Mastercard Inc (MA)vsUpstart Holdings Inc (UPST)
MA
Mastercard Inc
$569.19
+0.90%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $498.62B
UPST
Upstart Holdings Inc
$25.59
+1.95%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.52B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mastercard Inc generates 2628% more annual revenue ($35.08B vs $1.29B). MA leads profitability with a 46.3% profit margin vs 4.7%. MA trades at a lower P/E of 31.3x. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
MA
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
UPST
Buy53
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
Revenue surging 42.3% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 211.2% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 88.9x book value
Elevated debt levels
ROE of 6.7% — below average capital efficiency
4.7% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 46.3% and operating margin at 61.1%. Revenue growth of 14.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : UPST
The strongest argument for UPST centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 42.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : UPST
The primary concerns for UPST are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 51.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.54 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MA profiles as a mature stock while UPST is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
UPST carries more volatility with a beta of 2.17 — expect wider price swings.
UPST is growing revenue faster at 42.3% — 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 53/100), 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 →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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