WallStSmart

Mastercard Inc (MA)vsPayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mastercard Inc generates 1% more annual revenue ($33.94B vs $33.73B). MA leads profitability with a 45.9% profit margin vs 15.0%. PYPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.75. PYPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

MA

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

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

PYPL

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.66

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MA6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$433.52B10/10

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

PYPL4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
25.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.758/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

MA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.514/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
28.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
64.8x2/10

Trading at 64.8x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
2.821/10

Elevated debt levels

PYPL2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.664/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

EPS GrowthGrowth
-6.2%2/10

Earnings declined 6.2%

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 45.9% and operating margin at 60.8%. Revenue growth of 15.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : PYPL

The strongest argument for PYPL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.75 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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.

Bear Case : PYPL

The primary concerns for PYPL are Altman Z-Score, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MA profiles as a growth stock while PYPL is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

PYPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.

MA is growing revenue faster at 15.8% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

PYPL scores higher overall (72/100 vs 70/100). 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.

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PayPal Holdings Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

PayPal Holdings, Inc. is an American company operating an online payments system in the majority of countries that support online money transfers, and serves as an electronic alternative to traditional paper methods like checks and money orders. The company operates as a payment processor for online vendors, auction sites, and many other commercial users, for which it charges a fee.

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