WallStSmart

Encore Capital Group Inc (ECPG)vsVisa Inc. Class A (V)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Visa Inc. Class A generates 2240% more annual revenue ($44.49B vs $1.90B). V leads profitability with a 50.8% profit margin vs 15.9%. ECPG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.17. ECPG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 83/100 (A-).

ECPG

Exceptional Buy

83

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 9.0Value: 8.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.18

V

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.84

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ECPG5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.1710/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
7.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
38.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.0%

Return on EquityProfitability
28.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

V5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
Market CapQuality
$691.65B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
64.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 64 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
50.8%10/10

Keeps 51 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
66.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 66.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$6.14B8/10

Generating 6.1B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ECPG3 concerns · Avg: 1.7/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-32.92M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.182/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
4.521/10

Elevated debt levels

V4 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.664/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
31.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
19.6x4/10

Trading at 19.6x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.844/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ECPG

The strongest argument for ECPG centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.9% and operating margin at 38.0%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : V

The strongest argument for V centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 50.8% and operating margin at 66.1%. Revenue growth of 14.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ECPG

The primary concerns for ECPG are Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 4.52 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : V

The primary concerns for V are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ECPG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — expect wider price swings.

V is growing revenue faster at 14.4% — sustainability is the question.

V generates stronger free cash flow (6.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor CREDIT SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ECPG scores higher overall (83/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 15.9% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.

Encore Capital Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Encore Capital Group, Inc., a specialty finance company, offers debt recovery solutions and other related services to consumers in a variety of financial assets worldwide. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Visa Inc. Class A

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Visa Inc. is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in Foster City, California, United States. It facilitates electronic funds transfers throughout the world, most commonly through Visa-branded credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards. Visa is one of the world's most valuable companies.

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