Mastercard Incorporated (MA) vs Walmart Inc. (WMT)

A side-by-side comparison of Mastercard Incorporated and Walmart Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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

Total returnMA vs WMT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MA +520.3% (+20.0%/yr)WMT +420.6% (+17.9%/yr)MA compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$620$521
MA WMT

MA vs WMT: by the numbers

  • WMT is the larger company ($852.71B vs $499.20B market cap).
  • MA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (31.31 vs 38.68 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MA converts more revenue to profit (46.34% vs 3.00% net margin).
  • MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.09% vs 5.38% CAGR).
  • WMT pays the higher dividend yield (0.92% vs 0.60%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMAWMT
P/E ratio31.3138.68
Forward P/E28.5237.07
P/S ratio14.231.16
P/B ratio88.978.68
EV / EBITDAN/A19.31
FCF yieldN/A1.58%

Profitability

MetricMAWMT
Gross margin100.00%25.23%
Operating margin59.84%4.39%
Net margin46.34%3.00%
ROE289.73%22.47%
ROICN/A12.89%

Dividends

MetricMAWMT
Dividend yield0.60%0.92%
Payout ratio18.54%35.29%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMAWMT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.09%5.38%
EPS CAGR (5Y)20.93%10.95%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A-5.40%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.88%18.21%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, MA or WMT?
MA has the lower trailing P/E: MA trades at 31.31 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, MA or WMT?
Over the past five years, MA grew revenue faster — MA at a 16.09% CAGR versus WMT at 5.38%.
Does MA or WMT pay a bigger dividend?
MA yields 0.60% and WMT yields 0.92% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MA or WMT more profitable?
MA runs the higher net margin — MA at 46.34% versus WMT at 3.00%.
How have MA and WMT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, MA delivered 19.83% 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 11, 2026.