In 2006, we continued to invest in our organization worldwide, with the aim of recruiting, training and retaining the industry's best and most diverse workforce. This included initiatives with particular emphasis on leadership and the rigors and opportunities of working within a publicly traded enterprise. Without a doubt, it is the quality of our people, more than anything else, that sets our company apart. Our 4,600 employees are key to delivering shareholder value while upholding our high ethical standards.

As a result, we continue to draw recognition from a wide variety of organizations. MasterCard was named among Fortune magazine's "America's Most Admired Companies", designated as one of Latin Trade magazine's regional "Power Employers" and ranked among Computerworld's "Best Places to Work in IT."

Outside the company, we also strived to advance economic development and the quality of life in communities where we and our customers do business. Our robust consumer education initiatives in Mexico, South Africa, Taiwan and the United States teach students the basics of financial management. We help customers, educational organizations and public authorities develop similar programs in their local communities. Our programs for women travel professionals throughout the Asia/Pacific Region — a group that represents the next generation of leaders in the travel industry — also illustrate our support of education.