WallStSmart

Encore Capital Group Inc (ECPG)vsVisa Inc. Class A (V)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Visa Inc. Class A generates 2224% more annual revenue ($43.03B vs $1.85B). V leads profitability with a 51.7% profit margin vs 16.0%. ECPG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.17. ECPG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 90/100 (A).

ECPG

Exceptional Buy

90

out of 100

Grade: A

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 8.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.18

V

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 10.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.84

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ECPG6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.1710/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
6.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
38.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.7%

EPS GrowthGrowth
100.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 100.0% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
28.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

V6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$603.46B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
62.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 62 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
51.7%10/10

Keeps 52 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
67.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 67.3%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.1%8/10

17.1% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
35.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 35.5% YoY

Areas to Watch

ECPG3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Market CapQuality
$1.71B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.182/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
3.901/10

Elevated debt levels

V3 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.7x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
17.4x4/10

Trading at 17.4x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.844/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ECPG

The strongest argument for ECPG centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.0% and operating margin at 38.7%. Revenue growth of 21.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : V

The strongest argument for V centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 51.7% and operating margin at 67.3%. Revenue growth of 17.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ECPG

The primary concerns for ECPG are Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 3.90 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : V

The primary concerns for V are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ECPG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.33 — expect wider price swings.

ECPG is growing revenue faster at 21.0% — sustainability is the question.

V generates stronger free cash flow (2.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor CREDIT SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ECPG scores higher overall (90/100 vs 74/100), backed by strong 16.0% margins and 21.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Strong 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.

Encore Capital Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Encore Capital Group, Inc., a specialty finance company, offers debt recovery solutions and other related services to consumers in a variety of financial assets worldwide. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Visa Inc. Class A

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Visa Inc. is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in Foster City, California, United States. It facilitates electronic funds transfers throughout the world, most commonly through Visa-branded credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards. Visa is one of the world's most valuable companies.

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