2 Monster Stocks That Are Crushing the S&P 500 This Year

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Investing in the S&P 500 via an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks it is an excellent idea for long-term investors. The index has generally delivered solid returns. We have every reason to believe that will continue for a while.

But what about investing in equities that can perform even better? That's what MercadoLibre (NASDAQ: MELI) and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) have done this year. Of course, that's no guarantee they will do so moving forward, but we also have good reasons to expect they will.

Let's discuss some of those reasons.

MELI Chart
MELI Chart

1. MercadoLibre

MercadoLibre, the largest e-commerce player in Latin America, has the makings of a long-term winner. The company's position is so strong that even Amazon hasn't been able to compete. Any time a company can dominate a market, especially in the broad e-commerce category, while going up against Amazon, that company is probably doing something right.

However, it's worth pointing out that MercadoLibre isn't just an Amazon copycat. The company's business has multiple segments, including fintech, logistics, and a service that allows merchants to open online storefronts. That brings us to another important point: MercadoLibre's comprehensive and complimentary suite of services grants it a solid competitive advantage.

The company arguably benefits from the network effect -- the value of its e-commerce platform increases with use -- and switching costs, since merchants within its ecosystem could suffer business disruptions if they decide to jump ship. A strong moat is essential for a company to deliver above-average returns over long periods. MercadoLibre isn't lacking in this category.

Furthermore, the company is delivering profitable growth. Consider MercadoLibre's second-quarter results. Its revenue increased 42% year over year to $5.1 billion. The company's net income of $531 million soared by almost 103% compared to the year-ago period. MercadoLibre's metrics moved in the right direction across the board. The company's strong financial results have contributed to its performance this year.

Lastly, MercadoLibre should continue benefiting from the growth of e-commerce as retail transactions switch to online channels. The incentive to do business with people and businesses worldwide -- as opposed to those constrained within a small geographic area -- is too strong. That's why e-commerce is on a long-term growth path. Few players are better positioned to benefit than MercadoLibre. It's not too late to buy the stock, despite its strong returns this year.