Mastercard Inc (MA)vsRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL)
MA
Mastercard Inc
$495.48
-1.09%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $442.62B
RCL
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd
$275.24
-2.00%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $73.82B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mastercard Inc generates 85% more annual revenue ($33.94B vs $18.39B). MA leads profitability with a 45.9% profit margin vs 24.4%. RCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.20. RCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
MA
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
RCL
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MA.
Margin of Safety
-56.5%
Fair Value
$213.30
Current Price
$275.24
$61.94 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 232 in profit
Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 60.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
15.8% revenue growth
Every $100 of equity generates 50 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 26.2%
Earnings expanding 28.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 57.3x book value
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 45.9% and operating margin at 60.8%. Revenue growth of 15.8% 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 24.4% and operating margin at 26.2%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MA
The primary concerns for MA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. 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 1.78 — 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
RCL scores higher overall (72/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 24.4% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. 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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