Mastercard Incorporated Stock Price, News & Analysis

Mastercard (NYSE: MA) held its annual stockholder meeting, where all 13 directors were re-elected for a one-year term. The stockholders approved executive compensation on an advisory basis and ratified the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as the independent accounting firm for 2022. Additionally, the amendment allowing stockholders to call special meetings was approved. However, none of the four stockholder proposals were approved. Final voting results will be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K and posted in the Investor Relations section on Mastercard.com.

Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE: MA) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 49 cents per share, set to be paid on August 9, 2022. Shareholders of record must have their holdings by July 8, 2022. This announcement reaffirms Mastercard's commitment to returning value to its shareholders through regular dividend payments.

Mastercard has launched the Start Path Open Banking program, selecting five innovative startups: Dapi, Finantier, mmob, Mono, and Paywallet. This initiative aims to foster collaboration in open banking, enhancing consumer financial services and experiences. Participating startups will utilize Mastercard's expertise and resources over the three-month program, promoting growth and innovation in the industry. Mastercard remains committed to driving open banking capabilities globally.

Mastercard SpendingPulse reports a significant uplift in U.S. retail sales, with a 10.5% increase year-over-year in May, and a remarkable 21.4% rise compared to May 2019. The anticipated retail growth for the mid-July to Labor Day back-to-school period is pegged at 7.5% compared to 2021, with Department Stores leading at a projected 13% growth YOY. Despite inflationary pressures, consumer demand remains robust. In-store shopping is predicted to rise 8.2% YOY this season, alongside a strong apparel demand driven by social events.

Gap Inc. has launched a new suite of credit cards in partnership with Barclays US Consumer Bank and Mastercard. This program allows existing Cardmembers to transition to new cards, offering enhanced rewards such as 5 points for every $1 spent at Gap Inc. brands and 1 point for other purchases. New Cardmembers will receive bonus points until January 2023. The program emphasizes sustainability with cards made from recycled materials. Gap Inc. aims to strengthen community outreach through its 'Do Good' initiative, allowing members to donate rewards points to social causes.

Mastercard SpendingPulse has launched in Europe, providing insights into consumer spending across various markets. In May, retail sales saw significant year-over-year growth in Spain, the U.K., and France. While in-store sales rebounded, e-commerce sales experienced a slowdown. Spending has diversified, with notable increases in experiential sectors like restaurants and lodging, driven by consumer demand and price increases. Despite inflation, consumer resilience is evident as overall spending continues upward.

Mastercard announced new initiatives to enhance economic empowerment for women and girls in Central America, specifically in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. During the 9th Summit of the Americas, the company committed to digitizing 300,000 women-owned businesses and supporting 120 women-led SMEs over the next five years. Mastercard aims to provide vital financial tools, increase financial literacy among 5 million unbanked individuals, and inspire 5,000 girls to pursue STEM careers through its Girls4Tech program to drive digital inclusion.

Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE: MA) announced its participation in two investor conferences in June. On June 8, Craig Vosburg, chief product officer, will present at the William Blair Growth Stock Conference in Chicago at 1:40 p.m. ET. On June 14, Ed McLaughlin, president of operations & technology, will present at the RBC Capital Markets Financial Technology Investor Day in New York City at 8:00 a.m. ET. Live webcasts will be available, with replays archived for 30 days.