WallStSmart

Mastercard Inc (MA)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Wells Fargo & Company generates 137% more annual revenue ($83.03B vs $35.08B). MA leads profitability with a 46.3% profit margin vs 27.2%. WFC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.63. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

MA

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 4.08

WFC

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.38

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MA6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$500.29B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
231.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 232 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
46.3%10/10

Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
61.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 61.1%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.0810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

EPS GrowthGrowth
22.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 22.1% YoY

WFC6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$267.29B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
37.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.4%

Profit MarginProfitability
27.2%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
25.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 25.0% YoY

Areas to Watch

MA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.764/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
31.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
88.0x2/10

Trading at 88.0x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
2.821/10

Elevated debt levels

WFC3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.634/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.382/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.551/10

Elevated debt levels

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 46.3% and operating margin at 61.1%. Revenue growth of 14.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : WFC

The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.2% and operating margin at 37.4%.

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 : WFC

The primary concerns for WFC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.55 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

WFC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.

MA is growing revenue faster at 14.1% — sustainability is the question.

WFC generates stronger free cash flow (9.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor CREDIT SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

WFC scores higher overall (76/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 27.2% margins. 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 →

Wells Fargo & Company

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California, operational headquarters in Manhattan, and managerial offices throughout the United States and overseas.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?