Mastercard Inc (MA)vsSouthern Company (SO)
MA
Mastercard Inc
$495.48
-1.09%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $442.62B
SO
Southern Company
$91.80
-0.68%
UTILITIES · Cap: $103.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mastercard Inc generates 12% more annual revenue ($33.94B vs $30.18B). MA leads profitability with a 45.9% profit margin vs 14.5%. MA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.57. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
MA
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MA.
Margin of Safety
-26.1%
Fair Value
$73.33
Current Price
$91.80
$18.47 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 232 in profit
Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 60.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
15.8% revenue growth
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 57.3x book value
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 45.9% and operating margin at 60.8%. Revenue growth of 15.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : MA
The primary concerns for MA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.45 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MA profiles as a growth stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.76 — 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.
Visit Website →Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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