Latin America has come a long way, and nowhere is this more evident than in the emergence of Latin American companies on Wall Street. From e-commerce and fintech giants to mining and energy stalwarts, these companies represent the diversity of the region and its strategic importance in the world. In this post, we will look at the 10 most valuable Latin American companies on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), including the sectors they represent, the drivers of their growth, and the global stage they operate on. With increasing interest in the region, these companies showcase the potential and resilience of Latin America.
Diverse Industry Mix
Latin America’s most valuable companies on Wall Street represent a healthy mix of old and new. According to Bloomberg data, the industry breakdown of the top 10 companies looks like this:
- Consumer & Retail: 3 companies
- Financial Services: 2 companies
- Mining: 2 companies
- Technology: 1 company
- Energy: 1 company
- Telecommunications: 1 company
This mix showcases the impact of both legacy and tech-driven companies in the region.
- MercadoLibre (MELI) The king of e-commerce
$121.8 billion
Argentinian MercadoLibre is the leading Latin American company on Wall Street. Nicknamed “The Amazon of Latin America,” MercadoLibre is the largest online commerce and fintech company in the region. Its strength is twofold: e-commerce and fintech. The company’s fintech arm, Mercado Pago, has created a robust financial infrastructure and a range of services, including digital wallets and consumer loans. Its logistics arm, Mercado Envios, has been instrumental in overcoming delivery challenges in the region and gives it a unique advantage. Its investment in building its own logistics and payment rails has allowed the company to control the entire customer experience and earn loyalty in the long run.
- Petrobras (PBR) Energy behemoth from Brazil
~$95 billion
The largest oil company in Brazil, Petrobras, has long been one of the anchors of the Latin American energy industry. Leveraging expertise in deepwater drilling and the ability to operate in pre-salt oil fields, Petrobras has greatly benefited from higher crude prices and has been operationally efficient. Although the company has a checkered history in terms of governance, it has since undertaken a series of actions to streamline its operations and become more transparent. Petrobras is still one of the most profitable oil companies in the world and a go-to stock for energy-focused investors.
- Itaú Unibanco (ITUB) digital transformation in banking
~$60 billion
The largest private bank in Brazil, Itaú Unibanco, is a pioneer in the transformation of the financial sector in Latin America. A leader in profitability, the bank has also been at the forefront of digital transformation in banking in the region. According to financial analyst Paula Chavs, the bank is blending traditional banking with digital platforms effectively. Its mobile apps and AI-powered customer service have increased customer engagement and decreased operational costs. As one of the trusted names in Brazil and an expanding presence in other Latin American countries, Itaú is among the most promising Latin American companies on Wall Street for long-term investors.
- Vale S.A. (VALE) Mining powerhouse with global reach
~$55 billion
Based in Brazil, Vale is one of the world’s leading producers of iron ore and nickel, key materials for the production of steel and batteries for electric vehicles. With a focus on sustainability and diversifying its supply chains, the company is investing in environmentally friendly mining practices and expanding its presence in the renewable energy space. Although Vale has faced challenges with regulations and environment-related incidents, it is one of the pillars of the global mining industry.
- Walmart de México y Centroamérica (WMMVY) resilient retailer
~$53 billion
A powerhouse in Mexico and Central America, Walmart de México y Centroamérica, or Walmex, dominates the retail landscape in the region. With its business model centered on high volume and low cost, Walmex’s widespread footprint has served the urban and rural populations of the region. According to financial analyst Paula Chavs, Walmex has also focused on its digital transformation. The company has invested in omnichannel retail, Bodega Aurrera app-based shopping, and online delivery services which helped it weather the storm and stay afloat in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Walmex demonstrates how Latin American companies on Wall Street can merge global strategies with local execution to succeed.
- América Móvil (AMX) telecommunications powerhouse
~$50 billion
Owned by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, América Móvil is the largest telecommunications company in Latin America. It operates in more than 15 countries across the region and provides services including mobile, landline, broadband, and pay-TV. The company has also made strides in expanding its 5G infrastructure. With its cash flow and market dominance, América Móvil is a steady performer on Wall Street.
- Grupo México (GMBXF) copper giant
~$47 billion
One of the largest copper producers in the world, Grupo México operates mines in Mexico, Peru, and the US. As demand for copper grows amid the global electrification and transition to renewables, Grupo México stands to benefit greatly. With strong vertical integration, from mining to transport via its railroads, the company is efficient and scalable. Despite the cyclicality of commodity prices, its long-term fundamentals are solid.
- Nubank (NU) fintech disruptor
~$42 billion
Founded in Brazil and now headquartered in São Paulo, Nubank has been a disruptor in the Latin American banking sector with its digital-first approach. One of the largest independent digital banks in the world, Nubank serves over 80 million customers in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. The bank offers a range of financial products, including credit cards, savings accounts, insurance, and investments, all of which are accessible via its mobile app. With low fees, an easy-to-use interface, and a customer-centric model, Nubank stands out among Latin American companies on Wall Stree
- Bradesco (BBD) banking with a long history and technology
~$40 billion
Banco Bradesco, another Brazilian powerhouse, combines its extensive branch network with its growing digital service platform. The bank serves both retail and corporate customers, offering credit, insurance, and investment services. As the fintech upstarts like Nubank compete for customers, Bradesco has invested in AI, digital banking, and customer experience. One of the most profitable and stable banks in the region, Bradesco is a stable bet for long-term investors.
- FEMSA (FMX) — beverage and retail conglomerate
~$39 billion
Fomento Económico Mexicano, or FEMSA, is a conglomerate with interests in Coca-Cola bottling, convenience store chains such as OXXO, and logistics and packaging services. With an integrated business model, a regional presence, and long-term partnerships with global brands such as Coca-Cola, FEMSA is one of the most versatile Latin American companies on Wall Street. With investments in fintech and digital payment platforms, it’s also positioned for the future.
The bigger picture: Latin America’s economic maturity
These 10 Latin American companies on Wall Street showcase the extent to which Latin American companies are no longer mere resource exporters but global players. With fintech, e-commerce, and telecommunications leading the way, the region is actively adopting innovation, sustainability, and digitization. With their listings on the NYSE, these companies not only represent investor confidence but also the potential to raise capital that can be reinvested in the region. As the political and economic reforms take root in countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, the visibility and performance of these companies is likely to rise.
Conclusion
Latin American companies on Wall Street are no longer just symbolic. They represent a true growth of Latin America in the global economy. Whether it’s innovative fintech, sustainable mining, or retail innovation, these companies are shaping Latin America’s role in the global economy. As investors look for diversification and access to new markets, these top firms offer a window into a region of opportunity, resilience, and dynamism.