MA vs PYPL: Mastercard Incorporated vs PayPal Holdings, Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This MA vs PYPL comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Mastercard Incorporated and PayPal Holdings, Inc. side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.
Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how Mastercard Incorporated and PayPal Holdings, Inc. have historically performed against each other.
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 2006 to 2025 (20 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 11-year comparison period, Mastercard Incorporated outperformed PayPal Holdings, Inc. in 7 years, while PayPal Holdings, Inc. outperformed Mastercard Incorporated in 4 years.
MA - Mastercard Incorporated
PYPL - PayPal Holdings, Inc.
Overall Winner: MA with an average annual return of 33.09% (vs 13.95% for PYPL)
Understanding MA vs PYPL Performance
When comparing Mastercard Incorporated and PayPal Holdings, Inc., investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.
Cumulative Growth Comparison
A $10,000 investment in Mastercard Incorporated grew to $1,305,916, compared to $14,321 for PayPal Holdings, Inc. over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | MA Return | MA Cumulative | PYPL Return | PYPL Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 2007 | +114.39% | $21,438.59 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2008 | +124.13% | $48,050.87 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2009 | -33.23% | $32,085.37 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2010 | +71.51% | $55,028.06 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2011 | -12.52% | $48,140.18 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2012 | +69.18% | $81,443.89 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2013 | +33.69% | $108,881.31 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2014 | +64.32% | $178,917.99 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2015 | +3.89% | $185,877.11 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2016 | +14.45% | $212,733.89 | -1.39% | $9,861.07 | +15.84% (MA) | MA |
| 2017 | +9.78% | $233,544.60 | +13.58% | $11,200.48 | -3.80% (PYPL) | PYPL |
| 2018 | +44.69% | $337,907.94 | +82.91% | $20,486.44 | -38.22% (PYPL) | PYPL |
| 2019 | +24.86% | $421,909.26 | +13.88% | $23,330.24 | +10.98% (MA) | MA |
| 2020 | +58.24% | $667,644.71 | +26.15% | $29,430.11 | +32.10% (MA) | MA |
| 2021 | +18.28% | $789,722.22 | +111.47% | $62,235.04 | -93.18% (PYPL) | PYPL |
| 2022 | +2.73% | $811,274.60 | -18.69% | $50,604.88 | +21.42% (MA) | MA |
| 2023 | -5.71% | $764,947.78 | -63.47% | $18,488.15 | +57.76% (MA) | MA |
| 2024 | +23.73% | $946,506.84 | -17.66% | $15,223.35 | +41.39% (MA) | MA |
| 2025 | +25.53% | $1,188,188.94 | +38.87% | $21,140.79 | -13.34% (PYPL) | PYPL |
| 2026 | +9.91% | $1,305,916.03 | -32.26% | $14,321.18 | +42.17% (MA) | MA |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means MA outperformed PYPL that year.
Company Profiles
Mastercard Incorporated
MA
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. It connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, and businesses worldwide, enabling them to use electronic forms of payment.
Key Innovations
- ✓Mastercard Track Business Payment Service
- ✓Digital Enablement Service (MDES)
- ✓Crypto card programs
Business Segments
- Payment NetworkTransaction processing and payment facilitation.
- Value-Added ServicesCybersecurity, data analytics, and consulting.
PayPal Holdings, Inc.
PYPL
PayPal is a global technology platform and digital payments leader that enables digital and mobile payments on behalf of consumers and merchants worldwide.
Key Innovations
- ✓Digital wallet
- ✓One Touch™ checkout
- ✓Venmo social payments
Business Segments
- Transaction RevenuesFees from payment processing (PayPal, Venmo, Braintree).
- Other Value Added ServicesInterest on funds, credit products.
How This Comparison Works
Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:
- ✓Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
- ✓Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
- ✓Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
- ✓Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates
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Important Disclaimer
This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.