PSMT
PriceSmart, Inc.
Discount Stores
Market Cap$5.14B
5Y Perf.+194.1%
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Stock Comparison
PSMT vs WMT
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
WMT
Walmart Inc.
Specialty Retail
Market Cap$1.04T
5Y Perf.+214.6%
PSMT vs WMT — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | PSMT | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Discount Stores | Specialty Retail |
| Market Cap | $5.14B | $1.04T |
| Revenue (TTM) | $5.39B | $703.06B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $147M | $22.91B |
| Gross Margin | 17.4% | 24.9% |
| Operating Margin | 4.5% | 4.1% |
| Forward P/E | 28.8x | 44.9x |
| Total Debt | $329M | $67.09B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $252M | $10.73B |
PSMT vs WMT — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
PSMT
WMT
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceSmart, Inc. (PSMT) | 100 | 294.1 | +194.1% |
| Walmart Inc. (WMT) | 100 | 314.6 | +214.6% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: PSMT vs WMT
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: PSMT leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. Walmart Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for profitability and margin quality and capital preservation and lower volatility. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
PSMT
PriceSmart, Inc.
The Growth Play
PSMT carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and sleep-well-at-night.
- Rev growth 7.2%, EPS growth 5.5%, 3Y rev CAGR 9.0%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.69, Low D/E 26.4%, current ratio 1.34x
- PEG 2.12 vs WMT's 4.08
Best for: growth exposure and sleep-well-at-night
WMT
Walmart Inc.
The Income Pick
WMT is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and long-term compounding.
- Dividend streak 37 yrs, beta 0.12, yield 0.7%
- 5.2% 10Y total return vs PSMT's 92.5%
- 3.3% margin vs PSMT's 2.7%
Best for: income & stability and long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | PSMT | 7.2% revenue growth vs WMT's 4.7% |
| Value | PSMT | Lower P/E (28.8x vs 44.9x), PEG 2.12 vs 4.08 |
| Quality / Margins | WMT | 3.3% margin vs PSMT's 2.7% |
| Stability / Safety | WMT | Beta 0.12 vs PSMT's 0.69 |
| Dividends | PSMT | 0.8% yield, vs WMT's 0.7% |
| Momentum (1Y) | PSMT | +57.2% vs WMT's +32.6% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | WMT | 7.9% ROA vs PSMT's 6.2%, ROIC 14.7% vs 13.8% |
PSMT vs WMT — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
PSMT vs WMT — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLWMTLAGGINGPSMT
PSMTPriceSmart, Inc.
1leads
WMTWalmart Inc.
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs PSMTMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
Tied
—
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
PSMT6/7
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
WMT5/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
WMT4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
WMT2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
Evenly matched — PSMT and WMT each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
WMT is the larger business by revenue, generating $703.1B annually — 130.3x PSMT's $5.4B. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 3.3% (WMT) to 2.7% (PSMT). On growth, PSMT holds the edge at +9.9% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | PSMTPriceSmart, Inc. | WMTWalmart Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $5.4B | $703.1B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $332M | $42.8B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $147M | $22.9B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $125M | $15.3B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +17.4% | +24.9% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +4.5% | +4.1% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +2.7% | +3.3% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +2.3% | +2.2% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +9.9% | +5.8% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +6.6% | +35.1% |
Evenly matched — PSMT and WMT each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
PSMT leads this category, winning 6 of 7 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 32.5x trailing earnings, PSMT trades at a 32% valuation discount to WMT's 47.9x P/E. Adjusting for growth (PEG ratio), PSMT offers better value at 2.39x vs WMT's 4.35x — a lower PEG means you pay less per unit of expected earnings growth.
| Metric | PSMTPriceSmart, Inc. | WMTWalmart Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $5.1B | $1.04T |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $5.2B | $1.10T |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 32.48x | 47.91x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 28.75x | 44.91x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 2.39x | 4.35x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 16.07x | 24.96x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.97x | 1.46x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 3.77x | 10.50x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 49.77x | 25.08x |
PSMT leads this category, winning 6 of 7 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
WMT leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
WMT delivers a 22.3% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $22 in annual profit, vs $11 for PSMT. PSMT carries lower financial leverage with a 0.26x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to WMT's 0.67x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), WMT scores 6/9 vs PSMT's 5/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | PSMTPriceSmart, Inc. | WMTWalmart Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +11.3% | +22.3% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +6.2% | +7.9% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +13.8% | +14.7% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +16.4% | +17.5% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 6 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.26x | 0.67x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $77M | $56.4B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $252M | $10.7B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $329M | $67.1B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 16.96x | 11.85x |
WMT leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
WMT leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in WMT five years ago would be worth $28,774 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $18,313 for PSMT. Over the past 12 months, PSMT leads with a +57.2% total return vs WMT's +32.6%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors WMT at 38.1% vs PSMT's 30.3% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | PSMTPriceSmart, Inc. | WMTWalmart Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +27.5% | +16.2% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +57.2% | +32.6% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +121.4% | +163.3% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +83.1% | +187.7% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +92.5% | +517.6% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +30.3% | +38.1% |
WMT leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
WMT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
WMT is the less volatile stock with a 0.12 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than PSMT's 0.69 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500.
| Metric | PSMTPriceSmart, Inc. | WMTWalmart Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.69x | 0.12x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $165.46 | $134.69 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $99.14 | $91.89 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +94.6% | +97.1% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 46.5 | 57.1 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 217K | 17.5M |
WMT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — PSMT and WMT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates PSMT as "Hold" and WMT as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 4.8% upside for WMT (target: $137) vs -46.7% for PSMT (target: $84). For income investors, PSMT offers the higher dividend yield at 0.82% vs WMT's 0.72%.
| Metric | PSMTPriceSmart, Inc. | WMTWalmart Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $83.50 | $137.04 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 8 | 64 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +0.8% | +0.7% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 37 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.29 | $0.94 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +0.1% | +0.8% |
Evenly matched — PSMT and WMT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
WMT leads in 3 of 6 categories (Profitability & Efficiency, Total Returns). PSMT leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics). 2 tied.
Best OverallWalmart Inc. (WMT)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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PSMT vs WMT: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is PSMT or WMT a better buy right now?
For growth investors, PriceSmart, Inc.
(PSMT) is the stronger pick with 7. 2% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 4. 7% for Walmart Inc. (WMT). PriceSmart, Inc. (PSMT) offers the better valuation at 32. 5x trailing P/E (28. 8x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Walmart Inc. (WMT) a "Buy" — based on 64 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — PSMT or WMT?
On trailing P/E, PriceSmart, Inc.
(PSMT) is the cheapest at 32. 5x versus Walmart Inc. at 47. 9x. On forward P/E, PriceSmart, Inc. is actually cheaper at 28. 8x. The PEG ratio (P/E divided by earnings growth rate) is the most growth-adjusted single valuation metric: PriceSmart, Inc. wins at 2. 12x versus Walmart Inc. 's 4. 08x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — PSMT or WMT?
Over the past 5 years, Walmart Inc.
(WMT) delivered a total return of +187. 7%, compared to +83. 1% for PriceSmart, Inc. (PSMT). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: WMT returned +517. 6% versus PSMT's +92. 5%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — PSMT or WMT?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Walmart Inc.
(WMT) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 12β versus PriceSmart, Inc. 's 0. 69β — meaning PSMT is approximately 488% more volatile than WMT relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, PriceSmart, Inc. (PSMT) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 26% versus 67% for Walmart Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — PSMT or WMT?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), PriceSmart, Inc.
(PSMT) is pulling ahead at 7. 2% versus 4. 7% for Walmart Inc. (WMT). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Walmart Inc. grew EPS 13. 3% year-over-year, compared to 5. 5% for PriceSmart, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, PSMT leads at 9. 0% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — PSMT or WMT?
Walmart Inc.
(WMT) is the more profitable company, earning 3. 1% net margin versus 2. 7% for PriceSmart, Inc. — meaning it keeps 3. 1% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: PSMT leads at 4. 5% versus 4. 2% for WMT. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — WMT leads at 24. 9%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is PSMT or WMT more undervalued right now?
The PEG ratio (forward P/E divided by expected earnings growth rate) is the most precise measure of undervaluation relative to growth potential.
By this metric, PriceSmart, Inc. (PSMT) is the more undervalued stock at a PEG of 2. 12x versus Walmart Inc. 's 4. 08x. Both stocks trade at elevated growth-adjusted valuations, so expected growth needs to materialise. On forward earnings alone, PriceSmart, Inc. (PSMT) trades at 28. 8x forward P/E versus 44. 9x for Walmart Inc. — 16. 2x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for WMT: 4. 8% to $137. 04.
08Which pays a better dividend — PSMT or WMT?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
PriceSmart, Inc. (PSMT) offers the highest yield at 0. 8%, versus 0. 7% for Walmart Inc. (WMT).
09Is PSMT or WMT better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Walmart Inc.
(WMT) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 12), 0. 7% yield, +517. 6% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (WMT: +517. 6%, PSMT: +92. 5%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between PSMT and WMT?
Both stocks operate in the Consumer Defensive sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(PSMT: 9.9% · WMT: 5.8%)Net Margin>
%
(PSMT: 2.7% · WMT: 3.3%)P/E Ratio<
x
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