Does Mastercard's New Buyback Plan & Dividend Hike Make it a Buy?

Payment processing juggernaut Mastercard Incorporated (MA) has announced a new share buyback program of $12 billion, which will become effective after completing its previously announced $11 billion program. It had around $3.9 billion left from the current program as of Dec. 13, 2024.Mastercard also announced a 15.2% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to 76 cents per share from 66 cents paid out earlier. The increased amount will be paid out on Feb. 7, 2025, to its shareholders on record as of Jan. 9, ...