Credit Companies Look to Benefit as Consumer Sentiment on the Rise Heading Into the New Year

NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 02/08/13 -- Credit card stocks have provided investors with strong gains in 2012 as the U.S. economy continued to show signs of improvement. The Federal Reserve recently reported that consumer borrowing rose to the highest level on record in December. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for companies in the Credit Services Industry and provides equity research on Mastercard Inc. (NYSE: MA) and Visa Inc. (NYSE: V).

Access to the full company reports can be found at:
www.FiveStarEquities.com/MA
www.FiveStarEquities.com/V

Consumer borrowing rose for the fifth consecutive month with a $14.6 billion gain in December. The increase was largely due to a sharp rise in in student and auto loans, which posted its largest gain since November 2001. Consumer confidence has trended upwards heading into the New Year as the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index of consumer sentiment unexpectedly increased to 73.8 in January. A median forecast of 62 economists had predicted the index to fall to 71.5, according to Bloomberg.

"As consumers are willing to take on additional debt, that's a good sign that economic growth is beginning to turn around," said Andrew Brodsky, an economist with Stone & McCarthy Research Associates. "The gains are definitely encouraging."

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the Credit Services Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at www.FiveStarEquities.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Mastercard reported net revenues in the fourth quarter of 2012 increase 10 percent year-over-year to $1.9 billion. The company's Board of Directors has recently decided to increase its quarterly dividend from $0.30 per share to $0.60 per share, and have approved a new share repurchase program for up to $2 billion. "Our strong financial performance allows us to increase the return of cash to shareholders through our dividend and share repurchase programs." said company President and CEO Ajay Banga.

Visa reported a net income of $1.3 billion for the fiscal first quarter 2013, an increase of 26 percent when compared to the $1.03 billion posted in the year ago quarter. In October, the company raised its quarter dividend by 50 percent to $0.33 per share. The company's Board of Directors has also authorized a new $1.75 billion Class A share repurchase program.

Five Star Equities provides Market Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. Five Star Equities has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned companies. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at:
www.FiveStarEquities.com/disclaimer

Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to Newsvine