V 3.31.14 Form 10Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             
Commission file number 001-33977
VISA INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
26-0267673
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
P.O. Box 8999
San Francisco, California
 
94128-8999
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (650) 432-3200
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  R    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  R    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  R
Accelerated filer   o
Non-accelerated filer   o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company.)
Smaller Reporting Company  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  o    No  R

1


As of April 21, 2014, there were 499,395,346 shares of class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 245,513,385 shares of class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 25,719,291 shares of class C common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Visa Inc. outstanding.

2



VISA INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page
PART I.
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
PART II.
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
 
 

3

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
Financial Statements
VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
 
March 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2013
 
(in millions,
except par value data)
Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,820

 
$
2,186

Restricted cash—litigation escrow (Note 2)
1,105

 
49

Investment securities:
 
 
 
Trading
82

 
75

Available-for-sale
1,592

 
1,994

Income tax receivable
33

 
142

Settlement receivable
752

 
799

Accounts receivable
832

 
761

Customer collateral (Note 6)
923

 
866

Current portion of client incentives
255

 
282

Deferred tax assets
850

 
481

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
263

 
187

Total current assets
8,507

 
7,822

Investment securities, available-for-sale
3,066

 
2,760

Client incentives
89

 
89

Property, equipment and technology, net
1,760

 
1,732

Other assets
843

 
521

Intangible assets, net
11,317

 
11,351

Goodwill
11,681

 
11,681

Total assets
$
37,263

 
$
35,956

Liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
114

 
$
184

Settlement payable
1,099

 
1,225

Customer collateral (Note 6)
923

 
866

Accrued compensation and benefits
356

 
523

Client incentives
827

 
919

Accrued liabilities
582

 
613

Accrued litigation (Note 12)
1,060

 
5

Total current liabilities
4,961

 
4,335

Deferred tax liabilities
4,146

 
4,149

Other liabilities (Note 7)
861

 
602

Total liabilities
9,968

 
9,086

 

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4

Table of Contents

VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
 
March 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2013
 
(in millions,
except par value data)
Equity
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 25 shares authorized and none issued
$

 
$

Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 2,001,622 shares authorized, 500 and 508 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively (Note 8)

 

Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value, 622 shares authorized, 245 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013 (Note 8)

 

Class C common stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,097 shares authorized, 26 and 27 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively (Note 8)

 

Additional paid-in capital
18,555

 
18,875

Accumulated income
8,714

 
7,974

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net:
 
 
 
Investment securities, available-for-sale
77

 
59

Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans
(68
)
 
(60
)
Derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges
18

 
23

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(1
)
 
(1
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income, net
26

 
21

Total equity
27,295

 
26,870

Total liabilities and equity
$
37,263

 
$
35,956



See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5

Table of Contents

VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
(in millions, except per share data)
Operating Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service revenues
$
1,462

 
$
1,369

 
$
2,881

 
$
2,669

Data processing revenues
1,234

 
1,150

 
2,498

 
2,265

International transaction revenues
871

 
831

 
1,762

 
1,636

Other revenues
183

 
175

 
363

 
354

Client incentives
(587
)
 
(567
)
 
(1,186
)
 
(1,120
)
Total operating revenues
3,163

 
2,958

 
6,318

 
5,804

Operating Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personnel
446

 
486

 
916

 
940

Marketing
245

 
195

 
431

 
388

Network and processing
120

 
119

 
252

 
229

Professional fees
77

 
91

 
152

 
179

Depreciation and amortization
107

 
98

 
214

 
190

General and administrative
120

 
108

 
228

 
214

Litigation provision (Note 12)

 
1

 

 
4

Total operating expenses
1,115

 
1,098

 
2,193

 
2,144

Operating income
2,048

 
1,860

 
4,125

 
3,660

Non-operating income (expense)
13

 
(3
)
 
19

 
(2
)
Income before income taxes
2,061

 
1,857

 
4,144

 
3,658

Income tax provision
463

 
587

 
1,139

 
1,095

Net income
$
1,598

 
$
1,270

 
$
3,005

 
$
2,563

 


See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

6

Table of Contents

VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
(in millions, except per share data)
Basic earnings per share (Note 9)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A common stock
$
2.53

 
$
1.93

 
$
4.74

 
$
3.87

Class B common stock
$
1.06

 
$
0.81

 
$
1.99

 
$
1.63

Class C common stock
$
2.53

 
$
1.93

 
$
4.74

 
$
3.87

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (Note 9)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A common stock
501

 
524

 
503

 
528

Class B common stock
245

 
245

 
245

 
245

Class C common stock
26

 
28

 
26

 
29

Diluted earnings per share (Note 9)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A common stock
$
2.52

 
$
1.92

 
$
4.72

 
$
3.86

Class B common stock
$
1.06

 
$
0.81

 
$
1.99

 
$
1.62

Class C common stock
$
2.52

 
$
1.92

 
$
4.72

 
$
3.86

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (Note 9)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A common stock
634

 
660

 
636

 
665

Class B common stock
245

 
245

 
245

 
245

Class C common stock
26

 
28

 
26

 
29



See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
(in millions)
Net income
$
1,598

 
$
1,270

 
$
3,005

 
$
2,563

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities, available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gain
11

 
2

 
28

 
50

Income tax effect
(4
)
 

 
(10
)
 
(17
)
Reclassification adjustment for net gain realized in net income

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans:


 
 
 


 
 
Net unrealized actuarial loss and prior service credit
(8
)
 
(3
)
 
(7
)
 
(3
)
Income tax effect
3

 
1

 
3

 
1

Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss and prior service credit realized in net income
(5
)
 
5

 
(7
)
 
8

Income tax effect
2

 
(2
)
 
3

 
(3
)
Derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized (loss) gain
(7
)
 
6

 
17

 
15

Income tax effect
1

 

 
(3
)
 

Reclassification adjustment for net gain realized in net income
(12
)
 
(6
)
 
(23
)
 
(17
)
Income tax effect
2

 
2

 
4

 
5

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
(17
)
 
4

 
5

 
38

Comprehensive income
$
1,581

 
$
1,274

 
$
3,010

 
$
2,601




See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Accumulated Income
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Total
Equity
 
Class A
 
Class B
 
Class C
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions, except per share data)
Balance as of September 30, 2013
508

 
245

 
27

 
$
18,875

 
$
7,974

 
$
21

 
$
26,870

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,005

 
 
 
3,005

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5

 
5

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,010

Issuance of restricted stock awards
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Conversion of class C common stock upon sale into public market
1

 
 
 
(1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Share-based compensation
 
 
 
 
 
 
89

 
 
 
 
 
89

Excess tax benefit for share-based compensation
 
 
 
 
 
 
68

 
 
 
 
 
68

Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options
1

 
 
 
 
 
58

 
 
 
 
 
58

Restricted stock and performance shares settled in cash for taxes(1)

 
 
 
 
 
(83
)
 
 
 
 
 
(83
)
Cash dividends declared and paid, at a quarterly amount of $0.40 per as-converted share (Note 8)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(507
)
 
 
 
(507
)
Repurchase of class A common stock (Note 8)
(11
)
 
 
 
 
 
(452
)
 
(1,758
)
 
 
 
(2,210
)
Balance as of March 31, 2014
500

 
245

 
26

 
$
18,555

 
$
8,714

 
$
26

 
$
27,295

(1) 
Decrease in class A common stock is less than 1 million shares.



See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
 
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(in millions)
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
3,005

 
$
2,563

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
Amortization of client incentives
1,186

 
1,120

Share-based compensation
89

 
98

Excess tax benefit for share-based compensation
(68
)
 
(56
)
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment, technology and intangible assets
214

 
190

Deferred income taxes
(375
)
 
1,580

Other
12

 
35

Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Income tax receivable
109

 
(984
)
Settlement receivable
47

 
(34
)
Accounts receivable
(71
)
 
(79
)
Client incentives
(1,251
)
 
(1,108
)
Other assets
(459
)
 
(327
)
Accounts payable
(68
)
 
(15
)
Settlement payable
(126
)
 
3

Accrued and other liabilities
171

 
218

Accrued litigation (Note 12)
1,055

 
(4,384
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
3,470

 
(1,180
)
Investing Activities
 
 
 
Purchases of property, equipment, technology and intangible assets
(217
)
 
(211
)
Investment securities, available-for-sale:
 
 
 
Purchases
(1,292
)
 
(1,854
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities
1,406

 
1,616

Purchases of / contributions to other investments
(3
)
 
(3
)
Proceeds / distributions from other investments

 
3

Net cash used in investing activities
(106
)
 
(449
)
 

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(in millions)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Repurchase of class A common stock (Note 8)
$
(2,210
)
 
$
(3,073
)
Dividends paid (Note 8)
(507
)
 
(437
)
(Return to) payments from litigation escrow account—retrospective responsibility plan (Note 2 and Note 12)
(1,056
)
 
4,383

Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options
58

 
84

Restricted stock and performance shares settled in cash for taxes
(83
)
 
(64
)
Excess tax benefit for share-based compensation
68

 
56

Payment for earn-out related to PlaySpan acquisition

 
(12
)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations

 
(5
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(3,730
)
 
932

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(366
)
 
(697
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
2,186

 
2,074

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
1,820

 
$
1,377

Supplemental Disclosure
 
 
 
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
$
1,392

 
$
421

Non-cash accruals related to purchases of property, equipment, technology and intangible assets
$
27

 
$
41






See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

11

Table of Contents

VISA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2014
(unaudited)
Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization. Visa Inc. (“Visa” or the “Company”) 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 electronic payments. Visa and its wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries, including Visa U.S.A. Inc. (“Visa U.S.A.”), Visa International Service Association (“Visa International”), Visa Worldwide Pte. Limited, Visa Canada Corporation, Inovant LLC and CyberSource Corporation (“CyberSource”), operate one of the world’s most advanced processing networks — VisaNet — which facilitates authorization, clearing and settlement of payment transactions worldwide. VisaNet also offers fraud protection for account holders and assured payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for account holders on Visa-branded cards and payment products. In most cases, account holder and merchant relationships belong to, and are managed by, Visa's financial institution clients. Visa provides a wide variety of payment solutions that support payment products that issuers can offer to their account holders: pay now with debit, pay ahead with prepaid or pay later with credit products. Visa also offers a growing suite of innovative digital, eCommerce and mobile products and services. These services facilitate transactions on Visa's network among account holders, merchants, financial institutions and governments in mature and emerging markets globally.
Consolidation and basis of presentation. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Visa and its consolidated entities and are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company consolidates its majority-owned and controlled entities, including variable interest entities ("VIEs") for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company’s investments in VIEs have not been material to its consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods presented. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") requirements for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and, consequently, do not include all of the annual disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. Reference should be made to the Visa Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2013 for additional disclosures, including a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented.
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements.
In January 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-01, which clarifies the scope of ASU 2011-11. As amended, ASU 2011-11 requires disclosure of the effect or potential effect of offsetting arrangements on a Company's financial position as well as enhanced disclosure of the rights of offset associated with a Company's recognized derivative instruments, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions. The amended standard impacts presentation only. The Company adopted the standard effective October 1, 2013. The adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, which established the effective date for the requirement to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income. The standard impacts presentation only and does not impact the underlying components of other comprehensive income or net income. The Company adopted the standard effective October 1, 2013. Beginning with fiscal 2014, the components related to pension and postretirement benefit plans are presented on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. All prior period information has been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. The adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

12

Table of Contents
VISA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, which provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. The Company will adopt the standard effective October 1, 2014. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, which clarifies the applicable guidance for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity, or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. The Company will adopt the standard effective October 1, 2014. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, which provides guidance for the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The Company will adopt the standard effective October 1, 2014. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Note 2—Retrospective Responsibility Plan
Under the terms of the retrospective responsibility plan, the Company maintains an escrow account from which settlements of, or judgments in, the covered litigation are paid. See Note 12—Legal Matters.
On January 14, 2014, the court entered the final judgment order approving the settlement with the class plaintiffs in the interchange multidistrict litigation proceedings, which is subject to the adjudication of any appeals. Takedown payments of approximately $1.1 billion related to the opt-out merchants were received on January 27, 2014, and were deposited into the litigation escrow account. The deposit into the litigation escrow account and a related increase in accrued litigation to address opt-out claims were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
 
Fiscal 2014
 
Fiscal 2013
 
(in millions)
Balance at October 1
$
49

 
$
4,432

Return of takedown payments to the litigation escrow account
1,056

 

Payments to settlement funds(1)
 
 


   Class plaintiffs

 
(4,033
)
   Individual plaintiffs

 
(350
)
Balance at March 31
$
1,105

 
$
49

(1) 
Payments made in fiscal 2013 are associated with the interchange multidistrict litigation. See Note 12—Legal Matters.
The accrual related to the covered litigation could be either higher or lower than the litigation escrow account balance. The Company did not record any additional accruals for the covered litigation during the six months ended March 31, 2014. See Note 12—Legal Matters.

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Table of Contents
VISA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Note 3—Fair Value Measurements and Investments
Fair Value Measurements
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
Fair Value Measurements
Using Inputs Considered as
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
March 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2013
 
(in millions)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents and restricted cash:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
$
1,763

 
$
1,071

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial paper
 
 
 
 
$
43

 
$
51

 
 
 
 
Investment securities, trading:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
82

 
75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities, available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government-sponsored debt securities
 
 
 
 
2,480

 
2,704

 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
1,552

 
1,673

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
131

 
101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
 
 
 
 
488

 
269

 
 
 
 
Auction rate securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
7

 
$
7

Prepaid and other current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange derivative instruments
 
 
 
 
16

 
23

 
 
 
 
Total
$
3,528

 
$
2,920

 
$
3,027

 
$
3,047

 
$
7

 
$
7

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Visa Europe put option
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
145

 
$
145

Foreign exchange derivative instruments
 
 
 
 
$
20

 
$
15

 
 
 
 
Total
$

 
$

 
$
20

 
$
15

 
$
145

 
$
145

There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 assets during the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.    
Level 1 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Money market funds, publicly-traded equity securities and U.S. Treasury securities are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy, as fair value is based on quoted prices in active markets. The increase in the Company's level 1 assets primarily reflects the receipt of takedown payments related to the interchange multidistrict litigation, which were deposited into the Company's litigation escrow account. See Note 2—Retrospective Responsibility Plan and Note 12—Legal Matters.
Level 2 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of U.S. government-sponsored debt securities and corporate debt securities, as provided by third-party pricing vendors, is based on

14

Table of Contents
VISA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


quoted prices in active markets for similar, not identical, assets. The pricing data obtained from outside sources is reviewed internally for reasonableness, compared against benchmark quotes from independent pricing sources, then confirmed or revised accordingly. Commercial paper and foreign exchange derivative instruments are valued using inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. There were no substantive changes to the valuation techniques and related inputs used to measure fair value during the six months ended March 31, 2014.
Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Auction rate securities are classified as Level 3 due to a lack of trading in active markets and a lack of observable inputs in measuring fair value. There were no substantive changes to the valuation techniques and related inputs used to measure fair value during the six months ended March 31, 2014.
Visa Europe put option agreement. The Company has granted Visa Europe a perpetual put option, or the put option, which, if exercised, will require Visa Inc. to purchase all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Visa Europe from its members. The put option provides a formula for determining the purchase price of the Visa Europe shares, which, subject to certain adjustments, applies Visa Inc.’s forward price-to-earnings multiple (as defined in the put option agreement), or the P/E ratio, at the time the option is exercised, to Visa Europe’s adjusted net income for the forward 12-month period (as defined in the put option agreement), or the adjusted sustainable income. The calculation of Visa Europe’s adjusted sustainable income under the terms of the put option agreement includes potentially material adjustments for cost synergies and other negotiated items. Upon exercise, the key inputs to this formula, including Visa Europe’s adjusted sustainable income, will be the result of negotiation between the Company and Visa Europe. The put option provides an arbitration mechanism in the event that the two parties are unable to agree on the ultimate purchase price.
The fair value of the put option represents the value of Visa Europe’s option, which under certain conditions could obligate the Company to purchase its member equity interest for an amount above fair value. While the put option is in fact non-transferable, its fair value represents the Company’s estimate of the amount the Company would be required to pay a third-party market participant to transfer the potential obligation in an orderly transaction at the measurement date. The valuation of the put option therefore requires substantial judgment. The most subjective estimates applied in valuing the put option are the assumed probability that Visa Europe will elect to exercise its option and the estimated differential between the P/E ratio and the P/E ratio applicable to Visa Europe on a standalone basis at the time of exercise, or the P/E differential. The liability is classified within Level 3, as the assumed probability that Visa Europe will elect to exercise its option, the estimated P/E differential, and other inputs used to value the put option are unobservable.
At March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, the Company determined the fair value of the put option to be $145 million. While $145 million represents the fair value of the put option at March 31, 2014, it does not represent the actual purchase price that the Company may be required to pay if the option is exercised, which could be several billion dollars or more. During the six months ended March 31, 2014, there were no changes to the valuation methodology used to estimate the fair value of the put option. At March 31, 2014, the key unobservable inputs included a 40% probability of exercise by Visa Europe at some point in the future and an estimated P/E differential of 1.9x. At March 31, 2014, the Company's spot P/E was 20.8x, and there was a differential of 1.7x between this ratio and the estimated spot ratio applicable to Visa Europe. These ratios are for reference only and are not necessarily indicative of the ratio or differential that could be applicable if the put option were exercised at any point in the future. The use of an assumed probability of exercise that is 5% higher than the Company's estimate would have resulted in an increase of approximately $18 million in the value of the put option. An increase of 1.0x in the assumed P/E differential would have resulted in an increase of approximately $84 million in the value of the put option.
The put option is exercisable at any time at the sole discretion of Visa Europe. As such, the put option liability is included in accrued liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2014. Classification in current liabilities is not an indication of management’s expectation of exercise and simply reflects the fact that the obligation resulting from the exercise of the instrument could become payable within 12 months. Any non-cash changes in fair value are recorded in non-operating income (expense) on the consolidated statements of operations.

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VISA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis.
Non-marketable equity investments and investments accounted for under the equity method. These investments are classified as Level 3 due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity, and the fact that inputs used to measure fair value are unobservable and require management's judgment. When certain events or circumstances indicate that impairment may exist, the Company revalues the investments using various assumptions, including the financial metrics and ratios of comparable public companies. There were no
events or circumstances that indicated these investments became impaired during the six months ended
March 31, 2014. During the six months ended March 31, 2013, the Company recognized a $15 million other-than-temporary impairment loss. At March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, these investments totaled $32 million and $30 million, respectively. These assets are classified in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
Non-financial assets and liabilities. Long-lived assets such as goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, finite-lived intangible assets, and property, equipment and technology are considered non-financial assets. The Company does not have any non-financial liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Finite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of customer relationships, tradenames and reseller relationships, all of which were obtained through acquisitions.
If the Company were required to perform a quantitative assessment for impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, the fair values would generally be estimated using an income approach. As the assumptions employed to measure these assets on a non-recurring basis are based on management's judgment using internal and external data, these fair value determinations are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company completed its annual impairment review of its indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill as of February 1, 2014, and concluded that there was no impairment. No recent events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment existed at March 31, 2014.
Other Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value
The following financial instruments are not measured at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2014, but require disclosure of their fair values: time deposits recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets, settlement receivable and payable, and customer collateral. The estimated fair value of such instruments at March 31, 2014, approximates their carrying value due to their generally short maturities. If measured at fair value in the financial statements, these financial instruments would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Investments
Available-for-sale investment securities
The Company had $121 million in gross unrealized gains at March 31, 2014. There were $93 million gross unrealized gains and $1 million gross unrealized losses at September 30, 2013. The gross unrealized gains at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013 primarily relate to the Company's available-for-sale equity securities. A majority of the Company's available-for-sale investment securities with stated maturities are due within one to three years.
Note 4—Debt
Credit facility. On January 29, 2014, the Company entered into an unsecured $3.0 billion revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility, which expires on January 28, 2015, replaced the Company's previous $3.0 billion credit facility, which terminated on January 29, 2014. The Credit Facility contains covenants and events of default customary for facilities of this type. The participating lenders in the Credit Facility include affiliates of certain holders of the Company's class B and class C common stock and some of the Company's clients or affiliates of its clients. This facility is maintained to provide liquidity in the event of settlement failures by the Company's clients, to back up the commercial paper program and for general corporate purposes.
Interest on borrowings under the Credit Facility would be charged at the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or an alternative base rate, in each case plus applicable margins that fluctuate based on the applicable credit rating of the Company's senior unsecured long-term debt. Visa also agreed to pay a commitment fee, which will fluctuate based on the credit rating of the Company's senior unsecured long-term debt. Currently, the applicable

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VISA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


margin is 0.00% to 0.75% depending on the type of the loan, and the commitment fee is 0.07%. There were no borrowings under either facility and the Company was in compliance with all related covenants during the six months ended March 31, 2014.
Note 5—Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
The Company sponsors various qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans that provide for retirement and medical benefits for substantially all employees residing in the United States.
The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
(in millions)
Service cost
$
12

 
$
12

 
$
23

 
$
22

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Interest cost
11

 
9

 
21

 
18

 

 

 

 

Expected return on assets
(17
)
 
(15
)
 
(34
)
 
(31
)
 

 

 

 

Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service credit
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
(4
)
 
(5
)
 
(1
)
 

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
Actuarial loss

 
7

 

 
14

 

 

 

 

Net benefit cost
$
4

 
$
10

 
$
6

 
$
18

 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(1
)
Curtailment gain
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
 

 

 

 

 

Settlement loss

 

 
1

 

 

 

 

 

Total net periodic benefit cost
$
1

 
$
10

 
$
4

 
$
18

 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(1
)
Note 6—Settlement Guarantee Management
The indemnification for settlement losses that Visa provides to its financial institution clients creates settlement risk for the Company due to the difference in timing between the date of a payment transaction and the date of subsequent settlement. The exposure to settlement losses through Visa's settlement indemnification is accounted for as a settlement risk guarantee. The Company’s settlement exposure is limited to the amount of unsettled Visa payment transactions at any point in time. The Company requires certain financial institution clients that do not meet its credit standards to post collateral to offset potential loss from their estimated unsettled transactions. The Company’s estimated maximum settlement exposure was $56.2 billion at March 31, 2014, compared to $53.8 billion at September 30, 2013. Of these settlement exposure amounts, $3.1 billion and $3.0 billion were covered by collateral at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively.
The Company maintained collateral as follows:
 
March 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2013
 
(in millions)
Cash equivalents
$
923

 
$
866

Pledged securities at market value
191

 
256

Letters of credit
1,184

 
1,191

Guarantees
1,372

 
1,411

Total
$
3,670

 
$
3,724

The total available collateral balances presented in the table above were greater than the settlement exposure covered by customer collateral held due to instances in which the available collateral exceeded the total settlement exposure for certain financial institutions at each date presented.

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VISA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


The fair value of the settlement risk guarantee is estimated based on a proprietary probability-weighted model and was approximately $2 million at March 31, 2014 and $1 million at September 30, 2013. These amounts are reflected in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Note 7—Other Liabilities
Other non-current liabilities consisted of the following:
 
March 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2013
 
(in millions)
Accrued income taxes(1)
$
741

 
$
453

Employee benefits
87

 
86

Other
33

 
63

Total
$
861

 
$
602


(1) 
The increase in non-current accrued income taxes is due to an increase in liabilities for uncertain tax positions.
Note 8—Stockholders' Equity
The number of shares of each class and the number of shares of class A common stock on an as-converted basis at March 31, 2014, are as follows:
(in millions, except conversion rate)
Shares Outstanding
 
Conversion Rate
Into Class A
Common Stock
 
As-converted Class A Common
Stock(1)
Class A common stock
500

 

 
500

Class B common stock
245

 
0.4206

 
103

Class C common stock
26

 
1.0000

 
26

Total
 
 
 
 
629

(1)  
Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. As-converted class A common stock is calculated based on whole numbers, not the rounded numbers presented.
Reduction in as-converted class A common stock.
The following table presents share repurchases in the open market.
(in millions, except per share data)
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Six Months Ended March 31, 2014
Shares repurchased in the open market (1)
 
5

 
11

Weighted-average repurchase price per share
 
$
217.61

 
$
208.31

Total cost
 
$
1,119

 
$
2,210

(1)  
All shares repurchased in the open market have been retired and constitute authorized but unissued shares.
As of March 31, 2014, the October 2013 program had remaining authorized funds of $3.0 billion for share repurchase. All share repurchase programs authorized prior to October 2013 have been completed.
Dividends. In April 2014, the Company’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per share of class A common stock (determined in the case of class B and class C common stock on an as-converted basis), which will be paid on June 3, 2014, to all holders of record of the Company's class A, B and C common stock as of May 16, 2014. The Company declared and paid $507 million in dividends during the six months ended March 31, 2014.

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VISA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)



Note 9—Earnings Per Share
The following table presents earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014.(1)     
 
Basic Earnings Per Share
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
(in millions, except per share data)
 
Income
Allocation
(A)(2)
 
Weighted-
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
 
Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)
 
 
Income
Allocation
(A)(2)
 
Weighted-
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
 
Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)
Class A common stock
$
1,266

 
501

 
$
2.53

 
 
$
1,598

 
634

(3) 
$
2.52

Class B common stock
261

 
245

 
$
1.06

 
 
$
260

 
245

 
$
1.06

Class C common stock
66

 
26

 
$
2.53

 
 
$
65

 
26

 
$
2.52

Participating securities(4)
5

 
Not presented

 
Not presented

 
 
$
5

 
Not presented

 
Not presented

Net income
$
1,598

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents earnings per share for the six months ended March 31, 2014.(1)     
 
Basic Earnings Per Share
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
(in millions, except per share data)
 
Income
Allocation
(A)(2)
 
Weighted-
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
 
Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)
 
 
Income
Allocation
(A)(2)
 
Weighted-
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
 
Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)
Class A common stock
$
2,381

 
503

 
$
4.74

 
 
$
3,005

 
636

(3) 
$
4.72

Class B common stock
489

 
245

 
$
1.99

 
 
$
488

 
245

 
$
1.99

Class C common stock
125

 
26

 
$
4.74

 
 
$
124

 
26

 
$
4.72

Participating securities(4)
10

 
Not presented

 
Not presented

 
 
$
10

 
Not presented

 
Not presented

Net income
$
3,005

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2013.(1)     
 
Basic Earnings Per Share
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
(in millions, except per share data)
 
Income
Allocation
(A)(2)
 
Weighted-
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
 
Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)
 
 
Income
Allocation
(A)(2)
 
Weighted-
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
 
Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)
Class A common stock
$
1,011

 
524

 
$
1.93

 
 
$
1,270

 
660

(3) 
$
1.92

Class B common stock
199

 
245

 
$
0.81

 
 
$
199

 
245

 
$
0.81

Class C common stock
55

 
28

 
$
1.93

 
 
$
55

 
28

 
$
1.92

Participating securities(4)
5

 
Not presented

 
Not presented

 
 
$
5

 
Not presented

 
Not presented

Net income
$
1,270

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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VISA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


The following table presents earnings per share for the six months ended March 31, 2013.(1)     
 
Basic Earnings Per Share
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
(in millions, except per share data)
 
Income
Allocation
(A)(2)
 
Weighted-
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
 
Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)
 
 
Income
Allocation
(A)(2)
 
Weighted-
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
 
Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)
Class A common stock
$
2,041

 
528

 
$
3.87

 
 
$
2,563

 
665

(3) 
$
3.86

Class B common stock
399

 
245

 
$
1.63

 
 
$
398

 
245

 
$
1.62

Class C common stock
113

 
29

 
$
3.87

 
 
$
112

 
29

 
$
3.86

Participating securities(4)
10

 
Not presented

 
Not presented

 
 
$
10

 
Not presented

 
Not presented

Net income
$
2,563

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Earnings per share is calculated based on whole numbers, not the rounded numbers presented.
(2) 
Net income is allocated based on proportional ownership on an as-converted basis. The weighted-average number of shares of as-converted class B common stock used in the income allocation was 103 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
(3) 
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding are calculated on an as-converted basis, and include incremental common stock equivalents, as calculated under the treasury stock method. The computation includes approximately 2 million of common stock equivalents for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, because their effect would be dilutive. The calculation excludes less than 1 million of common stock equivalents for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
(4) 
Participating securities are unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, such as the Company's restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and earned performance-based shares.
Note 10—Share-based Compensation
The Company granted the following equity awards to employees and non-employee directors under the 2007 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan during the six months ended March 31, 2014:
 
Granted
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
Non-qualified stock options
376,809

 
$
44.23

 
$
200.19

Restricted stock awards ("RSAs")
537,244

 
$
198.75

 
 
Restricted stock units ("RSUs")
224,838

 
$
197.67

 
 
Performance-based shares(1)
278,451

 
$
225.46

 
 
(1)  
Represents the maximum number of performance-based shares which could be earned.
The Company’s non-qualified stock options, RSAs and RSUs are equity awards with service-only conditions and are accordingly expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The Company's performance-based shares are equity awards with service, market and performance conditions that are accounted for using the graded-vesting method. Compensation cost is recorded net of estimated forfeitures, which are adjusted as appropriate.
Note 11—Income Taxes
The effective income tax rates were 22% and 27% for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, respectively, and 32% and 30% for the three and six months ended March 31, 2013, respectively. The effective tax rates for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 differ from the effective tax rates in the same periods in fiscal 2013 primarily due to:

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VISA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


a $218 million tax benefit related to a deduction for U.S. domestic production activities, of which, $184 million related to prior fiscal years and $17 million related to the first quarter of fiscal 2014, as a result of the completion of a study during the three months ended March 31, 2014; and
the absence of a $76 million tax benefit recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, as a result of new guidance issued by the state of California regarding apportionment rules for years prior to fiscal 2012.
During the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, the Company's gross unrecognized tax benefits increased by $133 million and $180 million, respectively, $132 million and 177 million of which, respectively, would favorably impact our effective income tax rate if recognized. The increase in gross unrecognized tax benefits is primarily due to potential audit exposure related to various tax positions across several jurisdictions. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, the Company accrued $2 million and $4 million of interest, respectively, and released $1 million of penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
Note 12—Legal Matters
The Company is party to various legal and regulatory proceedings. Some of these proceedings involve complex claims that are subject to substantial uncertainties and unascertainable damages. Accordingly, except as disclosed, the Company has not established reserves or ranges of possible loss related to these proceedings, as at this time in the proceedings, the matters do not relate to a probable loss and/or the amount or range of losses are not reasonably estimable. Although the Company believes that it has strong defenses for the litigation and regulatory proceedings described below, it could, in the future, incur judgments or fines or enter into settlements of claims that could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. From time to time, the Company may engage in settlement discussions or mediations with respect to one or more of its outstanding litigation matters, either on its own behalf or collectively with other parties.
The litigation accrual is an estimate and is based on management’s understanding of its litigation profile, the specifics of each case, advice of counsel to the extent appropriate and management’s best estimate of incurred loss as of the balance sheet date.
The following table summarizes activity related to accrued litigation.
 
Fiscal 2014
 
Fiscal 2013
 
(in millions)
Balance at October 1
$
5

 
$
4,386

Provision for unsettled matters

 
4

Reestablishment of obligation related to interchange multidistrict litigation(1)
1,056

 

Payment on unsettled matters(1)

 
(4,033
)
Payment on settled matters
(1
)
 
(351
)
Balance at March 31
$
1,060

 
$
6

(1) 
In fiscal 2013, the Company paid approximately $4.0 billion from the litigation escrow account into a settlement fund established pursuant to the definitive class settlement agreement in the interchange multidistrict litigation. Under the settlement agreement, if class members opt-out (“opt-out merchants”) of the damages portion of the class settlement, the defendants are entitled to receive payments of no more than 25% of the original cash payments made into the settlement fund, based on the percentage of payment card sales volume for a defined period attributable to merchants who opted out (the "takedown payments"). On January 14, 2014, the court entered the final judgment order approving the settlement with the class plaintiffs in the interchange multidistrict litigation proceedings, which is subject to the adjudication of any appeals. Takedown payments of approximately $1.1 billion were received on January 27, 2014, and deposited into the Company’s litigation escrow account. The deposit into the litigation escrow account and a related increase in accrued litigation to address opt-out claims were recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2014. See further discussion below.
Covered Litigation
Visa Inc., Visa U.S.A. and Visa International are parties to certain legal proceedings that are covered by the retrospective responsibility plan, which the Company refers to as the covered litigation. See Note 2Retrospective

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VISA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Responsibility Plan. An accrual for the covered litigation and a charge to the litigation provision are recorded when loss is deemed to be probable and reasonably estimable. In making this determination, the Company evaluates available information, including but not limited to, actions taken by the litigation committee.
Interchange Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)
On December 13, 2013, the district court issued a memorandum and order approving the Settlement Agreement with the class plaintiffs. On January 14, 2014, the court entered the final judgment order approving the settlement. A number of objectors to the settlement have appealed from that order. Until the appeals are finally adjudicated, no assurance can be provided that the Company will be able to resolve the class plaintiffs' claims as contemplated by the Settlement Agreement. On January 27, 2014, Visa's portion of the takedown payments related to the opt-out merchants, which was calculated to be approximately $1.1 billion, was deposited into the litigation escrow account.
Interchange Opt-out Litigation
Beginning in May 2013, more than 30 opt-out cases have been filed by hundreds of merchants in various federal district courts, generally pursuing damages claims on allegations similar to those raised in MDL 1720. A similar case has been filed by merchants in Texas state court. A number of the cases also include allegations that Visa has monopolized, attempted to monopolize, and/or conspired to monopolize debit card-related market segments, and one of the cases seeks an injunction against the fixed acquirer network fee. The cases name as defendants Visa Inc., Visa U.S.A., Visa International, MasterCard Incorporated, and MasterCard International Incorporated, although some also include certain U.S. financial institutions as defendants. On March 25, 2014, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and its subsidiaries filed an opt-out complaint against Visa Inc., Visa U.S.A., and Visa International in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas alleging similar claims. All the cases originally filed in federal court either were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York and have been assigned to the judge presiding over MDL 1720, or have been transferred by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation for inclusion in MDL 1720. Visa removed the Texas state court case to federal court and sought to transfer it to MDL 1720, but the federal court remanded the case to Texas state court before the case could be transferred to MDL 1720. Cases that are transferred to or otherwise included in MDL 1720 will be covered litigation for purposes of the retrospective responsibility plan. See Note 2Retrospective Responsibility Plan.
On January 14, 2014, Visa filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York against The Home Depot, Inc. and Home Depot U.S.A., Inc. seeking a declaration that, from January 1, 2004 to November 27, 2012, the time period for which opt-outs may seek damages under the MDL class settlement, Visa's conduct in, among other things, continuing to set default interchange rates, maintaining its "honor all cards" rule, enforcing certain rules relating to merchants, and restructuring itself, did not violate federal or state antitrust laws. The case has been assigned to the same district court judge presiding over MDL 1720.
On February 12, 2014, the court entered an order confirming that In re Payment Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Antitrust Litigation, 1:05-md-01720-JG-JO (E.D.N.Y.), includes all current and future actions transferred to MDL 1720 by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation or other order of any court for inclusion in coordinated or pretrial proceedings, and all actions filed in the Eastern District of New York that arise out of operative facts as alleged in the cases subject to the transfer orders of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. 
On March 13, 2014, Visa and the other defendants in the opt-out cases in MDL 1720 filed a motion to dismiss the opt-out complaints in MDL 1720. Also on March 13, 2014, Wal-Mart and the named class representatives that are defendants in the declaratory judgment cases in MDL 1720 filed motions to dismiss the declaratory judgment complaints. The court has scheduled a hearing on the motions to dismiss for July 11, 2014.
Consumer Interchange Litigation
On December 16, 2013, a putative class action was filed in federal district court in California against certain financial institutions alleging that they conspired to fix interchange fees and imposed other alleged restraints on competition. The complaint was filed on behalf of four named plaintiffs and an alleged class of all Visa and MasterCard payment cardholders in the United States since January 1, 2000. Although no Visa entity is named as a defendant, the complaint identifies Visa U.S.A., MasterCard, and certain non-defendant financial institutions as co-conspirators, and plaintiffs assert that they may seek leave to amend the complaint to add the co-conspirators as

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VISA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


defendants. Plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, attorneys fees, and treble damages allegedly to compensate the purported class for more than $54.0 billion dollars in purported overcharges imposed on them each year by defendants and their alleged co-conspirators. After the Clerk of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation declined to transfer the case to MDL 1720, defendants filed a motion with the Panel seeking transfer of the case to MDL 1720. That motion remains pending. 
Other Litigation
Vale Canjeable
On December 9, 2013, the Constitutional Chamber reversed the Commercial Chambers judgment and issued a final decision. The Constitutional Chamber ruled that the Vale mark is distinctive and Visas mark, Visa Vale infringed the plaintiffs mark, but the plaintiff suffered no damages as a result of the infringement. The ruling permits the plaintiff to seek its costs from the defendants in relation to certain appeals filed by the defendants.
European Competition Proceedings
European Commission. On February 26, 2014, after public consultation, the European Commission (EC) adopted a formal decision accepting Visa Europe’s commitments addressing domestic interchange, cross-border interchange for credit card transactions within Europe, and cross-border acquiring within Europe, and made the commitments legally binding on Visa Europe. The EC continues the proceedings in respect of inter-regional interchange fees that apply to transactions involving a Visa credit cardholder from outside the Visa Europe territory and a merchant in the European Economic Area (EEA). These interchange fees are set by Visa Inc.
U.K. Merchant Litigation. Since November 2013, Visa Inc., Visa International, and Visa Europe have been put on notice of additional claims on behalf of approximately 12 merchants, all of which have entered into standstill agreements with Visa Europe, Visa Inc., and Visa International. Additionally, to date, 17 total merchants (or groups of merchant companies) have filed claims against Visa Inc., Visa International, and Visa Europe relating to interchange rates in Europe, and seek damages for alleged anti-competitive conduct relating to U.K. domestic, Irish domestic, and intra-EEA interchange fees for credit and debit cards. The amount of interchange being challenged could be substantial. Although the full scope of the claims is not yet known, and Visa has substantial defenses to these claims, the total damages sought in the 17 existing claims may exceed $1.0 billion.
Visa Europe is obligated to indemnify Visa Inc. and Visa International in connection with the European Competition Proceedings, in our opinion, including payment of any fines that may be imposed. However, Visa Europe has expressed an "initial" view that it is not obligated to indemnify Visa Inc. or Visa International for any claim in the European Competition Proceedings, including claims asserted in both the European Commission matter and the U.K. Merchant Litigation. Visa Inc. continues to firmly believe that Visa Europe is obligated to indemnify for all such claims, and has been in discussions with Visa Europe to resolve this issue. While the parties are not currently in non-binding arbitration, both parties have initiated the executive engagement aspect of the dispute resolution procedure contemplated by the Framework Agreement to resolve their dispute regarding this indemnification issue.
Canadian Competition Proceedings
Merchant Litigation. On March 26, 2014, the British Columbia Supreme Court, in Watson v. Bank of America Corporation, et al., granted the plaintiffs' application for class certification in part, allowing plaintiffs to proceed as a class on, among other claims, claims for price fixing under Canada's Competition Act.
U.S. ATM Access Fee Litigation
On December 19, 2013, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia denied plaintiffs motions for leave to file amended complaints in the National ATM Council class action and the consumer class actions, and denied plaintiffs motions for an order altering or amending the court's February 13, 2013 judgment. On January 10, 2014, plaintiffs in the National ATM Council class action and the consumer class actions filed notices of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

23

Table of Contents
VISA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Target Data Breach
On March 3, 2014, a purported class action was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Utah against Target, Visa and MasterCard alleging, among other things, violations of Utah unfair competition law, invasion of privacy, negligence and breach of contract as a result of unauthorized access in November and December 2013 to certain personal information and payment card data stored by Target. The complaint also alleges that Visa and MasterCard unlawfully failed to implement chip technology in the United States. The complaint seeks damages, restitution, injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees.

24

Table of Contents
VISA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)



ITEM 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This management’s discussion and analysis provides a review of the results of operations, financial condition and the liquidity and capital resources of Visa Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Visa,” “we,” “our” or the “Company”) on a historical basis and outlines the factors that have affected recent earnings, as well as those factors that may affect future earnings. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are identified by words such as "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "projects," "could," "should," "will," "will continue" and other similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make about our revenue, client incentives, operating margin, earnings per share, free cash flow, and the growth of those items.
By their nature, forward-looking statements: (i) speak only as of the date they are made; (ii) are not statements of historical fact or guarantees of future performance; and (iii) are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions or changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict or quantify. Therefore, actual results could differ materially and adversely from our forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including the following:
the impact of laws, regulations and marketplace barriers, including:
rules capping debit interchange reimbursement rates and expanding financial institutions' and merchants' choices among debit payment networks promulgated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;
increased regulation in jurisdictions outside of the United States and in other product categories;
increased government support of national payment networks outside the United States; and
increased regulation on consumer privacy, data use and security;
developments in litigation and government enforcement, including those affecting interchange reimbursement fees, antitrust and tax;
new lawsuits, investigations or proceedings, or changes to our potential exposure in connection with pending lawsuits, investigations or proceedings;
economic factors, such as:
economic fragility in the Eurozone and in the United States;
general economic, political and social conditions in mature and emerging markets globally;
material changes in cross-border activity, foreign exchange controls and fluctuations in currency exchange rates; and
material changes in our financial institution clients' performance compared to our estimates;
industry developments, such as competitive pressure, rapid technological developments and disintermediation from our payments network;
system developments, such as:
disruption of our transaction processing systems or the inability to process transactions efficiently;

25


account data breaches or increased fraudulent or other illegal activities involving Visa-branded cards or payment products; and
failure to maintain systems interoperability with Visa Europe;
costs arising if Visa Europe were to exercise its right to require us to acquire all of its outstanding stock;
the loss of organizational effectiveness or key employees;
the failure to integrate acquisitions successfully or to effectively develop new products and businesses;
natural disasters, terrorist attacks, military or political conflicts, and public health emergencies; and

various other factors, including those contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2013 and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on such statements. Except as required by law, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Overview
Visa is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments around the world to fast, secure and reliable electronic payments. We provide our financial institution clients with a global payments infrastructure and support services for the delivery of Visa-branded payment products, including credit, debit, and prepaid. We facilitate global commerce through the transfer of value and information among financial institutions, merchants, consumers, businesses and government entities. Each of these constituencies has played a key role in the ongoing worldwide migration from paper-based to electronic forms of payment, and we believe that this transformation continues to yield significant growth opportunities, particularly outside the United States. We continue to explore additional opportunities to enhance our competitive position by expanding the scope of payment solutions we provide.
Overall economic conditions. Our business is affected by overall economic conditions and consumer spending. Our business performance during the first half of fiscal 2014 reflects the impacts of a tepid global economic recovery.
Interchange Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). On January 14, 2014, the court entered the final judgment order approving the settlement with the class plaintiffs in the interchange multidistrict litigation proceedings, which is subject to the adjudication of any appeals. Takedown payments of approximately $1.1 billion related to the opt-out merchants were received on January 27, 2014, and were deposited into the litigation escrow account. The deposit into the litigation escrow account and a related increase in accrued litigation to address opt-out claims were recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2014. See Note 2—Retrospective Responsibility Plan and Note 12—Legal Matters to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
Interchange reimbursement fees. On March 21, 2014, the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit reversed a district court ruling invalidating the debit regulations implemented by the Federal Reserve in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act. The appeals court agreed with the Federal Reserve on its interpretation, except for a single issue related to the interchange cost calculation which was referred back to the Federal Reserve for reconsideration. The current rules remain in place while the case is ongoing.
Reduction in as-converted class A common stock. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, we repurchased 5 million and 11 million shares, respectively, of our class A common stock using $1.1 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively, of cash on hand. As of March 31, 2014, the October program had remaining authorized funds of 3.0 billion. All share repurchase programs authorized prior to October 2013 have been completed. See Note 8—Stockholders' Equity to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
Nominal payments volume and transaction counts. Payments volume is the primary driver for our service revenues, and the number of processed transactions is the primary driver for our data processing revenues. Compared to the prior year periods, overall payments volume grew in all categories worldwide. The number of processed transactions continues to increase at a double-digit growth rate, reflecting the continuing worldwide shift to electronic currency.

26

Table of Contents

The following tables present nominal volume.(1) 
 
U.S.
 
International
 
Visa Inc.
 
3 Months
Ended
December 31,
2013 (2)
 
3 Months
Ended
December 31,
2012 (2)
 
%
Change
 
3 Months
Ended
December 31,
2013 (2)
 
3 Months
Ended
December 31,
2012 (2)
 
%
Change
 
3 Months
Ended
December 31,
2013 (2)
 
3 Months
Ended
December 31,
2012 (2)
 
%
Change
 
(in billions, except percentages)
Nominal Payments Volume
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer credit
$
223

 
$
203

 
10
%
 
$
416

 
$
392

 
6
%
 
$
640

 
$
595

 
7
%
Consumer debit(3)
278

 
259

 
7
%
 
119

 
101

 
18
%
 
397

 
360

 
10
%
Commercial(4)
90

 
83

 
9
%
 
38

 
37

 
2
%
 
128

 
120

 
7
%
Total Nominal Payments Volume
$
591

 
$
545

 
8
%
 
$
573

 
$
530

 
8
%
 
$
1,164

 
$
1,075

 
8
%
Cash volume
114

 
110

 
3
%
 
559

 
538

 
4
%
 
673

 
649

 
4
%
Total Nominal Volume(5)
$
704

 
$
655

 
8
%
 
$
1,132

 
$
1,068

 
6
%
 
$
1,837

 
$
1,723

 
7
%
 
U.S.
 
International
 
Visa Inc.
 
6 Months
Ended
December 31,
2013 (2)
 
6 Months
Ended
December 31,
2012 (2)
 
%
Change
 
6 Months
Ended
December 31,
2013 (2)
 
6 Months
Ended
December 31,
2012 (2)
 
%
Change
 
6 Months
Ended
December 31,
2013 (2)
 
6 Months
Ended
December 31,
2012 (2)
 
%
Change
 
(in billions, except percentages)
Nominal Payments Volume
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer credit
$
436

 
$
393

 
11
%
 
$
805

 
$
754

 
7
%
 
$
1,241

 
$
1,148

 
8
%
Consumer debit(3)
550

 
508

 
8
%
 
224

 
190

 
18
%
 
774

 
698

 
11
%
Commercial(4)
181

 
165

 
9
%
 
73

 
71

 
2
%
 
253

 
236

 
7
%
Total Nominal Payments Volume
$
1,166

 
$
1,066

 
9
%
 
$
1,103

 
$
1,016

 
9
%
 
$
2,268

 
$
2,082

 
9
%
Cash volume
231

 
222

 
4
%
 
1,083

 
1,035

 
5
%
 
1,313

 
1,256

 
5
%
Total Nominal Volume(5)
$
1,396

 
$
1,288

 
8
%
 
$
2,185

 
$
2,050

 
7
%
 
$
3,582

 
$
3,338

 
7
%
(1) 
Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Percentage changes are calculated based on whole numbers, not the rounded numbers presented.
(2) 
Service revenues in a given quarter are assessed based on payments volume in the prior quarter. Therefore, service revenues reported for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, were based on payments volume reported by our financial institution clients for the three and six months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
(3) 
Includes prepaid volume.
(4) 
Includes large, middle and small business credit, and small business debit and prepaid volume.
(5) 
Total nominal volume is the sum of total nominal payments volume and cash volume. Total nominal payments volume is the total monetary value of transactions for goods and services that are purchased on Visa-branded cards and payment products. Cash volume generally consists of cash access transactions, balance access transactions, balance transfers and convenience checks. Total nominal volume is provided by our financial institution clients, subject to review by Visa. From time to time, previously presented volume information may be updated. Prior period updates are not material.

27

Table of Contents

The table below provides the number of transactions processed by our VisaNet system and billable transactions processed by CyberSource’s network.(1) 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
2014
 
2013
 
%
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
%
Change
(in millions, except percentages)
Visa processed transactions(2)
15,354

 
13,850

 
11
%
 
31,339

 
28,009

 
12
%
CyberSource billable transactions(3)
1,859

 
1,608

 
16
%
 
3,753

 
3,188

 
18
%
(1) 
Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Percentage changes are calculated based on whole numbers, not the rounded numbers presented.
(2) 
Represents transactions involving Visa, Visa Electron, Interlink and PLUS cards processed on Visa's networks.
(3) 
Transactions include, but are not limited to, authorization, settlement payment network connectivity, fraud management, payment security management, tax services and delivery address verification.
Results of Operations
Operating Revenues
The following table sets forth our operating revenues earned in the United States, internationally and from Visa Europe. Revenues earned from Visa Europe are a result of our contractual arrangement with Visa Europe, as governed by the framework agreement that provides for trademark and technology licenses and bilateral services.
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014 vs. 2013
 
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014 vs. 2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
$
Change
 
%
Change(1)
 
2014
 
2013
 
$
Change
 
%
Change(1)
 
(in millions, except percentages)
U.S.
$
1,683

 
$
1,598

 
$
85

 
5
 %
 
$
3,374

 
$
3,125

 
$
249

 
8
 %
International
1,427

 
1,305

 
122

 
9
 %
 
2,839

 
2,569

 
270

 
11
 %
Visa Europe
53

 
55

 
(2
)
 
(4
)%
 
105

 
110

 
(5
)
 
(5
)%
Total operating revenues
$
3,163

 
$
2,958

 
$
205

 
7
 %
 
$
6,318

 
$
5,804


$
514

 
9
 %
(1) 
Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Percentage changes are calculated based on whole numbers, not the rounded numbers presented.
The increase in operating revenues primarily reflects continued growth in our underlying business drivers: nominal payments volume; processed transactions; and nominal cross-border volume. These benefits were partially offset by increases in client incentives.
Our operating revenues, primarily service revenues and international transaction revenues, are impacted by the overall strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar as payments volume and related revenues denominated in local currencies are converted to U.S. dollars. The effect of exchange rate movements in the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, as partially mitigated by our hedging program, resulted in a negative two percentage point impact to our total operating revenue growth compared to the prior year. While we expect our hedging program to continue to mitigate this risk during fiscal 2014, a general strengthening of the U.S. dollar is expected to reduce total operating revenue growth by about two percentage points for the full 2014 fiscal year, net of offsetting hedges.

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Table of Contents

The following table sets forth the components of our total operating revenues.
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014 vs. 2013
 
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014 vs. 2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
$
Change
 
%
Change(1)
 
2014
 
2013
 
$
Change
 
%
Change(1)
 
(in millions, except percentages)
Service revenues
$
1,462

 
$
1,369

 
$
93

 
7
%
 
$
2,881

 
$
2,669

 
$
212

 
8
%
Data processing revenues
1,234

 
1,150

 
84

 
7
%
 
2,498

 
2,265

 
233

 
10
%
International transaction revenues
871

 
831

 
40

 
5
%
 
1,762

 
1,636

 
126

 
8
%
Other revenues
183

 
175

 
8

 
5
%
 
363

 
354

 
9

 
2
%
Client incentives
(587
)
 
(567
)
 
(20
)
 
4
%
 
(1,186
)
 
(1,120
)
 
(66
)
 
6
%
Total operating revenues
$
3,163

 
$
2,958

 
$
205

 
7
%
 
$
6,318

 
$
5,804

 
$
514

 
9
%
(1) 
Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Percentage changes are calculated based on whole numbers, not the rounded numbers presented.
Service revenues increased due to 8% and 9% growth in nominal payments volume during the three and six month comparable periods, respectively.
Data processing revenues increased due to overall growth in processed transactions of 11% and 12% during the three and six month comparable periods, respectively, and solid growth in CyberSource billable transactions. The growth in data processing revenues was slower than the growth in processed transactions reflecting the absence of certain one-time adjustments recognized during the second quarter of fiscal 2013 and a proportion of revenues that are not earned on a per-transaction basis.
International transaction revenues increased during the three and six month comparable periods, respectively, primarily due to 5% and 8% growth in nominal cross-border payments volume, respectively. The volume growth softened across various geographies reflecting a lower level of cross-border travel.
Client incentives increased during the three and six month comparable period mainly due to incentives recognized on long-term customer contracts, primarily outside of the United States, that were initiated or renewed after the second quarter of fiscal 2013. The six month period also benefited from the overall growth in global payments volume. The amount of client incentives we record in future periods will vary based on changes in performance expectations, actual client performance, amendments to existing contracts or the execution of new contracts. We expect incentives as a percentage of gross revenues to be in the range of 16.5% to 17.5% for the full 2014 fiscal year.
Operating Expenses
The following table sets forth components of our total operating expenses.
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014 vs. 2013
 
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014 vs. 2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
$
Change
 
%
Change(1)
 
2014
 
2013
 
$
Change
 
%
Change(1)
 
(in millions, except percentages)
Personnel
$
446

 
$
486

 
$
(40
)
 
(8
)%
 
$
916

 
$
940

 
$
(24
)
 
(3
)%
Marketing
245

 
195

 
50

 
26
 %
 
431

 
388

 
43

 
11
 %
Network and processing
120

 
119

 
1

 
1
 %
 
252

 
229

 
23

 
10
 %
Professional fees
77

 
91

 
(14
)
 
(15
)%
 
152

 
179

 
(27
)
 
(15
)%
Depreciation and amortization
107

 
98

 
9

 
10
 %
 
214

 
190

 
24

 
13
 %
General and administrative
120

 
108

 
12

 
11
 %
 
228

 
214

 
14

 
7
 %
Litigation provision

 
1

 
(1
)
 
NM

 

 
4

 
(4
)
 
NM

Total operating expenses
$
1,115

 
$
1,098

 
$
17

 
2
 %
 
$
2,193

 
$
2,144

 
$
49

 
2
 %

29

Table of Contents

(1)
Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Percentage changes are calculated based on
whole numbers, not the rounded numbers presented.
Personnel decreased mainly due to lower incentive compensation and reductions in our net periodic pension cost. Personnel cost was also lower due to one-time share-based compensation expenses recognized in the first half of fiscal 2013. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in headcount throughout the organization reflecting our strategy to invest for future growth.
Marketing increased primarily due to the higher level of spending to support a number of campaigns, including the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and 2014 FIFA World Cup. We anticipate continued spending during the second half of fiscal 2014 to support the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Network and processing increased mainly due to greater investment in technology projects and costs incurred for the operation of our processing network during the first half of fiscal 2014.
Professional fees decreased primarily due to the absence of certain project costs incurred in fiscal 2013, partially offset by costs incurred to expand and support our network capabilities and applications.
Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to additional depreciation from our ongoing investments in technology assets and infrastructure to support our core business and eCommerce initiatives.
General and administrative increased primarily due to facilities cost in support of our business growth.
Effective Income Tax Rate
The effective income tax rates were 22% and 27% for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, respectively, and 32% and 30% for the three and six months ended March 31, 2013, respectively. The effective tax rates for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 differ from the effective tax rates in the same periods in fiscal 2013 primarily due to:
a $218 million tax benefit related to a deduction for U.S. domestic production activities, of which, $184 million related to prior fiscal years and $17 million related to the first quarter of fiscal 2014, as a result of the completion of a study during the three months ended March 31, 2014; and
the absence of a $76 million tax benefit recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, as a result of new guidance issued by the state of California regarding apportionment rules for years prior to fiscal 2012.
During the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, our gross unrecognized tax benefits increased by $133 million and $180 million, respectively, $132 million and $177 million of which, respectively, would favorably impact our effective income tax rate if recognized. The increase in gross unrecognized tax benefits is primarily due to potential audit exposure related to various tax positions across several jurisdictions.

30

Table of Contents


Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow Data
The following table summarizes our cash flow activity for the periods presented.
 
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
(in millions)
Total cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
3,470

 
$
(1,180
)
Investing activities
(106
)
 
(449
)
Financing activities
(3,730
)
 
932

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
$
(366
)
 
$
(697
)
Operating activities. Cash provided by operating activities during the first half of fiscal 2014 reflects the return of our portion of takedown payments of approximately $1.1 billion in connection with the interchange multidistrict litigation. Upon receipt, we returned these funds to the litigation escrow account and reestablished the related accrued litigation. The return of funds to the litigation escrow is reflected as a use of cash under financing activities. Cash used in operating activities during the prior-year comparable period reflects payments from the litigation escrow account totaling $4.4 billion in connection with the interchange multidistrict litigation. See Note 2—Retrospective Responsibility Plan and Note 12—Legal Matters to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
Investing activities. Cash used in investing activities was lower compared to the prior year, primarily reflecting a decrease in purchases of available-for-sale securities, offset by a decrease in proceeds received from the sale and maturity of available-for-sale securities.
Financing activities. Cash used in financing activities during the six months ended March 31, 2014 reflects the use of $2.2 billion to repurchase class A common stock in the open market, the return of takedown payments totaling $1.1 billion into the litigation escrow account, as described above, and dividend payments of $507 million. Activity in the prior-year comparable period primarily reflected the funding of payments from the litigation escrow account totaling $4.4 billion in connection with the interchange multidistrict litigation, offset by $3.1 billion used to repurchase class A common stock in the open market.
Sources of Liquidity
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash flow from operations, our investment portfolio and access to various equity and borrowing arrangements. Funds from operations are maintained in cash and cash equivalents and short-term or long-term available-for-sale investment securities based upon our funding requirements, access to liquidity from these holdings, and the returns that these holdings provide. We believe that cash flow generated from operations, in conjunction with access to our other sources of liquidity, will be more than sufficient to meet our ongoing operational needs.
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term and long-term available-for-sale investment securities held by our foreign subsidiaries totaled $5.0 billion at March 31, 2014. If it were necessary to repatriate these funds for use in the United States, we would be required to pay U.S. income taxes on most of this amount. The amount of income taxes that would have resulted had these funds been repatriated is not practicably determinable. It is our intent to indefinitely reinvest the majority of these funds outside of the United States. As such, we have not accrued any U.S. income tax provision in our financial results related to the majority of these funds.
Uses of Liquidity
There has been no significant change to our primary uses of liquidity since September 30, 2013, except as discussed below. Based on our current cash flow budgets and forecasts of our short-term and long-term liquidity needs, we believe that our projected sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet our projected liquidity needs for more than the next 12 months. We will continue to assess our liquidity position and potential sources of

31

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supplemental liquidity in view of our operating performance, current economic and capital market conditions and other relevant circumstances.

Covered litigation. On January 14, 2014, the court entered the final judgment order approving the settlement with the class plaintiffs in the interchange multidistrict litigation proceedings, which is subject to the adjudication of any appeals. Our portion of the takedown payments of approximately $1.1 billion related to the opt-out merchants was received on January 27, 2014, and deposited into the litigation escrow account. Receipt of the takedown payments increases our current taxable income by $1.1 billion, and income tax payable by $387 million. Of this amount, we have paid approximately $194 million during the first half of fiscal 2014, which negatively impacted our free cash flow for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014. The remaining income tax payable amount will be paid in the second half of fiscal 2014 and will negatively impact our free cash flow accordingly. We continue to expect annual free cash flow to be about $5 billion for the full fiscal 2014 year. See Note 2—Retrospective Responsibility Plan and Note 12—Legal Matters to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
Reduction in as-converted class A common stock. In October 2013, our board of directors authorized a new $5.0 billion share repurchase program. During the six months ended March 31, 2014, we repurchased 11 million shares of our class A common stock using $2.2 billion of cash on hand. As of March 31, 2014, the October program had remaining authorized funds of $3.0 billion. All share repurchase programs authorized prior to October 2013 have been completed. See Note 8—Stockholders' Equity to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
Dividends. During the six months ended March 31, 2014, we declared and paid $507 million in dividends. In April 2014, our board of directors declared a cash dividend in the amount of $0.40 per share of class A common stock (determined in the case of class B and class C common stock on an as-converted basis), which will be paid on June 3, 2014, to all holders of record as of May 16, 2014. See Note 8—Stockholders' Equity to our unaudited consolidated financial statements. We expect to continue paying quarterly dividends in cash, subject to approval by the board of directors. Class B and class C common stock will share ratably on an as-converted basis in such future dividends.
Visa Europe put option agreement. We have granted Visa Europe a perpetual put option which, if exercised, will require us to purchase all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Visa Europe from its members. Visa Europe may exercise the put option at any time. At March 31, 2014, we determined the fair value of the put option liability to be approximately $145 million. While this amount represents the fair value of the put option at March 31, 2014, it does not represent the actual purchase price that we may be required to pay if the option is exercised. The purchase price we could be obligated to pay 285 days after exercise will represent a substantial financial obligation, which could be several billion dollars or more. We may need to obtain third-party financing, either by borrowing funds or by undertaking a subsequent equity offering in order to fund this payment. The amount of this potential obligation could vary dramatically based on, among other things, Visa Europe’s adjusted sustainable income and our P/E ratio, in each case, as negotiated at the time the put option is exercised.
Fair Value Measurements—Financial Instruments
As of March 31, 2014, our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis included $6.6 billion of assets and $165 million of liabilities. Of these instruments, $152 million, or 2%, had significant unobservable inputs, with the Visa Europe put option liability constituting $145 million of this amount. See Note 3—Fair Value Measurements and Investments to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
There have been no significant changes to our market risks during the six months ended March 31, 2014, compared to September 30, 2013.
ITEM 4.
Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures. Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f)) of Visa Inc. at the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures of Visa Inc. were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by this report.

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Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There has been no change in the internal control over financial reporting of Visa Inc. that occurred during the fiscal period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
Legal Proceedings.
Refer to Note 12—Legal Matters to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for a description of the Company’s current material legal proceedings. 
ITEM 1A.
Risk Factors.
For a discussion of the Company’s risk factors, see the information under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2013, filed with the SEC on November 22, 2013.
ITEM 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The table below sets forth information with respect to purchases of the Company’s common stock made by or on behalf of the Company during the quarter ended March 31, 2014.
Period
(a)
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased (1)
 
(b)
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
(c)
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs (2)
 
(d)
Approximate
Dollar Value
of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs (2)
January 1-31, 2014
758,378

 
$
216.91

 
747,772

 
$
3,997,602,827

February 1-28, 2014
2,493,169

 
$
215.46

 
2,480,056

 
$
3,463,322,519

March 1-31, 2014
2,298,240

 
$
219.80

 
2,298,240

 
$
2,958,124,275

Total
5,549,787

 
$
217.46

 
5,526,068

 
 
(1) 
Includes 23,719 shares of class A common stock withheld at an average price of $223.57 per share (per the terms of grants under our 2007 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan) to offset tax withholding obligations that occur upon vesting and release of restricted shares.
(2) 
The figures in the table reflect transactions according to trade dates. For purposes of the Company's consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q, the impact of these repurchases is recorded according to settlement dates.
ITEM 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None. 

ITEM 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.

ITEM 5.
Other Information.
None. 

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ITEM 6.
Exhibits.
The list of exhibits required to be filed as exhibits to this report is listed in the “Exhibit Index,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
VISA INC.
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
April 24, 2014
By:
 
/s/    Charles W. Scharf
 
 
Name:
 
Charles W. Scharf
 
 
Title:
 
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
April 24, 2014
By:
 
/s/    Byron H. Pollitt
 
 
Name:
 
Byron H. Pollitt
 
 
Title:
 
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
 
 
 
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Documents
 
Schedule/ Form
 
File Number
 
Exhibit
 
Filing Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.1*
 
364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement, dated January 29, 2014, by and among Visa Inc., Visa International Service Association, Visa U.S.A. Inc., Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A., as syndication agent, and the lenders party thereto

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.2*
 
Visa Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, effective January 28, 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.1*
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.2*
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.1*
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.2*
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
Filed or furnished herewith.
 
 

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