O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. (ORLY) vs Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST)

ORLY and ROST are evenly matched — 7 metrics each of 14.

A side-by-side comparison of O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. and Ross Stores, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 28, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — ORLY vs ROST

growth of $100 · last 30y
ORLY +29544.5%ROST +20018.9%ORLY compounded faster
010k20k30kStart $100200120062011201620212026$29,644$20,119
ORLY ROST

ORLY vs ROST: by the numbers

  • ORLY is the larger company ($74.21B vs $68.41B market cap).
  • ORLY trades at the lower earnings multiple (29.26 vs 29.78 P/E).
  • ORLY converts more revenue to profit (14.30% vs 9.74% net margin).
  • ROST grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.35% vs 8.30% CAGR).
  • ROST pays a dividend (0.83% yield) while ORLY does not currently pay one.

Which is better, ORLY or ROST?

Metric tally: ORLY 7 · ROST 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthROST(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityORLY(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricORLYROST
P/E ratio29.2629.78
Forward P/E24.7427.24
P/S ratio4.142.88
P/B ratio10.87
PEG ratio3.346.01
EV / EBITDA20.5418.19
FCF yield2.54%3.84%

Profitability

MetricORLYROST
Gross margin51.63%28.33%
Operating margin19.56%12.22%
Net margin14.30%9.74%
ROE-332.51%36.73%
ROIC33.05%17.10%

Dividends

MetricORLYROST
Dividend yield0.83%
Payout ratio26.73%

Growth (annualized)

MetricORLYROST
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.30%9.35%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.49%94.40%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-7.60%-6.35%
Total return CAGR (5Y)19.24%12.77%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ORLY or ROST?
It depends on your goal. growth: ROST (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: ORLY (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
Is ORLY or ROST cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ORLY is cheaper: ORLY trades at a 29.26 P/E and ROST at 29.78.
Which has grown faster, ORLY or ROST?
Over the past five years, ROST grew revenue faster — ORLY at a 8.30% CAGR versus ROST at 9.35%.
Does ORLY or ROST pay a bigger dividend?
ROST pays a dividend (0.83% yield) while ORLY does not currently pay one.
Is ORLY or ROST more profitable?
ORLY runs the higher net margin — ORLY at 14.30% versus ROST at 9.74%.
Which has been the better investment, ORLY or ROST?
Over the past 10-year, ORLY delivered the higher annualized total return — ORLY at 17.50% versus ROST at 15.74%. 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 June 28, 2026.