MA vs V: Mastercard Incorporated vs Visa Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This MA vs V comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Mastercard Incorporated and Visa Inc. side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.

Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how Mastercard Incorporated and Visa Inc. have historically performed against each other.

Compare Stock Performance

Select two stocks and an investment amount to see how they compare over time.

Compare any two stocks to see which performed better historically

Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 2006 to 2025 (20 years)

Head-to-Head Record

11
MA Wins
0
Ties
7
V Wins

Over the 18-year comparison period, Mastercard Incorporated outperformed Visa Inc. in 11 years, while Visa Inc. outperformed Mastercard Incorporated in 7 years.

MA - Mastercard Incorporated

Average Annual Return:+33.09%
Best Year:+124.13% (2007)
Worst Year:-33.23% (2008)
Win Rate:85.0% (17/20 years)
Total Value:$1,305,916.03
Total Gain:+$1,295,916.03 (+12959.16%)

V - Visa Inc.

Average Annual Return:+21.76%
Best Year:+64.75% (2009)
Worst Year:-19.62% (2010)
Win Rate:83.3% (15/18 years)
Total Value:$254,437.08
Total Gain:+$244,437.08 (+2444.37%)

Overall Winner: MA with an average annual return of 33.09% (vs 21.76% for V)

Understanding MA vs V Performance

When comparing Mastercard Incorporated and Visa Inc., investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.

Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.

Cumulative Growth Comparison

A $10,000 investment in Mastercard Incorporated grew to $1,305,916, compared to $254,437 for Visa Inc. over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearMA ReturnMA CumulativeV ReturnV CumulativeDifferenceWinner
2006 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
2007+114.39%$21,438.59---Tie
2008+124.13%$48,050.87---Tie
2009-33.23%$32,085.37-6.85%$9,314.78-26.37% (V)V
2010+71.51%$55,028.06+64.75%$15,346.18+6.75% (MA)MA
2011-12.52%$48,140.18-19.62%$12,335.76+7.10% (MA)MA
2012+69.18%$81,443.89+45.12%$17,901.58+24.06% (MA)MA
2013+33.69%$108,881.31+48.33%$26,554.11-14.65% (V)V
2014+64.32%$178,917.99+44.44%$38,353.57+19.89% (MA)MA
2015+3.89%$185,877.11+19.53%$45,844.88-15.64% (V)V
2016+14.45%$212,733.89+17.87%$54,037.20-3.42% (V)V
2017+9.78%$233,544.60+3.85%$56,116.86+5.93% (MA)MA
2018+44.69%$337,907.94+44.44%$81,053.31+0.25% (MA)MA
2019+24.86%$421,909.26+15.99%$94,012.97+8.87% (MA)MA
2020+58.24%$667,644.71+42.27%$133,752.57+15.97% (MA)MA
2021+18.28%$789,722.22+15.15%$154,017.28+3.13% (MA)MA
2022+2.73%$811,274.60+0.13%$154,216.19+2.60% (MA)MA
2023-5.71%$764,947.78-5.46%$145,790.18-0.25% (V)V
2024+23.73%$946,506.84+26.53%$184,473.15-2.80% (V)V
2025+25.53%$1,188,188.94+23.02%$226,934.47+2.52% (MA)MA
2026+9.91%$1,305,916.03+12.12%$254,437.08-2.21% (V)V

Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means MA outperformed V that year.

Company Profiles

1

Mastercard Incorporated

MA

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. It connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, and businesses worldwide, enabling them to use electronic forms of payment.

Key Innovations

  • Mastercard Track Business Payment Service
  • Digital Enablement Service (MDES)
  • Crypto card programs

Business Segments

  • Payment Network
    Transaction processing and payment facilitation.
  • Value-Added Services
    Cybersecurity, data analytics, and consulting.
2

Visa Inc.

V

Visa is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories.

Key Innovations

  • VisaNet (global processing network)
  • Tokenization security technology

Business Segments

  • Payments
    Transaction processing services.
  • Value Added Services
    Issuing solutions, acceptance solutions, risk and identity.

How This Comparison Works

Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:

  • Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
  • Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
  • Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
  • Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates

Share This Comparison

Important Disclaimer

This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.