Mastercard Inc (MA)vsSLM Corp (SLM)
MA
Mastercard Inc
$491.08
-1.66%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $433.52B
SLM
SLM Corp
$22.39
+0.49%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $4.22B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mastercard Inc generates 1938% more annual revenue ($33.94B vs $1.67B). MA leads profitability with a 45.9% profit margin vs 44.9%. SLM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. SLM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
MA
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
SLM
Strong Buy78
out of 100
Grade: B+
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Keeps 45 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 70.1%
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 64.8x book value
Elevated debt levels
2.5% revenue growth
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
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 : SLM
The strongest argument for SLM centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 44.9% and operating margin at 70.1%. PEG of 0.58 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 : SLM
The primary concerns for SLM are Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.53 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MA profiles as a growth stock while SLM is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SLM carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — 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
SLM scores higher overall (78/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 44.9% margins. 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 →SLM Corp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
SLM Corporation originates and provides private education loan services to students and their families to finance the cost of their education in the United States. The company is headquartered in Newark, Delaware.
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