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.

Compare

Total returnMELI vs ROST

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 19y
MELI +6715.6%ROST +4195.4%MELI compounded faster
02k4k6k8k10kStart $1002011201520192023$6,816$4,295
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

MetricMELIROST
P/E ratio49.1735.06
Forward P/E47.3538.48
P/S ratio2.973.39
P/B ratio12.9712.79
PEG ratio11.346.01
EV / EBITDA26.1621.39
FCF yield11.34%3.26%

Profitability

MetricMELIROST
Gross margin43.86%28.33%
Operating margin9.59%12.22%
Net margin6.04%9.74%
ROE26.37%36.73%
ROIC11.78%17.10%

Dividends

MetricMELIROST
Dividend yieldN/A0.68%
Payout ratioN/A25.53%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMELIROST
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.

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.