Mastercard increased its quarterly cash dividend to 87 cents per share, a 14% rise from the 76‑cent dividend paid in the prior quarter. The dividend will be paid on February 9, 2026 to holders of record as of January 9, 2026, underscoring the company’s commitment to returning excess cash to shareholders.
The company also approved a new share‑repurchase program authorizing up to $14 billion of Class A common stock. The program will become effective once the previously announced $12 billion program is completed; that program had $4.2 billion remaining as of December 5, 2025. The move expands Mastercard’s capital‑return strategy and provides additional upside support for the business.
Mastercard’s operating cash flow of $14.8 billion over the trailing twelve months underpins the capital‑return strategy. The robust cash generation, combined with a strong balance sheet, gives management confidence to fund shareholder returns without compromising investment in growth initiatives.
The dividend increase and buyback authorization signal Mastercard’s confidence in its long‑term cash‑flow outlook and its ability to sustain shareholder returns. The actions reinforce investor confidence in the company’s financial health and support the long‑term value creation strategy.
Mastercard has a 14‑year streak of consecutive dividend increases and has paid dividends for 20 consecutive years. The company has also pursued share‑repurchase programs in the past, including $11 billion and $12 billion initiatives, demonstrating a consistent commitment to returning capital to shareholders.
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