WallStSmart

FirstCash Inc (FCFS)vsMastercard Inc (MA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mastercard Inc generates 751% more annual revenue ($35.08B vs $4.12B). MA leads profitability with a 46.3% profit margin vs 9.4%. FCFS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.17. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

FCFS

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.27

MA

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 4.10

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FCFS2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
58.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 58.2% YoY

Revenue GrowthGrowth
29.4%8/10

Revenue surging 29.4% year-over-year

MA6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$498.62B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
289.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 290 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
46.3%10/10

Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
61.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 61.1%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.1010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

EPS GrowthGrowth
22.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 22.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

FCFS2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.6x4/10

Moderate valuation

Debt/EquityHealth
1.163/10

Elevated debt levels

MA3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
88.9x2/10

Trading at 88.9x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
4.391/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FCFS

The strongest argument for FCFS centers on EPS Growth, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 29.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.17 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MA

The strongest argument for MA centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 46.3% and operating margin at 61.1%. Revenue growth of 14.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : FCFS

The primary concerns for FCFS are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : MA

The primary concerns for MA are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 4.39 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FCFS profiles as a growth stock while MA is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

MA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.73 — expect wider price swings.

FCFS is growing revenue faster at 29.4% — sustainability is the question.

MA generates stronger free cash flow (3.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MA scores higher overall (72/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 46.3% margins and 14.1% 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.

FirstCash Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

FirstCash, Inc., operates retail pawn shops in the United States and Latin America. The company is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas.

Visit Website →

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?