WallStSmart

FirstCash Inc (FCFS)vsMastercard Inc (MA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mastercard Inc generates 776% more annual revenue ($33.94B vs $3.88B). MA leads profitability with a 45.9% profit margin vs 9.2%. FCFS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.17. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).

FCFS

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 5.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.27

MA

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 10.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 4.08

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FCFS2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
25.7%8/10

Revenue surging 25.7% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
29.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 29.9% YoY

MA6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$422.07B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
231.6%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

FCFS2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.2x4/10

Moderate valuation

Debt/EquityHealth
1.143/10

Elevated debt levels

MA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.584/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.6x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
64.8x2/10

Trading at 64.8x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
2.821/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FCFS

The strongest argument for FCFS centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 25.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.17 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 : FCFS

The primary concerns for FCFS are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : MA

The primary concerns for MA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.82 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.76 — expect wider price swings.

FCFS is growing revenue faster at 25.7% — sustainability is the question.

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

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

Bottom Line

MA scores higher overall (70/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 45.9% margins and 15.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.

FirstCash Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

FirstCash, Inc., operates retail pawn shops in the United States and Latin America. The company is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas.

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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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