Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) today announced financial results for the Company’s fiscal fourth quarter and full-year 2016, ended September 30, 2016. GAAP net income in the fiscal fourth quarter, inclusive of special items, was $1.9 billion or $0.79 per share, an increase of 28% and 28%, respectively, over the prior year’s results. GAAP net income for the full-year 2016, inclusive of special items, was $6.0 billion or $2.48 per share, a decrease of 5% and 4%, respectively, over the prior year’s results. The full-year 2016 results include fiscal fourth quarter financial results from Visa Europe. All references to earnings per share assume fully-diluted class A share count, inclusive of series B and C convertible participating preferred stock, unless otherwise noted.

During the fiscal fourth quarter of 2016, the Company recorded the following special items:

  • A charge of $110 million (pretax) for severance costs; and
  • Non-cash and non-recurring $88 million gain due to the remeasurement of a deferred tax liability recorded upon the acquisition of Visa Europe to reflect a newly announced tax rate change in the United Kingdom.

Excluding these special items, adjusted net income in the fiscal fourth quarter was $1.9 billion or $0.78 per share, an increase of 27% and 27%, respectively, over the prior year’s results1. Adjusted net income for the full-year 2016 was $6.9 billion or $2.84 per share, an increase of 7% and 8%, respectively, over the prior year’s adjusted results. The Company’s full-year 2016 adjusted financial results excluded special items related to the acquisition of Visa Europe incurred during the first three quarters and the above mentioned special items incurred in the fourth quarter.

Net operating revenue in the fiscal fourth quarter 2016 was $4.3 billion, an increase of 19%, driven by the inclusion of Europe and continued growth in payments volume and processed transactions. Net operating revenue in the fiscal full-year 2016 was $15.1 billion, an increase of 9%, driven by the inclusion of Europe and continued growth in payments volume and processed transactions. Exchange rate shifts versus the prior year negatively impacted reported net operating revenue growth by approximately 3 percentage points.

“We continue to deliver healthy earnings growth in the face of continued, but abating headwinds. We have begun to see the benefits from our acquisition of Visa Europe and strong cost discipline helped our results. At the same time, we are unwavering in our commitment to invest in client partnership opportunities and the further build out of our digital payments capabilities,” said Charlie Scharf, Chief Executive Officer of Visa Inc.

“As we enter fiscal 2017, we are positioned well as revenue headwinds will continue to ease, we will continue to see the benefits from Visa Europe in our results, and our strong client franchise continues to grow,” added Scharf.

1 The Company did not report adjusted results for the three months ended September 30, 2015.

Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2016 Financial Highlights:

Payments volume growth, excluding Visa Europe and on a constant dollar basis, for the three months ended June 30, 2016, on which fiscal fourth quarter service revenue is recognized, was 10% over the prior year at $1.3 trillion.

Payments volume growth, including Visa Europe and on a constant dollar basis, for the three months ended September 30, 2016, was 47% over the prior year at $1.9 trillion.

Cross-border volume growth, including Visa Europe and on a constant dollar basis, was 149% for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Total processed transactions, which represent transactions processed by Visa (including Visa Europe), for the three months ended September 30, 2016, were 25.9 billion, a 41% increase over the prior year.

Fiscal fourth quarter 2016 service revenues were $1.8 billion, an increase of 8% over the prior year, and are recognized based on payments volume in the prior quarter. All other revenue categories are recognized based on current quarter activity. Data processing revenues rose 25% over the prior year to $1.8 billion. International transaction revenues grew 36% over the prior year to $1.5 billion. Other revenues were $218 million, an increase of 1% over the prior year. Client incentives, which are a contra revenue item, were $993 million and represent 18.9% of gross revenues.

GAAP operating expenses were $1.6 billion for the fiscal fourth quarter 2016, a 27% increase over the prior year's results, primarily driven by the inclusion of Europe and increases in personnel expenses due to a charge of $110 million for severance costs. Adjusted operating expenses, which exclude the special item, were $1.5 billion, an 18% increase over the prior year.

GAAP effective income tax rate was 23.1% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and included a $38 million benefit related to the charge for severance costs of $110 million and a non-cash and non-recurring $88 million gain upon the remeasurement of a deferred tax liability recorded upon the acquisition of Visa Europe to reflect a newly announced tax rate change in the United Kingdom. Excluding the tax impact from the special items, the adjusted effective income tax rate was 26.9% for the fiscal fourth quarter.

Cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale investment securities were $12.8 billion at September 30, 2016.

The weighted-average number of diluted shares of class A common stock outstanding was 2.44 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2016.

Summary Table of Adjustments to Earnings (1):

  Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
(in millions, except percentages and per share data)

Operating
Expenses

 

Operating
Margin(2)

 

Income
Before
Income
Taxes

 

Income
Taxes

 

Effective
Income Tax
Rate (2)

 

Net
Income

 

Diluted
Earnings per
Share(2)

As reported $ 1,636 62 % $ 2,510 $ 579 23.1 % $ 1,931 $ 0.79
Severance costs (110 ) 3 % 110 38 72 0.03
Remeasurement of deferred tax liability           88     (88 )   (0.04 )
As adjusted $ 1,526   64 % $ 2,620 $ 705 26.9 % $ 1,915   $

0.78

 
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding, as reported 2,440

(1) The Company did not report adjusted results for the three months ended September 30, 2015.
(2) Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Operating margin, effective income tax rate and diluted earnings per share figures are calculated based on unrounded numbers.

Fiscal Full-Year 2016 Financial Highlights:

For the fiscal full-year 2016, service revenues were $6.7 billion, an increase of 7% over the prior year. Data processing revenues rose 13% over the prior year to $6.3 billion. International transaction revenues grew 14% over the prior year to $4.6 billion. Other revenues were $823 million, flat over the prior year. Client incentives were $3.4 billion and represent 18.4% of gross revenues.

GAAP operating expenses were $7.2 billion for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016, a 49% increase over the prior year's results, primarily related to increases in personnel, network and processing expenses, and special items incurred in all four fiscal quarters primarily related to the acquisition of Visa Europe.

Adjusted operating expenses, which exclude special items incurred in all four fiscal quarters, were $5.1 billion, an increase of 5% over the prior year’s results.

GAAP effective income tax rate was 25.2% for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016. Adjusted effective income tax rate, excluding the special items related to the acquisition of Visa Europe, severance costs and deferred tax liability remeasurement described above, was 29.1%.

The weighted-average number of diluted shares of class A common stock outstanding was 2.41 billion for the full-year.

Summary Table of Adjustments to Earnings (1):

 

Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2016

(in millions, except percentages and per share data)

Operating
Expenses

 

Operating
Margin (2)

 

Non-
operating
Income
(Expense)

 

Income
Before
Income
Taxes

 

Income
Taxes

 

Effective
Income Tax
Rate (2)

 

Net Income

 

Diluted
Earnings
per Share (2)

As reported $ 7,199 52 % $ 129 $ 8,012 $ 2,021 25.2 % $ 5,991 $ 2.48
Severance cost (110 ) 1 % 110 38 72 0.03
Remeasurement of deferred tax liability % 88 (88 ) (0.04 )
Acquisition-related costs (152 ) 1 % 152 56 96 0.04
Visa Europe Framework Agreement loss (1,877 ) 12 % 1,877 693 1,184 0.49
Net gains on currency forward contracts % (74 ) (74 ) (27 ) (47 ) (0.02 )
Foreign exchange gain on euro deposits % (145 ) (145 ) (54 ) (91 ) (0.04 )
Revaluation of Visa Europe put option   %   (255 )   (255 )         (255 )   (0.11 )
As adjusted $ 5,060 66 % $ (345 ) $ 9,677   $ 2,815   29.1 % $ 6,862   $ 2.84  
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding, as reported 2,414

(1) Refer to the accompanying financial tables for a reconciliation of adjusted results for the twelve months ended September 30, 2015.
(2) Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Operating margin, effective income tax rate and diluted earnings per share figures are calculated based on unrounded numbers.

Notable Events:

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company repurchased 20.5 million shares of class A common stock, at an average price of $80.76 per share, using $1.7 billion of cash on hand. During the twelve months ended September 30, 2016, the Company repurchased a total of 92.1 million shares of class A common stock, at an average price of $77.13 per share, using $7.1 billion of cash on hand. At September 30, 2016, the Company had $5.7 billion of remaining funds, authorized by the board of directors, available for share repurchase under the current programs.

On October 17, 2016, the board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.165 per share of class A common stock (determined in the case of class B and C common stock and series B and C convertible participating preferred stock on an as-converted basis) payable on December 6, 2016, to all holders of record of the Company’s common and preferred stock as of November 18, 2016.

In addition, on October 17, 2016, the Company announced that Charlie Scharf has resigned as chief executive officer effective December 1, 2016, and the board of directors appointed current board member Alfred F. Kelly, Jr. to become CEO effective December 1, 2016.

Financial Outlook for Fiscal Full-Year 2017:

Visa Inc. provides its financial outlook for the following GAAP metrics for fiscal full-year 2017:

  • Annual net revenue growth: 16% to 18% range on a nominal dollar basis, including 1.0 to 1.5 ppts of negative foreign currency impact;
  • Client incentives as a percent of gross revenues: 20.5% to 21.5% range;
  • Annual operating margin: Mid 60s;
  • Effective tax rate: Low 30s; and
  • Annual diluted class A common stock earnings per share growth: Low 30s on a GAAP nominal dollar basis and mid-teens on an adjusted, non-GAAP nominal dollar basis (see note below), both including 1.5 to 2.0 ppts of negative foreign currency impact.

Note: The financial outlook for fiscal full-year 2017 includes Visa Europe integration expenses of approximately $80 million for the full-year. Annual adjusted diluted class A common stock earnings per share growth is derived from adjusted full-year 2016 earnings per share results of $2.84.

Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2016 Earnings Results Conference Call Details:

Visa’s executive management team will host a live audio webcast beginning at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 p.m. Pacific Time) today to discuss the financial results and business highlights. All interested parties are invited to listen to the live webcast at http://investor.visa.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Visa Investor Relations website for 30 days. Investor information, including supplemental financial information, is available on Visa Inc.’s Investor Relations website at http://investor.visa.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Information:

The Company has presented certain financial data that are considered non-GAAP financial measures that are reconciled to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in the accompanying tables. Management believes that the presentation of adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share facilitate a clearer understanding of Visa’s operating performance and provides a meaningful comparison of its results between periods. Refer to the accompanying financial tables for further details and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures presented.

Visa’s management uses non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate its ongoing operations in relation to historical results and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. The presentation of non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for Visa’s related financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

About Visa Inc.

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) 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. We operate one of the world’s most advanced processing networks — VisaNet — that is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second, with fraud protection for consumers and assured payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa’s innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: pay now with debit, pay ahead with prepaid or pay later with credit products. For more information, visit usa.visa.com/about-visa, visacorporate.tumblr.com and @VisaNews

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to, among other things, our future operations, prospects, developments, strategies, business growth and financial outlook for fiscal full-year 2017. Forward-looking statements generally are identified by words such as "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "projects," “outlook”, "could," "should," "will," "continue" and other similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact could be forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made, are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control and are difficult to predict.

Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, our forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:

  • increased oversight and regulation of the global payments industry and our business;
  • impact of government-imposed restrictions on payment systems;
  • outcome of tax and litigation matters;
  • increasingly intense competition in the payments industry, including competition for our clients and merchants;
  • proliferation and continuous evolution of new technologies and business models;
  • our ability to maintain relationships with our clients, merchants and other third parties;
  • brand or reputational damage;
  • management changes;
  • impact of global economic, political, market and social events or conditions;
  • exposure to loss or illiquidity due to settlement guarantees;
  • uncertainty surrounding the impact of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union;
  • cyber security attacks, breaches or failure of our networks;
  • failure to maintain interoperability with Visa Europe’s systems;
  • our ability to successfully integrate and manage our acquisitions and other strategic investments; and
  • other factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015, and our subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K.

Except as required by law, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
   

September 30,
2016

September 30,
2015

(in millions, except par value data)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,619 $ 3,518
Restricted cash—litigation escrow 1,027 1,072
Investment securities:
Trading 71 66
Available-for-sale 3,248 2,431
Settlement receivable 1,467 408
Accounts receivable 1,041 847
Customer collateral 1,001 1,023
Current portion of client incentives 284 303
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   555     353  
Total current assets 14,313 10,021
Investment securities, available-for-sale 3,931 3,384
Client incentives 448 110
Property, equipment and technology, net 2,150 1,888
Other assets 893 778
Intangible assets, net 27,234 11,361
Goodwill   15,066     11,825  
Total assets $ 64,035   $ 39,367  
Liabilities
Accounts payable $ 203 $ 127
Settlement payable 2,084 780
Customer collateral 1,001 1,023
Accrued compensation and benefits 673 503
Client incentives 1,976 1,049
Accrued liabilities 1,128 849
Accrued litigation   981     1,024  
Total current liabilities 8,046 5,355
Long-term debt 15,882
Deferred tax liabilities 4,808 3,273
Deferred purchase consideration 1,225
Other liabilities   1,162     897  
Total liabilities   31,123     9,525  
Equity
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 25 shares authorized and 5 issued and outstanding as follows:
Series A convertible participating preferred stock, none issued
Series B convertible participating preferred stock, 2 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2016 2,516
Series C convertible participating preferred stock, 3 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2016 3,201
Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 2,001,622 shares authorized, 1,871 and 1,950 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively
Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value, 622 shares authorized, 245 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2016 and 2015
Class C common stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,097 shares authorized, 17 and 20 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively
Treasury stock (170 )
Right to recover for covered losses (34 )
Additional paid-in capital 17,395 18,073
Accumulated income 10,462 11,843

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net:

Investment securities, available-for-sale 36 5
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans (225 ) (161 )
Derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges (50 ) 83
Foreign currency translation adjustments   (219 )   (1 )
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net   (458 )   (74 )
Total equity   32,912     29,842  
Total liabilities and equity $ 64,035   $ 39,367  
 
VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Twelve Months Ended
September 30,

2016 (1)

 

2015

2016 (1)

 

2015

(in millions, except per share data)
Operating Revenues
Service revenues $ 1,768 $ 1,637 $ 6,747 $ 6,302
Data processing revenues 1,779 1,429 6,272 5,552
International transaction revenues 1,489 1,091 4,649 4,064
Other revenues 218 216 823 823
Client incentives   (993 )   (802 )   (3,409 )   (2,861 )
Total operating revenues   4,261     3,571     15,082     13,880  
 
Operating Expenses
Personnel 690 521 2,226 2,079
Marketing 300 253 869 872
Network and processing 161 134 538 474
Professional fees 113 107 389 336
Depreciation and amortization 141 119 502 494
General and administrative 230 143 796 547
Litigation provision 1 11 2 14
Visa Europe Framework Agreement loss           1,877      
Total operating expenses   1,636     1,288     7,199     4,816  
Operating income   2,625     2,283     7,883     9,064  
 
Non-operating (Expense) Income
Interest expense (135 )(427 ) (3 )
Other   20         556     (66 )
Non-operating (expense) income   (115 )       129     (69 )
Income before income taxes 2,510 2,283 8,012 8,995
Income tax provision   579     771     2,021     2,667  
Net income $ 1,931   $ 1,512   $ 5,991   $ 6,328  
 
Basic earnings per share
Class A common stock $ 0.79   $ 0.62   $ 2.49   $ 2.58  
Class B common stock $ 1.31   $ 1.02   $ 4.10   $ 4.26  
Class C common stock $ 3.17   $ 2.48   $ 9.94   $ 10.33  
 
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
Class A common stock   1,878     1,948     1,906     1,954  
Class B common stock   245     245     245     245  
Class C common stock   17     19     19     22  
 
Diluted earnings per share
Class A common stock $ 0.79   $ 0.62   $ 2.48   $ 2.58  
Class B common stock $ 1.30   $ 1.02   $ 4.09   $ 4.25  
Class C common stock $ 3.16   $ 2.48   $ 9.93   $ 10.30  
 
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
Class A common stock   2,440     2,440     2,414     2,457  
Class B common stock   245     245     245     245  
Class C common stock   17     19     19     22  

(1)

  We did not include Visa Europe's financial results in our unaudited consolidated statements of operations from the acquisition date, June 21, 2016, through June 30, 2016 as the impact was immaterial. Our unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the year ended September 30, 2016 includes Visa Europe's financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2016.
 
VISA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
  For the Years Ended September 30,
  2016      

2015

     

2014

 
(in millions)
Operating Activities
Net income $ 5,991 $ 6,328 $ 5,438
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Client incentives 3,409 2,861 2,592
Fair value adjustment for the Visa Europe put option (255 ) 110
Share-based compensation 221 187 172
Excess tax benefit for share-based compensation (63 ) (84 ) (90 )
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment, technology and intangible assets 502 494 435
Deferred income taxes (764 ) 195 (580 )
Right to recover for covered losses recorded in equity (9 )
Litigation provision 4 14 453
Other 64 24 37
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Settlement receivable 391 378 13
Accounts receivable (65 ) (19 ) (53 )
Client incentives (3,508 ) (2,970 ) (2,395 )
Other assets (315 ) (41 ) (379 )
Accounts payable 43 (13 ) (56 )
Settlement payable (302 ) (552 ) 107
Accrued and other liabilities 277 118 513
Accrued litigation   (47 )   (446 )   998  
Net cash provided by operating activities   5,574     6,584     7,205  
 
Investing Activities
Purchases of property, equipment, technology and intangible assets (523 ) (414 ) (553 )
Proceeds from sales of property, equipment and technology 10
Investment securities, available-for-sale:
Purchases (28,004 ) (2,850 ) (2,572 )
Proceeds from maturities and sales 26,697 1,925 2,342
Acquisitions, net of $2.8 billion cash received from Visa Europe (9,082 ) (93 ) (149 )
Purchases of / contributions to other investments (10 ) (25 ) (9 )
Proceeds / distributions from other investments   6     12      
Net cash used in investing activities   (10,916 )   (1,435 )   (941 )
 
Financing Activities
Repurchase of class A common stock (6,987 ) (2,910 ) (4,118 )
Treasury stock—class C common stock (170 )
Dividends paid (1,350 ) (1,177 ) (1,006 )
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes 15,971
Debt issuance costs (98 )
Deposit into litigation escrow account—U.S. retrospective responsibility plan (450 )
Payments from (return to) litigation escrow account—U.S. retrospective responsibility plan 45 426 (999 )
Cash proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee equity plans 95 82 91
Restricted stock and performance-based shares settled in cash for taxes (92 ) (108 ) (86 )
Excess tax benefit for share-based compensation   63     84     90  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   7,477     (3,603 )   (6,478 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   (34 )   1     (1 )
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,101 1,547 (215 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   3,518     1,971     2,186  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 5,619   $ 3,518   $ 1,971  
 
Supplemental Disclosure
Series B and C convertible participating preferred stock issued in Visa Europe acquisition $ 5,717 $ $
Deferred purchase consideration recorded for Visa Europe acquisition $ 1,236 $ $
Income taxes paid, net of refunds $ 2,842 $ 2,486 $ 2,656
Interest payments on debt $ 244 $ $
Accruals related to purchases of property, equipment, technology and intangible assets $ 42 $ 81 $ 62
Right to recover for covered losses related to Visa Europe acquisition $ 34 $ $
 
VISA INC.
FISCAL 2016 AND 2015 QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
 
  Fiscal 2016 Quarter Ended  

Fiscal 2015
Quarter Ended

September 30,
2016 (1)

 

June 30,
2016 (1)

 

March 31,
2016

 

December 31,
2015

September 30,
2015

(in millions)
Operating Revenues
Service revenues $ 1,768 $ 1,635 $ 1,699 $ 1,645 $ 1,637
Data processing revenues 1,779 1,541 1,473 1,479 1,429
International transaction revenues 1,489 1,084 1,045 1,031 1,091
Other revenues 218 209 198 198 216
Client incentives (993) (839) (789) (788) (802)
Total operating revenues 4,261 3,630 3,626 3,565 3,571
 
Operating Expenses
Personnel 690 509 528 499 521
Marketing 300 189 186 194 253
Network and processing 161 123 126 128 134
Professional fees 113 138 66 72 107
Depreciation and amortization 141 120 121 120 119
General and administrative 230 246 164 156 143
Litigation provision 1 1 11
Visa Europe Framework Agreement loss 1,877
Total operating expenses 1,636 3,202 1,192 1,169 1,288
Operating income 2,625 428 2,434 2,396 2,283
 
Non-operating (Expense) Income
Interest expense (135) (131) (132) (29)
Other 20 125 139 272
Non-operating (expense) income (115) (6) 7 243
Income before income taxes 2,510 422 2,441 2,639 2,283
Income tax provision 579 10 734 698 771
Net income $ 1,931 $ 412 $ 1,707 $ 1,941 $ 1,512

(1)

 

We did not include Visa Europe's financial results in our unaudited consolidated statements of operations from the acquisition date, June 21, 2016, through June 30, 2016 as the impact was immaterial. Our unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2016 includes Visa Europe's financial results.

VISA INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL RESULTS
(UNAUDITED)

Our financial results during the three and twelve months ended September 30, 2016 reflect the impact of certain significant items that we do not believe are indicative of our ongoing operating performance, as they are either non-recurring or have no cash impact. As such, we believe the presentation of adjusted financial results excluding the following items provides a clearer understanding of our operating performance for the periods presented.

  • Severance cost. In the fiscal fourth quarter, we recorded a $110 million charge for severance costs related to personnel reductions including planned reductions at Visa Europe. Although we routinely record severance expenses, these charges are larger than any past quarterly accrual due to the acquisition and integration of Visa Europe. Net of related tax benefit of $38 million, determined by applying applicable tax rates, the adjustment to net income was an increase of $72 million.
  • Remeasurement of deferred tax liability. In September 2016, we recorded a non-cash, non-recurring $88 million gain upon the remeasurement of a deferred tax liability, recorded upon the acquisition of Visa Europe, to reflect a tax rate change in the United Kingdom.
  • Acquisition-related costs. During the twelve months ended September 30, 2016, we incurred $152 million of non-recurring acquisition costs in operating expense as a result of the Visa Europe transaction. This amount is comprised of $60 million of transaction expenses recorded in professional fees, and $92 million of U.K. stamp duty recorded in general and administrative expenses. Net of related tax benefit of $56 million, determined by applying applicable federal and state tax rates, the adjustment to net income was an increase of $96 million.
  • Visa Europe Framework Agreement loss. Upon consummation of the transaction, on June 21, 2016, we recorded a non-recurring loss of $1.9 billion, before tax, in operating expense resulting from the effective settlement of the Framework Agreement between Visa and Visa Europe. Net of related tax benefit of $693 million, determined by applying applicable federal and state tax rates, the adjustment to net income was an increase of $1.2 billion.
  • Net gains on currency forward contracts. During the twelve months ended September 30, 2016, we entered into currency forward contracts to mitigate a portion of the foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with the upfront cash consideration paid in the Visa Europe acquisition. As a result, we recorded non-recurring, net gains of $74 million, before tax, in other non-operating income. Net of related tax expense of $27 million, determined by applying applicable federal and state tax rates, the adjustment to net income was a decrease of $47 million.
  • Foreign exchange gain on euro deposits. During the twelve months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded a non-recurring foreign exchange gain of $145 million, before tax, in other non-operating income as a result of holding euro-denominated bank balances for a short period in advance of the closing date of the Visa Europe transaction. Net of related tax expense of $54 million, determined by applying applicable federal and state tax rates, the impact to net income was a decrease of $91 million.
  • Revaluation of Visa Europe put option. During the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and the third quarter of fiscal 2015, we recorded a decrease of $255 million and an increase of $110 million, respectively, in the fair value of the Visa Europe put option, resulting in the recognition of non-cash income and expense in other non-operating income. These amounts are not subject to income tax and therefore have no impact on the reported income tax provision.

Adjusted operating expenses, operating margin, non-operating income (expense), income before income taxes, income taxes, effective income tax rate, net income and diluted earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures and should not be relied upon as substitutes for measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The following tables reconcile our as-reported financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, to the respective non-GAAP adjusted financial measures for the three and twelve months ended September 30, 2016 and the twelve months ended September 30, 2015. There were no comparable adjustments recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2015.

  Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 (1)
(in millions, except percentages and per share data)

Operating
Expenses

 

Operating
Margin (2),(3)

 

Non-operating
(Expense)
Income

 

Income Before
Income Taxes

  Income Taxes  

Effective
Income
Tax Rate (2)

  Net Income  

Diluted
Earnings Per
Share (2)

As reported $ 1,636 62 % $ (115 ) $ 2,510 $ 579 23.1 % $ 1,931 $ 0.79
Severance cost (110 ) 3 % 110 38 72 0.03
Remeasurement of deferred tax liability       %           88       (88 )   (0.04 )
As adjusted $ 1,526 64 % $ (115 ) $ 2,620 $ 705 26.9 % $ 1,915 $ 0.78
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding, as reported 2,440
 
Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2016 (1)
(in millions, except percentages and per share data)

Operating
Expenses

Operating
Margin (2),(3)

Non-operating
Income
(Expense)

Income Before
Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Effective
Income Tax
Rate (2)

Net Income

Diluted
Earnings Per
Share (2)

As reported $ 7,199 52 % $ 129 $ 8,012 $ 2,021 25.2 % $ 5,991 $ 2.48
Severance cost (110 ) 1 % 110 38 72 0.03
Remeasurement of deferred tax liability % 88 (88 ) (0.04 )
Acquisition-related costs (152 ) 1 % 152 56 96 0.04
Visa Europe Framework Agreement loss (1,877 ) 12 % 1,877 693 1,184 0.49
Net gains on currency forward contracts % (74 ) (74 ) (27 ) (47 ) (0.02 )
Foreign exchange gain on euro deposits % (145 ) (145 ) (54 ) (91 ) (0.04 )
Revaluation of Visa Europe put option       %   (255 )   (255 )         (255 )   (0.11 )
As adjusted $ 5,060 66 % $ (345 ) $ 9,677 $ 2,815 29.1 % $ 6,862 $ 2.84
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding, as reported 2,414
 
Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2015
(in millions, except per share data)

Non-operating
(Expense)
Income

Income Before
Income Taxes

Net Income

Diluted
Earnings Per
Share (2)

As reported $ (69 ) $ 8,995 $ 6,328 $ 2.58
Revaluation of Visa Europe put option   110     110     110     0.04  
As adjusted $ 41 $ 9,105 $ 6,438 $ 2.62
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding, as reported 2,457

(1)

 

We did not include Visa Europe's financial results in our unaudited consolidated statements of operations from the acquisition date, June 21, 2016, through June 30, 2016 as the impact was immaterial. Our unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the year ended September 30, 2016 includes Visa Europe's financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

(2)

Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Operating margin, effective income tax rate and diluted earnings per share figures are calculated based on unrounded numbers.

(3)

Operating margin is calculated as operating income divided by total operating revenues

 

Operational Performance Data

The tables below provide information regarding the available operational results for the 3 months ended September 30, 2016, as well as the prior four quarterly reporting periods and the 12 months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, for cards carrying the Visa, Visa Electron, V PAY and Interlink brands. Sections 1-3 below reflect the acquisition of Visa Europe, with Europe included in Visa Inc. results effective the 3 months ended September 30, 2016.

1. Branded Volume and Transactions

The tables present regional total volume, payments volume, and cash volume, and the number of payments transactions, cash transactions, accounts and cards for cards carrying the Visa, Visa Electron, V PAY and Interlink brands. Card counts include PLUS proprietary cards. Nominal and constant dollar growth rates over prior years are provided for volume-based data.

  For the 3 Months Ended September 30, 2016

Total

 

Growth

 

Growth

 

Payments

 

Growth

 

Growth

 

Payments

 

Cash

 

Growth

 

Growth

 

Cash

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Transactions

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Transactions

($ billions)  

USD)

 

USD)

 

($ billions)

 

USD)

 

USD)

 

(millions)

 

($ billions)

 

USD)

 

USD)

 

(millions)

 
All Visa Credit & Debit
Asia Pacific $535 4.9% 3.7% $406 9.4% 7.8% 5,220 $128 -7.2% -7.4% 983
Canada 62 5.4% 5.3% 57 5.4% 5.3% 759 5 5.4% 5.3% 11
CEMEA 237 2.4% 7.5% 69 12.7% 17.4% 2,582 169 -1.3% 4.0% 1,235
LAC 236 3.8% 10.4% 91 7.1% 13.6% 2,992 145 1.9% 8.6% 1,165
US 902 9.8% 9.8% 767 10.7% 10.7% 14,899 135 4.8% 4.8% 954

Europe

643 467 9,569 176 1,407
Visa Inc. 2,614 41.4% 42.9% 1,857 46.9% 47.1% 36,022 757 29.6% 33.5% 5,755
 
Visa Credit Programs
US $424 18.2% 18.2% $409 18.7% 18.7% 5,122 $15 6.1% 6.1% 18

International

725 47.6% 47.4% 656 44.0% 43.6% 9,540 68 94.0% 98.1% 394
Visa Inc. 1,149 35.2% 35.1% 1,065 33.1% 32.9% 14,661 84 68.7% 71.2% 412
 
Visa Debit Programs
US $478 3.2% 3.2% $358 2.7% 2.7% 9,777 $120 4.7% 4.7% 936

International

988 84.2% 91.2% 433 275.3% 285.9% 11,583 554 31.7% 37.1% 4,407
Visa Inc. 1,465 46.7% 49.6% 792 70.6% 71.7% 21,361 674 25.9% 29.9% 5,343
 
For the 3 Months Ended June 30, 2016
Total  

Growth

 

Growth

 

Payments

 

Growth

 

Growth

 

Payments

 

Cash

 

Growth

 

Growth

 

Cash

   
Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Transactions

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Transactions

Accounts

Cards

($ billions)  

USD)

 

USD)

 

($ billions)

 

USD)

 

USD)

 

(millions)

 

($ billions)

 

USD)

 

USD)

 

(millions)

 

(millions)

(millions)

 
All Visa Credit & Debit
Asia Pacific $531 4.3% 7.3% $393 7.9% 10.3% 5,055 $138 -5.0% -0.4% 1,014 766 870
Canada 62 0.7% 6.7% 57 0.5% 6.4% 741 5 3.6% 9.7% 11 47 54
CEMEA 233 -2.0% 11.4% 64 4.8% 18.3% 2,415 169 -4.3% 8.9% 1,255 331 318
LAC 223 -5.8% 10.8% 86 -3.3% 14.4% 2,871 138 -7.2% 8.8% 1,127 419 456

US

883 9.1% 9.1% 749 9.7% 9.7% 14,681 134 5.9% 5.9% 972 678 851
Visa Inc. 1,933 4.2% 9.0% 1,349 7.6% 10.4% 25,763 584 -3.0% 5.8% 4,379 2,240 2,549
 
Visa Credit Programs
US $390 10.9% 10.9% $376 10.8% 10.8% 4,583 $15 11.0% 11.0% 17 272 355

International

513 4.5% 9.8% 476 5.0% 9.9% 6,638 37 -2.0% 8.7% 159 511 572
Visa Inc. 903 7.2% 10.3% 852 7.5% 10.3% 11,221 51 1.4% 9.4% 176 783 927
 
Visa Debit Programs
US $493 7.7% 7.7% $374 8.5% 8.5% 10,099 $119 5.3% 5.3% 955 406 496

International

537 -3.3% 8.0% 123 5.4% 17.1% 4,444 413 -5.6% 5.6% 3,248 1,051 1,126
Visa Inc. 1,030 1.7% 7.9% 497 7.7% 10.5% 14,543 532 -3.4% 5.5% 4,203 1,457 1,622
 
Europe 654 479 9,350 175 1,416 472 537
 
For the 3 Months Ended March 31, 2016
Total  

Growth

 

Growth

 

Payments

 

Growth

 

Growth

 

Payments

 

Cash

 

Growth

 

Growth

 

Cash

   
Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Transactions

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Transactions

Accounts

Cards

($ billions)  

USD)

 

USD)

 

($ billions)

 

USD)

 

USD)

 

(millions)

 

($ billions)

 

USD)

 

USD)

 

(millions)

 

(millions)

 

(millions)

 
All Visa Credit & Debit
Asia Pacific $511 3.2% 8.9% $376 9.6% 14.4% 4,745 $135 -11.1% -3.8% 1,017 753 856
Canada 51 -5.1% 5.0% 46 -5.3% 4.7% 659 5 -2.4% 8.0% 11 47 54
CEMEA 205 -3.4% 8.4% 57 4.9% 17.3% 2,185 148 -6.2% 5.3% 1,161 330 321
LAC 204 -16.1% 9.1% 79 -15.2% 15.0% 2,799 124 -16.8% 5.6% 1,077 417 451

US

823 10.0% 10.0% 694 10.5% 10.5% 13,622 129 7.3% 7.3% 932 662 827
Visa Inc. 1,793 2.4% 9.3% 1,252 7.3% 12.0% 24,010 541 -7.4% 3.4% 4,198 2,208 2,510
 
Visa Credit Programs
US $349 10.5% 10.5% $335 10.6% 10.6% 4,067 $14 8.8% 8.8% 16 255 333

International

475 2.5% 11.9% 445 3.8% 13.1% 6,263 30 -14.0% -2.9% 157 506 566
Visa Inc. 824 5.8% 11.3% 780 6.6% 12.0% 10,330 44 -7.7% 0.6% 173 761 899
 
Visa Debit Programs
US $474 9.6% 9.6% $360 10.5% 10.5% 9,555 $115 7.1% 7.1% 916 407 494

International

495 -8.3% 5.7% 113 2.0% 17.2% 4,125 382 -10.9% 2.7% 3,109 1,040 1,116
Visa Inc. 969 -0.3% 7.6% 473 8.3% 12.0% 13,680 497 -7.3% 3.7% 4,025 1,447 1,610
 
For the 3 Months Ended December 31, 2015
Total  

Growth

 

Growth

 

Payments

 

Growth

 

Growth

 

Payments

 

Cash

 

Growth

 

Growth

 

Cash

   
Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Transactions

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Transactions

Accounts

Cards

($ billions)  

USD)

 

USD)

 

($ billions)

 

USD)

 

USD)

 

(millions)

 

($ billions)

 

USD)

 

USD)

 

(millions)

 

(millions)

 

(millions)

 
All Visa Credit & Debit
Asia Pacific $524 2.5% 10.4% $387 7.8% 15.6% 4,900 $137 -10.0% -2.1% 1,003 745 840
Canada 59 -10.7% 5.2% 55 -10.9% 4.9% 723 4 -8.3% 8.0% 11 47 54
CEMEA 228 -13.5% 6.1% 60 -6.8% 12.6% 2,099 168 -15.7% 4.0% 1,236 336 326
LAC 237 -17.0% 10.2% 90 -17.4% 14.2% 2,918 147 -16.8% 7.9% 1,174 416 451

US

842 9.1% 9.1% 714 9.7% 9.7% 13,980 128 5.8% 5.8% 936 641 813
Visa Inc. 1,890 -0.4% 9.1% 1,306 4.9% 11.6% 24,620 584 -10.6% 3.8% 4,360 2,185 2,483
 
Visa Credit Programs
US $372 9.1% 9.1% $357 9.1% 9.1% 4,390 $14 8.0% 8.0% 17 249 328

International

505 -1.2% 12.3% 470 0.7% 13.7% 6,506 34 -20.8% -4.0% 164 507 561
Visa Inc. 876 2.9% 10.9% 828 4.2% 11.7% 10,897 48 -14.0% -0.8% 181 756 889
 
Visa Debit Programs
US $470 9.1% 9.1% $357 10.2% 10.2% 9,590 $114 5.6% 5.6% 919 393 484

International

543 -11.8% 6.3% 121 -4.0% 15.3% 4,134 422 -13.8% 3.9% 3,260 1,036 1,110
Visa Inc. 1,014 -3.2% 7.6% 478 6.3% 11.5% 13,723 536 -10.3% 4.3% 4,179 1,429 1,594
 
For the 3 Months Ended September 30, 2015
Total  

Growth

 

Growth

 

Payments

 

Growth

 

Growth

 

Payments

 

Cash

 

Growth

 

Growth

 

Cash

   
Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Transactions

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Transactions

Accounts

Cards

($ billions)  

USD)

 

USD)

 

($ billions)

 

USD)

 

USD)

 

(millions)

 

($ billions)

 

USD)

 

USD)

 

(millions)

 

(millions)

 

(millions)

 
All Visa Credit & Debit
Asia Pacific $510 0.7% 10.7% $372 5.5% 15.7% 4,670 $138 -10.3% -0.9% 1,029 738 835
Canada 58 -12.0% 5.2% 54 -12.1% 5.1% 698 5 -11.3% 6.0% 12 43 50
CEMEA 232 -17.1% 9.3% 61 -9.8% 16.9% 1,915 171 -19.4% 6.8% 1,195 333 321
LAC 227 -17.5% 9.2% 85 -18.1% 11.5% 2,706 142 -17.2% 7.9% 1,093 415 450

US

822 8.7% 8.7% 693 9.7% 9.7% 13,655 129 3.9% 3.9% 958 623 796
Visa Inc. 1,849 -1.8% 9.3% 1,264 3.9% 11.6% 23,644 585 -12.3% 4.4% 4,286 2,152 2,452
 
Visa Credit Programs
US $359 9.8% 9.8% $345 10.1% 10.1% 4,221 $14 2.8% 2.8% 17 244 323

International

491 -2.8% 13.2% 456 -0.4% 14.6% 6,214 35 -25.6% -2.9% 164 499 557
Visa Inc. 850 2.2% 11.7% 800 3.9% 12.7% 10,435 50 -19.1% -1.3% 181 743 880
 
Visa Debit Programs
US $463 7.9% 7.9% $349 9.2% 9.2% 9,435 $114 4.1% 4.1% 941 380 473

International

536 -13.9% 6.7% 116 -9.0% 12.3% 3,774 421 -15.1% 5.2% 3,165 1,030 1,099
Visa Inc. 999 -5.0% 7.3% 464 4.0% 9.9% 13,209 535 -11.6% 5.0% 4,105 1,410 1,572
 
For the 12 Months Ended September 30, 2016
Total  

Growth

 

Growth

 

Payments

 

Growth

 

Growth

 

Payments

 

Cash

 

Growth

 

Growth

 

Cash

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Transactions

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Transactions

($ billions)  

USD)

 

USD)

 

($ billions)

 

USD)

 

USD)

 

(millions)

 

($ billions)

 

USD)

 

USD)

 

(millions)

 
All Visa Credit & Debit
Asia Pacific $2,101 3.7% 7.5% $1,563 8.7% 11.9% 19,921 $538 -8.4% -3.4% 4,017
Canada 234 -2.6% 5.6% 215 -2.8% 5.4% 2,881 19 -0.4% 7.7% 45
CEMEA 903 -4.4% 8.3% 249 3.7% 16.4% 9,281 654 -7.2% 5.5% 4,887
LAC 900 -9.3% 10.2% 346 -8.0% 14.2% 11,580 554 -10.2% 7.7% 4,542
US 3,450 9.5% 9.5% 2,925 10.1% 10.1% 57,183 526 5.9% 5.9% 3,794

Europe

643 467 9,569 176 1,407
Visa Inc. 8,230 11.9% 18.0% 5,764 16.9% 20.8% 110,416 2,466 1.8% 11.9% 18,692
 
Visa Credit Programs
US $1,535 12.3% 12.3% $1,477 12.4% 12.4% 18,162 $59 8.4% 8.4% 68

International

2,217 13.4% 21.0% 2,048 13.5% 20.6% 28,947 169 12.4% 25.7% 874
Visa Inc. 3,752 12.9% 17.3% 3,525 13.0% 17.0% 47,109 228 11.3% 20.7% 942
 
Visa Debit Programs
US $1,915 7.3% 7.3% $1,448 7.9% 7.9% 39,021 $467 5.6% 5.6% 3,726

International

2,563 14.1% 28.6% 791 68.5% 88.7% 24,286 1,772 -0.3% 12.6% 14,025
Visa Inc. 4,478 11.1% 18.5% 2,239 23.6% 27.1% 63,307 2,239 0.9% 11.0% 17,751
 
For the 12 Months Ended September 30, 2015
Total  

Growth

 

Growth

 

Payments

 

Growth

 

Growth

 

Payments

 

Cash

 

Growth

 

Growth

 

Cash

   
Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Transactions

Volume

(Nominal

(Constant

Transactions

Accounts

Cards

($ billions)

 

USD)

 

USD)

 

($ billions)

 

USD)

 

USD)

 

(millions)

 

($ billions)

 

USD)

 

USD)

 

(millions)

 

(millions)

 

(millions)

 
All Visa Credit & Debit
Asia Pacific $2,025 2.9% 9.5% $1,438 6.0% 13.3% 17,343 $587 -4.2% 1.0% 3,991 738 835
Canada 240 -5.5% 6.7% 221 -5.7% 6.6% 2,650 19 -4.0% 8.6% 46 43 50
CEMEA 945 -13.6% 10.9% 240 -5.3% 19.2% 6,929 705 -16.1% 8.4% 4,724 333 321
LAC 993 -7.9% 11.3% 375 -8.0% 12.2% 10,514 617 -7.8% 10.8% 4,336 415 450

US

3,152 8.6% 8.6% 2,655 9.5% 9.5% 51,723 496 4.3% 4.3% 3,714 623 796
Visa Inc. 7,354 0.8% 9.4% 4,930 5.4% 11.0% 89,158 2,424 -7.4% 6.0% 16,810 2,152 2,452
 
Visa Credit Programs
US $1,367 11.7% 11.7% $1,313 11.9% 11.9% 15,874 $54 6.7% 6.7% 65 244 323

International

1,955 -0.1% 11.9% 1,805 2.3% 13.3% 23,433 150 -22.3% -2.8% 649 499 557
Visa Inc. 3,323 4.4% 11.8% 3,118 6.2% 12.7% 39,307 204 -16.2% -0.2% 714 743 880
 
Visa Debit Programs
US $1,784 6.3% 6.3% $1,342 7.1% 7.1% 35,848 $442 4.0% 4.0% 3,649 380 473

International

2,247 -7.8% 8.4% 470 -3.8% 12.1% 14,003 1,777 -8.8% 7.4% 12,448 1,030 1,099
Visa Inc. 4,031 -2.0% 7.4% 1,812 4.1% 8.3% 49,851 2,220 -6.5% 6.6% 16,097 1,410 1,572

2. Cross-Border Volume

The table below represents cross-border volume growth for cards carrying the Visa, Visa Electron, V PAY, Interlink and PLUS brands. Cross-border volume refers to payments and cash volume where the issuing country is different from the merchant country.

Period  

Growth
(Nominal
USD)

 

Growth
(Constant
USD)

   

3 Months Ended

Sep 30, 2016 146% 149%
Jun 30, 2016 2% 5%
Mar 31, 2016 0% 5%
Dec 31, 2015 -4% 4%
Sep 30, 2015 -4% 5%
 

12 Months Ended

Sep 30, 2016 37% 41%
Sep 30, 2015 0% 7%
 

3. Visa Processed Transactions

The table below represents transactions involving Visa, Visa Electron, V PAY, Interlink and PLUS cards processed on Visa’s networks.

Period  

Processed
Transactions
(millions)

  Growth
   

3 Months Ended

Sep 30, 2016 25,921 41%
Jun 30, 2016 19,778 10%
Mar 31, 2016 18,475 9%
Dec 31, 2015 18,986 8%
Sep 30, 2015 18,365 8%

 

12 Months Ended

Sep 30, 2016 83,159 17%
Sep 30, 2015 70,968 9%
 

Footnote

Payments volume represents the aggregate dollar amount of purchases made with cards carrying the Visa, Visa Electron, V PAY and Interlink brands for the relevant period; and cash volume represents the aggregate dollar amount of cash disbursements obtained with these cards for the relevant period and includes the impact of balance transfers and convenience checks; but excludes proprietary PLUS volume. Total volume represents payments and cash volume.

Visa payment products are comprised of credit and debit programs, and data relating to each program is included in the tables. Debit programs include Visa’s signature based and Interlink (PIN) debit programs.

The data presented is based on results reported quarterly by Visa’s financial institution clients on their operating certificates. Estimates may be utilized if data is unavailable.

On occasion, previously presented information may be updated. Prior period updates, if any, are not material.

Europe is reported and included in Visa Inc. results effective with the 3 months ended September 2016. Visa’s CEMEA region is comprised of countries in Central Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Several European Union countries in Central Europe, Israel and Turkey are not included in CEMEA. LAC is comprised of countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean. International includes Asia Pacific, Canada, CEMEA, Europe and LAC.

Information denominated in U.S. dollars is calculated by applying an established U.S. dollar/local currency exchange rate for each local currency in which Visa Inc. volumes are reported (“Nominal USD”). These exchange rates are calculated on a quarterly basis using the established exchange rate for each quarter. To eliminate the impact of foreign currency fluctuations against the U.S. dollar in measuring performance, Visa Inc. also reports year-over-year growth in total volume, payments volume and cash volume on the basis of local currency information (“Constant USD”). This presentation represents Visa’s historical methodology which may be subject to review and refinement.