Visa Inc. (V 0.33%), the world's biggest digital payments processor, on Tuesday reported fiscal second-quarter earnings that beat analyst estimates amid rising consumer spending. Adjusted profit for the period ended March 31 was $2.51 per share (EPS), more that the average analyst estimate of $2.43. Revenue of $8.8 billion rose 10% from a year earlier, topping forecasts of $8.6 billion.
Payment volume, a key measure of activity on Visa's payments network, rose 8% while cross-border volume growth increased 16%. Processed transactions, which represent transactions processed only by Visa, rose 11%.
Net income based on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), rose 10% to $4.7 billion, or $2.29 a share, up from $4.3 billion, or $2.03 a share a year earlier
| Metric | Q2 2024 Result | Analyst Estimate | Prior Year | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings Per Share (EPS) | $2.51 | $2.43 | $2.03 | 23.6% |
| Revenue | $8.8B | $8.62B | $7.98B | 10.2% |
| Payments Volume Growth | 8% | N/A | 7% | 14.3% |
| Cross-Border Volume Growth | 16% | N/A | 16% | 0% |
| Processed Transactions Growth | 11% | N/A | 11% | 0% |
Understanding Visa
Visa, best known for its credit and debit cards, facilitates global digital transactions, connecting consumers, businesses, and banks. Its network processes payments across more than 200 countries.
Recently, Visa has been focusing on enhancing digital transaction security, and expanding value-added services. These areas, the company said, are crucial for its future growth and its ability to adapt to the evolving payment landscape.
Quarterly highlights
In the latest quarter, Visa acquired Pismo, strengthening its core banking and issuer processing capabilities. This move aligns with its broader strategy to bolster digital transactions worldwide.
Visa, along with Mastercard and banks that issue their cards, reached a landmark settlement with U.S. merchants that will lower the processing fees they pay for using the payments networks by $30 billion during a five year period. This decision, Visa said, reflects its commitment to support smaller businesses and streamline payment processes. The settlement, however, may have an impact on revenue, the company said.
Visa also said it planned to buy back $2.7 billion of its shares and would maintain its annual dividend payout of $2.08 a share.
Looking ahead
Visa said its outlook remains positive, and that the company would focus on expanding its digital footprint and leveraging fintech partnerships. The company's recent activities, including strategic acquisitions and advancements in payment technology, position it for future growth.
Visa also said investors should track the execution of its network strategy and integration of Pismo. These developments, alongside global economic factors, could significantly influence Visa's trajectory in the coming quarters.
