In the last three years, shares of (NYSE: MA) are up just 19% (as of Sept. 26), a rate of return that has lagged both the S 500 and the Nasdaq Composite Index. But make no mistake, this has been a wonderful stock to own if we zoom out even further. This business has a successful track record of increasing revenue and earnings. 

However, investors are probably wondering what the future holds. If history is any indication, Mastercard will be a larger and more successful enterprise in three years. Let's take a closer look. 

In recent years, the total payments volume that Mastercard processed, as well as its revenue and cards in circulation, have all climbed at healthy rates. And this continues a longer-term trend of the same story. Usually, a business is only able to perform this well if there's a powerful tailwind working in its favor. 

Continue reading

Source Fool.com