WallStSmart

Kohl's Corporation (KSS)vsMercadoLibre Inc. (MELI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

MercadoLibre Inc. generates 106% more annual revenue ($31.80B vs $15.46B). MELI leads profitability with a 6.0% profit margin vs 1.8%. MELI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.07. MELI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

KSS

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 4.0Value: 8.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.81

MELI

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 6.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.35
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

KSSUndervalued (+46.1%)

Margin of Safety

+46.1%

Fair Value

$34.82

Current Price

$15.46

$19.36 discount

UndervaluedFair: $34.82Overvalued
MELIUndervalued (+61.8%)

Margin of Safety

+61.8%

Fair Value

$5279.65

Current Price

$1607.80

$3671.85 discount

UndervaluedFair: $5279.65Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KSS3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
144.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 144.7% YoY

MELI4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
49.0%10/10

Revenue surging 49.0% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$84.81B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
26.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.28B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

KSS4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.144/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.814/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Return on EquityProfitability
7.0%3/10

ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.8%3/10

1.8% margin — thin

MELI4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
11.2x4/10

Trading at 11.2x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
6.0%3/10

6.0% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.703/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : KSS

The strongest argument for KSS centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.

Bull Case : MELI

The strongest argument for MELI centers on Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 49.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.07 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : KSS

The primary concerns for KSS are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.62 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : MELI

The primary concerns for MELI are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 44.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.70 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KSS profiles as a value stock while MELI is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

KSS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.48 — expect wider price swings.

MELI is growing revenue faster at 49.0% — sustainability is the question.

MELI generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KSS scores higher overall (58/100 vs 58/100). MELI offers better value entry with a 61.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Kohl's Corporation

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · DEPARTMENT STORES · USA

Kohl's Corporation is a retail company in the United States. The company is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

MercadoLibre Inc.

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · INTERNET RETAIL · USA

MercadoLibre, Inc. operates online trading platforms in Latin America. The company is headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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