AutoZone vs MercadoLibre (AZO vs MELI)
AutoZone (AZO) vs MercadoLibre (MELI) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
AutoZone (AZO) and MercadoLibre (MELI) compete in retail. Here are AutoZone and MercadoLibre side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy AutoZone or MercadoLibre.
AutoZone vs MercadoLibre: the figures
| Figure | AutoZone | MercadoLibre |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $3,325.56 (November 4, 2026) | $1,739.88 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $53.5 billion | $88.2 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 21.8x | 47.3x |
| Forward P/E | 17.3x | 31.1x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +5.6% | +49.8% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 12.7% | 5.3% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 3.0x | 1.9x |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Beta | 0.37 | 1.39 |
AutoZone and MercadoLibre figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that AutoZone or MercadoLibre figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between AutoZone and MercadoLibre
- Growth: MercadoLibre grew sales +49.8% year on year in its latest quarter, against +5.6% for AutoZone.
- Valuation: MercadoLibre trades at 47.3x its annual earnings and AutoZone at 21.8x; the market pays more for each dollar of MercadoLibre profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Volatility: MercadoLibre stock moves more (beta 1.39) than AutoZone (beta 0.37); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
AutoZone or MercadoLibre: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: MercadoLibre is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you prefer caution: MercadoLibre has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: AutoZone trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither AutoZone nor MercadoLibre wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How AutoZone and MercadoLibre make money
AutoZone (AZO)
AutoZone sells replacement parts, batteries, oil and accessories at its stores in the United States, Mexico and Brazil. Its core customer is the driver who works on their own car, though its commercial business supplying repair shops is growing. It also sells online and offers ALLDATA, diagnostic and repair software for mechanics. Full AutoZone analysis.
MercadoLibre (MELI)
MercadoLibre runs Latin America's largest online marketplace and reports two areas: commerce, including marketplace fees, Mercado Envíos shipping and advertising; and fintech, through Mercado Pago, which provides payments, accounts and loans. Brazil is its biggest market, followed by Mexico and Argentina. Full MercadoLibre analysis.
Frequently asked questions: AutoZone vs MercadoLibre
Is AutoZone or MercadoLibre the better stock?
Choosing between AutoZone and MercadoLibre depends on what you are looking for. MercadoLibre is growing faster right now, and AutoZone trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy AutoZone or MercadoLibre: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, AutoZone or MercadoLibre?
Neither pays a dividend as of November 4, 2026: AutoZone and MercadoLibre put what they earn into growth or other forms of shareholder return.
Which is more expensive, AutoZone or MercadoLibre?
On P/E, MercadoLibre (47.3x) is more expensive than AutoZone (21.8x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both AutoZone and MercadoLibre?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as AutoZone and MercadoLibre, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying AutoZone or MercadoLibre.
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More companies like AutoZone and MercadoLibre: retail stocks. Educational content about AutoZone and MercadoLibre, not investment advice.