Mastercard Inc (MA)vsPayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL)
MA
Mastercard Inc
$565.24
-0.09%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $498.62B
PYPL
PayPal Holdings Inc
$52.41
-1.00%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $45.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mastercard Inc generates 3% more annual revenue ($35.08B vs $34.13B). MA leads profitability with a 46.3% profit margin vs 14.4%. PYPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.91. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
MA
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
PYPL
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 290 in profit
Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 61.1%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Earnings expanding 22.1% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 88.3x book value
Elevated debt levels
4.8% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Earnings declined 3.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : PYPL
The strongest argument for PYPL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.91 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 : PYPL
The primary concerns for PYPL are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MA profiles as a mature stock while PYPL is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
PYPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.29 — 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 65/100), 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.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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