Mastercard's four-party network model sustains operating margins near 60% and EPS growth of 21.7% year over year in 2026Q3, with fee income representing roughly 102% of total revenue and no traditional lending book.
Price trend, volume and key moving averages
Start with the evidence for owning the stock and the risks that can break the thesis.
Revenue reached $9.8B in 2026Q3 with an operating margin near 60% and EPS of $5.28, though the 14% net revenue growth may be difficult to sustain if interchange fee regulation intensifies.
Mastercard reported a 12-16% increase in net revenue and a 15% rise in net income for Q1 2026.
The value-added services segment is growing faster than the core payment network business, supporting medium-term growth.
The planned acquisition of BVNK is expected to enhance Mastercard's payment products with stablecoin cross-border infrastructure.
Mastercard's stock is trading at a premium P/E ratio, requiring sustained high growth to justify its current valuation.
The payments industry is highly competitive, with pressure from large financial institutions and potential regulatory challenges.
There has been a deceleration in cross-border transaction growth in April 2026, flagged as a potential headwind.
Trailing total returns as of 11/7/2026, which may include dividends or other distributions. Benchmark is S&P 500 (^GSPC).
Check whether operating performance supports the current valuation.
Recent results and news deserve attention only when they alter the forward view.
| Quarter | EPS (Act vs Est) | Revenue (Act vs Est) |
|---|---|---|
Q4 2026Latest Oct 29, 2026 | $5.31+2.7% vs $5.17 | $9.8B+1.5% vs $9.7B |
Q3 2026 Jul 30, 2026 | $5.04+5.7% vs $4.77 | $9.3B+2.2% vs $9.1B |
Q2 2026 Apr 30, 2026 | $4.60+4.3% vs $4.41 | $8.4B+1.7% vs $8.3B |
Q1 2026 Jan 29, 2026 | $4.76+12.3% vs $4.24 | $8.8B+0.4% vs $8.8B |
MA's Q3 services revenues jump 19% and adjusted EPS rises 21.2%, but rising incentives and a premium valuation raise questions about buying shares now.
The best mutual funds place massive bets on Microsoft, Palantir and Apple. But that's just the start.
Both payments giants just rallied double digits after earnings, yet their yields sit below 1%. The real contest hides in dividend growth, buyback firepower, and what each stock charges you for growth.
CASABLANCA, Morocco--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mastercard expands mobile payment choice in Morocco with Samsung Pay.
Benchmark MA against direct peers instead of judging its metrics in isolation.
Key metrics vs top competitors for Mastercard Incorporated (MA)
| Company | Price | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | Rev Growth (1Y) | Net Margin | ROE | Div Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $652.70 | $576.71B | 39.51 | 16.53% | 46.67% | 209.92% | 0.47% | |
| $422.65 | $789.11B | 41.44 | 11.69% | 52.51% | 64.52% | 0.56% | |
| $320.99 | $216.77B | 20.87 | 9.52% | 13.68% | 5.71% | 1.02% | |
| $59.24 | $52.26B | 10.95 | 4.19% | 13.94% | 23.76% | 0.23% | |
| $28.73 | $14.85B | 38.31 | 5.43% | 27.15% | 22.56% | 5.68% | |
| $62.88 | $33.53B | 9.92 | 3.6% | -18.9% | -15.72% | — |
Mastercard Incorporated (MA) vs competitors — business, growth, and fundamentals comparison against the closest industry rivals.
Verify the primary filings, follow material updates, and answer the remaining questions.
Mastercard Incorporated (MA) SEC filings — annual & quarterly reports (10-K, 10-Q)
Oct 29, 2026·SEC
Jul 30, 2026·SEC
Jun 17, 2026·SEC
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Mastercard Incorporated (MA) stock FAQ — growth, dividends, profitability & financials explained
Mastercard Incorporated (MA) grew revenue by 16.5% in fiscal year 2025, compared with the prior fiscal year.
Yes. Mastercard Incorporated (MA) earned $16.96B in net income over the trailing twelve months (a 47.8% net margin).
Yes. Mastercard Incorporated (MA) pays a dividend that yields 0.47% at the current price, a small yield.
Mastercard Incorporated (MA) had a return on equity (ROE) of 209.9% in fiscal year 2025. That is well above the market's typical 10-15%.
Mastercard Incorporated (MA) has a net interest margin (NIM) of -1.3%. NIM has been under pressure due to interest rate environment.
Mastercard Incorporated (MA) has an efficiency ratio of 18.8%. This is excellent, indicating strong cost control.
