WallStSmart

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

VS

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%. MA trades at a lower P/E of 30.2x. 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

SLMBP

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 8.5Value: 7.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.63
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
SLMBPUndervalued (+24.6%)

Margin of Safety

+24.6%

Fair Value

$100.39

Current Price

$74.50

$25.89 discount

UndervaluedFair: $100.39Overvalued

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

SLMBP5 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
32.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
45.1%10/10

Keeps 45 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
66.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 66.8%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
67.8%10/10

Revenue surging 67.8% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
126.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 126.2% YoY

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

SLMBP3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
35.0x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.632/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.391/10

Elevated debt levels

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 : SLMBP

The strongest argument for SLMBP centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating 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 : SLMBP

The primary concerns for SLMBP are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.39 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SLMBP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.16 — expect wider price swings.

SLMBP 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

MA scores higher overall (70/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 45.7% margins and 17.6% revenue growth. SLMBP offers better value entry with a 24.6% margin of safety. 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.

Visit Website →

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.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?