Mastercard Incorporated (MA) vs Block, Inc. (SQ)
MA leads on 11 of 15 compared metrics.
A side-by-side comparison of Mastercard Incorporated and Block, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
Total return — MA vs SQ
growth of $100 · last 9yMA +436.2%SQ +590.0%SQ compounded faster
MA SQ
MA vs SQ: by the numbers
- •MA is the larger company ($432.94B vs $51.73B market cap).
- •MA trades at the lower earnings multiple (28.36 vs 49.81 P/E).
- •MA is profitable (45.88% net margin) while SQ runs a net loss (-2.04%).
- •MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (17.05% vs 13.19% CAGR).
- •MA pays a dividend (0.67% yield) while SQ does not currently pay one.
Which is better, MA or SQ?
Metric tally: MA 11 · SQ 4It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueMA(lower P/E)
GrowthMA(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityMA(higher ROIC)
Valuation
| Metric | MA | SQ |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 28.36● | 49.81 |
| Forward P/E | 21.48 | — |
| P/S ratio | 12.89 | 2.35● |
| P/B ratio | 65.09 | 2.82● |
| PEG ratio | 1.81● | 696.22 |
| EV / EBITDA | 21.13● | 26.61 |
| FCF yield | 4.05%● | 1.28% |
Profitability
| Metric | MA | SQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 82.96%● | 44.85% |
| Operating margin | 59.40%● | 4.93% |
| Net margin | 45.88%● | -2.04% |
| ROE | 231.63%● | -2.30% |
| ROIC | 48.63%● | -12.82% |
Dividends
| Metric | MA | SQ |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.67% | — |
| Payout ratio | 19.70% | — |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MA | SQ |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 17.05%● | 13.19% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 20.93% | 34.72%● |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 23.43% | 64.00%● |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 6.65%● | 4.50% |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, MA or SQ?
- It depends on your goal. value: MA (lower P/E); growth: MA (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: MA (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, MA leads 11 to 4.
- Is MA or SQ cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, MA is cheaper: MA trades at a 28.36 P/E and SQ at 49.81.
- Which has grown faster, MA or SQ?
- Over the past five years, MA grew revenue faster — MA at a 17.05% CAGR versus SQ at 13.19%.
- Does MA or SQ pay a bigger dividend?
- MA pays a dividend (0.67% yield) while SQ does not currently pay one.
- Is MA or SQ more profitable?
- MA runs the higher net margin — MA at 45.88% versus SQ at -2.04%.
- Which has been the better investment, MA or SQ?
- Over the past 5-year, MA delivered the higher annualized total return — MA at 18.49% versus SQ at 4.50%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Mastercard P/E ratioBlock P/E ratioMastercard dividend yieldBlock dividend yieldMastercard ROEBlock ROEMastercard operating marginBlock operating marginMastercard revenue growthBlock revenue growthMastercard free cash flowBlock free cash flow
Mastercard & Block appear in these rankings
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 June 13, 2026.