Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsMastercard Inc (MA)
DG
Dollar General Corporation
$119.55
+1.42%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $25.96B
MA
Mastercard Inc
$502.76
+0.77%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $445.26B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Dollar General Corporation generates 30% more annual revenue ($42.72B vs $32.79B). MA leads profitability with a 45.7% profit margin vs 3.5%. DG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
DG
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
MA
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+54.1%
Fair Value
$320.58
Current Price
$119.55
$201.03 discount
Margin of Safety
+33.1%
Fair Value
$751.54
Current Price
$502.76
$248.78 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 121.9% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 57.7%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
17.6% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 24.2% YoY
Areas to Watch
3.5% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 2.1% — below average capital efficiency
Trading at 58.1x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DG
The strongest argument for DG centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MA
The strongest argument for MA centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.7% and operating margin at 57.7%. Revenue growth of 17.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : DG
The primary concerns for DG are Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.02 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : MA
The primary concerns for MA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.45 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DG profiles as a value stock while MA is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.84 — expect wider price swings.
MA is growing revenue faster at 17.6% — sustainability is the question.
MA generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MA scores higher overall (70/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 45.7% margins and 17.6% revenue growth. DG offers better value entry with a 54.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Dollar General Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Dollar General Corporation is an American chain of variety stores headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
Visit Website →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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