Bangkok--18 Sep--124 communications
Continued Growth Fueled by Strong Increases in Purchase and Card Volume
MasterCard Worldwide announced its operating results in the second quarter of 2006 for the Asia/Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA) region. As of 30 June 2006, the APMEA region witnessed double-digit growth for purchase and card volume, demonstrating sustained momentum in the displacement of cash and checks as consumers recognize the convenience and security of using payment cards.
The value of purchases on MasterCard cards showed strong growth in the region, rising 17.7% to more than USD$44 billion. MasterCard’s strong performance was also fueled by growth in both credit and offline debit programs. The company's customer financial institutions had issued more than 171 million MasterCard cards (excluding Maestro(R) and Cirrus(R)), representing an increase of 14.2% over the same period in 2005.
“Our continued growth demonstrates our commitment to and focus on driving innovation in the industry, and consistency in delivering results in light of our customer-centric strategy,” said Andr? Sekulic, president, Asia/Pacific, Middle East & Africa, MasterCard Worldwide. “This is a region of great diversity coupled with a highly sophisticated range of consumer segments. To sustain our business growth, it is imperative that we remain committed to delivering leading-edge and customized products and solutions.”
Maestro(R) and Online Debit
As of 30 June 2006, the Maestro brand mark appeared on 186 million cards in the APMEA region. The region also continued to witness growth in merchant acceptance. As of the second quarter, consumers could use their MasterCard- or Maestro-branded cards at nearly 951,000 merchant locations around the region.
In offering safe, secure access to cash and other banking services, MasterCard reported that there were 281,000 MasterCard/Cirrus(R) ATMs in the APMEA region
About MasterCard Incorporated
MasterCard Incorporated advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link between financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes close to 14 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard(R), Maestro(R) and Cirrus(R), MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com .
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release which are not historical facts, including statements about MasterCard’s plans, strategies, beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking and subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Accordingly, except for the company’s ongoing obligations under the U.S. federal securities laws, the company does not intend to update or otherwise revise the forward-looking information to reflect actual results of operations, changes in financial condition, changes in estimates, expectations or assumptions, changes in general economic or industry conditions or other circumstances arising and/or existing since the preparation of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of any unanticipated events. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation: ? the company’s commitment to bring its customers innovative products and value-added services to enhance the profitability of their payments businesses; ? the company’s ability to provide unique payment solutions; ? the company’s ability to displace paper-based forms of payment through the benefits of electronic payments; and ? the company’s continued strong capital position. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements for a number of reasons, including those set forth in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, the company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K that it has filed with the SEC during 2006, as well as reasons including difficulties, delays or the inability of the company to achieve its strategic initiatives set forth above. Factors other than those listed above could also cause the company’s results to differ materially from expected results.
Media contacts:
Eileen Wee, [email protected] , (662) 2670 4088
Elizabeth Wongwasin, [email protected] , (662) 662 2266