Lowe's Companies Inc (LOW)vsMastercard Inc (MA)
LOW
Lowe's Companies Inc
$236.18
+0.75%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $131.50B
MA
Mastercard Inc
$502.76
+0.77%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $445.26B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Lowe's Companies Inc generates 163% more annual revenue ($86.29B vs $32.79B). MA leads profitability with a 45.7% profit margin vs 7.7%. MA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.60. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
LOW
Hold44
out of 100
Grade: D
MA
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-193.3%
Fair Value
$80.51
Current Price
$236.18
$155.67 premium
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
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
7.7% margin — thin
Earnings declined 10.8%
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 : LOW
The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : LOW
The primary concerns for LOW are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
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
LOW profiles as a value stock while MA is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
LOW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.94 — 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 44/100), backed by strong 45.7% margins and 17.6% 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.
Lowe's Companies Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA
Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.
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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL Stocks
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