WallStSmart

Mastercard Inc (MA)vsNasdaq Inc (NDAQ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mastercard Inc generates 526% more annual revenue ($33.94B vs $5.42B). MA leads profitability with a 45.9% profit margin vs 35.3%. MA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.57. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).

MA

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 10.0Value: 5.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 4.08

NDAQ

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MA6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$442.62B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
232.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 232 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
45.9%10/10

Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
60.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 60.8%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.0810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.8%8/10

15.8% revenue growth

NDAQ4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
35.3%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.4%

Market CapQuality
$50.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
33.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 33.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

MA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.574/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
29.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
57.3x2/10

Trading at 57.3x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
2.451/10

Elevated debt levels

NDAQ2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.324/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
26.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : NDAQ

The strongest argument for NDAQ centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.3% and operating margin at 48.4%. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : MA

The primary concerns for MA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.45 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : NDAQ

The primary concerns for NDAQ are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

NDAQ carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.

MA is growing revenue faster at 15.8% — 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 69/100), backed by strong 45.9% margins and 15.8% 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.

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.

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Nasdaq Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

Nasdaq, Inc. is an American multinational financial services corporation that owns and operates stock exchanges in the United States and Europe. It is headquartered in New York City.

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