Mastercard Inc (MA)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
MA
Mastercard Inc
$502.76
+0.77%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $445.26B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$454.97
+1.42%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $113.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mastercard Inc generates 173% more annual revenue ($32.79B vs $12.00B). MA leads profitability with a 45.7% profit margin vs 32.9%. MA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.60. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
MA
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
VRTX
Strong Buy66
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
+36.5%
Fair Value
$716.04
Current Price
$454.97
$261.07 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
Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 39.6%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
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 : VRTX
The strongest argument for VRTX centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.9% and operating margin at 39.6%.
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 : VRTX
The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MA profiles as a growth stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
MA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.84 — 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
MA scores higher overall (70/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 45.7% margins and 17.6% revenue growth. VRTX offers better value entry with a 36.5% 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 →Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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