Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) RBC 2025 Financial Technology Conference June 10, 2025 12:10 PM ET Company Participants Craig E. Vosburg - Chief Services Officer Conference Call Participants Daniel Rock Perlin - RBC Capital Markets, Research Division Daniel Rock Perlin And it starts like that. Craig E. Vosburg Here we are. Daniel Rock Perlin It was like on stage, off stage. Craig E. Vosburg Exactly. Daniel Rock Perlin The audience is like that, we don't care. We just want you to get started. That's it. Th ...

Mastercard (MA) Conference Summary - June 10, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Mastercard (MA) - **Conference Date**: June 10, 2025 - **Revenue from Services**: $11 billion, representing 38% of total corporate revenue [11][24] Key Industry Insights - **Services Growth**: Services account for 35% to 38% of the company, generating approximately 50% of growth [9] - **Market Opportunity**: Total addressable market (TAM) for services is nearly $500 billion, with a serviceable addressable market (SAM) of about $165 billion [24][25] - **Underpenetration**: Mastercard is only 2% penetrated in the TAM and less than 7% in the SAM, indicating significant growth potential [25][26] Core Business Areas 1. **Consumer Acquisition and Engagement**: Focus on marketing services and loyalty capabilities to enhance consumer relationships [12] 2. **Business and Market Insights**: Consulting services leveraging extensive data for performance optimization and risk management [13] 3. **Security Solutions**: Evolving from fraud management to identity and cybersecurity solutions, utilizing advanced data analytics [14][16] Competitive Differentiation - **Data Utilization**: Mastercard processes 160 billion transactions annually, providing extensive data for insights and fraud detection [32] - **Technology and Network Reach**: Global network with 150 million merchants and extensive customer relationships [31] - **Expertise**: Over 3,000 consultants and data scientists enhancing service delivery and implementation [37] Mergers and Acquisitions - **Strategic Focus**: M&A is used to deepen capabilities in key areas rather than broadening the portfolio [40] - **Recorded Future Acquisition**: Enhances cybersecurity capabilities and integrates threat intelligence into existing services [42][43] AI Integration - **AI in Services**: AI powers one in three of Mastercard's service products, enhancing fraud detection, personalization, and operational efficiency [50][51] - **AgenTic Commerce**: Represents the evolution of commerce, allowing agents to shop on behalf of consumers, potentially increasing transaction volume [54][55] Future Outlook - **Digitization Trends**: Continued digitization and data availability are expected to drive growth in payments and services [59] - **Growth Runways**: Strong growth potential in services, particularly in areas aligned with digital transformation and AI advancements [60] Additional Insights - **Cybersecurity Importance**: Emphasis on cybersecurity as a critical component of service differentiation and customer trust [38] - **Personalization Opportunities**: The role of AI in enhancing consumer experiences and enabling personalized commerce [56][57]

Summary of Stablecoins Conference Call Industry Overview - The stablecoin market cap has surged to approximately $250 billion, reflecting an increase of over 80% compared to 2023 [2][24] - Stablecoin legislation is nearing passage in Congress, which could stimulate innovation and participation from traditional financial services firms [2][46] Key Companies Involved - **Stripe**: Acquired stablecoin infrastructure firm Bridge for $1.1 billion, emphasizing stablecoins as "room-temperature superconductors" for financial services [2][65] - **Visa**: Partnered with Stripe for stablecoin-linked cards, focusing initially on Latin America, and has developed capabilities for settling transactions in stablecoins [3][47] - **Mastercard**: Similar partnerships with MoonPay and others for stablecoin-linked cards, and has launched its Multi-Token Network for digital asset transactions [3][58] - **PayPal**: Launched PYUSD stablecoin in August 2023, offering yields to drive adoption as regulatory clarity emerges [4][56] Core Insights and Arguments - **Disruption Potential**: While stablecoins are seen as a potential disruptor in payments, most current activity is concentrated in crypto capital markets rather than retail payments [6][32] - **Retail Payments**: Stablecoins are viewed as a solution looking for a problem in developed markets due to existing cheaper alternatives like ACH and RTP [7][70] - **Cross-Border Payments**: Retail cross-border payments remain challenging to disrupt due to established consumer behavior and infrastructure [9][72] - **Emerging Markets**: In volatile currency environments, stablecoins are gaining traction for payments and fintech use cases, with Visa and Mastercard already partnering with stablecoin infrastructure companies [11][77] Additional Important Points - **Transaction Volumes**: Although stablecoin transaction volumes appear high, adjusted volumes indicate that a significant portion is driven by high-frequency trading rather than actual payment use [35][38] - **Regulatory Framework**: The GENIUS Act aims to create a federal framework for stablecoin regulation, balancing consumer protection and financial innovation [50][46] - **Market Dynamics**: 99% of stablecoins are US dollar-denominated, reinforcing the dollar's dominance in the global on-chain economy [18][101] - **Long-Term Optionality**: Stablecoins may play a role in AI-driven payments and other innovative financial solutions, although existing infrastructure poses challenges [15][79] Conclusion The stablecoin landscape is rapidly evolving, with significant interest from major financial players and potential regulatory changes on the horizon. While challenges remain in retail and cross-border payments, emerging markets and innovative use cases present opportunities for growth and integration into existing financial systems.

Core Insights - The focus is on identifying high-quality companies with strong balance sheets and shareholder-friendly policies, emphasizing a disciplined approach to valuation and underappreciated opportunities [1]. Group 1 - The investment strategy is long-only with a long-term focus, aiming to find opportunities in cash-rich companies [1]. - A mix of quantitative and qualitative measures is employed to identify stock opportunities [1].

Core Insights - Mastercard Incorporated (MA) is experiencing strong global momentum, driven by increasing transaction volumes and robust consumer spending, particularly in cross-border transactions which saw a 15% year-over-year increase in Q1 2025 [2][9] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, MA's total international transactions rose by 9% year-over-year, following growth rates of 15% in 2023 and 12.2% in 2024 [3] - The payment network's net revenues increased by 14% year-over-year in Q1 2025, with payment network rebates and incentives growing by 12% [3] - The company anticipates nearly 13% year-over-year growth in payment network net revenues for 2025 [3] Strategic Initiatives - A key growth driver for MA is its focus on digital payments and fintech collaborations, including a partnership with Corpay to enhance corporate cross-border payment solutions [4] - MA is planning to acquire FinTech Newway to enable stablecoin payment settlements for merchants, which is expected to expand its market capabilities [5] Competitive Landscape - Competitors such as Visa and American Express are also showing strong performance, with Visa reporting a 13% year-over-year increase in cross-border volumes in Q1 2025 and American Express reporting 13% growth in international card services [6][7] Stock Performance and Valuation - Year-to-date, MA's shares have increased by 11.2%, outperforming the industry average of 8.2% [8] - MA trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 34.41, which is above the industry average of 23.67 [11] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MA's 2025 earnings suggests a growth of 9.5% from the previous year, with one upward estimate revision in the past month [12]

Group 1 - The focus is on income-oriented investments, particularly those with higher dividend yields, while being cautious of the associated risks [1] - The service offers insights into high-quality and reliable dividend growth investments aimed at building growing income for investors [1] - Emphasis is placed on investments that are industry leaders to ensure stability and long-term wealth creation [1] Group 2 - The service also provides ideas for writing options to further enhance investors' income [1] - Membership includes access to a portfolio, watchlist, and live chat, along with exclusive articles not available elsewhere [2]

Core Insights - Mastercard Incorporated (MA) experienced a significant increase in adjusted operating expenses, which rose 13% year over year to $3 billion in Q1 2025, driven by a 32% increase in advertising and marketing expenses [1][8] - Despite rising costs, MA's adjusted operating margin improved from 58% in 2023 to 59.3% in Q1 2025, indicating effective expense management and strong revenue performance [2][8] - The company is focusing on investments in infrastructure, cybersecurity, and authentication technologies, with anticipated acquisitions expected to increase operational expenditure growth by approximately 5 percentage points in 2025 [3] Financial Performance - Mastercard expects operating expenses to grow in the mid-teens percentage range in 2025, while net revenue is forecasted to grow in the low-teens percentage range [4][8] - Over the past year, MA's shares have increased by 30.2%, outperforming the industry average rise of 26.2% [7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mastercard's 2025 earnings implies a growth of 9.5% from the previous year, with one upward estimate revision in the past month [11] Competitive Landscape - Competitors such as Visa Inc. and PayPal Holdings are facing different financial dynamics, with Visa's adjusted operating expenses rising 7% and its operating margin declining to 56.6% [5] - PayPal's operating expenses decreased by 4.1%, and its adjusted operating margin improved to 20.7% [6] Valuation Metrics - Mastercard trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 34.12, which is above the industry average of 23.51, indicating a higher valuation compared to peers [9]

Industry Overview - The Financial Transaction Services industry is part of the FinTech space, encompassing card and payment processing, ATM services, money remittance, and investment solutions for financial advisors [2] - The industry operates proprietary global payment networks that facilitate transactions in multiple currencies, benefiting from ongoing digitization accelerated by the pandemic [2] Key Trends - Digital transformation is driving the adoption of contactless payment methods, cryptocurrencies, biometric authentication, and BNPL services, enhancing market reach and revenue diversification [3] - Increased cross-border transactions are supported by rising international trade and travel, with advanced payment platforms enabling efficient currency exchange [4] - Resilient consumer spending is contributing to higher transaction volumes, although inflationary pressures may impact future spending patterns [5] - Companies are leveraging mergers and acquisitions to build comprehensive digital ecosystems, enhancing service portfolios and expanding international presence [6] Performance Metrics - The Zacks Financial Transaction Services industry has outperformed the Business Services sector and the S&P 500, growing 26.3% over the past year compared to 8.6% and 11.4% respectively [10] - The industry currently trades at a trailing 12-month Price/Earnings ratio of 27.28X, slightly above the S&P 500's 24.14X and the sector's 27.38X [13] Company Highlights - **Visa**: A leading global digital payments company, expanding through strategic alliances and acquisitions, with a focus on technology investments [15] - **Mastercard**: Maintains a strong position through collaborations and strategic investments, with a 15% year-over-year increase in cross-border volumes [20] - **Fiserv**: Offers a broad suite of solutions with a focus on recurring revenue streams and strong margins, aiming for exceptional performance through client acquisition [22] - **Fidelity National**: Achieving revenue growth from its Banking Solutions and Capital Market Solutions divisions, with a strategic presence in international markets [26] - **Global Payments**: Positioned for growth with solid performances in Merchant and Issuer Solutions, supported by strategic acquisitions and technology investments [29]

Group 1 - The core issue revolves around a proposed amendment aimed at increasing competition in credit card processing, which could complicate the passage of a stablecoin bill supported by the cryptocurrency industry and former President Trump [1][2] - The amendment, introduced by Republican Senator Roger Marshall and supported by Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, seeks to require large banks to offer multiple payment network options for credit card transactions, potentially lowering transaction fees for merchants [1][2] - Retailers are advocating for the stablecoin bill as a means to bypass high credit card fees, which amounted to over $187 billion for U.S. merchants last year according to Nielsen data [2] Group 2 - Financial institutions, airlines, and other stakeholders are opposing the credit card competition measure, arguing it could reduce their profits and negatively impact consumers by lowering credit card rewards [2][3] - Some Republican senators, including Tom Tillis and Kevin Cramer, have expressed concerns that the credit card provisions could jeopardize the stablecoin bill, with Cramer indicating he would vote against it if the amendment is included [2][3] - Other proposed amendments include a call for an audit of the Federal Reserve and measures aimed at restricting certain cryptocurrency activities, reflecting ongoing tensions between traditional banking interests and the evolving cryptocurrency landscape [3]

Core Insights - Deutsche Bank and Mastercard have partnered to enable merchants in Europe to offer pay-by-bank functionality, enhancing the payment experience for customers [1] - The partnership aims to deliver innovative merchant solutions that cater to the needs of a digital-first economy, focusing on security, speed, and scalability [2] - The integration of Mastercard's open banking technology will facilitate faster settlement, improved reconciliation, and greater payment transparency [2] Group 1: Partnership Details - The collaboration allows merchants to utilize Deutsche Bank's Request to Pay (R2P) service, enabling consumers to authorize payments directly from their bank accounts with immediate confirmation [3] - The partnership combines Mastercard's open banking payments technology with Deutsche Bank's expertise and extensive merchant base across Europe, promoting account-based payments as a new standard [4] Group 2: Market Trends - Open banking has significantly transformed the payments landscape over the past seven years, with a notable increase in account-to-account payments [5] - In the United States, 46% of consumers express a high willingness to use open banking payments, although only 11% have actually adopted this method, with millennials showing the highest interest at 66% [5] - Mastercard reported that 76% of its customers connect their financial accounts, and 93% prioritize control over their financial data usage [6]