WallStSmart

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO)vsMastercard Inc (MA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mastercard Inc generates 8% more annual revenue ($33.94B vs $31.29B). MA leads profitability with a 45.9% profit margin vs 3.7%. APO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.67. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).

APO

Hold

44

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 2.8
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.07

MA

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 10.0Value: 5.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 4.08

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$73.67B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.678/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.82B8/10

Generating 2.8B in free cash flow

MA6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$442.62B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
232.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 232 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
45.9%10/10

Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
60.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 60.8%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.0810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.8%8/10

15.8% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

APO4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

3.7% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
80.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-9.2%2/10

Revenue declined 9.2%

MA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.574/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
29.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
57.3x2/10

Trading at 57.3x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
2.451/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APO

The strongest argument for APO centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.67 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MA

The strongest argument for MA centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.9% and operating margin at 60.8%. Revenue growth of 15.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : APO

The primary concerns for APO are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 80.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : MA

The primary concerns for MA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.45 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APO profiles as a value stock while MA is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

APO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.52 — expect wider price swings.

MA is growing revenue faster at 15.8% — sustainability is the question.

MA generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MA scores higher overall (70/100 vs 44/100), backed by strong 45.9% margins and 15.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO) is a premier global alternative investment firm renowned for its strategic focus on private equity, credit, and real estate investments across diverse sectors including healthcare, financial services, and technology. The firm utilizes a rigorous investment approach, drawing on extensive industry expertise and operational insights to optimize portfolio performance and drive long-term growth. With a commitment to identifying lucrative investment opportunities in both developed and emerging markets, Apollo aims to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for its investors, backed by its significant capital resources and innovative strategies.

Mastercard Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Mastercard Incorporated is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in the Mastercard International Global Headquarters in Purchase, New York. The Global Operations Headquarters is located in O'Fallon, Missouri, a municipality of St. Charles County, Missouri. Throughout the world, its principal business is to process payments between the banks of merchants and the card-issuing banks or credit unions of the purchasers who use the Mastercard brand debit, credit and prepaid cards to make purchases. Mastercard Worldwide has been a publicly traded company since 2006.

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