What is the primary purpose of this 8-K filing?

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to announce and provide details regarding Mastercard's third-quarter 2015 financial results, along with management's commentary and outlook. It directs investors to an accompanying press release and conference call presentation for comprehensive information.

Why is Mastercard presenting non-GAAP financial measures?

Mastercard is presenting non-GAAP financial measures, such as adjusted operating expenses, income, net income, earnings per share, and operating margin, to offer a view of performance that excludes significant one-time charges. Management believes these measures facilitate a better understanding of the company's ongoing operational performance and allow for more meaningful period-over-period comparisons.

What specific charges are excluded in the non-GAAP reporting?

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2015, a settlement charge related to the termination of its U.S. defined benefit pension plan (Qualified Plan Settlement Charge) is excluded. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, both the Qualified Plan Settlement Charge and a charge related to a UK merchant litigation settlement (UK Merchant Litigation Settlement Provision) are excluded.

Are there any other notable financial metrics discussed?

Yes, Mastercard also presents growth rates adjusted for currency fluctuations as a non-GAAP measure. This adjustment is made because foreign currency rate fluctuations can impact reported results, and management believes currency-adjusted growth rates provide relevant insights into underlying business performance.

MA 8-K: Earnings & Results & Regulation FD

Summary

Mastercard Inc. (MA) filed an 8-K on October 29, 2015, to report its third-quarter 2015 financial results. The filing primarily directs investors to an attached press release (Exhibit 99.1) which details the company's performance and provides additional context through a conference call presentation (Exhibit 99.2). A key focus of the disclosure is the presentation of non-GAAP financial measures, which management utilizes to provide a clearer view of ongoing operational performance by excluding significant one-time charges. Investors should note the exclusion of a settlement charge related to the termination of its U.S. defined benefit pension plan for the three-month period. For the nine-month period, both this pension plan settlement charge and a UK merchant litigation settlement provision are excluded. The company emphasizes that these non-GAAP measures are used internally for performance evaluation and planning, and investors should always refer to the GAAP reconciliations provided. The company also announced a conference call to discuss these results.

Key Highlights

1Mastercard announced its third-quarter 2015 financial results on October 29, 2015, via an 8-K filing.
2The filing includes a press release (Exhibit 99.1) detailing Q3 2015 financial performance.
3Mastercard is presenting non-GAAP financial measures to provide a clearer view of ongoing operational performance.
4Key non-GAAP adjustments include the exclusion of a Qualified Plan Settlement Charge (US pension plan) and a UK Merchant Litigation Settlement Provision.
5These charges are considered significant one-time items by management, separate from ongoing operations.
6The company will also host a conference call on October 29, 2015, to discuss the Q3 results, with a presentation attached as Exhibit 99.2.
7Growth rates adjusted for currency fluctuations are also presented as a non-GAAP measure.

Mastercard Inc 8-K Report, Financial Results (Oct 29, 2015)

Summary

Key Highlights

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