Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) vs Walmart Inc. (WMT)

A side-by-side comparison of Microsoft Corporation 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: MSFT is classified in Technology; WMT is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnMSFT vs WMT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MSFT +888.5% (+25.7%/yr)WMT +420.4% (+17.9%/yr)MSFT compounded faster over this window
2004006008001kStart $10020182020202220242026$988$520
MSFT WMT

MSFT vs WMT: by the numbers

  • MSFT is the larger company ($3.68T vs $852.71B market cap).
  • MSFT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (27.61 vs 38.68 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MSFT converts more revenue to profit (40.31% vs 3.00% net margin).
  • MSFT grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.57% vs 5.38% CAGR).
  • WMT pays the higher dividend yield (0.92% vs 0.74%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMSFTWMT
P/E ratio27.6138.68
Forward P/E25.1337.07
P/S ratio11.091.16
P/B ratio8.328.68
EV / EBITDA19.5519.31
FCF yield1.82%1.58%

Profitability

MetricMSFTWMT
Gross margin67.94%25.23%
Operating margin46.78%4.39%
Net margin40.31%3.00%
ROE30.23%22.47%
ROIC20.90%12.89%

Dividends

MetricMSFTWMT
Dividend yield0.74%0.92%
Payout ratio20.28%35.29%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMSFTWMT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)14.57%5.38%
EPS CAGR (5Y)17.26%10.95%
FCF CAGR (5Y)3.60%-5.40%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.66%18.21%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, MSFT or WMT?
MSFT has the lower trailing P/E: MSFT trades at 27.61 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, MSFT or WMT?
Over the past five years, MSFT grew revenue faster — MSFT at a 14.57% CAGR versus WMT at 5.38%.
Does MSFT or WMT pay a bigger dividend?
MSFT yields 0.74% and WMT yields 0.92% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MSFT or WMT more profitable?
MSFT runs the higher net margin — MSFT at 40.31% versus WMT at 3.00%.
How have MSFT and WMT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, MSFT delivered 25.72% 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.