Visa Can't Match MasterCard on Value

PURCHASE, N.Y. (TheStreet) -- The credit card business has taken some blows during the past two years. As spending evaporated and consumers paid down debt, or simply defaulted on outstanding balances, industry profits disappeared and now new regulations are crimping the industry's ability to jack up fees and alter terms of credit card agreements.

The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act that took effect on Feb. 22 bars companies from boosting interest rates on new accounts until a year after it's opened. After that, higher interest rates can only be imposed on new charges and payments that exceed minimums must be applied to balances with the highest rates.

While the regulations are good for consumers, they've dragged down the shares of credit card companies. MasterCard(MA) shares have fallen 21% and Visa's(V) have dropped 17% this year, while the S&P 500 has declined 2%.

However, those declines may have created a buying opportunity for investors. Analysts predict the companies will remain highly profitable despite the new regulations and fears of a double-dip recession springing out of the debt crisis in Europe.

MasterCard and Visa beat earnings estimates in the first quarter and have solid revenue and earnings growth projections from analysts. MasterCard is expected to increase its revenue 9.4% in 2010 and 11% in 2011. Visa bests those numbers with growth of 15% expected in 2010 followed by 14% in 2011. MasterCard's earnings per share are expected to increase 22% this year and 19% in 2011, while Visa is expected to see EPS jump 33% in 2010 and 21% in 2011.

Regardless of international uncertainty, the U.S. consumer is more stable than he has been in a long time. In May, the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index reached its highest level since March 2008, indicating that Americans are likely to be more comfortable spending now than at any point during the past two years, which is good news for retailers and credit card companies alike.

For investors, choosing between MasterCard and Visa is a decision of growth versus value. Visa is projected to grow faster, but MasterCard's shares are a better deal.