Morgan Stanley (MS) vs Walmart Inc. (WMT)
A side-by-side comparison of Morgan Stanley and Walmart Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 29, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: MS is classified in Financial Services; WMT is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
MS
Morgan Stanley
$203.19Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Jul 29, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
WMT
Walmart Inc.
$114.22Consumer DefensiveAt close: Jul 29, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
Total return — MS vs WMT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yMS +3541.6%WMT +4389.5%WMT compounded faster
MS WMT
MS vs WMT: by the numbers
- •WMT is the larger company ($908.97B vs $320.49B market cap).
- •MS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (17.23 vs 40.08 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MS converts more revenue to profit (15.99% vs 3.13% net margin).
- •MS grew revenue faster over the past five years (18.41% vs 5.20% CAGR).
- •MS pays the higher dividend yield (1.89% vs 0.84%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MS | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 17.23 | 40.08 |
| Forward P/E | 16.45 | 43.30 |
| P/S ratio | 2.66 | 1.26 |
| P/B ratio | 2.95 | 9.69 |
| PEG ratio | 0.60 | 3.29 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 21.79 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 1.37% |
Profitability
| Metric | MS | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 59.72% | 24.98% |
| Operating margin | 20.70% | 4.16% |
| Net margin | 15.99% | 3.13% |
| ROE | 17.70% | 24.10% |
| ROIC | 1.69% | 11.87% |
Dividends
| Metric | MS | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.89% | 0.84% |
| Payout ratio | 38.68% | 35.22% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MS | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 18.41% | 5.20% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 9.56% | 10.95% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | -9.94% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 20.91% | 20.76% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MS or WMT?
- MS has the lower trailing P/E: MS trades at 17.23 and WMT at 40.08. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, MS or WMT?
- Over the past five years, MS grew revenue faster — MS at a 18.41% CAGR versus WMT at 5.20%.
- Does MS or WMT pay a bigger dividend?
- MS yields 1.89% and WMT yields 0.84% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MS or WMT more profitable?
- MS runs the higher net margin — MS at 15.99% versus WMT at 3.13%.
- How have MS and WMT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MS delivered 25.44% and WMT delivered 18.75% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Morgan Stanley P/E ratioWalmart P/E ratioMorgan Stanley dividend yieldWalmart dividend yieldMorgan Stanley ROEWalmart ROEMorgan Stanley operating marginWalmart operating marginMorgan Stanley revenue growthWalmart revenue growthMorgan Stanley free cash flowWalmart free cash flow
Morgan Stanley & Walmart appear in these rankings
25+ Year Dividend GrowersFastest Revenue Growth StocksHighest 10-Year Total Return StocksLargest Companies by Market Cap
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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 July 29, 2026.