WallStSmart

Mastercard Inc (MA)vsCPI Card Group Inc (PMTS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mastercard Inc generates 5933% more annual revenue ($32.79B vs $543.53M). MA leads profitability with a 45.7% profit margin vs 2.8%. PMTS trades at a lower P/E of 10.5x. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).

MA

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.5Value: 10.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 4.08

PMTS

Hold

42

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 6.0Profit: 5.5Value: 8.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MAUndervalued (+33.1%)

Margin of Safety

+33.1%

Fair Value

$751.54

Current Price

$502.76

$248.78 discount

UndervaluedFair: $751.54Overvalued
PMTSUndervalued (+58.1%)

Margin of Safety

+58.1%

Fair Value

$27.90

Current Price

$14.13

$13.77 discount

UndervaluedFair: $27.90Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MA6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$445.26B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
45.7%10/10

Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
57.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 57.7%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.0810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.6%8/10

17.6% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.2% YoY

PMTS2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.5x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
22.3%8/10

Revenue surging 22.3% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

MA4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.604/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
30.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
2.1%3/10

ROE of 2.1% — below average capital efficiency

Price/BookValuation
58.1x2/10

Trading at 58.1x book value

PMTS3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$151.05M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
2.8%3/10

2.8% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : PMTS

The strongest argument for PMTS centers on P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 22.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : PMTS

The primary concerns for PMTS are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PMTS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.

PMTS is growing revenue faster at 22.3% — sustainability is the question.

MA generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

MA scores higher overall (70/100 vs 42/100), backed by strong 45.7% margins and 17.6% revenue growth. PMTS offers better value entry with a 58.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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 →

CPI Card Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

CPI Card Group Inc. is dedicated to the design, production, data personalization, packaging and fulfillment of financial payment cards. The company is headquartered in Littleton, Colorado.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?