VISA INC., 10-Q filed on 7/29/2011
Quarterly Report
Document and Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Jul. 25, 2011
Class A common stock
Jul. 25, 2011
Class B common stock
Jul. 25, 2011
Class C common stock
Document Type
10-Q 
 
 
 
Amendment Flag
FALSE 
 
 
 
Document Period End Date
Jun. 30, 2011 
 
 
 
Document Fiscal Year Focus
2011 
 
 
 
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Q3 
 
 
 
Trading Symbol
 
 
 
Entity Registrant Name
VISA INC. 
 
 
 
Entity Central Index Key
0001403161 
 
 
 
Current Fiscal Year End Date
--09-30 
 
 
 
Entity Filer Category
Large Accelerated Filer 
 
 
 
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
 
521,275,625 
245,513,385 
50,149,459 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)
In Millions
Jun. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2010
Assets
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 3,600 
$ 3,867 
Restricted cash-litigation escrow (Note 2)
2,927 
1,866 
Investment securities (Note 3)
 
 
Trading
65 
60 
Available-for-sale
155 
124 
Settlement receivable
405 
402 
Accounts receivable
551 
476 
Customer collateral (Note 6)
897 
899 
Current portion of client incentives
195 
175 
Current portion of deferred tax assets
507 
623 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
214 
242 
Total current assets
9,516 
8,734 
Restricted cash-litigation escrow (Note 2)
 
70 
Investment securities, available-for-sale (Note 3)
24 
Client incentives
109 
101 
Property, equipment and technology, net
1,510 
1,357 
Other assets
184 
197 
Intangible assets, net
11,453 
11,478 
Goodwill
11,668 
11,447 
Total assets
34,447 
33,408 
Liabilities
 
 
Accounts payable
93 
137 
Settlement payable
465 
406 
Customer collateral (Note 6)
897 
899 
Accrued compensation and benefits
334 
370 
Client incentives
606 
418 
Accrued liabilities
611 
625 
Current portion of long-term debt
13 
12 
Current portion of accrued litigation (Note 11)
512 
631 
Total current liabilities
3,531 
3,498 
Long-term debt
22 
32 
Accrued litigation (Note 11)
 
66 
Deferred tax liabilities
4,254 
4,181 
Other liabilities
588 
617 
Total liabilities
8,395 
8,394 
Equity
 
 
Additional paid-in capital
20,056 
20,794 
Accumulated income
6,130 
4,368 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
 
 
Investment securities, available-for-sale
 
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans
(112)
(115)
Derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges
(33)
(40)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
(136)
(151)
Total Visa Inc. stockholders' equity
26,050 
25,011 
Non-controlling interest
Total equity
26,052 
25,014 
Total liabilities and equity
34,447 
33,408 
Preferred Stock
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 25 shares authorized and none issued
 
 
Class A common stock
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
 
 
Common stock
 
 
Class B common stock
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
 
 
Common stock
 
 
Class C common stock
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
 
 
Common stock
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data
Jun. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2010
Preferred Stock
 
 
Preferred stock, par value
$ 0.0001 
$ 0.0001 
Preferred stock, shares authorized
25 
25 
Preferred stock, shares issued
Class A common stock
 
 
Common stock, par value
$ 0.0001 
$ 0.0001 
Common stock, shares authorized
2,001,622 
2,001,622 
Common stock, shares issued
519 
493 
Common stock, shares outstanding
519 
493 
Class B common stock
 
 
Common stock, par value
$ 0.0001 
$ 0.0001 
Common stock, shares authorized
622 
622 
Common stock, shares issued
245 
245 
Common stock, shares outstanding
245 
245 
Class C common stock
 
 
Common stock, par value
$ 0.0001 
$ 0.0001 
Common stock, shares authorized
1,097 
1,097 
Common stock, shares issued
52 
97 
Common stock, shares outstanding
52 
97 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Operating Revenues
 
 
 
 
Service revenues
$ 1,055 
$ 873 
$ 3,156 
$ 2,585 
Data processing revenues
886 
792 
2,553 
2,285 
International transaction revenues
662 
574 
1,916 
1,671 
Other revenues
167 
183 
484 
546 
Client incentives
(448)
(393)
(1,304)
(1,139)
Total operating revenues
2,322 
2,029 
6,805 
5,948 
Operating Expenses
 
 
 
 
Personnel
363 
285 
1,071 
869 
Network and processing
91 
103 
251 
306 
Marketing
251 
277 
631 
731 
Professional fees
84 
77 
222 
178 
Depreciation and amortization
74 
63 
211 
187 
General and administrative
114 
87 
319 
242 
Litigation provision (Note 11)
 
 
1
(41)1
Total operating expenses
977 
892 
2,711 
2,472 
Operating income
1,345 
1,137 
4,094 
3,476 
Other Income (Expense)
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(11)
(13)
(19)
(57)
Investment income, net
88 
107 
29 
Other
121 
(3)
120 
(5)
Total other income (expense)
198 
(15)
208 
(33)
Income before income taxes
1,543 
1,122 
4,302 
3,443 
Income tax provision
539 
406 
1,534 
1,252 
Net income including non-controlling interest
1,004 
716 
2,768 
2,191 
Loss attributable to non-controlling interest
 
Net income attributable to Visa Inc.
1,005 
716 
2,770 
2,192 
Class A common stock
 
 
 
 
Other Income (Expense)
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Visa Inc.
746 
481 
1,976 
1,418 
Basic earnings per share (Note 8)
$ 1.43 2
$ 0.97 2
$ 3.90 2
$ 2.97 2
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (Note 8)
521 
494 
506 
478 
Diluted earnings per share (Note 8)
$ 1.43 2
$ 0.97 2
$ 3.89 2
$ 2.96 2
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (Note 8)
704 3
738 3
712 3
742 3
Class B common stock
 
 
 
 
Other Income (Expense)
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Visa Inc.
172 4
137 4
483 4
422 4
Basic earnings per share (Note 8)
$ 0.70 2
$ 0.56 2
$ 1.97 2
$ 1.72 2
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (Note 8)
245 
245 
245 
245 
Diluted earnings per share (Note 8)
$ 0.70 2
$ 0.55 2
$ 1.96 2
$ 1.71 2
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (Note 8)
245 
245 
245 
245 
Class C common stock
 
 
 
 
Other Income (Expense)
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Visa Inc.
$ 84 
$ 96 
$ 302 
$ 346 
Basic earnings per share (Note 8)
$ 1.43 2
$ 0.97 2
$ 3.90 2
$ 2.97 2
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (Note 8)
59 
99 
78 
117 
Diluted earnings per share (Note 8)
$ 1.43 2
$ 0.97 2
$ 3.89 2
$ 2.96 2
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (Note 8)
59 
99 
78 
117 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)
In Millions
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Net income including non-controlling interest
$ 1,004 
$ 716 
$ 2,768 
$ 2,191 
Investment securities, available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized loss
(2)
(5)
(5)
(9)
Income tax effect
Reclassification adjustment for net gain realized in net income including non-controlling interest
 
(3)
 
(1)
Income tax effect
 
 
 
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans
 
106 
Income tax effect
 
 
(1)
(41)
Derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized (loss) gain
(15)
20 
(38)
12 
Income tax effect
(4)
(1)
Reclassification adjustment for net loss realized in net income including non-controlling interest
21 
16 
48 
52 
Income tax effect
(4)
(6)
(11)
(18)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(3)
(4)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
17 
15 
106 
Comprehensive income including non-controlling interest
1,007 
733 
2,783 
2,297 
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest
 
Comprehensive income attributable to Visa Inc.
$ 1,008 
$ 733 
$ 2,785 
$ 2,298 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)
In Millions
Total
USD ($)
Class A
Class B
Class C
Additional Paid In Capital
USD ($)
Accumulated Income
USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
USD ($)
Non-controlling Interests
USD ($)
Open Market
USD ($)
Open Market
Class A
Open Market
Additional Paid In Capital
USD ($)
Open Market
Accumulated Income
USD ($)
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2010
 
 
245 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repurchase of class A common stock (Note 7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$ (306)
 
 
 
Repurchase of class A common stock (Note 7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4.3)
 
 
 
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2010
25,014 
 
 
 
20,794 
4,368 
(151)
 
 
 
 
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2010
 
493 
245 
97 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Visa Inc.
2,770 
 
 
 
 
2,770 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss attributable to non-controlling interest
(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
15 
 
 
 
 
 
15 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income including non-controlling interest
2,783 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of restricted share awards
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vesting of restricted stock units and performance shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Conversion of class C common stock upon sale into public market (Note 7)
 
45 
 
45 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share-based compensation
122 
 
 
 
122 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Excess tax benefit for share-based compensation
12 
 
 
 
12 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options (in shares)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options
63 
 
 
 
63 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock instruments settled in cash for taxes
(22)
 
 
 
(22)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock instruments settled in cash for taxes
 
(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends declared and paid, at a quarterly amount of $0.15 per as-converted share (Note 7)
(320)
 
 
 
 
(320)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment in partially owned consolidated subsidiary
 
 
 
 
(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repurchase of class A common stock (Note 7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,600)
 
(912)
(688)
Repurchase of class A common stock (Note 7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(21.0)
 
 
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2011
26,052 
 
 
 
20,056 
6,130 
(136)
 
 
 
 
Ending Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2011
 
519 
245 
52 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Visa Inc.
1,005 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss attributable to non-controlling interest
(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income including non-controlling interest
1,007 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repurchase of class A common stock (Note 7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,064)
 
 
 
Repurchase of class A common stock (Note 7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(13.7)
 
 
 
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2011
$ 26,052 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2011
 
 
245 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical)
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Cash dividends declared and paid, quarterly, per as-converted share
$ 0.15 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)
In Millions
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
Operating Activities
 
 
Net income including non-controlling interest
$ 2,768 
$ 2,191 
Adjustments to reconcile net income including non-controlling interest to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
Amortization of client incentives
1,304 
1,139 
Fair value adjustment for the Visa Europe put option
(122)
 
Share-based compensation
122 
95 
Excess tax benefit for share-based compensation
(12)
(13)
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and technology and intangible assets
211 
187 
Litigation provision and accretion (Note 11)
15 
(18)
Net recognized gain on investment securities, including other-than-temporary impairment
(3)
(17)
Net recognized (gain) loss on other investments, including other-than-temporary impairment
(86)
Deferred income taxes
169 
190 
Other
(18)
(9)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
Trading securities
(5)
Settlement receivable
189 
Accounts receivable
(70)
(57)
Client incentives
(1,144)
(999)
Other assets
30 
(27)
Accounts payable
(47)
(62)
Settlement payable
52 
(188)
Accrued compensation and benefits
(37)
(107)
Accrued and other liabilities
74 
195 
Accrued litigation
(200)
(897)
Net cash provided by operating activities
3,004 
1,798 
Investing Activities
 
 
Acquisitions, net of cash received of $22 (Note 4)
(268)
 
Purchases of property, equipment and technology
(236)
(144)
Proceeds from disposal of property, equipment and technology
 
Distributions from money market investment
 
85 
Investment securities, available-for-sale:
 
 
Purchases
(50)
(1)
Proceeds from sales and maturities
35 
50 
Purchases of/contributions to other investments
(10)
(3)
Proceeds/distributions from other investments
104 
Net cash used in investing activities
(425)
(10)
Financing Activities
 
 
Repurchase of class A common stock (Note 7)
(1,600)
(664)
Dividends paid (Note 7)
(320)
(278)
Deposits into litigation escrow account-retrospective responsibility plan (Note 2)
(1,200)
(500)
Payment from litigation escrow account-retrospective responsibility plan (Note 2)
210 
210 
Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options
63 
36 
Excess tax benefit for share-based compensation
12 
13 
Principal payments on debt
(9)
(9)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations
(10)
(10)
Net cash used in financing activities
(2,854)
(1,202)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(267)
588 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
3,867 
4,617 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
3,600 
5,205 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
 
 
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
1,251 
977 
Amounts included in accounts payable and accrued and other liabilities related to purchases of property, equipment and technology
17 
15 
Interest payments on debt
$ 2 
$ 3 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (USD $)
In Millions
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Acquisitions, cash received
$ 22 
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization. Visa Inc. (“Visa” or the “Company”) is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, banks and governments around the world, enabling them to use digital currency instead of cash and checks. 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 (“VWPL”), Visa Canada Corporation (“Visa Canada”), Inovant LLC (“Inovant”), and CyberSource Corporation (“CyberSource”) operate the world’s largest retail electronic payments network. The Company provides its clients with payment processing platforms that encompass consumer credit, debit, prepaid and commercial payments, and facilitates global commerce through the transfer of value and information among financial institutions, merchants, consumers, businesses and government entities. The Company does not issue cards, set fees, or determine the interest rates consumers will be charged on Visa-branded cards, which are the independent responsibility of the Company’s issuing clients. The Company acquired PlaySpan Inc. (“PlaySpan”) on March 1, 2011 and Fundamo (Proprietary) Limited (“Fundamo”) on June 9, 2011. The results for PlaySpan and Fundamo have been included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations since the respective acquisition dates. See Note 4Acquisitions.

Consolidation and basis of presentation. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Visa Inc. 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 VIEs have not been material to its consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods presented. Non-controlling interests are reported as a component of equity. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2011, equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is combined with other in the other income (expense) line on the consolidated statements of operations. Prior period information has been reclassified to conform to this presentation. The Company also updated select captions within the consolidated financial statements beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2011 to better reflect underlying activities; however, the grouping of underlying financial accounts remains unchanged.

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 Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010 for additional disclosures, including a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company has historically performed its annual impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of July 1 of each year. During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company changed the annual impairment testing date from July 1 to February 1. The Company believes this change, which represents a change in the method of applying an accounting principle, is preferable as the earlier date allows the Company additional time to perform the annual impairment testing after its annual forecast and budget are completed and approved. A preferability letter from the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding this change in the method of applying an accounting principle was filed as an exhibit to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011. The Company performed its annual impairment review of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of February 1, 2011, and concluded there was no impairment as of that date.

Subsequent to this annual assessment, the Company acquired PlaySpan and Fundamo, which resulted in additional goodwill. No recent events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment of the Company’s goodwill existed as of June 30, 2011.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements. In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-04, which provides common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The Company will adopt ASU 2011-04 effective January 1, 2012. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the financial results.

Retrospective Responsibility Plan
Retrospective Responsibility Plan

Note 2—Retrospective Responsibility Plan

The Company deposited $1.2 billion into the litigation escrow account during the nine months ended June 30, 2011. Under the terms of the retrospective responsibility plan, when the Company makes deposits into the escrow account, the shares of class B common stock are subject to dilution through an adjustment to the conversion rate of the shares of class B common stock to shares of class A common stock. This has the same effect on earnings per share as repurchasing the Company’s class A common stock, by reducing the as-converted class B common stock share count. See Note 7—Stockholders’ Equity.

The following table sets forth the changes in the escrow account during the nine months ended June 30, 2011.

 

     (in millions)  

Balance at October 1, 2010

   $ 1,936   

Deposits into the litigation escrow account

     1,200   

American Express settlement payments

     (210

Interest earned, less applicable taxes

     1   
        

Balance at June 30, 2011

   $ 2,927   
        

An accrual for covered litigation is recorded when loss is deemed to be probable and reasonably estimable. In making this determination, the Company evaluates information, including but not limited to actions taken by the litigation committee. The accrual related to covered litigation could be either higher or lower than the escrow account balance. The Company did not record an additional accrual for covered litigation during the nine months ended June 30, 2011.

Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements

Note 3—Fair Value Measurements

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis.

 

     Fair Value Measurements
Using Inputs Considered as
 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  
     June 30,
2011
     September 30,
2010
     June 30,
2011
     September 30,
2010
     June 30,
2011
     September 30,
2010
 
     (in millions)  

Assets

                 

Cash equivalents and restricted cash

                 

Money market funds and time deposits

   $ 6,111       $ 5,448               

Investment securities

                 

U.S. government-sponsored debt securities

         $ 155       $ 135         

Equity securities

     65         60               

Auction rate securities

               $ 7       $ 13   

Prepaid and other current assets

                 

Foreign exchange derivative instruments

           2         5         
                                                     
   $ 6,176       $ 5,508       $ 157       $ 140       $ 7       $ 13   
                                                     

Liabilities

                 

Accrued liabilities

                 

Visa Europe put option

               $ 145       $ 267   

Earn-out related to PlaySpan acquisition

               $ 24      

Foreign exchange derivative instruments

         $ 41       $ 56         

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 assets during the nine months ended June 30, 2011.

Level 2 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of the government-sponsored debt securities is based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets. Foreign exchange derivative instruments are valued using inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated with observable market data. There was no substantive change to the valuation techniques and related inputs used to measure fair value during the nine months ended June 30, 2011.

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. During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, one of the auction rate securities was called. As a result, the Company received proceeds of $10 million and recorded a pre-tax gain of $4 million in investment income, net, on the consolidated statements of operations. There was no change to the valuation techniques and related inputs used to measure fair value during the nine months ended June 30, 2011.

Visa Europe put option agreement. The Company has granted Visa Europe a perpetual 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, or the P/E ratio (as defined in the option agreement), at the time the option is exercised, to Visa Europe’s projected adjusted sustainable income for the forward 12-month period, or the adjusted sustainable income (as defined in the option agreement). 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. At June 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010, the Company determined the fair value of the put option to be $145 million and $267 million, respectively. In determining the fair value of the put option on these dates, the Company assumed a 40% probability of exercise by Visa Europe at some point in the future and an estimated long-term differential of 1.9x and 3.5x, respectively, between the P/E ratio and the P/E ratio applicable to Visa Europe on a standalone basis at the time of exercise, which the Company refers to as the “P/E differential”. The decrease in the P/E differential reflects the overall decrease in Visa Inc.’s P/E during the nine months ended June 30, 2011. While $145 million represents the fair value of the put option at June 30, 2011, it does not represent the actual purchase price that the Company may be required to pay if the option is exercised, which could be several billion dollars or more.

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 our consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2011. 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 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. The decrease of $122 million in the fair value of the put option during the three months ended June 30, 2011 is included in other in the other income (expense) line on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. This amount is not subject to income tax and therefore has no impact on the reported income tax provision.

Earn-out related to PlaySpan acquisition. In connection with the PlaySpan acquisition, the Company recorded a liability of $24 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2011 to reflect the fair value of a potential earn-out provision included in the purchase agreement. The liability is classified as Level 3 due to a lack of observable inputs, such as the likelihood of meeting certain future revenue targets and other milestones. There was no change to the fair value of the potential earn-out provision in the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Changes in fair value will be included in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 4—Acquisitions.

 

A separate roll-forward of Level 3 investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis is not presented because the only activities during the nine months ended June 30, 2011 are related to the auction rate securities , the decrease in the fair value of the put option and the addition of the PlaySpan earn-out liability described above. Activity in the prior year comparable period was immaterial.

Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Certain financial assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

Non-marketable equity investments and investments accounted for under the equity method. Strategic investments are classified as Level 3 due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the fact that inputs used to measure fair value are unobservable and require management judgment. The Company applies fair value measurement to its strategic investments when certain events or circumstances indicate that these investments may be impaired. The Company revalues the investments using various assumptions, including financial metrics and ratios of comparable public companies. There were no events or circumstances that indicated these investments have become impaired during the nine months ended June 30, 2011, compared with a $3 million impairment loss recognized during the prior year comparable period. At June 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010, non-marketable equity security investments and investments accounted for under the equity method totaled $101 million and $114 million, respectively, and were classified as other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

On January 24, 2011, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Visa International, sold its 10 percent investment in Visa Vale issuer Companhia Brasileira de Soluções e Serviços, or CBSS, to Banco do Brasil and Bradesco. The Company received gross proceeds of $103 million. Prior to the sale, the Company accounted for the investment under the cost method with a book value of $17 million. The sale was subject to regulatory approval by Brazil’s Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica. The approval was received in the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Upon the approval, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain, net of transaction costs, of $85 million in the investment income, net line on the consolidated statements of operations. The amount of the gain net of tax was $44 million.

Debt. The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt at June 30, 2011, and September 30, 2010, was $39 million and $50 million, respectively, based on credit ratings for similar notes.

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 significant non-financial liabilities. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of Visa’s tradename, customer relationships, and Visa Europe franchise right acquired in the October 2007 reorganization. Finite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of customer relationships, reseller relationships and tradenames acquired in the July 2010 acquisition of CyberSource, March 2011 acquisition of PlaySpan and June 2011 acquisition of Fundamo. See Note 4—Acquisitions. The Company completed its annual impairment review of its indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill as of February 1, 2011, and concluded there was no impairment. No recent events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment existed at June 30, 2011.

Acquisitions
Acquisitions

Note 4—Acquisitions

PlaySpan acquisition. On March 1, 2011, the Company acquired PlaySpan, a privately held company whose payments platform processes transactions for digital goods in online games, digital media and social networks around the world. The acquisition of PlaySpan complements Visa’s acquisition of CyberSource in July 2010 and extends the Company’s capabilities in digital, e-Commerce and mobile commerce.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the accounting purchase consideration, which is preliminary pending finalization of the valuation analysis.

 

     Fair Value  
     (in millions)  

Tangible assets, net(1)

   $ 67   

Finite-lived intangible assets with a weighted-average useful life of 2.8 years

     15   

Goodwill

     141   

Net deferred tax liabilities

     (19
        

Net assets acquired

   $  204   
        

 

(1) 

Tangible assets, net include $56 million of technology assets acquired, which have a weighted-average useful life of 5 years and are recognized in property, equipment and technology, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

The following table presents the total purchase consideration for the PlaySpan acquisition.

 

    Potential
Purchase
Consideration
    Accounting
Purchase
Consideration
 
    (in millions)  

Cash paid

  $ 180      $ 180   

Earn-out provision(1)

    40        40   

Less: Employee compensation(2)

      (12

 Valuation adjustment(3)

      (4
         

Fair value of earn-out provision (See Note 3—Fair Value Measurements)

      24   

Fair value of stock options issued(4)

    5     
               

Total purchase consideration

  $ 225      $ 204   
               

 

(1) 

The acquisition agreement includes a potential earn-out provision of up to $40 million, should PlaySpan achieve certain future revenue targets and other milestones.

(2) 

The amount reflects personnel expense related to the earn-out provision that will be recognized over the performance period.

(3) 

Adjustment to reflect the earn-out provision at fair value based on the assumed likelihood of the future revenue targets and other milestones being met.

(4) 

The Company issued non-qualified stock options to replace unvested, in-the-money stock options held by PlanSpan employees. See Note 9—Share-based Compensation.

Fundamo acquisition. On June 9, 2011, the Company acquired Fundamo, a leading platform provider of mobile financial services for mobile network operators and financial institutions in developing economies. The acquisition was made to integrate Fundamo’s platform with VisaNet to provide long-term growth opportunities to connect billions of unbanked or under-banked consumers to each other and to the global economy with a secure, reliable and globally accepted form of payment.

Total purchase consideration was $110 million, paid with cash on hand. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation, which is preliminary pending finalization of the valuation analysis.

 

     Fair Value  
     (in millions)  

Tangible assets, net(1)

   $ 27   

Finite-lived intangible assets with a useful life of 5 years

     5   

Goodwill

     80   

Net deferred tax liabilities

     (2
        

Net assets acquired

   $ 110   
        

 

(1) 

Tangible assets, net include $25 million of technology assets acquired, which have a useful life of 5 years, and are recognized in property, equipment and technology, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Note 5—Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company sponsors various qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans which provide retirement and health benefits for substantially all employees residing in the United States.

The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement Benefits  
     3 months ended
June 30,
    9 months ended
June 30,
    3 months ended
June 30,
    9 months ended
June 30,
 
     2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
     (in millions)  

Service cost

   $ 10      $ 11      $ 30      $ 34      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Interest cost

     10        10        29        30        —          —          1        1   

Expected return on assets

     (13     (13     (40     (38     —          —          —          —     

Amortization of:

                

Prior service credit

     (3     (2     (7     (6     —          —          (2     (2

Actuarial loss

     5        4        14        13        (1 )     (1     (1     (1
                                                                

Total net periodic benefit cost

   $ 9      $ 10      $ 26      $ 33      $ (1 )   $ (1   $ (2   $ (2
                                                                
Settlement Guarantee Management
Settlement Guarantee Management

Note 6—Settlement Guarantee Management

The indemnification for settlement losses that Visa provides to its customers 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 Company’s exposure is limited to the amount of unsettled Visa payment transactions. The Company requires certain customers that do not meet its credit standards to post collateral equivalent to their estimated unsettled transactions. The Company’s estimated maximum settlement exposure was $44.6 billion at June 30, 2011, compared to $38.7 billion at September 30, 2010. Of these settlement exposure amounts, $3.1 billion at June 30, 2011, and $3.0 billion at September 30, 2010, were covered by collateral.

The Company maintained collateral as follows:

 

     June 30,
2011
     September 30,
2010
 
     (in millions)  

Cash equivalents

   $ 897       $ 899   

Pledged securities at market value

     373         470   

Letters of credit

     875         869   

Guarantees

     1,712         1,803   
                 

Total

   $ 3,857       $ 4,041   
                 

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

The fair value of the settlement risk guarantee is estimated based on a proprietary probability-weighted model and was less than $1 million at June 30, 2011, and September 30, 2010. These amounts are reflected in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity

Note 7—Stockholders’ Equity

The number of shares of each class and the number of shares of class A common stock outstanding on an as-converted basis at June 30, 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions, except conversion rate)    Shares Outstanding
at June 30,
2011
     Conversion Rate
Into Class A
Common Stock
     Class A Common
Stock As
Converted(1)
 

Class A common stock

     519         —           519   

Class B common stock

     245         0.4881         120   

Class C common stock

     52         1.0000         52   
                          

Total

           691   
              

 

(1) 

Figures may not sum due to rounding. As-converted class A common stock count calculated based on whole numbers.

 

Share repurchases. The Company effectively repurchased 37.8 million shares, at an average price of $74.12 per share, for a total cost of $2.8 billion during the nine months ended June 30, 2011. Of the $2.8 billion, $1.6 billion was executed through the repurchase of class A common stock in the open market, and $1.2 billion was effectively executed through two separate deposits into the litigation escrow account previously established under the retrospective responsibility plan.

The following table presents share repurchases in the open market for the three months ended:

 

     June 30,
2011
     March 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 
     (in millions, except per share data)  

Shares repurchased in the open market

     13.7         3.3         4.3   

Weighted-average repurchase price per share

   $ 77.36       $ 70.53       $ 70.40   

Total cost

   $ 1,064       $ 230       $ 306   

As of June 30, 2011, the Company has completed the share repurchase programs previously authorized by the board of directors in October 2010 and April 2011. All repurchased shares have been retired and constitute authorized but unissued shares.

In July 2011, the Company announced a new $1.0 billion share repurchase program authorized by the board of directors. The authorization will be in effect through July 20, 2012, and the terms of the program are subject to change at the discretion of the board of directors.

The Company made deposits of $800 million and $400 million on October 8, 2010, and March 31, 2011, respectively, into the litigation escrow account. Under the terms of the retrospective responsibility plan, when the Company makes deposits into the escrow account, the shares of class B common stock are subject to dilution through an adjustment to the conversion rate of the shares of class B common stock to shares of class A common stock. This has the same effect on earnings per share as repurchasing the Company’s class A common stock, by reducing the as-converted class B common stock share count as shown in the table below.

 

     Fiscal 2011  
     March
2011
     October
2010
 
     (in millions, except per share
data and conversion rate)
 

Deposits under the retrospective responsibility plan

   $ 400       $ 800   

Effective price per share(1)

   $ 73.81       $ 72.74   

Equivalent shares of class A common stock effectively repurchased

     5.4         11.0   

Conversion rate of class B common stock to class A common stock after deposits

     0.4881         0.5102   

As-converted class B common stock outstanding after deposits

     120         125   

 

(1) 

Effective price per share calculated using the volume-weighted average price of the Company’s class A common stock over a pricing period in accordance with the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

Class B common stock. Under the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, shares of class B common stock are subject to transfer restrictions until the date on which certain covered litigation has been finally resolved. See Note 11—Legal Matters.

Accelerated class C share release programs. On January 26, 2011, the Company’s board of directors approved an accelerated class C share release program, as permitted under Visa’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Such approval by the Company’s board of directors permitted an early release of the remaining 55 million shares of class C common stock on February 7, 2011, which would have otherwise become automatically eligible for public sale on March 25, 2011, under the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Pursuant to the terms of the accelerated class C share release program, class C common stock sold in the public market automatically converts to class A common stock without a separate shareholder application process. The early release of the class C common stock did not increase the number of outstanding shares on an as-converted basis, and there was no dilutive effect to the outstanding class A common stock share count on an as-converted basis from these transactions.

 

Of the 152 million shares of class C common stock released from transfer restrictions under the Company’s 2009, 2010 and 2011 accelerated class C share release programs, 99 million shares have been converted from class C to class A common stock upon their sale into the public market through June 30, 2011. Approximately 12 million and 45 million shares were converted during the three and nine months ended June 30, 2011, respectively.

Dividends. On July 21, 2011, the Company’s board of directors declared a dividend in the amount of $0.15 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 September 7, 2011, to all holders of record of the Company’s class A, class B and class C common stock as of August 19, 2011. The Company paid $320 million in dividends during the nine months ended June 30, 2011.

Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share

Note 8—Earnings Per Share

The following table presents basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended June 30, 2011.

 

    Basic Earnings Per Share         Diluted Earnings Per Share  
    (in millions, except per share data)  
    Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share  =
(A)/(B)(1)
         Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)(1)
 

Class A

  $ 746        521        $1.43          $ 1,005        704 (2)      $1.43   

Class B

    172 (3)      245        0.70            171 (3)      245        0.70   

Class C

    84        59        1.43            84        59        1.43   

Participating securities(4)

    3        Not presented        Not presented            3        Not presented        Not presented   
                     

Net income attributable to Visa Inc.

  $ 1,005                 
                     

The following table presents basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended June 30, 2011.

 

    Basic Earnings Per Share         Diluted Earnings Per Share  
    (in millions, except per share data)  
    Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share  =
(A)/(B)(1)
         Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)(1)
 

Class A

  $ 1,976        506        $3.90          $ 2,770        712 (2)      $3.89   

Class B

    483 (3)      245        1.97            481 (3)      245        1.96   

Class C

    302        78        3.90            302        78        3.89   

Participating securities(4)

    9        Not presented        Not presented            9        Not presented        Not presented   
                     

Net income attributable to Visa Inc.

  $ 2,770                 
                     

The following table presents basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended June 30, 2010.

 

    Basic Earnings Per Share         Diluted Earnings Per Share  
    (in millions, except per share data)  
    Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)(1)
         Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)(1)
 

Class A

  $ 481        494        $0.97          $ 716        738 (2)      $0.97   

Class B

    137 (3)      245        0.56            136 (3)      245        0.55   

Class C

    96        99        0.97            96        99        0.97   

Participating securities(4)

    2        Not presented        Not presented            2        Not presented        Not presented   
                     

Net income attributable to Visa Inc.

  $ 716                 
                     

 

The following table presents basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended June 30, 2010.

 

    Basic Earnings Per Share         Diluted Earnings Per Share  
    (in millions, except per share data)        
    Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share  =
(A)/(B)(1)
        Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share  =
(A)/(B)(1)
 

Class A

  $ 1,418        478        $2.97          $ 2,192        742 (2)      $2.96   

Class B

    422 (3)      245        1.72            420 (3)      245        1.71   

Class C

    346        117        2.97            345        117        2.96   

Participating securities(4)

    6        Not presented        Not presented            6        Not presented        Not presented   
                     

Net income attributable to Visa Inc.

  $ 2,192                 
                     

 

(1) 

Earnings per share calculated based on whole numbers, not rounded numbers.

(2) 

The computation of weighted-average dilutive shares outstanding included the effect of 3 million dilutive shares of outstanding stock awards for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, and 2 million dilutive shares of outstanding stock awards for the nine months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010. The computation excluded stock options to purchase 2 million shares of common stock for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2011, and 1 million shares of common stock for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

(3) 

Net income attributable to Visa Inc. is allocated to each class of common stock on an as-converted basis. The weighted-average number of shares of as-converted class B common stock used in the income allocation were 120 million and 124 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2011, and 140 million and 142 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.

(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.

Share-based Compensation
Share-based Compensation

Note 9—Share-based Compensation

The Company granted the following awards to Company employees and non-employee directors under the 2007 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan during the nine months ended June 30, 2011:

 

     Granted      Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
     Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 

Non-qualified stock options(1)

     970,808       $ 27.51       $ 74.25   

Restricted stock awards (RSA)

     979,281         79.79      

Restricted stock units (RSU)

     287,370         79.81      

 

 

(1) 

Includes 76,822 options granted during the second quarter of fiscal 2011 in connection with the acquisition of PlaySpan. See Note 4—Acquisitions.

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. Compensation expense is recorded net of estimated forfeitures, which are adjusted as appropriate. Stock-based compensation expense recorded during the nine months ended June 30, 2011, included $6 million related to the immediate recognition of expense on newly granted awards for employees who had reached eligible retirement age.

        The Company also granted performance-based shares during the first quarter of fiscal 2011. The ultimate number of performance shares to be earned will be between zero and 331,800, depending on (1) the Company’s achievement of specified cumulative net income performance targets, and (2) the Company’s total shareholder return ranked against that of other companies that are included in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (the market condition) during the approximate two-year period beginning October 7, 2010. These performance-based shares will vest in two equal installments on November 30, 2012 and 2013, subject to earlier vesting in full under certain conditions. The grant-date fair value of the performance-based shares, incorporating the market condition using a Monte Carlo simulation model, was $85.05 per share. Compensation expense for the performance awards is initially estimated based on the target net income performance and is adjusted as appropriate throughout the performance period. For awards with performance conditions, the Company uses the graded-vesting method of expense attribution. Compensation expense is recorded net of estimated forfeitures, which are adjusted as appropriate.

Income Taxes
Income Taxes

Note 10—Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates were 35% and 36% for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and 36% for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2010. The decrease in the effective tax rate in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was primarily due to the nontaxable revaluation of the Visa Europe put option, partially offset by the increase resulting from additional foreign tax on the sale of the Company’s investment in Companhia Brasileira de Soluções e Serviços.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits increased by $9 million, all of which would impact the effective tax rate if recognized. During the same period, the company accrued $5 million of interest related to uncertain tax positions.

During the nine months ended June 30, 2011, total unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $20 million, primarily due to the effective settlement of uncertainties related to the timing of certain deductions in the fiscal first quarter, partially offset by the increase during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2011. The effective settlement did not impact the effective tax rate. During the nine months ended June 30, 2011, total reserves for potential interest and penalties decreased by $1 million and $2 million, respectively.

Legal Matters
Legal Matters

Note 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 amounts 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 consolidated results of operations, financial position 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.

There was no significant provision activity for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2011. The Company’s litigation provision was less than $1 million and approximately ($41) million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2010, respectively. The credit to the provision for the nine months ended June 30, 2010, was primarily the result of a $41 million pre-tax gain recognized related to the prepayment of the remaining obligations under the Retailers’ litigation. 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 at the balance sheet date.

The following table summarizes the activity related to accrued litigation for both covered and non-covered litigation for the nine months ended June 30:

 

         2011             2010      
     (in millions)  

Balance at October 1

   $ 697      $ 1,717   

Provision for settled matters(1)

     6        (41

Reclassification of settled matters(2)

     12        —     

Interest accretion on settled matters

     9        23   

Payments on settled matters(3)

     (212     (897
                

Balance at June 30

   $ 512      $ 802   
                

 

(1) 

The amount for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 includes the reduction to the provision for the $41 million pre-tax gain recognized related to the prepayment of the remaining obligations under the Retailers’ litigation.

(2) 

Reclassification of amount previously recorded in accrued liabilities.

(3) 

The amount for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 includes the Company’s October 2009 prepayment of its remaining $800 million in payment obligations in the Retailers’ litigation at a discounted amount of $682 million.

Covered Litigation

Visa Inc., Visa U.S.A. and Visa International are parties to certain legal proceedings that are subject to the retrospective responsibility plan, which the Company refers to as the covered litigation. See Note 2—Retrospective Responsibility Plan. An accrual for covered litigation is recorded when loss is deemed to be probable and reasonably estimable. In making this determination the Company evaluates available information, including funding decisions made by the litigation committee. The accrual related to covered litigation could be either higher or lower than the escrow account balance. The Company has not recorded an additional accrual for covered litigation during fiscal 2011.

The Attridge Litigation. On January 12, 2011, the court issued an order reassigning the case to the Honorable John E. Munter. On February 15, 2011, the court ordered that the case be stayed until 30 days following the final resolution of the appeals in the California Credit/Debit Card Tying Cases.

The Interchange Litigation.

Multidistrict Litigation Proceedings (MDL). On February 7, 2011, Visa entered into an omnibus agreement that confirmed and memorialized the signatories’ intentions with respect to the loss sharing agreement, the judgment sharing agreement and other agreements relating to certain interchange litigation. Under the omnibus agreement, the monetary portion of any settlement of the interchange litigation covered by the omnibus agreement would be divided into a MasterCard portion at 33.3333% and a Visa portion at 66.6667%. In addition, the monetary portion of any judgment assigned to Visa-related claims in accordance with the omnibus agreement would be treated as a Visa portion. Visa would have no liability for the monetary portion of any judgment assigned to MasterCard-related claims in accordance with the omnibus agreement, and if a judgment is not assigned to Visa-related claims or MasterCard-related claims in accordance with the Omnibus agreement, then any monetary liability would be divided into a MasterCard portion at 33.3333% and a Visa portion at 66.6667%. The Visa portion of a settlement or judgment covered by the omnibus agreement would be allocated in accordance with specified provisions of the Company’s retrospective responsibility plan. The litigation provision on the consolidated statements of operations is not impacted by the execution of the omnibus agreement.

On February 11, 2011, the parties filed motions for summary judgment on a number of issues. Visa, jointly with other defendants, moved for summary judgment against the claims in the Supplemental Complaint and the Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint. Visa and other defendants also moved for summary judgment against the claims in the individual plaintiffs’ complaints. The class plaintiffs sought summary judgment on all of their intra-network damages claims under Section 1 of the Sherman Act in the Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint, including by arguing that Visa’s post-IPO conduct constitutes a continuing conspiracy. Finally, the individual plaintiffs moved for partial summary judgment on their claims that (i) agreements by banks to enforce certain Visa rules are per se unlawful under Section 1 of the Sherman Act, and (ii) Visa’s imposition of those rules post-IPO constitutes a continuing conspiracy under Section 1 of the Sherman Act.

On February 17, 2011, the Court ordered that the parties identify any objections to a trial date of September 12, 2012. The parties did not object to that trial date.

Other Litigation

“Indirect Purchaser” Actions. In the remaining New Mexico case, briefing is complete in the plaintiff’s appeal from the order and judgment dismissing her case, but no decision has been issued. Briefing is also underway in the appeals filed by objectors to the Credit/Debit Card Tying Cases settlement in California.

Currency Conversion Litigation. The court granted final approval of the MDL 1409 settlement on October 22, 2009. Various appeals were filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit challenging the district court’s approval of the settlement. All such appeals were dismissed as of May 11, 2011. All of the underlying actions against Visa U.S.A. and Visa International, including Schwartz, Shrieve, Mattingly, and Baker, have now been dismissed, and Visa has made all payments required under the settlement agreements.

 

Morgan Stanley Dean Witter/Discover Litigation. On April 14, 2011, the European Union General Court denied Visa’s appeal of the 10.2 million fine levied in 2007. As previously reported, pursuant to existing agreements, Visa Europe has acknowledged full responsibility for the defense of this action, including any fines that may be payable.

Merchant Acceptance Rules Investigations. On October 4, 2010, Visa announced a settlement with the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and the attorneys general of seven states to resolve their investigations. On December 20, 2010, eleven additional states joined the settlement. As part of the settlement, Visa will allow U.S. merchants to offer discounts or other incentives to steer customers to a particular form of payment including to a specific network brand or to any card product, such as a “non-reward” Visa credit card. Visa’s rules always have allowed U.S. merchants to steer customers to other forms of payment and offer discounts to customers who choose to pay with cash, check or PIN debit. The new rules will expand U.S. merchants’ ability to discount for their preferred form of payment, though they will not be able to pick and choose amongst issuing banks. The settlement agreement does not address Visa’s rule prohibiting U.S. merchants from surcharging consumers. Apart from a partial reimbursement to some of the state attorneys general of their attorneys’ fees and expenses, there is no monetary obligation associated with the settlement. The reimbursement amount is not considered material to the consolidated financial statements.

The consent decree setting forth the terms of settlement is subject to court approval. After responding to public comments it received regarding the consent decree, on July 14, 2011, the DOJ asked the court to enter final judgment “as soon as possible without further hearing.” The settlement became final on July 20, 2011, when the court entered final judgment approving the consent decree, and Visa has made the rule changes required by the settlement.

Venezuela Interchange Proceedings. On December 29, 2010, the Superintendencia para la Promoción y Protección de la Libre Competencia (“Competition Authority”) of Venezuela issued a decision that it had found no violation of Venezuelan competition law by Visa or any of the other defendants.

European Interchange Proceedings. After public consultation, on December 8, 2010, the European Commission concluded that the proposed agreement with Visa Europe addressed its competition concerns, made the agreement legally binding upon Visa Europe, and closed its investigation with regard to interchange fees for debit card transactions. For credit card and deferred debit card payments, the European Commission announced that it will “continue to investigate.” Meanwhile, it has issued further requests for information to Visa Europe, Visa Inc. and Visa International and commissioned a cost-of-cash study. Pursuant to existing agreements among the parties, Visa Europe is obligated to indemnify Visa International and Visa Inc. in connection with this proceeding, including payment of any fines that may be imposed.

Canadian Competition Proceedings.

Competition Bureau. On December 15, 2010, the Commissioner of Competition filed a Notice of Application against Visa Canada Corporation (“Visa Canada”) and MasterCard. The proceeding challenges certain Visa policies regarding merchant acceptance practices, including Visa’s “no-surcharge” and “honour all cards” policies under the Competition Act. Visa Canada filed a Response to the Notice of Application on January 31, 2011. On February 10, 2011, Toronto Dominion Bank and the Canadian Bankers Association sought leave to intervene in the proceeding; Visa supported such requests. Following a hearing on March 7, 2011, the Competition Tribunal granted the intervention requests.

The hearing before the Competition Tribunal on the merits of the case is scheduled to begin on April 23, 2012.

Merchant Litigation. On December 17, 2010, a purported civil follow-on case to the Competition Bureau’s proceeding was filed against Visa Canada and MasterCard in the Superior Court of Québec, Canada, on behalf of a class of merchants and a class of consumers. The action, 9085-4886 Quebec Inc. et al. v. Visa Canada et al., asserts claims under Section 76 of the Competition Act, which does not provide for a civil cause of action. Plaintiff seeks unspecified money damages and injunctive relief.

On March 28, 2011, Mary Watson filed a class action lawsuit in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Canada, on behalf of merchants and others in Canada that accept payment by Visa and MasterCard (Watson). The suit, filed against Visa Canada, MasterCard, and ten financial institutions, alleges conduct contrary to section 45 of the Competition Act and also asserts claims of civil conspiracy, interference with economic interests, and unjust enrichment, among others. Plaintiff alleges that Visa and MasterCard each conspired with their member financial institutions to set supra-competitive default interchange rates and merchant discount fees, and that Visa and MasterCard’s respective “no-surcharge” and “honour all cards” rules had the anticompetitive effect of increasing merchant discount fees. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief. On May 16, 2011, a merchant class action that effectively mirrors the Watson case was initiated in Ontario (Bancroft-Snell). As in Watson, the Bancroft-Snell complaint alleges conduct in contravention of Section 45 of the Competition Act, civil conspiracy, interference with economic interests, and unjust enrichment, among other claims, and seeks similar relief.

CyberSource securities litigation. The court held a final approval hearing on January 14, 2011 and issued an order and final judgment approving the settlement on January 21, 2011. The settlement amount is not considered material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Dynamic Currency Conversion. In New Zealand, the Commerce Commission completed its investigation and concluded that Visa’s actions relating to Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) had not breached New Zealand’s competition law. The Korean Fair Trade Commission has also closed its investigation into Visa’s policies relating to the provision of DCC services. An investigation by the competition regulator in Australia regarding the provision of DCC services and currency conversion on cash withdrawals is pending.

Data pass litigation. On November 19, 2010, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint, adding GameStop Corporation as a defendant, asserting additional claims against Visa under federal and state consumer protection statutes and state common law, and seeking certification of a class of persons and entities whose credit card or debit card data was improperly accessed by Webloyalty.com since October 1, 2008. On December 23, 2010, Webloyalty.com, GameStop, and Visa each filed motions to dismiss the amended complaint. Webloyalty.com also asked the Judicial Panel on Multi-district Litigation to consolidate with this case, for pretrial proceedings, a case pending in federal district court in California in which Webloyalty.com and Movietickets.com (but not Visa) are named as defendants. On February 8, 2011, the Judicial Panel on Multi-district Litigation denied Webloyalty.com’s application to consolidate the case.

Call center litigation. On April 28, 2011, Francisco Marenco filed a request in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California to amend his class action complaint to name Visa Inc. as the defendant. The court granted the request and Marenco filed the amended complaint on May 6, 2011. The lawsuit alleges that Visa recorded telephone calls to call center representatives without providing a disclosure that the calls may be recorded, in alleged violation of state law in California and several other states. On May 31, 2011, the parties executed a settlement agreement in an amount that is not material to Visa’s consolidated financial statements. The court granted preliminary approval of the settlement on July 20, 2011, and set a final approval hearing for November 28, 2011, after the class notice process is complete. This matter relates to and resolves the previously reported contractual indemnity claim tendered to Visa by a processing client in October 2010.

Intellectual Property Litigation

Restricted Spending Solutions, LLC—Prepaid and Commercial Cards. On December 22, 2010, Visa moved to recover its attorneys’ fees incurred in the litigation on grounds that, at the outset of the case, plaintiff improperly refused to acknowledge the invalidity of its patent when presented with Visa’s evidence. On January 27, 2011, plaintiff and Visa filed a stipulation of settlement, whereby plaintiff agreed to withdraw its appeal and pay Visa’s litigation costs in exchange for Visa’s withdrawal of its fee petition.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
Organization. Visa Inc. (“Visa” or the “Company”) is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, banks and governments around the world, enabling them to use digital currency instead of cash and checks. 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 (“VWPL”), Visa Canada Corporation (“Visa Canada”), Inovant LLC (“Inovant”), and CyberSource Corporation (“CyberSource”) operate the world’s largest retail electronic payments network. The Company provides its clients with payment processing platforms that encompass consumer credit, debit, prepaid and commercial payments, and facilitates global commerce through the transfer of value and information among financial institutions, merchants, consumers, businesses and government entities. The Company does not issue cards, set fees, or determine the interest rates consumers will be charged on Visa-branded cards, which are the independent responsibility of the Company’s issuing clients. The Company acquired PlaySpan Inc. (“PlaySpan”) on March 1, 2011 and Fundamo (Proprietary) Limited (“Fundamo”) on June 9, 2011. The results for PlaySpan and Fundamo have been included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations since the respective acquisition dates. See Note 4Acquisitions.

Consolidation and basis of presentation. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Visa Inc. 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 VIEs have not been material to its consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods presented. Non-controlling interests are reported as a component of equity. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2011, equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is combined with other in the other income (expense) line on the consolidated statements of operations. Prior period information has been reclassified to conform to this presentation. The Company also updated select captions within the consolidated financial statements beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2011 to better reflect underlying activities; however, the grouping of underlying financial accounts remains unchanged.

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 Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010 for additional disclosures, including a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies.

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 VIEs have not been material to its consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods presented. Non-controlling interests are reported as a component of equity. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company has historically performed its annual impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of July 1 of each year. During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company changed the annual impairment testing date from July 1 to February 1. The Company believes this change, which represents a change in the method of applying an accounting principle, is preferable as the earlier date allows the Company additional time to perform the annual impairment testing after its annual forecast and budget are completed and approved. A preferability letter from the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding this change in the method of applying an accounting principle was filed as an exhibit to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011. The Company performed its annual impairment review of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of February 1, 2011, and concluded there was no impairment as of that date.

Subsequent to this annual assessment, the Company acquired PlaySpan and Fundamo, which resulted in additional goodwill. No recent events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment of the Company’s goodwill existed as of June 30, 2011.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements. In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-04, which provides common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The Company will adopt ASU 2011-04 effective January 1, 2012. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the financial results.
Retrospective Responsibility Plan (Tables)
Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

The following table sets forth the changes in the escrow account during the nine months ended June 30, 2011.

 

     (in millions)  

Balance at October 1, 2010

   $ 1,936   

Deposits into the litigation escrow account

     1,200   

American Express settlement payments

     (210

Interest earned, less applicable taxes

     1   
        

Balance at June 30, 2011

   $ 2,927   
        
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis.

 

     Fair Value Measurements
Using Inputs Considered as
 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  
     June 30,
2011
     September 30,
2010
     June 30,
2011
     September 30,
2010
     June 30,
2011
     September 30,
2010
 
     (in millions)  

Assets

                 

Cash equivalents and restricted cash

                 

Money market funds and time deposits

   $ 6,111       $ 5,448               

Investment securities

                 

U.S. government-sponsored debt securities

         $ 155       $ 135         

Equity securities

     65         60               

Auction rate securities

               $ 7       $ 13   

Prepaid and other current assets

                 

Foreign exchange derivative instruments

           2         5         
                                                     
   $ 6,176       $ 5,508       $ 157       $ 140       $ 7       $ 13   
                                                     

Liabilities

                 

Accrued liabilities

                 

Visa Europe put option

               $ 145       $ 267   

Earn-out related to PlaySpan acquisition

               $ 24      

Foreign exchange derivative instruments

         $ 41       $ 56
Acquisitions (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Play Span Inc
 
Business Combination and Asset Purchase Disclosure
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition
Fundamo
 
Business Combination and Asset Purchase Disclosure

The following table summarizes the allocation of the accounting purchase consideration, which is preliminary pending finalization of the valuation analysis.

 

     Fair Value  
     (in millions)  

Tangible assets, net(1)

   $ 67   

Finite-lived intangible assets with a weighted-average useful life of 2.8 years

     15   

Goodwill

     141   

Net deferred tax liabilities

     (19
        

Net assets acquired

   $  204   
        

 

(1) 

Tangible assets, net include $56 million of technology assets acquired, which have a weighted-average useful life of 5 years and are recognized in property, equipment and technology, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

The following table presents the total purchase consideration for the PlaySpan acquisition.

 

    Potential
Purchase
Consideration
    Accounting
Purchase
Consideration
 
    (in millions)  

Cash paid

  $ 180      $ 180   

Earn-out provision(1)

    40        40   

Less: Employee compensation(2)

      (12

 Valuation adjustment(3)

      (4
         

Fair value of earn-out provision (See Note 3—Fair Value Measurements)

      24   

Fair value of stock options issued(4)

    5     
               

Total purchase consideration

  $ 225      $ 204   
               

 

(1) 

The acquisition agreement includes a potential earn-out provision of up to $40 million, should PlaySpan achieve certain future revenue targets and other milestones.

(2) 

The amount reflects personnel expense related to the earn-out provision that will be recognized over the performance period.

(3) 

Adjustment to reflect the earn-out provision at fair value based on the assumed likelihood of the future revenue targets and other milestones being met.

(4) 

The Company issued non-qualified stock options to replace unvested, in-the-money stock options held by PlanSpan employees. See Note 9—Share-based Compensation.

Total purchase consideration was $110 million, paid with cash on hand. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation, which is preliminary pending finalization of the valuation analysis.

 

     Fair Value  
     (in millions)  

Tangible assets, net(1)

   $ 27   

Finite-lived intangible assets with a useful life of 5 years

     5   

Goodwill

     80   

Net deferred tax liabilities

     (2
        

Net assets acquired

   $ 110   
        

 

(1) 

Tangible assets, net include $25 million of technology assets acquired, which have a useful life of 5 years, and are recognized in property, equipment and technology, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures

The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement Benefits  
     3 months ended
June 30,
    9 months ended
June 30,
    3 months ended
June 30,
    9 months ended
June 30,
 
     2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
     (in millions)  

Service cost

   $ 10      $ 11      $ 30      $ 34      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Interest cost

     10        10        29        30        —          —          1        1   

Expected return on assets

     (13     (13     (40     (38     —          —          —          —     

Amortization of:

                

Prior service credit

     (3     (2     (7     (6     —          —          (2     (2

Actuarial loss

     5        4        14        13        (1 )     (1     (1     (1
                                                                

Total net periodic benefit cost

   $ 9      $ 10      $ 26      $ 33      $ (1 )   $ (1   $ (2   $ (2
                                                                
Settlement Guarantee Management (Tables)
Schedule of Customer Collateral

The Company maintained collateral as follows:

 

     June 30,
2011
     September 30,
2010
 
     (in millions)  

Cash equivalents

   $ 897       $ 899   

Pledged securities at market value

     373         470   

Letters of credit

     875         869   

Guarantees

     1,712         1,803   
                 

Total

   $ 3,857       $ 4,041   
                 
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

The number of shares of each class and the number of shares of class A common stock outstanding on an as-converted basis at June 30, 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions, except conversion rate)    Shares Outstanding
at June 30,
2011
     Conversion Rate
Into Class A
Common Stock
     Class A Common
Stock As
Converted(1)
 

Class A common stock

     519         —           519   

Class B common stock

     245         0.4881         120   

Class C common stock

     52         1.0000         52   
                          

Total

           691   
              

 

(1) 

Figures may not sum due to rounding. As-converted class A common stock count calculated based on whole numbers.

The following table presents share repurchases in the open market for the three months ended:

 

     June 30,
2011
     March 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 
     (in millions, except per share data)  

Shares repurchased in the open market

     13.7         3.3         4.3   

Weighted-average repurchase price per share

   $ 77.36       $ 70.53       $ 70.40   

Total cost

   $ 1,064       $ 230       $ 306   

As of June 30, 2011, the Company has completed the share repurchase programs previously authorized by the board of directors in October 2010 and April 2011. All repurchased shares have been retired and constitute authorized but unissued shares.

In July 2011, the Company announced a new $1.0 billion share repurchase program authorized by the board of directors. The authorization will be in effect through July 20, 2012, and the terms of the program are subject to change at the discretion of the board of directors.

The Company made deposits of $800 million and $400 million on October 8, 2010, and March 31, 2011, respectively, into the litigation escrow account. Under the terms of the retrospective responsibility plan, when the Company makes deposits into the escrow account, the shares of class B common stock are subject to dilution through an adjustment to the conversion rate of the shares of class B common stock to shares of class A common stock. This has the same effect on earnings per share as repurchasing the Company’s class A common stock, by reducing the as-converted class B common stock share count as shown in the table below.

 

     Fiscal 2011  
     March
2011
     October
2010
 
     (in millions, except per share
data and conversion rate)
 

Deposits under the retrospective responsibility plan

   $ 400       $ 800   

Effective price per share(1)

   $ 73.81       $ 72.74   

Equivalent shares of class A common stock effectively repurchased

     5.4         11.0   

Conversion rate of class B common stock to class A common stock after deposits

     0.4881         0.5102   

As-converted class B common stock outstanding after deposits

     120         125   

 

(1) 

Effective price per share calculated using the volume-weighted average price of the Company’s class A common stock over a pricing period in accordance with the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

The following table presents basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended June 30, 2011.

 

    Basic Earnings Per Share         Diluted Earnings Per Share  
    (in millions, except per share data)  
    Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share  =
(A)/(B)(1)
         Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)(1)
 

Class A

  $ 746        521        $1.43          $ 1,005        704 (2)      $1.43   

Class B

    172 (3)      245        0.70            171 (3)      245        0.70   

Class C

    84        59        1.43            84        59        1.43   

Participating securities(4)

    3        Not presented        Not presented            3        Not presented        Not presented   
                     

Net income attributable to Visa Inc.

  $ 1,005                 
                     

The following table presents basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended June 30, 2011.

 

    Basic Earnings Per Share         Diluted Earnings Per Share  
    (in millions, except per share data)  
    Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share  =
(A)/(B)(1)
         Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)(1)
 

Class A

  $ 1,976        506        $3.90          $ 2,770        712 (2)      $3.89   

Class B

    483 (3)      245        1.97            481 (3)      245        1.96   

Class C

    302        78        3.90            302        78        3.89   

Participating securities(4)

    9        Not presented        Not presented            9        Not presented        Not presented   
                     

Net income attributable to Visa Inc.

  $ 2,770                 
                     

The following table presents basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended June 30, 2010.

 

    Basic Earnings Per Share         Diluted Earnings Per Share  
    (in millions, except per share data)  
    Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)(1)
         Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share =
(A)/(B)(1)
 

Class A

  $ 481        494        $0.97          $ 716        738 (2)      $0.97   

Class B

    137 (3)      245        0.56            136 (3)      245        0.55   

Class C

    96        99        0.97            96        99        0.97   

Participating securities(4)

    2        Not presented        Not presented            2        Not presented        Not presented   
                     

Net income attributable to Visa Inc.

  $ 716                 
                     

 

The following table presents basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended June 30, 2010.

 

    Basic Earnings Per Share         Diluted Earnings Per Share  
    (in millions, except per share data)        
    Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share  =
(A)/(B)(1)
        Income
Allocation
(A)
    Weighted
Average
Shares
Outstanding (B)
    Earnings per
Share  =
(A)/(B)(1)
 

Class A

  $ 1,418        478        $2.97          $ 2,192        742 (2)      $2.96   

Class B

    422 (3)      245        1.72            420 (3)      245        1.71   

Class C

    346        117        2.97            345        117        2.96   

Participating securities(4)

    6        Not presented        Not presented            6        Not presented        Not presented   
                     

Net income attributable to Visa Inc.

  $ 2,192                 
                     

 

(1) 

Earnings per share calculated based on whole numbers, not rounded numbers.

(2) 

The computation of weighted-average dilutive shares outstanding included the effect of 3 million dilutive shares of outstanding stock awards for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, and 2 million dilutive shares of outstanding stock awards for the nine months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010. The computation excluded stock options to purchase 2 million shares of common stock for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2011, and 1 million shares of common stock for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

(3) 

Net income attributable to Visa Inc. is allocated to each class of common stock on an as-converted basis. The weighted-average number of shares of as-converted class B common stock used in the income allocation were 120 million and 124 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2011, and 140 million and 142 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.

(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.

Share-based Compensation (Tables)
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award

The Company granted the following awards to Company employees and non-employee directors under the 2007 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan during the nine months ended June 30, 2011:

 

     Granted      Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
     Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 

Non-qualified stock options(1)

     970,808       $ 27.51       $ 74.25   

Restricted stock awards (RSA)

     979,281         79.79      

Restricted stock units (RSU)

     287,370         79.81      

 

 

(1) 

Includes 76,822 options granted during the second quarter of fiscal 2011 in connection with the acquisition of PlaySpan. See Note 4—Acquisitions.

Legal Matters (Tables)
Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency

The following table summarizes the activity related to accrued litigation for both covered and non-covered litigation for the nine months ended June 30:

 

         2011             2010      
     (in millions)  

Balance at October 1

   $ 697      $ 1,717   

Provision for settled matters(1)

     6        (41

Reclassification of settled matters(2)

     12        —     

Interest accretion on settled matters

     9        23   

Payments on settled matters(3)

     (212     (897
                

Balance at June 30

   $ 512      $ 802   
                

 

(1) 

The amount for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 includes the reduction to the provision for the $41 million pre-tax gain recognized related to the prepayment of the remaining obligations under the Retailers’ litigation.

(2) 

Reclassification of amount previously recorded in accrued liabilities.

(3) 

The amount for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 includes the Company’s October 2009 prepayment of its remaining $800 million in payment obligations in the Retailers’ litigation at a discounted amount of $682 million.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
 
 
New annual goodwill impairment testing date
Changed the annual impairment testing date from July 1 to February 1 
 
Play Span Inc
 
 
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
 
 
Business acquisition, date of acquisition
March 1, 2011 
March 1, 2011 
Fundamo
 
 
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
 
 
Business acquisition, date of acquisition
June 9, 2011 
June 9, 2011 
Retrospective Responsibility Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions
1 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011
1 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2010
1 Months Ended
Oct. 8, 2010
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Deposits into the litigation escrow account
 
 
 
$ 1,200 
Deposit into Litigation Escrow
 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Deposits into the litigation escrow account
$ 400 
$ 800 
$ 800 
$ 1,200 
Changes in the Escrow Account (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
 
Beginning Balance
$ 1,936 
Deposits into the litigation escrow account
1,200 
American Express settlement payments
(210)
Interest earned, less applicable taxes
Ending Balance
$ 2,927 
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)
In Millions
Jun. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2010
Accrued liabilities
 
 
Visa Europe put option
$ 145 
$ 267 
Level 1
 
 
Cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
 
Money market funds and time deposits
6,111 
5,448 
Prepaid and other current assets
 
 
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total
6,176 
5,508 
Level 1 |
Equity securities
 
 
Investment securities
 
 
Investment securities
65 
60 
Level 2
 
 
Prepaid and other current assets
 
 
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total
157 
140 
Level 2 |
U.S. government-sponsored agency debt securities
 
 
Investment securities
 
 
Investment securities
155 
135 
Level 2 |
Foreign exchange derivative instruments
 
 
Prepaid and other current assets
 
 
Foreign exchange derivative instruments
Accrued liabilities
 
 
Foreign exchange derivative instruments
41 
56 
Level 3
 
 
Prepaid and other current assets
 
 
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Total
13 
Accrued liabilities
 
 
Earn-out related to PlaySpan acquisition
24 
 
Level 3 |
Auction Rate Securities
 
 
Investment securities
 
 
Investment securities
13 
Level 3 |
Visa Europe put option
 
 
Accrued liabilities
 
 
Visa Europe put option
$ 145 
$ 267 
Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2010
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Auction Rate Securities
Jun. 30, 2011
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Sep. 30, 2010
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Jun. 30, 2011
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Level 3
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2010
Non Marketable Equity Investments
Jun. 30, 2011
Non Marketable Equity Investments
Sep. 30, 2010
Non Marketable Equity Investments
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Companhia Brasileira de Solucoes e Servicos
Cost-method Investments
Jan. 24, 2011
Companhia Brasileira de Solucoes e Servicos
Cost-method Investments
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from call of auction rate securities
 
 
 
$ 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax gain from call of auction rate securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Put option, fair value
 
 
 
 
145 
267 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Probability of exercise by Visa Europe
40.00% 
40.00% 
40.00% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P/E differential at the time of exercise
 
1.9x 
3.5x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Decrease in the fair value of the put option
(122)
122 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earn-out related to PlaySpan acquisition
 
 
 
 
 
 
24 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable equity securities, recognized losses due to impairment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable equity investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101 
114 
 
 
Sale of 10% investment in Visa Vale issuer Companhia Brasileira de Solucoes e Servicos, proceeds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
103 
 
Sale of 10% investment in Visa Vale issuer Companhia Brasileira de Solucoes e Servicos, book value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17 
Sale of 10% investment in Visa Vale issuer Companhia Brasileira de Solucoes e Servicos, estimated pre-tax gain
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
85 
 
Sale of 10% investment in Visa Vale issuer Companhia Brasileira de Solucoes e Servicos, estimated net of tax gain
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
44 
 
Estimated fair value of the Company's debt
$ 39 
$ 39 
$ 50 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisition - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Play Span Inc
 
 
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
 
 
Date of acquisition
March 1, 2011 
March 1, 2011 
Total purchase consideration
$ 204 
$ 204 
Fundamo
 
 
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
 
 
Date of acquisition
June 9, 2011 
June 9, 2011 
Total purchase consideration
$ 110 
$ 110 
Summary of the Allocation of the Accounting Purchase Consideration, Preliminary (Detail) (Play Span Inc, USD $)
In Millions
Jun. 30, 2011
Play Span Inc
 
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
 
Tangible assets, net
$ 67 1
Finite-lived intangible assets with a weighted-average useful life of 2.8 years
15 
Goodwill
141 
Net deferred tax liabilities
(19)
Net assets acquired
$ 204 
Summary of the Allocation of the Accounting Purchase Consideration, Preliminary (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Play Span Inc, USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Year
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
 
Finite-lived intangible assets, weighted-average useful life (in years)
2,800,000 
Technology Assets
 
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
 
Tangible assets, net, technology
$ 56 
Tangible assets, net, technology, weighted-average useful life (in years)
Total Purchase Consideration for the PlaySpan Acquisition (Detail) (Play Span Inc, USD $)
In Millions
Jun. 30, 2011
Potential Purchase Consideration
 
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
 
Cash paid
$ 180 
Earn-out provision
40 1
Fair value of stock options issued
2
Total purchase consideration
225 
Accounting Purchase Consideration
 
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
 
Cash paid
180 
Earn-out provision
40 1
Less: Employee compensation
(12)3
Valuation adjustment
(4)4
Fair value of earn-out provision (See Note 3-Fair Value Measurements)
24 
Total purchase consideration
$ 204 
Summary of the Allocation of the Accounting Purchase Consideration, Preliminary - Fundamo (Detail) (Fundamo, USD $)
In Millions
Jun. 30, 2011
Fundamo
 
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
 
Tangible assets, net
$ 27 1
Finite-lived intangible assets with a useful life of 5 years
Goodwill
80 
Net deferred tax liabilities
(2)
Net assets acquired
$ 110 
Summary of the Allocation of the Accounting Purchase Consideration, Preliminary - Fundamo (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Fundamo, USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Year
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
 
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life (in years)
5,000,000 
Technology Assets
 
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
 
Tangible assets, net, technology
$ 25 
Tangible assets, net, technology, useful life (in years)
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Pension Benefits
 
 
 
 
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$ 10 
$ 11 
$ 30 
$ 34 
Interest cost
10 
10 
29 
30 
Expected return on assets
(13)
(13)
(40)
(38)
Prior service credit
(3)
(2)
(7)
(6)
Actuarial loss
14 
13 
Total net periodic benefit cost
10 
26 
33 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
 
 
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Interest cost
 
 
Prior service credit
 
 
(2)
(2)
Actuarial loss
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
Total net periodic benefit cost
$ (1)
$ (1)
$ (2)
$ (2)
Settlement Guarantee Management - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
Jun. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2010
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
 
 
Estimated maximum settlement exposure
$ 44,600,000,000 
$ 38,700,000,000 
Covered settlement exposure
3,100,000,000 
3,000,000,000 
Estimated probability-weighted value of the guarantee
$ 1,000,000 
$ 1,000,000 
Collateral (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions
Jun. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2010
Schedule of Customer Collateral [Line Items]
 
 
Cash equivalents
$ 897 
$ 899 
Pledged securities at market value
373 
470 
Letters of credit
875 
869 
Guarantees
1,712 
1,803 
Total
$ 3,857 
$ 4,041 
Number of Shares of Class A Common Shares Outstanding on an As-Converted Basis (Detail)
1 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2010
Schedule of Common Stock as Converted [Line Items]
 
 
 
Class A Common Stock As Converted
691,000,000 1
 
 
Class A common stock
 
 
 
Schedule of Common Stock as Converted [Line Items]
 
 
 
Shares Outstanding at June 30, 2011
 
519,000,000 
493,000,000 
Class A Common Stock As Converted
519,000,000 1
 
 
Class B common stock
 
 
 
Schedule of Common Stock as Converted [Line Items]
 
 
 
Shares Outstanding at June 30, 2011
 
245,000,000 
245,000,000 
Conversion Rate Into Class A Common Stock
 
0.4881 
 
Class A Common Stock As Converted
120,000,000 1
 
 
Class C common stock
 
 
 
Schedule of Common Stock as Converted [Line Items]
 
 
 
Shares Outstanding at June 30, 2011
 
52,000,000 
97,000,000 
Conversion Rate Into Class A Common Stock
 
 
Class A Common Stock As Converted
52,000,000 1
 
 
Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2011
Class A common stock
Open Market
Stock Repurchase Plan, 2010
2011
Subsequent Event
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Open Market
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011
Open Market
3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010
Open Market
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Open Market
1 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011
Deposit into Litigation Escrow
1 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2010
Deposit into Litigation Escrow
1 Months Ended
Oct. 8, 2010
Deposit into Litigation Escrow
2011
Deposit into Litigation Escrow
2011
Class A common stock
1 Months Ended
Jan. 26, 2011
Class C common stock
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Class C common stock
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Class C common stock
18 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Class C common stock
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A common stock effectively repurchased, shares
 
 
 
13.7 
3.3 
4.3 
 
 
 
 
 
37.8 
 
 
 
 
Class A common stock effectively repurchased, average price per share
 
 
 
$ 77.36 
$ 70.53 
$ 70.40 
 
$ 73.81 1
$ 72.74 1
 
 
$ 74.12 
 
 
 
 
Class A common stock effectively repurchased, value
 
$ 1,600,000,000 
 
$ 1,064,000,000 
$ 230,000,000 
$ 306,000,000 
$ 1,600,000,000 
 
 
 
 
$ 2,800,000,000 
 
 
 
 
Deposits into the litigation escrow account
1,200,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
400,000,000 
800,000,000 
800,000,000 
1,200,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Authorized funds under share repurchase plan
 
 
1,000,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares of class C common stock released from transfer restrictions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
55 
152 
 
 
Shares of class C common stock released from transfer restrictions, converted to class A common stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12 
45 
99 
Dividends, date declared
Jul. 21, 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends, per share amount declared
$ 0.15 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends, paid date
Sep. 07, 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends, record date
Aug. 19, 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends, paid
$ 320,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share Repurchases in the Open Market (Detail) (Open Market, USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011
3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Open Market
 
 
 
 
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Shares repurchased in the open market
13.7 
3.3 
4.3 
 
Weighted-average repurchase price per share
$ 77.36 
$ 70.53 
$ 70.40 
 
Total cost
$ 1,064 
$ 230 
$ 306 
$ 1,600 
Effect of Escrow Funding on the Company Repurchasing its Common Stock (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data
1 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
1 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011
Class A common stock
Deposit into Litigation Escrow
1 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2010
Class A common stock
Deposit into Litigation Escrow
1 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011
Class B common stock
Deposit into Litigation Escrow
1 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2010
Class B common stock
Deposit into Litigation Escrow
1 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011
Deposit into Litigation Escrow
1 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2010
Deposit into Litigation Escrow
1 Months Ended
Oct. 8, 2010
Deposit into Litigation Escrow
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Deposit into Litigation Escrow
1 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Class A common stock
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Class A common stock
1 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Class B common stock
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits under the retrospective responsibility plan
 
$ 1,200 
 
 
 
 
$ 400 
$ 800 
$ 800 
$ 1,200 
 
 
 
Effective price per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
$ 73.81 1
$ 72.74 1
 
 
 
$ 74.12 
 
Equivalent shares of class A common stock effectively repurchased
 
 
5,400,000 
11,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Conversion rate of class B common stock to class A common stock after deposits
 
 
 
 
488,100 
510,200 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.4881 
As-converted class B common stock outstanding after deposits
691,000,000 2
 
 
 
120,000,000 
125,000,000 
 
 
 
 
519,000,000 2
 
120,000,000 2
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, except Per Share data
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Income Allocation - Basic
$ 1,005 
$ 716 
$ 2,770 
$ 2,192 
Class A common stock
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Income Allocation - Basic
746 
481 
1,976 
1,418 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic
521 
494 
506 
478 
Earnings per Share - Basic
$ 1.43 1
$ 0.97 1
$ 3.90 1
$ 2.97 1
Income Allocation - Diluted
1,005 
716 
2,770 
2,192 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted
704 2
738 2
712 2
742 2
Earnings per Share - Diluted
$ 1.43 1
$ 0.97 1
$ 3.89 1
$ 2.96 1
Class B common stock
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Income Allocation - Basic
172 3
137 3
483 3
422 3
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic
245 
245 
245 
245 
Earnings per Share - Basic
$ 0.70 1
$ 0.56 1
$ 1.97 1
$ 1.72 1
Income Allocation - Diluted
171 3
136 3
481 3
420 3
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted
245 
245 
245 
245 
Earnings per Share - Diluted
$ 0.70 1
$ 0.55 1
$ 1.96 1
$ 1.71 1
Class C common stock
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Income Allocation - Basic
84 
96 
302 
346 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic
59 
99 
78 
117 
Earnings per Share - Basic
$ 1.43 1
$ 0.97 1
$ 3.90 1
$ 2.97 1
Income Allocation - Diluted
84 
96 
302 
345 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted
59 
99 
78 
117 
Earnings per Share - Diluted
$ 1.43 1
$ 0.97 1
$ 3.89 1
$ 2.96 1
Participating Securities
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Income Allocation - Basic
4
4
4
4
Income Allocation - Diluted
$ 3 4
$ 2 4
$ 9 4
$ 6 4
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Parenthetical) (Detail)
In Millions
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Dilutive shares of outstanding stock awards included in computation of weighted-average dilutive shares outstanding
Stock options excluded from computation of average dilutive shares outstanding
Class B common stock
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Weighted average numbers of shares of class B common stock outstanding on an as-converted basis used in the allocation of net income
120 
140 
124 
142 
Awards Granted to Company Employees and Non-employee Directors Under the 2007 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan (Detail) (USD $)
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Nonqualified Stock Options
 
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
Granted
970,808 1
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
$ 27.51 1
Weighted Average Exercise Price
$ 74.25 1
Restricted Stock Awards
 
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
Granted
979,281 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
$ 79.79 
Restricted Stock Units
 
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
Granted
287,370 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
$ 79.81 
Awards Granted to Company Employees and Non-employee Directors Under the 2007 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Play Span Inc)
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Play Span Inc
 
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
Options granted in connection with the acquisition of PlaySpan
76,822 
Share-based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
Minimum number of performance shares granted to be earned during the performance period
Maximum number of performance shares granted to be earned during the performance period
331,800 
Retirement Eligible Employees, Equity Award
 
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
Share-based compensation expense
$ 6 
Performance-Based Restricted Stock
 
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
Weighted average grant date fair value per share, Restricted stock and performance shares
$ 85.05 
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Income Taxes [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Effective income tax rates
35.00% 
36.00% 
36.00% 
36.00% 
Unrecognized tax benefits increases that would impact the effective tax rate if recognized
$ 9 
 
 
 
Accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions
 
 
Unrecognized tax benefits decreases primarily due to effective settlement of uncertainties surrounding the timing of certain deductions
 
 
20 
 
Reserve for potential interest decreased primarily due to effective settlement of uncertainties
 
 
 
Reserve for potential penalties decreased primarily due to effective settlement of uncertainties
 
 
$ 2 
 
Legal Matters - Additional Information (Detail)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
USD ($)
2010
USD ($)
2011
Master Card Inc
2011
Visa
2011
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Discover Litigation
Appeal Denied
EUR (€)
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2010
Maximum
USD ($)
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Litigation provision (Note 11)
$ 6 1
$ (41)1
 
 
 
$ 1 
Pre-tax gain related to prepayment obligations under Retailers' litigation
 
41 
 
 
 
 
Interchange Litigation, monetary portion of settlement or judgment not specifically assigned covered by the omnibus agreement
 
 
33.3333% 
66.6667% 
 
 
Fine levied
 
 
 
 
€ 10.2 
 
Accrued Litigation for Both Covered and Non-Covered Litigation (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
 
 
Beginning Balance
$ 697 
$ 1,717 
Litigation provision (Note 11)
1
(41)1
Reclassification of settled matters
12 2
 
Interest accretion on settled matters
23 
Payments on settled matters
(212)3
(897)3
Ending Balance
$ 512 
$ 802 
Accrued Litigation for Both Covered and Non-Covered Litigation (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions
9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2010
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
 
Provision for settled legal matters, pre-tax gain
$ 41 
Prepayment of remaining payment obligations in the Retailers' litigation
800 
Prepayment of remaining payment obligations in the Retailers' litigation, discounted amount
$ 682