Mastercard Inc (MA)vsRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL)
MA
Mastercard Inc
$502.76
+0.77%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $445.26B
RCL
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd
$279.01
+2.06%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $76.09B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mastercard Inc generates 83% more annual revenue ($32.79B vs $17.93B). MA leads profitability with a 45.7% profit margin vs 23.8%. RCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. RCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
MA
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
RCL
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+33.1%
Fair Value
$751.54
Current Price
$502.76
$248.78 discount
Margin of Safety
+54.3%
Fair Value
$730.08
Current Price
$279.01
$451.07 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Every $100 of equity generates 48 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 22.0%
Earnings expanding 37.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
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
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : RCL
The strongest argument for RCL centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.8% and operating margin at 22.0%. Revenue growth of 13.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : RCL
The primary concerns for RCL are Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MA profiles as a growth stock while RCL is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
RCL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.93 — 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
RCL scores higher overall (74/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 23.8% margins and 13.3% revenue growth. MA offers better value entry with a 33.1% 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 →Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA
Royal Caribbean Group, formerly known as Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., is an American global cruise holding company incorporated in Liberia and based in Miami, Florida, US.
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