Is MercadoLibre a Better Buy Than Coupang?
Coupang fell -17% during the past Month. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer MercadoLibre gives you more. MercadoLibre (MELI) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Coupang (CPNG) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in MELI
- MELI’s quarterly revenue growth was 39.5%, vs. CPNG’s 17.8%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 36.9%, ahead of CPNG’s 16.6%.
- MELI leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 12.0% and 3-year average of 13.1%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how CPNG’s fundamentals stack up against those of MELI on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| CPNG | MELI | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 62.5 | 33.4 | MELI |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 17.8% | 39.5% | MELI |
| Last 12 Months | 16.6% | 36.9% | MELI |
| Last 3 Year Average | 18.4% | 39.5% | MELI |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 2.3% | 12.0% | MELI |
| Last 3 Year Average | 1.7% | 13.1% | MELI |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 34.0% | 119.4% | 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
See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell MELI Stock and Buy or Sell CPNG Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| CPNG Return | – | – | -50% | 10% | 36% | 21% | -9% | ||
| MELI Return | 193% | -20% | -37% | 86% | 8% | 21% | 261% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Return | 16% | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 111% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| CPNG Win Rate | – | 33% | 42% | 58% | 50% | 60% | 41% | ||
| MELI Win Rate | 75% | 50% | 42% | 50% | 33% | 60% | 52% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 58% | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 70% | 64% | <=== | |
| 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 up to 12/1/2025 (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.
Still not sure about CPNG or MELI? Consider portfolio approach.
A Multi Asset Portfolio Beats Picking Stocks Alone
Individual stocks can soar or tank but multi asset exposure steadies the ride. A spread out portfolio captures upside while limiting the damage from any one market.
The asset allocation framework of Trefis’ Boston-based, wealth management partner yielded positive returns during the 2008-09 period when the S&P lost more than 40%. Our partner’ strategy now includes Trefis High Quality Portfolio, which has a track record of comfortably outperforming its benchmark that includes all 3 – the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 indices