Mastercard (MA) Q3 Earnings & Revenues Beat, Increase Y/Y

Mastercard Inc. (MA – Free Report) reported third-quarter 2017 earnings per share of $1.34, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.23. Also, earnings grew 23% year over year.

Better-than-expected results were primarily due to higher switched transactions, increase in cross-border volume and gains from acquisitions. An increase in rebates and incentives year over year was a partial dampener.

Strong Operational Performance

Mastercard’s revenues of $3.4 billion exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.29 billion and were up 18% year over year. The upside was primarily driven by a 17% rise in the number of switched transactions to 16.9 billion along with a 15% increase in cross-border volumes. These were partially offset by higher rebates and incentives, mainly due to new and renewed agreements and increased volumes.

About 2.4 billion Mastercard and Maestro branded cards were issued as of Sep 30, 2017.

Mastercard witnessed a year-over-year increase of 19% in total operating expenses to $1.5 billion owing to higher cost components like general and administrative expenses and advertising and marketing costs.

Interest expenses increased a whopping 52% year over year to $35 million.

Operating margin declined 90 basis points year over year to 57.1%.

Mastercard Incorporated Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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Financial Update

As of Sep 30, 2017, the company’s cash and cash equivalents were $5.56 billion, down 17% from the year-end 2016 level. Long-term debt increased 4.1% to $5.39 billion from the year-end 2016 level.

Share Repurchase and Dividend Payment

During the reported quarter, Mastercard repurchased shares worth $838 million and returned $235 million in dividends.

Our Take

Mastecard’s results reflect its strong operating performance driven by its continued efforts to provide superior service to its customers. Its acquisitions, investments in technology, a number of deals and partnerships signed with clients across the globe will continue to aid its transaction volume growth, thus driving the top line.

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Author: Travis Esquivel

Travis Esquivel is an engineer, passionate soccer player and full-time dad. He enjoys writing about innovation and technology from time to time.

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