Mastercard Inc (MA)vsSLM Corp (SLM)
MA
Mastercard Inc
$638.01
+0.36%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $540.87B
SLM
SLM Corp
$17.80
-2.47%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $3.43B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mastercard Inc generates 2268% more annual revenue ($35.08B vs $1.48B). MA leads profitability with a 46.3% profit margin vs 38.3%. SLM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
MA
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
SLM
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 290 in profit
Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 61.1%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Earnings expanding 22.1% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 99.7x book value
Elevated debt levels
Revenue declined 55.8%
Earnings declined 9.4%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : SLM
The strongest argument for SLM centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 38.3% and operating margin at -36.4%. PEG of 0.58 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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.
Bear Case : SLM
The primary concerns for SLM are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 2.85 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MA profiles as a mature stock while SLM is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
SLM carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.
MA is growing revenue faster at 14.1% — 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 59/100), backed by strong 46.3% margins and 14.1% revenue growth. 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.
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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