MercadoLibre vs Target (MELI vs TGT)
MercadoLibre (MELI) vs Target (TGT) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
MercadoLibre (MELI) and Target (TGT) compete in retail. Here are MercadoLibre and Target 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 MercadoLibre or Target.
MercadoLibre vs Target: the figures
| Figure | MercadoLibre | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $1,739.88 (November 4, 2026) | $163.10 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $88.2 billion | $74.1 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 47.3x | 16.9x |
| Forward P/E | 31.1x | 17.1x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +49.8% | +5.3% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 5.3% | 4.1% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 1.9x | 1.6x |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 3.01% |
| Beta | 1.39 | 0.93 |
MercadoLibre and Target figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that MercadoLibre or Target figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between MercadoLibre and Target
- Valuation: MercadoLibre trades at 47.3x its annual earnings and Target at 16.9x; the market pays more for each dollar of MercadoLibre profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Growth: MercadoLibre grew sales +49.8% year on year in its latest quarter, against +5.3% for Target.
- Dividend: Target pays a dividend yielding 3.01% and MercadoLibre pays none.
MercadoLibre or Target: 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 want income (dividends): Target pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Target has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Target trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither MercadoLibre nor Target 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 MercadoLibre and Target make money
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.
Target (TGT)
Target runs discount general merchandise stores across the United States and sells online. It offers household essentials, food, apparel, home goods, beauty and toys, many under owned brands like Good & Gather and Cat & Jack, and also earns advertising and Target Circle revenue. It reports a single segment. Full Target analysis.
Frequently asked questions: MercadoLibre vs Target
Is MercadoLibre or Target the better stock?
Choosing between MercadoLibre and Target depends on what you are looking for. MercadoLibre is growing faster right now, and Target trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy MercadoLibre or Target: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, MercadoLibre or Target?
As of November 4, 2026, Target yields 3.01% and MercadoLibre pays none. Also check how much of their profit MercadoLibre and Target pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, MercadoLibre or Target?
On P/E, MercadoLibre (47.3x) is more expensive than Target (16.9x) 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 MercadoLibre and Target?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as MercadoLibre and Target, 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 MercadoLibre or Target.
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More companies like MercadoLibre and Target: retail stocks. Educational content about MercadoLibre and Target, not investment advice.