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 September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
MELI
MercadoLibre, Inc.
$1,897.37Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
ROST
Ross Stores, Inc.
$230.74Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MELI vs ROST
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMELI +1071.4% (+27.9%/yr)ROST +296.1% (+14.8%/yr)MELI compounded faster over this window
MELI ROST
MELI vs ROST: by the numbers
- •MELI is the larger company ($96.19B vs $74.02B market cap).
- •ROST trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (27.93 vs 51.63 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •ROST converts more revenue to profit (10.85% vs 5.30% net margin).
- •MELI grew revenue faster over the past five years (44.82% vs 7.18% CAGR).
- •ROST pays a dividend (0.75% yield), while MELI is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MELI | ROST |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 51.63 | 27.93 |
| Forward P/E | 50.04 | 27.19 |
| P/S ratio | 2.73 | 3.02 |
| P/B ratio | 12.28 | 10.98 |
| EV / EBITDA | 27.16 | 17.78 |
| FCF yield | 12.39% | 3.77% |
Profitability
| Metric | MELI | ROST |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 42.68% | 29.89% |
| Operating margin | 8.26% | 13.75% |
| Net margin | 5.30% | 10.85% |
| ROE | 23.78% | 39.43% |
| ROIC | 11.63% | 22.56% |
Dividends
| Metric | MELI | ROST |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 0.75% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 20.58% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MELI | ROST |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 44.82% | 7.18% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 94.40% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 129.42% | 13.59% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 0.63% | 15.81% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MELI or ROST?
- ROST has the lower trailing P/E: MELI trades at 51.63 and ROST at 27.93. 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 44.82% CAGR versus ROST at 7.18%.
- Does MELI or ROST pay a bigger dividend?
- ROST pays a dividend (0.75% 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 5.30% versus ROST at 10.85%.
- How have MELI and ROST total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MELI delivered 26.72% and ROST delivered 15.12% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
MercadoLibre P/E ratioRoss Stores P/E ratioRoss 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 September 11, 2026.