Stock Update: Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA)

[Zacks] Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA) is scheduled to release its third-quarter 2014 financial results before the opening bell on Oct 30.In the last reported quarter, the company had delivered a positive earnings surprise of 3.9%, while the four-quarter trailing average beat is pegged at 1.5%. Let us see how things are shaping up for this announcement.Stock PerformanceTaking a look at the company’s recent performance, Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA) reported Second quarter earnings for fiscal 2014 on January 31^st. The company reported actual earnings per share of $0.80 against the consensus Street estimate of $0.77. MasterCard Incorporated posted revenue of $2.38 billion against estimates of $2.31 billion.Mastercard Inc (MA) is currently valued at $87.88 billion and closed the last trading session at $75.89. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $75.6 and a 200-day moving average of $75.15.

Is this a Buying Opportunity?There are currently twenty two analysts that we track that cover the stock. Of those twenty two, fifteen have a Buy rating, six have a Hold rating and one has a Sell rating. On a consensus basis this yields a score of 2.64 and a Buy. The combined price objective of these covering analysts is $287.90, which represents a 294.71% upside difference to the last closing price.The most recent analyst activity consisted of Sandler O'Neill downgrading their sell stance on the company. Sandler O'Neill has a price target of $79.00 to $68.00 which represents a downside of 7.38% from the last closing price. On the date of the report, the stock closed at $73.42.Another research firm weighing in recently was Zacks who also reiterated rating on the stock. On September 22nd Zacks upgraded their price target on the stock to $81.00, a 6.36% upside to the current price. On the day of the report, MA shares closed at $76.16.Company ProfileMastercard Inc (NYSE:MA) provides transaction processing and other payment-related services in the United States and internationally. It facilitates the processing of payment transactions, including authorization, clearing, and settlement, as well as delivers related products and services. The company also offers value-added services, such as loyalty and reward programs, information services, and consulting. It provides transaction processing and a range of payment-related products and services, such as payment programs, product development, payment processing technology, loyalty and rewards solutions, payment security, consulting and information services and marketing. In addition, the company offers processing services comprising transaction switching-authorization, clearing, and settlement; cross-border and transaction processing services.