Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) vs Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST)

A side-by-side comparison of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Ross Stores, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnRCL vs ROST

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
RCL +341.8% (+16.0%/yr)ROST +311.0% (+15.2%/yr)RCL compounded faster over this window
0200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$442$411
RCL ROST

RCL vs ROST: by the numbers

  • ROST is the larger company ($74.58B vs $63.00B market cap).
  • RCL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (14.52 vs 28.15 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • RCL converts more revenue to profit (23.56% vs 10.85% net margin).
  • RCL grew revenue faster over the past five years (188.60% vs 7.18% CAGR).
  • RCL pays the higher dividend yield (1.92% vs 0.74%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricRCLROST
P/E ratio14.5228.15
Forward P/E13.2227.40
P/S ratio3.373.04
P/B ratio6.1511.06
EV / EBITDA12.5717.92
FCF yieldN/A3.74%

Profitability

MetricRCLROST
Gross margin46.64%29.89%
Operating margin27.32%13.75%
Net margin23.56%10.85%
ROE43.01%39.43%
ROIC14.59%22.56%

Dividends

MetricRCLROST
Dividend yield1.92%0.74%
Payout ratio30.90%20.58%

Growth (annualized)

MetricRCLROST
Revenue CAGR (5Y)188.60%7.18%
EPS CAGR (5Y)9.81%94.40%
FCF CAGR (5Y)11.57%13.59%
Total return CAGR (5Y)26.81%16.65%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, RCL or ROST?
RCL has the lower trailing P/E: RCL trades at 14.52 and ROST at 28.15. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, RCL or ROST?
Over the past five years, RCL grew revenue faster — RCL at a 188.60% CAGR versus ROST at 7.18%.
Does RCL or ROST pay a bigger dividend?
RCL yields 1.92% and ROST yields 0.74% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is RCL or ROST more profitable?
RCL runs the higher net margin — RCL at 23.56% versus ROST at 10.85%.
How have RCL and ROST total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, RCL delivered 16.07% and ROST delivered 15.39% 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 September 13, 2026.