Mastercard Incorporated (MA) vs PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL)

A side-by-side comparison of Mastercard Incorporated and PayPal Holdings, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnMA vs PYPL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 11y
MA +535.6%PYPL +59.9%MA compounded faster
200400600800Start $10020172019202120232025$636$160
MA PYPL

MA vs PYPL: by the numbers

  • MA is the larger company ($497.23B vs $51.44B market cap).
  • PYPL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (10.52 vs 31.93 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MA converts more revenue to profit (45.88% vs 14.36% net margin).
  • MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (17.05% vs 7.43% CAGR).
  • PYPL pays the higher dividend yield (0.75% vs 0.59%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMAPYPL
P/E ratio31.9310.52
Forward P/E28.0910.56
P/S ratio14.521.53
P/B ratio73.292.58
PEG ratio1.830.30

Profitability

MetricMAPYPL
Gross margin82.96%45.75%
Operating margin59.40%18.78%
Net margin45.88%14.36%
ROE231.63%24.73%
ROIC48.63%14.95%

Dividends

MetricMAPYPL
Dividend yield0.59%0.75%
Payout ratio19.70%7.69%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMAPYPL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)17.05%7.43%
EPS CAGR (5Y)20.93%8.81%
Total return CAGR (5Y)8.55%-27.93%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, MA or PYPL?
PYPL has the lower trailing P/E: MA trades at 31.93 and PYPL at 10.52. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, MA or PYPL?
Over the past five years, MA grew revenue faster — MA at a 17.05% CAGR versus PYPL at 7.43%.
Does MA or PYPL pay a bigger dividend?
MA yields 0.59% and PYPL yields 0.75% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MA or PYPL more profitable?
MA runs the higher net margin — MA at 45.88% versus PYPL at 14.36%.
How have MA and PYPL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, MA delivered 20.01% and PYPL delivered 4.66% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 28, 2026.