Thursday, October 27, 2011

Latest UK Mobile Payment Market Forecast: Gross Transaction Value in UK to Rise to $30.9 Billion in 2015


Research and Markets: Latest UK Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Gross Transaction Value in UK to Rise to $30.9 Billion in 2015

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of IE Market Research Corp.'s new report "3Q.2011 United Kingdom Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Gross transaction value of mobile payments in UK to rise to $30.9 billion in 2015" to their offering.
“3Q.2011 United Kingdom Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Gross transaction value of mobile payments in UK to rise to $30.9 billion in 2015”
United Kingdom Mobile Payment Market Forecast provides a comprehensive forecast of the UK mobile payment market. We cover annual forecasts of mobile payment users; mobile payment transactions by technology (such as NFC, SMS, WAP, USSD); and mobile payment transactions by type of purchase (such as merchandise, digital products, ticketing, mobile money transfers, bill payments, and pre-paid top-ups). The report is based on Global Consumer Telecommunications Survey-- which covers 50,000 mobile users in 50 markets globally and is the most extensive country-specific forecasts of its kind.
To this comprehensive forecast, we are adding a PowerPoint presentation and an audio conference with Menekse Gencer, Independent Contributing Analyst at IEMR, Principal at mPay Connect, and formerly Director of Business Development, Mobile Payments at PayPal. The presentation and the audio conference provide our clients with an overview of key trends in the global mobile payment market and an overview of exciting developments in the m-payments market globally.
This report will be useful to:
  • Strategists and analysts at mobile phone operators and banks/credit card companies responsible for mobile payment strategy development and business analytics
  • Developers of mobile payment systems at handset manufacturers
  • Device manufacturers in all areas of the telecommunications market that need strategy recommendations on key trends in the global mobile payment industry
  • Financial analysts and portfolio managers covering firms in the mobile payment market
  • Consultants advising their clients on mobile payment markets
  • Researchers who need to gain a better understanding of the global mobile payment market
Key Topics Covered:
Series Covered in this Country Forecast, 2009 - 2015
Mobile Payment Users (millions)
Mobile Payment Transactions by Technology (millions)
Mobile Payment Transactions by User Case (millions)
Gross Transaction Value for Mobile Payments by User Case ($ millions)
Average Transaction Size of Mobile Payments by User Case ($)

Latest Australia Mobile Payment Market Forecast: Gross Transaction Value of Mobile Payments in Australia to Rise to $19.5 Billion in 2015


Research and Markets: Latest Australia Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Gross Transaction Value of Mobile Payments in Australia to Rise to $19.5 Billion in 2015

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of IE Market Research Corp.'s new report "3Q.2011 Australia Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Gross transaction value of mobile payments in Australia to rise to $19.5 billion in 2015" to their offering.
“3Q.2011 Australia Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Gross transaction value of mobile payments in Australia to rise to $19.5 billion in 2015”
Australia Mobile Payment Market Forecast provides a comprehensive forecast of Australia's mobile payment market. We cover annual forecasts of mobile payment users; mobile payment transactions by technology (such as NFC, SMS, WAP, USSD); and mobile payment transactions by type of purchase (such as merchandise, digital products, ticketing, mobile money transfers, bill payments, and pre-paid top-ups). The report is based on Global Consumer Telecommunications Survey-- which covers 50,000 mobile users in 50 markets globally and is the most extensive country-specific forecasts of its kind.
To this comprehensive forecast, we are adding a PowerPoint presentation and an audio conference with Menekse Gencer, Independent Contributing Analyst at IEMR, Principal at mPay Connect, and formerly Director of Business Development, Mobile Payments at PayPal. The presentation and the audio conference provide our clients with an overview of key trends in the global mobile payment market and an overview of exciting developments in the m-payments market globally.
This report will be useful to:
  • Strategists and analysts at mobile phone operators and banks/credit card companies responsible for mobile payment strategy development and business analytics
  • Developers of mobile payment systems at handset manufacturers
  • Device manufacturers in all areas of the telecommunications market that need strategy recommendations on key trends in the global mobile payment industry
  • Financial analysts and portfolio managers covering firms in the mobile payment market
  • Consultants advising their clients on mobile payment markets
  • Researchers who need to gain a better understanding of the global mobile payment market
Key Topics Covered:
Series Covered in this Country Forecast, 2009 - 2015
Mobile Payment Users (millions)
Mobile Payment Transactions by Technology (millions)
Mobile Payment Transactions by User Case (millions)
Gross Transaction Value for Mobile Payments by User Case ($ millions)
Average Transaction Size of Mobile Payments by User Case ($)

Latest Mexico Mobile Payment Market Forecast Gross Transaction Value in Mexico to Rise to $10.3 Billion in 2015


Research and Markets: Latest Mexico Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Gross Transaction Value in Mexico to Rise to $10.3 Billion in 2015

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of IE Market Research Corp.'s new report "3Q.2011 Mexico Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Gross transaction value of mobile payments in Mexico to rise to $10.3 billion in 2015" to their offering.
“3Q.2011 Mexico Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Gross transaction value of mobile payments in Mexico to rise to $10.3 billion in 2015”
Mexico Mobile Payment Market Forecast provides a comprehensive forecast of Mexico's mobile payment market. We cover annual forecasts of mobile payment users; mobile payment transactions by technology (such as NFC, SMS, WAP, USSD); and mobile payment transactions by type of purchase (such as merchandise, digital products, ticketing, mobile money transfers, bill payments, and pre-paid top-ups). The report is based on Global Consumer Telecommunications Survey-- which covers 50,000 mobile users in 50 markets globally and is the most extensive country-specific forecasts of its kind.
To this comprehensive forecast, we are adding a PowerPoint presentation and an audio conference with Menekse Gencer, Independent Contributing Analyst at IEMR, Principal at mPay Connect, and formerly Director of Business Development, Mobile Payments at PayPal. The presentation and the audio conference provide our clients with an overview of key trends in the global mobile payment market and an overview of exciting developments in the m-payments market globally.
This report will be useful to:
  • Strategists and analysts at mobile phone operators and banks/credit card companies responsible for mobile payment strategy development and business analytics
  • Developers of mobile payment systems at handset manufacturers
  • Device manufacturers in all areas of the telecommunications market that need strategy recommendations on key trends in the global mobile payment industry
  • Financial analysts and portfolio managers covering firms in the mobile payment market
  • Consultants advising their clients on mobile payment markets
  • Researchers who need to gain a better understanding of the global mobile payment market

Global Mobile Payments Users to Hit 893 Mn in 2015 with a Value of $945 Billion


Research and Markets: Latest Global Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Global Mobile Payments Users to Hit 893 Mn in 2015 with a Value of $945 Billion

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of IE Market Research Corp.'s new report "3Q.2011 Global Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Global mobile payments users to hit 893 million in 2015 with $945 billion in transaction value" to their offering.
“3Q.2011 Global Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Global mobile payments users to hit 893 million in 2015 with $945 billion in transaction value”
Global Mobile Payment Market Forecast covers annual forecasts of mobile payment users; mobile payment transactions by technology (such as NFC, SMS, WAP, USSD); and mobile payment transactions by type of purchase (such as merchandise, digital products, ticketing, mobile money transfers, bill payments, and pre-paid top-ups). The report is based on Global Consumer Telecommunications Survey-- which covers 50,000 mobile users in 50 markets globally and is the most extensive country-specific forecasts of its kind.
To this comprehensive forecast, we are adding a PowerPoint presentation and an audio conference with Menekse Gencer, Independent Contributing Analyst at IEMR, Principal at mPay Connect and formerly Director of Business Development, Mobile Payments at PayPal. The presentation and the audio conference provide our clients with an overview of key trends in the global mobile payment market and an overview of exciting developments in the m-payments market globally.
This report will be useful to:
  • Strategists and analysts at mobile phone operators and banks/credit card companies responsible for mobile payment strategy development and business analytics
  • Developers of mobile payment systems at handset manufacturers
  • Device manufacturers in all areas of the telecommunications market that need strategy recommendations on key trends in the global mobile payment industry
  • Financial analysts and portfolio managers covering firms in the mobile payment market
  • Consultants advising their clients on mobile payment markets
  • Researchers who need to gain a better understanding of the global mobile payment market
Key Topics Covered:
Series Covered for each Country and Region, 2009 - 2015
Mobile Payment Users (millions)
Mobile Payment Transactions by Technology (millions)
Mobile Payment Transactions by User Case (millions)
Gross Transaction Value for Mobile Payments by User Case ($ millions)
Average Transaction Size of Mobile Payments by User Case ($)

Huntington Partners with Mastercard to Offer an Enhanced Debit Card as the Most Recent Step in the Bank’s “Fair Play” Approach to Consumers


Huntington remains fee-free for debit card usage; continues to put customers first
COLUMBUS, Ohio & PURCHASE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Huntington (NASDAQ: HBAN; www.huntington.com) and MasterCard Worldwide (http://www.mastercard.com) today announced that Huntington is converting its debit card programs to MasterCard and upgrading all its customers to a Platinum Debit MasterCard®. As part of the partnership, Huntington will also implement the world-class debit and ATM transaction processing capabilities of MasterCard Integrated Processing Solutions® (IPS).
“Every time Huntington’s customers use their Debit MasterCard, they will benefit from the world-class convenience, service and value our products represent.”
In addition, as the next step in Huntington’s differentiated “Fair Play Banking” philosophy, the bank re-confirmed its commitment to remaining fee-free for debit card usage for its customers. This follows the May 2011 introduction of Huntington’s ground-breaking Asterisk-Free Checking, which is free to open, has no monthly checking maintenance fee, no minimum balance and no check or debit card usage requirements – and it includes free ID Theft Resolution Services and 24-Hour Grace®.
“We are excited to partner with MasterCard to give all our customers a much better, value-enhanced platinum debit card making it part of our ‘Fair Play Banking’ philosophy of bringing superior value to our customers,” said Huntington CEO Steve Steinour. “This is an alliance of two strong financial brands with a shared commitment to their customers. This debit card is free to use and automatically comes with Asterisk-Free Checking, which Money Magazine cited in naming Huntington ‘Best Regional Bank – Midwest’ in their September issue, or Huntington Plus Checking. These enhanced features will be very beneficial to our customers.”
The conversion of Huntington’s debit portfolio to MasterCard will include the nearly 1.5 million consumer and business debit cards issued by the bank. Huntington customers began receiving their new Debit MasterCard® cards in early October, with all checking customers expected to have the new cards in hand by November 1.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Huntington to help enhance their debit offering and empower their customers to get the most out of their daily financial activities,” said Chris McWilton, president, U.S. Markets, MasterCard Worldwide. “Every time Huntington’s customers use their Debit MasterCard, they will benefit from the world-class convenience, service and value our products represent.”
Card benefits include an upgrade for all Huntington customers to a platinum Debit MasterCard Card and fee-free debit purchases. The new cards also will feature:
  • Zero liability for unauthorized transactions
  • Unsurpassed worldwide acceptance everywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted, including at ATMs
  • 60-day price protection – can refund the difference on most new purchases if you buy something and see it advertised for less within the next 60 days, plus other valuable benefits from MasterCard
In addition to converting the debit card programs, Huntington will also be using MasterCard IPS to connect to Huntington’s processing platform. MasterCard IPS is a MasterCard-engineered debit and ATM processing platform that offers financial institutions a complete processing solution to create differentiated products and services and quickly expand payments portfolios across channels.
Along with other recent enhancements – 24-Hour Grace, Asterisk-Free Checking, re-furbished branches and expanded hours – Huntington’s new partnership with MasterCard is yet another step the bank is taking to put its customers first, and an important part of its overall strategy to offer more benefits and better convenience for its customers.
Huntington’s “Fair Play Banking” philosophy, which is centered on providing greater transparency and value for customers, is working and will continue to influence the bank’s future banking products and services. The conversion to MasterCard is part of this philosophy and will be supported by a multi-channel customer communication plan including email, letters and online messaging.
For more information about Huntington, 24-Hour Grace or Asterisk-Free Checking, visit https://www.huntington.com or call 1-800-480-2265.

Heartland Payment Q3 up 55% from $8m to $12.7 Million, Authorized $50 Share Repurchase Program


Bob Carr

Heartland Payment Systems Reports 55% Increase in Third Quarter Adjusted Earnings per Share

Board Authorizes $50 Million Share Repurchase Program
PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Heartland Payment Systems, Inc. (NYSE: HPY), one of the nation’s largest payment processors, today announced GAAP net earnings of $12.6 million, or $0.31 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2011. Adjusted Net Income and Earnings per Share were $12.7 million and $0.31, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 compared to Adjusted Net Income and Earnings per Share of $8.0 million and $0.20, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2010. Adjusted Net Income and Earnings per Share are non-GAAP measures that exclude expenses attributable to the processing system intrusion detailed later in this press release under the heading “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
“Share repurchases represent an excellent vehicle to create shareholder value, especially given the significant excess cash being generated by our operations”
Highlights for the third quarter include:
  • Record Small and Mid-Sized Merchant (SME) quarterly transaction processing volume of $17.8 billion, up 6.9% from the comparable period in 2010
  • Quarterly Net Revenue of $122.2 million, up 5.9% from the third quarter of 2010
  • Same store sales rose 2.3% for the third quarter, our sixth consecutive quarter of same store sales growth
  • New margin installed of $13.0 million, up 3.5% from third quarter of 2010, with September representing the best month in 2011 for both total installed margin and Relationship Manager productivity
  • Operating margin on net revenue of 17.7% compared to 12.3% for the same quarter in 2010
  • Stock compensation expense of $1.3 million pre-tax, or $0.02 per share, compared to $1.7 million, or $0.03, in the third quarter 2010
Robert Carr, Chairman and CEO, said, “Transaction processing volume again reached record levels this quarter, reflecting steady improvement in same store sales, volume attrition and new margin installed. Operating margins also continued to widen, putting our 20% near-term goal squarely in our sights. As a result, we have not only significantly increased earnings, but also generated even greater free cash flow, providing us with the financial strength to implement our various growth initiatives. As a result of the success we’ve enjoyed this year, and our confidence that we will benefit from our strategy to pass all of the savings of new, lower debit interchange fees to our merchants, we are both raising our guidance for the remainder of 2011 and announcing a share repurchase program to create even more value for our shareholders.”
SME card processing volume for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was a record $17.8 billion, a 6.9% improvement compared to the year-ago period. For the quarter, new margin installed was up 3.5% from the third quarter of 2010, while same store sales were up 2.3% for the third quarter, and we are now likely to exceed the 1% - 2% same store sales growth rate we had anticipated for 2011. Volume attrition in the quarter declined from the year ago period to 13.6%. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, Network Services processed a quarterly record 873 million transactions, a 5.8% year-over-year increase. Efficiency improvements reduced processing and servicing expenses to a record-low 43.6% of net revenue. Net revenue growth and productivity enhancements drove operating income to 17.7% of net revenue in the third quarter of 2011, up almost 540 basis points from the comparable 2010 period, while absorbing a 27% increase in general and administrative expense. The expenses attributable to the processing system intrusion in the third quarter of 2011 were $115,000 pre-tax and are shown separately in the Company’s Statement of Operations.
Mr. Carr continued, “Both our sales organization and our strategic partners have been energized by the tremendous growth prospects created by the implementation of the Durbin Amendment. The incredible publicity surrounding the decrease in debit interchange rates and the market positions adopted throughout our industry are underscoring Heartland’s leadership position in passing 100% of any savings to our merchants. Already, our Durbin Dollars campaign has saved our merchants more than $12 million by passing through all, not some, of the new, lower debit interchange rates. Over the next several months, as merchants view the Durbin Dollar savings on their Heartland statements, our value proposition will become increasingly evident. Our non-card businesses represent equally attractive growth platforms. In particular, with the recent acquisition of School-Link Technologies we now enjoy an industry-leading 20% share of the K-12 school nutrition and point-of-sale solutions market and a channel to the parents of the millions of children in the schools we serve.”
NINE MONTH RESULTS:
For the first nine months of 2011, GAAP net income was $32.7 million or $0.82 per share, compared to net income of $27.9 million or $0.71 per share for the first nine months of 2010. Net revenue for the first nine months of 2011 was $357.1 million, up 6.8% compared to the first nine months of 2010. Excluding expenses attributable to the processing system intrusion, Adjusted Net Income and Earnings per Share for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 were $33.2 million or $0.83 per share, compared to $18.8 million, or $0.48 per share, in the prior year nine months. Year-to-date 2011, stock compensation expense has reduced earnings by $5.0 million pre-tax, or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to $4.5 million or $0.07 per diluted share for the same nine-month period in 2010.

Global Internet and E-Commerce Trends


NEW YORKOct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:
1.) Key Findings
- The older Canadian generation is the fastest growing segment of online users, quickly catching up to the younger generations.
- Tax reductions plus the interest among low income consumers about the Internet, is boosting up the Brazilian B2C E-Commerce market.
- It is estimated that in several years, online tickets in Russia will account for 25%-30% of total ticket sales.
- Factors for online sales growth are Japan's broadband Internet, advanced home-delivery and the obsession with mobile phones.
- In April 2009, Internet users in Turkey were among the most engaged users in Europe, representing the 7th largest online audience.
2.) Effective decision support for E-Commerce managers
- E-Commerce is the sales channel of the future. However, even the brightest prospects will not materialize, unless providers keep track of trends, consumer demands and competitors in this challenging market environment. The key to entrepreneurial success in the E-Commerce market is access to objective, reliable and up-to-date information that provides an insight into the dynamics of the market. yStats.com is the one-stop source for these facts.
3.) Contents
- Qualitative information (trends) as well as quantitative information (statistics) on B2C E-Commerce markets worldwide
- Data on Internet access, Internet activities, online shopping, etc.
4.) About our Reports
- Market reports by yStats.com inform top managers about recent market trends and assist with strategic company decisions
- the author provides secondary market research: By using various sources of information we ensure maximum objectivity for all obtained data. As a result companies get a precise and unbiased impression of the market situation.
- The analyses, statistical reports and forecasts are only based on reliable sources including national and international statistical offices, industry and trade associations, business reports, business and company databases, journals, company registries and news portals.
- Our international employees research and filter all sources and translate relevant information into English. This ensures that the content of the original studies is correctly interpreted.
- the author delivers all research results as PowerPoint files. All data can therefore be used directly for board presentations or be individually adapted.
- If required, the author provides in-depth analysis for all research projects. Simply send us a request.

Global Internet Banking Industry

NEW YORKOct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

This report analyzes the Global Market for Internet Banking in Thousands (Number of Customers). The report provides separate market data for the US, JapanEuropeAsia-Pacific, and Latin America. Annual forecasts are provided for each region for the period 2006 through 2015. A total of 172 Banks offering Internet Banking Services are covered in the report including Bank of America Corporation, Barclays Bank PLC, Citigroup Inc, HSBC Holdings PLC, ING Groep N.V., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Lloyds Banking Group PLC, U.S. Bancorp, Wells Fargo & Company, and Yodlee, Inc. Market data and analytics are derived from primary and secondary research. Company profiles are mostly extracted from URL research and reported select online sources.
INTERNET BANKING MCP-6121
A GLOBAL STRATEGIC BUSINESS REPORT

RIM Introduces Porsche Design Blackberry


October 27, 2011 09:00 ET

Introducing the Porsche Design P'9981 Smartphone from BlackBerry

Engineered Luxury Meets High-Powered Performance
STUTTGART, GERMANY and WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 27, 2011) -
Editors Note: There are three photos accompanying this press release.
Today, Porsche Design and Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) announced the elite new Porsche Design P'9981 smartphone from BlackBerry®. Designed by Porsche Design, in collaboration with RIM, the luxury brand's first smartphone delivers engineered luxury and performance.
The Porsche Design P'9981 smartphone from BlackBerry is instantly identifiable as a Porsche Design product. The exclusive material choices for this unique smartphone include a forged stainless steel frame, hand-wrapped leather back cover, sculpted QWERTY keyboard, and crystal clear touch display. This customized Porsche Design P'9981 comes with an exclusive Porsche Design UI and a bespoke Wikitude World Browser augmented reality app experience. It also includes premium, exclusive PINs that help easily identify another P'9981 smartphone user.
"Since 1972 Porsche Design has presented milestone products with iconic style, and the P'9981 smartphone from BlackBerry will be our next landmark," said Dr. Juergen Gessler, CEO Porsche Design Group. "The pure and distinctive design, coupled with authentic materials and an emphasis on the manufacturing process, perfectly match our philosophy and complement the Porsche Design product assortment."
"This collaboration stems from a shared belief that form equals function," said Todd Wood, SVP for Industrial Design, Research In Motion. "The Porsche Design P'9981 is a truly modern luxury smartphone, where the timeless style of Porsche Design meets the unmatched mobile experience provided by BlackBerry."
Powerful hardware and software
The Porsche Design P'9981 is built on a performance driven platform that features a 1.2 GHz processor, HD video recording, 24-bit high resolution graphics, and advanced sensors enabling new augmented reality applications. It comes with 8GB of on-board memory, expandable up to 40GB with a micro SD card.
BlackBerry® 7, the operating system for the new Porsche Design P'9981, includes a next generation BlackBerry® browser with a fast, fluid web browsing experience that is among the best in the industry. It also features Liquid Graphics™ technology, which delivers a highly responsive touch experience with incredibly fast and smooth graphics.
The Porsche Design P'9981 includes built-in support for NFC (Near Field Communications), which will enable many new and exciting capabilities.
The Porsche Design P'9981 smartphone from BlackBerry will be available from Porsche Design stores later this year.
About Porsche Design
Porsche Design is a luxury brand with a special focus on products that are technically inspired. The brand Porsche Design was founded in 1972 by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. The products are the embodiment of functionality, timelessness and purist design. They impress by the technical innovations they incorporate. The product portfolio includes watches, sunglasses, luggage, electronic products, a line of fragrances for men as well as a sport and fashion collection. All products of the brand are designed at the Porsche Design Studio in Zell am See, Austria, and are sold worldwide in the brand's own stores, in franchise stores, shop-in-shops, quality department stores and exclusive retailers.

UAE to Witness the Merge of Mobile Services and Payment Technologies

DUBAI, UAE, October 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

At the dawn of the mobile payments era, major telecom operator Etisalat is launching the most advanced mobile commerce technology - NFC (Near-Field Communication).
NFC has been increasing in focus for mobile operators, banks and device manufacturers for quite a long time now, but defining and delivering the right approach is easier said than done. For the past 10 years different stakeholders around the world have been trying to launch and adopt various m-Commerce practices. The challenge is to merge card, mobile device and Sim card together to provide customers with a new efficient and safe way of making payments and money transfers. Another issue has been to find a smart platform that consumers would accept.
This autumn Etisalat, in partnership with Mastercard Worldwide and Network International is launching the new technology initially available on Blackberry 9900 phone. Around 600 outlets in the UAE are already able to process such mobile payment transactions. With only one tap of a smartphone against the reader, a customer can make purchases of up to US $50 using a secure PIN number.
And this is just the beginning. "The possibilities around NFC are not just around payment. Payment is, of course, a very important application but with smart tags you can build a story. You could have coupons... redeem points with your next coffee or get a coffee free," said Enrique Beza, Senior Manager for m-Commerce at Etisalat.
The Mobile Commerce Forum taking place at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai, UAE from 4 - 7 December will bring together key players in the m-Commerce universe to discuss present and future of mobile money transactions. Enrique Beza will deliver a keynote presentation on the newly launched NFC technology and how Etisalat has forged critical partnerships to provide their customers with advanced services.
For more information, visit http://www.mobilecommerceme.com.
About IQPC: For over thirty years, IQPC has helped the world's leading corporations solve their business challenges through the sharing of practical industry solutions and global best practice. In the process, the company has built a formidable reputation for quality and value. During this time, the Middle East's most progressive companies have benefited from IQPC's unrivalled global reach, which has connected international expertise with regional and local leaders. For more information, visithttp://www.iqpc.ae

Neiman Marcus Stores to Accept Visa and MasterCard Nationwide


DALLASOct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Karen Katz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Neiman Marcus, Inc. announced today that the company has entered into agreements with Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) and MasterCard (NYSE: MA) to enable customers to use MasterCard and Visa credit, debit and prepaid cards at all 41 Neiman Marcus stores.
"We listened to our customers and heard that they wanted more flexibility in their payment choices," said Karen Katz. "In today's world, our customers expect an enjoyable and seamless shopping experience across all channels.  By now accepting Visa and MasterCard in our Neiman Marcus Stores as we already do online, they can shop our brands anytime, anywhere and anyplace they choose."
"Visa is pleased to collaborate with Neiman Marcus to bring its clientele greater payment options in its stores," said William M. Sheedy, Group President, Americas, Visa Inc. "We look forward to helping Neiman Marcus increase customer convenience and sales, and we're excited to become an integral part of the Neiman Marcus shopping experience as consumers gain the ability to use their Visa card at one of the most iconic retailers in the world."
"This announcement is the latest example of how we work with our customers – merchants and issuers alike – to provide consumers with a convenient and consistent shopping experience," said Craig Vosburg, Group Executive, U.S. Market Development, MasterCard Worldwide.  "We're happy to join with Neiman Marcus to provide their customers with a greater choice in how they want to pay, while maximizing value of the MasterCard cards in their wallets."
Neiman Marcus Stores will begin accepting the cards on November 1, just in time for the 2011 holiday shopping season.  
Neiman Marcus, Inc. operations include the Specialty Retail Stores segment and the Direct Marketing segment. The Specialty Retail Stores segment consists primarily of Neiman Marcus, Last Call and Bergdorf Goodman stores. The Direct Marketing segment conducts both online and print catalog operations under the Neiman Marcus, Horchow, Last Call and Bergdorf Goodman brand names.  Information about the Company can be accessed at www.NeimanMarcusGroup.com.
About Visa
Visa is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable digital currency. Underpinning digital currency is one of the world's most advanced processing networks--VisaNet--that is capable of handling more than 10,000 transactions a second, with fraud protection for consumers and guaranteed payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank, and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa's innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: Pay now with debit, ahead of time with prepaid or later with credit products. For more information, visitwww.corporate.visa.com
About MasterCard
MasterCard (NYSE: MA) is a global payments and technology company. It operates the world's fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard's products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Learn more at www.mastercard.com, follow us on Twitter @mastercardnews or join the conversation on The Heart of Commerce Blog.

Visa Inc. Posts Strong Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2011 Earnings Results and Increases Existing Share Repurchase Program by $1 Billion

SAN FRANCISCOOct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
  • GAAP quarterly net income of $880 million or $1.27 per diluted class A common share
  • Adjusted full-year 2011 net income of $3.5 billion or $4.99 per diluted class A common share excluding the revaluation of the Visa Europe put option
  • Full-year 2011 GAAP net income, inclusive of the revaluation of the Company's Visa Europe put option, was $3.6 billion
  • The Company increases its share repurchase program by $1 billion and quarterly dividend payment by 47%

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) today announced financial results for the Company's fiscal fourth quarter and full-year 2011. For the fourth quarter ending September 30, 2011, GAAP net income was $880 million, an increase of 14% over the prior year. GAAP diluted class A common stock earnings per share were $1.27 - an increase of 20% over the prior year on a GAAP basis, or an increase of 34% over the prior year on an adjusted basis (excluding the revaluation of the Company's Visa Europe put option). The weighted-average number of diluted class A common shares outstanding was approximately 692 million.  
GAAP net operating revenue in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2011 was $2.4 billion, an increase of 13% over the prior year and driven by strong contributions across all revenue categories. Currency fluctuations contributed 2 percentage points of growth towards quarterly net operating revenues.
On an adjusted basis (excluding the revaluation of the Company's Visa Europe put option), net income for the full-year was $3.5 billion, an increase of 22% over the prior year. On an adjusted basis, diluted class A common stock earnings per share were$4.99, an increase of 28% over the prior year on an adjusted basis.  
GAAP net income for the full-year was $3.6 billion, inclusive of the revaluation of the Company's Visa Europe put option. Diluted class A common stock earnings per share were $5.16. The Company's adjusted quarterly and full-year net income per class A common share outstanding are non-GAAP financial measures that are reconciled to their most directly comparable GAAP measures in the accompanying financial tables. The weighted-average number of diluted class A common shares outstanding was approximately 707 million.
GAAP net operating revenue for the full-year was $9.2 billion, an increase of 14% over the prior year and driven by double-digit revenue growth contributions from service, data processing and international transaction revenues. Currency fluctuations contributed 2 percentage points of growth towards full-year net operating revenues.
"Visa continues to deliver strong results, with fourth quarter and full year performance reflecting a business that is both resilient and flexible enough to adapt and flourish in a changing business environment," said Joseph Saunders, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Visa Inc.
"Throughout the quarter and the year, we have been diligent in our efforts to grow our core business, while successfully unlocking new revenue opportunities through strategic investments, both in our core business and into innovations that will ensure our foundation for future growth remains strong.  This foundation will allow us to effectively drive transactions, pursue global growth in new markets and provide our clients with innovative ways to provide safe electronic payments to their customers."
Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2011 Financial Highlights:
Payments volume growth, on a constant dollar basis, for the three months ended June 30, 2011, on which fiscal fourth quarter service revenue is recognized, was a positive 14% over the prior year at $941 billion.
Payments volume growth, on a constant dollar basis, for the three months ended September 30, 2011, was a positive 13% over the prior year at $970 billion.
Cross border volume growth, on a constant dollar basis, was a positive 15% for the three months ended September 30, 2011.
Total processed transactions, which represent transactions processed by VisaNet, for the three months ended September 30, 2011, were 13 billion, a positive 9% increase over the prior year.
For the fiscal fourth quarter 2011, service revenues were $1.1 billion, an increase of 21% versus the prior year, and are recognized based on payments volume in the prior quarter. All other revenue categories are recognized based on current quarter activity. Data processing revenues rose 10% over the prior year to $925 million. International transaction revenues, which are driven by cross border payments volume, grew 23% over the prior year to $758 million. Other revenues, which include the Visa Europe licensing fee, were $171 million, a 3% increase over the prior year. Client incentives, which are a contra revenue item, were $576 million and represents 19.5% of gross revenues.
Total operating expenses on a GAAP basis were $1 billion for the quarter, a 2% increase over the prior year and included approximately $30 million in restructuring expenses.
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and available-for-sale investment securities were $6.9 billion at September 30, 2011.
Visa's GAAP effective tax rate was 35% for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.
Fiscal Full-Year 2011 Financial Highlights:
For the fiscal full-year 2011, service revenues were $4.3 billion, an increase of 22% over the prior year. Data processing revenues rose 11% over the prior year to $3.5 billion. International transaction revenues, which are driven by cross border payments volume, grew 17% over the prior year to $2.7 billion. Other revenues, which include the Visa Europe licensing fee, were $655 million, an 8% decrease over the prior year.  Client incentives, which are a contra revenue item, were $1.9 billionand represent 17% of gross revenues.
Total processed transactions, which represent transactions processed by VisaNet for the 12 months ended September 30, 2011, totaled 51 billion, a 12% increase over the prior year.
Total operating expenses on a GAAP basis were $3.7 billion for the full-year, a 7% increase over the prior year.
Visa's GAAP effective tax rate was 36% for the twelve months ended September 30, 2011, excluding the revaluation of the Visa Europe put option.
Notable Events:
During the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company repurchased approximately 5.2 million class A common shares, at an average price of $80.87 per share, for a total cost of $423 million.
As announced on October 19, 2011, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend in the aggregate amount of $0.22 per share of class A common stock (determined in the case of class B and class C common stock on an as-converted basis) payable on December 6, 2011, to all holders of record of the Company's class A, class B and class C common stock as of November 18, 2011.
Today, the Company announces that its Board of Directors has authorized a $1 billion increase to its previously announced $1 billion share repurchase program.  The authorization will be in place through July 20, 2012, and is subject to further change at the discretion of the Board.
Financial Outlook:
Visa Inc. affirms its financial outlook for the following metrics through 2012:
  • Annual net revenue growth: high single to low double digit range; and
  • Adjusted annual diluted class A common stock earnings per share growth: mid to high teens range.

Visa Inc. provides its financial outlook for the following metrics for 2012:
  • Client incentives as a percent of gross revenues: 17% to 18% range;
  • Marketing expenses: Under $1 billion;  
  • Annual operating margin: About 60%;
  • Adjusted tax rate: 33% to 34% range*;
  • Capital expenditures $350 million to $400 million range; and
  • Annual free cash flow: Above $4 billion.

Financial Outlook excludes impact of possible non-cash revaluation of deferred tax liabilities, which could decrease the GAAP tax rate to 30 to 31%.  These deferred tax liabilities are primarily associated with indefinite-lived intangible assets recorded as part of Visa's October 2007 reorganization.   
Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2011 Earnings Results Conference Call Details:
Visa's executive management team will host a live audio webcast beginning at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (2:00 p.m. Pacific time) today to discuss the financial results and business highlights.
All interested parties are invited to listen to the live webcast at http://investor.visa.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Visa Investor Relations website for 30 days.
Investor information, including supplemental financial information, is available on Visa Inc.'s Investor Relations website athttp://investor.visa.com.

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