MercadoLibre, Inc. (MELI) vs Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST)
A side-by-side comparison of MercadoLibre, Inc. and Ross Stores, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 29, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
MELI
MercadoLibre, Inc.
$1,875.59Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Jul 29, 2026, 2:10 PM EDT
ROST
Ross Stores, Inc.
$254.54Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Jul 29, 2026, 2:10 PM EDT
Total return — MELI vs ROST
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 19yMELI +6715.6%ROST +4195.4%MELI compounded faster
MELI ROST
MELI vs ROST: by the numbers
- •MELI is the larger company ($95.09B vs $81.65B market cap).
- •ROST trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (35.06 vs 49.17 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •ROST converts more revenue to profit (9.74% vs 6.04% net margin).
- •MELI grew revenue faster over the past five years (46.59% vs 9.35% CAGR).
- •ROST pays a dividend (0.68% yield), while MELI is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MELI | ROST |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 49.17 | 35.06 |
| Forward P/E | 47.35 | 38.48 |
| P/S ratio | 2.97 | 3.39 |
| P/B ratio | 12.97 | 12.79 |
| PEG ratio | 11.34 | 6.01 |
| EV / EBITDA | 26.16 | 21.39 |
| FCF yield | 11.34% | 3.26% |
Profitability
| Metric | MELI | ROST |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 43.86% | 28.33% |
| Operating margin | 9.59% | 12.22% |
| Net margin | 6.04% | 9.74% |
| ROE | 26.37% | 36.73% |
| ROIC | 11.78% | 17.10% |
Dividends
| Metric | MELI | ROST |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 0.68% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 25.53% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MELI | ROST |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 46.59% | 9.35% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 83.23% | 94.40% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 73.42% | 3.70% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 2.61% | 16.97% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MELI or ROST?
- ROST has the lower trailing P/E: MELI trades at 49.17 and ROST at 35.06. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, MELI or ROST?
- Over the past five years, MELI grew revenue faster — MELI at a 46.59% CAGR versus ROST at 9.35%.
- Does MELI or ROST pay a bigger dividend?
- ROST pays a dividend (0.68% yield), while MELI is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
- Is MELI or ROST more profitable?
- ROST runs the higher net margin — MELI at 6.04% versus ROST at 9.74%.
- How have MELI and ROST total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MELI delivered 28.53% and ROST delivered 16.28% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
MercadoLibre P/E ratioRoss Stores P/E ratioMercadoLibre dividend yieldRoss Stores dividend yieldMercadoLibre ROERoss Stores ROEMercadoLibre operating marginRoss Stores operating marginMercadoLibre revenue growthRoss Stores revenue growthMercadoLibre free cash flowRoss Stores free cash flow
MercadoLibre & Ross Stores appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 29, 2026.