Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund (EMD) vs FS Specialty Lending Fund (FSSL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
On valuation, Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund trades at a lower trailing P/E (5.9x vs 19.8x for FS Specialty Lending Fund). Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund pays a dividend yielding 12.36%, while FS Specialty Lending Fund does not currently pay one.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Head-to-head
| Metric | EMD | FSSL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $9.22 | $11.66 |
| Market cap | — | $885.20M |
| 1-day change | 0.00% | +1.83% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 5.87 | 19.76 |
| Forward P/E | — | 7.38 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.57 | $0.59 |
| Dividend yield | 12.36% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $1.14 | $0.00 |
| 52-week high | $11.30 | $15.00 |
| 52-week low | $9.10 | $10.75 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -18.41% | -22.27% |
| Average volume | 197.59K | 291.67K |
| Shares outstanding | — | 75.92M |
| Sector | Finance | Finance |
| Industry | Finance/Investors Services | Finance/Investors Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- FS Specialty Lending Fund trades at a higher earnings multiple (19.8x vs 5.9x trailing P/E).
- Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (12.36% vs 0.00%).
EMD vs FSSL FAQ
Which has the lower P/E ratio, EMD or FSSL?
EMD has the lower trailing P/E at 5.9, versus 19.8 for FSSL. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund or FS Specialty Lending Fund?
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund pays a dividend yielding 12.36%, while FS Specialty Lending Fund does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund and FS Specialty Lending Fund in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Finance/Investors Services industry within the Finance sector.