DLocal, a Uruguayan B2B payments company, presents a compelling investment case, trading at a mid-teens multiple despite robust financials. It boasts over 50% annual top-line growth, high profitability, and a strong balance sheet. The company is strategically positioned at the intersection of two significant megatrends: the rapid growth and digitalization of emerging markets (EM) and the expansion of global tech giants (like the MAG7) into these regions. A testament to this opportunity, Pedro Arndt, former CFO of MercadoLibre for 25 years, left his position to become DLocal's CEO, highlighting his belief in the company's potential.
DLocal's core service is to provide a single API that enables global merchants (e.g., Amazon, Meta, Netflix, Uber) to accept local payments in over 60 emerging markets. This is crucial because traditional Western payment systems like Visa and MasterCard are not universally prevalent or efficient in EMs. Many EMs have adopted local bank-to-bank transfer systems (e.g., PIX in Brazil, UPI in India) that are fast and cheap for domestic transactions but don't easily handle cross-border payments or recurring subscriptions. DLocal bridges this gap by navigating the fragmented regulatory landscapes, complex tax rules, and diverse local payment methods across these countries. For major tech companies, this eliminates the immense cost and effort of setting up local operations and obtaining numerous licenses.
The company's investment thesis rests on benefiting from the increasing wealth and digital adoption in EMs, combined with the global expansion efforts of its large tech clients. Pedro Arndt emphasizes DLocal as a "double layer" bet on EM digital transformation, riding the success of established, reliable tech giants.
While DLocal exhibits impressive Total Payment Volume (TPV) growth (60% YoY to $40 billion in 2023), its gross take rate has declined from 2.9% in 2020 to 0.9% today. CEO Pedro Arndt views this as a strategic decision to prioritize volume, offering discounts to large merchants to build deep relationships and secure future growth. He believes DLocal's operational leverage will lead to net profits growing faster than gross profits, offsetting the declining take rate. This strategy is supported by value-added services like "Smart PIX/APMs," which enable recurring payments for local methods (boosting conversion rates significantly), and "Smart Routing," which dynamically optimizes transaction paths for higher approval rates.
DLocal's competitive advantage lies not necessarily in unique product features but in its *scale, regulatory expertise, and ability to manage fragmentation*. Operating in 60+ markets with numerous local integrations and licenses creates a substantial barrier to entry. While Western competitors like Stripe and Adyen exist, their models are often better suited for credit card-dominated markets, whereas DLocal's horizontal approach excels in optimizing diverse local payment rails. The risk of large clients building in-house is deemed low due to the high opportunity cost for these companies. Stablecoins, while potentially making settlement cheaper, still require DLocal's "last mile" expertise to convert to local fiat and ensure compliance.
In 2022, a short seller report from Muddy Waters caused DLocal's stock to drop 50%. Claims of overstated TPV and commingling funds were largely debunked by an independent review, and insider selling was contextualized by the stock's high IPO valuation. Despite regulatory complexities, particularly in volatile markets like Argentina, DLocal has demonstrated resilience, with no merchants leaving.
Financially, DLocal is guiding for 30% gross profit growth for 2026, with an expected TPV CAGR of nearly 40% through 2028. Management's capital allocation includes a new $300 million share buyback program and a 30% free cash flow dividend payout, demonstrating confidence and returning capital to shareholders. The stock's current valuation at 15 times earnings offers an attractive entry point, with a base case scenario suggesting a 22% expected annual return. Although DLocal faces risks from market concentration and take-rate pressures, its unique position in emerging markets and strong leadership make it a compelling long-term investment.