NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA)vs Mastercard Incorporated (MA)

Quick verdict

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) and Mastercard Incorporated (MA) appeal to different investors. On our six-factor framework, NVDA scores 4 and MA scores 2. MA looks cheaper on the multiples that matter, while NVDA grows faster and NVDA earns higher returns on capital. Overall, NVDA edges this comparison, but the right pick depends on whether you prioritise value, growth, income or balance-sheet safety.

2-year relative performance

At-a-glance comparison

Business model and revenue mix

NVIDIA Corporation operates in Semiconductors (Technology), while Mastercard Incorporated sits in Credit Services (Financial Services). The two operate in different sectors, so cyclicality and end-market exposure differ — factor that into any portfolio overlap. NVDA carries a beta of 2.21 versus 1.89 for MA, meaning NVDA has historically been the more volatile of the two.

Valuation

On valuation, MA is the cheaper stock. NVDA trades on a forward P/E of 10.38 and EV/EBITDA of 25.96, against 28.34 and 18.62 for MA. Price-to-sales is 19.76 vs 18.02, and free-cash-flow yield is 4.3% vs 0.9%. A higher multiple is only justified if the company can sustain faster growth or wider margins, which is exactly what the next sections test.

Growth profile

NVDA is the faster grower. NVDA has compounded revenue at 65.5% over three years with EPS growth of 66.0%, while MA has delivered 9.5% revenue and 8.3% EPS growth. Growth like this is the single biggest driver of long-term returns, but it also tends to come with a richer valuation, so it must be weighed against the multiples above.

Profitability and quality

On profitability and quality, NVDA is stronger. NVDA posts a 64.0% operating margin, 111.7% return on equity and 63.0% return on invested capital. MA posts 14.1%, 43.2% and 9.8% respectively. Return on invested capital above roughly 15% is a hallmark of a durable competitive advantage, so this metric deserves particular attention.

Balance-sheet risk

NVDA has the safer balance sheet. NVDA carries net-debt/EBITDA of -0.17x with a current ratio of 3.44, versus 3.49x and 1.86 for MA. Lower leverage gives a company more room to invest through a downturn and reduces the risk of dilution or distress.

Price performance and shareholder returns

Over the past year NVDA returned 75.1% against 28.9% for MA; on a three-year annualised basis it is 3.0% vs 5.9%. NVDA yields 0.1% and MA yields 0.0%. Past performance never guarantees future results, but the multi-year track record shows how the market has rewarded each business so far.

Which stock fits which investor

For value-oriented investors, MA is the better fit on today's multiples. Growth investors will likely prefer NVDA, which is expanding faster. Income investors should lean toward MA for its higher shareholder yield, while investors who prize quality-at-a-reasonable-price will favour NVDA for its superior returns on capital. This is a comparison of facts, not a recommendation — your time horizon, risk tolerance and existing holdings should drive the final decision.

• Value: MA
• Growth: NVDA
• Income: MA
• Quality: NVDA

Frequently asked questions

Is NVDA or MA the better buy right now?

Neither is universally "better." NVDA scores 4 and MA scores 2 on our six-factor framework. MA is cheaper, NVDA grows faster, and NVDA is higher quality — so the right pick depends on your objective.

Which stock is cheaper, NVDA or MA?

MA is the cheaper stock across forward P/E (10.38 vs 28.34), EV/EBITDA (25.96 vs 18.62) and price-to-sales (19.76 vs 18.02).

Which has grown faster, NVDA or MA?

NVDA has the stronger growth profile, with three-year revenue CAGR of 65.5% for NVDA versus 9.5% for MA.

Which stock pays a bigger dividend?

NVDA yields 0.1% and MA yields 0.0%, so MA is the stronger income choice.

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