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Walmart IncWMTCOMMENTFeb 06, 2018Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Oct 16, 2026. Market Open.
WMT and COST are the dominant discount retailers in the US. They became priced for perfection, with multiples of 40-50x PE for a large, mature company. Might be a great company, but that multiple's for a younger company, growing at very high rates because it can get a lot bigger. Both are in the process of compressing to a 20x PE multiple.
Either earnings are better than expected and stock trends sideways. Or earnings are worse, and multiple goes down. Either way, not much upside.
Both great companies, but both very expensive. COST is over 50x PE, and WMT's in the 40s. Fairly low-margin model. Reliant on the consumer, and everyone's affected when that consumer is struggling.
WMT reported today. Earnings were OK, but projections on future quarters were tough. High fuel prices were highlighted.
Successful transition to e-commerce is why stock's been on fire. Topline growth is only 4-5%, and his team debates this company all the time. PE is 46x earnings for 2026, extremely expensive. Seen as a safe place to park $$ as they continue to execute.
See his Top Picks.
Stock price has done well, in the face of the disruption from Amazon. Has done many innovative things, including purchase pickup and even using Lyft and Uber for home delivery of groceries. Has done a great job of executing the acquisition of jet.com. Two things to consider before buying Walmart today. The share price has risen 50% over the past year. It trades at about 23 times earnings with a reasonable dividend. There is no rush to buy it but no need to wait until it trades at a deep discount. Second, they are investing heavily renovate their stores. This capex will put pressure on their ability to raise their dividend. Would not be a buyer here but he likes the name.