Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

-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  x    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  x    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   x    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  x

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.

44,154,572 shares of the issuer’s common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding as of October 30, 2014.

 

 

 


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, 2014 and December 31, 2013

     2   

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

     3   

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

     4   

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine-month periods ended September  30, 2014 and 2013

     5   

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

     6   

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

     38   

Item 3 — Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     63   

Item 4 — Controls and Procedures

     68   

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1 — Legal Proceedings

     69   

Item 1A — Risk Factors

     71   

Item 6 — Exhibits

     71   

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

     73   

Exhibit 3.1

  

Exhibit 3.2

  

Exhibit 31.1

  

Exhibit 31.2

  

Exhibit 32.1

  

Exhibit 32.2

  

EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT

  

EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT

  

EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

  

EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT

  

EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

  

EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

  


Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013

and for the nine and three-month periods

ended September 30, 2014 and 2013


Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013

 

     September 30,     December 31,  
     2014     2013  
     (Unaudited)        
Assets     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 237,503,912      $ 140,285,104   

Short-term investments

     169,843,592        76,593,214   

Accounts receivable, net

     39,243,327        25,884,260   

Credit cards receivables, net

     86,469,055        52,045,851   

Prepaid expenses

     5,878,124        3,836,081   

Deferred tax assets

     15,525,754        16,030,880   

Other assets

     15,427,865        11,488,845   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     569,891,629        326,164,235   

Non-current assets:

    

Long-term investments

     158,839,053        45,719,737   

Property and equipment, net

     83,926,941        131,371,909   

Goodwill

     67,068,985        55,101,218   

Intangible assets, net

     23,304,028        6,591,585   

Deferred tax assets

     12,122,286        3,014,905   

Other assets

     24,045,706        24,399,184   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

     369,306,999        266,198,538   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 939,198,628      $ 592,362,773   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Liabilities and Equity     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 59,144,112      $ 34,405,333   

Funds payable to customers

     161,300,868        129,038,663   

Salaries and social security payable

     26,377,418        23,182,811   

Taxes payable

     22,351,350        17,854,110   

Loans payable and other financial liabilities

     1,548,537        13,370,823   

Deferred tax liabilities

     1,617,441        —     

Other liabilities

     3,246,534        —     

Dividends payable

     7,329,546        6,313,869   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     282,915,806        224,165,609   

Non-current liabilities:

    

Salaries and social security payable

     7,669,605        9,185,269   

Loans payable and other financial liabilities

     282,945,512        2,489,819   

Deferred tax liabilities

     15,575,877        5,339,359   

Other liabilities

     5,242,535        3,699,109   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

     311,433,529        20,713,556   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 594,349,335      $ 244,879,165   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

    

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

   $ 4,000,000      $ 4,000,000   

Equity:

    

Common stock, $0.001 par value, 110,000,000 shares authorized, 44,153,892 and 44,153,473 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively

   $ 44,154      $ 44,153   

Additional paid-in capital

     137,572,237        121,562,193   

Treasury stock

     —          (1,012,216

Retained earnings

     326,684,667        310,345,448   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (123,451,765     (87,455,970
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Equity

     340,849,293        343,483,608   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Equity

   $ 939,198,628      $ 592,362,773   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 Income

For the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2014     2013     2014     2013  
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Net revenues

   $ 395,166,355      $ 337,964,538      $ 147,934,895      $ 123,055,431   

Cost of net revenues

     (111,312,881     (93,871,368     (43,401,677     (34,144,989
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     283,853,474        244,093,170        104,533,218        88,910,442   

Operating expenses:

        

Product and technology development

     (37,572,473     (31,217,195     (13,574,467     (12,074,586

Sales and marketing

     (78,227,301     (67,336,933     (29,406,149     (24,175,448

General and administrative

     (43,323,525     (44,119,063     (14,406,413     (15,261,345

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

     (49,495,686     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     (208,618,985     (142,673,191     (57,387,029     (51,511,379
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     75,234,489        101,419,979        47,146,189        37,399,063   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income (expenses):

        

Interest income and other financial gains

     10,969,447        8,373,112        4,360,901        2,776,791   

Interest expense and other financial losses

     (6,718,460     (1,379,516     (4,913,125     (487,496

Foreign currency (losses) gains

     (7,651,022     (1,073,255     5,220,080        1,575,592   

Other losses net

     —          (44,557     —          (42,217
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income before income / asset tax expense

     71,834,454        107,295,763        51,814,045        41,221,733   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income / asset tax expense

     (33,343,012     (30,605,467     (18,062,078     (12,075,486
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 38,491,442      $ 76,690,296      $ 33,751,967      $ 29,146,247   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Net Income (loss) attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

     56,009        (53,213     (13,524     (137,927
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc. shareholders

   $ 38,435,433      $ 76,743,509      $ 33,765,491      $ 29,284,174   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,      Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2014      2013      2014      2013  
     (Unaudited)      (Unaudited)  

Basic EPS

           

Basic net income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc.

           

Shareholders per common share

   $ 0.87       $ 1.73       $ 0.76       $ 0.66   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average of outstanding common shares

     44,153,867         44,152,402         44,153,892         44,152,933   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted EPS

           

Diluted net income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc.

           

Shareholders per common share

   $ 0.87       $ 1.73       $ 0.76       $ 0.66   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average of outstanding common shares

     44,153,867         44,152,402         44,153,892         44,152,933   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash Dividends declared

     0.498         0.429         0.166         0.143   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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 Comprehensive Income

For the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2014     2013     2014     2013  
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Net income

   $ 38,491,442      $ 76,690,296      $ 33,751,967      $ 29,146,247   

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income tax:

        

Currency translation adjustment

     (35,832,412     (22,423,839     (19,730,750     (7,796,679

Unrealized net (losses) gains on available for sale investments

     (137,916     47,848        (259,810     290,619   

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains on available for sale investments included in net income

     (25,467     (759,565     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income tax

     (35,995,795     (23,135,556     (19,990,560     (7,506,060
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

   $ 2,495,647      $ 53,554,740      $ 13,761,407      $ 21,640,187   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

     (37,350     (110,761     (138,241     (178,175
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc. Shareholders

   $ 2,532,997      $ 53,665,501      $ 13,899,648      $ 21,818,362   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 Statement of Cash Flows

For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2014     2013  
     (Unaudited)  

Cash flows from operations:

    

Net income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc. Shareholders

   $ 38,435,433      $ 76,743,509   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Net income (loss) attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

     56,009        (53,213

Net Devaluation Loss in Venezuela and Argentina

     13,808,146        6,420,929   

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

     49,495,686        —     

Depreciation and amortization

     12,346,160        8,593,391   

Accrued interest

     (6,927,681     (3,233,243

Convertible bonds accrued interest and amortization of debt discount

     3,926,835        —     

LTRP accrued compensation

     6,310,629        9,997,214   

Deferred income taxes

     (16,514,785     (4,006,615

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (39,476,854     (17,138,968

Credit Card Receivables

     (46,297,287     (7,559,739

Prepaid expenses

     (2,573,871     (2,297,492

Other assets

     (6,078,735     (6,233,513

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     74,588,719        17,978,834   

Funds payable to customers

     48,414,046        32,479,237   

Other liabilities

     1,957,462        2,465,012   

Interest received from investments

     6,968,975        8,693,109   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     138,438,887        122,848,452   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchase of investments

     (1,713,487,798     (802,270,257

Proceeds from sale and maturity of investments

     1,498,969,836        803,214,085   

Payment for acquired businesses, net of cash acquired

     (32,126,805     (3,224,162

Purchases of intangible assets

     (543,113     —     

Advance for fixed assets

     —          (26,167,766

Purchases of property and equipment

     (24,445,651     (49,928,150
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (271,633,531     (78,376,250
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Funds received from the issuance of convertible notes

     330,000,000        —     

Transaction costs from the issuance of convertible notes

     (8,083,625     —     

Purchase of convertible notes capped call

     (19,668,000     —     

Loans payable and other financial liabilities

     —          13,523,158   

Payments on loans payable and other financial liabilities

     (3,309,068     —     

Dividends paid

     (20,937,463     (17,440,135

Repurchase of Common Stock

     (1,944,307     (1,012,216

Stock options exercised

     —          3,020   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     276,057,537        (4,926,173
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (45,644,085     (12,938,037
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     97,218,808        26,607,992   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period

     140,285,104        101,489,002   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period

   $ 237,503,912      $ 128,096,994   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 Delaware in October 1999. MercadoLibre is a Latin American e-commerce and payments-platform. MercadoLibre is an e-commerce enabler whose mission is to build the necessary online and technology tools to allow practically anyone to trade almost anything in Latin America. MercadoLibre enables commerce through its marketplace platform (including online classifieds for motor vehicles, vessels, aircraft, services and real estate), a Latin American online marketplace, which allows users to buy and sell in most of the Latin America countries; through MercadoPago, which enables individuals and businesses to send and receive online payments; through MercadoClics, which facilitates the advertising service to large retailers and brands to promote their product and services on the web; and through MercadoShops which facilitates users to set-up, manage promote their own on-line web-stores. Additionally, during 2013 the Company launched the MercadoEnvios service, to facilitate the shipping of goods from sellers to buyers.

As of September 30, 2014, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, operated online commerce platforms directed towards Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Uruguay and Venezuela, and online payments solutions directed towards Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Chile and Colombia. In addition, the Company operates a real estate classified platform that covers some areas of State of Florida, U.S.A. During April 2014 the Company acquired online real estate classifieds advertisement companies in Chile and Mexico (see Note 4 for further details).

MercadoPago is currently available to users in each of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela.

MercadoEnvios is currently available to users in Argentina and Brazil.

 

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. Ownership interests of minority interests are recorded as noncontrolling interest. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements are stated in U.S. dollars. Intercompany transactions and balances 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 99.6% of the consolidated amounts during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. Long-lived assets and Goodwill located in the foreign operations totaled $162,744,933 and $183,922,432 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

Basis of presentation (Continued)

 

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the Company’s consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. These financial statements also show the Company’s consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income for the nine-month and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and statement of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. 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, 2013, 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.

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 at the date of the transaction are used. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). 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.

On February 9, 2013, the Venezuelan Central Bank (“BCV”) eliminated the SITME and devalued the official exchange rate used to re-measure our Venezuelan subsidiaries’ non-U.S. dollar denominated monetary assets and liabilities as from February 9, 2013 to 6.3 BsF (Bolivares Fuertes) per U.S. dollar. The effect of using the devalued official rate of 6.3 BsF per U.S. dollar generated a foreign currency loss that amounted to $6.4 million in the first quarter of 2013.

On March 19, 2013, the BCV announced the creation of the Sistema Complementario de Administración de Divisas (SICAD 1), which acts jointly with the Commission for the Administration of Foreign Exchange Control (CADIVI). In order to operate within this

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

Foreign currency translation (Continued)

 

system, a company should be registered at the Registro Automatizado (Automatized Register, or RUSAD). The acquisition of foreign currencies under this system is organized under an auction process to obtain foreign currencies for payments to foreign suppliers, where the minimum exchange rate to be offered is 6.3 BsF per U.S. dollar.

During December 2013, the Venezuelan regulation that created the 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 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 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 should 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 BCV and other public entities authorized by the Ministry of Finance. The Venezuelan government has published operating rules for the new 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 is an open mechanism that permits any company to request dollars for any purpose. Consequently, the Company is eligible for and has been 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 has recorded a foreign exchange loss of $16.5 million during the second quarter of 2014. As of September 30, 2014 the SICAD 2 exchange rate was 49.99 BsF per U.S. dollar.

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

Foreign currency translation (Continued)

 

In light of the current economic conditions in Venezuela, and 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 now expected from the Venezuelan business, the Company reviewed the long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life for impairment, including considering the current expected use of these assets in light of this foregoing. The Company owns two office spaces in Venezuela that had expected to use to support the main operating activities in that country. However, due to the current conditions, the Company now intends to rent these office spaces to third parties to generate rental income and will consider opportunities for disposal of these assets if real estate market conditions are favorable. Because the Company has concluded that the carrying value of these two real estate properties will not be recoverable, it has recorded an impairment of long-lived assets of $49,495,686 during May 2014. The carrying amount has been adjusted to its estimated fair value of approximately $22 million.

Until 2010 the Company was able to obtain U.S. dollars for any purpose, including dividends distribution, 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. The Company has 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, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and net revenues for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Nine-month periods ended September 30,  
     2014      2013  

Venezuelan operations

     

Net Revenues

   $ 45,184,278       $ 55,695,385   

 

                                                         
     September 30,
2014
    December 31,
2013
 

Assets

     65,444,729        126,873,804   

Liabilities

     (38,504,273     (62,437,338
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 26,940,456      $ 64,436,466   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2014, net assets (before intercompany eliminations) of the Venezuelan subsidiaries amounted to approximately 7.9% of consolidated net assets, and cash and investments of the Venezuelan subsidiaries held in local currency in Venezuela amounted to approximately 2.3% of our consolidated cash and investments.

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

Foreign currency translation (Continued)

 

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.

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 devaluation, during the first quarter of 2014, the reported net assets in Argentina decreased in $14,625,451 with the related impact in Other Comprehensive Income and the Company recognized a foreign exchange gain of $4,597,510. As of September 30, 2014, the Argentinean Peso exchange rate was $8.43 per U.S. dollar.

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

Income Tax Holiday in Argentina

According to Argentine law, from fiscal year 2008, the Company’s Argentine subsidiary has been a beneficiary of a software development law. Part of the benefits obtained from being a beneficiary of the aforementioned law is a relief of 60% of total income tax determined in each year, thus resulting in an effective tax rate in Argentina lower than the income tax law statutory rate. The law expired on September 17, 2014. As a consequence, the average tax rate for 2014 would be approximately 22% as we expect no income tax holiday during last quarter of fiscal year 2014.

Aggregate tax benefit totaled $2,044,806 and $2,973,762 for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, while for the nine-month periods ended at such dates amounted to $5,643,975 and $7,742,787, respectively. Aggregate per share effect of the Argentine tax holiday amounted to $0.05 and $0.07 for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, while for the nine-month periods ended at such dates amounted to $0.13 and $0.18, respectively.

In addition, during fiscal year 2013 the Company acquired a software development company (see Note 4), located in the Province of Cordoba, Argentina, which is also beneficiary of the aforementioned income tax holiday, however the total benefit obtained is immaterial.

If the Company had not been granted the Argentine tax holiday, it would have pursued an alternative tax planning strategy and, therefore, the impact of not having this particular benefit would not necessarily be the abovementioned dollar and per share effect.

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 requirement 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.

If we are successful in being admitted as beneficiaries under the new law, the current income tax relief would decrease, but it is currently estimated that the Argentine effective income tax rate would still be materially lower than the statutory income tax rate. Also, the tax holiday under the new law would last until 2019.

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. At the date of issuance of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements, the Industry Secretary resolution which approves the Company’s application is still pending.

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

The following table sets forth the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013:

 

     September 30,
2014
    December 31,
2013
 

Foreign currency translation

   $ (123,313,849   $ (87,481,437

Unrealized (loss) gains on investments

     (211,952     36,626   

Estimated tax gain (loss) on unrealized gains on investments

     74,036        (11,159
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (123,451,765   $ (87,455,970
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following tables summarize the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013:

 

     Unrealized     Foreign     Estimated tax        
     Gains
(losses) on
    Currency     (expense)        
     Investments     Translation     benefit     Total  

Balances as of December 31, 2013

   $ 36,626      $ (87,481,437   $ (11,159   $ (87,455,970

Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments for gains on available for sale investments

     (211,952     (35,832,412     74,036        (35,970,328

Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income

     (36,626     —          11,159        (25,467
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current period other comprehensive income

     (248,578     (35,832,412     85,195        (35,995,795
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances as of September 30, 2014

   $ (211,952   $ (123,313,849   $ 74,036      $ (123,451,765
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Details about Accumulated

Other Comprehensive Income

Components for the three-month

period ended September 30, 2014

   Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income
   

Affected Line Item
in the Statement of Income

Unrealized gains on investments

   $ 36,626      Interest income and other financial gains

Estimated tax loss on unrealized gains on investments

     (11,159   Income / asset tax expense
  

 

 

   

Total reclassifications for the period

   $ 25,467      Total, net of income taxes
  

 

 

   

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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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

Impairment of long-lived assets (Continued)

 

As explained in the section “Foreign Currency Translation” of the present Note to these interim condensed consolidated financial statements, as a consequence of an ongoing lack of access to SICAD 1 auction system, on May 16, 2014 the Company decided to start requesting U.S. dollars through the SICAD 2 mechanism and use the SICAD 2 exchange rate to re-measure its Bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities in BsF and to re-measure the result of its Venezuelan operations, effective as of May 16, 2014.

Considering this change in facts and circumstances and the lower U.S. dollar-equivalent cash flows now expected from our Venezuelan business, and their expected current use in the new context (receive rental income instead of using the long-lived assets to support the Company’s future growth of operations in Venezuela), the Company compared the carrying amount of the long-lived assets with the expected undiscounted future net cash flows and concluded that two 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 an impairment loss of $49,495,686 during the second quarter of 2014.

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.

Prior to January 1, 2019, the Notes will be convertible only upon the occurrence of certain events and during certain periods, and thereafter, at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date of the Notes. 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.

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. The

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

Convertible Senior Notes (Continued)

 

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 $283,015,125, 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 $46,984,875. The effective interest rate after allocation of transaction costs to the liability component is 6.10% and is used to amortize the debt discount and transaction costs.

In connection with the issuance of the Notes, the Company paid approximately $19,668,000 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 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 $155.81 per common share.

The $19,668,000 cost of the capped call transactions, which net of deferred income tax effect amounts to $12,784,200, is included as a net reduction to additional paid-in capital in the stockholders’ equity section of our consolidated balance sheets.

For more detailed information in relation to the Notes and the Capped Call transactions, see Note 9 to these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

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, 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.

 

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MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

2. Summary of significant accounting policies (Continued)

 

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

In April 2014, the FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) N° 2014-8, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”, which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. Under the ASU, only disposals that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on the entity’s results and operations would qualify as discontinued operations. In addition, the ASU (1) expands the disclosure requirements for disposals that meet the definition of s discontinued operation, (2) requires entities to disclose information about disposals of individually significant components, and (3) defines “discontinued operations” similarly to how it is defined under IFRS 5, “Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations”. The standard is required to be adopted in annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. The Company does not anticipate that this adoption will have a significant impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued the Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) N° 2014-09, “Revenue contracts with clients”, which changes in the timing of revenue recognition, includes variable consideration in the transaction price prior to resolution of contingencies, allocates the transaction price based on standalone selling price, among other changes. This standard is required to be adopted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 for public entities, no early adoption is permitted. The Company is assessing the effects that the adoption of this accounting pronouncement will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to the disclosures around going concern. The new standard provides guidance around management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact the Company’s financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

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.

The following table shows how net income is allocated using the “if converted” method for earnings per common share for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2014     2013  
     Basic     Diluted     Basic     Diluted  

Net income

   $ 33,751,967      $ 33,751,967      $ 29,146,247      $ 29,146,247   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     13,524        13,524        137,927        137,927   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in redeemable amount of noncontrolling interest

     (111,194     (111,194     (306,133     (306,133
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc. Shareholders corresponding to common stock

   $ 33,654,297      $ 33,654,297      $ 28,978,041      $ 28,978,041   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2014     2013  
     Basic     Diluted     Basic     Diluted  

Net income

   $ 38,491,442      $ 38,491,442      $ 76,690,296      $ 76,690,296   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (56,009     (56,009 )     53,213        53,213   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in redeemable amount of noncontrolling interest

     (107,579     (107,579     (355,370     (355,370
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc. Shareholders corresponding to common stock

   $ 38,327,854      $ 38,327,854      $ 76,388,139      $ 76,388,139   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

3. Net income per share (Continued)

 

Net income (loss) per share of common stock is as follows for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

    Nine months Ended September 30,     Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2014     2013     2014     2013  
    Basic     Diluted     Basic     Diluted     Basic     Diluted     Basic     Diluted  

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

  $ 0.87      $ 0.87      $ 1.73      $ 1.73      $ 0.76      $ 0.76      $ 0.66      $ 0.66   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Numerator:

               

Net income attributable to MercadoLibre, Inc. Shareholders

  $ 38,327,854      $ 38,327,854      $ 76,388,139      $ 76,388,139      $ 33,654,297      $ 33,654,297      $ 28,978,041      $ 28,978,041   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Denominator:

               

Weighted average of common stock outstanding for Basic earnings per share

    44,153,867        44,153,867        44,152,402        44,152,402        44,153,892        44,153,892        44,152,933        44,152,933   

Adjustment for Convertible Notes

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

    44,153,867        44,153,867        44,152,402        44,152,402        44,153,892        44,153,892        44,152,933        44,152,933   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

On June 30, 2014, the Company issued the 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 (please refer to Note 9 of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements for discussion regarding these debt notes). The conversion of these debt notes are considered for diluted earnings per share utilizing the “if converted” method, the effect of that conversion is not assumed for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share if the effect is antidilutive. For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014, the effect of the Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 on diluted earnings per share was anti-dilutive and, as a consequence, it was not computed for diluted earnings per share.

The denominator for diluted net income per share for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 does not include any effect from the capped call because it would be antidilutive. In the event of conversion of any or all of the Notes, the shares that would be delivered to the Company under the note hedges are designed to partially neutralize the dilutive effect of the shares that the Company would issue under the Notes.

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

4. Business combinations, goodwill and intangible assets

Business combinations

Acquisition of online classifieds advertisement companies in Chile and Mexico

On April 8, 2014, through its subsidiaries Meli Inversiones SpA and Meli Participaciones, S.L., the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the companies VMK S.A., Inmobiliaria Web Chile S. de R.L. de C.V. and Inmuebles Online S.A., companies that operate online classified advertisements platforms dedicated to the sale of real estate in Chile through Portal Inmobiliario brand and in Mexico through Guia de Inmuebles brand.

The aggregate purchase price for the acquisition of the 100% of the acquired business was $37,989,865, measured at its fair value, amount that included: (i) the total cash payment of $32,147,755 at closing day; (ii) an escrow of $1,000,000 held in an escrow agent, according to the stock purchase agreement; (iii) the contingent additional cash considerations and escrows up to $4,621,085 in case the companies achieve certain revenue performance targets during 2014 and 2015, measured at fair value; and, (iv) an additional price adjustment escrow of $221,025.

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

The Company’s condensed consolidated statement of income includes the results of operations of the acquired business as from April 8, 2014. The net revenues and net income of the acquiree included in the Company’s interim condensed consolidated statement of income since the acquisition amounted to $6,882,072 and $1,217,431, respectively.

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

 

     Chile     Mexico     Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 546,736      $ 474,214      $ 1,020,950   

Other net tangible assets / (liabilities)

     2,306,227        (2,727,285     (421,058

Trademarks

     5,422,000        2,155,000        7,577,000   

Customer Lists

     10,104,059        321,809        10,425,868   

Software

     446,625        —          446,625   

Non solicitation agreement

     587,000        —          587,000   

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

     (2,119,136     196,926        (1,922,210

Goodwill

     14,184,934        6,090,756        20,275,690   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Purchase Price

   $ 31,478,445      $ 6,511,420      $ 37,989,865   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 trademarks, customer lists, software

 

18


Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

4. Business combinations, goodwill and intangible assets (Continued)

 

Business combinations (Continued)

 

and non-solicitation agreements for a total amount of $19,036,493. Management of the Company estimates that trademarks have an indefinite lifetime and the intangible assets associated with customer list will be amortized over a ten year period. The non-solicitation agreement intangible asset will be amortized over a four year period and the software in three years.

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

Tax goodwill related to the proportion acquired by Meli Inversiones SpA (Chile) is deductible for tax purposes.

The results of operations for periods prior to the acquisition for each acquisition, both individually and in the aggregate, were not material to the interim condensed consolidated statements of income of the Company and, accordingly, supplemental pro-forma information has not been presented.

Acquisition of Software Development Company in Argentina

On March 22, 2013, the Company completed, through its subsidiaries Meli Participaciones S.L. (ETVE) and MercadoLibre S.R.L. (MercadoLibre Argentina) (together referred to as the “Buyer”), the acquisition of the 100% of equity interest in a software development company located and organized under the laws of the Province of Cordoba, Argentina. The objective of the acquisition was to enhance the capabilities of the Company in terms of software development.

The aggregate purchase price for the acquisition of the 100% of the acquired business was $3,454,497 (settled in Argentine pesos 17,652,480). On such same date, the Buyer paid and agreed to pay the purchase price as follows: i) $2,191,781 in cash; ii) set an escrow amounting to $489,237 for a 24-months period, aiming to cover unexpected liabilities and negative working capital; iii) set an escrow amounting to $547,945 for a 36-months period, aiming to continue the employment relationship of certain key employees; and iv) on June 24, 2013 the Company paid the remaining $225,534 net of certain negative working capital adjustments.

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

The above mentioned escrow for the continuing employment relationship of $547,945 is expensed over the 36-months period or a lesser period of time if certain other conditions determined in the Selling and Purchase Agreement (SPA) occur. The escrow will be released at the end of such period, together with the accrued interest.

 

19


Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

4. Business combinations, goodwill and intangible assets (Continued)

 

Business combinations (Continued)

 

The Company’s interim condensed consolidated statement of income includes the results of operations of the acquired business as from March 22, 2013. The net revenues and net loss of the acquiree included in the Company’s consolidated statement of income as of December 31, 2013 since the acquisition amounted to $524,965 and $7,562, respectively.

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

 

Net assets acquired

   $ 237,891   

Goodwill

     2,668,661   
  

 

 

 

Purchase price

     2,906,552   

Escrow for employment relationship

     547,945   
  

 

 

 

Aggregate price paid

   $ 3,454,497   
  

 

 

 

Supplemental pro-forma information required by U.S. GAAP, is impracticable after making every reasonable effort to do so, however, amounts involved are deemed to be immaterial.

Arising goodwill has been allocated proportionally to each of the segments 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 segments.

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

Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

Goodwill and intangible assets

The composition of goodwill and intangible assets is as follows:

 

     September 30,
2014
    December 31,
2013
 

Goodwill

   $ 67,068,985      $ 55,101,218   

Intangible assets with indefinite lives

    

— Trademarks

     13,081,084        5,238,090   

Amortizable intangible assets

    

— Licenses and others

     3,628,478        3,430,003   

— Non-compete / solicitation agreement

     1,397,373        1,025,605   

— Customer list

     10,214,908        1,568,190   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total intangible assets

   $ 28,321,843      $ 11,261,888   

Accumulated amortization

     (5,017,815     (4,670,303
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total intangible assets, net

   $ 23,304,028      $ 6,591,585   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

20


Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

4. Business combinations, goodwill and intangible assets (Continued)

 

Business combinations (Continued)

 

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

     Period ended September 30, 2014  
     Brazil     Argentina     Chile     Mexico     Venezuela      Colombia     Other
Countries
    Total  

Balance, beginning of the period

   $ 10,366,018      $ 14,676,145      $ 6,520,194      $ 11,376,140      $ 5,251,667       $ 5,506,062      $ 1,404,992      $ 55,101,218   

— Business acquisition

     —          —          14,184,934        6,090,756        —           —          —          20,275,690   

— Effect of exchange rates changes

     (645,549     (3,415,317     (3,070,945     (815,082     —           (283,526     (77,504     (8,307,923
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of the period

   $ 9,720,469      $ 11,260,828      $ 17,634,183      $ 16,651,814      $ 5,251,667       $ 5,222,536      $ 1,327,488      $ 67,068,985   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Year ended December 31, 2013  
     Brazil     Argentina     Chile     Mexico     Venezuela      Colombia     Other
Countries
    Total  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 10,706,281      $ 18,889,094      $ 7,115,211      $ 11,404,780      $ 4,846,030       $ 5,897,136      $ 1,507,531      $ 60,366,063   

— Business Acquisition

     1,307,644        659,159        —          186,806        405,637         69,385        40,030        2,668,661   

— Effect of exchange rates changes

     (1,647,907     (4,872,108     (595,017     (215,446     —           (460,459     (142,569     (7,933,506
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of the year

   $ 10,366,018      $ 14,676,145      $ 6,520,194      $ 11,376,140      $ 5,251,667       $ 5,506,062      $ 1,404,992      $ 55,101,218   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 $829,302 and $194,114 for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, while for the nine-month periods ended at such dates amounted to $1,177,395 and $631,560, respectively.

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, as of September 30, 2014 is as follows:

 

For year ended 12/31/2014

   $ 444,064   

For year ended 12/31/2015

     1,675,816   

For year ended 12/31/2016

     1,464,378   

For year ended 12/31/2017

     1,094,996   

For year ended 12/31/2018

     920,115   

Thereafter

     4,623,575   
  

 

 

 
   $ 10,222,944   
  

 

 

 

 

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, Peru, Portugal, Uruguay and USA).

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

5. Segment reporting (Continued)

 

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:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30, 2014  
     Brazil     Argentina     Mexico     Venezuela     Other
Countries
    Total  

Net revenues

   $ 78,175,337      $ 40,952,626      $ 9,850,859      $ 9,276,259      $ 9,679,814      $ 147,934,895   

Direct costs

     (43,218,272     (20,387,594     (6,671,875     (2,629,794     (5,640,384     (78,547,919
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Direct contribution

     34,957,065        20,565,032        3,178,984        6,646,465        4,039,430        69,386,976   

Operating expenses and indirect costs of net revenues

               (22,240,787
            

 

 

 

Income from operations

               47,146,189   
            

 

 

 

Other income (expenses):

            

Interest income and other financial gains

               4,360,901   

Interest expense and other financial losses

               (4,913,125

Foreign currency gains

               5,220,080   

Other gains, net

               —     
            

 

 

 

Net income before income / asset tax expense

             $ 51,814,045   
            

 

 

 

 

     Three Months Ended September 30, 2013  
     Brazil     Argentina     Mexico     Venezuela     Other
Countries
    Total  

Net revenues

   $ 52,262,896      $ 33,139,321      $ 8,143,109      $ 23,001,287      $ 6,508,818      $ 123,055,431   

Direct costs

     (30,385,801     (18,385,612     (5,110,995     (7,921,950     (2,865,057     (64,669,415
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Direct contribution

     21,877,095        14,753,709        3,032,114        15,079,337        3,643,761        58,386,016   

Operating expenses and indirect costs of net revenues

               (20,986,953
            

 

 

 

Income from operations

               37,399,063   
            

 

 

 

Other income (expenses):

            

Interest income and other financial gains

               2,776,791   

Interest expense and other financial losses

               (487,496

Foreign currency gains

               1,575,592   

Other losses, net

               (42,217
            

 

 

 

Net income before income / asset tax expense

             $ 41,221,733   
            

 

 

 

 

22


Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

5. Segment reporting (Continued)

 

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014  
     Brazil     Argentina     Mexico     Venezuela     Other
Countries
    Total  

Net revenues

   $ 194,009,784      $ 102,181,564      $ 27,303,886      $ 45,184,278      $ 26,486,843      $ 395,166,355   

Direct costs

     (111,528,292     (54,914,208     (16,965,381     (13,121,682     (14,527,109     (211,056,672

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

     —          —          —          (49,495,686     —          (49,495,686
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Direct contribution

     82,481,492        47,267,356        10,338,505        (17,433,090     11,959,734        134,613,997   

Operating expenses and indirect costs of net revenues

               (59,379,508
            

 

 

 

Income from operations

               75,234,489   
            

 

 

 

Other income (expenses):

            

Interest income and other financial gains

               10,969,447   

Interest expense and other financial losses

               (6,718,460

Foreign currency loss

               (7,651,022

Other losses, net

               —     
            

 

 

 

Net income before income / asset tax expense

             $ 71,834,454   
            

 

 

 

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013  
     Brazil     Argentina     Mexico     Venezuela     Other
Countries
    Total  

Net revenues

   $ 151,144,732      $ 87,760,904      $ 23,756,976      $ 55,695,385      $ 19,606,541      $ 337,964,538   

Direct costs

     (89,229,337     (48,065,070     (14,350,247     (20,408,854     (8,947,601     (181,001,109
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Direct contribution

     61,915,395        39,695,834        9,406,729        35,286,531        10,658,940        156,963,429   

Operating expenses and indirect costs of net revenues

               (55,543,450
            

 

 

 

Income from operations

               101,419,979   
            

 

 

 

Other income (expenses):

            

Interest income and other financial gains

               8,373,112   

Interest expense and other financial losses

               (1,379,516

Foreign currency loss

               (1,073,255

Other losses, net

               (44,557
            

 

 

 

Net income before income / asset tax expense

               107,295,763   
            

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the allocation of the long-lived tangible assets based on geography:

 

     September 30,      December 31,  
     2014      2013  

US long-lived tangible assets

   $ 11,362,562       $ 9,131,777   

Other countries long-lived tangible assets

     

Argentina

     26,819,218         29,119,057   

Brazil

     7,914,088         5,559,702   

Mexico

     1,950,195         711,200   

Venezuela (*)

     33,129,457         83,655,816   

Other countries

     2,751,421         3,194,357   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 72,564,379       $ 122,240,132   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-lived tangible assets

   $ 83,926,941       $ 131,371,909   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

 

23


Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

5. Segment reporting (Continued)

 

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

 

     September 30,      December 31,  
     2014      2013  

US intangible assets

   $ 192,459       $ 10,503   

Other countries goodwill and intangible assets

     

Argentina

     11,762,631         15,575,776   

Brazil

     9,836,062         10,380,974   

Mexico

     25,878,464         14,512,949   

Venezuela

     6,890,659         6,913,604   

Other countries (*)

     35,812,738         14,298,997   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 90,180,554       $ 61,682,300   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total goodwill and intangible assets

   $ 90,373,013       $ 61,692,803   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*) Includes the acquisition of online classified advertisement company in Chile. See Note 4.

Consolidated net revenues by similar products and services for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 

Consolidated

Net Revenues

   Nine-months Ended September 30,      Three-months Ended September 30,  
   2014      2013      2014      2013  

Marketplace

   $ 271,890,562       $ 236,386,126       $ 96,930,790       $ 86,755,856   

Non-marketplace (*)

   $ 123,275,793       $ 101,578,412       $ 51,004,105       $ 36,299,575   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 395,166,355       $ 337,964,538       $ 147,934,895       $ 123,055,431   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

 

24


Table of Contents

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, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

          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   2014     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     2013     (Level 1)     (Level 2)  

Assets

           

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

           

Money Market Funds

  $ 29,522,105      $ 29,522,105      $ —        $ 19,630,109      $ 19,630,109      $ —     

Sovereign Debt Securities

    32,899,671        —          32,899,671        —          —          —     

Corporate Debt Securities

    30,432,525        2,037,003        28,395,522        88,648        88,648        —     

Investments:

           

Sovereign Debt Securities

    91,388,704        59,927,726        31,460,978        30,395,890        30,395,890        —     

Corporate Debt Securities

    162,931,304        88,437,027        74,494,277        25,239,905        19,110,709        6,129,196   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Financial Assets

  $ 347,174,309      $ 179,923,861      $ 167,250,448      $ 75,354,552      $ 69,225,356      $ 6,129,196   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2014, 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, 2014, the Company did not have any assets without market values that would require a high level of judgment to determine fair value (Level 3).

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.

In addition, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $73,847,387 and $66,677,156 of short-term investments, respectively, which consisted of time deposits. Those investments are accounted for at amortized cost which, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, approximates their fair values.

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 approximate their fair value as explained in Note 9 to these interim condensed consolidated financial statements. The rest of the loans payable and other financial liabilities approximate their fair value because the interest rate of the loans, are not materially different from market interest rate for similar instruments.

 

25


Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

6. Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities (Continued)

 

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, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

     Balances as of      Significant other      Balances as of      Significant other  
     September 30,      observable inputs      December 31,      observable inputs  
     2014      (Level 2)      2013      (Level 2)  

Assets

           

Time Deposits

   $ 73,847,387         73,847,387       $ 66,677,156         66,677,156   

Accounts receivable

     39,243,327         39,243,327         25,884,260         25,884,260   

Credit Cards receivable

     86,469,055         86,469,055         52,045,851         52,045,851   

Prepaid expenses

     5,878,124         5,878,124         3,836,081         3,836,081   

Other assets

     39,473,571         39,473,571         35,888,029         35,888,029   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 244,911,464       $ 244,911,464       $ 184,331,377       $ 184,331,377   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

           

Accounts and funds payable

   $ 59,144,112       $ 59,144,112       $ 34,405,333       $ 34,405,333   

Funds payable to customers

     161,300,868         161,300,868         129,038,663         129,038,663   

Salaries and social security payable

     18,319,275         18,319,275         15,863,028         15,863,028   

Tax payable

     22,351,350         22,351,350         17,854,110         17,854,110   

Dividends payable

     7,329,546         7,329,546         6,313,869         6,313,869   

Loans payable and other financial liabilities

     284,494,049         284,494,049         15,860,642         15,860,642   

Other liabilities

     8,489,069         8,489,069         3,699,109         3,699,109   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ 561,428,269       $ 561,428,269       $ 223,034,754       $ 223,034,754   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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.

 

26


Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

6. Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities (Continued)

 

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of money market funds, short and long-term investments classified as available for sale securities are as follows:

 

     September 30, 2014  
     Cost      Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses (1)
    Estimated Fair
Value
 

Cash and cash equivalents

          

Money Market Funds

   $ 29,558,471       $ 1,691       $ (38,057   $ 29,522,105   

Sovereign Debt Securities

     32,904,709         —           (5,038     32,899,671   

Corporate Debt Securities

     30,441,226         9,658         (18,359     30,432,525   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 92,904,406       $ 11,349       $ (61,454   $ 92,854,301   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Short-term investments

          

Sovereign Debt Securities

   $ 31,785,749       $ 2,099       $ —        $ 31,787,848   

Corporate Debt Securities

     64,267,962         8,062         (67,667     64,208,357   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Short-term investments

   $ 96,053,711       $ 10,161       $ (67,667   $ 95,996,205   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term investments

          

Sovereign Debt Securities

   $ 59,587,289       $ 14,239       $ (672   $ 59,600,856   

Corporate Debt Securities

     98,840,856         21,207         (139,116     98,722,947   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Long-term investments

   $ 158,428,145       $ 35,446       $ (139,788   $ 158,323,803   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 347,386,262       $ 56,956       $ (268,909   $ 347,174,309   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     December 31, 2013  
     Cost      Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses (1)
    Estimated
Fair Value
 

Cash and cash equivalents

          

Money Market Funds

   $ 19,631,550       $ 2,619       $ (4,060   $ 19,630,109   

Corporate Debt Securities

     88,640         8         —          88,648   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 19,720,190       $ 2,627       $ (4,060   $ 19,718,757   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Short-term investments

          

Sovereign Debt Securities

   $ 5,518,577       $ 1,616       $ —        $ 5,520,193   

Corporate Debt Securities

     4,393,594         2,271         —          4,395,865   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Short-term investments

   $ 9,912,171       $ 3,887       $ —        $ 9,916,058   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term investments

          

Sovereign Debt Securities

   $ 24,881,440       $ 483       $ (6,226   $ 24,875,697   

Corporate Debt Securities

     20,804,125         59,437         (19,522     20,844,040   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Long-term investments

   $ 45,685,565       $ 59,920       $ (25,748   $ 45,719,737   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 75,317,926       $ 66,434       $ (29,808   $ 75,354,552   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

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

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

6. Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities (Continued)

 

As of September 30, 2014, the estimated fair values of money market funds, short-term and long-term investments classified by its effective maturities are as follows:

 

One year or less

     188,850,506   

One year to two years

     82,690,971   

Two years to three years

     43,209,049   

Three years to four years

     20,424,039   

Four years to five years

     11,999,744   

More than five years

     —     
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 347,174,309   
  

 

 

 

 

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, 2014, the Company had established reserves for proceeding-related contingencies of $4,056,174 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, 2014 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 $4,435,042.

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

As of September 30, 2014, there were 36 lawsuits pending against our Argentine subsidiary in the Argentine ordinary courts and 638 pending claims in the Argentine Consumer Protection Agencies, where a lawyer is not required to file or pursue a claim.

As of September 30, 2014, there were 90 claims pending against our Mexican subsidiary in the Mexican Consumer Protection Agencies.

As of September 30, 2014, 662 legal actions were pending in the Brazilian ordinary courts. In addition, as of September 30, 2014, there were 2,922 cases still pending in Brazilian consumer courts. Filing and pursuing of an action before Brazilian consumer courts do not require the assistance of a lawyer. In most of the cases filed against the Company, the plaintiffs asserted that the Company was responsible for fraud committed against them, or responsible for damages suffered when purchasing an item on the Company’s website, when using MercadoPago, or when the Company invoiced them.

On March 17, 2006, Vintage Denim Ltda., or Vintage, sued the Company’s Brazilian subsidiaries MercadoLivre.com Atividades de Internet Ltda. and eBazar.com.br Ltda. in the 29th Civil Court of the County of São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Vintage requested a preliminary injunction alleging that these subsidiaries were infringing Diesel trademarks and

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

7. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

 

Litigation and Other Legal Matters (Continued)

 

their right of exclusive distribution as a result of sellers listing allegedly counterfeit and original imported Diesel branded clothing through the Brazilian page of the Company’s website, based on Brazilian Industrial Property Law (Law 9,279/96). Vintage sought an order enjoining the sale of Diesel-branded clothing on the Company’s platform. A preliminary injunction was granted on April 11, 2006 to prohibit the offer of Diesel-branded products, and a fine for non-compliance was imposed in the approximate amount of $5,300 per defendant per day of non-compliance. The Company appealed that fine and obtained its suspension in 2006. Because the appeal of the preliminary injunction failed, in March of 2007, Vintage presented petitions alleging the Company’s non-compliance with the preliminary injunction granted to Vintage and requested a fine of approximately $3.5 million against the Company’s subsidiaries, which represents approximately $5,300 per defendant per day of alleged non-compliance since April 2006. In July 2007, the judge ordered the payment of the fine mandated in the preliminary injunction, without specifying the amount. In September 2007, the judge decided that (i) the Brazilian subsidiaries were not responsible for alleged infringement of intellectual property rights by its users; and that (ii) the plaintiffs did not prove the alleged infringement of its intellectual property rights. However, the decision maintained the injunction until such ruling is non-appealable. The plaintiff appealed the judge’s ruling regarding the subsidiary’s non-responsibility and the Company appealed the decision that maintained the preliminary injunction. On July 26, 2011 the State Court of Appeals of the State of São Paulo confirmed the judge’s ruling regarding our subsidiary’s non-responsibility. Vintage appealed the decision of the State Court of Appeals of the State of São Paulo to the Brazilian Federal Superior Court of Justice. On July 3, 2014, Vintage appeal was denied by the Brazilian Federal Superior Court of Justice. On August 12, 2014, Vintage presented an interlocutory appeal to the Brazilian Federal Superior Court of Justice, seeking the Court to review its previous decision. On September 30, 2014 the Brazilian Federal Superior Court of Justice overruled Vintage’s appeal and Vintage did not appeal the decision, therefore the favorable ruling is confirmed. The case should be closed in the following days.

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

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

7. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

 

Litigation and Other Legal Matters (Continued)

 

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 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. As of the date of this report the lower court’s ruling was still pending. In the opinion of the Company’s management and its legal counsel the risk of loss is reasonably possible but not probable.

State of São Paulo Fraud Claim

On June 12, 2007, a state prosecutor of the State of São Paulo, Brazil presented a claim against the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary. The state prosecutor alleges that the Brazilian subsidiary should be held liable for any fraud committed by sellers on the Brazilian version of the Company’s website, or responsible for damages suffered by buyers when purchasing an item on the Brazilian version of the MercadoLibre website. On June 26, 2009, the Lower Court Judge ruled in favor of the State of São Paulo prosecutor, declaring that the Brazilian subsidiary shall be held joint and severally liable for fraud committed by sellers and damages suffered by buyers when using the website, and ordering the Brazilian subsidiary to remove from the Terms of Service of the Brazilian website any provision limiting the Company’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 the Company 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. In the opinion of our management and its legal counsel the risk of loss is possible.

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

7. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

 

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 financial statements, the total amount of the claim is approximately $4.8 million including surcharges and interest. With this decision the administrative stage is finished. On August 15, 2011, the Company made a deposit in court of approximately R$ 9.5 million, which including accrued interests amounted to R$ 10.4 million or $4.2 million, according to the exchange rate at September 30, 2014, and filed a lawsuit in 8th Public Treasury Court of the County of São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil, to contest the taxes and fines asserted by the Tax Authorities. As of September 30, 2014, 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 $16.7 million, according to the exchange rate at September 30, 2014. 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, 2014, the lower court’s ruling was still pending.

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

7. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

 

City of São Paulo Tax Claim (Continued)

 

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.

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 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. As of the date of this report the Interlocutory Appeal of the Brazilian subsidiary was not yet ruled by the State Court of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and the lower court’s proceeding was suspended, awaiting for mentioned ruling by the State Court. 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 union of Commercial Labor Union “Federación Argentina de Empleados de Comercio y Servicios” (“Sindicato de Comercio” or the “Plaintiff”) filed a lawsuit against the Company’s 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$ 3.2M plus interests and legal expenses. The deadline to file the defense of MercadoLibre is actually suspended because the Company is trying to arrive to a settlement. As of the date of this report, according to the opinion of the Company’s management and its external legal counsel, the Company has recorded a provision for the amount that has been considered as a probable amount of settlement.

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

7. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

 

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

On March 31, 2014, the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee approved the 2014 employee retention programs (“2014 LTRP”). The awards under 2014 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.

The 2014 LTRP will be paid in 6 equal annual quotas (16.67% each) commencing on March 31, 2015. Each quota is calculated as follows:

 

    8.333% of the amount is calculated in nominal terms (“the nominal basis share”),

 

    8.333% is adjusted by multiplying the nominal amount by the average closing stock price for the last 60 trading days of the year previous to the payment date and divided by the average closing stock price for the last 60 trading days of 2013. The average closing stock price for the 2014 LTRP amounted to $118.48 (“the variable share”).

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

8. Long term retention plan (Continued)

 

The following tables summarize the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 LTRP accrued compensation expense for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,      Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2014      2013      2014      2013  

LTRP 2009

   $ 44,500       $ 1,631,152       $ 483,550       $ 513,474   

LTRP 2010

     304,593         1,485,480         495,168         467,543   

LTRP 2011

     458,505         1,497,996         515,722         491,283   

LTRP 2012

     662,537         1,713,029         572,554         557,813   

LTRP 2013

     2,318,792         3,669,558         1,279,573         2,657,114   

LTRP 2014

     2,521,702         —           1,032,981         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 6,310,629       $ 9,997,215       $ 4,379,548       $ 4,687,227   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

9. 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2019

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 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. 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. Upon conversion, the Company 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.

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

9. 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2019 (Continued)

 

As of September 30, 2014, 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 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, the Company 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 $283,015,125, 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 $46,984,875. The effective interest rate after allocation of transaction costs to the liability component is 6.10% 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 $16,444,706.

The following table presents the carrying amounts of the liability and equity components:

 

     September 30, 2014  

Amount of the equity component (1)

   $ 45,807,685   
  

 

 

 

2.25% convertible senior notes due 2019

   $ 330,000,000   

Unamortized debt discount (2)

     (44,914,290

Unamortized transaction costs related to the debt component

     (6,808,444

Contractual coupon interest accrual

     1,856,250   
  

 

 

 

Net carrying amount

   $ 280,133,516   
  

 

 

 

 

(1) Net of $1,177,190 of transaction costs related to the equity component of the Notes.
(2) As of September 30, 2014, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 4.75 years.

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

9. 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2019 (Continued)

 

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

 

     Three-month period
ended

September 30, 2014
 

Contractual coupon interest expense

   $ 1,856,250   

Amortization of debt discount

     2,070,585   

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     282,406   
  

 

 

 

Total interest expense related to Notes

   $ 4,209,241   
  

 

 

 

Capped call transactions

The net proceeds from the Notes were approximately $321,731,960, after considering the transaction costs in an amount of $8,268,040. In connection with the issuance of the Notes, the Company paid $19,668,000 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 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 $155.81 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 $155.81 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 the Company would pay to the holders of the Notes upon conversion, up to the above mentioned cap price.

The $19,668,000 cost of the capped call transactions, which net of deferred income tax effect amounts to $12,784,200, 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.

 

10. Cash Dividend Distribution

On January 15, 2014, the Company paid the 2013 last quarterly cash dividend distribution of $6,313,869 (or $0.143 per share) to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2013.

 

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Table of Contents

MercadoLibre, Inc.

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

10. Cash Dividend Distribution (Continued)

 

On February 27, May 30 and August 5, 2014, the board of directors approved the first, second and third, respectively, 2014 quarterly cash dividend of $7,329,546 (or $0.166 per share) on our outstanding shares of common stock. These dividends have been paid on April 15, July 15 and October 15, 2014 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2014, respectively.

Finally, on October 29, 2014, the board of directors declared the last 2014 quarterly cash dividend of $7,329,546 (or $0.166 per share), payable to the holders of the Company’s shares of common stock. This quarterly cash dividend will be paid on January 15, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2014.

 

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. Management of the Company estimates that this new law will not have a significant effect in 2014 as a consequence of losses incurred in the Venezuelan segment during this year. In addition, management of the Company will continue monitoring the potential effects of this new law in the future.

* * * *

 

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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, 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 regulation;

 

    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;

 

    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 and possible future currency devaluation and other changes to its exchange rate systems such as the Complementary System for the Administration of Foreign Currencies (“SICAD 1” and “SICAD 2”), the Argentine government’s default of certain government bonds and possible further devaluations of the Argentine peso, and changes to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).

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 as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and projections. The material risks and uncertainties (in addition to those referred to above and elsewhere in this report) 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, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2014, as updated by those described in “Item 1A — Risk Factors” in Part II of our Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30 and March 31, 2014 and in other reports we file from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“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

 

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for the year ended December 31, 2013. We note such information for investors as permitted by the 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 at this time, that could cause results to differ materially from our expectations.

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-months periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013;

 

    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 contractual obligations; 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 and Portugal.

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 598 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 on-line stores solution and the MercadoEnvios shipping service.

The MercadoLibre Marketplace, which we regularly 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 MercadoLibre 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 our MercadoLibre Classified Service, our users can offer for sale and generate leads on listings in motors, real estate and services categories.

As a further enhancement to the MercadoLibre Marketplace, in 2009, we launched 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 them 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.

Additionally, during 2010, we launched the MercadoShops on-line webstores solution. Through MercadoShops users can set-up, manage and promote their own on-line 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.

 

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To close out our suite of e-commerce services, during 2013, we launched the MercadoEnvios shipping solution in Brazil and Argentina. Through MercadoEnvios, 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, Mexico, Venezuela and other countries (including Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Portugal, 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, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Nine-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Three-month Periods Ended
September 30,
 

(% of total consolidated net revenues) (*)

   2014     2013     2014     2013  

Brazil

     49.1     44.7     52.8     42.5

Argentina

     25.9        26.0        27.7        26.9   

Venezuela

     11.4        16.5        6.3        18.7   

Mexico

     6.9        7.0        6.7        6.6   

Other Countries

     6.7        5.8        6.5        5.3   

 

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

The following table summarizes the changes in our net revenues by segment for the nine and three -month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Nine-month Periods Ended
September 30,
     Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
    Three-month Periods Ended
September 30,
     Change from 2013 to
2014 (*)
 
     2014      2013      in Dollars     in %     2014      2013      in Dollars     in %  
     (in millions, except percentages)     (in millions, except percentages)  

Net Revenues:

                    

Brazil

   $ 194.0       $ 151.1       $ 42.9        28.4   $ 78.2       $ 52.3       $ 25.9        49.6

Argentina

     102.2         87.8         14.4        16.4        41.0         33.1         7.8        23.6   

Venezuela

     45.2         55.7         (10.5     (18.9     9.3         23.0         (13.7     (59.7

Mexico

     27.3         23.8         3.5        14.9        9.9         8.1         1.7        21.0   

Other Countries

     26.5         19.6         6.9        35.1        9.7         6.5         3.2        48.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Net Revenues

   $ 395.2       $ 338.0       $ 57.2        16.9   $ 147.9       $ 123.1       $ 24.9        20.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

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, Mexico, Venezuela and other countries (Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Uruguay and the United States of America (“U.S.”)).

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 and other ancillary businesses.

 

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The following table summarizes our consolidated net revenues by revenue stream for the nine and three -month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

Consolidated net revenues by revenue stream

   Nine-month Periods Ended
September 30, (*)
     Three-month Periods Ended
September 30, (*)
 
   2014      2013      2014      2013  

Marketplace

   $ 271.9       $ 236.4       $ 96.9       $ 86.8   

Non-Marketplace (**)

     123.3         101.6         51.0         36.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 395.2       $ 338.0       $ 147.9       $ 123.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*) The table above may not total due to rounding.
(**) Includes, among other things, ad sales, real estate listings, financing fees, off platform payment fees and other ancillary services.

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 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 up-front fees;

 

    ad sales up-front fees;

 

    real estate listings up-front 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 off-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 our 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 MercadoLibre Classified Service 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 web-site to interested advertisers.

Finally, our shipping revenues are generated when a buyer elects to receive the item through our shipping service. These revenues are included in other ancillary services.

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, 2014 and 2013, no single customer accounted for more than 5.0% of our net revenues. Our MercadoLibre Marketplace is available in thirteen countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Uruguay and Venezuela), and MercadoPago is available in six countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela). 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.

 

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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 6.8% and 7.4% of net revenues for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 as compared to 6.1% and 6.2%, respectively, for the same periods in 2013. These increases were mainly in our Brazilian and Argentine subsidiaries.

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 site 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 sites 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, auditing 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 of the following areas of our company: 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 discussed above in section “Foreign Currency Translation — Venezuelan currency status”, as a consequence of an ongoing lack of access to the SICAD 1 auction system and the establishment of SICAD 2 on May 16, 2014 we decided to start requesting U.S. dollars through the SICAD 2 mechanism and used the SICAD 2 exchange rate to re-measure the bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities of Venezuelan subsidiaries, and the result of our Venezuelan operations in BsF, effective as of May 16, 2014.

In light of the current economic conditions in Venezuela, our determination to access SICAD 2 and re-measure the BsF denominated monetary assets and liabilities of our Venezuelan subsidiaries, and the lower U.S. dollar-equivalent cash flows now expected from our Venezuelan operations, we have reviewed our long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life for impairment, including considering our current expected use of these assets in light of the foregoing. We currently own two office spaces in Venezuela that we had expected to use to support our main operating activities in that country. However, due to the current economic conditions, we now intend to rent these office spaces to third parties to generate rental income and will consider opportunities for disposal of these assets if real estate market conditions are favorable. Because we have concluded that the carrying value of these two real estate properties will not be recoverable, we have recorded an impairment of long-lived assets of $49.5 million during May, 2014.

 

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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 subsidiaries we still have net operating loss carry-forwards), plus the change in our deferred tax assets and liabilities during each period.

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, 2013.

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/year. 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 loss/gain”.

Venezuelan currency status

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we have classified our Venezuelan operations as highly inflationary as from 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.

On May 14, 2010, the Venezuelan government enacted reforms to its exchange regulations making the Venezuelan Central Bank (“BCV”) the only institution that could legally authorize the purchase or sale of foreign currency bonds, thereby excluding non-authorized brokers from the foreign exchange market.

Under this system, known as the SITME (“Foreign Currency Security Transactions System”), entities domiciled in Venezuela could purchase U.S. dollar-denominated securities only through banks authorized by the BCV to import goods, services or capital goods. We began using the SITME rate and started re-measuring foreign currency transactions using the SITME rate published by BCV, which were settled at 5.3 BsF per U.S. dollar.

On February 9, 2013, the BCV eliminated the SITME and devalued the official exchange rate of 5.3 BsF per U.S. dollar that we had used to re-measure our Venezuelan subsidiaries’ non-U.S. dollar denominated monetary assets and liabilities to 6.3 BsF per U.S. dollar. The effect of using the then-newly devalued official rate of 6.3 BsF per U.S. dollar generated a foreign currency loss that amounted to approximately $6.4 million in the first quarter of 2013.

On March 19, 2013, the BCV announced the creation of SICAD 1, which acts jointly with the Commission for the Administration of Foreign Exchange Control (CADIVI). In order to operate within SICAD 1, a company should be registered at the Registro Automatizado (Automatized Register, or RUSAD). The acquisition of foreign currencies under this system is organized under an auction process to obtain foreign currencies for payments to foreign suppliers, where the minimum exchange rate to be offered was 6.3 BsF per U.S. dollar.

 

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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, 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. The average exchange rate under SICAD 1 during the first quarter of 2014 was 10.1 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 allows 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 decided to start requesting U.S. dollars through the SICAD 2 mechanism. The SICAD 2 system is an open mechanism that permits any company to request U.S. dollars for any purpose. Consequently, we are eligible for and have been granted, U.S. dollars through the SICAD 2 mechanism.

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 during the second quarter of 2014. As of June 30 and September 30, 2014, the SICAD 2 exchange rate was 49.98 and 49.99 BsF per U.S. dollar, respectively. The average exchange rate for the third and second quarter of 2014, after giving effect to our move to the SICAD 2 mechanism on May 16, 2014, was 49.98 and 17.82 BsF per U.S. dollar, respectively.

In light of the current economic conditions in Venezuela, our determination to access SICAD 2 and re-measure the BsF denominated monetary assets and liabilities of our Venezuelan subsidiaries, and the lower U.S. dollar-equivalent cash flows now expected from our Venezuelan operations, we have reviewed our long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life for impairment, including considering our current expected use of these assets in light of the foregoing. We currently own two office spaces in Venezuela that we had expected to use to support our main operating activities in that country. However, due to the current economic conditions, we now intend to rent these office spaces to third parties to generate rental income and will consider opportunities for disposal of these assets if real estate market conditions are favorable. Because we have concluded that the carrying value of these two real estate properties will not be recoverable, we have recorded an impairment of long-lived assets of $49.5 million during May, 2014.

Until 2010 we were able to obtain U.S. dollars for any purpose, including dividends distribution, 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.

The following table sets forth the assets, liabilities and net assets of our Venezuelan subsidiaries, before intercompany eliminations, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and net revenues for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Nine-month periods ended September 30,  
     2014      2013  

Venezuelan operations

   $ 45,184,278       $ 55,695,385   

Net Revenues

     

 

          September 30,     
2014
         December 31,     
2013
 

Assets

     65,444,729        126,873,804   

Liabilities

     (38,504,273     (62,437,338
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 26,940,456      $ 64,436,466   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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As of September 30, 2014, the net assets of our Venezuelan subsidiaries amount to approximately 7.9% of our consolidated net assets, and cash and investments of our Venezuelan subsidiaries held in local currency in Venezuela amount to approximately 2.3% 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 SICAD 2 becomes limited or terminated and an alternative source of exchange becomes widely available at a more unfavorable rate than the rate used to re-measure the net monetary assets and non-U.S. dollar denominated operations of our Venezuelan subsidiaries and we decided to use that alternative mechanism, our results of operations and earnings would be negatively impacted, and we cannot assure you 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 the new Law of “Costs, Earnings, and Fair Profits” that authorizes Venezuelan government to restrict profit margins and the Venezuelan government has established a profit margin cap of 30% for the private sector. As of the date of this report, the implementing rules for this new law were not issue. We will assess the potential effects of this new law as the detailed provisions for its implementation are issued.

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 by 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 devaluation, during the first quarter of 2014, the reported net assets in Argentina decreased in $14.6 million with the related impact in Other Comprehensive Income and we recognized a foreign currency gain of $4.6 million. As of September 30, 2014, the Argentinean Peso exchange rate was $8.43 per U.S. dollar.

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 unaudited 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.

 

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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, 2013 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.

As discussed below in section “Foreign Currency Translation — Venezuelan currency status”, as a consequence of an ongoing lack of access to the SICAD 1 auction system and the establishment of SICAD 2 on May 16, 2014 we decided to start requesting U.S. dollars through the SICAD 2 mechanism and used the SICAD 2 exchange rate to re-measure the bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities of Venezuelan subsidiaries, and the result of our Venezuelan operations in BsF, effective as of May 16, 2014.

In light of the current economic conditions in Venezuela, our determination to access SICAD 2 and re-measure the BsF denominated monetary assets and liabilities of our Venezuelan subsidiaries, and the lower U.S. dollar-equivalent cash flows now expected from our Venezuelan operations, we have reviewed our long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life for impairment, including considering our current expected use of these assets in light of the foregoing. We currently own two office spaces in Venezuela that we had expected to use to support our main operating activities in that country. However, due to the current economic conditions, we now intend to rent these office spaces to third parties to generate rental income and will consider opportunities for disposal of these assets if real estate market conditions are favorable. Because we have concluded that the carrying value of these two real estate properties will not be recoverable, we have recorded an impairment of long-lived assets of $49.5 million during May, 2014.

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 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 6.10%.

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 $155.81 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 section “Debt”.

 

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Results of operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 and three-month period ended September 30, 2014 compared to three-month period ended September 30, 2013

The selected financial data for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 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, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2014 or for any other period.

Statement of income data

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    Three Months Ended
September 30,
 

(In millions)

   2014 (*)     2013 (*)     2014 (*)     2013 (*)  
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Net revenues

   $ 395.2      $ 338.0      $ 147.9      $ 123.1   

Cost of net revenues

     (111.3     (93.9     (43.4     (34.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     283.9        244.1        104.5        88.9   

Operating expenses:

        

Product and technology development

     (37.6     (31.2     (13.6     (12.1

Sales and marketing

     (78.2     (67.3     (29.4     (24.2

General and administrative

     (43.3     (44.1     (14.4     (15.3

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

     (49.5     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     (208.6     (142.7     (57.4     (51.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     75.2        101.4        47.1        37.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income (expenses):

        

Interest income and other financial gains

     11.0        8.4        4.4        2.8   

Interest expense and other financial losses

     (6.7     (1.4     (4.9     (0.5

Foreign currency (losses) / gains

     (7.7     (1.1     5.2        1.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income before income / asset tax expense

     71.8        107.3        51.8        41.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income / asset tax expense

     (33.3     (30.6     (18.1     (12.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 38.5      $ 76.7      $ 33.8      $ 29.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Net Income / (loss) attributable to Noncontrolling

     0.1        (0.1     (0.0     (0.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Mercadolibre, Inc. shareholders

   $ 38.4      $ 76.7      $ 33.8      $ 29.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

Other Data

 

     Nine-Months Ended September 30,      Three-Months Ended September 30,  

(In millions)

   2014      2013      2014      2013  

Number of confirmed registered users at end of the period 1

     115.2         95.0         115.2         95.0   

Number of confirmed new registered users during the period 2

     15.7         13.5         5.6         4.8   

Gross merchandise volume 3

     5,284.6         5,166.4         1,682.7         1,877.7   

Number of items sold 4

     72.3         60.2         26.9         22.0   

Total payment volume 5

     2,424.6         1,751.7         975.1         641.6   

Total payment transactions 6

     32.0         22.5         12.5         8.4   

Capital expenditures

     57.1         79.3         8.4         38.0   

Depreciation and amortization

     12.3         8.6         4.8         3.1   

 

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(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
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
    Three-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
 
     2014     2013     in Dollars      in %     2014     2013     in Dollars      in %  
     (in millions, except percentages)     (in millions, except percentages)  

Total Net Revenues

   $ 395.2      $ 338.0      $ 57.2         16.9   $ 147.9      $ 123.1      $ 24.9         20.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

As a percentage of net revenues (*)

     100.0     100.0          100.0     100.0     

 

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

 

Consolidated Net Revenues by revenue stream

   Nine-month Periods Ended
September 30,
     Change from 2013
to 2014 (**)
    Three-month Periods Ended
September 30,
     Change from 2013
to 2014 (**)
 
   2014      2013      in Dollars     in %     2014      2013      in Dollars     in %  
     (in millions, except percentages)     (in millions, except percentages)  

Brazil

                    

Marketplace

   $ 127.6       $ 102.8       $ 24.8        24.2   $ 49.0       $ 35.6       $ 13.4        37.7

Non-Marketplace

     66.4         48.3         18.0        37.3     29.2         16.7         12.5        75.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   
     194.0         151.1         42.9        28.4     78.2         52.3         25.9        49.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Argentina

                    

Marketplace

   $ 69.4       $ 58.1       $ 11.3        19.5   $ 28.1       $ 22.2       $ 5.9        26.7

Non-Marketplace

     32.7         29.6         3.1        10.5     12.8         10.9         1.9        17.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   
     102.2         87.8         14.4        16.4     41.0         33.1         7.8        23.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Venezuela

                    

Marketplace

   $ 40.6       $ 44.2       $ (3.5     -8.0   $ 8.4       $ 18.4       $ (10.0     -54.4

Non-Marketplace

     4.6         11.5         (7.0     -60.5     0.9         4.6         (3.7     -80.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   
     45.2         55.7         (10.5     -18.9     9.3         23.0         (13.7     -59.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Mexico

                    

Marketplace

   $ 18.7       $ 17.8       $ 1.0        5.5   $ 6.4       $ 6.0       $ 0.4        6.7

Non-Marketplace

     8.6         6.0         2.6        42.9     3.5         2.2         1.3        60.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   
     27.3         23.8         3.5        14.9     9.9         8.1         1.7        21.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Other countries

                    

Marketplace

   $ 15.4       $ 13.5       $ 1.9        14.0   $ 5.1       $ 4.6       $ 0.5        9.8

Non-Marketplace

     11.1         6.1         5.0        82.3     4.6         1.9         2.7        144.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   
     26.5         19.6         6.9        35.1     9.7         6.5         3.2        48.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Consolidated

                    

Marketplace

   $ 271.9       $ 236.4       $ 35.5        15.0   $ 96.9       $ 86.8       $ 10.2        11.7

Non-Marketplace (*)

     123.3         101.6         21.7        21.4     51.0         36.3         14.7        40.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total

   $ 395.2       $ 338.0       $ 57.2        16.9   $ 147.9       $ 123.1       $ 24.9        20.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

(*) Includes, among other things, ad sales, real estate, motors, financing fees, off-platform payment fees and other ancillary services.
(**) Percentages have been calculated using complete-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, 2014 and 2013, increased across all geographic segments, except for our Venezuelan business.

 

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Brazil

Marketplace revenue in Brazil grew 24.2% in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013. The growth was primarily a consequence of an increase in local currency volume of 12.9% and 18.9% increase in our take rate, which we defined as net revenues as a percentage off gross merchandise volume. Those increases were partially offset by a local currency devaluation of 8.1%. The Non-Marketplace business grew 37.3%, an $18.0 million increase, during the same period, mainly driven by an increase in shipping revenues and an increase in the volume of financing transactions offered to our users.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, marketplace revenue of our Brazilian segment grew by 37.7% when compared to the same period in 2013. The increase in our Brazilian marketplace revenue was mainly a consequence of a 22.9% increase in our take rate and an 11.3% increase in local currency volume. The Non-Marketplace business grew by 75.0%, a $12.5 million increase, during the same period, mainly driven by an increase in shipping revenues and an increase in the volume of financing transactions offered to our users.

Argentina

Marketplace revenues of our Argentine segment increased 19.5% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013, mainly due to a 62.6% increase in local currency volume, which was substantially offset by a 51.4% devaluation of the Argentine peso. The Non-Marketplace business grew 10.5%, a $3.1 million increase, during the same period mainly driven by an increase in the volume of financing transactions offered to our users and in off-platform fees, partially offset by a decrease in the volume of motors and real estate listings.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, marketplace revenues of our Argentine segment grew 26.7% as compared to the same period in 2013, mainly as a consequence of a 66.7% increase in local currency volume, which was partially offset by a 48.5% devaluation of the Argentine peso. The Non-Marketplace business grew 17.3%, a $1.9 million increase, during the same period mainly driven by an increase in the volume of financing transactions offered to our users and in off-platform fees, partially offset by a decrease in the volume of motors and real estate listings.

Venezuela

Marketplace revenues of our Venezuelan segment during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 decreased by approximately 8.0% when compared to the same period in 2013, mainly due to a 362.0% local currency devaluation (see section “Foreign Currency Translation — Venezuelan currency status”), partially offset by a 224.0% increase in local currency volume and a 31.2% increase in our take rate as a consequence of changes in certain caps that we applied to our fees for marketplace transactions. The Non-Marketplace business decreased 60.5%, or $7.0 million during the same period, mainly by the devaluation mentioned above.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, marketplace revenues of our Venezuelan segment decreased by approximately 54.4%, mainly driven by a local currency devaluation of 693.3%, which was partially offset by a 234.9% increase in local currency volume. The Non-Marketplace business decreased 80.6% or $3.7 million during the same period mainly by the devaluation mentioned above.

Mexico

Marketplace revenue in Mexico grew 5.5% during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period of 2013. The increase in our Mexican marketplace revenues primarily reflects an 11.3% increase in our take rate as a consequence of changes in certain caps that we applied to our fees for marketplace transactions, partially offset by a 3.4% devaluation of the local currency. The Non-Marketplace business grew 42.9%, a $2.6 million increase, during the same period, driven by an increase in the volume of real estate listings, which was largely a consequence of our second quarter 2014 acquisition of Guia de Inmuebles.com, a website that operates an online classified advertisements platform dedicated to the sale of real estate in Mexico.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, marketplace revenues of our Mexican segment increased by approximately 6.7% when compared to the same period in 2013, mainly driven by a 9.4% increase in our take rate due to changes in certain caps that we applied to our fees for marketplace transactions. The Non-Marketplace business grew 60.2%, a $1.3 million increase, during the same period, driven by an increase in real estate listings, which was largely a consequence of our second quarter of 2014 acquisition of Guia de Inmuebles.com, a website that operates an online classified advertisements platform dedicated to the sale of real estate in Mexico.

 

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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)  
     (*)  

2014

        

Net revenues

   $ 115.4      $ 131.8      $ 147.9        n/a   

Percent change from prior quarter

     -14     14     12  

2013

        

Net revenues

   $ 102.7      $ 112.2      $ 123.1      $ 134.6   

Percent change from prior quarter

     -1     9     10     9

2012

        

Net revenues

   $ 83.7      $ 88.8      $ 97.3      $ 103.8   

Percent change from prior quarter

     -3     6     9     7 %

 

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

The following table sets forth the growth in net revenues in local currencies for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013:

 

(% of revenue growth in Local Currency)

   Changes from 2013 to 2014 (*)  
   Nine months     Three months  

Brazil

     38.3     48.8

Argentina

     76.2     83.7

Venezuela

     175.9     219.9

Mexico

     18.8     22.9

Other Countries

     48.1     59.3

Total Consolidated

     69.4     89.0

 

(*) The local currency revenue growth was calculated by using the average monthly exchange rates for each month during 2013 and applying them to the corresponding months in 2014, 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 significant increase in our net revenues is mainly due to higher average selling prices posted by sellers during the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014, which we do not control. The increase in average selling prices is a consequence of: (i) an approximately 57% of 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, we have not observed material differences between the rate of inflation and the rate of currency devaluation of the Argentinean Peso against the U.S. dollar during the nine and three- month periods ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period of 2013.

Cost of net revenues

 

     Nine-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
    Three-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
 
     2014     2013     in Dollars      in %     2014     2013     in Dollars      in %  
     (in millions, except percentages)     (in millions, except percentages)  

Total cost of net revenues

   $ 111.3      $ 93.9      $ 17.4         18.6   $ 43.4      $ 34.1      $ 9.3         27.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

As a percentage of net revenues (*)

     28.2     27.8          29.3     27.7     

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using complete-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, 2014 as compared to the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, the increase of $17.4 million in cost of net revenues was primarily attributable to an increase in collection fees from our Argentine and Brazilian operations amounting to $13.0 million, or 31.9 %, as a result of the higher penetration of Mercado Pago in those countries. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, Total Payments Value (TPV) represents 45.9% of our total Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) (excluding motor vehicles, vessels, aircraft and real estate) as compared to 33.9% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. In addition, the increase in cost of net revenues during this period was also impacted by an increase in sales taxes amounting to $6.3 million, mainly related to our Argentine and Brazilian operations and an increase of $0.8 million in hosting costs, partially offset by a decrease in certain banking tax related costs in Argentina of $2.8 million, in fraud prevention costs of $1.3 million.

 

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For the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the three-month period ended September 30, 2013, the increase of $9.3 million in cost of net revenues was primarily attributable to an increase in collection fees amounting to $5.9 million, or 38.8 %, from our Argentine and Brazilian operations as a result of the higher penetration of Mercado Pago. For the three months ended September 30, 2014, total TPV represents 57.9% of our total GMV (excluding motor vehicles, vessels, aircraft and real estate) as compared to 34.2% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2013. In addition, the increase in cost of net revenues was a consequence of an increase in sales taxes amounting to $3.3 million, mainly related to our Argentine and Brazilian operations and an increase in salaries and wages of $1.1 million, partially offset by a decrease in certain banking tax related costs in Argentina of $1.2 million.

Product and technology development

 

     Nine-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
    Three-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
 
     2014     2013     in Dollars      in %     2014     2013     in Dollars      in %  
     (in millions, except percentages)     (in millions, except percentages)  

Product and technology development

   $ 37.6      $ 31.2      $ 6.4         20.4   $ 13.6      $ 12.1      $ 1.5         12.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

As a percentage of net revenues (*)

     9.5     9.2          9.2     9.8     

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using complete-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, 2014, the increase in product and technology development expenses as compared to the same period in 2013 amounted to $6.4 million or 20.4%. The increase was primarily attributable to: i) a $2.0 million increase in communication and maintenance expenses; ii) an increase in depreciation and amortization expenses of $2.6 million, and iii) an increase in salaries and wages of $1.2 million.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, the increase in product and technology development expenses as compared to the same period in 2013 amounted to $1.5 million or 12.4%. The increase was primarily attributable to: i) an increase in salaries and wages of $1.1 million; and ii) depreciation and amortization expenses of $0.9 million. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $0.5 million in other product development expenses. We believe product development is one of our key competitive advantages and intend to continue to invest in adding engineers to meet the increasingly sophisticated product expectations of our customer base.

Sales and marketing

 

     Nine-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
    Three-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
 
     2014     2013     in Dollars      in %     2014     2013     in Dollars      in %  
     (in millions, except percentages)     (in millions, except percentages)  

Sales and marketing

   $ 78.2      $ 67.3      $ 10.9         16.2   $ 29.4      $ 24.2      $ 5.2         21.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

As a percentage of net revenues (*)

     19.8     19.9          19.9     19.6     

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using complete-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, 2014, the $10.9 million increase in sales and marketing expenses when compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily attributable to: i) an increase in expenses related to on-line portal deals expenses of $8.8 million, or 55.1%, as compared to the same period of 2013; ii) a $2.8 million increase in expenses related to our buyer protection program; iii) an increase in bad debt of $2.6 million, which represented 4.1% of our net revenues for the nine month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to 4.0% for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013; and iv) a $1.3 million increase in salaries and wages. These increases were offset by a decrease of $5.3 million in off-line marketing expenses.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, the $5.2 million increase in sales and marketing expenses when compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily attributable to: i) an increase in on-line portal deals expenses of $5.4 million, or 105.7%, as compared to the same period of 2013; and ii) a $1.8 million increase in expenses related to our buyer protection program. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $0.7 million in off-line marketing expenses and a $0.6 million decrease in bad debt which represented 3.0% of our net revenues for the three month period ended September 30, 2014, as compared to 4.2% for the three month period ended September 30, 2013 and a $0.4 million decrease in other marketing expenses.

 

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General and administrative

 

     Nine-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
    Three-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
 
     2014     2013     in Dollars     in %     2014     2013     in Dollars     in %  
     (in millions, except percentages)     (in millions, except percentages)  

General and administrative

   $ 43.3      $ 44.1      $ (0.8     -1.8   $ 14.4      $ 15.3      $ (0.9     -5.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As a percentage of net revenues (*)

     11.0     13.1         9.7     12.4    

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using complete-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, 2014, the $0.8 million decrease in general and administrative expenses when compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily attributable to i) a $1.7 million decrease in salaries and wages related to lower LTRP compensation costs as a result of a lower fair market value of our shares; and ii) a $2.1 million gain in our Argentine subsidiary related to the recovery of certain tax credits that had been written off during the first quarter of 2014 in connection with the expiration of an Argentine software development law. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $0.4 million in office expenses; a $1.4 million increase in depreciation and amortization expenses; a $0.9 million increase in tax and other fees; and a $1.9 million increase in other general and administrative expenses.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, the $0.9 million decrease in general and administrative expenses when compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily attributable to a $2.8 million decrease in other general and administrative expenses mainly related with the recovery of the tax credits written off during the first quarter 2014; partially offset by a $0.9 million increase in depreciation and amortization expenses and a $0.7 million increase in salaries and wages.

Impairment of Long-Lived assets

 

     Nine-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
    Three-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
 
     2014     2013     in Dollars      in %     2014     2013     in Dollars      in %  
     (in millions, except percentages)     (in millions, except percentages)  

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

   $ 49.5      $ —        $ 49.5         100.0   $ —        $ —        $ —           0.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

As a percentage of net revenues (*)

     12.5     0.0          0.0     0.0     

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using complete-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, 2014 when compared with the same period in 2013, the $49.5 million increase was attributable to impairment of two office spaces located in Caracas, Venezuela recorded during the second quarter of 2014 in our Venezuelan subsidiaries.

Other income / (expense), net

 

     Nine-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
    Three-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
 
     2014     2013     in Dollars     in %     2014     2013     in Dollars      in %  
     (in millions, except percentages)     (in millions, except percentages)  

Other income / (expense), net

   $ (3.4   $ 5.9      $ (9.3     -157.9   $ 4.7      $ 3.8      $ 0.8         22.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

As a percentage of net revenues

     -0.9     1.7         3.2     3.1     

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using complete-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, 2014, the $9.3 million decrease in other income / (expense), net when compared to the same period in 2013, was primarily attributable to a consolidated foreign exchange loss of $7.7 million in 2014 as compared to a $1.1 million loss in the same period in 2013. The foreign exchange loss in Venezuela increased $10.4 million (related to the use of the SICAD 1 exchange rate from January 24 to May 15, 2014 and the use of SICAD 2 exchange rate from May 16, 2014 to September 30, 2014). This

 

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increase was partially offset by a $1.7 million increase in foreign exchange gain in Argentina and a $1.9 million increase in foreign exchange gain in Brazil. Additionally, interest income increased $2.6 million and interest expense increased by $5.3 million due to the Convertible Notes issue on June 30, 2014.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, the $0.8 million increase in other income / (expense), net when compared to the same period in 2013, was related to a foreign exchange gain of $5.2 million in 2014 as compared to a $1.6 million gain in the same period of 2013. The foreign exchange gain in Brazil increased $4.9. This increase was partially offset by a $0.9 million decrease in foreign exchange gain in Argentina. Additionally, during the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, interest income increased $ 1.6 million and interest expense increased by $4.4 million as compared to the same period in 2013 due to the Convertible Notes issue on June 30, 2014.

Income and asset tax

 

     Nine-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
    Three-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013
to 2014 (*)
 
     2014     2013     in Dollars      in %     2014     2013     in Dollars      in %  
     (in millions, except percentages)     (in millions, except percentages)  

Income and asset tax

   $ 33.3      $ 30.6      $ 2.7         8.9   $ 18.1      $ 12.1      $ 6.0         49.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

As a percentage of net revenues (*)

     8.4     9.1          12.2     9.8     

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using complete-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, 2014 as compared to the same periods in 2013, income and asset tax increased by $2.7 million and $6.0 million, respectively, mainly as a consequence of an increase in taxable income and permanent differences period over period.

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, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Nine-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Three-month Periods Ended
September 30,
 
     2014     2013     2014     2013  

Blended tax rate

     46.4     28.5     34.9     29.3

Effective tax rate

     68.7     31.1     37.1     31.3

Our blended and effective tax rates for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 increased significantly as compared to the same period in 2013 due to a significant reduction in net income before tax as resulting from the losses recorded in our Venezuelan subsidiaries during the second quarter of 2014 related to the impairment of long-lived assets and the devaluation of the BsF net asset position in January and May 2014. Such losses are non-deductible for tax purposes.

The increase in our blended and effective tax rate for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 is related to the expiration of the software development law in Argentina during September. Also, by our convertible bond’s financial expenses, which are only deductible in the U.S., where we do not generate significant revenues and finally by a higher proportion of pre-tax income coming from Brazil which has a higher tax rate than other countries.

The following table sets forth our effective income tax rate related to our main locations for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Nine-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Three-month Periods Ended
September 30,
 
     2014     2013     2014     2013  

Effective tax rate by country

        

Argentina

     26.3     18.2     24.7     18.6

Brazil

     34.9     33.6     32.7     31.4

Mexico

     20.1     31.0     17.9     27.3

Venezuela

     -29.7     45.4     47.3     43.3

 

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Our Argentine subsidiary was a beneficiary of a software development law that granted it relief of 60% of total income tax determined up to September 2014. Mainly for that reason, our Argentine operation’s effective income tax rate for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are currently lower than the local statutory rate of 35%. If we had not been granted the Argentine tax holiday, our Argentine effective income tax rate would have been higher; however, in that case, we would have pursued an alternative tax planning strategy. On August 17, 2011, the Argentine government issued a new software development law and on September 9, 2013 the regulatory decree related to this law was issued, which established the new requirement for becoming 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. At the date of this report, the Industry Secretary resolution which approves the company’s application is still pending.

If we are successful in being admitted as beneficiaries under the new law, the current income tax relief would be reduced, but it is currently estimated that the Argentine effective income tax rate would still be materially lower than the statutory income tax rate. Also, the tax holiday under the new law would last until 2019.

The increase in our Argentine operation’s effective income tax rate for the nine and three-month periods ended September, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 is due to the current income tax holiday that expired in September 2014 and we expect that we will not benefit from any income tax holiday during last quarter of 2014. In addition, the increase in our Argentine operation’s effective income tax is a consequence of higher temporary tax differences.

The increase in our Brazilian effective income tax rate for the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same periods in 2013 was mainly related to an increase in accounting provisions, which are non-deductible for tax purposes during 2014.

For the nine and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014, our Mexican effective income tax rate was lower than the local statutory rate of 30% due to the consumption of tax losses arising in prior years, which generates lower provisions for income tax. For the three-month period ended September 30, 2013, our Mexican effective income tax rate was lower than the local statutory rate of 30% mainly as a result of changes in temporary and permanent tax differences. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, our Mexican effective income tax rate was higher than the local statutory rate of 30% mainly as a result of changes in temporary tax differences.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, our Venezuelan negative effective income tax rate was driven by losses recorded during the second quarter of 2014 in our Venezuelan subsidiaries related to the impairment of long-lived assets and foreign exchange loss, which generated a net loss before income tax. Such losses are non-deductible for tax purposes and consequently, we recorded an income tax charge even though we generated a net loss before income tax. For the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, our Venezuelan effective income tax rate was significantly higher than the local statutory rate of 34%, mainly as a consequence of permanent tax differences which are non-deductible for U.S. GAAP reporting purposes. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, our Venezuela effective income tax rate was significantly higher than the local statutory rate due to: i) the impact of the devaluation of the BsF. in February 2013, which is considered a permanent difference for U.S. GAAP reporting purposes, and ii) temporary and permanent tax differences. For the three-month period ended September 30, 2013, our Venezuelan effective income tax rate was significantly higher than the local statutory rate of 34%, mainly as a consequence of temporary and permanent tax differences.

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.

 

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Segment information

 

                                                                                                                             
     Nine-month Periods Ended September 30, 2014  
     Brazil     Argentina     Mexico     Venezuela     Other Countries     Total  

Net revenues

   $ 194.0      $ 102.2      $ 27.3      $ 45.2      $ 26.5      $ 395.2   

Direct costs

     (111.5     (54.9     (17.0     (13.1     (14.5     (211.1

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

     —          —          —          (49.5     —          (49.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Direct contribution

     82.5        47.3        10.3        (17.4     12.0        134.6   

Margin

     42.5     46.3     37.9     -38.6     45.2     34.1

 

                                                                                                                             
     Nine-month Periods Ended September 30, 2013  
     Brazil     Argentina     Mexico     Venezuela     Other Countries     Total  

Net revenues

   $ 151.1      $ 87.8      $ 23.8      $ 55.7      $ 19.6      $ 338.0   

Direct costs

     (89.2     (48.1     (14.4     (20.4     (8.9     (181.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Direct contribution

     61.9        39.7        9.4        35.3        10.7        157.0   

Margin

     41.0     45.2     39.6     63.4     54.4     46.4

 

                                                                                                                             
     Change from the Nine-month Periods Ended September 30, 2013 to  September 30, 2014 (*)  
     Brazil     Argentina     Mexico     Venezuela     Other Countries     Total  

Net revenues

            
   $ 42.9      $ 14.4      $ 3.5      $ (10.5   $ 6.9      $ 57.2   
     28.4     16.4     14.9     -18.9     35.1     16.9

Direct costs

            
   $ (22.3   $ (6.8   $ (2.6   $ 7.3      $ (5.6   $ (30.1
     25.0     14.2     18.2     -35.7     62.4     16.6

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

            
   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ (49.5   $ —        $ (49.5
     0.0     0.0     0.0     100.0     0.0     100.0

Direct contribution

            
   $ 20.6      $ 7.6      $ 0.9      $ (52.7   $ 1.3      $ (22.3
     33.2     19.1     9.9     -149.4     12.2     -14.2

 

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     Three-month Periods Ended September 30, 2014  
     Brazil     Argentina     Mexico     Venezuela     Other Countries     Total  

Net revenues

   $ 78.2      $ 41.0      $ 9.9      $ 9.3      $ 9.7      $ 147.9   

Direct costs

     (43.2     (20.4     (6.7     (2.6     (5.6     (78.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Direct contribution

     35.0        20.6        3.2        6.6        4.0        69.4   

Margin

     44.7     50.2     32.3     71.7     41.7     46.9

 

                                                                                                                             
     Three-month Periods Ended September 30, 2013  
     Brazil     Argentina     Mexico     Venezuela     Other Countries     Total  

Net revenues

   $ 52.3      $ 33.1      $ 8.1      $ 23.0      $ 6.5      $ 123.1   

Direct costs

     (30.4     (18.4     (5.1     (7.9     (2.9     (64.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Direct contribution

     21.9        14.8        3.0        15.1        3.6        58.4   

Margin

     41.9     44.5     37.2     65.6     56.0     47.4
     Change from the three-month Periods Ended September 30, 2013 to  September 30, 2014 (*)  
     Brazil     Argentina     Mexico     Venezuela     Other Countries     Total  

Net revenues

            
     25.9        7.8        1.7        (13.7     3.2        24.9   
     49.6     23.6     21.0     -59.7     48.7     20.2

Direct costs

            
     (12.8     (2.0     (1.6     5.3        (2.8     (13.9
     42.2     10.9     30.5     -66.8     96.9     21.5

Direct contribution

            
     13.1        5.8        0.1        (8.4     0.4        11.0   
     59.8     39.4     4.8     -55.9     10.9     18.8

 

(*) Percentages have been calculated using complete-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, 2014 as compared to the same periods in 2013, 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, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013, direct costs increased by 25.0%, mainly driven by: i) a 26.7% increase in cost of net revenues, mainly attributable to an increase in collection fees as a consequence of higher penetration of Mercado Pago business and sales tax costs, partially offset by a decrease in our site operation expenses; ii) a 32.1% increase in sales and marketing expenses, mainly due to an increase in on-line marketing expenses, salaries and wages and in buyer protection program expenses and other marketing expenses, partially offset by a decrease in off-line marketing expenses and chargebacks; iii) a 70.3% increase in product and technology development expenses, mainly due to an increase in salaries and wages and higher depreciation and amortization expenses; and iv) a 0.7% decrease in general and administrative expenses, mainly attributable to a decrease in legal fees.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013, direct costs increased by 42.2%, mainly driven by: i) a 49.6% increase in cost of net revenues, mainly attributable to an increase in collection fees, sale tax costs and salaries and wages; ii) a 39.1% increase in sales and marketing expenses, mainly due to an increase in on-line marketing expenses, salaries and wages and buyer protection program expenses, partially offset by decreases in off-line marketing expenses and bad debt; iii) a 71.6% increase in product

 

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and technology development expenses, mainly due to an increase in salaries and wages and depreciation and amortization expenses; and iv) a 19.7% increase in general and administrative expenses, mainly attributable to an increase in salaries and wages, taxes and other fees, partially offset by a decrease in other general and administrative expenses.

Argentina

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013, direct costs increased by 14.2%, mainly driven by: i) a 18.7% increase in cost of net revenues, mainly attributable to an increase in collection fees, customer support costs, sales taxes and in certain banking tax related costs; ii) a 15.7% increase in sales and marketing expenses, mainly due to an increase in on-line marketing expenses, bad debt and chargebacks, partially offset by off-line marketing expenses and salaries and wages; and iii) a 24.9% decrease in general and administrative expenses, which was primarily attributable to a decrease in salaries and wages.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013, direct costs increased by 10.9%, mainly driven by: i) a 23.4% increase in cost of net revenues, mainly attributable to an increase in collection fees, customer support costs, sales tax costs and in certain banking tax related costs; ii) a 35.8% increase in sales and marketing expenses, mainly due to an increase in on-line and off-line marketing expenses and bad debt, partially offset by a decrease in chargebacks and salaries and wages; and iii) a 273.7% decrease in general and administrative expenses, primarily due to the recovery of $2.1 million of certain tax credits that had been written off during the first quarter of 2014 in connection with the software development law.

Mexico

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013, direct costs increased by 18.2%, mainly driven by: i) a 24.8% increase in cost of net revenues that was mainly attributable to an increase in collection fees, customer support fees and other costs; ii) a 11.0% increase in sales and marketing expenses attributable to an increase in on-line marketing expenses, bad debt, buyer protection program expenses, salaries and wages, and other marketing expenses; partially offset by a decrease in off-line expenses and chargebacks; iii) an 84.1% increase in product and technology development expenses, primary attributable to an increase in salaries and wages and depreciation and amortization expenses and; iv) a 27.4% increase in general and administrative expenses, mainly due to an increase in salaries and wages, office expenses and legal fees.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013, direct costs increased by 30.5%, mainly driven by: i) a 33.3% increase in cost of net revenues that was mainly attributable to an increase in collection fees, customer support fees and other costs, partially compensated by a decrease in our site operations costs; ii) a 28.5% increase in sales and marketing expenses attributable to an increase in on-line marketing expenses, bad debt and salaries and wages, partially offset by an increase in off-line marketing expenses; iii) a 34.8% increase in product and technology development expenses, primary attributable to an increase in salaries and wages and depreciation and amortization expenses and; iv) a 33.6% increase in general and administrative expenses, mainly due to an increase in office expenses and salaries and wages.

Venezuela

During second quarter of 2014, we recorded an impairment of long-lived assets of $49.5 million in our Venezuelan subsidiaries. As a consequence of this loss, the direct contribution of this segment decrease significantly during the nine month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013, the increase in impairment of long-lived assets was partially offset by: i) a 33.5% decrease in cost of net revenues that was mainly attributable to a decrease in customer support fees, partially compensated by an increase in collection fees; ii) a 39.3% decrease in sales and marketing expenses that was mainly attributable to a decrease in off-line marketing expenses, salaries and wages and other marketing expenses and; iii) a 13.3% decrease in product and technology development expenses attributable to a decrease in salaries and wages, partially offset by an increase in depreciation and amortization expenses and other maintenance expenses.

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013, direct costs decreased by 66.8%, mainly driven by: i) a 62.7% decrease in cost of net revenues that was mainly attributable to a decrease in customer support fees and in collection fees; ii) a 72.0% decrease in sales and marketing expenses mainly due to a decrease in salaries and wages; iii) a 79.3% decrease in product and technology development expenses attributable to a decrease in salaries and wages; and iv) a 57.4% decrease in general and administrative expenses, mainly attributable to a decrease in salaries and wages, legal and tax and other services fees, and other general and administrative expenses, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expenses.

 

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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 recently issued 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. As discussed above under “Critical accounting policies and estimates” 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, 2014, our main source of liquidity, amounting to $407.3 million of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments and $158.8 million of long-term investments has been 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, 2014 cash and investments of foreign subsidiaries amounted to $248.6 million, or 43.9% of our consolidated cash and investments, and approximately 31.0% of our consolidated cash and investments are 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 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 period ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Nine-month Periods Ended
September  30,(*)
 

(In millions)

   2014     2013  

Net cash provided by / (used in):

    

Operating activities

   $ 138.4      $ 122.8   

Investing activities

     (271.6     (78.4

Financing activities

     276.1        (4.9

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     (45.6     (12.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 97.2      $ 26.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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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
September 30,
     Change from 2013 to 2014 (*)  
     2014      2013      in Dollars      in %  
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Net Cash provided by:

           

Operating activities

   $ 138.4       $ 122.8       $ 15.6         12.7

 

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

The $15.6 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013, was primarily driven by a $56.6 million increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses, a $15.9 million increase in MercadoPago working capital; and a $49.5 million non-cash loss as a consequence of the impairment of long-lived assets recorded in our Venezuelan subsidiaries. These increases in operating cash flow were partially offset by: i) a $61.1 million increase in accounts receivables and credit card receivables; ii) a $12.5 million increase in deferred income taxes and; iii) a decrease in net income of $38.3 million.

Net cash used in investing activities

 

     Nine-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013 to 2014 (*)  
     2014     2013     in Dollars     in %  
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Net Cash used in:

        

Investing activities

   $ (271.6   $ (78.4   $ (193.3     246.6

 

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

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 investing activities in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 resulted mainly from proceeds from the sale and maturity of investments of $803.2 million, which was partially offset by purchases of investments for $802.3 million as part of our financial strategy. We used $25.7 million to fund the acquisition of two office buildings in Caracas, Venezuela and Buenos Aires, Argentina. In addition, we used $26.2 million to pay the advance purchase price for the acquisition of an office space in Caracas, Venezuela. Finally, we used $24.2 million of cash during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 to make capital expenditures mainly related to technological equipment and software licenses and $3.2 million to fund the acquisition of a software development company located in the Province of Cordoba, Argentina.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

     Nine-month Periods Ended
September 30,
    Change from 2013 to 2014 (*)  
     2014      2013     in Dollars      in %  
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Net Cash provided by / (used in):

          

Financing activities

   $ 276.1       $ (4.9   $ 281.0