Mastercard Inc (MA)vsUpstart Holdings Inc (UPST)
MA
Mastercard Inc
$491.08
+0.13%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $422.07B
UPST
Upstart Holdings Inc
$29.74
-7.84%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.92B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mastercard Inc generates 2792% more annual revenue ($33.94B vs $1.17B). MA leads profitability with a 45.9% profit margin vs 4.2%. MA trades at a lower P/E of 27.6x. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
MA
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
UPST
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
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
Revenue surging 44.6% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 209.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 64.8x book value
Elevated debt levels
ROE of 6.7% — below average capital efficiency
4.2% margin — thin
Operating margin of 0.9%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : UPST
The strongest argument for UPST centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 44.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : UPST
The primary concerns for UPST are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 74.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.70 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MA profiles as a growth stock while UPST is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
UPST carries more volatility with a beta of 2.28 — expect wider price swings.
UPST is growing revenue faster at 44.6% — sustainability is the question.
MA generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MA scores higher overall (70/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 45.9% margins and 15.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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 →Upstart Holdings Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Upstart Holdings, Inc. operates a cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) lending platform. The company is headquartered in San Mateo, California.
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