Mastercard Inc (MA)vsUpstart Holdings Inc (UPST)
MA
Mastercard Inc
$502.76
+0.77%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $445.26B
UPST
Upstart Holdings Inc
$26.09
-1.92%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.55B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mastercard Inc generates 2949% more annual revenue ($32.79B vs $1.08B). MA leads profitability with a 45.7% profit margin vs 5.0%. MA trades at a lower P/E of 30.2x. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
MA
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
UPST
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
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
-57.2%
Fair Value
$21.06
Current Price
$26.09
$5.03 premium
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
Revenue surging 34.4% year-over-year
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
2.1% earnings growth
ROE of 7.5% — below average capital efficiency
5.0% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : UPST
The strongest argument for UPST centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 34.4% 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 : UPST
The primary concerns for UPST are EPS Growth, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 57.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 5.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MA profiles as a growth stock while UPST is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
UPST carries more volatility with a beta of 2.19 — expect wider price swings.
UPST is growing revenue faster at 34.4% — sustainability is the question.
MA generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MA scores higher overall (70/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 45.7% margins and 17.6% 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 →Upstart Holdings Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Upstart Holdings, Inc. operates a cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) lending platform. The company is headquartered in San Mateo, California.
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