WallStSmart

Mastercard Inc (MA)vsSLM Corp Pb Pref (SLMBP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mastercard Inc generates 1938% more annual revenue ($33.94B vs $1.67B). MA leads profitability with a 45.9% profit margin vs 44.9%. MA trades at a lower P/E of 27.6x. 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: 5.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 4.08

SLMBP

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.14

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MA6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$422.07B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
231.6%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

SLMBP3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
30.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
44.9%10/10

Keeps 45 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
70.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 70.1%

Areas to Watch

MA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.584/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.6x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
64.8x2/10

Trading at 64.8x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
2.821/10

Elevated debt levels

SLMBP4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
35.0x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.5%4/10

2.5% revenue growth

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-75.96M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.142/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : SLMBP

The strongest argument for SLMBP centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 44.9% and operating margin at 70.1%.

Bear Case : MA

The primary concerns for MA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.82 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : SLMBP

The primary concerns for SLMBP are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 2.53 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MA profiles as a growth stock while SLMBP is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

SLMBP 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 56/100), backed by strong 45.9% margins and 15.8% 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.

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SLM Corp Pb Pref

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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