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 MarchDecember 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)

(650) 432-3200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (650) 432-3200code)
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  Rþ    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  Rþ    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  Rþ
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  Rþ

1


As of April 21, 2014January 23, 2015, there were 499,395,346490,962,259 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 25,719,29121,762,506 shares of class C common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Visa Inc. outstanding.

21

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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.
 
 

32

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.Financial Statements
VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
March 31,
2014
 September 30,
2013
December 31,
2014
 September 30,
2014
(in millions,
except par value data)
(in millions, except par value data)
Assets      
Cash and cash equivalents$1,820
 $2,186
$2,085
 $1,971
Restricted cash—litigation escrow (Note 2)1,105
 49
1,398
 1,498
Investment securities:   
Investment securities (Note 3):   
Trading82
 75
78
 69
Available-for-sale1,592
 1,994
2,417
 1,910
Income tax receivable33
 142
Settlement receivable752
 799
500
 786
Accounts receivable832
 761
900
 822
Customer collateral (Note 6)923
 866
Customer collateral (Note 5)1,041
 961
Current portion of client incentives255
 282
200
 210
Deferred tax assets850
 481
927
 1,028
Prepaid expenses and other current assets263
 187
318
 307
Total current assets8,507
 7,822
9,864
 9,562
Investment securities, available-for-sale3,066
 2,760
Investment securities, available-for-sale (Note 3)3,028
 3,015
Client incentives89
 89
87
 81
Property, equipment and technology, net1,760
 1,732
1,861
 1,892
Other assets843
 521
896
 855
Intangible assets, net11,317
 11,351
11,395
 11,411
Goodwill11,681
 11,681
11,753
 11,753
Total assets$37,263
 $35,956
$38,884
 $38,569
Liabilities      
Accounts payable$114
 $184
$135
 $147
Settlement payable1,099
 1,225
855
 1,332
Customer collateral (Note 6)923
 866
Customer collateral (Note 5)1,041
 961
Accrued compensation and benefits356
 523
307
 450
Client incentives827
 919
1,058
 1,036
Accrued liabilities582
 613
Accrued litigation (Note 12)1,060
 5
Accrued liabilities (Note 6)1,049
 624
Accrued litigation (Note 11)1,353
 1,456
Total current liabilities4,961
 4,335
5,798
 6,006
Deferred tax liabilities4,146
 4,149
4,139
 4,145
Other liabilities (Note 7)861
 602
Other liabilities (Note 6)1,005
 1,005
Total liabilities9,968
 9,086
10,942
 11,156
 

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

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Table of Contents

VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
 December 31,
2014
 September 30,
2014
 (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, 495 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 (Note 7)
 
Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value, 622 shares authorized, 245 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 (Note 7)
 
Class C common stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,097 shares authorized, 20 and 22 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively (Note 7)
 
Additional paid-in capital18,200
 18,299
Accumulated income9,732
 9,131
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net:   
Investment securities, available-for-sale11
 31
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans(80) (84)
Derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges80
 38
Foreign currency translation adjustments(1) (2)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net10
 (17)
Total equity27,942
 27,413
Total liabilities and equity$38,884
 $38,569


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

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Table of Contents

VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS—(Continued)STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(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 capital18,555
 18,875
Accumulated income8,714
 7,974
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net:   
Investment securities, available-for-sale77
 59
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans(68) (60)
Derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges18
 23
Foreign currency translation adjustments(1) (1)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income, net26
 21
Total equity27,295
 26,870
Total liabilities and equity$37,263
 $35,956
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 2014 2013
 (in millions, except per share data)
Operating Revenues   
Service revenues$1,538
 $1,419
Data processing revenues1,383
 1,264
International transaction revenues970
 891
Other revenues204
 180
Client incentives(713) (599)
Total operating revenues3,382
 3,155
Operating Expenses   
Personnel509
 470
Marketing205
 186
Network and processing114
 132
Professional fees70
 75
Depreciation and amortization120
 107
General and administrative126
 108
Total operating expenses1,144
 1,078
Operating income2,238
 2,077
Non-operating income24
 6
Income before income taxes2,262
 2,083
Income tax provision (Note 10)693
 676
Net income$1,569
 $1,407


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

5

Table of Contents

VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONSOPERATIONS—(Continued)
(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 revenues1,234
 1,150
 2,498
 2,265
International transaction revenues871
 831
 1,762
 1,636
Other revenues183
 175
 363
 354
Client incentives(587) (567) (1,186) (1,120)
Total operating revenues3,163
 2,958
 6,318
 5,804
Operating Expenses       
Personnel446
 486
 916
 940
Marketing245
 195
 431
 388
Network and processing120
 119
 252
 229
Professional fees77
 91
 152
 179
Depreciation and amortization107
 98
 214
 190
General and administrative120
 108
 228
 214
Litigation provision (Note 12)
 1
 
 4
Total operating expenses1,115
 1,098
 2,193
 2,144
Operating income2,048
 1,860
 4,125
 3,660
Non-operating income (expense)13
 (3) 19
 (2)
Income before income taxes2,061
 1,857
 4,144
 3,658
Income tax provision463
 587
 1,139
 1,095
Net income$1,598
 $1,270
 $3,005
 $2,563
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 2014 2013
 (in millions, except per share data)
Basic earnings per share (Note 8)   
Class A common stock$2.54
 $2.21
Class B common stock$1.05
 $0.93
Class C common stock$2.54
 $2.21
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (Note 8)   
Class A common stock494
 505
Class B common stock245
 245
Class C common stock22
 27
Diluted earnings per share (Note 8)   
Class A common stock$2.53
 $2.20
Class B common stock$1.04
 $0.93
Class C common stock$2.53
 $2.20
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (Note 8)   
Class A common stock619
 639
Class B common stock245
 245
Class C common stock22
 27


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 OPERATIONS—(Continued)COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(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 stock501
 524
 503
 528
Class B common stock245
 245
 245
 245
Class C common stock26
 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 stock634
 660
 636
 665
Class B common stock245
 245
 245
 245
Class C common stock26
 28
 26
 29
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 2014 2013
 (in millions)
Net income$1,569
 $1,407
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:   
Investment securities, available-for-sale:   
Net unrealized (loss) gain(10) 17
Income tax effect3
 (6)
Reclassification adjustment for net gain realized in net income(21) 
Income tax effect8
 
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans:   
Net unrealized actuarial gain and prior service credit6
 1
Income tax effect(1) 
Amortization of actuarial gain and prior service credit realized in net income(1) (2)
Income tax effect
 1
Derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges:   
Net unrealized gain63
 24
Income tax effect(17) (4)
Reclassification adjustment for net gain realized in net income(6) (11)
Income tax effect2
 2
Foreign currency translation adjustments1
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax27
 22
Comprehensive income$1,596
 $1,429



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

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Table of Contents

VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSSTATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMECHANGES IN EQUITY
(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 gain11
 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 effect3
 1
 3
 1
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss and prior service credit realized in net income(5) 5
 (7) 8
Income tax effect2
 (2) 3
 (3)
Derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges:       
Net unrealized (loss) gain(7) 6
 17
 15
Income tax effect1
 
 (3) 
Reclassification adjustment for net gain realized in net income(12) (6) (23) (17)
Income tax effect2
 2
 4
 5
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(17) 4
 5
 38
Comprehensive income$1,581
 $1,274
 $3,010
 $2,601
 Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Income Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Total
Equity
 Class A Class B Class C    
 (in millions, except per share data)
Balance as of September 30, 2014495
 245
 22
 $18,299
 $9,131
 $(17) $27,413
Net income        1,569
   1,569
Other comprehensive income, net of tax          27
 27
Comprehensive income            1,596
Issuance of restricted stock awards(1)

           
Conversion of class C common stock upon sale into public market2
   (2)       
Share-based compensation      45
     45
Excess tax benefit for share-based compensation      58
     58
Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options1
     30
     30
Restricted stock and performance-based shares settled in cash for taxes(2)

     (100)     (100)
Cash dividends declared and paid, at a quarterly amount of $0.48 per as-converted share (Note 7)        (297)   (297)
Repurchase of class A common stock (Note 7)(3)     (132) (671)   (803)
Balance as of December 31, 2014495
 245
 20
 $18,200
 $9,732
 $10
 $27,942
(1)
Increase in class A common stock is less than 1 million shares.
(2)
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.

8

Table of Contents

VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSTATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITYCASH FLOWS
(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, 2013508
 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 awards1
           
Conversion of class C common stock upon sale into public market1
   (1)       
Share-based compensation      89
     89
Excess tax benefit for share-based compensation      68
     68
Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options1
     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, 2014500
 245
 26
 $18,555
 $8,714
 $26
 $27,295
(1)
Decrease in class A common stock is less than 1 million shares.

 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 2014 2013
 (in millions)
Operating Activities   
Net income$1,569
 $1,407
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Amortization of client incentives713
 599
Share-based compensation45
 45
Excess tax benefit for share-based compensation(58) (54)
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment, technology and intangible assets120
 107
Deferred income taxes97
 19
Other(19) 5
Change in operating assets and liabilities:   
Settlement receivable286
 (89)
Accounts receivable(78) (79)
Client incentives(687) (616)
Other assets(141) (77)
Accounts payable10
 (80)
Settlement payable(477) 21
Accrued and other liabilities484
 334
Accrued litigation (Note 11)(103) (1)
Net cash provided by operating activities1,761
 1,541
Investing Activities   
Purchases of property, equipment, technology and intangible assets(104) (120)
Investment securities, available-for-sale:   
Purchases(758) (754)
Proceeds from sales and maturities226
 600
Purchases of / contributions to other investments
 (2)
Net cash used in investing activities(636) (276)


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 FLOWSFLOWS—(Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 2014 2013
 (in millions)
Operating Activities   
Net income$3,005
 $2,563
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:   
Amortization of client incentives1,186
 1,120
Share-based compensation89
 98
Excess tax benefit for share-based compensation(68) (56)
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment, technology and intangible assets214
 190
Deferred income taxes(375) 1,580
Other12
 35
Change in operating assets and liabilities:   
Income tax receivable109
 (984)
Settlement receivable47
 (34)
Accounts receivable(71) (79)
Client incentives(1,251) (1,108)
Other assets(459) (327)
Accounts payable(68) (15)
Settlement payable(126) 3
Accrued and other liabilities171
 218
Accrued litigation (Note 12)1,055
 (4,384)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities3,470
 (1,180)
Investing Activities   
Purchases of property, equipment, technology and intangible assets(217) (211)
Investment securities, available-for-sale:   
Purchases(1,292) (1,854)
Proceeds from sales and maturities1,406
 1,616
Purchases of / contributions to other investments(3) (3)
Proceeds / distributions from other investments
 3
Net cash used in investing activities(106) (449)
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 2014 2013
 (in millions)
Financing Activities   
Repurchase of class A common stock (Note 7)$(803) $(1,091)
Dividends paid (Note 7)(297) (254)
Payments from litigation escrow account—retrospective responsibility plan (Note 2 and Note 11)100
 
Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options30
 38
Restricted stock and performance-based shares settled in cash for taxes(100) (77)
Excess tax benefit for share-based compensation58
 54
Net cash used in financing activities(1,012) (1,330)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents1
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents114
 (65)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year1,971
 2,186
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$2,085
 $2,121
Supplemental Disclosure   
Income taxes paid, net of refunds$57
 $96
Accruals related to purchases of property, equipment, technology and intangible assets$21
 $20





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 options58
 84
Restricted stock and performance shares settled in cash for taxes(83) (64)
Excess tax benefit for share-based compensation68
 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 year2,186
 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.

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Table of Contents

VISA INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MarchDecember 31, 2014
(unaudited)(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.
Certain prior period amounts within the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. These reclassifications did not affect the Company's financial position, total operating revenues, net income, comprehensive income, or cash flows as of and for the periods presented.
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, 20132014 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 JanuaryFebruary 2013, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board ("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.

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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 adoptadopted the standard effective October 1, 2014. The adoption isdid 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 adoptadopted the standard effective October 1, 2014. The adoption isdid not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

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


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 standard impacts presentation only. The Company will adoptadopted the standard effective October 1, 2014. The adoption isdid not expectedhave a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-17, which permits an acquired entity to elect the option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtained control of the acquired entity. The Company adopted the standard prospectively effective November 18, 2014. The adoption did not 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,At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, the court enteredbalance of the final judgment order approving the settlement with the class plaintiffs in the interchange multidistrict litigation proceedings, which is subjectescrow account was $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. The Company paid $100 million 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 intofrom 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 MarchDecember 31, 2014.
 Fiscal 2014 Fiscal 2013
 (in millions)
Balance at October 1$49
 $4,432
Return of takedown payments to the litigation escrow account1,056
 
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—2014 associated with the interchange multidistrict litigation, and an additional $179 million between January 1, 2015 and January 29, 2015. See Note 11—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 anyan additional accrualsaccrual for the covered litigation during the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2014. See Note 12—11—Legal Matters.

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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
Fair Value Measurements
Using Inputs Considered as
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
March 31,
2014
 September 30,
2013
 March 31,
2014
 September 30,
2013
 March 31,
2014
 September 30,
2013
December 31,
2014
 September 30,
2014
 December 31,
2014
 September 30,
2014
 December 31,
2014
 September 30,
2014
(in millions)(in millions)
Assets                      
Cash equivalents and restricted cash:                      
Money market funds$1,763
 $1,071
        $2,307
 $2,277
        
Commercial paper    $43
 $51
        $45
 $37
    
Investment securities, trading:                      
Equity securities82
 75
        78
 69
        
Investment securities, available-for-sale:                      
U.S. government-sponsored debt securities    2,480
 2,704
        2,206
 2,162
    
U.S. Treasury securities1,552
 1,673
        2,627
 2,176
        
Equity securities131
 101
        25
 58
        
Corporate debt securities    488
 269
        580
 522
    
Auction rate securities        $7
 $7
        $7
 $7
Prepaid and other current assets:                      
Foreign exchange derivative instruments    16
 23
        86
 40
    
Total$3,528
 $2,920
 $3,027
 $3,047
 $7
 $7
$5,037
 $4,580
 $2,917
 $2,761
 $7
 $7
Liabilities                      
Accrued liabilities:                      
Visa Europe put option        $145
 $145
        $145
 $145
Foreign exchange derivative instruments    $20
 $15
        $7
 $6
    
Total$
 $
 $20
 $15
 $145
 $145
$
 $
 $7
 $6
 $145
 $145
There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 assets during the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 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. SeeNote 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

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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

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


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 sixthree months ended MarchDecember 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 sixthree months ended MarchDecember 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 MarchDecember 31, 2014 and September 30, 20132014, 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 MarchDecember 31, 2014, it does not represent the actual purchase price that the Company may be required to pay if the option is exercised, which couldexercised. Given current economic conditions, the purchase price under the terms of the put option would likely be several billion dollars or more.in excess of $10 billion. During the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2014, there were no changes to the valuation methodology used to estimate the fair value of the put option. At MarchDecember 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 MarchDecember 31, 2014, the Company's spot P/E was 20.8x21.7x, and there was a differential of 1.7x1.0x 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 werewas 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 MarchDecember 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 changesChanges in fair value are recorded inas non-cash, 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 sixthree months ended
March December 31, 2014. During the six months ended March 31, 2013, the Company recognized a $15 million other-than-temporary impairment loss. or 2013. At MarchDecember 31, 2014 and September 30, 20132014, these investments totaled $32 million and $3035 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 wasThere were no impairment. No recent events or changes in circumstances that indicate that impairment existed at MarchDecember 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 MarchDecember 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 MarchDecember 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 $12119 million in gross unrealized gains and $3 million in gross unrealized losses at MarchDecember 31, 2014. There were $9348 million gross unrealized gains and $1 millionno gross unrealized losses at September 30, 20132014. The gross unrealized gains at MarchDecember 31, 2014 and September 30, 20132014 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

16

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 Company also sponsors other pension benefit plans that provide benefits for internationally-based employees at certain non-U.S. locations, which are not presented below as they are not material.

15

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


The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
Pension Benefits Other Postretirement BenefitsPension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 20132014 2013 2014 2013
(in millions)(in millions)
Service cost$12
 $12
 $23
 $22
 $
 $
 $
 $
$12
 $11
 $
 $
Interest cost11
 9
 21
 18
 
 
 
 
10
 10
 
 
Expected return on assets(17) (15) (34) (31) 
 
 
 
(18) (17) 
 
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) 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service credit(2) (2) (1) (1)
Settlement loss
 
 1
 
 
 
 
 
2
 1
 
 
Total net periodic benefit cost$1
 $10
 $4
 $18
 $(1) $
 $(2) $(1)$4
 $3
 $(1) $(1)
Note 6—5—Settlement Guarantee Management
The indemnificationCompany indemnifies its financial institution clients for settlement losses that Visa providessuffered due to failure of any other clients to fund its financial institution clientssettlement obligations in accordance with Visa’s operating regulations. The indemnification 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 $56.257.6 billion at MarchDecember 31, 2014, compared to $53.856.9 billion at September 30, 20132014. Of these settlement exposure amounts, $3.12.9 billion and$3.0 $3.2 billion were covered by collateral at MarchDecember 31, 2014 and September 30, 20132014, respectively.
The Company maintained collateral as follows:
March 31,
2014
 September 30,
2013
December 31,
2014
 September 30,
2014
(in millions)(in millions)
Cash equivalents$923
 $866
$1,041
 $961
Pledged securities at market value191
 256
142
 148
Letters of credit1,184
 1,191
1,218
 1,242
Guarantees1,372
 1,411
1,215
 1,554
Total$3,670
 $3,724
$3,616
 $3,905
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.

17

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 MarchDecember 31, 2014 and $1 million at September 30, 20132014., respectively. These amounts are reflected in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

16

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



Note 7—6—Accrued and Other Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
 December 31,
2014
 September 30,
2014
 (in millions)
Accrued operating expenses$164
 $199
Visa Europe put option—(See Note 3—Fair Value Measurements and Investments)(1)
145
 145
Deferred revenue79
 82
Accrued income taxes(2)
470
 73
Other191
 125
Total$1,049
 $624
Other non-current liabilities consisted of the following:
March 31,
2014
 September 30,
2013
December 31,
2014
 September 30,
2014
(in millions)(in millions)
Accrued income taxes(1)
$741
 $453
$861
 $855
Employee benefits87
 86
83
 92
Other33
 63
61
 58
Total$861
 $602
$1,005
 $1,005

(1) 
The put option is exercisable at any time at the sole discretion of Visa Europe with payment required 285 days thereafter. 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. The fair value of the put option does not represent the actual purchase price that the Company may be required to pay if the option is exercised, which would likely be in excess of $10 billion.
(2)
The increase in non-currentcurrent accrued income taxes is dueprimarily related to an increasecurrent income taxes accrued in liabilities for uncertain tax positions.the first quarter of fiscal 2015, but payable in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.
Note 8—7—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 MarchDecember 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)
Shares Outstanding 
Conversion Rate
Into Class A
Common Stock
 
As-converted Class A Common
Stock(1)
Class A common stock500
 
 500
495
 
 495
Class B common stock245
 0.4206
 103
245
 0.4121
(2) 
101
Class C common stock26
 1.0000
 26
20
 1.0000
 20
Total    629
    616
(1) 
Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. As-converted class A common stock is calculated based on whole numbers, notunrounded numbers.
(2)
The class B to class A common stock conversion rate has been rounded for purposes of this disclosure. Conversion calculations for dividend payments are based on a conversion rate rounded to the rounded numbers presented.tenth decimal.

17

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


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, 2014Three Months Ended December 31, 2014
Shares repurchased in the open market (1)
 5
 11
3
Weighted-average repurchase price per share $217.61
 $208.31
Average repurchase price per share (2)
$259.52
Total cost $1,119
 $2,210
$803
(1)  
All shares repurchased in the open market have been retired and constitute authorized but unissued shares.
(2)
Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Average repurchase price per share is calculated based on unrounded numbers.
In October 2014, the Company's board of directors authorized a new $5.0 billion share repurchase program. As of MarchDecember 31, 2014, the October 2013 program had remaining authorized funds of $3.0$4.9 billion for share repurchase. All share repurchase programs authorized prior to October 20132014 have been completed.
Class A common stock split. On January 28, 2015, Visa’s board of directors declared a four-for-one split of its class A common stock. Trading will begin on a split-adjusted basis on March 19, 2015. See Note 12—Subsequent Events.
Dividends. In April 2014,January 2015, the Company’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.40$0.48 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. The cash dividend will be paid on JuneMarch 3, 20142015, to all holders of record of the Company's class A, B and C common stock as of May 16, 2014February 13, 2015., on a pre-split basis. The Company declared and paid $507$297 million in dividends during the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2014.
Note 8—Earnings Per Share
The following table presents earnings per share for the three months ended December 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$1,253
 494
 $2.54
  $1,569
 619
(3) 
$2.53
Class B common stock257
 245
 $1.05
  $257
 245
 $1.04
Class C common stock55
 22
 $2.54
  $55
 22
 $2.53
Participating securities(4)
4
 Not presented
 Not presented
  $4
 Not presented
 Not presented
Net income$1,569
           
The following table presents earnings per share for the three months ended December 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$1,115
 505
 $2.21
  $1,407
 639
(3) 
$2.20
Class B common stock228
 245
 $0.93
  $228
 245
 $0.93
Class C common stock59
 27
 $2.21
  $59
 27
 $2.20
Participating securities(4)
5
 Not presented
 Not presented
  $5
 Not presented
 Not presented
Net income$1,407
           

18

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 stock261
 245
 $1.06
  $260
 245
 $1.06
Class C common stock66
 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 stock489
 245
 $1.99
  $488
 245
 $1.99
Class C common stock125
 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 stock199
 245
 $0.81
  $199
 245
 $0.81
Class C common stock55
 28
 $1.93
  $55
 28
 $1.92
Participating securities(4)
5
 Not presented
 Not presented
  $5
 Not presented
 Not presented
Net income$1,270
           

19

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 stock399
 245
 $1.63
  $398
 245
 $1.62
Class C common stock113
 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.unrounded numbers.
(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 103101 million and 103 million for the three and six months ended MarchDecember 31, 2014 and 2013.2013, respectively.
(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 1 million and 2 million of common stock equivalents for the three and six months ended MarchDecember 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, because their effect would be dilutive. The calculation excludes less than 1 million of common stock equivalents for the three and six months ended MarchDecember 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—9—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 sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2014:
Granted 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
Granted 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
Non-qualified stock options376,809
 $44.23
 $200.19
340,680
 $47.85
 $249.86
Restricted stock awards ("RSAs")537,244
 $198.75
  425,628
 $249.86
  
Restricted stock units ("RSUs")224,838
 $197.67
  178,594
 $249.86
  
Performance-based shares(1)
278,451
 $225.46
  196,471
 $279.14
  
(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—10—Income Taxes
The effective income tax rates were 22%31% and 27%32% for the three and six months ended MarchDecember 31, 2014 respectively, and 32% and 30% for the three and six months ended March 31, 2013, respectively. The effective tax ratesrate for the three and six months ended MarchDecember 31, 2014 differdiffers from the effective tax ratesrate in the same periodsperiod in the prior fiscal 2013year primarily due to:

20

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


a $218 million tax benefitpreviously established reserves related to a deduction for U.S. domestic production activities, of which, $184 million related to prior fiscal years and $17 million related toan uncertain state tax position based on new information received in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, as a result of the completion of a study duringended December 31, 2014.
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 MarchDecember 31, 2014, the Company's grossthere were no significant changes in total unrecognized tax benefits increased by $133 millionor interest 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—11—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.

19


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
 Fiscal 2015 Fiscal 2014
 (in millions)
Balance at October 1$1,456
 $5
Payments on legal matters(103) (1)
Balance at December 31$1,353
 $4
Payments on legal matters made subsequent to December 31(179) 
Balance at January 29$1,174
 $4
(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 22—Retrospective

21

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


Responsibility Plan.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. The total accrual related to the covered litigation could be either higher or lower than the escrow account balance.
The following table summarizes the activity related to covered litigation.
 Fiscal 2015 Fiscal 2014
 (in millions)
Balance at October 1$1,449
 $
Payments on covered litigation(100) 
Balance at December 31$1,349
 $
Payments on covered litigation made subsequent to December 31$(179) $
Balance at January 29$1,170
 $
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, 2014,2015, following a Court-approved process to give class members who previously opted out of 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'sdamages portion of the takedown payments relatedclass settlement an option to rejoin it, the opt-outclass administrator submitted a report stating that it had received 1,179 requests by merchants to rejoin the cash settlement class, some of which was calculatedmay include multiple merchants.
Consumer Interchange Litigation
On November 26, 2014, in the putative class action filed on behalf of an alleged class of Visa and MasterCard payment cardholders, the court dismissed plaintiffs’ federal law claim and declined to be approximately $1.1 billion, was deposited intoexercise jurisdiction over plaintiffs’ state law claim. Both sides have asked the litigation escrow account.court to reconsider aspects of its decision, and have filed notices of appeal.
Interchange Opt-out Litigation
Beginning in May 2013, more than 3040 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,

20


Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and its subsidiaries filed an opt-out complaint againstthat also added Visa Inc., Visa U.S.A.,Europe Limited and Visa International inEurope Services Inc. as defendants. Visa Europe Limited and Visa Europe Services Inc. filed a motion to dismiss Wal-Mart’s claims against them.
As of the U.S. District Court fordate of filing this quarterly report, Visa has reached settlement agreements with a number of merchants representing approximately 21% of the Western DistrictVisa-branded payment card sales volume of Arkansas allegingmerchants who opted out.
On December 23, 2014, a similar claims. All the cases originallycase was filed in federalNew Mexico state court either were filed inby New Mexico’s attorney general on behalf of the U.S. District Court forstate, state agencies, and citizens of the Eastern District of New York and have been assignedstate, generally pursuing claims on allegations similar to the judge presiding over MDL 1720, or have been transferred by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation for inclusionthose raised in MDL 1720. Visa removed the Texas state courtIf this 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 areis transferred to or otherwise included in MDL 1720, it will be covered litigation for purposes of the retrospective responsibility plan. See Note 22—Retrospective Responsibility PlanPlan.
Other Litigation
"Indirect Purchaser" Actions
In early December 2014, objectors to the settlement in the consolidated Credit/Debit Card Tying Cases petitioned for review by the California Supreme Court.
European Competition Proceedings
U.K. Merchant Litigation. On defendants’ application for summary judgment, the court has limited the potential damages of most merchants who have commenced proceedings to 6 years prior to the filing of their claims. The claimants have been granted permission to appeal the court’s ruling.
Data Pass Litigation
On January 14, 2014,9, 2015, Webloyalty.com, GameStop, and Visa each filed a complaint inmotions to dismiss 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 MDLsecond amended 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.action complaint.
Target Data Breach
On February 12,December 30, 2014, the court entered an order confirming that In re Payment Card Interchange Feegranted plaintiffs’ notice of voluntary dismissal without prejudice of all claims against Visa 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. MasterCard.
Pulse Network
On March 13,November 25, 2014, Pulse Network LLC filed suit against Visa Inc. in federal district court in Texas. Pulse alleges that Visa has monopolized and attempted to monopolize debit card network services markets. Pulse also alleges that Visa has entered into agreements in restraint of trade, engaged in unlawful exclusive dealing and tying, violated the other defendantsTexas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act, and engaged in tortious interference with prospective business relationships. Pulse seeks unspecified treble damages, attorneys’ fees, and injunctive relief, including to enjoin the opt-out cases in MDL 1720fixed acquirer network fee structure, Visa’s conduct regarding PIN-Authenticated Visa Debit, and Visa agreements with merchants and acquirers relating to debit acceptance. On January 23, 2015, Visa filed a motion to dismiss the opt-out complaintscomplaint.
Note 12—Subsequent Events
Credit facility renewal. On January 28, 2015, the Company, Visa International Service Association and Visa U.S.A. Inc. (collectively, the "Borrowers") entered into a 364-day, unsecured $3.0 billion revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., acted as syndication agent in MDL 1720. Alsoconnection with the Credit Facility; Bank of China, Los Angeles Branch, Barclays Bank PLC, Citibank, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, N.A., Royal Bank of Canada, Standard Chartered Bank, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, acted as Documentation Agents; and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Bank of China, Los Angeles Branch, Barclays Bank PLC, Citigroup Global Markets, INC., HSBC Bank USA, N.A., RBC Capital Markets, Standard Chartered Bank, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, acted as joint lead arrangers and joint book

21


runners. The Credit Facility, which expires on January 27, 2016, replaced the Company’s prior $3.0 billion credit facility, which expired on January 28, 2015.
The Credit Facility provides the Borrowers with a borrowing capacity of up to $3.0 billion. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are available for general corporate purposes. Interest on the 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 rating of senior unsecured long-term debt securities of the Company. The Borrowers have agreed to pay a commitment fee which will fluctuate based on such applicable rating of the Company.
Other material terms are:
a financial covenant which requires the Company to maintain a Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDA Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of not greater than 3.75 to 1.00;
customary restrictive covenants, which limit the Borrowers' ability to, among other things, create certain liens, effect fundamental changes to their business, or merge or dispose of substantially all of their assets, subject in each case to customary exceptions and amounts;
customary events of default, upon the occurrence of which, after any applicable grace period, the requisite lenders will have the ability to accelerate all outstanding loans thereunder and terminate the commitments; and
other customary and standard terms and conditions.
The Borrowers currently have no borrowings under the Credit Facility. The participating lenders in the Credit Facility include certain holders of the Company’s class B and class C common stock, certain of the Borrowers' customers, and their affiliates.
Class A common stock split. On January 28, 2015, Visa’s board of directors declared a four -for-one split of its class A common stock. Each class A common stockholder of record at the close of business on February 13, 2015 ("Record Date"), will receive a dividend of three additional shares on March 13, 2014, Wal-Mart18, 2015 for every share held as of the Record Date. Trading will begin on a split-adjusted basis on March 19, 2015. Holders of class B and C common stock will not receive a stock dividend. Instead, the conversion rate for class B common stock will increase to 1.6483 shares of class A common stock per share of class B common stock, and the namedconversion rate for class representativesC common stock will increase to 4.0 shares of class A common stock per share of class C common stock. Immediately following the split, the class A, B and C stockholders will retain the same relative ownership percentages that are defendants inthey had prior to the declaratory judgment cases in MDL 1720 filed motionsstock split. The stock split will increase the Company’s total as-converted shares of class A common stock outstanding as of March 19, 2015, from approximately 614 million shares to dismiss the declaratory judgment complaints. The court has scheduled a hearingapproximately 2.5 billion shares based on the motions to dismiss for July 11, 2014.
Consumer Interchange Litigation
On December 16, 2013,share count as of January 27, 2015. All per share amounts and number of shares outstanding in these unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are presented on 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

22

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 aspre-split basis. As a result of the infringement. The ruling permitsstock split, all historical per share data and number of shares outstanding presented in future financial statements will be retroactively adjusted.
Dividends. In January 2015, 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) adoptedCompany’s board of directors declared 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 respectquarterly cash dividend of inter-regional interchange fees that apply to transactions involving a Visa credit cardholder from outside the Visa Europe territory and a merchant$0.48 per share of class A common stock (determined in the European Economic Area (EEA)case of class B and class C common stock on an as-converted basis). These interchange fees are set by Visa Inc.
U.K. Merchant Litigation. Since November 2013, Visa Inc., Visa International, and Visa Europe have been putThe cash dividend will be paid on noticeMarch 3, 2015, to all holders 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 scoperecord of the claims is not yet known,Company's class A, B 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 paymentC common stock as 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

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


Target Data Breach
On March 3, 2014,2015, on 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

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



pre-split basis.
ITEM 2.Management’sManagement'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, tax rate, earnings per share, free cash flow, and the growth of those items.

22


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 paymentpayments 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 paymentpayments networks outside the United States; and
increased regulation onof 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;
general stock market fluctuations which may impact consumer spending;
material changes in cross-border activity, foreign exchange controls and fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
volatility in market prices for oil and natural gas;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, 20132014 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.

23


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 fiscalthree months ended December 31, 2014 reflects the impacts of a tepidmodest global economic recovery.
Interchange Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)Financial highlights. .During the three months ended December 31, 2014, we recorded net income of $1.6 billion or $2.53 diluted earnings per share, an increase of 11% and 15% over the prior year, respectively.
We recorded total operating revenues of $3.4 billion for the three months ended December 31, 2014, an increase of 7% over the prior year driven by continued growth in our underlying business drivers: nominal payments volume; processed transactions; and cross-border volume. The general strengthening of the U.S. dollar during the quarter resulted in an approximate negative two percentage point impact to our total operating revenue growth compared to the prior year.
Total operating expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2014 were $1.1 billion, reflecting a 6% increase over prior year primarily due to increases in headcount throughout the organization and continued investments in marketing and technology to support our global growth initiatives.
Class A common stock split. On January 14, 2014,28, 2015, Visa’s board of directors declared a four-for-one split of its class A common stock. Each class A common stockholder of record at the court enteredclose of business on February 13, 2015 ("Record Date"), will receive a dividend of three additional shares on March 18, 2015 for every share held as of the final judgment order approvingRecord Date. Trading will begin on a split-adjusted basis on March 19, 2015. Holders of class B and C common stock will not receive a stock dividend. Instead, the settlement withconversion rate for class B common stock will increase to 1.6483 shares of class A common stock per share of class B common stock, and the conversion rate for class C common stock will increase to 4.0 shares of class A common stock per share of class C common stock. Immediately following the split, the class plaintiffs inA, B and C stockholders will retain the interchange multidistrict litigation proceedings, which is subjectsame relative ownership percentages that they had prior to the adjudicationstock split. The stock split will increase the Company’s total as-converted shares of any appeals. Takedown paymentsclass A common stock outstanding as of March 19, 2015, from approximately $1.1614 million shares to approximately 2.5 billion related toshares based on the opt-out merchants were received onshare count as of January 27, 2015.
Reduction in as-converted class A common stock. In October 2014, and were deposited intoour board of directors authorized a new $5.0 billion share repurchase program. During the litigation escrow account. The deposit into the litigation escrow account and a related increase in accrued litigationthree months ended December 31, 2014, we repurchased 3 million shares of our class A common stock using $803 million of cash on hand. As of December 31, 2014, we had remaining authorized funds of $4.9 billion. All share repurchase programs authorized prior to address opt-out claims were recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2014.October 2014 have been completed. See Note 2—Retrospective Responsibility Plan and Note 12—Legal Matters7—Stockholders' Equity 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 remainOn January 20, 2015, the Supreme Court declined to hear a further appeal of the case, leaving 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,Court 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.Appeals decision.
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 toNominal payments volume growth over the prior year periods, overallposted double-digit growth in the U.S. and internationally, driven mainly by consumer credit. International payments volume grew in all categories worldwide. The numbernominal growth was negatively impacted by the overall strengthening of processed transactions continues to increase atthe U.S. dollar. On a double-digitconstant dollar basis, which excludes the impact of exchange rate movements, our international payments volume growth rate reflectingfor the continuing worldwide shift to electronic currency.three months ended September 30, 2014 is

2624


13%. Processed transactions sustained double-digit growth reflecting the ongoing worldwide shift to electronic currency.
The following tables presenttable presents nominal payments volume.(1)
 U.S. International Visa Inc.
 
3 Months
Ended
September 30,
2014 (2)
 
3 Months
Ended
September 30,
2013 (2)
 
%
Change
 
3 Months
Ended
September 30,
2014 (2)
 
3 Months
Ended
September 30,
2013 (2)
 
%
Change
 
3 Months
Ended
September 30,
2014 (2)
 
3 Months
Ended
September 30,
2013 (2)
 
%
Change
 (in billions, except percentages)
Nominal payments volume                 
Consumer credit$238
 $212
 12% $424
 $389
 9% $662
 $601
 10%
Consumer debit(3)
291
 272
 7% 122
 105
 16% 413
 377
 9%
Commercial(4)
102
 91
 13% 39
 35
 13% 142
 126
 13%
Total nominal payments volume$632
 $575
 10% $585
 $529
 11% $1,217
 $1,104
 10%
Cash volume124
 117
 6% 544
 523
 4% 667
 640
 4%
Total nominal volume(5)
$756
 $692
 9% $1,129
 $1,053
 7% $1,884
 $1,745
 8%
The following table presents nominal and constant payments volume growth.(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 volume114
 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 volume231
 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%
 InternationalVisa Inc.
 
3 Months
Ended
September 30,
2014 vs. 2013
 
3 Months
Ended
September 30,
2014 vs. 2013
 
Nominal(2)
 
Constant(6)
 
Nominal(2)
 
Constant(6)
Payments volume growth       
Consumer credit9% 11% 10% 12%
Consumer debit(3)
16% 20% 9% 10%
Commercial(4)
13% 14% 13% 13%
Total payments volume growth11% 13% 10% 11%
Cash volume growth4% 9% 4% 8%
Total volume growth7% 11% 8% 10%
(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.unrounded numbers.
(2) 
Service revenues in a given quarter are assessed based on nominal payments volume in the prior quarter. Therefore, service revenues reported for the three and six months ended MarchDecember 31, 2014 and 2013, were based on nominal payments volume reported by our financial institution clients for the three and six months ended December 31, 2013September 30, 2014 and 2012,2013, respectively.
(3) 
Includes prepaid volume.
(4) 
Includes large, middle and small business credit and small business debit, andas well as 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,On occasion, previously presented volume information may be updated. Prior period updates are not material.
(6)
Growth on a constant-dollar basis excludes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations against the U.S. dollar.

2725


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,Three Months Ended December 31,
2014 2013 
%
Change
 2014 2013 
%
Change
2014 2013 
%
Change
(in millions, except percentages)
Visa processed transactions(2)
15,354
 13,850
 11% 31,339
 28,009
 12%17,599
 15,985
 10%
CyberSource billable transactions(3)
1,859
 1,608
 16% 3,753
 3,188
 18%2,192
 1,894
 16%
(1) 
Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Percentage changes are calculated based on whole numbers,unrounded numbers. On occasion, previously presented information may be updated. Prior period updates are not the rounded numbers presented.material.
(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 paymentpayments 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. 2013Three Months Ended
December 31,
 2014 vs. 2013
2014 2013 
$
Change
 
%
Change(1)
 2014 2013 
$
Change
 
%
Change(1)
2014 2013 
$
Change
 
%
Change(1)
(in millions, except percentages)(in millions, except percentages)
U.S.$1,683
 $1,598
 $85
 5 % $3,374
 $3,125
 $249
 8 %$1,784
 $1,690
 $94
 6%
International1,427
 1,305
 122
 9 % 2,839
 2,569
 270
 11 %1,544
 1,412
 132
 9%
Visa Europe53
 55
 (2) (4)% 105
 110
 (5) (5)%54
 53
 1
 3%
Total operating revenues$3,163
 $2,958
 $205
 7 % $6,318
 $5,804

$514
 9 %$3,382
 $3,155
 $227
 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.unrounded numbers.
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 MarchDecember 31, 2014, as partially mitigated byincluding impacts from our hedging program, resulted in aan approximate negative two percentage point impact to our total operating revenue growth compared to the prior year. WhileFor the full 2015 fiscal year, we expect our hedging program to continue to mitigate this risk during fiscal 2014, a general strengtheningthe effect of the U.S. dollar is expectedexchange rate movements to reduce total operating revenue growth by about two percentage points, for the full 2014 fiscal year, net of offsetting hedges.

2826


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. 2013Three Months Ended
December 31,
 2014 vs. 2013
2014 2013 
$
Change
 
%
Change(1)
 2014 2013 
$
Change
 
%
Change(1)
2014 2013 
$
Change
 
%
Change(1)
(in millions, except percentages)(in millions, except percentages)
Service revenues$1,462
 $1,369
 $93
 7% $2,881
 $2,669
 $212
 8%$1,538
 $1,419
 $119
 8%
Data processing revenues1,234
 1,150
 84
 7% 2,498
 2,265
 233
 10%1,383
 1,264
 119
 9%
International transaction revenues871
 831
 40
 5% 1,762
 1,636
 126
 8%970
 891
 79
 9%
Other revenues183
 175
 8
 5% 363
 354
 9
 2%204
 180
 24
 14%
Client incentives(587) (567) (20) 4% (1,186) (1,120) (66) 6%(713) (599) (114) 19%
Total operating revenues$3,163
 $2,958
 $205
 7% $6,318
 $5,804
 $514
 9%$3,382
 $3,155
 $227
 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.unrounded numbers.
Service revenues increased during the three-month comparable period primarily due to 8% and 9%10% growth in nominal payments volume during the three and six month comparable periods, respectively.volume.
Data processing revenues increased mainly due to overall growth in processed transactions of 11% and 12%10% during the three and six monththree-month comparable periods, respectively, andperiod, combined with 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 for the three-month comparable period increased duringreflecting 4% growth in nominal cross-border payments volume. Growth in international transaction revenues was greater than 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 reflectingdue to higher volatility in a lower levelbroad range of cross-border travel.currencies.
Client incentives increased during the three and six monththree-month comparable period mainly due to overall growth in global payments volume, and incentives recognized on long-term customer contracts primarily outside of the United States, that were initiated or renewed after the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 2013. The six month period also benefited from the overall growth in global payments volume.2014. 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%17.5% to 17.5%18.5% for the full 20142015 fiscal year.

27



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. 2013Three Months Ended
December 31,
 2014 vs. 2013
2014 2013 
$
Change
 
%
Change(1)
 2014 2013 
$
Change
 
%
Change(1)
2014 2013 
$
Change
 
%
Change(1)
(in millions, except percentages)(in millions, except percentages)
Personnel$446
 $486
 $(40) (8)% $916
 $940
 $(24) (3)%$509
 $470
 $39
 8 %
Marketing245
 195
 50
 26 % 431
 388
 43
 11 %205
 186
 19
 10 %
Network and processing120
 119
 1
 1 % 252
 229
 23
 10 %114
 132
 (18) (13)%
Professional fees77
 91
 (14) (15)% 152
 179
 (27) (15)%70
 75
 (5) (6)%
Depreciation and amortization107
 98
 9
 10 % 214
 190
 24
 13 %120
 107
 13
 12 %
General and administrative120
 108
 12
 11 % 228
 214
 14
 7 %126
 108
 18
 15 %
Litigation provision
 1
 (1) NM
 
 4
 (4) NM
Total operating expenses$1,115
 $1,098
 $17
 2 % $2,193
 $2,144
 $49
 2 %$1,144
 $1,078
 $66
 6 %

29


(1)
Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded numbers.
whole numbers, not the rounded numbers presented.
Personnel decreased mainlyincreased primarily due to lower incentive compensation and reductionsgrowth 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.growth, combined with higher incentive compensation.
Marketing increased primarily due to the higher levelelevated levels of spendingadvertising and promotional campaigns to support a number of campaigns, including the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympicsour growth strategies and 2014 FIFA World Cup. We anticipate continued spending during the second half of fiscal 2014 to support the 2014 FIFA World Cup.new product initiatives.
Network and processing increased mainly duedecreased as a result of initiatives to greater investment in technology projects and costs incurred foroptimize the operationuse of our processing network during the first half of fiscal 2014.technology resources.
Professional fees decreased primarilymainly due to the absence of certain projectlower costs incurred in fiscal 2013, partially offset by costs incurredour effort to expand and supportalign resources with our network capabilities and applications.strategic priorities.
Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to additional depreciation from our ongoing investments in technology assets and infrastructure to support our digital solutions and core business and eCommerce initiatives.
General and administrative increased primarily due to facilities costhigher product enhancement costs, increased travel activities, and facility expansions in support of our business growth.
Effective Income Tax Rate
The effective income tax rates were 22%31% and 27%32% for the three and six months ended MarchDecember 31, 2014 respectively, and 32% and 30% for the three and six months ended March 31, 2013, respectively. The effective tax ratesrate for the three and six months ended MarchDecember 31, 2014 differdiffers from the effective tax ratesrate in the same periodsperiod in the prior fiscal 2013year primarily due to:
a $218 million tax benefitto the reversal of previously established reserves related to a deduction for U.S. domestic production activities, of which, $184 million related to prior fiscal years and $17 million related toan uncertain state tax position based on new information received in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, as a result of the completion of a study duringended December 31, 2014.
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 MarchDecember 31, 2014, our grossthere were no significant changes in total 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.benefits.

3028



Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow Data
The following table summarizes our cash flow activity for the periods presented.
Six Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
December 31,
2014 20132014 2013
(in millions)(in millions)
Total cash provided by (used in):      
Operating activities$3,470
 $(1,180)$1,761
 $1,541
Investing activities(106) (449)(636) (276)
Financing activities(3,730) 932
(1,012) (1,330)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents$(366) $(697)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents1
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents$114
 $(65)
Operating activities. Cash provided by operating activities duringfor the first halfthree months ended December 31, 2014 was higher than prior year, reflecting continued growth in our underlying business. Current quarter operating activities reflect $100 million of fiscal 2014 reflectspayments made from the return of our portion of takedown payments of approximately $1.1 billionlitigation escrow account 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 iswhich are also reflected as a use of cash underinflows within financing activities. Cash used in operating activities duringas they are covered by the prior-year comparable period reflects payments from the litigation escrow account totaling $4.4 billion in connection with the interchange multidistrict litigation.retrospective responsibility plan. See Note 2—Retrospective Responsibility Plan and Note 12—11—Legal Matters to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
Investing activities. Cash used in investing activities was lowerhigher 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 sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2014 reflects the use of $2.2 billion$803 million 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$297 million. Cash used in the prior-year comparable period primarily reflected the funding offinancing activities also reflects cash inflows relating to payments made from theour litigation escrow account totaling $4.4 billion in connection with the interchange multidistrict litigation, offset by $3.1litigation. See Note 2—Retrospective Responsibility Plan and Note 11—Legal Matters to our unaudited consolidated financial statements. Activity in the prior year primarily reflected $1.1 billion of cash used to repurchase class A common stock in the open market.market, and dividend payments of $254 million.
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 $5.05.9 billion at MarchDecember 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, 20132014, 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

3129


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 2013,2014, our board of directors authorized a new $5.0 billion share repurchase program. During the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2014, we repurchased 113 million shares of our class A common stock using $2.2 billion$803 million of cash on hand. As of MarchDecember 31, 2014, the October programwe had remaining authorized funds of $3.04.9 billion. All share repurchase programs authorized prior to October 20132014 have been completed. See Note 8—7—Stockholders' Equity to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
Dividends. During the sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2014, we declared and paid $507297 million in dividends. In April 2014,January 2015, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.400.48 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 JuneMarch 3, 20142015, to all holders of record as of May 16, 2014February 13, 2015. See Note 8—7—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 MarchDecember 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 MarchDecember 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 couldobligation. Given current economic conditions, the purchase price under the terms of the put option would likely be several billion dollars or more.in excess of $10 billion. 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 MarchDecember 31, 2014, our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis included $6.6$8.0 billion of assets and $165152 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 sixthree months ended MarchDecember 31, 2014, compared to September 30, 20132014.
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—11—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, 20132014, filed with the SEC on November 22, 201321, 2014.
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 MarchDecember 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, 2014758,378
 $216.91
 747,772
 $3,997,602,827
February 1-28, 20142,493,169
 $215.46
 2,480,056
 $3,463,322,519
March 1-31, 20142,298,240
 $219.80
 2,298,240
 $2,958,124,275
Total5,549,787
 $217.46
 5,526,068
  
Period
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs (2),(3)
 
Approximate
Dollar Value
of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs (2),(3)
October 1-31, 2014
 $
 
 $5,682,458,392
November 1-30, 2014383,215
 $251.37
 159,448
 $5,642,010,105
December 1-31, 20142,936,312
 $259.84
 2,936,312
 $4,878,990,353
Total3,319,527
 $258.86
 3,095,760
  
(1) 
Includes 23,719223,767 shares of class A common stock withheld at an average price of $223.57$249.75 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'sour consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q, the impact of these repurchases is recorded according to settlement dates.
(3)
Our board of directors from time to time authorizes the repurchase of shares of our common stock up to a certain monetary limit. In October 2014, our board of directors authorized a new $5.0 billion share repurchase program. This authorization has no expiration date. All share repurchase programs authorized prior to October 2014 have been completed.
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, 2014January 29, 2015By: /s/    Charles W. Scharf
  Name: Charles W. Scharf
  Title: 
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
Date:April 24, 2014January 29, 2015By: /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* Visa 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of December 30, 2014        
           
10.2 Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for awards granted after November 1, 2014 10-K 001-33977 10.40 11/21/2014
           
10.3 Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan Stock Option Award Agreement for awards granted after November 1, 2014 10-K 001-33977 10.41 11/21/2014
           
10.4 Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement for awards granted after November 1, 2014 10-K 001-33977 10.42 11/21/2014
           
10.5 Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for awards granted after November 1, 2014 10-K 001-33977 10.43 11/21/2014
           
10.6 Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan Performance Share Award Agreement for awards granted after November 1, 2014 10-K 001-33977 10.44 11/21/2014
           
10.7 Form of Alternate Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan Stock Option Award Agreement for awards granted after November 1, 2014 10-K 001-33977 10.45 11/21/2014
           
10.8 Form of Alternate Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement for awards granted after November 1, 2014 10-K 001-33977 10.46 11/21/2014
           
10.9 Form of Alternate Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for awards granted after November 1, 2014 10-K 001-33977 10.47 11/21/2014
           
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        
           

34


Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
Description of DocumentsSchedule/ FormFile NumberExhibitFiling 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.
  

3735