of others and for information disseminated on the MercadoLibre Marketplace” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

Item 1A — Risk Factors

As of September 30, 2015, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and in our Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2015.

 

 

Item 6 — Exhibits

 

The information set forth under “Index to Exhibits” below is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MERCADOLIBRE, INC.

 

 

 

 

Registrant

 

 

 

 

Date: November 5, 2015.

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Marcos Galperin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marcos Galperin

 

 

 

 

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Pedro Arnt

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pedro Arnt

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

MercadoLibre, Inc.

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

3.1

Registrant’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. (1)

3.2

Registrant’s Amended and Restated Bylaws. (1)

4.1

Form of Specimen Certificate for the Registrant’s Common Stock. (2)

4.2

Second Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 24, 2001, by and among the Registrant and the investors named therein. (1)

4.3

Indenture with respect to the Registrant’s 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019, dated as of June 30, 2014, between the Registrant and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee. (3)

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

 

 

 

 

*

Filed or furnished herewith, as applicable.

(1)

Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on May 11, 2007.

(2)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed on February 27, 2009.

(3)

Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 30, 2014.

 

 

 

 

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