WallStSmart

Mastercard Inc (MA)vsPhilip Morris International Inc (PM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Philip Morris International Inc generates 24% more annual revenue ($40.65B vs $32.79B). MA leads profitability with a 45.7% profit margin vs 27.9%. MA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.60. PM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

MA

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.5Value: 10.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 4.08

PM

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.5Value: 9.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.18
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MAUndervalued (+33.1%)

Margin of Safety

+33.1%

Fair Value

$751.54

Current Price

$502.76

$248.78 discount

UndervaluedFair: $751.54Overvalued
PMUndervalued (+17.9%)

Margin of Safety

+17.9%

Fair Value

$201.54

Current Price

$165.50

$36.04 discount

UndervaluedFair: $201.54Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MA6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$445.26B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
45.7%10/10

Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
57.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 57.7%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.0810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.6%8/10

17.6% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.2% YoY

PM4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$255.09B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
32.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.9%

Profit MarginProfitability
27.9%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.26B8/10

Generating 4.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

MA4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.604/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
30.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
2.1%3/10

ROE of 2.1% — below average capital efficiency

Price/BookValuation
58.1x2/10

Trading at 58.1x book value

PM2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.864/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : PM

The strongest argument for PM centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.9% and operating margin at 32.9%.

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.

Bear Case : PM

The primary concerns for PM are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MA profiles as a growth stock while PM is a mature 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 70/100), backed by strong 45.7% margins and 17.6% revenue growth. PM offers better value entry with a 17.9% margin of safety. 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.

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 →

Philip Morris International Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA

Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) is a Swiss-American multinational cigarette and tobacco manufacturing company, with products sold in over 180 countries. The most recognized and best selling product of the company is Marlboro.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?