WallStSmart

FirstCash Inc (FCFS)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Synchrony Financial generates 166% more annual revenue ($9.76B vs $3.66B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 9.0%. FCFS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.17. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

FCFS

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.27

SYF

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.03
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FCFSUndervalued (+47.5%)

Margin of Safety

+47.5%

Fair Value

$347.26

Current Price

$190.43

$156.83 discount

UndervaluedFair: $347.26Overvalued
SYFUndervalued (+59.2%)

Margin of Safety

+59.2%

Fair Value

$178.92

Current Price

$67.63

$111.29 discount

UndervaluedFair: $178.92Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FCFS2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
19.8%8/10

19.8% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
27.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 27.0% YoY

SYF6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
36.4%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.5%

Return on EquityProfitability
21.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.45B8/10

Generating 2.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

FCFS2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.5x4/10

Moderate valuation

Debt/EquityHealth
1.243/10

Elevated debt levels

SYF2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
3.272/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.032/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FCFS

The strongest argument for FCFS centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 19.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.17 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : SYF

The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.5%.

Bear Case : FCFS

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

Bear Case : SYF

The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FCFS profiles as a growth stock while SYF is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

FCFS is growing revenue faster at 19.8% — sustainability is the question.

SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SYF scores higher overall (71/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 36.4% margins. FCFS offers better value entry with a 47.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.

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Synchrony Financial

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.

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