Investors focused on the Business Services space have likely heard of Mastercard (MA Quick QuoteMA - Free Report) , but is the stock performing well in comparison to the rest of its sector peers? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Business Services peers, we might be able to answer that question.

Mastercard is one of 166 companies in the Business Services group. The Business Services group currently sits at #4 within the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector groups. The average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups is measured, and the sectors are listed from best to worst.

The Zacks Rank emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find stocks with improving earnings outlooks. This system has a long record of success, and these stocks tend to be on track to beat the market over the next one to three months. MA is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for MA's full-year earnings has moved 4.87% higher. This signals that analyst sentiment is improving and the stock's earnings outlook is more positive.

Based on the latest available data, MA has gained about 22.77% so far this year. In comparison, Business Services companies have returned an average of 6.19%. This means that Mastercard is outperforming the sector as a whole this year.

Breaking things down more, MA is a member of the Financial Transaction Services industry, which includes 24 individual companies and currently sits at #180 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, this group has gained an average of 10.59% so far this year, meaning that MA is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns.

Investors in the Business Services sector will want to keep a close eye on MA as it attempts to continue its solid performance.