Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA) vs Walmart Inc. (WMT)

A side-by-side comparison of Alibaba Group Holding Limited and Walmart Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: BABA is classified in Consumer Cyclical; WMT is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnBABA vs WMT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
BABA +17.0% (+1.6%/yr)WMT +420.6% (+17.9%/yr)WMT compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$117$521
BABA WMT

BABA vs WMT: by the numbers

  • WMT is the larger company ($852.71B vs $261.98B market cap).
  • BABA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.88 vs 38.68 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • BABA converts more revenue to profit (7.02% vs 3.00% net margin).
  • WMT grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.38% vs 5.11% CAGR).
  • BABA pays the higher dividend yield (0.97% vs 0.92%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricBABAWMT
P/E ratio25.8838.68
Forward P/EN/A37.07
P/S ratio1.741.16
P/B ratio1.708.68
EV / EBITDA31.1419.31
FCF yieldN/A1.58%

Profitability

MetricBABAWMT
Gross margin38.12%25.23%
Operating margin4.23%4.39%
Net margin7.02%3.00%
ROE6.83%22.47%
ROIC1.99%12.89%

Dividends

MetricBABAWMT
Dividend yield0.97%0.92%
Payout ratio24.87%35.29%

Growth (annualized)

MetricBABAWMT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.11%5.38%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-4.87%10.95%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-62.38%-5.40%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-7.24%18.21%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, BABA or WMT?
BABA has the lower trailing P/E: BABA trades at 25.88 and WMT at 38.68. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, BABA or WMT?
Over the past five years, WMT grew revenue faster — BABA at a 5.11% CAGR versus WMT at 5.38%.
Does BABA or WMT pay a bigger dividend?
BABA yields 0.97% and WMT yields 0.92% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is BABA or WMT more profitable?
BABA runs the higher net margin — BABA at 7.02% versus WMT at 3.00%.
How have BABA and WMT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, BABA delivered 1.49% and WMT delivered 18.23% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 10, 2026.