Visa and Mastercard Have Both Reported. Which Payments Giant Is the Best Buy Now?

Both Visa and Mastercard reported strong Q2/Q3 results with 14% year-over-year revenue growth. While both are exceptional businesses with unassailable competitive positions, Mastercard is identified as the better buy due to faster operating income growth (19.5% vs 11.1% CAGR), greater international exposure (70% vs 55% of TPV), and a slightly cheaper valuation multiple despite its smaller size offering more upside potential.