Big Decline for CPNG, but Do MELI’s Margins and Growth Give It the Edge?

CPNG: Coupang logo
CPNG
Coupang

MercadoLibre (MELI) offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Coupang (CPNG), suggesting you may be better off investing in MELI

  • MELI’s quarterly revenue growth was 37.0%, vs. CPNG’s 11.2%.
  • In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 37.7%, ahead of CPNG’s 20.9%.
  • MELI leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 12.8% and 3-year average of 12.9%.

CPNG operates an e-commerce platform in South Korea, offering diverse products including home goods, apparel, beauty, fresh food, electronics, and more through mobile apps and websites. MELI operates Latin American online commerce platforms, enabling businesses and individuals to buy, sell, and invest funds through automated marketplaces and payment services.

Valuation & Performance Overview

  CPNG MELI Preferred
     
Valuation      
P/EBIT Ratio 92.2 41.0 MELI
     
Revenue Growth      
Last Quarter 11.2% 37.0% MELI
Last 12 Months 20.9% 37.7% MELI
Last 3 Year Average 17.3% 41.3% MELI
     
Operating Margins      
Last 12 Months 1.8% 12.8% MELI
Last 3 Year Average 1.4% 12.9% MELI
     
Momentum      
Last 3 Year Return 46.1% 126.1% MELI

Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: CPNG Revenue Comparison | MELI Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: CPNG Operating Income Comparison | MELI Operating Income Comparison
 
But do these numbers tell the full story? Read Buy or Sell MELI Stock to see if MercadoLibre’s edge holds up under the hood or if Coupang still has cards to play (see Buy or Sell CPNG Stock).

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Historical Market Performance

  2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Total [1] Avg Best
Returns
CPNG Return -50% 10% 36% 28% -2%  
MELI Return 193% -20% -37% 86% 8% 36% 315% <===
S&P 500 Return 16% 27% -19% 24% 23% 8% 93%  
Monthly Win Rates [3]
CPNG Win Rate 33% 42% 58% 50% 71%   42%  
MELI Win Rate 75% 50% 42% 50% 33% 71%   54%  
S&P 500 Win Rate 58% 75% 42% 67% 75% 57%   62% <===
Max Drawdowns [4]
CPNG Max Drawdown -68% -12% -15% -10%   -18%  
MELI Max Drawdown -22% -37% -55% -2% -14% 0%   -22%  
S&P 500 Max Drawdown -31% -1% -25% -1% -2% -15%   -12% <===

[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2020
[2] 2025 data is for the year till date (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year

 
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read MELI Dip Buyer Analyses and CPNG Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.