WallStSmart

Mastercard Inc (MA)vsNelnet Inc (NNI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mastercard Inc generates 2257% more annual revenue ($35.08B vs $1.49B). MA leads profitability with a 46.3% profit margin vs 20.3%. NNI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

MA

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 4.10

NNI

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.5Value: 7.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 1.13

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MA6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$498.62B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
289.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 290 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
46.3%10/10

Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
61.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 61.1%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.1010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

EPS GrowthGrowth
22.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 22.1% YoY

NNI4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
20.3%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

MA3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
88.9x2/10

Trading at 88.9x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
4.391/10

Elevated debt levels

NNI4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.873/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-30.5%2/10

Revenue declined 30.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-62.8%2/10

Earnings declined 62.8%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MA

The strongest argument for MA centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 46.3% and operating margin at 61.1%. Revenue growth of 14.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : NNI

The strongest argument for NNI centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 18.2%. PEG of 0.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : MA

The primary concerns for MA are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 4.39 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : NNI

The primary concerns for NNI are Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.87 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MA profiles as a mature stock while NNI is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

MA is growing revenue faster at 14.1% — sustainability is the question.

MA generates stronger free cash flow (3.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MA scores higher overall (72/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 46.3% margins and 14.1% revenue growth. 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.

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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Nelnet Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Nelnet, Inc. is engaged in the loan management, communications and educational technology, services and payment processing businesses globally. The company is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.

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