Mastercard Inc (MA)vsSLM Corp (SLM)
MA
Mastercard Inc
$502.76
+0.77%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $445.26B
SLM
SLM Corp
$20.43
+1.24%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $4.00B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mastercard Inc generates 1885% more annual revenue ($32.79B vs $1.65B). MA leads profitability with a 45.7% profit margin vs 45.1%. SLM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. SLM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 90/100 (A+).
MA
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
SLM
Exceptional Buy90
out of 100
Grade: A+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+33.1%
Fair Value
$751.54
Current Price
$502.76
$248.78 discount
Margin of Safety
+84.0%
Fair Value
$161.93
Current Price
$20.43
$141.50 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 57.7%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
17.6% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 24.2% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit
Keeps 45 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 66.8%
Revenue surging 67.8% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 126.2% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 2.1% — below average capital efficiency
Trading at 58.1x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : SLM
The strongest argument for SLM centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.1% and operating margin at 66.8%. Revenue growth of 67.8% 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 : SLM
The primary concerns for SLM are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.39 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SLM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.16 — expect wider price swings.
SLM is growing revenue faster at 67.8% — 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
SLM scores higher overall (90/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 45.1% margins and 67.8% revenue growth. MA offers better value entry with a 33.1% margin of safety. 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.
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 →SLM Corp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
SLM Corporation originates and provides private education loan services to students and their families to finance the cost of their education in the United States. The company is headquartered in Newark, Delaware.
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