Mastercard Inc (MA)vsWestern Union Co (WU)
MA
Mastercard Inc
$496.32
+1.05%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $442.93B
WU
Western Union Co
$9.02
-1.74%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mastercard Inc generates 710% more annual revenue ($32.79B vs $4.05B). MA leads profitability with a 45.7% profit margin vs 12.3%. 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
WU
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+34.6%
Fair Value
$759.27
Current Price
$496.32
$262.95 discount
Margin of Safety
+4.3%
Fair Value
$10.34
Current Price
$9.02
$1.32 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 210 in profit
Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 57.7%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
17.6% revenue growth
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 52 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 57.4x book value
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 4.7%
Earnings declined 69.2%
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 45.7% and operating margin at 57.7%. Revenue growth of 17.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WU
The strongest argument for WU centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Price/Book.
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 : WU
The primary concerns for WU are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.80 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MA profiles as a growth stock while WU is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
MA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.84 — expect wider price swings.
MA is growing revenue faster at 17.6% — 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 61/100), 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 →Western Union Co
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
The Western Union Company is an American worldwide financial services and communications company, headquartered in Denver, Colorado.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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