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 9y
MA +436.2%SQ +590.0%SQ compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $10020172019202120232025$536$690
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 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueMA(lower P/E)
GrowthMA(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityMA(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricMASQ
P/E ratio28.3649.81
Forward P/E21.48
P/S ratio12.892.35
P/B ratio65.092.82
PEG ratio1.81696.22
EV / EBITDA21.1326.61
FCF yield4.05%1.28%

Profitability

MetricMASQ
Gross margin82.96%44.85%
Operating margin59.40%4.93%
Net margin45.88%-2.04%
ROE231.63%-2.30%
ROIC48.63%-12.82%

Dividends

MetricMASQ
Dividend yield0.67%
Payout ratio19.70%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMASQ
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.

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.