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Visa

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FY2023 Annual Report · Visa
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Annual Report 2023

 
 
Our purpose 
is to uplift 
everyone, 
everywhere 
by being 
the best way 
to pay and 
be paid. 

A NN UAL RE P O RT 2023 

View the interactive report 
and additional content at 
1 
annualreport.visa.com 

YEAR-END FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 

Operational Highlights 

12 months ended September 30 (except where noted) 

Total volume1 

Payments volume1 

2021 

2022 

2023 

$13.0T 

$14.1T 

$14.8T 

$10.4T 

$11.6T 

$12.3T 

Transactions processed on Visa’s networks 

164.7B 

192.5B 

212.6B 

Cards2 

3.7B 

4.0B 

4.3B 

Financial Highlights (GAAP) 

In millions (except per share data) 

Net revenues 

Operating expenses 

Net income 

FY 2021 

FY 2022 

FY 2023 

$24,105 

$29,310 

$32,653 

$8,301 

$10,497 

$11,653 

$12,311 

$14,957 

$17,273 

Diluted class A common stock earnings per share 

$5.63 

$7.00 

$8.28  

Financial Highlights (Non-GAAP)3 

In millions (except per share data) 

Net revenues 

Operating expenses 

Net income 

FY 2021 

FY 2022 

FY 2023 

$24,105 

$29,310 

$32,653 

$8,077 

$9,387 

$10,481 

$12,933 

$16,034 

$18,280 

Diluted class A common stock earnings per share 

$5.91 

$7.50 

$8.77 

1   Total volume is the sum of payments volume and cash volume. Payments volume represents the aggregate dollar amount of purchases made with cards and other form 
factors carrying the Visa, Visa Electron, V PAY and Interlink brands and excludes Europe co-badged volume. Cash volume generally consists of cash access transactions, 
balance access transactions, balance transfers and convenience checks. For further discussion, see Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
Results of Operations - Overview - Payments volume and processed transactions in this Annual Report. 

2	  These figures represent data at June 30, 2021, June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2023. 
3	  For further discussion and a reconciliation of our GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures presented, see Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 

and Results of Operations - Overview - Non-GAAP financial results in this Annual Report. 

2 

VISA 

 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	 	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	 	
	 	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Stock Performance
 

The accompanying graph and chart compare the cumulative total return on Visa’s class A common stock with the cumulative 

total return on Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Standard & Poor’s 500 Data Processing Index from September 30, 2018 through 

September 30, 2023. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on September 30, 2018, and that dividends were reinvested. 

There is currently no established public trading market for Visa Inc.’s class B and class C common stock. 

Base period 

Indexed Returns (Fiscal Year Ended) 

Company / Index 

9/30/18 

9/30/19 

9/30/20 

9/30/21 

9/30/22 

9/30/23 

Visa Inc. 

$100 

S&P 500 Index 

$100 

$115 

$104 

$135 

$120 

$151 

$156 

$121 

$132 

$159 

$160 

S&P 500 Data 

Processing Index 

$100 

$117 

$143 

$161 

$116 

$170 

ANNUAL REPORT 2023 

3 

$120$130$140$100$110$150$160$180$170Visa Inc.S&P 500 IndexS&P 500 Data Processing Index9/30/239/30/189/30/199/30/209/30/219/30/22 
 
CEO LET TER 

Dear Fellow Shareholders, 

We have built one of the most innovative, 
convenient, reliable and secure payment 
networks in the world, and we are putting 
it to work to deliver our purpose: to uplift 
everyone, everywhere by being the best 
way to pay and be paid. It’s an exciting 
time to be a leader in payments, and I am 
pleased to share some of our highlights 
from our fiscal year 2023 (FY23). Today, Visa’s network spans 
more than 200 countries and territories, approximately 
14,500 financial institutions, more than 130 million merchant 
locations and 4.3 billion payment credentials. All told, during 
our FY23, the Visa network enabled $15 trillion in total volume 
and 276 billion transactions. 

Behind each of these numbers are real-

world needs being met — value being 

delivered to consumers, businesses and 

governments. Visa helps consumers who 

need secure and convenient ways to pay 

and be paid; creators and businesses 

of all sizes who need modern payment 

acceptance solutions; and issuers 

and acquirers who need innovative 

offerings for their customers. We help 

governments send payments to people 

quickly when they need them most. We 

partner with fintechs, neobanks, digital 

wallets and enablers to bring them into 

the payments ecosystem and help them 

achieve scale and growth. 

Looking back on FY23 

FY23 performance 

Fiscal year 2023 was a year of enormous 

FY23 marked another year of strong  

change. We saw continued economic 

financial performance amid much 

growth coming out of the COVID-19 

uncertainty in the macroeconomic 

pandemic and the pace of technological 

environment. We drove broad-based 

development accelerate, including 

growth in payments volume, processed 

generative artificial intelligence (AI), 

transactions and cross-border volume, 

which has emerged as a once-in-a-

all of which enabled us to deliver $33 

generation innovation that will transform 

billion in net revenues and GAAP earnings 

how we live and work, and most certainly 

per share of $8.28, up 11 percent and 18 

how we shop, buy and pay. 

percent from the prior year, respectively. 

Throughout all this, Visa played a vital 

role in payments around the world, while 

consistently delivering for our clients, 

partners and shareholders. 

Consumer spending remained resilient  

around the world, while the ongoing  

recovery in travel continued to be a 

tailwind for cross-border volume growth. 

4 

VISA 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business priorities 

In FY23, we delivered against our key 

growth levers — consumer payments, 

new flows and value added services. 

We executed with a relentless focus on 

supporting our go-to-market teams,  

delivering for our clients, enabling  

innovative products and solutions and 

selling our solutions more effectively to 

accelerate our growth, now and in the 

future. 

Consumer payments 

Our consumer payments business 

aims to grow digital commerce by 

connecting buyers and sellers globally 

with safe, simple and innovative digital 

payments solutions. We are continuing 

to grow our credentials, increase our 

acceptance and deepen our engagement  

with cardholders, issuers, merchants  

and fintechs across the ecosystem. 

Over the past year, credentials 

grew 7 percent to 4.3 billion and we 

surpassed 7.5 billion network tokens. 

P2P payments can be sent and received in near real-time with Visa Direct, our push 
payment platform. 

New flows 

Total transactions, including cash and  

We see significant opportunities in new 

payments transactions, were 276 billion,  

flows to accelerate our growth and 

meaning that Visa credentials were used 

enable more payments use cases for our 

on average 757 million times a day in the 

clients and partners. Business-to-business  

fiscal year. Merchant locations were up 17 

(B2B) remains the largest component 

percent to more than 130 million, helped 

of new flows today, with small business 

by strong growth in Latin America, Central 

and corporate card issuance comprising  

Europe, Middle East and Africa. We signed 

the majority of the $1.57 trillion in 

more than 500 commercial partnerships  

commercial payments volume in the 

with fintechs globally, from early-stage 

past year. To help address large-ticket 

companies to growing and mature  

cross-border B2B flows, our Visa B2B 

players. Finally, tap-to-pay transactions,  

Connect network enables businesses  

which continue to be a powerful driver of 

to make payments to other businesses, 

engagement, grew another 9 percentage  

while removing friction, attaching rich 

points to 63 percent of total face-to-face 

data to the payment and enabling the 

transactions globally (76 percent of total 

tracking of payments in progress. In FY23, 

face-to-face transactions excluding the  

we increased the number of banks that 

United States). 

Visa credentials were 

used on average 757 

million times a day in  
the fiscal year 

have signed onto Visa B2B Connect by 

more than 70 percent, while the number 

of transacting banks more than doubled  

as clients activated the service. 

Visa Direct, our push payment platform 

that allows funds to be sent and received 

in near real-time, from person-to-person 

(P2P), B2B, business-to-consumer and 

government-to-consumer, is a key 

enabler of our new flows growth strategy. 

Through Visa Direct, we continue to 

scale our reach, add new capabilities 

and drive adoption across markets and 

segments. Visa Direct has the potential 

to reach more than 8.5 billion cards, 

deposit accounts and digital wallets 

around the world. In FY23, we saw more 

than 7.5 billion Visa Direct transactions  

across more than 65 use cases and over 

2,800 programs, helped by more than  

500 enablers. For example, one use 

case that is a significant opportunity is 

cross-border remittances. Cross-border  

P2P transactions grew 65 percent this 

year enabling us to reach a new record 

for Visa Direct payments volume in the 

fourth quarter. We are excited about 

the momentum across Visa Direct and 

will continue to execute our strategy of 

growing existing use cases, extending  

into new geographies, expanding  

into new areas and deepening our 

engagement with our partners. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2023 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
our product roadmap and integrating 

capabilities like generative AI to bring 

solutions that address the needs of not 

only today, but well into the future. This 

includes investing in our data and risk 

solutions, processing capabilities and 

consulting and analytics expertise to 

serve the next generation of users and 

help our clients build and grow their 

business. 

At Visa, we do well by doing good, and 

our purpose guides our long-term 

aspirations. As we leverage our incredible 

partnerships to grow credentials and 

expand the reach of our network, we are 

bringing more individuals and businesses 

CEO LET TER

Positioning Visa for the future 

The payments industry is evolving faster 

than ever and we are evolving with it. 

By developing the next generation of 

In FY23, we 

delivered more than 

products and solutions, delivering on 

our purpose and investing in our people, 

we will create the next phase of growth 

for the company and lead Visa into the 

future. 

Our products and solutions are some of 

the most sophisticated in the world and 

we’re on a journey to build the future 

of payments and money movement. 

We are committed to expanding upon 

2,000 consulting 

engagements 

Value added services 

Our third growth engine is value added 

services — services that help our 

clients and partners optimize their 

performance, differentiate their offerings 

and create better experiences for their 

customers. In FY23, we delivered more 

than 2,000 consulting engagements that 

we estimate created more than $3 billion 

of additional client revenue, thanks to our 

support. Our growth strategy in value 

added services is threefold: deepening 

client penetration of existing products, 

expanding geographically and building 

and launching new solutions. We’ve 

made significant progress across each of 

these areas over the past year. Our top 

265 largest clients now use on average 22 

Visa services — double that of our overall 

client base. 

Employees at Visa’s Cyber Fusion Center in Virginia build and use AI to detect and secure 
cyber threats.

6 

VISA

In Mexico, Visa employees participated in a reforestation volunteering activity, planting a 
total	 of	 1,000	 trees. 

into the financial ecosystem. One 

example of how we’re bringing this to life 

is through Visa Direct, where we allow 

families to receive remittances more 

quickly, and facilitate faster access to 

wages and government disbursements. 

Finally, we amplify our business impact  

through our social impact work, which  

provides the tools and resources to 

digitally enable individuals, businesses  

and communities who have historically  

been underserved by traditional financial 

services.  

All of this comes to life thanks to the Visa 

team, our talented employees who bring 

a variety of experience and background, 

like the many communities we serve. We 

strive to foster a culture of inclusion and 

innovation and are committed to our 

employees’ continued growth through  

Looking ahead, to FY24 and beyond 

development opportunities to  expand 

In February of this year, I stepped into 

their capabilities and skills, and ultimately  

the role of Chief Executive Officer after 

help them better serve our clients and 

having been Visa’s President for almost 

partners. 

10 years. There has been a great sense 

of continuity across the company 

throughout our leadership transition,  

and I would like to thank our shareholders  

for their commitment and support. To 

all of the approximately 28,800 Visa 

employees, thank you for all of your  

hard work, leadership and commitment.  

And to our clients and partners, you 

are the foundation of our business and 

everything we do. As an organization, we 

are focused on and committed to your 

continued success.  

Visa is in a strong position. We have a 

clear strategy and roadmap, significant 

opportunities for growth and a leadership 

team dedicated to driving continued 

growth and success. At the end of 

the day, Visa is not just a leader in the 

payments industry, we are helping to 

create its future. 

Ryan McInerney 
Chief Executive Officer 

ANNUAL REPORT 2023 

7 

 
 
 
CEO LET TER

OUR STRATEGY 

VALUE ADDED SERVICES 
Value added services represent an opportunity for us to diversify 
our revenue with products and solutions that differentiate our network,  
deepen our client relationships and deliver innovative solutions across other networks.  

NEW FLOWS 
Visa's network of networks approach  
creates opportunities to capture new sources of 
money movement through card and non-card flows  
for consumers, businesses and governments around the  
world by facilitating P2P, B2C, B2B and G2C payments.  

Risk & Identity 
Solutions 

Acceptance 
Solutions 

CONSUMER 
PAYMENTS 
We remain focused on moving trillions of 
dollars of consumer spending in cash and checks to  
cards and digital accounts on Visa's network of networks.  

Issuing 
Solutions 

Visa Direct 

CORE PRODUCTS 
Credit • Debit 
Prepaid 

Visa Cross-Border 
Solutions 

Tap to Pay 

Click to Pay 

ENABLERS 

Tokenization 

Visa Commercial  
Solutions 

Open 
Banking 

Advisory 
Services 

NETWORK OF NETWORKS 
Our network of networks strategy means moving money to all endpoints  
and to all form factors, using all available networks and being a single connection point  
for our partners; and providing our value added services on all transactions, no matter the network.  

FOUNDATIONS 
We are fortifying the key foundations of our business model, which consist 
 of becoming a network of networks, our technology platforms, security, brand and talent.  

8 
8 

VI SA
VISA

Technology 
Platforms 

Security 

Brand

Talent 

 
VALUE ADDED SERVICES

Value added services represent an opportunity for us to diversify 

our revenue with products and solutions that differentiate our network, 

deepen our client relationships and deliver innovative solutions across other networks. 

NEW FLOWS

The focus on facilitating commercial and global 

money movement across Visa’s network of networks 

creates opportunities to capture new sources of money movement 

through card and non-card flows for consumers, businesses and 

governments around the world by facilitating P2P, B2C, B2B and G2C payments. 

Risk & Identity

Solutions

Acceptance

Solutions

CONSUMER

PAYMENTS

We remain focused on moving trillions of

dollars of consumer spending in cash and checks to 

cards and digital accounts on Visa’s network of networks. 

Open

Banking

Issuing

Solutions

Visa Direct

CORE PRODUCTS

Credit • Debit

Prepaid

Visa Cross-Border 

Solutions

Tap to Pay

Click to Pay

Advisory

Services

Executive Committee


(pictured below, seated, left to right) 

Jack Forestell 
Chief Product and Strategy Officer 

Charlotte Hogg 
Chief Executive Officer, Europe 

Michelle Gethers 
Chief Diversity Officer and Head of 

Corporate Responsibility 

Paul D. Fabara 
Chief Risk Officer 

(pictured below, standing, left to right) 

Julie B. Rottenberg 
General Counsel 

Christopher T. Newkirk 
Global Head of New Flows – Commercial 

& Money Movement Solutions 

Rajat Taneja 
President, Technology 

Ryan McInerney 
Chief Executive Officer 

Frank Cooper III 
Chief Marketing Officer 

Kelly Mahon Tullier 
Vice Chair, Chief People and Corporate 

Affairs Officer 

Chris Suh 
Chief Financial Officer 

Antony Cahill 
Global Head of Value Added Services 

Oliver Jenkyn 
Group President, Global Markets 

ENABLERS

Tokenization

Visa Commercial 

Solutions

Our network of networks strategy means moving money to all endpoints 

and to all form factors, using all available networks and being a single connection point 

for our partners; and providing our value added services on all transactions, no matter the network. 

NETWORK OF NETWORKS

We are fortifying the key foundations of our business model, which consist

 of becoming a network of networks, our technology platforms, security, brand and talent. 

FOUNDATIONS

Technology

Platforms

Security

Brand

Talent

ANNUAL REPORT 2023 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	 
Board of Directors


(pictured below, seated, left to right) 

Ramon Laguarta 
Director 

John F. Lundgren 
Lead Independent Director, 

Chair of Nominating and Corporate 

Governance Committee 

Francisco Javier Fernández-Carbajal 
Director 

Teri L. List 
Director 

Lloyd A. Carney 
Director, Chair of Audit and Risk 

Committee 

(pictured below, standing, left to right) 

Maynard G. Webb, Jr. 
Director, Chair of Finance Committee 

Pamela Murphy 
Director 

Kermit R. Crawford 
Director 

Ryan McInerney 
Director and Chief Executive Officer 

Linda J. Rendle 
Director 

Denise M. Morrison 
Director, Chair of Compensation 

Committee 

Alfred F. Kelly, Jr. 
Executive Chairman 

10  VISA 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 
OR 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

☑ 

☐ 

For the transition period from 

to 

Commission file number 001-33977 

VISA INC. 

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware 
(State or other jurisdiction 
of incorporation or organization) 

P.O. Box 8999	 
San Francisco, California
 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

26-0267673 
(IRS Employer 
Identification No.) 

94128-8999 

(Zip Code)
 

(650) 432-3200
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 
Trading 
Symbol 

Title of each class 

Name of each exchange on which registered 

Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share 
1.500% Senior Notes due 2026 
2.000% Senior Notes due 2029 
2.375% Senior Notes due 2034 

V 
V26 
V29 
V34 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 
Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share 
Class C common stock, par value $0.0001 per share 
(Title of each class) 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes  ☑  No  ☐ 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.  Yes  ☐  No  ☑ 
Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  (1)  has  filed  all  reports  required  to  be  filed  by  Section  13  or  15(d)  of  the  Securities 
Exchange  Act  of  1934  during  the  preceding  12  months  (or  for  such  shorter  period  that  the  registrant  was  required  to  file  such  reports),  and 
(2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.	  Yes  ☑  No  ☐ 

New York Stock Exchange
 
New York Stock Exchange
 
New York Stock Exchange
 
New York Stock Exchange
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant 
to  Rule  405  of  Regulation  S-T  (§232.405  of  this  chapter)  during  the  preceding  12  months  (or  for  such  shorter  period  that  the  registrant  was 
required to submit such files).  Yes  ☑  No  ☐ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting 
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and
 
“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer 

☐
 
☐ 
☐ 
If  an  emerging  growth  company,  indicate  by  check  mark  if  the  registrant  has  elected  not  to  use  the  extended  transition  period  for 

Accelerated filer 
Smaller reporting company 
Emerging growth company 

complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐ 

☑ 
☐ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness 
of  its  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  under  Section  404(b)  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  (15  U.S.C.  7262(b))  by  the  registered  public 
accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  ☑ 

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant 

included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.  ☐ 

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  any  of  those  error  corrections  are  restatements  that  required  a  recovery  analysis  of  incentive-based 

compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).  ☐ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes  ☐  No  ☑ 
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s class A common stock, held by non-affiliates (using the New York Stock Exchange closing 
price  as  of  March  31,  2023,  the  last  business  day  of  the  registrant’s  most  recently  completed  second  fiscal  quarter)  was  approximately 
$364.9  billion.  There  is  currently  no  established  public  trading  market  for  the  registrant’s  class  B  common  stock,  or  the  registrant’s  class  C 
common stock. 

As  of  November  8,  2023,  there  were  1,580,679,900  shares  outstanding  of  the  registrant’s  class  A  common  stock,  245,513,385  shares 

outstanding of the registrant’s class B common stock, and 9,453,068 shares outstanding of the registrant’s class C common stock. 

Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated herein by reference in Part III 
of  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  to  the  extent  stated  herein.  Such  Proxy  Statement  will  be  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission within 120 days of the Registrant’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

Page 

PART I
 

Item 1 

Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

4 
  

Item 1A  Risk Factors 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  18 

Item 1B  Unresolved Staff Comments

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  35 

Item 2 

Properties

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  35 

Item 3 

Legal Proceedings

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  35 

Item 4 

Mine Safety Disclosures 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  35 

PART II
 

Item 5 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
 

Equity Securities 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  36 

Item 6 

[Reserved] 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  36 

Item 7 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

. . . . . .

  37 

Item 7A  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  49 

Item 8 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  51 

Item 9 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

. . . . . .

 107 

Item 9A  Controls and Procedures 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 107 

Item 9B  Other Information

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 108 

Item 9C  Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 108 

PART III
 

Item 10  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 109 

Item 11  Executive Compensation 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 109 

Item 12  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
 

Matters 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 109 

Item 13  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 109 

Item 14  Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 109 

PART IV
 

Item 15  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 110 

Item 16 

Form 10-K Summary

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 110 

Unless the context indicates otherwise, reference to “Visa,” “we,” “us,” “our” or “the Company” refers to Visa 

Inc. and its subsidiaries. 

“Visa”  and  our  other  trademarks  referenced  in  this  report  are  Visa’s  property.  This  report  may  contain 
additional trade names and trademarks of other companies. The use or display of other companies’ trade names 
or trademarks does not imply our endorsement or sponsorship of, or a relationship with these companies. 

2
 


  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
Forward-Looking Statements 

This  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  contains  forward-looking  statements  within  the  meaning  of  the  U.S. 
Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform  Act  of  1995  that  relate  to,  among  other  things,  the  impact  on  our  future 
financial position, results of operations and cash flows; the approval and implementation of the potential certificate 
of incorporation amendments and the potential exchange offers; prospects, developments, strategies and growth 
of  our  business;  anticipated  expansion  of  our  products  in  certain  countries;  industry  developments;  anticipated 
timing  and  benefits  of  our  acquisitions; expectations  regarding  litigation matters,  investigations and proceedings; 
timing  and  amount  of  stock  repurchases;  sufficiency  of  sources  of  liquidity  and  funding;  effectiveness  of  our  risk 
management  programs;  and  expectations  regarding  the  impact  of  recent  accounting  pronouncements  on  our 
consolidated  financial  statements.  Forward-looking  statements  generally  are  identified  by  words  such  as 
“anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “projects,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “continue” and 
other  similar  expressions.  All  statements  other  than  statements  of  historical  fact  could  be  forward-looking 
statements,  which  speak  only  as  of  the  date  they  are  made,  are  not  guarantees  of  future  performance  and  are 
subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control and are difficult to 
predict.  We  describe  risks  and  uncertainties  that  could  cause  actual  results  to  differ  materially  from  those 
expressed in, or implied by, any of these forward-looking statements in Item 1, Item 1A, Item 7 and elsewhere in 
this report. Except as required by law, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a 
result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

3
 

PART I
 

ITEM 1. Business 

OVERVIEW 

Visa is one of the world’s leaders in digital payments. Our purpose is to uplift everyone, everywhere by being 
the  best  way  to  pay  and  be  paid.  We  facilitate  global  commerce  and  money  movement  across  more  than  200 
countries  and  territories  among  a  global  set  of  consumers,  merchants,  financial  institutions  and  government 
entities through innovative technologies. 

Since Visa’s early days in 1958, we have been in the business of facilitating payments between consumers 
and businesses. We are focused on extending, enhancing and investing in our proprietary advanced transaction 
processing  network,  VisaNet,  to  offer  a  single  connection  point  for  facilitating  payment  transactions  to  multiple 
endpoints through various form factors. As a network of networks enabling global movement of money through all 
available networks, we are working to provide payment solutions and services for everyone, everywhere. Through 
our  network,  we  offer  products,  solutions  and  services  that  facilitate  secure,  reliable  and  efficient  money 
movement for participants in the ecosystem. 

•	 

We  facilitate  secure,  reliable  and  efficient  money  movement  among  consumers,  issuing  and 
acquiring  financial  institutions  and  merchants.  We  have  traditionally  referred  to  this  structure  as  the 
“four-party”  model.  Please  see  Our  Core  Business  discussion  below.  As  the  payments  ecosystem 
continues to evolve, we have broadened this model to include digital banks, digital wallets and a range of 
financial  technology  companies  (fintechs),  governments  and  non-governmental  organizations  (NGOs). 
We  provide  transaction  processing  services  (primarily  authorization,  clearing  and  settlement)  to  our 
financial  institution  and  merchant  clients  through  VisaNet.  During  fiscal  year  2023,  276  billion  payments 
and  cash  transactions  with  Visa’s  brand  were  processed  by  Visa  or  other  networks,  equating  to  an 
average  of  757  million  transactions  per  day.  Of  the  276  billion  total  transactions,  213  billion  were 
processed by Visa. 

• We  offer  a  wide  range  of  Visa-branded  payment  products  that  our  clients,  including 14,500  financial 
institutions,  use  to  develop  and  offer  payment  solutions  or  services,  including  credit,  debit,  prepaid  and 
cash access programs for individual, business and government account holders. During fiscal year 2023, 
Visa’s  total  payments  and  cash  volume  was  $15  trillion,  and  4.3  billion  payment  credentials,  which  are 
issued  Visa  card  accounts  that  were  available  worldwide  to  be  used  at  more  than  130  million  merchant 
locations.(1) 

• We  take  an  open  partnership  approach  and  seek  to  provide  value  by  enabling  access  to  our  global 
network, including offering our technology capabilities through application programming interfaces (APIs). 
We partner with both traditional and emerging players to innovate and expand the payments ecosystem, 
allowing them  to  use the resources of  our platform  to  scale and grow their businesses more quickly and 
effectively. 

• We are accelerating the migration to digital payments through our network of networks strategy. We 
aim to provide a single connection point so that Visa clients can enable money movement for businesses, 
governments  and  consumers,  regardless  of  which  network  is  used  to  start  or  complete  the  transaction. 
This  model  ultimately  helps  to  unify  a  complex  payments  ecosystem.  Visa’s  network  of  networks 
approach  creates  opportunities  by  facilitating  person-to-person  (P2P),  business-to-consumer  (B2C), 
business-to-business  (B2B)  and  government-to-consumer  (G2C)  payments,  in  addition  to  consumer  to 
business (C2B) payments. 

(1)	  The number includes an estimated 30 million locations through payment facilitators, which are technology providers that provide payment 
acceptance  services  to  merchants  on  behalf  of  acquirers.  Data  provided  to  Visa  by  acquiring  institutions  and  other  third  parties  as  of 
June 30, 2023. 

4
 

	 
	 
	 
•	  We  provide  value  added  services  to  our  clients,  including issuing solutions,  acceptance  solutions,  risk 

and identity solutions, open banking and advisory services. 

•	  We  invest  in  and  promote  our  brand  to  the  benefit  of  our  clients  and  partners  through  advertising, 
promotional  and  sponsorship  initiatives  with  the  International  Olympic  Committee,  the  International 
Paralympic  Committee  and  the  National  Football  League  (NFL),  among  others.  We  also  use  these 
sponsorship assets to showcase our payment innovations. 

FISCAL YEAR 2023 KEY STATISTICS 

(1)	  Please see Item 7 of this report for a reconciliation of our GAAP to non-GAAP financial results. 

OUR CORE BUSINESS 

In  a  typical  Visa  C2B  payment  transaction,  the  consumer  purchases  goods  or  services  from  a  merchant 
using a Visa card or payment product. The merchant presents the transaction data to an acquirer, usually a bank 
or  third-party  processing  firm  that  supports  acceptance  of  Visa  cards  or  payment  products,  for  verification  and 
processing.  Through  VisaNet,  the  acquirer  presents  the  transaction  data  to  Visa,  which  in  turn  sends  the 
transaction data to the issuer to check the account holder’s account balance or credit line for authorization. After 
the transaction is authorized, the issuer posts the transaction to the consumer’s account and effectively pays the 
acquirer an amount equal to the value of the transaction, minus the interchange reimbursement fee. The acquirer 
pays the amount of the purchase, minus the merchant discount rate (MDR), to the merchant. 

Visa earns revenue by facilitating money movement across more than 200 countries and territories among a 
innovative 

institutions  and  government  entities 

financial 

through 

global  set  of  consumers,  merchants, 
technologies. 

5
 

Our net revenues in fiscal year 2023 consisted of the following: 

SERVICE REVENUES
Earned for services provided in support of client usage of Visa
payment services 

DATA PROCESSING REVENUES 
Earned  for  authorization,  clearing,  settlement;  value  added 
services  related  to  issuing,  acceptance,  and  risk  and  identity 
solutions;  network  access;  and  other  maintenance  and 
support  services  that  facilitate  transaction  and  information 
processing among our clients globally 

INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTION REVENUES 
Earned  for  cross-border  transaction  processing  and  currency
 
conversion activities
 

(1)  Figure may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. 

OTHER REVENUES 
Consist  mainly  of  value  added  services  related  to  advisory, 
marketing and certain card benefits; license fees for use of the 
Visa  brand  or  technology;  and  fees  for  account  holder 
services, certification and licensing 

CLIENT INCENTIVES 
Paid  to  financial  institution  clients,  merchants  and  other
business  partners  to  grow  payments  volume;  increase  Visa 
product acceptance; win merchant routing transactions over to 
our network; and drive innovation 

Please see Item 7 and Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in Item 8 of this report, 

which include disclosures on how we earn and recognize our revenues. 

Visa  provides  payment  processing  for  both  non-Visa-branded  and  Visa-branded  card  transactions.  In  the 
context  of  non-Visa-branded  card  transactions,  we  facilitate  payment  processing  by  providing  gateway  routing 
services to other payment networks. At the client’s request, we may provide authorization, clearing or settlement 
services  on  our  network  before  or  after  we  route  the  transaction  to  the  other  payments  network.  In  those 
instances,  Visa  may  earn  data  processing  revenues  for  the  specific  services  provided.  In  the  context  of  Visa-
branded  card  transactions  on  our  network,  we  provide  authorization,  clearing  and  settlement  services  and  may 
earn service, data processing, international transaction, or other revenues. Depending on applicable regulations, 
some  payment  processors  may  or  may  not  use  our  network  to  process  Visa-branded  card  transactions.  If  they 
use  our  network,  we  may  earn  service  revenues  and  data  processing  revenues.  If  they  do  not  use  our  network, 
we earn only service revenues. 

Visa  is  not  a  financial  institution.  We  do  not  issue  cards,  extend  credit  or  set  rates  and  fees  for  account 
holders of Visa products nor do we earn revenues from, or bear credit risk with respect to, any of these activities. 

6
 

 
 
Interchange reimbursement fees reflect the value merchants receive from accepting our products and play a key 
role  in  balancing  the  costs  and  benefits  that  account  holders  and  merchants  derive  from  participating  in  our 
payments  networks.  Generally,  interchange  reimbursement  fees  are  paid  by  acquirers  to  issuers.  We  establish 
default  interchange  reimbursement  fees  that  apply  absent  other  established  settlement  terms.  These  default 
interchange reimbursement fees are set independently from the revenues we receive from issuers and acquirers. 
Our acquiring clients are responsible for setting the fees they charge to merchants for the MDR and for soliciting 
merchants.  Visa  sets  fees  to  acquirers  independently  from  any  fees  that  acquirers  may  charge  merchants. 
Therefore, the fees we receive from issuers and acquirers are not derived from interchange reimbursement fees 
or MDRs. 

Visa’s  strategy  is  to  accelerate  our  revenue  growth  in  consumer  payments,  new  flows  and  value  added 

services, and fortify the key foundations of our business model. 

We seek to accelerate revenue growth in three primary areas — consumer payments, new flows and value 

added services. 

Consumer Payments 

We  remain  focused  on  moving  trillions  of  dollars  of  consumer  spending  in  cash  and  checks  to  cards  and 

digital accounts on Visa’s network of networks. 

7
 

Core Products 

Visa’s growth has been driven by the strength of our core products — credit, debit and prepaid. 

Credit:  Credit  cards  and  digital  credentials  allow  consumers  and  businesses  to  access  credit  to  pay  for 
goods  and  services.  Credit  cards  are  affiliated  with  programs  operated  by  financial  institution  clients, 
co-brand partners, fintechs and affinity partners. 

Debit:  Debit  cards  and  digital  credentials  allow  consumers  and  small  businesses  to  purchase  goods  and 
services using funds held in their deposit accounts. Debit cards enable account holders to transact in person, 
online  or  via  mobile  without  needing  cash  or  checks  and  without  accessing a  line of  credit.  The  Visa/PLUS 
Global  ATM  network  also  provides  debit,  credit  and  prepaid  account  holders  with  cash  access,  and  other 
banking  capabilities,  in  more  than  200  countries  and  territories  worldwide  through  issuing  and  acquiring 
partnerships with both financial institutions and independent ATM operators. 

Prepaid:  Prepaid  cards  and  digital  credentials  draw  from  a  designated  balance  funded  by  individuals, 
businesses or  governments.  Prepaid cards address many use cases and needs, including general purpose 
reloadable,  payroll,  government  and  corporate  disbursements,  healthcare,  gift  and  travel.  Visa-branded 
prepaid  cards  also  play  an  important  part  in  financial  inclusion,  bringing  payment  solutions  to  those  with 
limited or no access to traditional banking products. 

Enablers 

We  enable  consumer  payments  and  help  our  clients  grow  as  digital  commerce,  new  technologies  and  new 

participants continue to transform the payments ecosystem. Some examples include: 

Tap to Pay 

As we seek to improve the user experience in the face-to-face environment, contactless payments or tap to 
pay,  which  is  the  process  of  tapping  a  contactless  card  or  mobile  device  on  a  terminal  to  make  a  payment,  has 
emerged as a preferred way to pay among consumers in many countries around the world. Tap to pay adoption is 
growing and many consumers have come to expect touchless payment experiences. 

Globally,  we  have  50  countries  and  territories  with  more  than  90  percent  contactless  penetration  and  more 
than 100 countries and territories where tap to pay is more than 50 percent of face-to-face transactions. Excluding 
the  United  States,  76  percent  of  face-to-face  transactions  globally  were  contactless  in  fiscal  year  2023.  In  the 
U.S.,  Visa has surpassed 40 percent contactless penetration and more than 520 million tap-to-pay-enabled Visa 
cards.  We  have  activated  more  than  750  contactless  public  transport  projects  worldwide.  In  addition,  we 
processed more than 1.6 billion contactless transactions on global transit systems in fiscal year 2023, an increase 
of more than 30 percent year over year. 

Tokenization 

Visa  Token  Service  (VTS)  brings  trust  to  digital  commerce  innovation.  As  consumers  increasingly  rely  on 
digital  transactions,  VTS  is  designed  to  enhance  the  digital  ecosystem  through  improved  authorization,  reduced 
fraud  and  improved  consumer  experience.  VTS  helps  protect  digital  transactions  by  replacing  16-digit  Visa 
account  numbers  with  a  token  that  includes  a  surrogate  account  number,  cryptographic  information  and  other 
data  to  protect  the  underlying  account  information.  This  security  technology  can  work  for  a  variety  of  payment 
transactions, both in person or online. 

The  provisioning  of  network  tokens  continues  to  accelerate.  As  of  the  end  of  fiscal  year  2023,  Visa 
provisioned  more  than  7.5  billion  network  tokens,  surpassing  the  number  of  physical  cards  in  circulation.  The 
milestone reinforces Visa’s commitment to secure, reliable and efficient money movement, in person and online. 

8
 

Click to Pay 

Click  to  Pay  provides  a  simplified  and  more  consistent  cardholder  checkout  experience  online  by  removing 
time-consuming  key  entry  of  personal  information  and  enabling  consumer  and  transaction  data  to  be  passed 
securely  between  payments  network  participants.  Based  on  the  EMV®  Secure  Remote  Commerce  industry 
standard,  Click to Pay brings a standardized and streamlined approach to online checkout and meets the needs 
of consumers shopping across a growing number of connected devices. The goal of Click to Pay is to make digital 
payments as secure, reliable and interoperable as the checkout experience in person. 

New Flows 

New flows focus on facilitating commercial and global money movement across Visa’s network of networks. 
This  approach  creates  opportunities  to  capture  new  sources  of  money  movement  through  card  and  non-card 
flows  for  consumers,  businesses  and  governments  around  the  world  by  facilitating  P2P,  B2C,  B2B  and  G2C 
payments. 

Visa Direct 

Visa  Direct  is  part  of  Visa’s  strategy  beyond  C2B  payments  and  helps  facilitate  the  delivery  of  funds  to 
eligible  cards,  deposit  accounts  and  digital  wallets  across  more  than  190  countries  and  territories.  Visa  Direct 
supports multiple use cases, such as P2P payments and account-to-account transfers, business and government 
payouts to individuals or small businesses, merchant settlements and refunds. 

Visa  Direct  utilizes  more  than  70  domestic  payment  schemes,  10  real-time  payments  schemes,  15  card-
based  networks  and  five  payment  gateways,  with  the  potential  to  reach  more  than  8.5  billion  cards,  deposit 
accounts and digital wallets. In  fiscal year 2023, Visa Direct processed more  than 7.5 billion transactions across 
more  than  2,800  global  programs.  Visa  Direct  solutions  supported  more  than  500  partners  across  more  than  65 
use  cases.  We  also  announced  in  fiscal  year  2023  Visa’s  partnership  with  DailyPay,  i2C,  PayPal,  TabaPay, 
Venmo and Western Union to pilot Visa+, an innovative service that aims to help individuals send money quickly 
and securely between different participating P2P digital payment apps. 

We continue to build on our network of networks strategy by investing in our own capabilities with Visa+ and 
Visa  Alias  Directory  Service,  which  offers  capabilities  to  our  clients  to  link  aliases,  such  as  mobile  numbers  or 
email  addresses,  to  payment  credentials,  as  well  as  strategically  collaborating  with  digital  and  mobile  payment 
providers  to  expand the  reach  of  Visa Direct  and  deliver even  stronger  domestic  and  cross-border  payment  and 
connection capabilities to our clients. 

Visa Commercial Solutions 

We are also expanding our network with B2B payments. Our three strategic areas of focus include investing 
in  and  growing  card-based  payments,  accelerating  our  efforts  in  non-card,  cross-border  payments  and  digitizing 
domestic  accounts  payable  and  accounts  receivable  processes.  We  offer  a  portfolio  of  commercial  payment 
solutions,  including  small  business,  corporate  (travel)  cards,  purchasing  cards,  virtual  cards  and  digital 
credentials,  non-card  cross-border  B2B  payment  options  and  disbursement  accounts,  covering  most  major 
industry segments around the world. These solutions are designed to bring efficiency, controls and automation to 
small  businesses,  commercial  and  government  payment  processes,  ranging  from  employee  travel  to  fully 
integrated, invoice-based payables. 

9
 

Visa  B2B  Connect  is  a  multilateral  B2B  cross-border  payments  network  designed  to  facilitate  transactions 
from  the bank of  origin directly to  the beneficiary bank, helping streamline settlement and optimize payments for 
financial institutions’ corporate clients. The network delivers B2B cross-border payments that are reliable, flexible, 
data-rich,  secure  and  cost-effective.  Visa  B2B  Connect  continues  to  scale  and  is  available  in  more  than  100 
countries and territories. 

Visa Cross-Border Solutions 

Formerly  Treasury  as  a  Service,  Visa  Cross-Border  Solutions  aligns  with  our  global  network  of  networks 
strategy,  as  we  are  focused  on  building  the  infrastructure  that  enables  our  clients  of  all  sizes  to  deliver  cross-
border  products  with  visibility,  speed  and  security.  This  includes  a  series  of  solutions  for  our  established  cross-
border  consumer  payments  business,  as  well  as  use  cases  enabled  by  our  digitally  native  Currencycloud 
platform, which includes real-time foreign exchange rates, virtual accounts, and enhanced liquidity and settlement 
capabilities. 

Value Added Services 

Value  added  services  represent  an  opportunity  for  us  to  diversify  our  revenue  with  products  and  solutions 
that  differentiate  our  network,  deepen  our  client  relationships  and  deliver  innovative  solutions  across  other 
networks. 

Issuing Solutions 

Visa DPS is one of the largest issuer processors of Visa debit transactions in the world. In addition to multi-
network  transaction  processing,  Visa  DPS  also  provides  a  wide  range  of  value  added  services,  including  fraud 
mitigation,  dispute  management,  data  analytics,  campaign  management,  a  suite  of  digital  solutions  and  contact 
center services. Our capabilities in API-based issuer processing solutions, like DPS Forward, allow our clients to 
create new payments use cases and provide them with modular capabilities for digital payments. 

We  also  provide  a  range  of  other  services  and  digital  solutions  to  issuers,  such  as  account  controls,  digital 
issuance, and branded consumer experiences. Additionally, Visa provides loyalty and benefits solution to issuers 
aimed  at  creating  compelling  and  differentiated  cardholder  experiences,  as  well  as  Buy  Now,  Pay  Later  (BNPL) 
capabilities. BNPL or installment payments allow shoppers the flexibility to pay for a purchase in equal payments 
over a defined period of time. Visa is investing in installments as a payments strategy — by offering a portfolio of 
BNPL solutions for traditional clients, as well as installments providers, who use our cards and services to support 
a wide variety of installment options before, during or after checkout, in person and online. 

Acceptance Solutions 

Visa Acceptance Solutions, which includes Cybersource, provides modular, value added services in addition 
to the traditional gateway function of connecting merchants to payment processing. Using the platform, acquirers, 
payment service providers, independent software vendors, and merchants of all sizes can improve the way their 
consumers  engage  and  transact;  help  to  mitigate  fraud  and  lower  operational  costs;  and  adapt  to  changing 
business  requirements.  They  can  also  connect  with  other  fintechs  through  a  global  payment  management 
platform  to  use  their  services.  Visa  Acceptance  Solutions’  capabilities  provide  new  and  enhanced  payment 
integrations with ecommerce platforms, enabling sellers and acquirers to provide tailored commerce experiences 
with payments seamlessly embedded. Visa Acceptance Solutions enables an omnichannel solution with a cloud-
based architecture to deliver more innovation at the point of sale. 

10
 

In addition, Visa provides secure, reliable services for merchants and acquirers that reduce friction and drive 
acceptance. Examples include Global Urban Mobility, which supports transit operators to accept Visa contactless 
payments  in  addition  to  closed-loop  payment  solutions;  and  Visa  Account  Updater,  which  provides  updated 
account  information  for  merchants  to  help  strengthen  customer  relationships  and  retention.  Visa  also  offers 
dispute  management  services,  including  a  network-agnostic  solution  from  Verifi  that  enables  merchants  to 
prevent and resolve disputes with a single connection. 

Risk and Identity Solutions 

Visa’s  risk  and  identity  solutions  transform  data  into  insights  for  near  real-time  decisions  and  facilitate 
account  holder  authentication  to  help  clients  prevent  fraud  and  protect  account  holder  data.  With  the  increasing 
popularity  of  omnichannel  commerce  and  digital  payments  among  consumers,  fraud  prevention  helps  increase 
trust  in  digital  payments.  Solutions  such  as  Visa  Advanced  Authorization,  Visa  Secure,  Visa  Risk  Manager  and 
Decision  Manager,  Visa  Consumer  Authentication  Service,  and  payment-decisioning  solutions 
from 
CardinalCommerce empower financial institutions and merchants with tools that help automate and simplify fraud 
prevention and enhance payment security. 

Aligned  to  our  network  of  networks  strategy,  Visa  is  increasingly  bringing  our  expertise  and  capabilities  to 
emerging fraud challenges, working with network operators and financial institutions to help mitigate fraud. These 
value-added  fraud  prevention  tools  layer  on  top  of  a  suite  of  our  network  programs  that  protect  the  safety  and 
integrity  of  the  payment  ecosystem,  and  along  with  our  investments  in  intelligence  and  technology,  help  to 
prevent,  detect  and  mitigate  threats.  These  programs  and  Visa’s  fraud  prevention  expertise  are  among  the  core 
benefits  of  being  part  of  the  Visa  network.  Through  the  combined  efforts  of  security  and  identity  tools  and 
services, payment and cyber intelligence, insights and learnings from client or partner breach investigations, and 
law  enforcement  engagement,  Visa  helps  protect  financial  institutions  and  merchants  from  fraud  and  solve 
payment security challenges. 

Open Banking 

In  March  2022,  Visa  acquired  Tink  AB,  an  open  banking  platform,  to  catalyze  fintech  innovation  and 
accelerate the development and adoption of open banking securely and at scale. Visa’s open banking capabilities 
range  from  data  access  use  cases,  such  as  account  verification,  balance  check  and  personal  finance 
management, to payment initiation capabilities, such as account-to-account transactions and merchant payments. 
These capabilities can help our partner businesses deliver valuable services to their customers. 

Advisory Services 

Visa  Consulting  and  Analytics  (VCA)  is  the  payments  consulting  advisory  arm  of  Visa.  The  combination  of 
our  deep  payments  expertise,  proprietary  analytical  models  applied  to  a  breadth  of  data  and  our  economic 
intelligence  allows  us  to  identify  actionable  insights,  make  recommendations  and  help  implement  solutions  that 
can  drive  better  business  decisions  and  measurable  outcomes  for  clients.  VCA  offers  consulting  services  for 
issuers, acquirers, merchants, fintechs and other partners, spanning the entire customer journey from acquisition 
to retention. Further, VCA Managed Services, our dedicated execution arm within the consulting division, is being 
increasingly  utilized  by  clients  to  implement  our  recommendations  and  wider  value  added  services  product 
enablement. 

11
 

We  are  fortifying  the  key  foundations  of  our  business  model,  which  consist  of  becoming  a  network  of 

networks, our technology platforms, security, brand and talent. 

Network of Networks 

Our  network  of  networks  strategy  means  moving  money  to  all  endpoints  and  to  all  form  factors,  using  all 
available networks  and  being a  single connection point  for  our  partners;  and providing our value added services 
on  all  transactions,  no  matter  the  network.  The  key  component  of  our  network  of  networks  strategy  is 
interoperability. We are opening up our network and increasingly using other networks to reach accounts we could 
not otherwise reach and enabling new types of money movement. Visa B2B Connect, Visa Direct, and Visa+ are 
examples of our strategy. 

Technology Platforms 

Visa’s 

leading 

technology 

and 
comprise 
a  large  telecommunications  infrastructure.  Visa’s  four  data  centers  are  a  critical  part  of  our  global  processing 
environment  and  have  a  high  redundancy  of  network  connectivity,  power  and  cooling  designed  to  provide 
continuous  availability  of  systems.  Together,  these  systems  deliver  the  secure,  convenient  and  reliable  service 
that our clients and consumers expect from the Visa brand. 

hardware, 

platforms 

software, 

centers 

data 

Security 

Our  in-depth,  multi-layer  security  approach  includes  a  formal  program  to  devalue  sensitive  and/or  personal 
data through various cryptographic means; embedded security in the software development lifecycle; identity and 
access  management  controls  to  protect  against  unauthorized  access;  and  advanced  cyber  detection  and 
response  capabilities.  We  deploy  security  tools  that  help  keep  our  clients  and  consumers  safe.  We  also  invest 
significantly  in  our  comprehensive  approach  to  cybersecurity.  We  deploy  security  technologies  to  protect  data 
confidentiality, the integrity of our network and service availability to strengthen our core cybersecurity capabilities 
to minimize risk. Our payments fraud disruption team continually monitors threats to the payments ecosystem to 
help ensure attacks are detected and prevented efficiently and effectively. 

Brand 

Visa’s  strong  brand  helps  deliver  added  value  to  our  clients  and  their  customers,  financial  institutions, 
merchants and partners through compelling brand expressions, a wide range of products and services as well as 
innovative  brand  and  marketing  efforts.  In  line  with  our  commitment  to  an  expansive  and  diverse  range  of 
partnerships  for  the  benefit  of  our  stakeholders,  Visa  is  a  sponsor  of  top  entertainment  and  sports  events 
including the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Super Bowl. 

Talent 

Attracting,  developing  and  advancing  the  best  talent  globally  is  critical  to  our  continued  success.  This  year 
we grew our total workforce from approximately 26,500 in fiscal year 2022 to approximately 28,800 employees in 
fiscal year 2023, an increase of 9 percent year over year. Voluntary workforce turnover (rolling 12-month attrition) 
was  6  percent  as  of  September  30,  2023.  Visa employees are located in more  than 80 countries and territories, 

12
 

with  55  percent  located  outside  the  U.S.  At  the  end  of  fiscal  year  2023,  Visa’s  global  workforce  was  58  percent 
men and 42 percent women, and women represented 36 percent of Visa’s leadership (defined as vice president 
level  and  above).  In  the  U.S.,  ethnicity  of  our  workforce  was  42  percent  Asian,  8  percent  Black,  13  percent 
Hispanic, 3 percent Other  and 35 percent White.  For our U.S. leadership, the breakdown was 18 percent Asian, 
6 percent Black, 13 percent Hispanic, 3 percent Other and 60 percent White. 

Given  Visa’s  ambitious  growth  agenda  and  efforts  to  achieve  our  purpose,  we  have  focused  on  enhancing 
our  employees’  expertise  across  our  business.  This  includes  an  enhanced  development  program  for  our  senior 
leaders  and  a  formal  technology  apprenticeship  program  to  help us  broaden  and  strengthen  our  talent  channels 
and  pipelines.  We  have  also  committed  to  providing  employees  with  the  tools  they  need  to  do  their  work  more 
quickly  and  easily,  including  an  artificial  intelligence  or  AI-driven  portal  with  a  searchable  knowledge  base  to 
create  customized  results  and  bespoke  solutions.  We  enhanced  our  mental  well-being  and  retirement  benefits, 
which is reflective of our key priority to take care of our employees. 

We  also  are  dedicated  to  ensuring  that  employees  feel  valued  in  their  day-to-day  work.  During  our  global 
employee engagement survey last year,  we learned that our employees wanted more opportunities to recognize 
and be recognized, in more informal ways. In response, Visa developed a program that better enabled employees 
to provide peer-to-peer recognition for each other’s contributions. Using UPLIFT, Visa’s new recognition platform, 
employees  can  celebrate  their  peers’  achievements,  send  e-cards  to  celebrate  the  employee  journey  (from 
welcoming  new  hires  to  recognizing  service  anniversaries),  use  an  automated  internal  networking  tool  that 
matches  employees  based  on  smart  algorithms,  and  more.  Importantly,  all  our  recognition  categories  are 
grounded  in  behaviors  that  reflect  our  employee  value  proposition  or  Visa’s  Leadership  Principles  —  further 
reinforcing  that  at  Visa,  it  is  not  only  about  what  you  achieve,  but  how  you  do  it.  Employee engagement  in  peer 
recognition  has  significantly  increased  since  the  launch,  with  monthly  active  users  reaching  78  percent  in 
September  2023,  compared  to  45  percent  in  September  2022.  With  this  enhanced  platform,  employees  are 
encouraged to recognize and uplift each other. 

Visa is committed to pay equity, regardless of gender or race/ethnicity, and conducts pay equity analyses on 
an annual basis. We are also committed to transparency – this year, we launched total rewards statements in the 
United Kingdom in addition to those already provided in Asia, to drive a deeper understanding and appreciation of 
total  rewards  value  to  the  individual.  We  plan  to  introduce  statements  in  the  U.S.  as  well.  For  additional 
information  regarding  our  human  capital  management,  please  see  the  section  titled  “Talent  and  Human  Capital 
Management”  in  Visa’s 2023 Proxy Statement  as well as our website at  visa.com/esg,  which includes enhanced 
workforce disclosures that include our 2022 Consolidated EEO-1 Report and our 2022 Environmental, Social and 
Governance (ESG) Report. See Available Information below. 

FINTECH AND DIGITAL PARTNERSHIPS 

Fintechs  are  a  vital  growth  engine  for  Visa  and  a  key  driver  in  realizing  our  purpose  —  to  uplift  everyone, 
everywhere  by  being  the  best  way  to  pay  and  be  paid.  Fintechs  are  key  enablers  of  new  payment  experiences 
and  new  flows.  Our  work  with  fintechs  is  one  of  our  greatest  opportunities  and  has  opened  new  points  of 
acceptance,  extended  credit  at  the  point  of  sale,  made  cross-border  money  flows  more  efficient,  moved  B2B 
spend  onto  Visa’s  network,  expedited  payroll  and  provided  digital  wallet  customers  access  to  our  services.  Our 
portfolio  of  fintech  partners  is  diverse  and  continues  to  grow  and  scale.  We  signed  more  than  500  commercial 
partnerships  with  fintechs  globally,  from  early  stage  companies  to  growing  and  mature  players,  an  increase  of 
25 percent year over year. 

To better serve fintechs, Visa has a suite of streamlined commercial programs and digital onboarding tools. 
Fintech  Fast  Track,  our  flagship  program  for  fintechs  is  designed  to  help  launch  new  financial  features  quickly, 
such  as  launching  a  new  card  program  or  enabling  the  movement  of  money  with  Visa  Direct.  We  provide 
streamlined  onboarding  and  turnkey  access  to  hundreds  of  ecosystem  partners.  The  program  has  welcomed 
hundreds of fintechs who are actively engaged in the program. 

13
 

Visa Ready, our certification program, helps technology companies build and launch payment solutions that 
meet  Visa’s  global  standards  around  security  and  functionality.  Fintech  Partner  Connect  helps  build  pathways 
between  Visa’s  issuing  clients  and  fintech  providers.  With  our  startup  engagement  programs,  like  the  Visa 
Everywhere  Initiative  that  launched  in  2022,  early-stage  companies  can  build  payment  solutions  based  on  our 
capabilities.  Visa  also  manages  programs  including  She’s  Next,  Empowered  by  Visa,  a  global  women’s 
entrepreneurship initiative, and Africa Fintech Accelerator Program to uplift underrepresented communities. 

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS, JOINT VENTURES AND STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS 

Visa  continually  explores  opportunities  to  augment  our  capabilities  and  provide  meaningful  value  to  our 
clients. Mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic investments complement our internal development 
and  enhance  our  partnerships  to  align  with  Visa’s  priorities.  Visa  applies  a  rigorous  business  analysis  to  our 
acquisitions,  joint  ventures  and  investments  to  ensure  they  will  differentiate  our  network,  provide  value  added 
services and accelerate growth. 

In fiscal year 2023, we signed a definitive agreement to acquire Pismo, a cloud-native issuer processing and 
core  banking  platform  with  operations  in  Latin  America,  Asia  Pacific  and  Europe.  The  transaction  is  subject  to 
customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory reviews and approvals. 

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY 

Visa  is  committed  to  operating  as  a  responsible,  ethical,  inclusive  and  sustainable  company.  As  one  of  the 
global  leaders  in  digital  payments,  Visa  strives  to  join  with  clients,  partners  and  other  stakeholders  to  empower 
people, businesses and communities to thrive, to be an industry leader in addressing the corporate responsibility 
and sustainability (CRS) topics most significant to our role as a payments technology company, and to meet and 
exceed  our  expectations  for  performance  and  transparency.  Visa’s  purpose  is  to  uplift  everyone,  everywhere  by 
being  the  best  way  to  pay  and  be  paid.  We  believe  deeply  in  our  purpose,  and  we  are  focused  on  empowering 
people  and  economies;  securing  commerce  and  protecting  customers;  investing  in  our  workforce;  protecting  the 
planet; and operating responsibly. Our 2022 ESG Report, as well as other CRS-related resources are available on 
our website at visa.com/esg. See Available Information below. 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 

We  own  and  manage  the  Visa  brand,  which  stands  for  acceptance,  security,  convenience,  speed  and 
reliability. Our portfolio of Visa-owned trademarks is important to our business. Generally, trademark registrations 
are  valid  indefinitely  as  long  as  they  are  in  use  and/or  maintained.  We  give  our  clients  access  to  these  assets 
through agreements with our issuers and acquirers, which authorize the use of our trademarks in connection with 
their  participation  in  our  payments  network.  Additionally,  we  own  a  number  of  patents  and  patent  applications 
related  to  our  business  and  continue  to  pursue  patents  in  emerging  technologies  that  may  have  applications  in 
our  business.  We  rely  on  a  combination  of  patent,  trademark,  copyright  and  trade  secret  laws  in  the  U.S.  and 
other  jurisdictions,  as  well  as  confidentiality  procedures  and  contractual  provisions,  to  protect  our  proprietary 
technology. 

COMPETITION 

The  global  payments  industry  continues  to  undergo  dynamic  change.  Existing  and  emerging  competitors 
compete  with  Visa’s  network  and  payment  solutions  for  consumers  and  for  participation  by  financial  institutions 
and  merchants.  Technology  and  innovation  are  shifting  consumer  habits  and  driving  growth  opportunities  in 
ecommerce,  mobile  payments,  blockchain  technology  and  digital  currencies.  These  advances  are  enabling  new 
entrants,  many  of  which  depart  from  traditional  network  payment  models.  In  certain  countries,  the  evolving 
regulatory landscape is creating local networks or enabling additional processing competition. 

14
 

We compete against all forms of payment. This includes paper-based payments, primarily cash and checks, 

and all forms of electronic payments. Our electronic payment competitors principally include: 

Global  or  Multi-Regional  Networks:  These  networks  typically  offer  a  range  of  branded,  general  purpose 
card  payment  products  that  consumers  can  use  at  millions  of  merchant  locations  around  the  world.  Examples 
include  American  Express,  Discover,  JCB,  Mastercard  and  UnionPay.  These  competitors  may  be  more 
concentrated  in  specific  geographic  regions,  such  as  Discover  in  the  U.S.  and  JCB  in  Japan,  or  have  a  leading 
position in certain countries, such as UnionPay in China. See Item 1A—Regulatory Risks—Government-imposed 
obligations  and/or  restrictions  on  international  payments  systems  may  prevent  us  from  competing  against 
providers  in  certain  countries,  including  significant  markets  such  as  China  and  India.  Based  on  available  data, 
Visa is one of the largest retail electronic funds transfer networks used throughout the world. 

The following chart compares our network with these network competitors for calendar year 2022(1): 

Visa 

American Express 

Diners Club / 
Discover 

JCB

Mastercard 

Payments Volume ($B)
Total Volume ($B)(2)
Total Transactions (B)
Cards (M)

  . . . . . . . . 
. . . . . . . . . . . 
  . . . . . . . . . 
  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

11,668 
14,108 
260
4,160 

1,540 
1,553 
10 
133 

243 
258 
4 
80 

312 
320 
6 
153 

6,568
 
8,177
 
150
2,713
 

(1)	  American Express, Diners Club / Discover, JCB and Mastercard data sourced from The Nilson Report issue 1241 (May 2023). Includes all 
consumer,  small  business  and  commercial  credit,  debit  and  prepaid  cards.  American  Express,  Diners  Club  /  Discover,  and  JCB  include 
business  from  third-party  issuers.  JCB  figures  include  other  payment-related  products  and  some  figures  are  estimates.  Mastercard 
excludes Maestro and Cirrus figures. 

(2)	  Total  volume  is  the  sum  of  payments  volume  and  cash  volume.  Cash  volume  generally  consists  of  cash  access  transactions,  balance 

access transactions, balance transfers and convenience checks. 

Local  and  Regional  Networks:  Operated  in  many  countries,  these  networks  often  have  the  support  of 
government influence or mandate. In some cases, they are owned by financial institutions or payment processors. 
These  networks  typically  focus  on  debit  payment  products,  and  may  have  strong  local  acceptance,  and 
recognizable  brands.  Examples  include  NYCE,  Pulse  and  STAR  in  the  U.S.,  Interac  in  Canada  and  eftpos  in 
Australia. 

Alternative Payments Providers: These providers, such as closed commerce ecosystems, BNPL solutions 
and  cryptocurrency  platforms,  often  have  a  primary  focus  of  enabling payments through ecommerce  and mobile 
channels;  however,  they  are  expanding  or  may  expand  their  offerings  to  the  physical  point  of  sale.  These 
companies  may  process  payments  using  in-house  account  transfers  between  parties,  electronic  funds  transfer 
networks like the ACH, global or  local networks like Visa, or some combination of the foregoing. In some cases, 
these entities can be both a partner and a competitor to Visa. 

Real-time Payment (RTP) Networks: RTP networks have launched in multiple markets and continue to be 
driven by strong government sponsorship and regulatory initiatives to enable and drive adoption (e.g., FedNow in 
the U.S., PIX in Brazil and United Payments Interface (UPI) in India), increasing their position as an alternative to 
payment  card  schemes.  These  networks  primarily  focus  on  domestic  transactions,  with  adoption  varying  by  use 
cases  and  geographies.  However,  with  linkages  such  as  PayNow  in  Singapore  and  UPI  in  India,  cross-border 
RTP networks  are advancing and will compete with our cross-border  business. RTP networks can compete with 
Visa  on  consumer  payments  and  other  payment  flows  (e.g.,  B2B and  P2P)  but  can  also  be  customers  for  value 
added services, such as risk management. 

Digital Wallet Providers: They continue to expand payment capabilities in person and online for consumers 
and  merchants  and  provide  consumers  with  additional  ways  to  pay.  While  digital  wallets  can  help  drive  Visa 
volumes, they can also be funded by non-card payment options. Digital wallet providers who utilize RTP networks 
provide additional competition. 

15
 

 
 
 

  
Payment  Processors:  Payment  processors  may  perform  processing  services  on  third-party  payments 
networks  on  behalf  of  issuers  or  acquirers.  We  compete  with  payment  processors  for  the  processing  of  Visa 
transactions.  These  processors  may  benefit  from  mandates  requiring  them  to  handle  processing  under  local 
regulation. For example, as a result of regulation in Europe under the Interchange Fee Regulation (IFR), we may 
face  competition  from  other  networks,  processors  and  other  third  parties  who  could  process  Visa  transactions 
directly with issuers and acquirers. 

New  Flows  Providers:  We  compete  with  alternative  solutions  to  our  new  flows  (e.g.,  Visa  Direct  and  Visa 
B2B  Connect)  such  as  ACH,  RTP  and  wires.  We  compete  with  other  global  and  local  card  networks  for 
commercial  card  portfolios.  Additionally,  we  may  face  competition  from  financial  institution  clients  who  are 
experimenting with B2B blockchain payments. 

Value  Added  Service  Providers:  We  face  competition  from  companies  that  provide  alternatives  to  our 
value added services. This includes a wide range of players, such as technology companies, information services 
and  consulting  firms,  governments  and  merchant  services  companies.  The  integration  of  technology  like 
generative  AI  can  create  new  and  better  offerings  that  compete  with  our  value  added  services,  such  as 
strengthened  risk  monitorization  and  managing  digital  identification.  Regulatory  initiatives  could  also  lead  to 
increased competition in these areas. 

We  believe  our  fundamental  value  proposition of  security,  convenience, speed  and  reliability as  well as  the 
number of  credentials and our acceptance footprint  help us to succeed. In addition, we understand the needs of 
the  individual  markets  in  which  we  operate  and  partner  with  local  financial  institutions,  merchants,  fintechs, 
governments, NGOs and business organizations to provide tailored and innovative solutions. We will continue to 
utilize  our  network  of  networks  strategy  to  facilitate  the  movement  of  money.  We  believe  Visa  is  well-positioned 
competitively  due  to  our  global  brand,  our  broad  set  of  payment  products,  new  flows  offerings  and  value  added 
services, and our proven track record of processing payment transactions securely and reliably. 

GOVERNMENT REGULATION 

As a global payments technology company, we are subject to complex and evolving global regulations in the 
various  jurisdictions  in  which  our  products  and  services  are  used.  The  most  significant  government  regulations 
that  impact  our  business  are  discussed  below.  For  further  discussion  of  how  global  regulations  may  impact  our 
business, see Item 1A-Regulatory Risks. 

Anti-Corruption,  Anti-Money  Laundering,  Anti-Terrorism  and  Sanctions:  We  are  subject  to  anti-
corruption laws and regulations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the UK Bribery Act and 
other laws that generally prohibit the making or offering of improper payments to foreign government officials and 
political figures for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or to gain an unfair business advantage. We are 
also  subject  to  anti-money  laundering  and  anti-terrorist  financing  laws  and  regulations,  including  the  U.S.  Bank 
Secrecy Act. In addition, we are subject to economic and trade sanctions programs administered by the Office of 
Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in the U.S. Therefore, we do not permit financial institutions or other entities that 
are  domiciled  in  countries  or  territories  subject  to  comprehensive  OFAC  trade  sanctions  (currently,  Cuba,  Iran, 
North  Korea,  Syria,  Crimea,  and  the  Donetsk  People’s  Republic  and  Luhansk  People’s  Republic  regions  of 
Ukraine), or that are included on OFAC’s list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons, to issue or 
acquire Visa cards or engage in transactions using our products and services. 

Government-Imposed  Market  Participation  Restrictions:  Certain  governments,  including  China,  India, 
Indonesia,  Thailand  and  Vietnam,  have  taken  actions  to  promote  domestic  payments  systems  and/or  certain 
issuers,  payments  networks  or  processors,  by  imposing  regulations  that  favor  domestic  providers,  impose  local 
ownership requirements on processors, require data localization or mandate that domestic processing be done in 
that country. 

Interchange Rates and Fees: An increasing number of jurisdictions around the world regulate or influence 
debit and credit interchange reimbursement rates in their regions. For example, the U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street 

16
 

Reform  and  Consumer  Act  (Dodd-Frank  Act)  limits  interchange  reimbursement  rates  for  certain  debit  card 
transactions  in  the  U.S.;  the  European  Union  (EU)  IFR  limits  interchange  rates  in  the  European  Economic  Area 
(EEA)  (as  discussed  below);  and  the  Reserve  Bank  of  Australia  (RBA)  and  the  Central  Bank  of  Brazil  regulate 
average permissible levels of interchange. 

Internet  Transactions:  Many  jurisdictions  have  adopted  regulations  that  require  payments  system 
participants  to  monitor,  identify,  filter,  restrict  or  take  other  actions  with  regard  to  certain  types  of  payment 
transactions on the Internet, such as gambling, digital currencies, the purchase of cigarettes or alcohol and other 
controversial transaction types. 

Network  Exclusivity  and  Routing:  In  the  U.S.,  the  Dodd-Frank  Act  limits  network  exclusivity  and 
restrictions  on  merchant  routing  choice  for  the  debit  and  prepaid  market  segments.  Other  jurisdictions  impose 
similar limitations, such as the IFR’s prohibition in Europe on restrictions that prevent multiple payment brands or 
functionality on the same card. 

No-surcharge  Rules:  We  have  historically  enforced  rules  that  prohibit  merchants  from  charging  higher 
prices  to  consumers  who  pay  using  Visa  products  instead  of  other  means.  However,  merchants’  ability  to 
surcharge  varies  by  geographic market  as  well as  Visa product  type,  and  continues to  be  impacted  by litigation, 
regulation and legislation. 

Privacy  and  Data  Protection:  Aspects  of  our  operations  or  business  are  subject  to  privacy,  data  use  and 
data security regulations, which impact the way we use and handle data, operate our products and services and 
even impact our ability to offer a product or service. In addition, regulators are proposing new laws or regulations 
that  could  require  Visa  to  adopt  certain  cybersecurity  and  data-handling  practices,  create  new  individual  privacy 
rights and impose increased obligations on companies handling personal data. 

Supervisory  Oversight  of  the  Payments  Industry:  Visa  is  subject  to  financial  sector  oversight  and 
regulation  in  substantially  all  of  the  jurisdictions  in  which  we  operate.  In  the  U.S.,  for  example,  the  Federal 
Banking  Agencies  (FBA)  (formerly  known  as  the  Federal  Financial  Institutions  Examination  Council)  has 
supervisory  oversight  over  Visa  under  applicable  federal  banking  laws  and  policies  as  a  technology  service 
provider to U.S. financial institutions. The federal banking agencies comprising the FBA are the Federal Reserve 
Board, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the National Credit Union 
Administration. Visa also may be separately examined by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as a service 
provider  to  the  banks  that  issue  Visa-branded  consumer  credit  and  debit  card  products.  Central  banks  in  other 
countries/regions, including Canada, Europe, India, Ukraine and the UK (as discussed below), have recognized or 
designated  Visa  as  a  retail  payment  system  under  various  types  of  financial  stability  regulations.  Visa  is  also 
subject  to  oversight  by  banking  and  financial  sector  authorities  in  other  jurisdictions,  such  as  Brazil  and  Hong 
Kong. 

European and United Kingdom Regulations and Supervisory Oversight: Visa in Europe continues to be 

subject to complex and evolving regulation in the EEA and the UK. 

There  are  a  number  of  EU  regulations  that  impact  our  business.  As  discussed  above,  the  IFR  regulates 
interchange  rates  within  the  EEA,  requires  Visa  Europe  to  separate  its  payment  card  scheme  activities  from 
processing  activities  for  accounting,  organization  and  decision-making  purposes  within  the  EEA,  and  imposes 
limitations  on  network  exclusivity  and  routing.  National  competent  authorities  in  the  EEA  are  responsible  for 
monitoring  and  enforcing  the  IFR  in  their  markets.  We  are  also  subject  to  regulations  governing  areas  such  as 
privacy and data protection, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism and sanctions. Other regulations in 
Europe,  such  as  the  second  Payment  Services  Directive  (PSD2),  require,  among  other  things,  that  our  financial 
institution  clients  provide  certain  customer  account  access  rights  to  emerging  non-financial  institution  players. 
PSD2 also  includes strong  customer  authentication requirements for  certain transactions that  could impose both 
operational  complexity  on  Visa  and  impact  consumer  payment  experiences.  Visa  Europe  is  also  subject  to 
supervisory oversight by the European Central Bank and certain competent authorities in Europe. 

17
 

In the UK, Visa Europe is designated as a Recognized Payment System, bringing it within the scope of the 
Bank  of  England’s  supervisory  powers  and  subjecting  it  to  various  requirements,  including  on  issues  such  as 
governance and risk management designed to maintain the stability of the UK’s financial system. Visa Europe is 
also  regulated  by  the  UK’s Payment  Systems  Regulator (PSR),  which has  wide-ranging powers  and authority to 
review  our  business  practices,  systems,  rules  and  fees  with  respect  to  promoting  competition  and  innovation  in 
the UK, and ensuring payment systems take care of, and promote, the interests of service-users. Post-Brexit, the 
UK  has  adopted  various  European  regulations,  including  regulations  that  impact  the  payments  ecosystem,  such 
as the IFR and PSD2. The PSR is responsible for monitoring Visa Europe’s compliance with the IFR as adopted 
in the UK. 

Corporate  Responsibility  and  Sustainability:  Certain  governments  around  the  world  are  adopting  laws 
and regulations pertaining to corporate responsibility and sustainability performance, transparency and reporting. 
Regulations  may  include  mandated  corporate  reporting  (e.g.,  Corporate  Sustainability  Reporting  Directive)  or  in 
individual areas, such as mandated reporting on climate-related financial disclosures. 

Additional  Regulatory  Developments:  Various  regulatory  agencies  across  the  world  also  continue  to 
examine  a  wide  variety  of  other  issues,  including  mobile  payment  transactions,  tokenization,  access  rights  for 
non-financial  institutions,  money  transfer  services,  identity  theft,  account  management  guidelines,  disclosure 
rules,  security  and  marketing  that  could  affect  our  financial  institution  clients  and  our  business.  Furthermore, 
following the passage of PSD2 in Europe, several countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong and 
Mexico,  are  contemplating  granting  or  have  already  granted  various  types  of  access  rights  to  third-party 
processors,  including  access  to  consumer  account  data  maintained  by  our  financial  institution  clients.  These 
changes  could  have  negative  implications  for  our  business  depending  on  how  the  regulations  are  framed  and 
implemented. 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION 

Our  corporate  website  is  visa.com/ourbusiness.  Our  annual  reports  on  Form  10-K,  our  quarterly  reports  on 
Form  10-Q,  our  current  reports  on  Form  8-K,  proxy  statements  and  any  amendments  to  those  reports  filed  or 
furnished pursuant to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, can be viewed at sec.gov and our 
investor  relations  website  at  investor.visa.com  as  soon  as  reasonably  practicable  after  these  materials  are 
electronically  filed  with  or  furnished  to  the  U.S.  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (SEC).  In  addition,  we 
routinely post financial and other information, which could be deemed to be material to investors, on our investor 
relations  website.  Information  regarding  our  corporate  responsibility  and  sustainability  initiatives  is  also  available 
on our website at visa.com/esg. The content of any of our websites referred to in this report is not incorporated by 
reference into this report or any other filings with the SEC. 

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors 

Regulatory Risks 

We  are  subject  to  complex  and  evolving  global  regulations  that  could  harm  our  business  and  financial 
results. 

As a global payments technology company, we are subject to complex and evolving regulations that govern 
our  operations.  See  Item 1—Government  Regulation  for  more  information  on  the  most  significant  areas  of 
regulation that affect our business. The impact of these regulations on us, our clients, and other third parties could 
limit  our  ability  to  enforce  our  payments  system  rules;  require  us  to  adopt  new  rules  or  change  existing  rules; 
affect  our  existing  contractual  arrangements;  increase  our  compliance  costs;  and  require  us  to  make  our 
technology  or  intellectual  property  available to  third  parties,  including competitors,  in  an  undesirable  manner.  As 
discussed  in  more  detail  below,  we  may  face  differing  rules  and  regulations  in  matters  like  interchange 
reimbursement rates, preferred routing, domestic processing and localization requirements, currency conversion, 
point-of-sale  transaction  rules  and  practices,  privacy,  data  use  or  protection,  licensing  requirements,  and 
associated product technology. As a result, the Visa operating rules and our other contractual commitments may 

18
 

differ  from  country  to  country  or  by  product  offering.  Complying  with  these  and  other  regulations  increases  our 
costs and reduces our revenue opportunities. 

If  widely  varying  regulations  come  into  existence  worldwide,  we  may  have  difficulty  rapidly  adjusting  our 
product offerings, services, fees and other important aspects of our business to comply with the regulations. Our 
compliance  programs  and  policies  are  designed  to  support  our  compliance  with  a  wide  array  of  regulations  and 
laws, such as regulations regarding anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, competition, money transfer services, 
privacy  and  sanctions,  and  we  continually  adjust  our  compliance  programs  as  regulations  evolve.  However,  we 
cannot guarantee that our practices will be deemed compliant by all applicable regulatory authorities. In the event 
our  controls  should  fail  or  we  are  found  to  be  out  of  compliance  for  other  reasons,  we  could  be  subject  to 
monetary  damages,  civil  and  criminal  penalties,  litigation,  investigations  and  proceedings,  and  damage  to  our 
global brands and reputation. Furthermore, the evolving and increased regulatory focus on the payments industry 
could  negatively  impact  or  reduce  the  number  of  Visa  products  our  clients  issue,  the  volume  of  payments  we 
process,  our  revenues,  our  brands,  our  competitive  positioning,  our  ability  to  use  our  intellectual  property  to 
differentiate  our  products  and  services,  the  quality  and  types  of  products  and  services  we  offer,  the  countries  in 
which our products are used, and the types of consumers and merchants who can obtain or accept our products, 
all of which could harm our business and financial results. 

Increased scrutiny and regulation of the global payments industry, including with respect to interchange 
reimbursement  fees,  merchant  discount  rates,  operating  rules,  risk  management  protocols  and  other 
related practices, could harm our business. 

Regulators around the world have been establishing or increasing their authority to regulate various aspects 
of the payments industry. See Item 1—Government Regulation for more information. In the U.S. and many other 
jurisdictions,  we  have  historically  set  default  interchange  reimbursement  fees.  Even  though  we  generally  do  not 
receive any revenue related to interchange reimbursement fees in a payment transaction (in the context of credit 
and  debit  transactions,  those  fees  are  paid  by  the  acquirers  to  the  issuers;  the  reverse  is  true  for  certain 
transactions  like  ATM),  interchange  reimbursement  fees  are  a  factor  on  which we  compete  with  other  payments 
providers  and  are  therefore  an  important  determinant  of  the  volume  of  transactions  we  process.  Consequently, 
changes to these fees, whether voluntarily or by mandate, can substantially affect our overall payments volumes 
and revenues. 

Interchange  reimbursement  fees,  certain  operating  rules  and  related  practices  continue  to  be  subject  to 
increased government regulation globally, and regulatory authorities and central banks in a number of jurisdictions 
have reviewed or are reviewing these fees, rules and practices. For example: 

•	  Regulations  adopted  by 

the  maximum  U.S.  debit 

the  U.S.  Federal  Reserve  cap 

interchange 
reimbursement rate received by large financial institutions at 21 cents plus 5 basis points per transaction, 
plus a possible fraud adjustment of 1 cent. Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act limits issuers’ and our ability 
to  adopt  network  exclusivity  and  preferred  routing  in  the  debit  and  prepaid  area,  which  also  impacts  our 
business. In response to merchant requests, the Federal Reserve has recently taken actions to revisit its 
regulations  that  implement  these  aspects  of  the  Dodd-Frank  Act.  For  example,  in  October  2022,  the 
Federal Reserve published a final rule effectively requiring issuers to ensure that at least two unaffiliated 
networks  are  available  for  routing  card  not  present  debit  transactions  by  July  1,  2023.  In  October  2023, 
the  Federal  Reserve  issued  a  proposal  for  comment  which  would  further  lower  debit  interchange  rates, 
with a mechanism for automatic adjustment every two years. Separately, there continues to be interest in 
regulation of credit interchange fees and routing practices by members of Congress and state legislators 
in the U.S. In June 2023, legislation was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, 
which among other things, would require large issuing banks to offer a choice of at least two unaffiliated 
networks  over  which  electronic  credit  transactions  may  be  processed.  Similar  legislation  was  introduced 
in  the  previous  Congress  in  2022  but  failed  to  advance  and  become  law.  The  current  legislation  has 
additional  bipartisan  support,  and  while  the  ultimate  outcome  of  the  legislation  remains  unclear,  its 
sponsors continue to strongly advocate for its passage. 

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•	 

In Europe, the EU’s IFR places an effective cap on consumer credit and consumer debit interchange fees 
for  both  domestic  and  cross-border  transactions  within  the  EEA  (30  basis  points  and  20  basis  points, 
respectively).  EU  member  states  have  the  ability  to  further  reduce  these  interchange  levels  within  their 
territories. The European Commission has announced its intention to conduct another impact assessment 
of the IFR, which could result in even lower caps on interchange rates and the expansion of regulation to 
other types of products, services and fees. 

•	  Several  countries  in  Latin  America  continue  to  explore  regulatory  measures  against  payments  networks 
and  have  either  adopted  or  are  exploring  interchange  caps,  including Argentina,  Brazil,  Chile  and  Costa 
Rica. In Asia Pacific, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) completed its review of the country’s payment 
system  regulations  and  adopted  a  series  of  measures,  which  include  lower  interchange  rates  for  debit 
transactions.  The  RBA  also  continues  to  assess  the  potential  merits  of  mandating  co-badging  and 
merchant  routing  choice  on  dual  network  debit  cards.  In  addition,  the  New  Zealand  Parliament  passed 
legislation capping domestic interchange rates  for  debit and credit products.  Finally, many governments, 
including but not limited to governments in India, Costa Rica, and Turkey, are using regulation to further 
drive down MDR, which could negatively affect the economics of our transactions. 

•	  While  the  focus  of  interchange  and  MDR  regulation  has  primarily  been  on  domestic  rates  historically, 
there  is increasing focus on cross-border  rates  in recent  years.  For example, in 2019, we settled certain 
cross-border  interchange  rates  with  the  European  Commission.  In  2020,  Costa  Rica  became  the  first 
country to formally regulate cross-border interchange rates by direct regulation. Cross-border MDR is also 
regulated  in  Costa  Rica  and  Turkey.  Finally,  in  June  2022,  the  UK’s  PSR  initiated  two  market  reviews: 
one focusing on post-Brexit increases in interchange rates for transactions between the UK and Europe, 
and another focusing on increases in the UK in what are referred to as scheme and processing fees. 

•	  As  referenced  above,  with  increased lobbying by merchants  and other  industry participants, we are also 
beginning  to  see  regulatory  interest  in  network  fees  in  the  UK,  Europe  and  Chile.  In  addition,  industry 
participants in some countries like Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Peru and 
South  Africa  have  sought  intervention  from  competition  regulators  or  filed  claims  relating  to  certain 
network rules, including Visa’s restrictions on cross-border acquiring. Other countries, like New Zealand, 
are  adopting  regulations  that  require  us  to  seek  government  pre-approval  of  our  network  rules,  which 
could also impact the way we operate in certain markets. 

•	  Government  regulations  or  pressure  may  also  impact  our  rules  and  practices  and  require  us  to  allow 
other payments networks to support Visa products or services, to have the other network’s functionality or 
brand marks on our products, or to share our intellectual property with other networks. As innovations in 
payment  technology  have  enabled  us  to  expand  into  new  products  and  services,  they  have  also 
expanded  the  potential  scope  of  regulatory  influence.  For  instance,  new  products  and  capabilities, 
including  tokenization,  push  payments,  and  new  flows  (e.g.,  Visa  B2B  Connect)  could  bring  increased 
licensing  or  authorization  requirements  in  the  countries  where  the  product  or  capability  is  offered. 
Furthermore,  certain  of  our  businesses  are  regulated  as  payment  institutions  or  as  money  transmitters, 
subjecting us to various licensing, supervisory, and other requirements. In addition, the EU’s requirement 
to separate scheme and processing adds costs and impacts the execution of our commercial, innovation 
and product strategies. 

Regulators  around  the  world  increasingly  take  note  of  each  other’s  approaches  to  regulating  the  payments 
industry.  Consequently,  a  development  in  one  jurisdiction  may  influence  regulatory  approaches  in  another.  The 
risks created by a new law, regulation or regulatory outcome in one jurisdiction have the potential to be replicated 
and  to  negatively  affect  our  business  in  another  jurisdiction  or  in  other  product  offerings.  For  example,  our 
settlement  with  the  European  Commission  on  cross-border  interchange  rates  has  drawn  preliminary  attention 
from  some  regulators  in  other  parts  of  the  world.  Similarly,  new  regulations  involving  one  product  offering  may 
prompt  regulators  to  extend  the  regulations  to  other  product  offerings.  For  example,  credit  payments  could 
become  subject  to  similar  regulation  as  debit  payments  (or  vice  versa).  The  RBA  initially  capped  credit 
interchange, but subsequently capped debit interchange as well. 

20
 

When  we  cannot  set  default  interchange  reimbursement  rates  at  optimal  levels,  issuers  and  acquirers  may 
find our payments system less attractive. This may increase the attractiveness of other payments systems, such 
as our competitors’ closed-loop payments systems with direct connections to both merchants and consumers. We 
believe some issuers may react to such regulations by charging new or higher fees, or reducing certain benefits to 
consumers,  which  make  our  products  less  appealing  to  consumers.  Some  acquirers  may  elect  to  charge  higher 
MDR regardless of the Visa interchange reimbursement rate, causing merchants not to accept our products or to 
steer  customers  to  alternative  payments  systems  or  forms  of  payment.  In  addition,  in  an  effort  to  reduce  the 
expense  of  their  payment  programs,  some  issuers  and  acquirers  have  obtained,  and  may  continue  to  obtain, 
incentives from us, including reductions in the fees that we charge, which directly impacts our revenues. 

In addition, we are also subject to central bank oversight in a growing number of countries, including Brazil, 
India,  the  UK  and  within  the  EU.  Some  countries  with  existing  oversight  frameworks  are  looking  to  further 
enhance  their  regulatory  powers  while  regulators  in  other  jurisdictions  are  considering  or  adopting  approaches 
based  on  these  regulatory  principles.  This  oversight  could  result  in  new  governance,  reporting,  licensing, 
cybersecurity,  processing  infrastructure,  capital,  or  credit  risk  management  requirements.  We  could  also  be 
required  to  adopt  policies  and  practices  designed  to  mitigate  settlement  and  liquidity  risks,  including  increased 
requirements  to  maintain  sufficient  levels  of  capital  and  financial  resources  locally,  as  well  as  localized  risk 
management  or  governance.  Increased  oversight  could  also  include  new  criteria  for  member  participation  and 
merchant access to our payments system. 

Finally,  policymakers  and  regulatory  bodies  in  the  U.S.,  Europe,  and  other  parts  of  the  world  are  exploring 
ways  to  reform  existing  competition  laws  to  meet  the  needs  of  the  digital  economy,  including  restricting  large 
technology  companies  from  engaging  in  mergers  and  acquisitions,  requiring  them  to  interoperate  with  potential 
competitors, and prohibiting certain kinds of self-preferencing behaviors. While the focus of these efforts remains 
primarily on increasing regulation of large technology, e-commerce and social media companies, they could also 
have implications for other types of companies including payments networks, which could constrain our ability to 
effectively manage our business or potentially limit how we make our products and services available. 

Government-imposed  obligations  and/or  restrictions  on  international  payments  systems  may  prevent  us 
from  competing  against  providers  in  certain  countries,  including  significant  markets  such  as  China  and 
India. 

Governments  in  a  number  of  jurisdictions  shield  domestic  payments  providers,  including  card  networks, 
brands,  and  processors,  from  international  competition  by  imposing  market  access  barriers  and  preferential 
domestic  regulations.  To  varying  degrees,  these  policies  and  regulations  affect  the  terms  of  competition  in  the 
marketplace  and  impair  the  ability  of  international  payments  networks  to  compete.  Public  authorities  may  also 
impose  regulatory  requirements  that  favor  domestic  providers  or  mandate  that  domestic  payments  or  data 
processing  be  performed  entirely  within  that  country,  which  could  prevent  us  from  managing  the  end-to-end 
processing of certain transactions. 

In China, UnionPay remains the predominant processor of domestic payment card transactions and operates 
the  predominant  domestic  acceptance  mark.  Although  we  filed  an  application  with  the  People’s  Bank  of  China 
(PBOC) in May  2020 to  operate a Bank Card Clearing Institution (BCCI) in China, the timing and the procedural 
steps for approval remain uncertain. There is no guarantee that the license to operate a BCCI will be approved or, 
if  we  obtain  such  license,  that  we  will  be  able  to  successfully  compete  with  domestic  payments  networks. 
Co-badging  and  co-residency  regulations  also  pose  additional  challenges  in  markets  where  Visa  competes  with 
national  networks  for  issuance  and  routing.  Certain  banks  have  issued  dual-branded  cards  for  which  domestic 
transactions  in  China  are  processed  by  UnionPay  and  transactions  outside  of  China  are  processed  by  Visa  or 
other  international payments networks.  The PBOC is contemplating that dual-branded cards be phased out over 
time  as  new  licenses  are  issued  to  international  companies to  participate  in  China’s domestic  payments  market. 
Accordingly, we have been working with Chinese issuers to issue Visa-only branded cards for international travel, 
and later for  domestic transactions should we obtain a BCCI license. However, notwithstanding such efforts,  the 
phase out of dual-branded cards have decreased our payment volumes and impacted the revenue we generate in 
China. 

21
 

UnionPay  has  grown  rapidly  in  China  and  is  actively  pursuing  international  expansion  plans,  which  could 
potentially  lead  to  regulatory  pressures  on  our  international  routing  rule  (which  requires  that  international 
transactions  on  Visa  cards  be  routed  over  VisaNet).  Furthermore,  although  regulatory  barriers  shield  UnionPay 
from competition in China, alternative payments providers such as Alipay and WeChat Pay have rapidly expanded 
into  ecommerce,  offline,  and  cross-border  payments,  which  could  make  it  difficult  for  us  to  compete  even  if  our 
license  is  approved  in  China.  NetsUnion  Clearing  Corp,  a  Chinese  digital  transaction  routing  system,  and  other 
such systems could have a competitive advantage in comparison with international payments networks. 

Regulatory initiatives in India, including a data localization mandate passed by the government that suggest 
growing nationalistic priorities, has cost implications for us and could affect our ability to effectively compete with 
domestic  payments  providers.  Furthermore,  any  inability  to  meet  the  requirements  of  the  data  localization 
mandate  could  impact  our  ability  to  do  business  in  India.  In  Europe,  with  the  support  of  the  European  Central 
Bank,  a  group  of  European  banks  have  announced  their  intent  to  launch  a  pan-European  payment  system,  the 
European  Payments  Initiative  (EPI).  While  EPI  subsequently  announced  a  focus  on  account-to-account  instant 
payments across a range of use cases, it is noteworthy that the purported motivation behind EPI is to reduce the 
risks of disintermediation of European providers by international technology companies and continued reliance on 
international  payments  networks  for  intra-Europe  card  transactions.  Furthermore,  regional  groups  of  countries, 
such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and a number of countries in Southeast Asia (e.g., Malaysia), have 
adopted or may consider, efforts to restrict our participation in the processing of regional transactions. The African 
Development Bank has also indicated an interest in supporting national payment systems in its efforts to expand 
financial  inclusion  and  strengthen  regional  financial  stability.  Finally,  some  countries  such  as  South  Africa  are 
mandating on-shore processing of domestic transactions. Geopolitical events, including sanctions, trade tensions 
or other types of activities have intensified any or all of these activities, which could adversely affect our business. 
For example, in the aftermath of U.S. and European sanctions against Russia and the decision by U.S. payments 
networks,  including  Visa  to  suspend  operations  in  the  country,  some  countries  have  expressed  concerns  about 
their reliance on U.S. financial services companies, including payments networks, and have taken steps to bolster 
the development of domestic solutions. Separately, Russia has called for the BRICS countries (a five-country bloc 
made  up  of  Brazil,  Russia,  India,  China  and  South  Africa,  and  which  recently  extended  invitations  to  Argentina, 
Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), to lessen dependence on Western payments 
systems by, among other things, integrating payments systems and cards across member countries. 

Central banks in a number of countries, including those in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Europe and 
Mexico, are in the process of developing or expanding national RTP networks and instant payment solutions with 
the goal of driving a greater number of domestic transactions onto these systems. In July 2023, the U.S. Federal 
Reserve  launched  its  FedNow  Service  with  core  clearing  and  settlement  functionality,  and  expects  to  add  more 
features  and  enhancements  over  time.  Some  countries  are  also  exploring  cross-border  connectivity  of  their 
respective  RTP  systems.  Finally,  an  increasing  number  of  jurisdictions  are  exploring  the  concept  of  building 
central bank digital currencies for retail payments. If successfully deployed, these national payment platforms and 
digital  currencies  could  have  significant  implications  for  Visa’s  domestic  and  cross-border  payments,  including 
potential disintermediation. 

Due to our inability to manage the end-to-end processing of transactions for cards in certain countries (e.g., 
Thailand), we depend on our close working relationships with our clients or third-party service providers to ensure 
transactions  involving  our  products  are  processed  effectively.  Our  ability  to  do  so  may  be  adversely  affected  by 
regulatory requirements and policies pertaining to transaction routing or on-shore processing. In general, national 
laws  that  protect  or  otherwise  support  domestic  providers  or  processing  may  increase  our  costs;  decrease  our 
payments  volumes  and  impact  the  revenue  we  generate  in  those  countries;  decrease  the  number  of  Visa 
products  issued  or  processed;  impede  us  from  utilizing  our  global  processing  capabilities  and  controlling  the 
quality  of  the  services  supporting  our  brands;  restrict  our  activities;  limit  our  growth  and  the  ability  to  introduce 
new products, services and innovations; force us to leave countries or prevent us from entering new markets; and 
create new competitors, all of which could harm our business. 

22
 

Laws  and regulations regarding the handling of  personal data and information  may impede our services 
or result in increased costs, legal claims, or fines against us. 

Our  business  relies  on  the  movement  of  data  across  national  borders.  Legal  requirements  relating  to  the 
collection,  storage,  handling,  use,  disclosure,  transfer  and  security  of  personal  data  continue  to  evolve,  and  we 
are subject to an increasing number of privacy and data protection requirements around the world. For example, 
our  ongoing  efforts  to  comply  with  complex  U.S.  state  privacy  and  data  protection  regulations,  and  emerging 
international  privacy  and  data  protection  laws,  may  increase  the  complexity  of  our  compliance  operations,  entail 
substantial  expenses,  divert  resources  from  other  initiatives  and  projects,  and  limit  the  services  we  are  able  to 
offer. Additionally, privacy laws in other regions, such as China’s Personal Information Protection Law and India’s 
Personal  Data  Protection  Act,  have  extraterritorial  application  and  include  restrictions  on  processing  sensitive 
data,  extensive  notification  requirements,  and  substantial  compliance  and  audit  obligations.  The  global 
proliferation of new privacy and data protection laws may lead to inconsistent and conflicting requirements, which 
create  an  uncertain  regulatory  environment.  Noncompliance  could  also  result  in  regulatory  penalties  and 
significant  legal  liability.  Enforcement  actions  and  investigations  by  regulatory  authorities  into  companies  related 
to  data  security  incidents  and  privacy  violations  are  generally  increasing.  In  Europe,  data  protection  authorities 
continue to apply and enforce the General Data Protection (GDPR), imposing record setting fines. 

We are also subject to a variety of laws and regulations governing the development, use, and deployment of 
AI technologies. These laws and regulations are still evolving, and there is no single global regulatory framework 
for AI. The market is still assessing how regulators may apply existing consumer protection and other laws in the 
context  of  AI.  There  is  thus  uncertainty  on  what  new  laws  will  look  like  and  how  existing  laws  will  apply  to  our 
development,  use,  and  deployment  of  AI.  In  the  midst  of  this  uncertainty,  we  may  face  challenges  due  to  the 
complexity and rapidly changing nature of AI technology and applicable laws. Our use of AI and machine learning 
is  subject  to  various  risks  at  each  stage  of  use.  In  the  context  of  AI  development,  risks  relate  to  intellectual 
property considerations, the use of personal information, and flaws in algorithms or datasets used for training. In 
the  context  of  use  and  deployment,  risks  include  ethical  considerations  regarding  the  outputs,  and  our  ability  to 
safely deploy AI throughout the organization. Our development and implementation of governance frameworks for 
our AI and machine learning systems may not be successful in mitigating all of these emerging risks. 

We may be subject to tax examinations or disputes, or changes in tax laws. 

We  exercise  significant  judgment  and  make  estimates  in  calculating  our  worldwide  provision  for  income 
taxes and other tax liabilities. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, many factors may limit their 
accuracy. We are currently under examination by, or in disputes with, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the UK’s 
HM  Revenue  and  Customs  as  well  as  tax  authorities  in  other  jurisdictions,  and  we  may  be  subject  to  additional 
examinations  or  disputes  in  the  future.  Relevant  tax  authorities  may  disagree  with  our  tax  treatment  of  certain 
material  items  and  thereby  increase  our  tax  liability.  Failure  to  sustain  our  position  in  these  matters  could  harm 
our  cash  flow  and  financial  position.  In  addition,  changes  in  existing  laws  in  the  U.S.  or  foreign  jurisdictions, 
including unilateral actions of foreign jurisdictions to introduce digital services taxes, or changes resulting from the 
Organization  for  Economic  Cooperation  and  Development’s  Program  of  Work,  related  to  the  revision  of  profit 
allocation and nexus rules and design of a system to ensure multinational enterprises pay a minimum level of tax 
to the countries where we earn revenue, may also materially affect our effective tax rate. A substantial increase in 
our tax payments could have a material, adverse effect on our financial results. See also Note 19—Income Taxes 
to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Litigation Risks 

We may be adversely affected by the outcome of litigation or investigations. 

We  are  involved  in  numerous  litigation  matters,  investigations,  and  proceedings  asserted  by  civil  litigants, 
governments, and enforcement bodies investigating or alleging, among other things, violations of competition and 
antitrust law, consumer protection law, privacy law and intellectual property law (these are referred to as “actions” 
in this section). Details of the most significant actions we face are described more fully in Note 20—Legal Matters 

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to  our consolidated financial statements  included in Item  8 of  this report. These actions are inherently uncertain, 
expensive and disruptive to  our operations. In  the event we are found liable or  reach a settlement in any action, 
particularly  in  a  large  class  action  lawsuit,  such  as  one  involving  an  antitrust  claim  entitling  the  plaintiff  to  treble 
damages  in  the  U.S.,  or  we  incur  liability  arising  from  a  government  investigation,  we  may  be  required  to  pay 
significant  awards,  settlements  or  fines.  In  addition,  settlement  terms,  judgments,  orders  or  pressures  resulting 
from  actions  may  harm  our  business  by  influencing  or  requiring  us  to  modify,  among  other  things,  the  default 
interchange reimbursement rates we set, the Visa operating rules or the way in which we enforce those rules, our 
fees  or  pricing,  or  the  way  we  do  business.  These  actions  or  their  outcomes  may  also  influence  regulators, 
investigators, governments or civil litigants in the same or other jurisdictions, which may lead to additional actions 
against  Visa.  Finally,  we  are  required  by  some  of  our  commercial  agreements  to  indemnify  other  entities  for 
litigation brought against them, even if Visa is not a defendant. 

For certain actions like those that are U.S. covered litigation or VE territory covered litigation, as described in 
Note  5—U.S.  and  Europe  Retrospective  Responsibility  Plans  and  Note  20—Legal  Matters  to  our  consolidated 
financial  statements  included  in  Item  8  of  this  report,  we  have  certain  financial  protections  pursuant  to  the 
respective  retrospective  responsibility  plans.  The  two  retrospective  responsibility  plans  are  different  in  the 
protections  they  provide  and  the  mechanisms  by  which  we  are  protected.  The  failure  of  one  or  both  of  the 
retrospective  responsibility  plans  to  adequately  insulate  us  from  the  impact  of  such  settlements,  judgments, 
losses,  or  liabilities  could  materially  harm  our  financial  condition  or  cash  flows,  or  even  cause  us  to  become 
insolvent. 

Business Risks 

We face intense competition in our industry. 

The  global  payments  space  is  intensely  competitive.  As  technology  evolves  and  consumer  expectations 
change,  new  competitors  or  methods  of  payment  emerge,  and  existing  clients and competitors  assume different 
roles.  Our  products  compete  with  cash,  checks,  electronic  payments,  virtual  currency  payments,  global  or  multi-
regional  networks,  other  domestic  and  closed-loop  payments  systems,  digital  wallets  and  alternative  payments 
providers  primarily  focused  on  enabling  payments  through  ecommerce  and  mobile  channels.  As  the  global 
payments  space  becomes  more  complex,  we  face  increasing  competition  from  our  clients,  other  emerging 
payment  providers  such  as  fintechs,  other  digital  payments,  technology  companies  that  have  developed 
payments systems  enabled through online activity in ecommerce, social media, and mobile channels, as well as 
governments  in  a  number  of  jurisdictions  (e.g.,  Brazil  and  India)  as  discussed  above,  that  are  developing, 
supporting and/or operating national schemes, RTP networks and other payment platforms. 

Our  competitors  may  acquire,  develop,  or  make  better  use  of  substantially  better  technology,  have  more 
widely adopted delivery channels, or  have greater financial resources. They may offer more effective, innovative 
or  a  wider  range  of  programs,  products  and  services.  They  may  use  more  effective  advertising  and  marketing 
strategies  that  result  in  broader  brand  recognition,  and  greater  use,  including  with  respect  to  issuance  and 
merchant  acceptance.  They  may  also  develop  better  security  solutions  or  more  favorable  pricing  arrangements. 
Moreover,  even  if  we  successfully  adapt  to  technological  change  and  the  proliferation  of  alternative  types  of 
payment  services  by  developing  and  offering  our  own  services  in  these  areas,  such  services  may  provide  less 
favorable financial terms for us than we currently receive from VisaNet transactions, which could hurt our financial 
results and prospects. 

Certain  of  our  competitors  operate  with  different  business  models,  have  different  cost  structures  or 
participate  in  different  market  segments.  Those  business  models  may  ultimately  prove  more  successful  or  more 
adaptable  to  regulatory,  technological  and  other  developments.  In  some  cases,  these  competitors  have  the 
support  of  government  mandates  that  prohibit,  limit  or  otherwise  hinder  our  ability  to  compete  for  transactions 
within  certain  countries  and  regions.  Some  of  our  competitors,  including  American  Express,  Discover,  private-
label card networks, virtual currency providers, technology companies that enable the exchange of digital assets, 
and  certain  alternative  payments  systems  like  Alipay  and  WeChat  Pay,  operate  closed-loop  payments  systems, 

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with  direct  connections  to  both  merchants  and  consumers.  Government  actions  or  initiatives  such  as  the  Dodd-
Frank Act, the IFR in Europe, or RTP initiatives by governments such as the U.S. Federal Reserve’s FedNow or 
the  Central  Bank  of  Brazil’s  Pix  system  may  provide  competitors  with  increased  opportunities  to  derive 
competitive  advantages from  these business models, and may  create  new competitors,  including in some cases 
the government itself. Similarly, regulation in Europe under PSD2 and the IFR may require us to open up access 
to, and allow participation in, our network to additional participants, and reduce the infrastructure investment and 
regulatory burden on competitors. In addition to the open banking provisions under PSD2, efforts to implement or 
facilitate  open  banking  and  open  finance  requirements  are  underway  across  a  number  of  countries,  including 
Australia,  Brazil,  Canada  and  the  U.S.,  which  could  impose  additional  requirements  on  financial  institutions  or 
others regarding access to and use of financial data. We also run the risk of disintermediation due to factors such 
as emerging technologies and platforms, including mobile payments, alternative payment credentials, other ledger 
technologies or payment forms, and by virtue of increasing bilateral agreements between entities that prefer not to 
use  our  payments  network  for  processing  transactions.  For  example,  merchants  could  process  transactions 
directly with issuers, or processors could process transactions directly with issuers and acquirers. 

We expect the competitive landscape to continue to shift and evolve. For example: 

•	  We, along with our competitors, clients, network participants, and others are developing or participating in 
alternative  payments  systems  or  products,  such  as  mobile  payment  services,  ecommerce  payment 
services,  P2P  payment  services,  real-time  and  faster  payment  initiatives,  and  payment  services  that 
permit  ACH or  direct debits from  or  to  consumer checking accounts, that  could either reduce our role or 
otherwise  disintermediate  us  from  the  transaction  processing  or  the  value  added  services  we  provide  to 
support such processing. Examples include initiatives from The Clearing House, an association consisting 
of large financial institutions that has developed its own faster payments system; Early Warning Services, 
which operates Zelle, a bank-offered alternative network that provides another platform for faster funds or 
real-time  payments  across  a  variety  of  payment  types,  including  P2P,  corporate  and  government 
disbursement, bill pay and deposit check transactions; and cryptocurrency or stablecoin-based payments 
initiatives. 

•	  Many  countries  or  regions  are  developing  or  promoting  domestic  networks,  switches  and  RTP  systems 
(e.g.,  U.S.,  Brazil,  India  and  Europe)  and  in  some  countries  the  government  itself  owns  and  operates 
these RTP systems  (e.g.,  Brazil). To the extent these governments mandate local banks and merchants 
to  use  and  accept  these  systems  for  domestic  or  other  transactions,  prohibit  international  payments 
networks,  like  Visa,  from  participating  on  those  systems,  and/or  impose  restrictions  or  prohibitions,  on 
international payments networks from offering payment services on such transactions, we could face the 
risk  of  our  business  being  disintermediated  in  those  countries.  For  example,  in  some  regions  (Latin 
America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East), including through intergovernmental organizations such as 
the  Association  of  Southeast  Asian  Nations  and  the  GCC,  some  countries  are  looking  into  cross-border 
connectivity  of  such  domestic  systems.  Similarly,  India  has  expressed  interest  in  expanding  its  digital 
public  infrastructure,  which  includes  its  RTP  system,  UPI,  outside  the  country  and  for  cross-border 
payments. Currently, international payment networks like Visa are unable to participate in UPI. 

•	  Parties that process our transactions may try to minimize or eliminate our position in the payments value 

chain. 

•	  Parties  that  access  our  payment  credentials,  tokens  and  technologies,  including  clients,  technology 
solution  providers  or  others  might  be  able  to  migrate  or  steer  account  holders  and  other  clients  to 
alternative  payment  methods  or  use  our  payment  credentials,  tokens  and  technologies  to  establish  or 
help bolster alternate payment methods and platforms. 

•	  Participants  in  the  payments  industry  may  merge,  form  joint  ventures  or  enable  or  enter  into  other 
business  combinations  that  strengthen  their  existing  business  propositions  or  create  new,  competing 
payment services. 

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•	  New or revised industry standards related to online checkout and web payments, cloud-based payments, 
tokenization  or  other  payments-related  technologies  set  by  individual countries,  regions  or  organizations 
such  as  the International Organization for  Standardization, American National Standards Institute,  World 
Wide  Web  Consortium,  European  Card  Standards  Group,  PCI  Co,  Nexo  and  EMVCo  may  result  in 
additional costs and expenses for Visa and its clients, or otherwise negatively impact the functionality and 
competitiveness of our products and services. 

As  the  competitive  landscape  is  quickly  evolving,  we  may  not  be  able  to  foresee  or  respond  sufficiently  to 
emerging risks associated with new businesses, products, services and practices. We may be asked to adjust our 
local  rules  and  practices,  develop  or  customize  certain  aspects  of  our  payment  services,  or  agree  to  business 
arrangements that may be less protective of Visa’s proprietary technology and interests in order to compete and 
we  may  face  increasing  operational  costs  and  risk  of  litigation  concerning  intellectual  property.  Our  failure  to 
compete effectively in light of any such developments could harm our business and prospects for future growth. 

Our  revenues  and  profits  are  dependent  on  our  client  and  merchant  base,  which  may  be  costly  to  win, 
retain and develop. 

Our financial institution clients and merchants can reassess their commitments to us at any time or develop 
their  own  competitive  services.  While  we  have  certain  contractual  protections,  our  clients,  including some  of  our 
largest clients, generally have flexibility to issue non-Visa products. Further, in certain circumstances, our financial 
institution  clients  may  decide  to  terminate  our  contractual  relationship  on  relatively  short  notice  without  paying 
significant  early  termination  fees.  Because  a  significant  portion  of  our  net  revenues  is  concentrated  among  our 
largest  clients,  the  loss  of  business  from  any  one  of  these  larger  clients  could  harm  our  business,  results  of 
operations  and  financial  condition.  For  more  information,  please  see  Note  14—Enterprise-wide  Disclosures  and 
Concentration of Business to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

In addition, we face intense competitive pressure on the prices we charge our financial institution clients. In 
certain regions, we are increasingly facing competition from RTP networks and other payment facilitators offering 
lower  pricing,  as  well  as  initiatives  to  lower  costs,  such  as  the  G20  Roadmap  for  Enhancing  Cross-border 
Payments.  In  order  to  stay  competitive,  we  may  need  to  adjust  our  pricing  or  offer  incentives  to  our  clients  to 
increase payments volume, enter new market segments, adapt to regulatory changes, and expand their use and 
acceptance of Visa products and services. These include up-front cash payments, fee discounts, rebates, credits, 
performance-based incentives, marketing and other support payments that impact our revenues and profitability. 
In  addition,  we  offer  incentives  to  certain  merchants  and  acquirers  to  win  routing  preference  in  relation  to  other 
network  options  or  forms  of  payment.  Market  pressures  on  pricing,  incentives,  fee  discounts  and  rebates  could 
moderate our growth. If we are not able to implement cost containment and productivity initiatives in other areas 
of our business or increase our volumes in other ways to offset or absorb the financial impact of these incentives, 
fee discounts and rebates, it may harm our net revenues and profits. 

In  addition,  it  may  be  difficult  or  costly  for  us  to  acquire  or  conduct  business  with  financial  institutions  or 
merchants  that  have  longstanding  exclusive,  or  nearly  exclusive,  relationships  with  our  competitors.  These 
financial institutions or merchants may be more successful and may grow more quickly than our existing clients or 
merchants.  In  addition, if  there  is  a  consolidation or  acquisition of  one  or  more  of  our  largest  clients  or  co-brand 
partners by a financial institution client or merchant with a strong relationship with one of our competitors, it could 
result  in  our  business  shifting  to  a  competitor,  which  could  put  us  at  a  competitive  disadvantage  and  harm  our 
business. 

Merchants’  and processors’ continued push to  lower  acceptance costs and challenge industry practices 
could harm our business. 

We rely in part on merchants and their relationships with our clients or their agents to maintain and expand 
the  use  and  acceptance  of  Visa products.  Certain  merchants  and  merchant-affiliated  groups  have been exerting 
their  influence  in  the  global  payments  system  in  certain  jurisdictions,  such  as  the  U.S.,  Canada  and  Europe,  to 
attempt to lower acceptance costs paid by merchants to acquirers or their agents to accept payment products or 

26
 

services,  by  lobbying  for  new  legislation,  seeking  regulatory  intervention,  filing  lawsuits  and  in  some  cases, 
surcharging  or  refusing  to  accept  Visa  products.  If  they  are  successful  in  their  efforts,  we  may  face  increased 
compliance and litigation expenses, issuers may decrease their issuance of our products, and consumer usage of 
our  products  could  be  adversely  impacted.  For  example,  in  the  U.S.,  certain  stakeholders  have  raised  concerns 
regarding  how  payment  security  standards  and  rules  may  impact  debit  routing  choice  and  the  cost  of  payment 
card  acceptance.  In  addition  to  ongoing  litigation  related  to  the  U.S.  migration  to  EMV-capable  cards  and 
point-of-sale  terminals,  U.S.  merchant-affiliated  groups  and  processors  have  expressed  concerns  regarding  the 
EMV  certification  process  and  some  policymakers  have  expressed  concerns  about  the  roles  of  industry  bodies 
such as EMVCo and the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council in the development of payment card 
standards.  Additionally,  many  merchants  have  advocated  for  lower  acceptance  costs  in  the  form  of  reduced 
interchange  rates,  which  could  result  in  some  issuers  eliminating  or  reducing  their  promotion  or  use  of  Visa’s 
products  and  services,  eliminating  or  reducing  cardholder  benefits  such  as  rewards  programs,  or  charging 
account  holders  increased  or  new  fees  for  using  Visa-branded  products,  all  of  which  could  negatively  impact 
Visa’s  transaction  volumes  and  related  revenues.  Finally,  some  merchants  and  processors  have  advocated  for 
changes  to  industry  practices  and  Visa  acceptance  requirements  at  the  point  of  sale,  including  the  ability  for 
merchants  to  accept  only  certain  types  of  Visa  products,  to  mandate  only  PIN  authenticated  transactions,  to 
differentiate or steer among Visa product types issued by different financial institutions, and to impose surcharges 
on  customers  presenting  Visa  products  as  their  form  of  payment.  If  successful,  these  efforts  could  adversely 
impact consumers’ usage of our products and decrease our overall transaction volumes and fee revenues, lead to 
regulatory  enforcement  and/or  litigation  that  increases  our  compliance  and  litigation  expenses,  and  ultimately 
harm our business. 

We  depend  on  relationships  with  financial  institutions,  acquirers,  processors,  merchants,  payment 
facilitators, ecommerce platforms, fintechs and other third parties. 

As  noted  above,  our  relationships  with  industry  participants  are  complex  and  require  us  to  balance  the 
interests  of  multiple  third  parties.  For  instance,  we  depend  significantly  on  relationships  with  our  financial 
institution  clients  and  on  their  relationships  with  account  holders  and  merchants  to  support  our  programs  and 
services,  and  thereby  compete  effectively  in  the  marketplace.  We  provide  incentives  to  merchants,  acquirers, 
ecommerce platforms and processors to promote routing preference and acceptance growth. We also engage in 
many payment card co-branding efforts with merchants, who receive incentives from us. As emerging participants 
such as fintechs enter the payments industry, we engage in discussions to address the role they may play in the 
ecosystem, whether as, for example, an issuer, merchant, ecommerce platform or digital wallet provider. As these 
and  other  relationships  become  more  prevalent  and  take  on  a  greater  importance  to  our  business,  our  success 
will  increasingly  depend  on  our  ability  to  sustain  and  grow  these  relationships.  In  addition,  we  depend  on  our 
clients  and  third  parties,  including  network  partners,  vendors  and  suppliers,  to  submit,  facilitate  and  process 
transactions  properly,  provide  various  services  associated  with  our  payments  network  on  our  behalf,  and 
otherwise  adhere  to  our  operating  rules  and  applicable  laws.  To  the  extent  that  such  parties  fail  to  perform  or 
deliver  adequate  services,  it  may  result  in  negative  experiences  for  account  holders  or  others  when  using  their 
Visa-branded payment products, which could harm our business and reputation. 

Our business could be harmed if we are not able to maintain and enhance our brand, if events occur that 
have the potential to damage our brand or reputation, or if we experience brand disintermediation. 

Our  brand  is  globally  recognized  and  is  a  key  asset  of  our  business.  We  believe  that  our  clients  and  their 
account holders associate our brand with acceptance, security,  convenience, speed, and reliability. Our success 
depends in large part on our ability to maintain the value of our brand and reputation of our products and services 
in the payments ecosystem, elevate the brand through new and existing products, services and partnerships, and 
uphold  our  corporate  reputation.  The  popularity  of  products  that  we  have  developed  in  partnership  with 
technology  companies  and  financial  institutions  as  well  as  government  actions  that  mandate  other  networks  to 
process  Visa-branded  card  transactions  may  have  the  potential  to  cause  brand  disintermediation  at  the  point  of 
sale,  in  ecommerce  and  mobile  channels,  and  decrease  the  presence  of  our  brand.  Our  brand  reputation  may 
also  be  negatively  impacted  by  a  number  of  factors,  including  authorization,  clearing  and  settlement  service 

27
 

disruptions;  data  security  breaches;  compliance  failures  by  Visa,  including  by  our  employees,  agents,  clients, 
partners  or  suppliers;  failure  to  meet  expectations  of  our  clients,  consumers,  or  other  stakeholders;  negative 
perception  of  our  industry,  the  industries  of  our  clients,  Visa-accepting  merchants,  or  our  clients’  customers  and 
agents,  including  third-party  payments  providers;  ill-perceived  actions  or  affiliations  by  clients,  partners  or  other 
third  parties,  such  as  sponsorship  or  co-brand  partners;  and  fraudulent,  or  illegal  activities  using  our  payment 
products or services, and which we may not always be in a position to detect and/or prevent from occurring over 
our  network.  Our  brand  could  also  be  negatively  impacted  when  our  products  are  used  to  facilitate  payment  for 
legal,  but  controversial,  products  and  services,  including,  but  not  limited  to,  adult  content,  cryptocurrencies, 
firearms and gambling activities. Additionally, these risks could be exacerbated if our financial institution partners 
and/or  merchants  fail  to  maintain  necessary  controls  to  ensure  the  legality  of  these  transactions,  if  any  legal 
liability  associated  with  such  goods  or  services  is  extended  to  ancillary  participants  in  the  value  chain  like 
payments  networks,  or  if  our  network  and  industry  become  entangled  in  political  or  social  debates  concerning 
such legal, but controversial, commerce. If we are unable to maintain our reputation, the value of our brand may 
be impaired, which could harm our relationships with clients, account holders, employees, prospective employees, 
governments and the public, as well as impact our business. 

Global economic, political, market, health and social events or conditions may harm our business. 

More  than  half  of  our  net  revenues  are  earned  outside  the  U.S.  International  cross-border  transaction 
revenues  represent  a  significant  part  of  our  revenue  and  are  an  important  part  of  our  growth  strategy.  Our 
revenues are dependent on the volume and number of payment transactions made by consumers, governments, 
and  businesses  whose  spending  patterns  may  be  affected  by  economic,  political,  market,  health  and  social 
events  or  conditions.  Adverse  macroeconomic  conditions  within  the  U.S.  or  internationally,  including  but  not 
limited  to  recessions,  inflation,  rising  interest  rates,  high  unemployment,  currency  fluctuations,  actual  or 
anticipated  large-scale  defaults  or  failures,  rising  energy  prices,  or  a  slowdown  of  global  trade,  and  reduced 
consumer,  small  business,  government,  and  corporate  spending,  have  a  direct  impact  on  our  volumes, 
transactions and revenues. Furthermore, in efforts to deal with adverse macroeconomic conditions, governments 
may  introduce  new  or  additional initiatives or  requests  to  reduce  or  eliminate payment fees or  other  costs.  In  an 
overall soft global economy, such pricing measures could result in additional financial pressures on our business. 

In addition, outbreaks of illnesses, pandemics like COVID-19, or other local or global health issues, political 
uncertainties,  international  hostilities,  armed  conflicts,  wars,  civil  unrest,  climate-related  events,  including  the 
increasing frequency of extreme weather events, impacts to the power grid, and natural disasters have to varying 
degrees  negatively  impacted  our  operations,  clients,  third-party  suppliers,  activities,  and  cross-border  travel  and 
spend.  Although  the  World  Health  Organization  and  the  federal  government  declared  an  end  to  COVID-19  as  a 
global and  national health  emergency,  respectively,  risks  related  to  COVID-19  have  adversely  affected  and  may 
continue  to  adversely  affect  our  business,  results  of  operations,  cash  flows  and  financial  condition.  The  ongoing 
effects  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic  remain  difficult  to  predict  due  to  numerous  uncertainties,  including  the 
resumption of international travel, and the indirect impact of the pandemic on global economic activity. In addition, 
a number of countries took steps during the pandemic to temporarily cap interchange or other fees on electronic 
payments as part of their COVID-19 economic relief measures. While most have been rescinded or have expired, 
it is possible that proponents of interchange and/or MDR regulation may try to position government intervention as 
necessary to support potential future economic relief initiatives. 

Geopolitical  trends  towards  nationalism,  protectionism,  and  restrictive  visa  requirements,  as  well  as 
continued activity and uncertainty around economic sanctions, tariffs or trade restrictions also limit the expansion 
of  our  business  in  certain  regions  and  have  resulted  in  us  suspending  our  operations  in  other  regions.  During 
fiscal  2022,  economic  sanctions  were  imposed  on  Russia  by  the  U.S.,  European  Union,  United  Kingdom  and 
other jurisdictions and authorities, impacting Visa and its clients. In March 2022, we suspended our operations in 
Russia  and  as  a  result,  are  no  longer  generating  revenue  from  domestic  and  cross-border  activities  related  to 
Russia. For fiscal 2022 and 2021, total net revenues from Russia, including revenues driven by domestic as well 
as  cross-border  activities,  were  approximately  2%  and  4%  of  our  consolidated  net  revenues,  respectively.  The 
war in Ukraine and any further actions by, or in response to such actions by, Russia or its allies could have lasting 

28
 

impacts on Ukraine as well as other regional and global economies, any or all of which could adversely affect our 
business. 

A  decline  in  economic,  political,  market,  health  and  social  conditions  could  impact  our  clients  as  well,  and 
their decisions could reduce the number of cards, accounts, and credit lines of their account holders, and impact 
overall consumption by consumers and businesses, which would ultimately impact our revenues. Our clients may 
implement  cost-reduction  initiatives  that  reduce  or  eliminate  marketing  budgets,  and  decrease  spending  on 
optional  or  enhanced  value  added  services  from  us.  Any  events  or  conditions  that  impair  the  functioning  of  the 
financial markets, tighten the credit market, or lead to a downgrade of our current credit rating could increase our 
future  borrowing  costs  and  impair  our  ability  to  access  the  capital  and  credit  markets  on  favorable  terms,  which 
could affect our liquidity and capital resources, or significantly increase our cost of capital. 

Finally, as governments, investors and other stakeholders face additional pressures to accelerate actions to 
address  climate  change  and  other  environmental,  governance  and  social  topics,  governments  are  implementing 
regulations and investors and other stakeholders are imposing new expectations or focusing investments in ways 
that  may  cause  significant  shifts  in  disclosure,  commerce  and  consumption  behaviors  that  may  have  negative 
impacts on our business. As a result of any of these factors, any decline in cross-border travel and spend would 
impact  our  cross-border  volumes,  the  number  of  cross-border  transactions  we  process  and  our  currency 
exchange activities, which in turn would reduce our international transaction revenues. 

Our  aspirations  to  address  corporate  responsibility  and  sustainability  (CRS)  matters  and  considerations 
could adversely affect our business and financial results or negatively impact our reputation. 

We are subject to laws, regulations and other measures that govern a wide range of topics, including those 
that are related to matters beyond our core products and services, such as matters that touch upon sustainability, 
climate change, human capital, inclusion and diversity, and human rights. A wide range of stakeholders, including 
governments, customers, employees, and investors are increasingly focused on and are developing expectations 
regarding  these  corporate  responsibility  matters.  We  have  established  CRS-related  initiatives,  adopted  reporting 
frameworks, and announced several related goals. These goals may change from time to time, implementation of 
these  goals  may  require  considerable  investments,  and  ultimately,  we  cannot  guarantee  that  we  will  achieve 
them. 

Our  ability  to  achieve  any  CRS  objectives  is  subject  to  numerous  risks,  many  of  which  are  outside  of  our 
control,  including  the  evolving  legal  environment  and  regulatory  requirements  for  the  tracking  and  reporting  of 
CRS  standards  or  disclosures  and  the  actions  of  suppliers,  partners,  and  other  third  parties.  Certain  of  our 
regulators  have  proposed  or  adopted,  or  may  propose  or  adopt, rules or  standards related to  these matters  that 
would  apply  to  our  business.  Prevailing  CRS  standards  and  expectations  may  also  reflect  conflicting  values  or 
objectives,  which can  result  in  our  practices  being judged by standards that  are continually evolving and are not 
always  clear.  From  time  to  time,  the  methodologies  for  reporting  our  CRS  data  may  be  updated  and  previously 
reported  data  may  be  adjusted  to  reflect  an  improvement  in  the  availability  and  quality  of  data,  changing 
assumptions, changes in the nature and scope of our operations, and other changes in circumstances. This may 
result  in  a  lack  of  consistent  or  meaningful  comparative  data  from  period  to  period  or  between  us  and  other 
companies in the same industry. Further, where new laws or regulations are more stringent than current legal or 
regulatory requirements, we may experience increased compliance burdens and costs to meet such obligations. 

Our  stakeholders  often  hold  differing  views  on  our  CRS-related  goals  and  initiatives,  which  may  result  in 
negative attention in traditional and social media or a negative perception of our response to concerns regarding 
these matters. In addition, we also face potentially conflicting supervisory directives as certain U.S. regulatory and 
non-U.S. authorities have prioritized CRS-related issues while Congress and certain U.S. state governments have 
signaled  pursuing  potentially  conflicting  priorities.  These  circumstances,  among  others,  may  result  in  pressure 
from  investors,  unfavorable  reputational  impacts,  including  inaccurate  perceptions  or  a  misrepresentation  of  our 
actual CRS practices, diversion of management’s attention and resources, and proxy fights, among other material 
adverse  impacts  on  our  businesses.  Any  failure,  or  perceived  failure,  by  us  to  adhere  to  our  public  statements, 

29
 

comply fully with developing interpretations of CRS laws and regulations, or meet evolving and varied stakeholder 
expectations  and  standards  could  negatively  impact  our  business,  reputation,  financial  condition,  and  operating 
results. 

Our  indemnification  obligation  to  fund  settlement  losses  of  our  clients  exposes  us  to  significant  risk  of 
loss and may reduce our liquidity. 

We indemnify issuers and acquirers for settlement losses they may suffer due to the failure of another issuer 
or acquirer to honor its settlement obligations in accordance with the Visa operating rules. In certain instances, we 
may  indemnify  issuers  or  acquirers  in  situations  in  which  a  transaction  is  not  processed  by  our  system.  This 
indemnification  creates  settlement  risk  for  us  due  to  the  timing  difference  between  the  date  of  a  payment 
transaction  and  the  date  of  subsequent  settlement.  Our  indemnification  exposure  is  generally  limited  to  the 
amount  of  unsettled Visa card payment transactions at  any point in time  and any subsequent amounts that  may 
fall due relating to adjustments for previously processed transactions. Changes in the credit standing of our clients 
or  concurrent  settlement  failures  or  insolvencies  involving  more  than  one  of  our  largest  clients,  several  of  our 
smaller  clients,  significant sponsor  banks  through  which non-financial institutions  participate in the Visa network, 
or systemic operational failures could expose us to liquidity risk, and negatively impact our financial position. Even 
if we have sufficient liquidity to cover a settlement failure or insolvency, we may be unable to recover the amount 
of  such  payment.  This  could  expose  us  to  significant  losses  and  harm  our  business.  See  Note  12—Settlement 
Guarantee Management to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Technology and Cybersecurity Risks 

Failure to anticipate, adapt to, or keep pace with, new technologies in the payments industry could harm 
our business and impact future growth. 

The  global payments  industry  is  undergoing significant and  rapid  technological change, including increased 
proliferation  of  mobile  and  other  proximity  and  in-app  payment  technologies,  ecommerce,  tokenization, 
cryptocurrencies,  distributed  ledger  and  blockchain  technologies,  cloud-based  encryption  and  authorization,  and 
new authentication technologies such as biometrics, FIDO 2.0, 3D Secure 2.0 and dynamic cardholder verification 
values  or  dCVV2.  As  a  result,  we  expect  new  services  and  technologies  to  continue  to  emerge  and  evolve, 
including those  developed  by  Visa  such  as  our  new  flows  offerings.  For  example,  in  the  past  year  generative  AI 
solutions  have  emerged  as  an  opportunity  for  Visa,  its  clients,  suppliers,  merchants,  and  partners  to  innovate 
more  quickly  and  better  serve  consumers.  Rapid  adoption  and  novel  uses  of  generative  AI  across  the 
marketplace  may  also  introduce  unique  and  unpredictable  security  risks  to  our  systems,  information,  and  the 
payments  ecosystem.  In  addition  to  our  own  initiatives  and  innovations,  we  work  closely  with  third  parties, 
including potential competitors, for the development of, and access to, new technologies. It is difficult, however, to 
predict which technological developments or innovations will become widely adopted and how those technologies 
may  be  regulated.  Moreover,  some  of  the  new  technologies  could  be  subject  to  intellectual  property-related 
lawsuits or claims, potentially impacting our development efforts and/or requiring us to obtain licenses, implement 
design changes or discontinue our use. If we or our partners fail to adapt and keep pace with new technologies in 
the payments space in a timely manner, it could harm our ability to compete, decrease the value of our products 
and services to our clients, impact our intellectual property or licensing rights, harm our business and impact our 
future growth. 

A  disruption,  failure  or  breach  of  our  networks  or  systems,  including  as  a  result  of  cyber-attacks,  could 
harm our business. 

Our  cybersecurity  and  processing  systems,  as  well  as  those  of  financial  institutions,  merchants  and  third-
party  service  providers,  have  experienced  and  may  continue  to  experience  errors,  interruptions,  delays  or 
damage  from  a  number  of  causes,  including power  outages,  hardware,  software  and  network  failures,  computer 
viruses,  ransomware,  malware  or  other  destructive  software,  internal  design,  manual  or  user  errors,  cyber­
attacks,  terrorism,  workplace  violence  or  wrongdoing,  catastrophic  events,  natural  disasters,  severe  weather 
conditions  and  other  effects  from  climate  change.  In  addition,  there  is  risk  that  third  party  suppliers  of  hardware 

30
 

and  infrastructure  required  to  operate  our  data  centers  and  support  employee productivity  could be  impacted  by 
supply chain disruptions, such as manufacturing, shipping delays, and service disruption due to cyber-attacks. An 
extended supply chain or service disruption could also impact processing or delivery of technology services. 

Furthermore, our visibility and role in the global payments industry also puts our company at a greater risk of 
being  targeted  by  hackers.  In  the  normal  course  of  our  business,  we  have  been  the  target  of  malicious  cyber­
attack  attempts.  We  have  been,  and  may  continue  to  be,  impacted  by  attacks  and  data  security  breaches  of 
financial  institutions,  merchants,  and  third-party  service  providers.  We  are  also  aware  of  instances  where  nation 
states  have  sponsored  attacks  against  some  of  our  financial  institution  clients,  and  other  instances  where 
merchants  and  issuers  have  encountered  substantial  data  security  breaches  affecting  their  customers,  some  of 
whom were Visa account holders. Given the increase in online banking, ecommerce and other online activity, as 
well as more  employees working remotely  as a result of  the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to see increased 
cyber  and  payment  fraud  activity,  as  cybercriminals  attempt  DDoS  related  attacks,  phishing  and  social 
engineering  scams  and  other  disruptive  actions.  Overall,  such  attacks  and  breaches  have  resulted,  and  may 
continue to result in, fraudulent activity and ultimately, financial losses to Visa’s clients. 

Numerous  and  evolving  cybersecurity  threats,  including  advanced  and  persistent  cyber-attacks,  targeted 
attacks  against  our  employees  and  trusted  partners  (i.e.,  insider  threats),  synthetic  media  threats  such  as 
phishing,  deepfake  or  social  engineering  schemes,  particularly  on  our  internet-facing  applications,  could 
compromise  the  confidentiality,  availability  and  integrity  of  data  in  our  systems  or  the  systems  of  our  third-party 
service  providers.  Because  the  tactics,  techniques  and  procedures  used  to  obtain  unauthorized  access,  or  to 
disable  or  degrade  systems  change  frequently,  have  become  increasingly more  complex  and  sophisticated,  and 
may  be  difficult  to  detect  for  periods  of  time,  we  may  not  anticipate  these  acts  or  respond  adequately  or  timely. 
For  example,  cybercriminals  have  increasingly  demonstrated  advanced  capabilities,  such  as  use  of  zero-day 
vulnerabilities,  and  rapid  integration  of  new  technology  such  as  generative  AI.  The  security  measures  and 
procedures we, our financial institution and merchant clients, other merchants and third-party service providers in 
the  payments  ecosystem  have  in  place  to  protect  sensitive  consumer  data  and  other  information  may  not  be 
successful or sufficient to counter all data security breaches, cyber-attacks or system failures. In some cases, the 
mitigation  efforts  may  be  dependent  on  third  parties  who  may  not  deliver  to  the  required  contractual  standards, 
who may not be able to timely patch vulnerabilities or fix security defects, or whose hardware, software or network 
services  may  be  subject  to  error,  defect,  delay,  outage  or  lack  appropriate  malware  prevention  to  prevent 
breaches  or  data  exfiltration  incidents.  Despite  our  security  measures  and  programs  to  protect  our  systems  and 
data,  and  prevent,  detect  and  respond  to  data  security  incidents,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  our  efforts  will 
prevent these threats. 

In  addition,  as  a  global  financial  services  company,  Visa  is  increasingly  subject  to  complex  and  varied 
cybersecurity regulations and cyber incident reporting requirements across numerous jurisdictions. With the often 
short timeframes required for cyber incident reporting, there is a risk that Visa or its suppliers will fail to meet the 
reporting deadlines for any given incident. In the event we are found to be out of compliance, we could be subject 
to  monetary  damages,  civil  and  criminal  penalties,  litigation,  investigations  and  proceedings,  and  damage  to  our 
reputation and brand. 

Any  of  these  events  could  significantly  disrupt  our  operations;  impact  our  clients  and  consumers;  damage 
our  reputation  and  brand;  result  in  litigation  or  claims,  violations  of  applicable  privacy  and  other  laws,  and 
increased regulatory review or scrutiny, investigations, actions, fines or penalties; result in damages or changes to 
our business practices; decrease the overall use and acceptance of our products; decrease our volume, revenues 
and  future  growth  prospects;  and  be  costly,  time  consuming  and  difficult  to  remedy.  In  the  event  of  damage  or 
disruption to our business due to these occurrences, we may not be able to successfully and quickly recover all of 
our critical business functions, assets, and data through our business continuity program. Furthermore, while we 
maintain insurance, our coverage may not sufficiently cover all types of losses or claims that may arise. 

31
 

Structural and Organizational Risks 

We may not achieve the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions, joint ventures or strategic investments, 
and may face risks and uncertainties as a result. 

As part of our overall business strategy, we make acquisitions and strategic investments, and enter into joint 
ventures.  We  may  not  achieve  the  anticipated  benefits  of  our  current  and  future  acquisitions,  joint  ventures  or 
strategic investments and they may involve significant risks and uncertainties, including: 

•	 

disruption to our ongoing business, including diversion of resources and management’s attention from our 
existing business; 

• greater than expected investment of resources or operating expenses; 

•

•

failure to adequately develop or integrate our acquired entities or joint ventures; 

the data security, cybersecurity and operational resilience posture of our acquired entities, joint ventures 
or  companies  we  invest  in  or  partner  with,  may  not  be  adequate  and  may  be  more  susceptible  to  cyber 
incidents; 

• difficulty, expense or failure of implementing controls, procedures and policies at our acquired entities or 

joint ventures; 

•

•

•

challenges of integrating new employees, business cultures, business systems and technologies; 

failure to retain employees, clients or partners of our acquired entities or joint ventures; 

in  the  case  of  foreign  acquisitions,  risks  related  to  the  integration  of  operations  across  different  cultures 
and languages; 

• disruptions,  costs,  liabilities,  judgments,  settlements  or  business  pressures  resulting  from  litigation 
matters,  investigations  or  legal  proceedings  involving  our  acquisitions,  joint  ventures  or  strategic 
investments; 

•

•

•

the  inability  to  pursue  aspects  of  our  acquisitions  or  joint  ventures  due  to  outcomes  in  litigation  matters, 
investigations or legal proceedings; 

failure  to  obtain  the  necessary  government  or  other  approvals  at  all,  on  a  timely  basis  or  without  the 
imposition of burdensome conditions or restrictions; 

the economic, political, regulatory and compliance risks associated with our acquisitions, joint ventures or 
strategic  investments,  including  when  entering  into  a  new  business  or  operating  in  new  regions  or 
countries.  For  more  information  on  regulatory  risks,  please  see  Item  1—Government  Regulations  and 
Item 1A—Regulatory Risks above; 

• discovery of unidentified issues and related liabilities after our acquisitions, joint ventures or investments 

were made; 

•

failure to mitigate the deficiencies and liabilities of our acquired entities or joint ventures; 

• dilutive issuance of equity securities, if new securities are issued; 

•

the incurrence of debt; 

• negative impact on our financial position and/or statement of operations; and 

• anticipated benefits, synergies or value of our acquisitions, joint ventures or investments not materializing 

or taking longer than expected to materialize. 

32
 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
In  addition,  we  may  pursue  additional  strategic  objectives,  such  as  the  potential  exchange  offer  program, 
which  can  divert  resources  and  management’s  attention  from  our  existing  business  and,  if  unsuccessful,  may 
harm our business and reputation. 

We  may  be  unable  to  attract,  hire  and  retain  a  highly  qualified  and  diverse  workforce,  including  key 
management. 

The  talents  and  efforts  of  our  employees,  particularly  our  key  management,  are  vital  to  our  success.  The 
market  for  highly skilled workers  and  leaders  in  our  industry,  especially in  fintech,  technology, cybersecurity and 
other specialized areas, is extremely competitive. Our management team has significant industry experience and 
would  be  difficult  to  replace.  We  may  be  unable  to  retain  them  or  to  attract,  hire  or  retain  other  highly  qualified 
employees, particularly if we do not offer employment terms that are competitive with the rest of the labor market. 
Ongoing  changes  in  laws  and  policies  regarding  immigration,  travel  and  work  authorizations  have  made  it  more 
difficult for employees to work in, or transfer among, jurisdictions in which we have operations and could continue 
to  impair  our  ability  to  attract,  hire  and  retain  qualified  employees.  Failure  to  attract,  hire,  develop,  motivate  and 
retain highly qualified and diverse employee talent, especially in light of changing worker expectations and talent 
marketplace  variability  regarding  flexible  work  models;  to  meet  our  goals  related  to  fostering  an  inclusive  and 
diverse  culture  or  to  adequately  address  potential  increased  scrutiny  of  our  inclusion  and  diversity-related 
programs  and  initiatives;  to  develop  and  implement  an  adequate  succession  plan  for  the  management  team;  to 
maintain  our  strong  corporate  culture  of  fostering  innovation,  collaboration  and  inclusion  in  our  current  hybrid 
model;  or  to  design  and  successfully  implement  flexible  work  models  that  meet  the  expectations  of  employees 
and  prospective  employees  could  impact  our  workforce  development  goals,  impact  our  ability  to  achieve  our 
business objectives, and adversely affect our business and our future success. 

The  conversions  of  our  class  B  and  class  C  common  stock  or  series  A,  B  and  C  preferred  stock  into 
shares of class A common stock would result in voting dilution to, and could adversely impact the market 
price of, our existing class A common stock. 

The market price of our class A common stock could fall as a result of many factors. The value of our class B 
and  C  common  stock  and  series  A,  B  and  C  preferred  stock  is  tied  to  the  value  of  the  class  A  common  stock. 
Under  our  U.S.  retrospective  responsibility  plan,  upon  final  resolution  of  our  U.S.  covered  litigation,  all  class  B 
common stock will become convertible into class A common stock. Under our Europe retrospective responsibility 
plan,  Visa  will  continue  to  release  value  from  the  series  B  and  series  C  preferred  stock  in  stages  based  on 
developments  in  current  and  potential  litigation.  The  series  B  and  series  C  preferred  stock  will  become  fully 
convertible to series A preferred stock or class A common stock no later than 2028 (subject to a holdback to cover 
any  pending  claims).  Conversion  of  our  class  B  and  class  C  common  stock  into  class  A  common  stock,  or  our 
series  A,  B  and  C  preferred  stock  into  class  A  common  stock,  would  increase  the  amount  of  class  A  common 
stock outstanding, which would dilute the voting power of existing class A common stockholders. In addition, the 
sale  of  significant  portions  of  converted  class  A  common  stock  could  adversely  impact  the  market  price  of  our 
existing class A common stock. 

Holders  of  our  class  B  and  C  common  stock  and  series  A,  B  and  C  preferred  stock  may  have  different 
interests than our class A common stockholders concerning certain significant transactions. 

Although their voting rights are limited, holders of our class B and C common stock and, in certain specified 
circumstances, holders of our series A, B and C preferred stock, can vote on certain significant transactions. With 
respect  to  our  class  B  and  C  common  stock,  these  transactions  include  a  proposed  consolidation  or  merger,  a 
decision  to  exit  our  core  payments  business  and  any  other  vote  required  under  Delaware  law,  such  as  the 
proposed certificate of incorporation amendments. Please see Item 7 of this report for more information regarding 
the  potential  exchange  offer  program.  With  respect  to  our  series  A,  B  and  C  preferred  stock,  voting  rights  are 
limited  to  proposed  consolidations  or  mergers  in  which  holders  of  the  series  A,  B  and  C  preferred  stock  would 
receive shares of stock or other equity securities with preferences, rights and privileges that are not substantially 
identical  to  the  preferences,  rights  and  privileges  of  the  applicable  series  of  preferred  stock;  or,  in  the  case  of 
series B and C preferred stock, holders would receive securities, cash or other property that is different from what 

33
 

our class A common stockholders would receive. Because the holders of classes of capital stock other than class 
A common stock are our current and former financial institution clients, they may have interests that diverge from 
our  class  A  common  stockholders.  As  a  result,  the  holders  of  these  classes  of  capital  stock  may  not  have  the 
same incentive to approve a corporate action that may be favorable to the holders of class A common stock, and 
their interests may otherwise conflict with interests of our class A common stockholders. 

Delaware  law,  provisions  in  our  certificate  of  incorporation  and  bylaws,  and  our  capital  structure  could 
make a merger, takeover attempt or change in control difficult. 

Provisions  contained  in  our  certificate  of  incorporation  and  bylaws  and  our  capital  structure  could  delay  or 
prevent  a  merger,  takeover  attempt  or  change  in  control  that  our  stockholders  may  consider  favorable.  For 
example, except for limited exceptions: 

•	  no person may beneficially own more than 15 percent of our class A common stock (or 15 percent of our 
total  outstanding  common  stock  on  an  as-converted  basis),  unless  our  board  of  directors  approves  the 
acquisition of such shares in advance; 

•	  no  competitor  or  an  affiliate  of  a  competitor  may  hold  more  than  5  percent  of  our  total  outstanding 

common stock on an as-converted basis; 

•	 

• 	 

the  affirmative  votes  of  the  class  B  and  C  common  stock  and  series  A,  B  and  C  preferred  stock  are 
required for certain types of consolidations or mergers; 

our stockholders may only take action during a stockholders’ meeting and may not act by written consent; 
and 

•  only our board of directors, Chairperson, or CEO or any stockholders who have owned continuously for at 
least  one  year  not  less  than  15  percent  of  the  voting  power  of  all  shares  of  class  A  common  stock 
outstanding may call a special meeting of stockholders. 

34
 

	 
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 

Not applicable. 

ITEM 2.  Properties 

As  of  September  30,  2023,  we  owned  or  leased  144  office  locations  in  82  countries  around  the  world, 
including  four  data  centers  located  in  the  U.S.,  the  United  Kingdom  and  Singapore.  Our  corporate  headquarters 
are located in owned and leased premises in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

We believe that these facilities are suitable and adequate to support our ongoing business needs. 

ITEM 3.  Legal Proceedings 

Refer to Note 20—Legal Matters to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

ITEM 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures 

Not applicable. 

35
 

PART II
 

ITEM 5.	  Market  for  Registrant’s  Common  Equity,  Related  Stockholder  Matters  and  Issuer  Purchases  of 

Equity Securities 

Our  class  A  common  stock  has  been  listed  on  the  New  York  Stock  Exchange  under  the  symbol  “V”.  As  of 
November  8,  2023,  we  had  316  stockholders  of  record  of  our  class  A  common  stock.  The  number  of  beneficial 
owners is substantially greater than the number of record holders, because a large portion of our class A common 
stock  is  held  in  “street  name”  by  brokers  and  other  financial  institutions  on  behalf  of  our  stockholders.  There  is 
currently no established public trading market for our class B or C common stock. As of November 8, 2023, there 
were 1,106 and 381 holders of record of our class B and C common stock, respectively. 

On October 24, 2023, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.52 per share of class A 
common  stock  (determined  in  the  case  of  class  B  and  C  common  stock  and  series  A,  B  and  C  convertible 
participating preferred stock on an as-converted basis) payable on December 1, 2023, to holders of record as of 
November 9, 2023. 

Subject to legally available funds, we expect to continue paying quarterly cash dividends on our outstanding 
common and preferred stock in the future. However, the declaration and payment of future dividends is at the sole 
discretion  of  our  board  of  directors  after  taking  into  account  various  factors,  including  our  financial  condition, 
settlement indemnifications, operating results, available cash and current and anticipated cash needs. 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 

The table below presents our purchases of common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2023: 

Period 

Total Number of 
Shares Purchased 

Total Number of 
Shares Purchased 
Average Purchase 
as Part of Publicly 
Price 
Announced Plans or 
per Share(1)  
Programs(2) 
(in millions, except per share data) 

Approximate 
Dollar Value 
of Shares that 
May Yet Be 
Purchased 
Under the Plans or 
Programs(1),(2) 

July 1-31, 2023 
August 1-31, 2023 
September 1-30, 2023 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
. . . . . . . . . . .  

Total 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

(1) 

Includes applicable taxes. 

3  $ 
7  $ 
7  $ 

17  $ 

240.62 
243.29 
238.94 

241.03 

3  $ 
7  $ 
7  $ 

17 

8,215 
6,473 
4,733 

(2)	  The figures in the table reflect transactions according to the trade dates. For purposes of our consolidated financial statements included in 

this report, the impact of these repurchases is recorded according to the settlement dates. 

See Note 15—Stockholders’ Equity to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report 

for further discussion on our share repurchase programs. 

ITEM 6.	 

[Reserved]  

36
 

 
 
ITEM 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

This management’s discussion and analysis provides a review of the results of operations, financial condition 
and  liquidity  and  capital  resources  of  Visa  Inc.  and  its  subsidiaries  (Visa,  we,  us,  our  or  the  Company)  on  a 
historical basis and outlines the factors that have affected recent earnings, as well as those factors that may affect 
future  earnings.  The  following  discussion  and  analysis  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  consolidated 
financial statements and related notes included in Item 8 of this report. 

This section of the report generally discusses fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. Discussions of fiscal 2022 
compared to 2021 that are not included in this report can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended September 30, 2022, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. 

Overview 

Visa  is  a  global  payments  technology  company  that  facilitates  global  commerce  and  money  movement 
across more than 200 countries and territories among a global set of consumers, merchants, financial institutions 
and  government  entities  through  innovative  technologies.  We  provide  transaction  processing  services  (primarily 
authorization,  clearing  and  settlement)  to  our  financial  institution  and  merchant  clients  through  VisaNet,  our 
proprietary  advanced  transaction  processing  network.  We  offer  products,  solutions  and  services  that  facilitate 
secure, reliable, and efficient money movement for all participants in the ecosystem. 

Financial overview. A summary of our as-reported U.S. GAAP and non-GAAP operating results is as follows: 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

2023 

2022 

2021 

% Change(1) 

2023 
vs. 
2022 

2022 
vs. 
2021 

(in millions, except percentages and per share data)  

Net revenues  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income 
Diluted earnings per share 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . 
. .

. .

. .

$  32,653  $  29,310  $  24,105 
$  11,653  $  10,497  $  8,301 
$  17,273  $  14,957  $  12,311 
5.63 
$ 

8.28  $ 

7.00  $ 

Non-GAAP operating expenses(2)
Non-GAAP net income(2)
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share(2)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . .

$  10,481  $  9,387  $  8,077 
$  18,280  $  16,034  $  12,933 
5.91 
$ 

8.77  $ 

7.50  $ 

11 % 
11 % 
15 % 
18 % 

12 % 
14 % 
17 % 

22 % 
26 % 
21 % 
24 % 

16 %
 
24 %
 
27 %
 

(1)  Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded numbers. 
(2)  For a full reconciliation of our GAAP to non-GAAP financial results, see tables in Non-GAAP financial results below. 

Disruption in the Banking Sector. During fiscal 2023, certain U.S. banks failed, which caused volatility in the 
global financial markets. These events did not have an impact on our operating results. We continuously monitor 
and  manage  balance  sheet  and  operational  risks  from  clients  in  our  portfolio,  including  their  settlement 
obligations. 

Russia  &  Ukraine.  During  fiscal  2022,  economic  sanctions  were  imposed  on  Russia  by  the  U.S.,  European 
Union, United Kingdom and other  jurisdictions and authorities, impacting Visa and its clients. In  March  2022, we 
suspended our operations in Russia and as a result, are no longer generating revenue from domestic and cross-
border activities related to Russia. For fiscal 2022 and 2021, total net revenues from Russia, including revenues 
driven  by  domestic  as  well  as  cross-border  activities,  were  approximately  2%  and  4%  of  our  consolidated  net 
revenues, respectively. 

37
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The continuing effects of the liquidity issues at certain financial institutions and the war in Ukraine are difficult 
to predict due to numerous uncertainties identified in Part I, Item 1A of this report. We will continue to evaluate the 
nature and extent of the impact to our business. 

Highlights  for  fiscal  2023.  Net  revenues  increased  11%  over  the  prior  year,  primarily  due  to  the  year-over­
year  growth  in  nominal  cross-border  volume,  processed  transactions  and  nominal  payments  volume,  partially 
offset  by  higher  client  incentives.  Exchange  rate  movements  lowered  our  net  revenues  growth  by  approximately 
one-and-a-half percentage points. 

GAAP operating expenses increased 11% over the prior year, primarily driven by higher expenses related to 
personnel.  See  Results  of  Operations—Operating  Expenses  below  for  further  discussion.  Non-GAAP  operating 
expenses increased 12% over the prior year, primarily driven by higher expenses related to personnel. 

Pending  acquisition.  In  June  2023,  we  entered  into  a  definitive  agreement  to  acquire  Pismo  Holdings 
(Pismo), a cloud-native issuer processing and core banking platform with operations in Latin America, Asia Pacific 
and  Europe,  for  $1.0  billion  in  cash.  This  acquisition  is  subject  to  customary  closing  conditions,  including 
applicable regulatory reviews and approvals. 

Interchange  multidistrict  litigation.  During  fiscal  2023,  we  recorded  additional  accruals  of  $906  million  to 
address  claims  associated  with  the  interchange  multidistrict  litigation.  We  also  made  deposits  of  $1.0  billion into 
the  U.S.  litigation  escrow  account.  See  Note  5—U.S.  and  Europe  Retrospective  Responsibility  Plans  and 
Note 20—Legal Matters to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Potential  exchange  offer  program.  In  September  2023,  we  announced  that  we  are  engaging  with  our 
common  stockholders  on  the  subject  of  potential  amendments  to  our  certificate  of  incorporation  that  would 
authorize Visa to conduct an exchange offer program that would have the effect of releasing transfer restrictions 
on portions of our class B common stock prior to the final resolution of the U.S. covered litigation. See our current 
report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 13, 2023. 

Common  stock  repurchases.  In  October  2022,  our  board  of  directors  authorized  a  $12.0  billion  share 
repurchase  program.  During  fiscal  2023,  we  repurchased  55  million  shares  of  our  class  A  common  stock  in  the 
open  market  for  $12.2  billion.  As  of  September  30,  2023,  our  share  repurchase  program  had  remaining 
authorized  funds  of  $5.0  billion.  In  October  2023,  our  board  of  directors  authorized  a  new  $25.0  billion  share 
repurchase  program,  providing  multi-year  flexibility.  See  Note  15—Stockholders’  Equity  to  our  consolidated 
financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Non-GAAP  financial  results.  We  use  non-GAAP  financial  measures  of  our  performance  which  exclude 
certain items which we believe are not representative of our continuing operations, as they may be non-recurring 
or  have  no  cash  impact,  and  may  distort  our  longer-term  operating  trends.  We  consider  non-GAAP  measures 
useful  to  investors  because  they  provide  greater  transparency  into  management’s  view  and  assessment  of  our 
ongoing operating performance. 

•	  Gains  and  losses  on  equity  investments.  Gains  and  losses  on  equity  investments  include  periodic 
non-cash  fair  value  adjustments  and  gains  and  losses  upon  sale  of  an  investment.  These  long-term 
investments  are  strategic  in  nature  and  are  primarily  private  company  investments.  Gains  and  losses 
associated  with  these  investments  are  tied  to  the  performance  of  the  companies  that  we  invest  in  and 
therefore do not correlate to the underlying performance of our business. 

•	  Amortization  of  acquired  intangible  assets.  Amortization  of  acquired  intangible  assets  consists  of 
amortization  of  intangible  assets  such  as  developed  technology,  customer  relationships  and  brands 
acquired  in  connection  with  business  combinations  executed  beginning  in  fiscal  2019.  Amortization 
charges  for  our  acquired  intangible  assets  are  non-cash  and  are  significantly  affected  by  the  timing, 
frequency  and  size  of  our  acquisitions,  rather  than  our  core  operations.  As  such,  we  have  excluded this 
amount  to  facilitate  an  evaluation  of  our  current  operating  performance  and  comparison  to  our  past 
operating performance. 

38
 

•	  Acquisition-related  costs.  Acquisition-related  costs  consist  primarily  of  one-time  transaction  and 
integration  costs  associated  with  our  business  combinations.  These  costs  include  professional  fees, 
technology  integration  fees,  restructuring  activities  and  other  direct  costs  related  to  the  purchase  and 
include  retention  equity  and  deferred  equity 
integration  of  acquired  entities.  These  costs  also 
compensation  when  they  are  agreed  upon  as  part  of  the  purchase  price  of  the  transaction  but  are 
required  to  be  recognized  as  expense  post-combination.  We  have  excluded  these  amounts  as  the 
expenses  are  recognized  for  a  limited  duration  and  do  not  reflect  the  underlying  performance  of  our 
business. 

•	  Litigation  provision.  We  recorded  additional  accruals  to  address  claims  associated  with  the  interchange 
multidistrict  litigation. Under the U.S. retrospective  responsibility plan, we recover  the monetary  liabilities 
related  to  the  U.S.  covered  litigation  through  a  downward  adjustment  to  the  rate  at  which  shares  of  our 
class B common stock ultimately convert into shares of class A common stock. For fiscal 2023 and 2022, 
basic earnings per class A common stock was unchanged and increased $0.01, respectively, as a result 
of  the  downward  adjustments  of  the  class  B  common  stock  conversion  rate  during  the  fiscal  years.  For 
fiscal  2023  and  2022,  diluted  earnings  per  class  A  common  stock  remained  unchanged.  See  Note  5— 
U.S.  and  Europe  Retrospective  Responsibility  Plans  and  Note  20—Legal  Matters  to  our  consolidated 
financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

•	  Russia-Ukraine  charges.  We  recorded  a  loss  within  general  and  administrative  expense  from  the 
deconsolidation of our Russian subsidiary and also incurred charges in personnel expense as a result of 
steps taken to support our employees in Russia and Ukraine. We have excluded these amounts as they 
are one-time charges and do not reflect the underlying performance of our business. 

•	  Remeasurement  of  deferred  tax  balances.  In  connection  with  the  UK  enacted  legislation  on  June  10, 
2021  that  increased  the  tax  rate  from  19%  to  25%,  effective  April  1,  2023,  we  remeasured  our  UK 
deferred tax liabilities, resulting in the recognition of a non-recurring, non-cash income tax expense. 

•	 

Indirect taxes. We recognized a one-time charge within general and administrative expense to record our 
estimate  of  probable  additional  indirect  taxes,  related  to  prior  periods,  for  which  we  could  be  liable  as  a 
result  of  certain  changes  in  applicable  law.  This  one-time  charge  is  not  representative  of  our  ongoing 
operations. 

Non-GAAP operating expenses, non-operating income (expense), income tax provision, effective income tax 
rate,  net  income  and  diluted  earnings  per  share  should  not  be  relied  upon  as  substitutes  for,  or  considered  in 
isolation from, measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The following tables reconcile our as-reported 
financial measures, calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, to our respective non-GAAP financial measures: 

For the Year Ended 
September 30, 2023 

Operating 
Expenses 

As reported
(Gains) losses on equity investments, 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$   11,653 

Non-
operating 
Income 
(Expense) 
Net Income 
(in millions, except percentages and per share data) 
$ 

Effective 
Income Tax 
Rate(2) 

Income Tax 
Provision(1) 

37  $  3,764 

17.9 %  $  17,273  $ 

Diluted 
Earnings 
Per Share(2) 

8.28 

net

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

104

Amortization of acquired intangible 

assets 

Acquisition-related costs 
Litigation provision

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(176) 
(90) 
(906) 

— 
— 
— 

23  

38 
7 
201 

81  

0.04 

138 
83 
705 

0.07 
0.04 
0.34 

Non-GAAP 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$   10,481 

$ 

141  $  4,033 

18.1 %  $  18,280  $ 

8.77

39
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 
For the Year Ended
 
September 30, 2022
 

Operating 
Expenses 

Non-
operating 
Income 
Net Income 
(Expense) 
(in millions, except percentages and per share data) 

Effective 
Income Tax 
Rate(2) 

Income Tax 
Provision(1) 

Diluted 
Earnings 
Per Share(2) 

As reported 
(Gains) losses on equity investments, 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$  10,497  $

(677)  $  3,179 

17.5 %  $  14,957  $

7.00 

net 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

— 

264

Amortization of acquired intangible 

assets 

Acquisition-related costs 
Litigation provision 
Russia-Ukraine charges 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .

(120)
(69)
(861)
(60)

—
—
—
—

67

26 
9 
191 
4 

197

94 
60 
670 
56 

Non-GAAP 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$  9,387  $ 

(413)  $  3,476 

17.8 %  $  16,034  $ 

For the Year Ended 
September 30, 2021 

0.09 

0.04 
0.03 
0.31 
0.03 

7.50 

Operating 
Expenses 

Non-
operating 
Income 
Net Income 
(Expense) 
(in millions, except percentages and per share data) 

Effective	 
Income Tax 
Rate(2) 

Income Tax 
Provision(1) 

Diluted 
Earnings 
Per Share(2) 

As reported
(Gains) losses on equity investments, 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$  8,301  $ 

259  $  3,752 

23.4 %  $  12,311  $ 

5.63
 

net 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

(712) 

(159)

(553) 

(0.25) 

Amortization of acquired intangible 

assets 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Acquisition-related costs 
Remeasurement of deferred tax 

balances 
Indirect taxes 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(51) 
(21) 

—
(152) 

—
—

—
—

12
4

(1,007)
40

39 
17 

1,007 
112 

Non-GAAP 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$  8,077  $ 

(453)  $  2,642 

17.0 %  $  12,933  $ 

0.02
 
0.01
 

0.46
 
0.05
 

5.91
 

(1)	  Determined by applying applicable tax rates. 
(2)	  Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Effective income tax rate, diluted earnings per share and their respective 

totals are calculated based on unrounded numbers. 

Payments  volume  and  processed  transactions.  Payments  volume  is  the  primary  driver  for  our  service 

revenues, and the number of processed transactions is the primary driver for our data processing revenues. 

Payments  volume  represents  the  aggregate  dollar  amount  of  purchases  made  with  cards  and  other  form 
factors  carrying  the  Visa,  Visa  Electron,  V  PAY  and  Interlink  brands  and  excludes  Europe  co-badged  volume. 
Nominal  payments  volume  is  denominated  in  U.S.  dollars  and  is  calculated  each  quarter  by  applying  an 
established U.S. dollar/foreign currency exchange rate for each local currency in which our volumes are reported. 
Processed  transactions  represent  transactions  using  cards  and  other  form  factors  carrying  the  Visa,  Visa 
Electron, V PAY, Interlink and PLUS brands processed on Visa’s networks. 

40
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	 

 
 
 
	 
 
 
 
	 
 
 
 
 
	 
 
 
 
	 
 
 
 
The following tables present nominal payments and cash volume: 

U.S. 
Twelve Months 
Ended June 30,(1)  

International 
Twelve Months 
Ended June 30,(1)  

Visa Inc. 
Twelve Months 
Ended June 30,(1) 

2023	  

2022 

% 
Change(2) 

2023 

2022 

% 
Change(2) 

2023 

2022 

% 
Change(2) 

(in billions, except percentages) 

$  2,230  $  2,047
2,619
882

2,822
993

9 %  $  2,810  $  2,695
2,728
8 % 
2,668
500
13 % 
551

4 %  $  5,040  $  4,742 
5,346 
(2 %) 
5,490 
1,382 
10 % 
1,544 

6 % 
3 % 
12 % 

Nominal payments volume 
Consumer credit 
. . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .
Consumer debit(3)
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commercial(4)

Total nominal payments 

volume(2)
Cash volume(5)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .

$  6,045  $  5,548
631

608

9 %  $  6,029  $  5,922
1,929
(4 %) 
1,844

2 %  $12,074  $11,470 
2,560 
(4 %) 
2,453 

Total nominal volume(2),

(6) 

. .

$  6,653  $  6,179

8 %  $  7,873  $  7,851

— %  $14,526  $14,030 

5 % 
(4 %) 

4 % 

U.S. 
Twelve Months 
Ended June 30,(1) 

International 
Twelve Months 
Ended June 30,(1)  

Visa Inc. 
Twelve Months 
Ended June 30,(1) 

2022 

2021 

% 
Change(2) 

2022 

2021 

% 
Change(2) 

2022 

2021 

% 
Change(2)  

(in billions, except percentages) 

Nominal payments volume 
. . . . . . . . . . .
Consumer credit 
. . . . . . . . . .
Consumer debit(3) 
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commercial(4) 

Total nominal payments 

$  2,047  $  1,641 
2,388 
696

2,619 
882

25 %  $  2,695  $  2,398 
2,443 
2,728 
10 % 
407
500
27 %

12 %  $  4,742  $  4,039 
4,830 
5,346 
12 % 
1,104 
1,382 
23 %

volume(2) 
Cash volume(5) 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .

$  5,548  $  4,725 
635

631

17 %  $  5,922  $  5,248 
1,925 
1,929 
(1 %)

13 %  $11,470  $  9,973 
2,559 
2,560 
— % 

Total nominal volume(2),

(6) 

..

$  6,179  $  5,360 

15 %  $  7,851  $  7,172 

9 %  $14,030  $12,532 

The following table presents the change in nominal and constant payments and cash volume: 

17 % 
11 % 
25 % 

15 % 
— % 

12 % 

International	 

Visa Inc. 

Twelve Months Ended 
June 30, 
2023 vs 2022(1),(2) 

Twelve Months Ended 
June 30, 
2022 vs 2021(1),(2)  

Twelve Months Ended 
June 30, 
2023 vs 2022(1),(2)  

Twelve Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2022 vs 2021(1),(2)
  

Nominal 

Constant(7) 

Nominal 

Constant(7) 

Nominal 

Constant(7) 

Nominal 

Constant(7)  

4 % 
(2 %) 
10 % 

2 % 
(4 %) 
— % 

13  % 
4  % 
20  % 

9  % 
1  % 
7  % 

12  % 
12  % 
23  % 

13  % 
—  % 
9  % 

15  % 
15  % 
27  % 

16  % 
4  % 
13  % 

6 % 
3 % 
12 % 

5 % 
(4 %) 
4 % 

11 % 
6 % 
15 % 

9 % 
— % 
7 % 

17  % 
11  % 
25  % 

15  % 
—  % 
12  % 

19  % 
12  % 
27  % 

17  % 
3  % 
14  % 

Payments volume growth 
Consumer credit growth 
Consumer debit growth(3)
Commercial growth(4) 
Total payments volume 

. . . .
. . . 
. . . . . .

growth 

Cash volume growth(5) 
Total volume growth 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . .

(1)	  Service  revenues  in  a  given  quarter  are  primarily  assessed  based  on  nominal  payments  volume  in  the  prior  quarter.  Therefore,  service 
revenues reported for the twelve months ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, were based on nominal payments volume reported 
by  our  financial  institution  clients  for  the  twelve  months  ended  June  30,  2023,  2022  and  2021,  respectively.  On  occasion,  previously 
presented volume information may be updated. Prior period updates are not material. 

(2)	  Figures  in  the  table  may  not  recalculate  exactly  due  to  rounding.  Percentage  changes  and  totals  are  calculated  based  on  unrounded 

numbers. 
Includes consumer prepaid volume and Interlink volume. 
Includes large, medium and small business credit and debit, as well as commercial prepaid volume. 

(3)	 

(4)	 

(5)	  Cash volume generally consists of cash access transactions, balance access transactions, balance transfers and convenience checks. 
(6)	  Total  nominal  volume  is  the  sum  of  total  nominal  payments  volume  and  cash  volume.  Total  nominal  volume  is  provided  by  our  financial 

institution clients, subject to review by Visa. 

(7)	  Growth on a constant-dollar basis excludes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations against the U.S. dollar. 

41
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents the number of processed transactions: 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

% Change(1)  

2023 

2022 

2021 
(in millions, except percentages) 

2023 
vs. 
2022 

2022 
vs. 
2021 

Visa processed transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

212,579 

192,530 

164,734 

10 % 

17 % 

(1)	  Figures  in  the  table  may  not  recalculate  exactly  due  to  rounding.  Percentage  changes  are  calculated  based  on  unrounded  numbers.  On 

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

Results of Operations 

Net Revenues 

Our net revenues are primarily generated from payments volume on Visa products for purchased goods and 
services, as well as the number of transactions processed on our network. See Note 1—Summary of Significant 
Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report for further discussion 
on the components of our net revenues. 

The following table presents our net revenues earned in the U.S. and internationally: 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

% Change(1)  

U.S. 
International 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 $ 

14,138  $ 
18,515 

2023 

2022 

2021 
(in millions, except percentages) 
12,851  $ 
16,459 

11,160 
12,945 

10 % 
12 % 

2023 
vs. 
2022 

Net revenues 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 $ 

32,653  $ 

29,310  $ 

24,105 

11 % 

2022 
vs. 
2021 

15 % 
27 % 

22 % 

(1)	  Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded numbers. 

Net  revenues  increased  in  fiscal  2023  primarily  due  to  the  year-over-year  growth  in  nominal  cross-border 

volume, processed transactions and nominal payments volume, partially offset by higher client incentives. 

Our  net  revenues  are  impacted  by  the  overall  strengthening  or  weakening  of  the  U.S.  dollar  as  payments 
volume  and  related  revenues  denominated  in  local  currencies  are  converted  to  U.S.  dollars.  In  fiscal  2023, 
exchange rate movements lowered our net revenues growth by approximately one-and-a-half percentage points. 

The following table presents the components of our net revenues: 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

% Change(1)  

2023 

2022 

2021 
(in millions, except percentages) 

2023 
vs. 
2022 

Service revenues 
Data processing revenues 
International transaction revenues 
Other revenues 
Client incentives 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$  14,826  $  13,361  $  11,475 
12,792 
6,530 
1,675 
(8,367) 

14,438 
9,815 
1,991 
(10,295) 

16,007 
11,638 
2,479 
(12,297) 

Net revenues 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$  32,653  $  29,310  $  24,105 

11 % 
11 % 
19 % 
24 % 
19 % 

11 % 

2022 
vs. 
2021 

16 % 
13 % 
50 % 
19 % 
23 % 

22 % 

(1)  Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded numbers. 

42
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•	  Service revenues increased primarily due to 5% growth in nominal payments volume and due to business 
mix.  Service  revenues  increased  over  the  prior-year  comparable  fiscal  year  despite  the  impact  of  our 
suspension of operations in Russia. 

•	  Data  processing  revenues  increased  primarily  due  to  10%  growth  in  processed  transactions,  select 
pricing  modifications  and  growth  in  value  added  services.  Data  processing  revenues  increased  over  the 
prior-year comparable fiscal year despite the impact of our suspension of operations in Russia. 

•	 

International  transaction  revenues  increased primarily  due  to  growth  in  nominal cross-border  volumes of 
23%,  excluding  transactions  within  Europe,  and  select  pricing  modifications,  partially  offset  by  business 
mix and lower volatility of a broad range of currencies. 

•	  Other revenues increased primarily due to growth in marketing and consulting services and select pricing 

modifications. 

•	  Client incentives increased primarily due to growth in payments volume during fiscal 2023. The amount of 
client  incentives  we  record  in  future  periods  will  vary  based  on  changes  in  performance  expectations, 
actual client performance, amendments to existing contracts or the execution of new contracts. 

Operating Expenses 

Our operating expenses consist of the following: 

•	  Personnel  expenses 

include  salaries,  employee  benefits, 

incentive  compensation,  share-based 

compensation and contractor expenses. 

•	  Marketing  expenses 

include  expenses  associated  with  advertising  and  marketing  campaigns, 

sponsorships and other related promotions of the Visa brand and client marketing. 

•	  Network  and  processing  expenses  mainly  represent  expenses  for  the  operation  of  our  processing 

network, including maintenance, equipment rental and fees for other data processing services. 

•	  Professional fees mainly consist of fees for legal, consulting and other professional services. 

•	  Depreciation  and  amortization  expenses  include  amortization  of  internally  developed  and  purchased 
software,  depreciation  expense  for  property  and  equipment  and  amortization  of  finite-lived  intangible 
assets primarily obtained through acquisitions. 

•	  General and administrative expenses consist mainly of card benefits such as costs associated with airport 
lounge access, extended cardholder protection and concierge services, facilities costs, travel and meeting 
costs,  indirect  taxes,  foreign  exchange  gains  and  losses  and  other  corporate  expenses  incurred  in 
support of our business. 

•	  Litigation  provision  represents 

is  an  estimate  based  on  management’s 
understanding  of  our  litigation  profile,  the  specifics  of  each  case,  advice  of  counsel  to  the  extent 
appropriate and management’s best estimate of incurred loss. 

litigation  expenses  and 

43
 

The following table presents the components of our total operating expenses: 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

% Change(1) 

2023 

$ 

Personnel 
Marketing 
Network and processing 
Professional fees 
Depreciation and amortization 
General and administrative 
Litigation provision 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5,831  $ 
1,341 
736 
545 
943 
1,330 
927 

2023 
vs. 
2022 

2022 

2021 
(in millions, except percentages)
 
4,990  $ 
1,336 
743 
505 
861 
1,194 
868 

4,240 
1,136 
730 
403 
804 
985 
3

17 % 
— % 
(1 %) 
8 % 
9 % 
11 % 
7 % 

Total operating expenses(2) 

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 

11,653  $ 

10,497  $ 

8,301 

11 % 

2022 
vs. 
2021 

18  %
 
18  %
 
2  %
 
25  %
 
7  %
 
21  %
 
NM
 

26  %
 

NM – Not meaningful 

(1)	  Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded numbers. 
(2)	  Operating expenses include significant items that we do not believe are indicative of our operating performance. See Overview within this 

Item 7. 

•	  Personnel expenses increased primarily due to higher number of employees and compensation, reflecting 

our strategy to invest in future growth, including acquisitions. 

•	  Depreciation  and  amortization  expenses 

increased  primarily  due  to  additional  depreciation  and 

amortization from our on-going investments and acquisitions. 

•	  General  and  administrative  expenses  increased  due  to  unfavorable  foreign  currency  fluctuations,  higher 
usage of travel related card benefits and travel expenses, partially offset by the absence of expenses as a 
result of the suspension of our operations in Russia. 

•	  Litigation  provision  increased  primarily  due  to  higher  accruals  related  to  the  U.S.  covered  litigation.  See 
Note  5—U.S.  and  Europe  Retrospective  Responsibility  Plans  and  Note  20—Legal  Matters  included  in 
Item 8 of this report. 

Non-operating Income (Expense) 

Non-operating income (expense) primarily includes interest expense related to borrowings, gains and losses 
on  investments  and  derivative  instruments,  interest  expense  from  tax  liabilities,  as  well  as  the  non-service 
components of net periodic pension income and expense. 

The following table presents the components of our non-operating income (expense): 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

% Change(1) 

2023 

2022 

2021 
(in millions, except percentages) 

2023 
vs. 
2022 

2022 
vs. 
2021 

Interest expense 
Investment income (expense) and other 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . .

$ 

(644)  $ 
681 

(538)  $ 
(139) 

Total non-operating income (expense) 

. . .

 $3

  7  $ 

(677)  $ 

(513) 
772 

259 

20 % 
(592 %) 

(105 %) 

5 % 
(118 %) 

(361 %) 

(1)  Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded numbers. 

44
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•	 

•	 

Interest  expense  increased  primarily  due  to  losses  from  derivative  instruments,  partially  offset  by  lower 
interest related to indirect taxes and lower outstanding debt. See Note 10—Debt and Note 13—Derivative 
and Hedging Instruments to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Investment  income  (expense)  and  other  increased  primarily  due  to  higher  interest  income  on  our  cash 
and  investments  and  lower  losses  on  our  investments.  See  Note  6—Fair  Value  Measurements  and 
Investments to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Effective Income Tax Rate 

The following table presents our effective income tax rates: 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 
2022 

2021 

2023 

Effective income tax rate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

18 % 

18 % 

23 %
 

The effective income tax rates in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 were 18% including the following: 

•	  during  fiscal  2023,  a  $142  million  tax  benefit  related  to  prior  years  due  to  the  reassessment  of  an 
uncertain tax position as a result of new information obtained during an ongoing tax examination; and 

•	  during  fiscal  2022,  a  $176  million  tax  benefit  related  to  prior  years  due  to  a  decrease  in  the  state 

apportionment ratio as a result of a tax position taken related to a ruling. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Based  on  our  current  cash  flow  budgets  and  forecasts  of  our  short-term  and  long-term  liquidity  needs,  we 
believe that our current and projected sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet our projected liquidity needs for 
more  than  the  next  12  months.  We  will  continue  to  assess  our  liquidity  position  and  potential  sources  of 
supplemental liquidity in view of  our  operating performance, current economic and capital market conditions and 
other relevant circumstances. 

Cash Flow Data 

The following table summarizes our cash flow activity: 

2023 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 
2022 
(in millions) 

2021 

Total cash provided by (used in): 

Operating activities 
Investing activities 
Financing activities 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 
$ 
$ 

20,755 
(2,006) 
(17,772) 

$ 
$ 
$ 

18,849 
(4,288) 
(12,696) 

$ 
$ 
$ 

15,227 
(152) 
(14,410) 

Operating activities. Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2023 was higher than the prior fiscal year 

primarily due to growth in our underlying business, partially offset by higher incentive payments. 

Investing  activities.  Cash  used  in  investing  activities  in  fiscal  2023  was  lower  than  the  prior  fiscal  year 
primarily  due  to  the  absence  of  cash  paid  for  acquisitions,  cash  received  from  the  settlement  of  net  investment 
hedge derivative instruments in the current year and lower purchases of investment securities, partially offset by 
lower sales and maturities of investment securities. 

Financing  activities.  Cash  used  in  financing  activities  in  fiscal  2023  was  higher  than  the  prior  fiscal  year 
primarily due to  the absence of  proceeds from  the issuance of senior notes, higher principal debt payment upon 
maturity of our senior notes, higher dividends paid and higher share repurchases. 

45
 

 
 
 
Sources of Liquidity 

Cash, cash equivalents and investments. As of September 30, 2023, our cash and cash equivalents balance 
were $16.3 billion and our available-for-sale debt securities were $5.4 billion. Our investment portfolio is designed 
to  invest  cash  in  securities  which  enables  us  to  meet  our  working  capital  and  liquidity  needs.  Our  investment 
portfolio  consists  of  debt  securities  issued  by  the  U.S.  Treasury  and  U.S.  government-sponsored  agencies. 
$3.5 billion of  the investments are classified as current  and are available to meet short-term  liquidity needs. The 
remaining  non-current  investments  have  stated  maturities  of  more  than  one  year  from  the  balance  sheet  date; 
however, they are also generally available to meet short-term liquidity needs. 

Factors  that  may  impact  the  liquidity  of  our  investment  portfolio  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  changes  to 
credit ratings of the securities, uncertainty related to regulatory developments, actions by central banks and other 
monetary  authorities  and  the  ongoing  strength  and  quality  of  credit  markets.  We  will  continue  to  review  our 
portfolio  in  light  of  evolving  market  and  economic  conditions.  However,  if  current  market  conditions  deteriorate, 
the  liquidity  of  our  investment  portfolio  may  be  impacted  and  we  could  determine  that  some  of  our  investments 
are impaired, which could adversely impact our financial results.  We  have policies that limit the amount of credit 
exposure to any one financial institution or type of investment. 

Commercial  paper  program.  We  maintain  a  commercial  paper  program  to  support  our  working  capital 
requirements  and  for  other  general  corporate  purposes.  As  of  September  30,  2023,  we  had  no  outstanding 
obligations under the program. See Note 10—Debt to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of 
this report. 

Credit  facility.  We  have  an  unsecured  $7.0  billion revolving credit  facility,  which expires  in  May  2028.  As  of 
September  30,  2023,  there  were  no  amounts  outstanding  under  the  credit  facility.  See  Note  10—Debt  to  our 
consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

U.S. Litigation escrow account. Pursuant to the terms of the U.S. retrospective responsibility plan, which was 
created  to  insulate  Visa  and  our  class  A  common  shareholders  from  financial  liability for  certain  litigation  cases, 
we maintain a U.S. litigation escrow account from which monetary liabilities from settlements of, or judgments in, 
the U.S. covered litigation will be payable. As these funds are restricted for the sole purpose of making payments 
related  to  the  U.S.  covered  litigation  matters,  we  do  not  rely  on  them  for  other  operational needs.  See  Note  5— 
U.S.  and  Europe  Retrospective  Responsibility  Plans  and  Note  20—Legal  Matters  to  our  consolidated  financial 
statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Uses of Liquidity 

Payments  settlement.  Payments  settlement  due  to  and  from  our  financial  institution  clients  can  represent  a 
substantial  daily  liquidity  requirement.  Most  U.S.  dollar  settlements  are  settled  within  the  same  day  and  do  not 
result  in  a  receivable  or  payable  balance,  while  settlements  in  currencies  other  than  the  U.S.  dollar  generally 
remain outstanding for one to two business days, which is consistent with industry practice for such transactions. 
In  general,  during  fiscal  2023,  we  were  not  required  to  fund  settlement-related  working  capital.  As  of 
September 30, 2023, we held $10.1 billion of our total available liquidity to fund daily settlement in the event one 
or more of our financial institution clients are unable to settle, with the remaining liquidity available to support our 
working  capital and  other  liquidity needs.  See  Note 12—Settlement Guarantee Management to  our consolidated 
financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Litigation. Judgments in and settlements of litigation or other fines imposed in investigations and proceedings 
could give rise to future liquidity needs. During fiscal 2023, we deposited $1.0 billion into the U.S. litigation escrow 
account to address claims associated with the interchange multidistrict litigation. The balance of this account as of 
September 30, 2023 was $1.8 billion and is reflected as restricted cash in our consolidated balance sheets. See 
Note  5—U.S.  and  Europe  Retrospective  Responsibility  Plans  and  Note  20—Legal  Matters  to  our  consolidated 
financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Common stock repurchases. During fiscal 2023, we repurchased shares of our class A common stock in the 
open  market  for  $12.2  billion.  As  of  September  30,  2023,  our  share  repurchase  program  had  remaining 

46
 

authorized  funds  of  $5.0  billion.  In  October  2023,  our  board  of  directors  authorized  a  new  $25.0  billion  share 
repurchase  program,  providing  multi-year  flexibility.  Share  repurchases  will  be  executed  at  prices  we  deem 
appropriate  subject  to  various  factors,  including  market  conditions  and  our  financial  performance,  and  may  be 
effected  through  accelerated  share  repurchase  programs,  open  market  purchases  or  privately  negotiated 
transactions,  including  through  Rule  10b5-1  plans.  See  Note  15—Stockholders’  Equity  to  our  consolidated 
financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Dividends. During fiscal 2023, we declared and paid $3.8 billion in dividends to holders of our common and 
preferred  stock.  On  October  24,  2023,  our  board  of  directors  declared  a  quarterly  cash  dividend  of  $0.52  per 
share of  class A common  stock  (determined  in the case of  class B and C common  stock  and series A, B and C 
convertible participating preferred stock on an as-converted basis). We expect to pay approximately $1.1 billion in 
connection  with  this  dividend  on  December  1,  2023.  We  expect  to  continue  paying  quarterly  dividends  in  cash, 
subject to approval by the board of directors. All preferred and class B and C common stock will share ratably on 
an as-converted basis in such future dividends. 

Senior notes. As of September 30, 2023, we had an outstanding aggregate principal amount relating to our 
senior notes of $20.9 billion. During fiscal 2023, we repaid $2.25 billion of principal upon maturity of our December 
2022 senior notes. Since the issuance of the $500 million green bond as part of our commitment to environmental 
sustainability  and  a  sustainable  payments  ecosystem,  we  have  allocated  $391  million  to  eligible  green  projects. 
See Note 10—Debt to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Client  incentives.  As  of  September  30,  2023,  we  had  short-term  and  long-term  liabilities  recorded  on  the 

consolidated balance sheet related to these agreements of $8.2 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively. 

Uncertain tax positions. As of September 30, 2023, we had long-term liabilities for uncertain tax positions of 
$1.6 billion. See Note 19—Income Taxes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Pending acquisition. In June 2023, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Pismo for $1.0 billion in 
cash.  This  acquisition  is  subject  to  customary  closing  conditions,  including  applicable  regulatory  reviews  and 
approvals. 

Purchase obligations. As of September 30, 2023, we had short-term and long-term obligations of $1.7 billion 
and $0.9 billion, respectively, related to agreements to purchase goods and services that specify significant terms, 
including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased, minimum or variable price provisions, and the approximate 
timing of the transaction. For obligations where the individual years of spend are not specified in the contract, we 
have  estimated  the  timing  of  when  these  amounts  will  be  spent.  For  future  obligations  related  to  software 
licenses, see Note 18—Commitments to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Leases.  As  of  September  30,  2023,  we  had  short-term  and  long-term  obligations  of  $12  million  and 
$421  million,  respectively,  related  to  leases  that  have  not  yet  commenced.  For  future  lease  payments  related  to 
leases that have commenced and are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet, see Note 9—Leases to our 
consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Tax  Cuts  and  Jobs  Act.  As  of  September  30,  2023,  we  had  short-term  and  long-term  obligations  of 
$162  million  and  $431  million,  respectively,  related  to  the  estimated  transition  tax,  net  of  foreign  tax  credit 
carryovers, on certain foreign earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries recognized during fiscal 2018. 

Indemnifications 

We indemnify our financial institution clients for settlement losses suffered due to the failure of any other client 
to fund its settlement obligations in accordance with our operating rules. The amount of the indemnification is limited 
to the amount of unsettled Visa payment transactions at any point in time. We maintain and regularly review global 
settlement  risk  policies  and  procedures  to  manage  settlement  risk,  which  may  require  clients  to  post  collateral  if 
certain  credit  standards  are  not  met.  See  Note  1—Summary  of  Significant  Accounting  Policies  and  Note  12— 
Settlement Guarantee Management to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

47
 

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted 

The  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  has  issued  certain  accounting  updates,  which  we  have  either 
determined  to  be  not  applicable  or  not  expected  to  have  a  material  impact  on  our  consolidated  financial 
statements. 

Critical Accounting Estimates 

Our  consolidated  financial  statements  are  prepared  in  accordance  with  accounting  principles  generally 
accepted  in  the  United  States  of  America  which  require  us  to  make  judgments,  assumptions  and  estimates  that 
affect  the  amounts  reported.  See  Note  1—Summary  of  Significant  Accounting  Policies  to  our  consolidated 
financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. We have established policies and control procedures which 
seek  to  ensure that  estimates  and assumptions are appropriately governed and applied consistently from  period 
to period. However, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be 
material. 

We believe that the following accounting estimates are the most critical to fully understand and evaluate our 
reported financial results, as they require our most subjective or complex management judgments, resulting from 
the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. 

Revenue Recognition—Client Incentives 

Critical  estimates.  We  enter  into  long-term  incentive agreements  with  financial institution  clients,  merchants 
and  other  business  partners  for  various  programs  that  provide  cash  and  other  incentives  designed  to  increase 
revenue  by  growing  payments  volume, 
increasing  Visa  product  acceptance,  winning  merchant  routing 
transactions  over  to  our  network  and  driving  innovation.  These  incentives  are  primarily  accounted  for  as 
reductions  to  net  revenues;  however,  if  a  separate  identifiable  benefit  at  fair  value  can  be  established,  they  are 
accounted  for  as  operating  expenses.  Incentives  are  recognized  systematically  and  rationally  based  on 
management’s  estimate  of  each  client’s  performance.  These  estimates  are  regularly  reviewed  and  adjusted  as 
appropriate  based  on  changes  in  performance  expectations,  actual  client  performance,  amendments  to  existing 
contracts or the execution of new contracts. 

Assumptions  and  judgment.  Estimation  of  client  incentives  relies  on  forecasts  of  payments  and  transaction 
volume,  card  issuance  and  card  conversion.  Performance  is  estimated  using  client-reported  information, 
transactional  information  accumulated  from  our  systems,  historical  information,  market  and  economic  conditions 
and discussions with our clients, merchants and business partners. 

Impact  if  actual  results  differ  from  assumptions.  If  actual  performance  is  not  consistent  with  our  estimates, 
client incentives may be materially different than initially recorded. Increases in incentive payments are generally 
driven  by  increased  payments  and  transaction  volume,  which  drive  our  net  revenues.  As  a  result,  in  the  event 
incentive payments exceed estimates, such payments are not expected to have a material effect on our financial 
condition, results of operations or cash flows. The cumulative impact of a revision in estimates is recorded in the 
period such revisions become probable and estimable. 

Legal and Regulatory Matters 

Critical  estimates.  We  are  currently  involved  in  various  legal  proceedings,  the  outcomes  of  which  are  not 
within  our  complete  control  and  may  not  be  known  for  prolonged  periods  of  time.  Management  is  required  to 
assess the probability of loss and estimate the amount of such loss, if any, in preparing our consolidated financial 
statements. 

Assumptions  and  judgment.  We  evaluate  the  likelihood  of  a  potential  loss  from  legal  or  regulatory 
proceedings  to  which  we  are  a  party.  We  record  a  liability for  such  claims  when  a  loss  is  deemed  probable  and 
the  amount  can  be  reasonably  estimated.  Significant  judgment  may  be  required  in  the  determination  of  both 
probability and whether a loss is reasonably estimable. Our judgments are subjective and based on a number of 
factors,  including  management’s  understanding  of  the  legal  or  regulatory  profile  and  the  specifics  of  each 

48
 

proceeding, our history with similar matters, advice of internal and external legal counsel and management’s best 
estimate  of  incurred  loss.  As  additional information  becomes  available, we  reassess  the  potential loss  related  to 
pending claims and may revise our estimates. 

We  have  entered  into  loss  sharing  agreements  that  reduce  our  potential  liability  under  certain  litigation. 
However, our U.S. retrospective responsibility plan only addresses monetary liabilities from settlements of, or final 
judgments  in,  the  U.S.  covered  litigation.  The  plan’s  mechanisms  include  the  use  of  the  U.S.  litigation  escrow 
account. The accrual related to  the  U.S.  covered litigation could be either higher or lower than the U.S. litigation 
escrow  account  balance.  Our  Europe  retrospective  responsibility  plan  only  covers  Visa  Europe  territory  covered 
litigation (and resultant liabilities and losses) relating to the covered period, subject to certain limitations, and does 
not  cover  any  fines  or  penalties  incurred  in  the  European  Commission  proceedings  or  any  other  matter.  See 
Note  5—U.S.  and  Europe  Retrospective  Responsibility  Plans  and  Note  20—Legal  Matters  to  our  consolidated 
financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Impact if actual results differ from assumptions. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the legal and regulatory 
processes  in  the  multiple  jurisdictions  in  which  we  operate,  our  judgments  may  be  materially  different  than  the 
actual  outcomes,  which  could  have  material  adverse  effects  on  our  business,  financial  conditions  and  results  of 
operations  in  the  period  in  which  the  effect  becomes  probable  and  reasonably  estimable.  See  Note  20—Legal 
Matters to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Income Taxes 

Critical  estimates.  In  calculating  our  effective  income  tax  rate,  we  make  judgments  regarding  certain  tax 
positions,  including  the  timing  and  amount  of  deductions  and  allocations  of  income  among  various  tax 
jurisdictions. 

Assumptions  and  judgment.  We  have  various  tax  filing  positions  with  regard  to  the  timing  and  amount  of 
deductions and credits and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions, based on our interpretation of 
local tax laws. We also inventory, evaluate and measure all uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken 
on  tax  returns  and  record  liabilities  for  the  amount  of  such  positions  that  may  not  be  sustained,  or  may  only  be 
partially sustained, upon examination by the relevant taxing authorities. 

Impact  if  actual  results  differ  from  assumptions.  Although  we  believe  that  our  estimates  and  judgments  are 
reasonable, actual results may differ from these estimates. Some or all of these judgments are subject to review 
by the taxing authorities. If one or more of the taxing authorities were to successfully challenge our right to realize 
some  or  all  of  the  tax  benefit  we  have  recorded,  and  we  were  unable  to  realize  this  benefit,  it  could  have  a 
material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. 

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 

Market  risk is the potential economic loss arising from  adverse changes in market  factors.  Our exposure to 
financial  market  risks  results  primarily  from  fluctuations  in  foreign  currency  exchange  rates,  interest  rates  and 
equity prices. Aggregate risk exposures are monitored on an ongoing basis. 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk 

We  are  exposed  to  risks  from  foreign  currency  exchange  rate  fluctuations  that  are  primarily  related  to 
changes in the functional currency value of revenues generated from foreign currency-denominated transactions 
and  changes  in  the  functional  currency  value  of  payments  in  foreign  currencies.  We  manage  these  risks  by 
entering into foreign currency forward contracts that hedge exposures of the variability in the functional currency 
equivalent  of  anticipated  non-functional  currency  denominated  cash  flows.  Our  foreign  currency  exchange  rate 
risk management program reduces, but does not entirely eliminate, the impact of foreign currency exchange rate 
movements. 

As  of  September  30,  2023  and  2022,  the  effect  of  a  hypothetical  10%  weakening  in  the  value  of  the 
functional  currencies  is  estimated  to  create  an  additional  fair  value  loss  of  approximately  $236  million  and 
$220 million, respectively, on our outstanding foreign currency forward contracts. The loss from this hypothetical 

49
 

weakening would be largely offset by a corresponding gain on our cash flows from foreign currency-denominated 
revenues and payments. See Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 13—Derivative and 
Hedging Instruments to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

We  are  further  exposed  to  foreign  currency  exchange  rate  risk  related  to  translation  as  the  functional 
currency  of  Visa Europe is the Euro. Translation from  the  Euro to  the U.S. dollar is performed for balance sheet 
accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates and for revenue and expense accounts using 
an  average  exchange  rate  for  the  period.  Resulting  translation  adjustments  are  reported  as  a  component  of 
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated balance sheets. A hypothetical 10% change 
in  the  Euro  against  the  U.S.  dollar  compared  to  the  exchange  rate  as  of  September  30,  2023  and  2022  would 
result in a foreign currency translation adjustment of $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively. 

As  of  September  30,  2023  and  2022,  we  designated  €3.0  billion  and  €1.2  billion,  respectively,  of  our  Euro-
denominated  senior  notes  as  a  net  investment  hedge  against  a  portion  of  the  foreign  exchange  rate  exposure 
from  our  net  investment  in  Visa  Europe.  Foreign  currency  translation  adjustments  resulting  from  the  designated 
portion of the Euro-denominated senior notes partially offset the foreign currency translation adjustments resulting 
from our net investment in Visa Europe. See Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 13— 
Derivative and Hedging Instruments to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

We are also subject to foreign currency exchange risk in daily settlement activities. This risk arises from the 
timing  of  rate  setting  for  settlement  with  clients  relative  to  the  timing  of  market  trades  for  balancing  currency 
positions. Risk in settlement activities is limited through daily operating procedures, including the utilization of Visa 
settlement systems and our interaction with foreign exchange trading counterparties. 

Interest Rate Risk 

Our  investment  portfolio  assets  are  held  in  both  fixed-rate  and  adjustable-rate  securities.  Investments  in 
fixed-rate instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. The fair value of fixed-rate securities may be adversely 
impacted due to a rise in interest rates. Additionally, a falling-rate environment creates reinvestment risk because 
as  securities  mature,  the  proceeds  are  reinvested  at  a  lower  rate,  generating  less  interest  income.  As  of 
September 30, 2023 and 2022, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates would create an estimated 
decrease in the fair value of our investment securities of approximately $43 million and $47 million, respectively. 
Any realized losses resulting from such interest rate changes would only occur if we sold the investments prior to 
maturity. Historically, we have been able to hold investments until maturity. 

We have interest rate and cross-currency swap agreements on a portion of our outstanding senior notes that 
allow  us  to  manage  our  interest  rate  exposure  through  a  combination  of  fixed  and  floating  rates  and  reduce  our 
overall  cost  of  borrowing.  Together  these  swap  agreements  effectively  convert  a  portion  of  our  U.S.  dollar 
denominated fixed-rate payments into U.S. dollar and Euro-denominated floating-rate payments. By entering into 
interest rate swaps, we have assumed risks associated with market interest rate fluctuations. As of September 30, 
2023  and  2022,  a  hypothetical  100  basis  point  increase  in  interest  rates  would  have  resulted  in  an  increase  of 
approximately $40 million in annual interest  expense for  each fiscal year. See Note 13—Derivative and Hedging 
Instruments to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. 

Equity Investment Risk 

Our  equity  investments  are  held  in  both  marketable  and  non-marketable  equity  securities.  The  marketable 
equity  securities  are  publicly traded  stocks  and the  non-marketable equity securities are investments  in privately 
held companies. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the carrying value of our marketable equity securities was 
$163  million  and  $291  million,  respectively,  and  the  carrying  value  of  our  non-marketable  equity  securities  was 
$1.4 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively. These securities are subject to a wide variety of market-related risks that 
could  substantially  reduce  or  increase  the  fair  value of  our  holdings. A  decline in  financial condition or  operating 
results  of  these  investments  could  result  in  a  loss  of  all  or  a  substantial  part  of  our  carrying  value  in  these 
companies.  We  regularly  review  our  non-marketable  equity  securities  for  possible  impairment,  which  generally 
involves  an  analysis  of  the  facts  and  changes  in  circumstances  influencing  the  investment,  expectations  of  the 
entity’s cash flows and capital needs, and the viability of its business model. 

50
 

ITEM 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

VISA INC. 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (KPMG LLP, Santa Clara, CA, Auditor 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Firm ID: 185) 

Consolidated Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Operations 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page 

52
  

55
  

56
  

57
  

58
  

61
  

62
  

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51
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors 
Visa Inc.: 

Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Visa Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as 
of  September  30,  2023  and  2022,  the  related  consolidated  statements  of  operations,  comprehensive  income, 
changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2023, and 
the  related  notes  (collectively,  the  consolidated  financial  statements).  We  also  have  audited  the  Company’s 
internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control 
–  Integrated  Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway 
Commission. 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the 
financial  position  of  the  Company  as  of  September  30,  2023  and  2022,  and  the  results  of  its  operations  and  its 
cash  flows  for  each  of  the  years  in  the  three-year  period  ended  September  30,  2023,  in  conformity  with  U.S. 
generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  Also  in  our  opinion,  the  Company  maintained,  in  all  material  respects, 
effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  September  30,  2023  based  on  criteria  established  in 
Internal  Control  –  Integrated  Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the 
Treadway Commission. 

Basis for Opinions 

The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  and  for  its  assessment  of  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over 
financial  reporting,  included  in  the  accompanying  Management’s  Report  on  Internal  Control  over  Financial 
Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an 
opinion  on  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  based  on  our  audits.  We  are  a  public 
accounting  firm  registered  with  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United  States)  (PCAOB)  and 
are  required  to  be  independent with respect  to  the  Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws 
and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan 
and  perform  the  audits  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the  consolidated  financial  statements  are 
free  of  material misstatement,  whether due to  error  or  fraud,  and whether effective  internal control over financial 
reporting was maintained in all material respects. 

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material 
misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures 
that  respond  to  those  risks.  Such  procedures  included  examining,  on  a  test  basis,  evidence  regarding  the 
amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements.  Our  audits  also  included  evaluating  the 
accounting  principles  used  and  significant  estimates  made  by  management,  as  well  as  evaluating  the  overall 
presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included 
obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness 
exists,  and  testing  and  evaluating  the  design  and  operating  effectiveness  of  internal  control  based  on  the 
assessed  risk.  Our  audits  also  included  performing  such  other  procedures  as  we  considered  necessary  in  the 
circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions. 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance 
regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial statements  for  external  purposes  in 

52
 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—(Continued) 

accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting 
includes  those  policies  and  procedures  that  (1)  pertain  to  the  maintenance  of  records  that,  in  reasonable  detail, 
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable 
assurance  that  transactions  are  recorded  as  necessary  to  permit  preparation  of  financial  statements  in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are 
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide 
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of 
the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect 
misstatements.  Also,  projections  of  any  evaluation  of  effectiveness  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that 
controls  may  become  inadequate  because  of  changes  in  conditions,  or  that  the  degree  of  compliance  with  the 
policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

Critical Audit Matter 

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated 
financial  statements  that  was  communicated  or  required  to  be  communicated  to  the  audit  committee  and  that: 
(1)  relates  to  accounts  or  disclosures  that  are  material  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  (2)  involved 
our  especially  challenging,  subjective,  or  complex  judgments.  The  communication  of  a  critical  audit  matter  does 
not  alter  in  any  way  our  opinion  on  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  taken  as  a  whole,  and  we  are  not,  by 
communicating  the  critical  audit  matter  below,  providing  a  separate  opinion  on  the  critical  audit  matter  or  on  the 
accounts or disclosures to which it relates. 

Assessment  of  the  litigation  accrual  for  class  members  opting  out  of  the  Damages  Class  settlement  in  the 
Interchange Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) 

As  discussed  in  Notes  5  and  20  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  the  Company  is  party  to  various 
legal proceedings including the Interchange Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) – Individual Merchant Actions, and 
has  recorded  a  litigation  accrual  of  $1,621  million  as  of  September  30,  2023.  In  preparing  its  consolidated 
financial  statements,  the  Company  is  required  to  assess  the  probability  of  loss  associated  with  each  legal 
proceeding  and  estimate  the  amount  of  such  loss,  if  any.  The  outcome  of  legal  proceedings  to  which  the 
Company is a party is not within the complete control of the Company and may not be known for prolonged 
periods of time. 

We  identified  the  assessment  of  the  litigation  accrual  for  class  members  opting  out  of  the  Damages 
Class  settlement  in  the  Interchange  Multidistrict  Litigation  (MDL),  also  known  as  the  MDL  –  Individual 
Merchant  Actions,  as  a  critical  audit  matter.  This  proceeding  involves  claims  that  are  subject  to  inherent 
uncertainties  and  unascertainable  damages.  The  assessment  of  the  litigation  accrual  for  the  MDL  – 
Individual  Merchant  Actions  required  especially  challenging  auditor  judgment  due  to  the  assumptions  and 
estimation associated with the consideration and evaluation of possible outcomes. The Company could incur 
judgments,  enter  into  settlements  or  revise  its  expectations  regarding  the  outcome  of  merchants’  claims, 
which  could  have  a  material  effect  on  the  estimated  amount  of  the  liability  in  the  period  in  which  the  effect 
becomes probable and reasonably estimable. 

The  following  are  the  primary  procedures  we  performed  to  address  this  critical  audit  matter.  We  evaluated 
the  design  and  tested  the  operating  effectiveness  of  certain  internal  controls  related  to  the  Company’s 
litigation accrual process for the MDL – Individual Merchant Actions. We evaluated the Company’s ability to 
estimate  its  monetary  exposure  by  comparing  historically  recorded  liabilities  to  actual  monetary  amounts 
incurred upon resolution of legal matters for merchants that opted out of the previous MDL class settlement. 
To assess the estimated monetary exposure in the Company’s analysis, we compared such amounts to the 
complete population of amounts attributable to the remaining opt-out merchants. We performed a sensitivity 

53
 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—(Continued) 

analysis over the Company’s monetary exposure calculations, and we recalculated the amount of the ending 
litigation  accrual.  We  read  letters  received  directly  from  the  Company’s  external  legal  counsel  and  internal 
legal counsel that discussed the Company’s legal matters, including the MDL – Individual Merchant Actions. 
We also considered relevant publicly available information. 

/s/ KPMG LLP 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2007. 

Santa Clara, California 
November 15, 2023 

54
 

VISA INC. 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

September 30, 

2023 

2022 

(in millions, except per share data) 

Assets 
Cash and cash equivalents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Restricted cash equivalents—U.S. litigation escrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Investment securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Settlement receivable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Customer collateral  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Current portion of client incentives  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Total current assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Investment securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Client incentives  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Property, equipment and technology, net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Goodwill  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Intangible assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

16,286  $ 

1,764 
3,842 
2,183 
2,291 
3,005 
1,577 
2,584 

33,532 
1,921 
3,789 
3,425 
17,997 
26,104 
3,731 

Total assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

90,499  $ 

Liabilities 
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Settlement payable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Customer collateral  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accrued compensation and benefits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Client incentives  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accrued liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Current maturities of debt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accrued litigation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Long-term debt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Total liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 18 and Note 20) 

Equity 
Series A, Series B and Series C convertible participating preferred stock (preferred stock), $0.0001 
par value: 25 shares authorized and 5 (Series A less than one, Series B 2, Series C 3) shares 
issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and 2022  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Class A, Class B and Class C common stock and additional paid-in capital, $0.0001 par value: 2,003,341 

shares authorized (Class A 2,001,622, Class B 622, Class C 1,097); 1,849 (Class A 1,594, Class B 245, 
Class C 10) and 1,890 (Class A 1,635, Class B 245, Class C 10) shares issued and outstanding as of 
September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Right to recover for covered losses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accumulated income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): 

Investment securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Derivative instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Total equity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

375  $ 

3,269 
3,005 
1,506 
8,177 
5,015 
— 
1,751 

23,098 
20,463 
5,114 
3,091 

51,766 

20,452 
(140) 
18,040 

(64) 
(155) 
(177) 
(921) 

(1,317) 

38,733 

Total liabilities and equity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

90,499  $ 

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

55 

15,689 
1,449 
2,833 
1,932 
2,020 
2,342 
1,272 
2,668 

30,205 
2,136 
3,348 
3,223 
17,787 
25,065 
3,737 

85,501 

340 
3,281 
2,342 
1,359 
6,099 
3,726 
2,250 
1,456 

20,853 
20,200 
5,332 
3,535 

49,920 

19,545 
(35) 
16,116 

(106) 
(169) 
418 
(2,512) 

(2,369) 

35,581 

85,501 

1,698 

2,324 

VISA INC. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

2023 

2022 

2021 

Net revenues  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

Operating Expenses 
Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Marketing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Network and processing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Professional fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Depreciation and amortization  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
General and administrative 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Litigation provision 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Total operating expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Operating income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Non-operating Income (Expense) 
Interest expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Investment income (expense) and other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Total non-operating income (expense)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Income before income taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Income tax provision  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

(in millions, except per share data) 
32,653 

29,310 

$ 

$ 

5,831 
1,341 
736 
545 
943 
1,330 
927 

11,653 

21,000 

(644) 
681 

37 

21,037 
3,764 

4,990 
1,336 
743 
505 
861 
1,194 
868 

10,497 

18,813 

(538) 
(139) 

(677) 

18,136 
3,179 

Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

17,273 

$ 

14,957 

$ 

Basic Earnings Per Share 

Class A common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

Class B common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

Class C common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

8.29 

13.26 

33.17 

$ 

$ 

$ 

7.01 

11.33 

28.03 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Basic Weighted-average Shares Outstanding 

Class A common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Class B common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Class C common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

1,618 

245 

10 

1,651 

245 

10 

Diluted Earnings Per Share 

Class A common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

Class B common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

Class C common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

8.28 

13.24 

33.13 

$ 

$ 

$ 

7.00 

11.31 

28.00 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Diluted Weighted-average Shares Outstanding 

Class A common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Class B common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Class C common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

2,085 

245 

10 

2,136 

245 

10 

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

56 

24,105 

4,240 
1,136 
730 
403 
804 
985 
3 

8,301 

15,804 

(513) 
772 

259 

16,063 
3,752 

12,311 

5.63 

9.14 

22.53 

1,691 

245 

10 

5.63 

9.13 

22.51 

2,188 

245 

10 

VISA INC. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Other comprehensive income (loss): 

Investment securities: 

Net unrealized gain (loss)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Reclassification adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Income tax effect 

Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans: 

Income tax effect 

Net unrealized actuarial gain (loss) and prior service credit (cost) . . . . . .  
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Reclassification adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Income tax effect 

Derivative instruments: 

Income tax effect 

Net unrealized gain (loss)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Reclassification adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Income tax effect 

Foreign currency translation adjustments: 

Translation adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Income tax effect 

Other comprehensive income (loss)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

2023 

2022 

2021 

(in millions) 

17,273 

$ 

14,957 

$ 

12,311 

53 
(11) 
— 

6 
— 
10 
(2) 

(126) 
24 
49 
(24) 

975 
98 

1,052 

(133) 
28 
— 

(168) 
38 
13 
(3) 

917 
(177) 
(67) 
2 

(3,255) 
— 

(2,805) 

(4) 
1 
(1) 

178 
(41) 
13 
(3) 

19 
(1) 
15 
1 

(95) 
— 

82 

Comprehensive income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

18,325 

$ 

12,152 

$ 

12,393 

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

57 

 
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60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VISA INC. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

2023 

2022 

2021 

(in millions) 

17,273 

$ 

14,957 

$ 

12,311 

Operating Activities 
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating 

activities: 

Client incentives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Share-based compensation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Depreciation and amortization  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred income taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
VE territory covered losses incurred  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
(Gains) losses on equity investments, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Change in operating assets and liabilities: 

Settlement receivable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accounts receivable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Client incentives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accounts payable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Settlement payable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accrued and other liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accrued litigation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Investing Activities 
Purchases of property, equipment and technology  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Investment securities: 

Purchases  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Proceeds from maturities and sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Acquisitions, net of cash and restricted cash acquired  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Purchases of other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Settlement of derivative instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Financing Activities 
Repurchase of class A common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Repayments of debt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Dividends paid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Cash proceeds from issuance of class A common stock under equity plans  . . . . . .  
Restricted stock and performance-based shares settled in cash for taxes  . . . . . . . .  
Other financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and 

12,297 
765 
943 
(483) 
(136) 
104 
14 

(160) 
(250) 
(11,014) 
(24) 
34 
(194) 
1,291 
295 

20,755 

(1,059) 

(4,363) 
3,160 
— 
(121) 
402 
(25) 

(2,006) 

(12,101) 
(2,250) 
(3,751) 
— 
260 
(130) 
200 

(17,772) 

10,295 
602 
861 
(336) 
(43) 
264 
(94) 

(397) 
(97) 
(9,351) 
(666) 
67 
1,256 
1,055 
476 

18,849 

(970) 

(5,997) 
4,585 
(1,948) 
(86) 
— 
128 

(4,288) 

(11,589) 
(1,000) 
(3,203) 
3,218 
196 
(120) 
(198) 

(12,696) 

restricted cash equivalents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

636 

(1,287) 

Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash 

equivalents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

1,613 

578 

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at 

beginning of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

20,377 

19,799 

19,171 

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of 

year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

21,990 

$ 

20,377 

$ 

19,799 

Supplemental Disclosure 
Cash paid for income taxes, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Interest payments on debt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Accruals related to purchases of property, equipment and technology  . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

3,433 
617 
96 

$ 
$ 
$ 

3,741 
607 
56 

$ 
$ 
$ 

3,012 
643 
41 

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

61 

8,367 
542 
804 
873 
(147) 
(712) 
(109) 

(468) 
(343) 
(7,510) 
(147) 
88 
679 
929 
70 

15,227 

(705) 

(5,111) 
5,701 
(75) 
(71) 
— 
109 

(152) 

(8,676) 
(3,000) 
(2,798) 
— 
208 
(144) 
— 

(14,410) 

(37) 

628 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
September 30, 2023 

Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

Organization.  Visa  Inc.  (Visa  or  the  Company),  is  a  global  payments  technology  company  that  facilitates 
global commerce and money movement across more than 200 countries and territories. Visa operates one of the 
world’s  largest  electronic  payments  networks  —  VisaNet  —  which  provides  transaction  processing  services 
(primarily  authorization,  clearing  and  settlement).  The  Company  offers  products,  solutions  and  services  that 
facilitate secure, reliable and efficient money movement for participants in the ecosystem. Visa is not a financial 
institution and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for account holders of Visa products. In 
most cases, account holder and merchant relationships belong to, and are managed by, Visa’s financial institution 
clients. 

Consolidation and basis of presentation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Visa 
and its consolidated entities and are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United  States  of  America  (U.S.  GAAP).  The  Company  consolidates  its  majority-owned  and  controlled  entities, 
including  variable  interest  entities  (VIEs)  for  which  the  Company  is  the  primary  beneficiary.  The  Company’s 
investments  in  VIEs  have  not  been  material  to  its  consolidated  financial  statements  as  of  and  for  the  periods 
presented. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 

During  fiscal  2022,  economic  sanctions  were  imposed  on  Russia,  impacting  Visa  and  its  clients.  In  March 

2022, the Company suspended its operations in Russia and deconsolidated its Russian subsidiary. 

The Company’s activities are interrelated, and each activity is dependent upon and supportive of the other. 
All significant operating decisions are based on analysis of Visa as a single global business. The Company has 
one reportable segment, Payment Services. 

Use  of  estimates.  The  preparation  of  consolidated  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  U.S.  GAAP 
requires  management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  about  future  events.  These  estimates  and 
assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities 
at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the 
reporting period. These estimates may change as new events occur and additional information is obtained, and 
will  be  recognized  in  the  period  in  which  such  changes  occur.  Future  actual  results  could  differ  materially  from 
these estimates. The use of estimates in specific accounting policies is described further below as appropriate. 

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include 
cash and certain highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less from  the date of purchase. 
Cash  equivalents  are  primarily  recorded  at  cost,  which  approximates  fair  value  due  to  their  generally  short 
maturities.  The  Company  defines  restricted  cash  and  restricted  cash  equivalents as  cash  and  cash  equivalents 
that  cannot  be  withdrawn  or  used  for  general  operating  activities.  See  Note  4—Cash,  Cash  Equivalents, 
Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents. 

Restricted cash equivalents—U.S. litigation escrow. The Company maintains an escrow account from which 
monetary  liabilities from  settlements  of,  or  judgments  in,  the  U.S.  covered litigation are  paid. See Note  5—U.S. 
and Europe Retrospective Responsibility Plans and Note 20—Legal Matters for a discussion of the U.S. covered 
litigation. The escrow funds are held in money market investments, and classified as restricted cash equivalents 
on  the  consolidated  balance  sheets.  Interest  earned  on  escrow  funds  is  recognized  in  investment  income 
(expense) and other on the consolidated statements of operations. 

Fair value. The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. 
Certain  non-financial  assets  such  as  goodwill,  intangible  assets  and  property,  equipment  and  technology  are 
subject  to  nonrecurring fair  value measurements  if  they  are  deemed to  be impaired.  Fair value is  the  price that 
would  be  received  to  sell  an  asset  or  paid  to  transfer  a  liability  in  an  orderly  transaction  between  market 

62 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

participants  at  the  measurement  date.  Fair  value  measurements  are  reported  under  a  three-level  valuation 
hierarchy. See Note 6—Fair Value Measurements and Investments. 

Marketable equity securities. Marketable equity securities, which are reported in investment securities on the 
consolidated  balance  sheets,  include  investments  in  publicly  traded  companies  as  well  as  mutual  fund 
investments related to various employee compensation and benefit plans. Interest and dividend income as well as 
gains  and  losses,  realized  and  unrealized,  from  changes  in  fair  value  are  recognized  in  investment  income 
(expense) and other on the consolidated statements of operations. 

Trading  activity  in  the  mutual  fund  investments  is  at  the  direction  of  the  Company’s  employees.  These 
investments  are  held  in  a  trust  and  are  not  considered  by  the  Company  to  be  available  for  its  operational  or 
liquidity  needs.  The  corresponding  liability  is  reported  in  accrued  liabilities  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheets, 
with changes in the liability recognized in personnel expense on the consolidated statements of operations. 

Available-for-sale  debt  securities.  The  Company’s  investments  in  debt  securities,  which  are  classified  as 
available-for-sale and reported in investment securities or cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance 
sheets,  include  U.S.  government-sponsored  debt  securities  and  U.S.  Treasury  securities.  These  securities  are 
recorded at cost at the time of purchase and are carried at fair value. The Company considers these securities to 
be available-for-sale to meet working capital and liquidity needs. Investments with stated maturities of less than 
one  year  from  the  balance  sheet  date,  or  investments  that  the  Company  intends  to  sell  within  one  year,  are 
classified as current assets, while all other securities are classified as non-current assets. Unrealized gains and 
losses are reported in other comprehensive income (loss). The specific identification method is used to calculate 
realized gain or loss on the sale of securities, which is recorded in investment income (expense) and other on the 
consolidated statements of operations. Interest income is recognized when earned and is included in investment 
income (expense) and other on the consolidated statements of operations. 

The  Company  evaluates  its  debt  securities  for  impairment  on  an  ongoing  basis.  When  there  has  been  a 
decline in fair value of a debt security below the amortized cost basis, the Company recognizes an impairment in 
investment income (expense) and other on the consolidated statements of operations if it has the intent to sell the 
security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the 
amortized cost basis. In addition, if the Company identifies that the decline in fair value has resulted from credit 
losses,  the  credit  loss  component  is  recognized  as  an  allowance  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  and  in 
investment  income  (expense)  and  other  on  the  consolidated  statements  of  operations.  The  non-credit  loss 
component remains in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized from a sale or subsequent 
impairment. 

Non-marketable  equity  securities.  The  Company’s  non-marketable  equity  securities,  which  are  reported  in 
other  assets  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheets,  include  investments  in  privately  held  entities  without  readily 
determinable fair values. All gains and losses on non-marketable equity securities are recognized in investment 
income (expense) and other on the consolidated statements of operations. 

The Company applies the equity method of accounting when it does not have control but has the ability to 
exercise significant influence over the entity. Under the equity method, the Company’s share of each entity’s profit 
or loss is recognized in investment income (expense) and other on the consolidated statements of operations. 

The  Company  applies  the  fair  value  measurement  alternative  for  equity  securities  in  certain  other  entities 
when  it  does  not  have  the  ability  to  exercise  significant  influence  over  the  entity.  The  Company  adjusts  the 
carrying value of these equity securities to fair value when orderly transactions for identical or similar investments 
of the same issuer are observable. 

63 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

The  Company  regularly  reviews  investments  accounted  for  under  the  equity  method  and  the  fair  value 
measurement alternative for possible impairment, which generally involves an analysis of the facts and changes 
in  circumstances  influencing  the  investment,  expectations  of  the  entity’s  cash  flows  and  capital  needs,  and  the 
viability of its business model. 

Financial  instruments.  The  Company  considers  the  following  to  be  financial  instruments:  cash,  cash 
equivalents,  restricted  cash,  restricted  cash  equivalents,  investment  securities,  settlement  receivable  and 
payable,  accounts  receivable,  customer  collateral,  non-marketable  equity  securities  and  derivative  instruments. 
See Note 6—Fair Value Measurements and Investments. 

Settlement  receivable  and  payable.  The  Company  operates  systems  for  authorizing,  clearing  and  settling 
payment transactions worldwide. Most U.S. dollar settlements with the Company’s financial institution clients are 
settled within the same day and do not result in a receivable or payable balance. Settlements in currencies other 
than the U.S. dollar generally remain outstanding for one to two business days, resulting in amounts due from and 
to  clients.  These  amounts  are  presented  as  settlement  receivable  and  settlement  payable  on  the  consolidated 
balance sheets. 

Customer  collateral.  The  Company  holds  cash  deposits  and  other  non-cash  assets  from  certain  clients  in 
order to ensure that their performance of settlement obligations arising from Visa payment services are processed 
in  accordance  with  the  Company’s  operating  rules.  The  cash  collateral  assets  are  restricted  and  fully  offset  by 
corresponding liabilities, and both balances are presented on the consolidated balance sheets. Pledged securities 
are held by a custodian in accounts under the Company’s name and ownership. The Company does not have the 
right  to  repledge  these  securities,  but  may  sell  these  securities  in  the  event  of  default  by  the  client  on  its 
settlement  obligations.  Letters  of  credit  are  provided  primarily  by  a  client’s  financial  institutions  to  serve  as 
irrevocable  guarantees  of  payment.  Guarantees  are  provided  primarily  by  a  client’s  parent  to  secure  the 
obligations of its subsidiaries. The Company routinely evaluates the financial viability of institutions providing the 
letters of credit and guarantees. See Note 12—Settlement Guarantee Management. 

Guarantees  and  indemnifications.  The  Company  recognizes  an  obligation  at  inception  for  guarantees  and 
indemnifications that qualify for recognition, regardless of the probability of occurrence. The Company indemnifies 
its  financial  institution  clients  for  settlement  losses  suffered  due  to  the  failure  of  any  other  client  to  fund  its 
settlement  obligations  in  accordance  with  the  Visa  operating  rules.  The  Company  estimates  expected  credit 
losses  and  recognizes  an  allowance  for  those  credit  losses  related  to  its  settlement  indemnification obligations. 
The  estimated  fair  value  of  the  liability  for  settlement  indemnification  is  included  in  accrued  liabilities  on  the 
consolidated balance sheets. 

Property, equipment and technology, net. Property, equipment and technology are recorded at historical cost 
less  accumulated  depreciation  and  amortization,  which  are  computed  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  asset’s 
estimated useful life. Depreciation and amortization of technology, furniture, fixtures and equipment are computed 
over estimated useful lives ranging from 2 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of 
the  useful  life  of  the  asset  or  lease  term.  Building improvements  are  depreciated  between  3  and 40 years,  and 
buildings are depreciated over 40 years. Improvements that increase functionality of the asset are capitalized and 
depreciated over the asset’s remaining useful life. Land and construction-in-progress are not depreciated. 

Technology  includes  purchased  and  internally  developed  software,  including  technology  assets  obtained 
through acquisitions. Internally developed software represents software primarily used by the VisaNet electronic 
payments  network.  Internal  and  external  costs  incurred  during  the  preliminary  project  stage  are  expensed  as 
incurred. Qualifying costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized. Once the project is 
substantially complete and ready for its intended use these costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the 

64 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

technology’s estimated useful life. Acquired technology assets are initially recorded at fair value and amortized on 
a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. 

The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes 
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. If the sum 
of expected undiscounted net future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of an asset or asset group, an 
impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds its fair 
value. See Note 7—Property, Equipment and Technology, Net. 

Leases. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at its inception. Right-of-use (ROU) assets, 
and  corresponding  lease  liabilities,  are  recognized  at  the  commencement  date  based  on  the  present  value  of 
remaining lease payments over the lease term. For this purpose, the Company considers only payments that are 
fixed and determinable at the time of commencement. As a majority of the Company’s leases do not provide an 
implicit  rate,  the  Company  uses  its  incremental  borrowing  rate  based  on  the  information  available  at  the 
commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The ROU asset also includes any lease 
payments made prior to commencement and is recorded net of any lease incentives received. The lease terms 
may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise 
such options. The Company does not record a ROU asset and corresponding liability for leases with terms of 12 
months or less. 

Lease  agreements  generally  contain  lease  and  non-lease  components.  Non-lease  components  primarily 
include payments for maintenance and utilities. The Company does not combine lease payments with non-lease 
components  for  any  of  its  leases.  Operating  leases  are  recorded  as  ROU  assets,  which  are  included  in  other 
assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The current portion of lease liabilities are included in accrued liabilities 
and the long-term portion is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s lease 
cost is included in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations and consists 
of amounts recognized under lease agreements, adjusted for impairment and sublease income. 

Business combinations. The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method and 
accordingly,  the  identifiable  assets  acquired,  the  liabilities  assumed,  and  any  noncontrolling  interest  in  the 
acquiree are generally recorded at their acquisition date fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the fair 
value of net assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related 
costs are expensed in the periods in which the costs are incurred. 

Intangible  assets,  net  and  goodwill. The Company records identifiable intangible assets at fair value on the 

date of acquisition and evaluates the useful life of each asset. 

Finite-lived intangible assets  primarily consist  of  customer  relationships and trade  names  obtained through 
acquisitions. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis and are tested for recoverability if 
events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  their  carrying  amounts  may  not  be  recoverable.  These 
intangibles have useful lives ranging from 3 to 15 years. 

Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade name, customer relationships and reacquired rights. Intangible 
assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if 
events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  impairment  may  exist.  The  Company  first  assesses  qualitative 
factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible 
assets. The Company assesses each category of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an aggregate 
basis, which may require the allocation of cash flows and/or an estimate of fair value to the assets or asset group. 
Impairment exists if the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than the carrying value. 

65 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  the  purchase  price  over  the  fair  value  of  the  net  assets  acquired  in  a 
business  combination.  Goodwill  is  not  amortized  but  is  evaluated  for  impairment  at  the  reporting  unit  level 
annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. 

The Company performed its annual impairment review of indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill as of 
February  1,  2023,  and  concluded  there  was  no  impairment  as  of  that  date.  No  recent  events  or  changes  in 
circumstances  indicate  that  impairment  existed  as  of  September  30,  2023.  See  Note  8—Intangible  Assets  and 
Goodwill. 

Accrued  litigation.  The  Company  evaluates  the  likelihood  of  an  unfavorable  outcome  in  legal  or  regulatory 
proceedings  to  which  it  is  a  party  and  records  a  loss  contingency  when  it  is  probable  that  a  liability  has  been 
incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These judgments are subjective and based on 
a number of factors, including the specifics of such legal or regulatory proceedings, the merits of the Company’s 
defenses and consultation with internal and external legal counsel. Actual outcomes of these legal and regulatory 
proceedings may differ materially from the Company’s estimates. The Company expenses legal costs as incurred 
in professional fees on the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 20—Legal Matters. 

Revenue  recognition.  The  Company’s  net  revenues  are  comprised  principally  of  the  following  categories: 
service revenues, data processing revenues, international transaction revenues and other revenues, reduced by 
client incentives. As a payments network service provider, the Company’s obligation to the customer is to stand 
ready  to  provide  continuous  access  to  Visa’s  payments  network  over  the  contractual  term,  facilitate  the 
processing of payment transactions, including authorization, clearing and settlement, and deliver related products 
and services. The Company delivers its payments network services directly to issuers and acquirers, who provide 
those services to others within the payments network: the merchants and consumers. The Company considers all 
parties in Visa’s payments network as customers. The Company earns net revenues primarily from issuers and 
acquirers.  Consideration  is  variable  based  primarily  upon  the  amount  and  type  of  transactions  and  payments 
volume on Visa’s products. The transaction price for each specific service is reported net of discounts attributable 
to  individual  services  or  fees.  The  Company  recognizes  revenue,  net  of  sales  and  other  similar  taxes,  as  the 
payments network services are performed in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to 
receive  in  exchange  for  those  services.  The  Company  has  elected  the  optional  exemption  to  not  disclose  the 
remaining performance obligations related to payments network services and other performance obligations which 
are  constrained  by  and  dependent  upon  the  future  performance  of  its  clients,  which are  variable in nature.  The 
Company  also  recognizes  revenues,  net  of  sales  and  other  similar  taxes,  from  other  value  added  services, 
including issuing solutions, acceptance solutions, risk and identity solutions, open banking and advisory services, 
as these value added services are performed. 

Service revenues consist mainly of revenues earned for services provided in support of client usage of Visa 
payment services. These revenues include fees related to payments volumes. Visa’s obligation is to stand ready 
to  provide  continuous  access  to  Visa’s  payments  network  and  related  services  with  respect  to  Visa-branded 
payments  programs.  Current  quarter  service  revenues  are  primarily  assessed  using  a  calculation  of  current 
quarter’s pricing applied to the prior quarter’s payments volume. 

Data  processing  revenues  consist  of  revenues  earned  for  authorization,  clearing,  settlement;  value  added 
services related to issuing, acceptance, and risk and identity solutions; network access; and other maintenance 
and support services that facilitate transaction and information processing among the Company’s clients globally. 
Data  processing  revenues  are  recognized  in  the  same  period  the  related  transactions  occur  or  services  are 
performed. 

International  transaction  revenues  are  earned  for  cross-border  transaction  processing  and  currency 
conversion  activities.  Cross-border  transactions  arise  when  the  country  of  origin  of  the  issuer  or  financial 

66 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

institution originating the transaction is different from that of the beneficiary. International transaction revenues are 
recognized in the same period the cross-border transactions occur or services are performed. 

Other  revenues  consist  mainly  of  value  added  services  related  to  advisory,  marketing  and  certain  card 
benefits; license fees for use of the Visa brand or technology; and fees for account holder services, certification 
and licensing. Other  revenues are recognized in the same period the related transactions occur or services are 
performed. 

Client  incentives.  The  Company  enters  into  long-term  contracts  with  financial  institution  clients,  merchants 
and  other  business  partners  for  various  programs  that  provide  cash  and  other  incentives  designed  to  increase 
revenue  by  growing  payments  volume,  increasing  Visa  product  acceptance,  winning  merchant  routing 
transactions over to Visa’s network and driving innovation. Incentives are classified as reductions to net revenues 
within client incentives, unless the incentive is a cash payment made in exchange for a distinct good or service 
provided by the customer, in which case the payment is classified as operating expense. The Company generally 
capitalizes  upfront  and  fixed  incentive  payments  as  client  incentive  assets  under  these  agreements  when  paid 
and  amortizes  the  amounts  as  a  reduction  to  revenues  ratably  over  the  contractual  term.  Incentives  that  are 
earned  by  the  customer  based  on  performance  targets  are  recorded  when  earned  and  disclosed  as  client 
incentive  liabilities  and  as  reductions  to  revenues  based  on  management’s  estimate  of  each  client’s  future 
performance. These accruals are regularly reviewed and estimates of performance are adjusted, as appropriate, 
based on changes in performance expectations, actual client performance, amendments to existing contracts or 
the  execution  of  new  contracts.  Client  incentive  assets  and  liabilities are  classified  on  the  consolidated balance 
sheets as current or long-term based on a 12-month operating cycle. 

Marketing.  The  Company  expenses  costs  for  the  production  of  advertising  as  incurred.  The  cost  of  media 
advertising  is  expensed  when  the  advertising  takes  place.  Sponsorship costs  are  recognized  over  the  period in 
which the Company benefits from the sponsorship rights. Promotional costs are expensed as incurred, when the 
related services are received, or when the related event occurs. 

Income  taxes.  The  Company’s  income  tax  expense  consists  of  two  components:  current  and  deferred. 
Current  income  tax  expense  represents  taxes  paid  or  payable  for  the  current  period.  Deferred  tax  assets  and 
liabilities are recognized to reflect the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the 
financial statement carrying amounts and the respective tax basis of existing assets and liabilities, and operating 
loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected 
to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or 
settled. In assessing whether deferred tax assets are realizable, management considers whether it is more likely 
than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. A valuation allowance is recorded 
for the portions that are not expected to be realized based on the level of historical taxable income, projections of 
future  taxable  income  over  the  periods  in  which  the  temporary  differences  are  deductible,  and  qualifying  tax 
planning strategies. 

Where  interpretation  of  the  tax  law  may  be  uncertain,  the  Company  recognizes,  measures  and  discloses 
income  tax  uncertainties.  The  Company  accounts  for  interest  expense  and  penalties  related  to  uncertain  tax 
positions  in  interest  expense  and  investment  income  (expense)  and  other,  respectively,  on  the  consolidated 
statements  of  operations.  The  Company  files  a  consolidated  federal  income  tax  return  and,  in  certain  states, 
combined state tax returns. The Company elects to claim foreign tax credits in any given year if such election is 
beneficial to the Company. See Note 19—Income Taxes. 

Foreign  currency  remeasurement  and  translation. The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar for 
the majority of its foreign operations except for Visa Europe Limited (Visa Europe) whose functional currency is 

67 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

the Euro. Transactions denominated in currencies other than the applicable functional currency are converted to 
the functional currency at the exchange rate on the transaction date. At period end, monetary assets and liabilities 
are  remeasured  to  the  functional  currency  using  exchange  rates  in  effect  at  the  balance  sheet  dates. 
Non-monetary  assets  and  liabilities  are  remeasured  at  historical  exchange  rates.  Resulting  foreign  currency 
transaction  gains  and  losses  related  to  conversion  and  remeasurement  are  recorded  in  general  and 
administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations and were not material for fiscal 2023, 2022 
and 2021. 

Where  a  non-U.S.  currency  is  the  functional  currency,  translation  from  that  functional  currency  to  the  U.S. 
dollar is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates and for 
revenue and expense accounts using an average exchange rate for the period. Resulting translation adjustments 
are  reported  as  a  component  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  on  the  consolidated  balance 
sheets. 

Derivative  and  hedging  instruments.  The  Company  uses  foreign  exchange  forward  derivative  contracts  to 
reduce  its  exposure  to  foreign  currency  rate  changes  on  forecasted  non-functional  currency  denominated 
operational cash flows. The terms of these derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges are generally no 
more than 12 months. The Company uses regression analysis to assess hedge effectiveness prospectively and 
retrospectively. The effectiveness tests are performed on foreign exchange forward contracts based on changes 
in  the  spot  rate  of  the  derivative  instrument  compared  to  changes  in  the  spot  rate  of  the  forecasted  hedged 
transaction. 

Derivatives are carried at fair value on a gross basis on the consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses 
resulting  from  changes in the  fair  value of  derivative contracts  designated as  cash  flow hedges are  recorded  in 
other  comprehensive  income  (loss).  When  the  forecasted  transaction  occurs  and is  recognized in earnings, the 
amount  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  related  to  that  hedge  is  reclassified  to  the 
consolidated  statements  of  operations  in  the  corresponding  account  where  revenue  or  expense  is  recorded. 
Forward  points  are  excluded  from  effectiveness  testing  purposes  and  are  reported  in  earnings.  Derivatives 
designated  as  cash  flow  hedges  are  subject  to  master  netting  agreements,  which  provide  the  Company  with  a 
legal right to net settle multiple payable and receivable positions with the same counterparty, in a single currency 
through  a  single  payment.  However,  the  Company  presents  fair  values  on  a  gross  basis  on  the  consolidated 
balance sheets. 

The  Company  holds  foreign  exchange  forward  derivative  contracts  and  other  non-derivative  financial 
instruments which were designated as net investment hedges against a portion of the Company’s net investment 
in Visa Europe. The Company also holds interest rate and cross-currency swap agreements on a portion of the 
outstanding senior notes that allows the Company to manage its interest rate exposure through a combination of 
fixed  and  floating  rates  and  reduce  the  overall  cost  of  borrowing.  The  Company  designated  the  interest  rate 
swaps as fair value hedges and the cross-currency swaps as net investment hedges. Gains and losses related to 
hedging instruments for fair value hedges are recognized in interest expense along with a corresponding loss or 
gain  related  to  the  change  in  the  fair  value  of  the  underlying  hedged  item  in  the  same  line  item  on  the 
consolidated  statements  of  operations.  Gains  and  losses  related  to  hedging  instruments  for  net  investment 
hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). Amounts excluded from the effectiveness testing of 
net investment hedges are recognized in earnings. 

The  Company  utilizes  foreign  exchange  forward  derivative  contracts  to  hedge  against  foreign  currency 
exchange  rate  fluctuations  related  to  certain  monetary  assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in  foreign  currencies. 
Gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments not designated for hedge 
accounting are recorded in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations. 

68 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Cash  flows  associated  with  a  cash  flow  hedge  are  classified  as  an  operating  activity  on  the  consolidated 
statements of cash flows. Cash flows associated with a fair value hedge may be included in operating, investing 
or financing activities depending on the classification of the items being hedged. Cash flows associated with a net 
investment hedge are classified as an investing activity. See Note 13—Derivative and Hedging Instruments. 

Share-based compensation. The Company measures share-based compensation cost at the grant date, net 
of estimated forfeitures, based on the estimated fair value of the award. The Company recognizes compensation 
cost  for  awards  with  only  service  conditions  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  requisite  service  period,  which  is 
generally  the  vesting  period.  Compensation  cost  for  performance-based  awards  is  recognized  on  a  graded-
vesting basis. The amount is initially estimated based on target performance and is adjusted as appropriate based 
on management’s best estimate throughout the performance period. See Note 17—Share-based Compensation. 

Earnings  per  share. The Company calculates earnings per share using the two-class method to reflect the 

different rights of each class and series of outstanding common stock. 

Basic  earnings  per  share  is  computed  by  dividing  net  income  available  to  each  class  of  shares  by  the 
weighted-average number of shares of common stock and participating securities outstanding during the period. 
Participating securities include the Company’s series A, B and C preferred stock and restricted stock units (RSUs) 
that  contain  non-forfeitable  rights  to  dividends or  dividend equivalents. Net  income is  allocated to  each class of 
common  stock  and  participating  securities  based  on  its  proportional  ownership  on  an  as-converted  basis.  The 
weighted-average  number  of  shares  outstanding  of  each  class  of  common  stock  reflects  changes  in  ownership 
over the periods presented. See Note 15—Stockholders’ Equity. 

Diluted  earnings  per  share  is  computed  by  dividing  net  income  available  to  each  class  of  shares  by  the 
weighted-average  number  of  shares  of  common  stock  outstanding,  participating  securities  outstanding  and,  if 
dilutive,  potential  class  A  common  stock  equivalent  shares  outstanding  during  the  period.  Dilutive  class  A 
common stock equivalents may consist of: (1) shares of class A common stock issuable upon the conversion of 
series  A,  B  and  C  preferred  stock  and  class  B  and  C  common  stock  based  on  the  conversion  rates  in  effect 
through the period, and (2) incremental shares of class A common stock calculated by applying the treasury stock 
method  to  the  assumed  exercise  of  employee  stock  options,  the  assumed  purchase  of  stock  under  the 
Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the assumed vesting of unearned performance shares. See Note 
16—Earnings Per Share. 

Recently  Adopted  Accounting  Pronouncement.  In  March  2020,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board 
(FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2020-04, which provides optional expedients and exceptions 
for  applying  U.S.  GAAP  to  contracts,  hedging  relationships  and  other  transactions  that  reference  the  London 
Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate 
reform.  Subsequently,  the  FASB  also  issued  amendments  to  this  standard.  The  amendments  in  the  ASU  are 
effective upon issuance through December 31, 2024. During fiscal 2023, the Company adopted certain optional 
expedients provided in this ASU in relation to contract modifications and hedge accounting. The adoption did not 
have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. 

Note 2—Acquisitions 

Pending Acquisition 

In  June  2023,  Visa  entered  into  a  definitive  agreement  to  acquire  Pismo  Holdings,  a  cloud-native  issuer 
processing and core banking platform with operations in Latin America, Asia Pacific and Europe, for $1.0 billion in 
cash.  This  acquisition  is  subject  to  customary  closing  conditions,  including  applicable  regulatory  reviews  and 
approvals. 

69 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Fiscal 2022 Acquisitions 

Currencycloud.  In  December  2021,  Visa  acquired  The  Currency  Cloud  Group  Limited  (Currencycloud),  a 
global platform that enables financial institutions and fintechs to provide innovative cross-border foreign exchange 
solutions, for a total purchase consideration of $893 million (which includes the fair value of Visa’s previously held 
equity  interest  in  Currencycloud).  The  Company  allocated  $150  million  of  the  purchase  consideration  to 
technology,  customer  relationships,  other  net  assets  acquired  and  deferred  tax  liabilities  and  the  remaining 
$743 million to goodwill. 

Tink. In March 2022, Visa acquired 100% of the share capital of Tink AB (Tink) for $1.9 billion in cash. Tink is 
an open banking platform that enables financial institutions, fintechs and merchants to build financial products and 
services and move money. The acquisition is expected to help accelerate the adoption of open banking around 
the world by providing a secure, reliable platform for innovation. 

The following table summarizes the final purchase price allocation for Tink: 

Purchase Price 
Allocation 

Weighted-
Average Useful 
Life 

(in millions) 

(in years) 

Technology  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $  
Customer relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred tax liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other net assets acquired (liabilities assumed)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Goodwill  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

245  
90  
(71) 
25  
1,577 

1,866 

4  
6  

5 

Goodwill  is  primarily  attributable  to  synergies  expected  to  be  achieved  from  the  acquisition  and  the 

assembled workforce. The goodwill recognized is not deductible for tax purposes. 

Note 3—Revenues 

The  nature,  amount,  timing  and  uncertainty  of  the  Company’s  revenues  and  cash  flows  and  how  they  are 
affected  by  economic  factors  are  most  appropriately  depicted  through  the  Company’s  revenue  categories  and 
geographical markets. The following tables disaggregate the Company’s net revenues by revenue category and 
by geography: 

2023 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

2022 

(in millions) 

Service revenues  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Data processing revenues  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
International transaction revenues  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Client incentives  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

14,826  $ 
16,007 
11,638 
2,479 
(12,297) 

13,361  $ 
14,438 
9,815 
1,991 
(10,295) 

Net revenues  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

32,653  $ 

29,310  $ 

2021 

11,475 
12,792 
6,530 
1,675 
(8,367) 

24,105 

70 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

2023 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

2022 

(in millions) 

2021 

U.S.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
International  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

14,138  $ 
18,515 

Net revenues  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

32,653  $ 

12,851  $ 
16,459 

29,310  $ 

11,160 
12,945 

24,105 

Remaining performance obligations are comprised of deferred revenues and contract revenues that will be 
invoiced  and  recognized  as  revenues  in  future  periods  primarily  related  to  value  added  services.  As  of 
September  30,  2023,  the  remaining  performance  obligations  were  $2.9  billion.  The  Company  expects 
approximately half to be recognized as revenue in the next two years and the remaining thereafter. However, the 
amount  and  timing  of  revenue  recognition  is  affected  by  several  factors,  including  contract  modifications  and 
terminations,  which  could  impact  the  estimate  of  amounts  allocated  to  remaining  performance  obligations  and 
when such revenues could be recognized. 

Note 4—Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents 

The Company reconciles cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents reported on 
the consolidated balance sheets that aggregate to the beginning and ending balances shown in the consolidated 
statements of cash flows as follows: 

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents: 

September 30, 

2023 

2022 

(in millions) 

16,286 

$ 

15,689 

U.S. litigation escrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Customer collateral  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

1,764 
3,005 
935 

1,449 
2,342 
897 

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents  . . .   $ 

21,990 

$ 

20,377 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents related to 
funds held by the Company on behalf of clients in segregated bank accounts that generally cannot be withdrawn 
or  used  for  general  operating  activities.  These  amounts  are  fully  offset  by  corresponding  liabilities  recorded  in 
accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. 

Note 5—U.S. and Europe Retrospective Responsibility Plans 

U.S. Retrospective Responsibility Plan 

The  Company  has  established  several  related  mechanisms  designed  to  address  potential  liability  under 
certain  litigation  (U.S.  covered  litigation).  These  mechanisms  are  included  in  and  referred  to  as  the  U.S. 
retrospective responsibility plan and consist of a U.S. litigation escrow agreement, the conversion feature of the 
Company’s shares of class B common stock, the indemnification obligations of the Visa U.S.A. Inc. (Visa U.S.A.) 
members, an interchange judgment sharing agreement, a loss sharing agreement and an omnibus agreement, as 
amended. 

71 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

U.S.  covered  litigation  consists  of  a  number  of  matters  that  have  been  settled  or  otherwise  fully  or 

substantially resolved, as well as the following: 

• 

the  Interchange  Multidistrict  Litigation.  In  re  Payment  Card  Interchange  Fee  and  Merchant  Discount 
Antitrust Litigation, 1:05-md-01720-JG-JO (E.D.N.Y.) or MDL 1720, including all cases currently included 
in  MDL  1720,  any  other  case  that  includes  claims  for  damages  relating  to  the  period  prior  to  the 
Company’s  initial  public  offering  (IPO)  that  has  been  or  is  transferred  for  coordinated  or  consolidated 
pre-trial proceedings at any time to MDL 1720 by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation or otherwise 
included at any time in MDL 1720 by order of any court of competent jurisdiction; 

•  any  claim  that  challenges  the  reorganization  or  the  consummation  thereof;  provided  that  such  claim  is 
transferred for coordinated or consolidated pre-trial proceedings at any time to MDL 1720 by the Judicial 
Panel on  Multidistrict  Litigation  or  otherwise  included at  any  time  in  MDL  1720  by  order  of  any  court  of 
competent jurisdiction; and 

•  any  case  brought  after  October  22,  2015  by  a  merchant  that  opted  out  of  the  Rule  23(b)(3)  settlement 
class in MDL 1720 that arises out of facts or circumstances substantially similar to those alleged in MDL 
1720 and that is not transferred to or otherwise included in MDL 1720. See Note 20—Legal Matters. 

U.S.  litigation  escrow  agreement.  In  accordance  with  the  U.S.  litigation  escrow  agreement,  the  Company 
maintains an escrow account, from which settlements of, or judgments in, the U.S. covered litigation are paid. The 
amount  of  the  escrow  is  determined  by  the  board  of  directors  and  the  Company’s  litigation  committee,  all 
members  of  which  are  affiliated  with,  or  act  for,  certain  Visa  U.S.A.  members.  The  accrual  related  to  the  U.S. 
covered litigation could be either higher or lower than the U.S. litigation escrow account balance. See Note 20— 
Legal Matters. 

The following table presents the changes in the restricted cash equivalents—U.S. litigation escrow account: 

Balance as of beginning of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Deposits into the U.S. litigation escrow account  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Payments to opt-out merchants(1), net of interest earned on escrow funds  . . . .  

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

2023 

2022 

(in millions) 

$ 

1,449 
1,000 
(685) 

894 
850 
(295) 

Balance as of end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

1,764 

$ 

1,449 

(1)  These payments are associated with the interchange multidistrict litigation. See Note 20—Legal Matters. 

Conversion  feature.  Under  the  terms  of  the  plan,  when  the  Company  funds  the  U.S.  litigation  escrow 
account, the value of the Company’s class B common stock is subject to dilution through a downward adjustment 
to the rate at which shares of class B common stock ultimately convert into shares of class A common stock. This 
has  the  same  economic  effect  on  earnings  per  share  as  repurchasing  the  Company’s  class  A  common  stock, 
because it reduces the class B conversion rate and consequently the as-converted class A common stock share 
count with each deposit amount. See Note 15—Stockholders’ Equity. 

Indemnification  obligations.  To  the  extent  that  amounts  available  under  the  U.S.  litigation  escrow 
arrangement  and  other  agreements  in  the  plan  are  insufficient  to  fully  resolve  the  U.S.  covered  litigation,  the 
Company  will  use  commercially  reasonable  efforts  to  enforce  the  indemnification  obligations  of  Visa  U.S.A.’s 
members for such excess amounts, including but not limited to enforcing indemnification obligations pursuant to 
Visa U.S.A.’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws and in accordance with their membership agreements. 

72 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Interchange  judgment  sharing  agreement.  Visa  U.S.A.  and  Visa  International  Service  Association  (Visa 
International)  have  entered  into  an  interchange  judgment  sharing  agreement  with  certain  Visa  U.S.A.  members 
that  have  been  named  as  defendants  in  the  interchange  multidistrict  litigation,  which  is  described  in  Note  20— 
Legal  Matters.  Under  this  judgment  sharing  agreement,  Visa  U.S.A.  members  that  are  signatories will pay their 
membership proportion of the amount of a final judgment not allocated to the conduct of Mastercard. 

Loss sharing agreement. Visa has entered into a loss sharing agreement with Visa U.S.A., Visa International 
and  certain  Visa  U.S.A.  members.  The  loss  sharing  agreement  provides  for  the  indemnification  of  Visa  U.S.A., 
Visa International and, in certain circumstances, Visa with respect to: (i) the amount of a final judgment paid by 
Visa  U.S.A.  or  Visa  International  in  the  U.S.  covered  litigation  after  the  operation  of  the  U.S.  litigation  escrow 
arrangement,  conversion  feature  of  the  Company’s  class  B  common  stock  and  interchange  judgment  sharing 
agreement, plus any amounts reimbursable to the interchange judgment sharing agreement signatories; or (ii) the 
damages  portion  of  a  settlement  of  a  U.S.  covered  litigation  that  is  approved  as  required  under  Visa  U.S.A.’s 
certificate of incorporation by the vote of Visa U.S.A.’s specified voting members. The several obligation of each 
bank that is a party to the loss sharing agreement will equal the amount of any final judgment enforceable against 
Visa  U.S.A.,  Visa  International  or  any  other  signatory  to  the  interchange  judgment  sharing  agreement,  or  the 
amount  of  any  approved  settlement  of  a  U.S.  covered  litigation,  multiplied  by  such  bank’s  then-current 
membership proportion as calculated in accordance with Visa U.S.A.’s certificate of incorporation. 

On  October  22,  2015,  Visa  entered  into  an  amendment  to  the  loss  sharing  agreement.  The  amendment 
includes within the scope of U.S. covered litigation any action brought after the amendment by an opt-out from the 
Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class in MDL 1720 that arises out of facts or circumstances substantially similar to those 
alleged in MDL 1720 and that is not transferred to or otherwise included in MDL 1720. On the same date, Visa 
entered  into  amendments  to  the  interchange judgment sharing agreement  and omnibus agreement  that  include 
any such action within the scope of those agreements as well. 

Omnibus  agreement.  Visa  entered  into  an  omnibus  agreement  with  Mastercard  and  certain  Visa  U.S.A. 
members that confirmed and memorialized the signatories’ intentions with respect to the loss sharing agreement, 
the  interchange  judgment  sharing  agreement  and  other  agreements  relating  to  the  interchange  multidistrict 
litigation, see Note 20—Legal Matters. Under the omnibus agreement, the monetary portion of any settlement of 
the  interchange  multidistrict  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  U.S. 
retrospective  responsibility  plan.  The  litigation  provision  on  the  consolidated  statements  of  operations  was  not 
impacted by the execution of the omnibus agreement. 

On August 26, 2014, Visa entered into an amendment to the omnibus agreement. The omnibus amendment 
makes applicable to certain settlements in opt-out cases in the interchange multidistrict litigation the settlement-
sharing  provisions  of  the  omnibus  agreement,  pursuant  to  which  the  monetary  portion  of  any  settlement  of  the 
interchange multidistrict litigation covered by the omnibus agreement would be divided into a Mastercard portion 
at  33.3333%  and  a  Visa  portion  at  66.6667%.  The  omnibus  amendment  also  provides  that  in  the  event  of 
termination  of  the  class  settlement  agreement,  Visa  and  Mastercard  would  make  mutually  acceptable 
arrangements so that Visa shall have received two-thirds and Mastercard shall have received one-third of the total 
of (i) the sums paid to defendants as a result of the termination of the settlement agreement and (ii) the takedown 
payments previously made to defendants. 

73 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Europe Retrospective Responsibility Plan 

UK loss sharing agreement. The Company has entered into a loss sharing agreement with Visa Europe and 
certain of Visa Europe’s member financial institutions located in the United Kingdom (UK LSA members). Each of 
the  UK  LSA  members  has  agreed,  on  a  several  and  not  joint  basis,  to  compensate  the  Company  for  certain 
losses which may be incurred by the Company, Visa Europe or their affiliates as a result of certain existing and 
potential litigation relating to the setting and implementation of domestic multilateral interchange fee rates in the 
United Kingdom prior to the closing of the Visa Europe acquisition (Closing), subject to the terms and conditions 
set  forth  therein  and,  with  respect  to  each  UK  LSA  member,  up  to  a  maximum  amount  of  the  up-front  cash 
consideration received by such UK LSA member. The UK LSA members’ obligations under the UK loss sharing 
agreement are conditional upon, among other things, either (a) losses valued in excess of the sterling equivalent 
on  June  21,  2016  of  €1.0  billion  having  arisen  in  UK  covered  claims  (and  such  losses  having  reduced  the 
conversion rate of the series B preferred stock accordingly), or (b) the conversion rate of the series B preferred 
stock having been reduced to zero pursuant to losses arising in claims relating to multilateral interchange fee rate 
setting in the Visa Europe territory. 

Litigation management deed. The Company has entered into a litigation management deed with Visa Europe 
which  sets  forth  the  agreed  upon  procedures  for  the  management  of  the  VE  territory  covered  litigation,  the 
allocation of losses resulting from this litigation (VE territory covered losses) between the series B and C preferred 
stock,  and  any  accelerated  conversion  or  reduction  in  the  conversion  rate  of  the  shares  of  series  B  and  C 
preferred  stock.  The  litigation  management  deed  applies  only  to  VE  territory  covered  litigation  (and  resultant 
losses  and  liabilities).  The  litigation  management  deed  provides  that  the  Company  will  generally  control  the 
conduct of the VE territory covered litigation, subject to certain obligations to report and consult with the litigation 
management committee  for VE territory covered litigation (VE Territory Litigation Management Committee). The 
VE  Territory  Litigation  Management  Committee,  which  is  composed  of  representatives  of  certain  Visa  Europe 
members, has also been granted consent rights to approve certain material decisions in relation to the VE territory 
covered litigation. 

The  Company  obtained  certain  protections  for  VE  territory  covered  losses  through  the  series  B  and  C 
preferred  stock,  the  UK  loss  sharing  agreement,  and  the  litigation  management  deed,  (collectively  Europe 
retrospective  responsibility  plan).  The  plan  covers  VE  territory  covered  litigation  (and  resultant  liabilities  and 
losses)  relating to  the  covered period, which generally refers  to  the  period before  the  Closing. Visa’s protection 
from  the  plan  is  further  limited  to  70%  of  any  liabilities  where  the  claim  relates  to  inter-regional  multilateral 
interchange fee rates where the issuer is located outside the Visa Europe territory, and the merchant is located 
within the Visa Europe territory. The plan does not protect the Company in Europe against all types of litigation or 
remedies or fines imposed in competition law enforcement proceedings, only the interchange litigation specifically 
covered by the plan’s terms. 

Unlike the U.S. retrospective responsibility plan, the Europe retrospective responsibility plan does not have 
an escrow account that is used to fund settlements or judgments. The Company is entitled to recover VE territory 
covered  losses  through  periodic  adjustments  to  the  class  A  common  stock  conversion  rates  applicable  to  the 
series B and C preferred stock. The total amount of protection available through the preferred stock component of 
the Europe retrospective responsibility plan is equivalent to the as-converted value of the preferred stock, which 
can be calculated at any point in time as the product of: (a) the outstanding number of shares of preferred stock; 
(b) the current conversion rate applicable to each class of preferred stock; and (c) Visa’s class A common stock 
price.  This  amount  differs  from  the  value  of  the  preferred  stock  recorded  within  stockholders’  equity  on  the 
Company’s  consolidated  balance  sheets.  The  book  value  of  the  preferred  stock  reflects  its  historical  value 
recorded  at  the  Closing  less  VE  territory  covered  losses  recovered  through  a  reduction  of  the  applicable 
conversion  rate.  The  book  value  does  not  reflect  changes  in  the  underlying  class  A  common  stock  price 
subsequent to the Closing. 

74 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Visa Inc. net income is not impacted by VE territory covered losses as long as the as-converted value of the 
preferred  stock  is  greater  than  the  covered  loss.  VE  territory  covered  losses  are  recorded  when  the  loss  is 
deemed to be probable and reasonably estimable, or in the case of attorney’s fees, when incurred. Concurrently, 
the Company records a reduction to stockholders’ equity, which represents the Company’s right to recover such 
losses  through  adjustments  to  the  conversion  rate  applicable  to  the  preferred  stock.  The  reduction  to 
stockholders’ equity is recorded in the contra-equity account right to recover for covered losses. 

VE  territory  covered  losses  may  be  recorded  before  the  corresponding  adjustment  to  the  applicable 
conversion  rate  is  effected.  Adjustments  to  the  conversion  rate  may  be  executed  once  in  any  six-month  period 
unless a single, individual loss greater than €20 million is incurred, in which case, the six-month limitation does not 
apply. When the adjustment to the conversion rate is made, the amount previously recorded in right to recover for 
covered losses is then recorded against the book value of the preferred stock within stockholders’ equity. 

As required by the litigation management deed, on June 21, 2022, the sixth anniversary of the Visa Europe 
acquisition,  Visa,  in  consultation  with  the  VE  Territory  Litigation  Management  Committee,  carried  out  a  release 
assessment.  After  the  completion  of  this  assessment,  the  Company  released  $3.5  billion  of  the  as-converted 
value from its series B and C preferred stock and issued 176,655 shares of series A preferred stock on July 29, 
2022 (Sixth Anniversary Release). Each holder of a share of series B and C preferred stock received a number of 
series  A  preferred  stock  equal  to  the  applicable  conversion  adjustment  divided  by  100.  The  Company  paid 
$3  million  in  cash  in  lieu  of  issuing  fractional  shares  of  series  A  preferred  stock.  See  Note  15—Stockholders’ 
Equity. 

The following table presents the activities related to VE territory covered losses in preferred stock and right 

to recover for covered losses within stockholders’ equity: 

Preferred Stock 

Series B 

Series C 

(in millions) 

Right to Recover for 
Covered Losses 

Balance as of September 30, 2022  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $  
VE territory covered losses incurred(1)  . . . . . . . . . .  
Recovery through conversion rate 

adjustment(2)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Balance as of September 30, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

460   $  

— 

(19) 

441  $ 

812   $  

— 

(11) 

801  $ 

(35) 
(136) 

31 

(140) 

Preferred Stock 

Series B 

Series C 

(in millions) 

Right to Recover for 
Covered Losses 

Balance as of September 30, 2021  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
VE territory covered losses incurred(1)  . . . . . . . . . .  
Recovery through conversion rate adjustment  . . . 
Sixth Anniversary Release  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

1,071  $ 
— 
(135) 
(476) 

Balance as of September 30, 2022  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $  

460   $  

1,523  $ 
— 
(6) 
(705) 

812   $  

(133) 
(43) 
141 
— 

(35) 

(1)  VE territory covered losses incurred reflect settlements with merchants and additional legal costs. See Note 20—Legal Matters. 
(2)  Adjustment  to  right  to  recover  for  covered  losses  for  the  conversion  rate  adjustment  differs  from  the  actual  recovered  amount  due  to 
differences in foreign exchange rates between the time the losses were incurred and the subsequent recovery through the conversion rate 
adjustment. 

75 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

The following table presents the as-converted value of the preferred stock available to recover VE territory 
covered  losses  compared  to  the  book  value  of  preferred  stock  recorded  in  stockholders’  equity  within  the 
Company’s consolidated balance sheets: 

September 30, 

2023 

2022 

As-converted 
Value of 
Preferred 
Stock(1),(2) 

Book Value of 
Preferred 
Stock(1) 

As-converted 
Value of 
Preferred 
Stock(1),(3)

Book Value of 
Preferred 
Stock(1) 

Series B preferred stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Series C preferred stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

1,676  $ 
2,635 

(in millions) 
$ 
441 
801 

Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Less: right to recover for covered losses  . . . . . . . .  

4,311 
(140) 

1,242 
(140) 

$ 

1,309 
2,044 

3,353 
(35) 

460 
812 

1,272 
(35) 

Total recovery for covered losses available  . . . . .   $ 

4,171  $ 

1,102 

$ 

3,318 

$ 

1,237 

(1)  Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. As-converted and book values are based on unrounded numbers. 
(2)  As of September 30, 2023, the as-converted value of preferred stock is calculated as the product of: (a) 2 million and 3 million shares of 
the series B and C preferred stock outstanding, respectively; (b) 2.937 and 3.629, the class A common stock conversion rate applicable to 
the series B and C preferred stock outstanding, respectively; and (c) $230.01, Visa’s class A common stock closing stock price. 

(3)  As of September 30, 2022, the as-converted value of preferred stock is calculated as the product of: (a) 2 million and 3 million shares of 
the series B and C preferred stock outstanding, respectively; (b) 2.971 and 3.645, the class A common stock conversion rate applicable to 
the series B and C preferred stock outstanding, respectively; and (c) $177.65, Visa’s class A common stock closing stock price. 

76 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Note 6—Fair Value Measurements and Investments 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis 

Fair Value Measurements as of September 30 
Using Inputs Considered as 

Level 1 

Level 2 

2023 

2022 

2023 

2022 

(in millions) 

Assets 
Cash equivalents and restricted cash 

equivalents: 
Money market funds  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
U.S. Treasury securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Investment securities: 

Marketable equity securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
U.S. government-sponsored debt securities  . . . . .  
U.S. Treasury securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Other current and non-current assets: 

Money market funds  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Derivative instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

13,504  $ 
301 

11,736  $ 
799 

—  $ 
— 

339 
— 
4,316 

23 
— 

437 
— 
4,005 

22 
— 

— 
1,108 
— 

— 
293 

Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

18,483  $ 

16,999  $ 

1,401  $ 

Liabilities 
Accrued compensation and benefits: 

Deferred compensation liability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

175  $ 

146  $ 

—  $ 

Accrued and other liabilities: 

Derivative instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

— 

— 

396 

Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

175  $ 

146  $ 

396  $ 

— 
— 

— 
457 
— 

— 
1,131 

1,588 

— 

418 

418 

Level 1 assets and liabilities. Money market funds, U.S. Treasury securities and marketable equity securities 
are  classified  as  Level  1  within  the  fair  value  hierarchy,  as  fair  value  is  based  on  unadjusted  quoted  prices  in 
active  markets  for  identical  assets.  The  Company’s  deferred  compensation  liability  is  measured  at  fair  value 
based on marketable equity securities held under the deferred compensation plan. 

Level  2  assets  and  liabilities.  The fair  value of  U.S. government-sponsored debt securities, as provided by 
third-party pricing vendors, is based on quoted prices in active markets for similar, not identical, assets. Derivative 
instruments  are  valued  using  inputs  that  are  observable  in  the  market  or  can  be  derived  principally  from  or 
corroborated by observable market data. 

77 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

U.S. Government-sponsored Debt Securities and U.S. Treasury Securities 

The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses and fair value of debt securities were as follows: 

Amortized 
Cost 

September 30, 2023 

Gross Unrealized 

Gains 

Losses 

Fair 
Value

U.S. government-sponsored debt securities  . . . . . . .   $ 
U.S. Treasury securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

1,109  $ 
4,697 

(in millions) 
1  $ 
— 

Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

5,806  $ 

1  $ 

(2)  $ 

(80) 

(82)  $ 

1,108 
4,617 

5,725 

Amortized 
Cost 

September 30, 2022 

Gross Unrealized 

Gains 

Losses 

U.S. government-sponsored debt securities  . . . . . . .   $  
U.S. Treasury securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

458   $  

4,937 

(in millions) 
—   $  
— 

(1)   $  

(133) 

Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

5,395  $ 

—  $ 

(134)  $ 

Fair 
Value

457  
4,804 

5,261 

Debt securities with unrealized losses for less than 12 months and 12 months or greater were as follows: 

September 30, 2023 

Less Than 12 Months 

12 Months or Greater 

Fair Value 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses 

Fair Value 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses 

U.S. government-sponsored debt securities  . . . . . . .   $  
U.S. Treasury securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

412   $  

1,360 

(in millions) 
(2)   $  

(12) 

50   $  

2,128 

Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

1,772  $ 

(14)  $ 

2,178  $ 

—  
(68) 

(68) 

U.S. government-sponsored debt securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $  
U.S. Treasury securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

(in millions) 
408   $  

3,507 

Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

3,915  $ 

(1)  
(133) 

(134) 

September 30, 2022 

Less Than 12 Months 

Fair Value 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses 

78 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

The unrealized losses were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates. 

The stated maturities of debt securities were as follows: 

Due within one year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Due after one year through five years  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

(in millions) 
3,804 
1,921 

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

5,725 

September 30, 
2023 

Equity Securities 

The  Company’s  non-marketable  equity  securities  include  investments  in  privately  held  companies  without 
readily determinable fair values. These investments are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and are 
classified as Level 3 due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity and the fact that 
significant inputs used to measure fair value are unobservable and require management’s judgment. 

The following table summarizes the total carrying value of the Company’s non-marketable equity securities 
that  were  accounted  for  using  the  fair  value  measurement  alternative  and  held  as  of  September  30,  2023, 
including cumulative unrealized gains and losses: 

Initial cost basis  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $  
Adjustments: 

Upward adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Downward adjustments (including impairment)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

719  

899  
(445) 

Carrying amount  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

1,173 

Unrealized  gains  and  losses  recognized  during  fiscal  2023  and  2022  that  were  included  in  the  carrying 
value  of  the  Company’s  non-marketable  equity  securities  accounted  for  using  the  fair  value  measurement 
alternative and still held as of September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were as follows: 

September 30, 
2023 

(in millions) 

Upward adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Downward adjustments (including impairment)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

2023 

2022 

(in millions) 
$ 
94 
(99)  $ 

231 
(341) 

79 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Investment Income (Expense) 

Investment income (expense) consisted of the following: 

Interest and dividend income on cash and investments . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Equity securities: 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

2023 

2022 

2021 

(in millions) 

745  $ 

69  $ 

(16) 

Unrealized gains (losses), net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Realized gains (losses), net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

(84) 
2 

(364) 
68 

Investment income (expense) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

663  $ 

(227)  $ 

721 
26 

731 

Other Fair Value Disclosures 

Debt. Debt instruments are measured at amortized cost on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The 
fair value of the debt instruments, as provided by third-party pricing vendors, is based on quoted prices in active 
markets for similar, not identical, assets. If measured at fair value in the financial statements, these instruments 
would  be  classified  as  Level  2  in  the  fair  value  hierarchy.  As  of  September  30,  2023,  the  carrying  value  and 
estimated  fair  value  of  debt  was  $20.5  billion  and  $17.7  billion,  respectively.  As  of  September  30,  2022,  the 
carrying value and estimated fair value of debt was  $22.5 billion and  $19.9 billion, respectively. 

Other  financial  instruments  not  measured  at  fair  value.  As  of  September  30,  2023,  the  carrying  values  of 
settlement  receivable  and  payable  and  customer  collateral  are  an  approximate  fair  value  due  to  their  generally 
short  maturities.  If  measured  at  fair  value  in  the  financial  statements,  these  financial  instruments  would  be 
classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. 

Note 7—Property, Equipment and Technology, Net 

Property, equipment and technology, net, consisted of the following: 

September 30, 

2023 

2022 

Land  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Buildings and building improvements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Construction-in-progress  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Technology  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$ 

$ 

(in millions) 
71 
1,022 
2,146 
344 
5,197 

Total property, equipment and technology  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

8,780 
(5,355) 

72 
1,003 
2,230 
285 
5,291 

8,881 
(5,658) 

Property, equipment and technology, net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$ 

3,425 

$ 

3,223 

As  of  September  30,  2023  and  2022,  accumulated  amortization  for  technology  was  $3.4  billion  and 

$3.7 billion, respectively. 

80 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

As of September 30, 2023, estimated future amortization expense on technology was as follows: 

2024 

2025 

2026 

2027 

2028 

Thereafter 

Total 

For the Years Ending September 30, 

(in millions) 

Estimated future amortization expense  .  . .  $  605  $  505  $  341  $  197  $  84  $ 

25  $  1,757 

For fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, depreciation and amortization expense related to property, equipment and 

technology was $867 million, $771 million and $721 million, respectively. 

Note 8—Intangible Assets and Goodwill 

Indefinite-lived and finite-lived intangible assets consisted of the following: 

2023 

Gross 

Accumulated 
Amortization 

September 30, 

Net 

Gross 

(in millions) 

2022 

Accumulated 
Amortization 

Net 

Finite-lived intangible assets: 

Customer relationships  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 
Trade names  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Reseller relationships  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

829  $ 
195 
95 
16 

(572)  $ 
(172) 
(95) 
(16) 

257  $ 
23 
— 
— 

836  $ 
195 
95 
16 

Total finite-lived intangible assets  . . . .  
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: 

Customer relationships and reacquired 

1,135 

(855) 

280 

1,142 

(513)  $ 
(159) 
(95) 
(16) 

(783) 

323 
36 
— 
— 

359 

rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   21,740 
4,084 

Visa trade name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

— 
— 

21,740 
4,084 

20,622 
4,084 

— 
— 

20,622 
4,084 

Total indefinite-lived intangible 

assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25,824 

— 

25,824 

24,706 

— 

24,706 

Total intangible assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $  26,959  $ 

(855) $  26,104  $  25,848  $ 

(783) $  25,065 

For  fiscal  2023,  2022  and  2021,  amortization  expense  related  to  finite-lived  intangible  assets  was 

$76 million, $90 million and $83 million, respectively. 

As  of  September  30,  2023,  estimated  future  amortization  expense  on  finite-lived  intangible  assets  was  as 

follows: 

Estimated future amortization expense  .  . .  $ 

73  $ 

57  $ 

42  $ 

40  $  23  $ 

45  $  280 

For the Years Ending September 30, 

2024 

2025 

2026 

2027 

2028 

Thereafter 

Total 

(in millions) 

81 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

The changes in goodwill were as follows: 

Balance as of beginning of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Goodwill from acquisitions, net of adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Foreign currency translation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Balance as of end of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

2023 

2022 

(in millions) 

17,787  $ 
— 
210 

17,997  $ 

15,958 
2,320 
(491) 

17,787 

Note 9—Leases 

The  Company  entered  into  various  operating  lease  agreements  primarily  for  real  estate.  The  Company’s 
leases have original lease periods expiring between fiscal 2024 and 2035. For certain leases the Company has 
options  to  extend  the  lease  term  for  up  to  five  years.  Payments  under  the  Company’s  lease  arrangements  are 
generally fixed. 

As  of  September  30,  2023  and  2022,  ROU  assets  included  in  other  assets  on  the  consolidated  balance 
sheets was $488 million and $480 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the current portion 
of  lease  liabilities  included  in  accrued  liabilities  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  was  $106  million  and 
$98 million, respectively, and the long-term portion included in other liabilities was $412 million and $422 million, 
respectively. 

During fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, total operating lease cost was $129 million, $117 million and $111 million 
respectively.  As  of  September  30,  2023  and  2022,  the  weighted-average  remaining  lease  term  for  operating 
leases was approximately six years and the weighted-average discount rate for operating leases was 2.43% and 
2.15%, respectively. 

As of September 30, 2023, the present value of future minimum lease payments was as follows: 

Operating Leases 

(in millions) 

Fiscal: 

2024  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $  
2025  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
2026  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
2027  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
2028  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Thereafter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Total undiscounted lease payments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Less: imputed interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Present value of lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

123  
111  
98  
76  
60  
100  

568 
(50) 

518 

During  fiscal  2023,  2022  and  2021,  ROU  assets  obtained  in  exchange  for  lease liabilities was $82 million, 

$74 million and $96 million, respectively. 

As of September 30, 2023, the Company had additional operating leases that had not yet commenced with 
lease obligations of $433 million. These operating leases will commence in fiscal 2024 with non-cancellable lease 
terms of 1 to 14 years. 

82 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Note 10—Debt 

The Company had outstanding debt as follows: 

September 30, 

2023 

2022 

Effective 
Interest Rate(1) 

(in millions, except percentages) 

U.S. dollar notes 

2.80% Senior Notes due December 2022  . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
3.15% Senior Notes due December 2025  . . . . . . . . . . . .  
1.90% Senior Notes due April 2027 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
0.75% Senior Notes due August 2027 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
2.75% Senior Notes due September 2027  . . . . . . . . . . .  
2.05% Senior Notes due April 2030 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
1.10% Senior Notes due February 2031  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
4.15% Senior Notes due December 2035  . . . . . . . . . . . .  
2.70% Senior Notes due April 2040 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
4.30% Senior Notes due December 2045  . . . . . . . . . . . .  
3.65% Senior Notes due September 2047  . . . . . . . . . . .  
2.00% Senior Notes due August 2050 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Euro notes 

1.50% Senior Notes due June 2026  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
2.00% Senior Notes due June 2029  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
2.375% Senior Notes due June 2034  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$ 

— 
4,000 
1,500 
500 
750 
1,500 
1,000 
1,500 
1,000 
3,500 
750 
1,750 

1,434 
1,062 
690 

Total debt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs  . . . . . .  
Hedge accounting fair value adjustments(2)  . . . . . . . . . . .  

20,936 
(159) 
(314) 

Total carrying value of debt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

20,463  $ 

Reported as: 

Current maturities of debt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Long-term debt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

— 
20,463 

$ 

Total carrying value of debt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

20,463 

$ 

2,250 
4,000 
1,500 
500 
750 
1,500 
1,000 
1,500 
1,000 
3,500 
750 
1,750 

1,325 
982 
638 

22,945 
(173) 
(322) 

22,450 

2,250 
20,200 

22,450 

2.89 % 
3.26 % 
2.02 % 
0.84 % 
2.91 % 
2.13 % 
1.20 % 
4.23 % 
2.80 % 
4.37 % 
3.73 % 
2.09 % 

1.71 % 
2.13 % 
2.53 % 

(1)  Effective interest rates disclosed do not reflect hedge accounting adjustments. 
(2)  Represents  the  fair  value  of  interest  rate  swap  agreements  entered  into  on  a  portion  of  the  outstanding  senior  notes.  See  Note  1— 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 13—Derivative and Hedging Instruments. 

Senior Notes 

The Company’s outstanding senior notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company, ranking equally 
and ratably among themselves and with the Company’s existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated debt. 
The senior notes are not secured by any assets of the Company and are not guaranteed by any of the Company’s 
subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all related covenants. Each series 
of  senior  notes  may  be  redeemed  as  a  whole  or  in  part  at  the  Company’s  option  at  any  time  at  specified 
redemption  prices.  In  addition,  each  series  of  the  Euro  notes  may  be  redeemed  as  a  whole  at  specified 
redemption prices upon the occurrence of certain U.S. tax events. 

83 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

During  fiscal  2023,  the  Company  repaid  $2.25  billion  of  principal  upon  maturity  of  its  senior  notes  due 

December 2022. 

As of September 30, 2023, future principal payments on the Company’s outstanding debt were as follows: 

Future principal payments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $  —  $  —  $  5,434  $  2,750  $  —  $  12,752  $  20,936 

2024 

2025 

2026 

2027 

2028 

Thereafter 

Total 

For the Years Ending September 30, 

(in millions) 

Commercial Paper Program 

Visa maintains a commercial paper program to support its working capital requirements and for other general 
corporate  purposes.  Under  the  program,  the  Company  is  authorized  to  issue  up  to  $3.0  billion  in  outstanding 
notes,  with  maturities  up  to  397  days  from  the  date  of  issuance.  As  of  September  30,  2023  and  2022,  the 
Company had no outstanding obligations under the program. 

Credit Facility 

In  May  2023,  the  Company  entered  into  an  amended  and  restated  credit  agreement  for  a  five-year, 
unsecured  $7.0  billion  revolving  credit  facility,  which  will  expire  in  May  2028.  Interest  on  borrowings  will  be 
charged at the applicable reference rate or an alternative base rate as defined in the credit agreement based on 
the  currency  and  type  of  the  borrowing,  plus  an  applicable  margin  based  on  the  applicable  credit  rating  of  the 
Company’s  senior  unsecured  long-term  debt.  The  Company  has  agreed  to  pay  a  commitment  fee  which  will 
fluctuate  based  on  such  applicable  rating  of  the  Company.  As  of  September  30,  2023,  the  Company  was  in 
compliance with all related covenants. This credit facility is maintained to ensure the integrity of the payment card 
settlement process and for general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company had 
no amounts outstanding under the credit facility. 

Note 11—Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits 

Defined Benefit and Other Postretirement Plans 

The Company sponsors qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit 
plans that provide for retirement and medical benefits for all eligible employees residing in the U.S. The Company 
also  sponsors  other  pension  benefit  plans  that  provide  benefits  for  internationally-based  employees  at  certain 
non-U.S. locations. The Company’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are actuarially 
evaluated, incorporating various assumptions such as the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan 
assets. Disclosures below include U.S. pension plans and certain non-U.S. pension plans. The Company uses a 
September 30 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans. 

The U.S. pension plans are closed to new entrants and frozen. However, existing plan participants continue 
to  earn  interest  credits  on  existing  balances  at  the  time  of  the  freeze.  Additionally,  the  Visa  Europe  plans  are 
closed to new entrants. However, future benefits continue to accrue for active participants. 

The funded status of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans is substantially recorded in other assets 
on the consolidated balance sheets and is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and 
the accumulated benefit obligation. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, for U.S. pension plans, the fair value of 
plan assets was $1.0 billion and $960 million, respectively, accumulated benefit obligation was $640 million and 
$663  million,  respectively,  and  the  funded  status  was  $374  million  and  $297  million,  respectively.  As  of 
September  30,  2023  and  2022,  for  non-U.S.  pension  plans,  the  fair  value  of  plan  assets  was  $317  million  and 

84 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

$327  million,  respectively,  accumulated  benefit  obligation  was  $287  million  and  $278  million,  respectively,  and 
funded status was $30 million and $49 million, respectively. 

As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income 
(loss) before tax for U.S. pension plans was ($82) million and ($150) million, respectively. As of September 30, 
2023  and  2022,  the  amount  recognized  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  before  tax  for 
non-U.S. pension plans was ($87) million and ($35) million, respectively. 

Defined Contribution Plan 

The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan, or 401(k) plan, that covers its employees residing in the 
U.S.  In  fiscal  2023,  2022  and  2021,  personnel  expenses  included  $192  million,  $161  million,  and  $141  million, 
respectively, attributable to the Company’s employees under the 401(k) plan. The Company’s contributions to this 
401(k) plan are funded on a current basis, and the related expenses are recognized in the period that the payroll 
expenses are incurred. 

Note 12—Settlement Guarantee Management 

The Company indemnifies its clients for settlement losses suffered due to failure of any other client to fund 
its settlement obligations in accordance with the Visa operating rules. This indemnification creates settlement risk 
for  the  Company  due  to  the  difference  in  timing  between  the  date  of  a  payment  transaction  and  the  date  of 
subsequent settlement. 

Historically,  the  Company  has  experienced  minimal  losses  as  a  result  of  its  settlement  risk  guarantee. 
However, the Company’s future obligations, which could be material under its guarantees, are not determinable 
as they are dependent upon future events. 

The Company’s settlement exposure is limited to the amount of unsettled Visa payment transactions at any 
point  in  time,  which  vary  significantly  day  to  day.  For  fiscal  2023,  the  Company’s  maximum  daily  settlement 
exposure was $126.9 billion and the average daily settlement exposure was $77.1 billion. 

The  Company  maintains  and  regularly  reviews  global  settlement  risk  policies  and  procedures  to  manage 
settlement  exposure,  which  may  require  clients  to  post  collateral  if  certain  credit  standards  are  not  met.  The 
Company held the following collateral to manage settlement exposure: 

September 30, 

2023 

2022 

Restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Pledged securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Letters of credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Guarantees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

(in millions) 

3,005  $ 
411 
1,738 
1,047 

Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

6,201  $ 

2,342 
213 
1,582 
950 

5,087 

Note 13—Derivative and Hedging Instruments 

As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the aggregate notional amount of the Company’s derivative contracts 
outstanding in its hedge program was $11.0 billion and $11.9 billion, respectively. As of September 30, 2023 and 
2022,  the  aggregate  notional  amount  of  the  derivative  contracts  not  designated  as  hedging  instruments  was 
$0.8 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. 

85 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

The following table shows the Company’s derivative instruments at gross fair value: 

Balance Sheet Location 

Assets 
Designated as Hedging Instrument: 

Foreign exchange forward 

contracts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Prepaid expenses and other current assets 

$ 
Other assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

. 

. 

. . . . . . . . . . . .  

Cross-currency swaps 
Not Designated as Hedging 

September 30, 

2023 

2022(1) 

(in millions) 

100  $ 
178  $ 

718 
378 

Instrument: 

Foreign exchange forward 

contracts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Prepaid expenses and other current assets 

. . 

$ 

15  $ 

35 

Liabilities 
Designated as Hedging Instrument: 

Foreign exchange forward 

contracts 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Interest rate swaps  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Other liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

66  $ 
314  $ 

49 
322 

Not Designated as Hedging 

Instrument: 

Foreign exchange forward 

contracts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

16  $ 

47 

(1)  The fiscal 2022 amounts have been revised to conform to the fiscal 2023 presentation. 

For  fiscal  2023,  2022  and  2021,  the  Company  recognized  an  increase  (decrease)  in  earnings  related  to 
excluded  forward  points  from  forward  contracts  designated  as  net  investment  hedges  and  interest  differentials 
from swap agreements of ($25) million, $151 million and $156 million, respectively. 

Cash flow hedges. For fiscal 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized pre-tax net gains (losses) from cash 
flow  hedges in other  comprehensive income (loss)  of  ($126)  million and $190 million, respectively.  The amount 
recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) was not material for fiscal 2021. 

The  Company  estimates  that  $46  million  of  pre-tax  net  gains  related  to  cash  flow  hedges  recorded  in 
accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  as  of  September  30,  2023  will  be  reclassified  into  the 
consolidated statements of operations within the next 12 months. 

Net investment hedges. For fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized pre-tax net gains (losses) 
in  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  related  to  net  investment  hedges  of  ($445)  million,  $845  million  and 
$20  million,  respectively.  As  of  September  30,  2023  and  2022,  the  Company  designated  €3.0  billion  and 
€1.2 billion, respectively, of Euro notes, a non-derivative financial instrument, as a hedge against a portion of the 
Company’s Euro-denominated net investment in Visa Europe. 

Credit  and  market  risks.  The  Company’s  derivative  financial  instruments  are  subject  to  both  credit  and 
market risk. The Company monitors the credit-worthiness of the financial institutions that are counterparties to its 
derivative financial instruments and does not consider the risks of counterparty nonperformance to be significant. 
The Company mitigates this risk by entering into master netting agreements, and such agreements require each 
party to post collateral against its net liability position with the respective counterparty. As of September 30, 2023, 
the Company has received collateral of $91 million from counterparties, which is included in accrued liabilities on 

86 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

the consolidated balance sheets, and posted collateral of $47 million, which is included in prepaid expenses and 
other  current  assets  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheets.  Notwithstanding  the  Company’s  efforts  to  manage 
foreign  exchange  risk,  there  can  be  no  absolute  assurance  that  its  hedging  activities  will  adequately  protect 
against the risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations. As of September 30, 2023, credit and market risks 
related to derivative instruments were not considered significant. 

Note 14—Enterprise-wide Disclosures and Concentration of Business 

The Company’s long-lived net property and equipment and ROU assets are classified by major geographic 

areas as follows: 

September 30, 

2023 

2022 

U.S.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
International  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

(in millions) 

1,286  $ 
544 

Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

1,830  $ 

1,312 
531 

1,843 

Revenues  by  geographic  market  is  primarily  based  on  the  location  of  the  issuing  financial  institution.  Net 
revenues earned in the U.S. were approximately 43%, 44% and 46% of total net revenues in fiscal 2023, 2022, 
and 2021, respectively. No individual country, other than the U.S., generated 10% or more of total net revenues in 
these years. 

In fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company had one client that accounted for 11%, 10% and 11% of its total 

net revenues, respectively. 

Note 15—Stockholders’ Equity 

As-converted  class  A  common  stock.  The  number  of  shares  of  each  series  and  class,  and  the  number  of 

shares of class A common stock on an as-converted basis were as follows: 

September 30, 

2023 

Conversion 
Rate Into 
Class A 
Common 
Stock 

Shares 
Outstanding 

As-converted 
Class A 
Common 
Stock(1) 

Shares 
Outstanding 

2022 

Conversion 
Rate Into 
Class A 
Common 
Stock 

As-converted 
Class A 
Common 
Stock(1) 

(in millions, except conversion rate) 

Series A preferred stock  . . . . . . . .  
Series B preferred stock  . . . . . . . .  
Series C preferred stock  . . . . . . . .  
Class A common stock  . . . . . . . . .  
Class B common stock  . . . . . . . . .  
Class C common stock  . . . . . . . . .  

Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

—  (2)  100.0000 
2.9370 
2 
3.6290 
3 
1,594 
— 
1.5875  (3) 
245 
4.0000 
10 

7 
7 
11 
1,594 
390 
38 

2,047 

—  (2)  100.0000 
2.9710 
2 
3.6450 
3 
— 
1,635 
1.6059  (3) 
245 
4.0000 
10 

16 
7 
12 
1,635 
394 
39 

2,103 

(1)  Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. As-converted class A common stock is calculated based on unrounded 

numbers. 

(2)  The number of shares outstanding was less than one million. 
(3)  The class B to class A common stock conversion rate is presented on a rounded basis. Conversion calculations for dividend payments are 

based on a conversion rate rounded to the tenth decimal. 

87 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Series A preferred  stock  issuance. In July 2022, the Company issued 176,655 shares of series A preferred 
stock  in  connection  with  the  Sixth  Anniversary  Release.  See  Note  5—U.S.  and  Europe  Retrospective 
Responsibility Plans. 

Reduction  in  as-converted  shares.  Under  the  terms  of  the  U.S.  retrospective  responsibility  plan,  when  the 
Company funds the U.S. litigation escrow account, the value of the Company’s class B common stock is subject 
to dilution through a downward adjustment to the rate at which shares of class B common stock ultimately convert 
into shares of class A common stock. See Note 5—U.S. and Europe Retrospective Responsibility Plans. 

The  following  table  presents  the  reduction  in  the  number  of  as-converted  class  B  common  stock  after 
deposits into the U.S. litigation escrow account under the U.S. retrospective responsibility plan for fiscal 2023 and 
2022. There was no comparable adjustment recorded for class B common stock for fiscal 2021. 

For the Years Ended September 30, 

2023 

2022 

Reduction in equivalent number of class A common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Effective price per share(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Deposits into the U.S. litigation escrow account  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

(in millions, except per share data) 
4 
5 
205.06 
850 

221.33  $ 
1,000  $ 

(1)  Effective  price  per  share  for  the  period  represents  the  weighted-average  price  calculated  using  the  effective  prices  per  share  of  the 
respective  adjustments  made  during  the  period.  Effective  price  per  share  for  each  adjustment  is  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  current  certificate  of 
incorporation. 

Under  the  terms  of  the  Europe  retrospective  responsibility  plan,  the  Company  is  entitled  to  recover  VE 
territory covered losses through periodic adjustments to the class A common stock conversion rates applicable to 
the  series  B  and  C  preferred  stock,  and  is  required  to  undertake  periodic  release  assessments  following  the 
anniversary  of  the  Visa  Europe  acquisition  to  determine  if  value  should  be  released  from  the  series  B  and  C 
preferred stock. The recovery and any releases of value have the same economic effect on earnings per share as 
repurchasing  the  Company’s  class  A  common  stock  because  it  reduces  the  series  B  and  C  preferred  stock 
conversion rates and consequently, reduces the as-converted class A common stock share count. See Note 5— 
U.S. and Europe Retrospective Responsibility Plans. 

The following table presents the reduction in the number of as-converted series B and C preferred stock after 
the Company recovered VE territory covered losses through conversion rate adjustments and completed its Sixth 
Anniversary Release: 

Reduction in equivalent number of class A 

common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

—  (1) 

—  (1) 

8 

10 

—  (1) 

—  (1) 

For the Years Ended September 30, 

2023 

2022 

2021 

Series B 

Series C 

Series B  Series C  Series B 

Series C 

(in millions, except per share data) 

Effective price per share(2)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $219.12  $215.28  $197.93  $197.50  $220.84  $220.71 
20 
Recovery through conversion rate adjustment  . . .  $ 
Sixth Anniversary Release  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $  —  $  —  $  1,510  $  1,982  $  —  $  — 
(1)  The reduction in equivalent number of shares of class A common stock was less than one million shares. 
(2)  Effective  price  per  share  for  the  period  represents  the  weighted-average  price  calculated  using  the  effective  price  per  share  of  the 
respective  adjustments  made  during  the  period.  Effective  price  per  share  for  each  adjustment  is  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  current  certificates  of 
designations for its series B and C preferred stock. 

11  $  135  $ 

35  $ 

19  $ 

6  $ 

88 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Common stock repurchases. The following table presents share repurchases in the open market: 

For the Years Ended September 30, 

2023 

2022 

2021 

(in millions, except per share data) 

40 
Shares repurchased in the open market(1)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
$  222.27  $  206.47  $  219.03 
Average repurchase cost per share(2)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
8,676 
$  12,182  $  11,589  $ 
Total cost(2)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
(1)  Shares repurchased in the open market reflect repurchases that settled during fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021. All shares repurchased in the 

56 

55 

open market have been retired and constitute authorized but unissued shares. 

(2)  Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Average repurchase cost per share and total cost are calculated based on 

unrounded numbers and include applicable taxes. 

In December 2021, the Company’s board of directors authorized a $12.0 billion share repurchase program 
and in October 2022, authorized an additional $12.0 billion share repurchase program (October 2022 Program). 
As of September 30, 2023, the Company’s October 2022 Program had remaining authorized funds of $5.0 billion. 
All share repurchase programs authorized prior to the October 2022 Program have been completed. In October 
2023,  the  Company’s  board  of  directors  authorized  a  new  $25.0  billion  share  repurchase  program,  providing 
multi-year flexibility. These authorizations have no expiration date. 

Dividends.  In  fiscal  2023,  2022  and  2021,  the  Company  declared  and  paid  dividends  of  $3.8  billion, 
$3.2  billion  and  $2.8  billion,  respectively.  On  October  24,  2023,  the  Company’s  board  of  directors  declared  a 
quarterly  cash  dividend of  $0.52  per  share  of  class  A  common  stock  (determined  in  the  case  of  class  B and C 
common stock and series A, B and C preferred stock on an as-converted basis), payable on December 1, 2023, 
to all holders of record as of November 9, 2023. 

Class  B  common  stock.  Under  the  current  certificate  of  incorporation,  the  class  B  common  stock  is  not 
convertible or transferable until the date on which all of the U.S. covered litigation has been finally resolved. This 
transfer restriction is subject to limited exceptions, including transfers to other holders of class B common stock. 
After  termination  of  the  restrictions,  the  class  B  common  stock  will be  convertible  into  class  A  common  stock  if 
transferred  to  a  person  that  was  not  a  Visa  Member  (as  defined  in  the  current  certificate  of  incorporation)  or 
similar  person  or  an  affiliate  of  a  Visa  Member  or  similar  person.  Upon  such  transfer,  each  share  of  class  B 
common  stock  will  automatically  convert  into  a  number  of  shares  of  class  A  common  stock  based  upon  the 
applicable conversion rate in effect at the time of such transfer. 

Adjustment  of  the  conversion  rate  occurs  upon:  (i)  the  completion  of  any  follow-on  offering  of  class  A 
common stock completed to increase the size of the U.S. litigation escrow account (or any cash deposit by the 
Company  in  lieu  thereof)  resulting  in  a  further  corresponding  decrease  in  the  conversion  rate;  or  (ii)  the  final 
resolution of the U.S. covered litigation and the release of funds remaining on deposit in the U.S. litigation escrow 
account  to  the  Company  resulting  in  a  corresponding  increase  in  the  conversion  rate.  See  Note  5—U.S.  and 
Europe Retrospective Responsibility Plans. 

In  September  2023,  the  Company  announced  that  it  was  engaging  with  its  common  stockholders  on  the 
subject of potential amendments to the certificate of incorporation that, if proposed, approved and implemented, 
would  authorize  Visa  to  conduct  an  exchange  offer  program  that  would  have  the  effect  of  releasing  transfer 
restrictions on portions of Visa’s Class B common stock prior to the final resolution of the U.S. covered litigation. 

Class C common stock. There are no existing transfer restrictions on class C common stock. 

Preferred  stock.  In  connection  with  the  Visa  Europe  acquisition,  three  series  of  preferred  stock  of  the 
Company were created. Upon issuance, all of the preferred stock participate on an as-converted basis in regular 
quarterly  cash dividends declared on  the Company’s class A common stock.  Preferred stock may be issued as 

89 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

redeemable or non-redeemable, and has preference over any class of common stock with respect to the payment 
of dividends and distribution of the Company’s assets in the event of a liquidation or dissolution. 

The  series  B  and  C  preferred  stock  is  convertible  upon  certain  conditions  into  shares  of  class  A  common 
stock  or  series  A  preferred  stock.  The  shares  of  series  B  and  C  preferred  stock  are  subject  to  restrictions  on 
transfer and may become convertible in stages based on developments in the VE territory covered litigation. The 
shares of series B and C preferred stock will become fully convertible on the 12th anniversary of the closing of the 
Visa Europe acquisition, subject only to a holdback to cover any then-pending claims. Upon any such conversion 
of  the  series  B  and  C  preferred  stock  (whether  by  such  12th  anniversary,  or  thereafter  with  respect  to  claims 
pending  on  such  anniversary),  the  conversion  rate  would  be  adjusted  downward  and  the  holder  would  receive 
either class A common stock or series A preferred stock (for those who are not eligible to hold class A common 
stock  pursuant  to  the  Company’s  certificate  of  incorporation).  The  conversion  rates  may  also  be  reduced  from 
time to time to offset certain liabilities. 

The  series  A  preferred  stock,  generally  designed  to  be  economically  equivalent  to  the  Company’s  class  A 
common stock, is freely transferable and each share of series A preferred stock will automatically convert into 100 
shares of class A common stock upon a transfer to any holder that is eligible to hold class A common stock under 
the charter. See Note 5—U.S. and Europe Retrospective Responsibility Plans. 

Voting rights. The holders of the series B and C preferred stock have no right to vote on any matters, except 
for  certain  defined  matters,  including,  in  specified  circumstances,  any  consolidation,  merger,  combination  or 
similar transaction of the Company in which the preferred stockholders would either (i) receive shares of common 
stock or other equity securities of the Company with preferences, rights and privileges that are not substantially 
identical  to  the  preferences,  rights  and  privileges  of  the  applicable  series  of  preferred  stock  or  (ii)  receive 
securities, cash or other property that is different from what the Company’s class A common stockholders would 
receive. With respect to these limited matters on which the holders of preferred stock may vote, approval by the 
preferred  stockholders  requires  the  affirmative  vote  of  the  outstanding  voting  power  of  each  such  series  of 
preferred  stock,  each  such  series  voting  as  a  single  class.  In  either  case,  the  series  B  and  C  preferred 
stockholders  are  entitled  to  cast  a  number  of  votes  equal  to  the  number  of  shares  held  by  each  such  holder. 
Holders of the series A preferred stock, upon issuance at conversion, will have similar voting rights to the rights of 
the holders of the series B and C preferred stock. 

Class  A  common  stockholders  have  the  right  to  vote  on  all  matters  on  which  stockholders  generally  are 
entitled  to  vote.  Class  B  and  C  common  stockholders  have  no  right  to  vote  on  any  matters,  except  for  certain 
defined matters, including (i) any decision to exit the core payments business, in which case the class B and C 
common stockholders will vote together with the class A common stockholders in a single class, (ii) in specified 
circumstances, any consolidation, merger, combination or similar transaction of the Company, in which case the 
class  B  and  C  common  stockholders  will  vote  together  as  a  single  class,  and  (iii)  the  approval  of  certain 
amendments to the Company’s certificate of incorporation, in which case class A, B and C common stockholders 
will  vote  as  a  separate  class,  including  if  such  amendments  affect  the  terms  of  class  B  or  C  common  stock.  In 
these cases, the class B and C common stockholders are entitled to cast a number of votes equal to the number 
of shares of class B or C common stock held multiplied by the applicable conversion rate in effect on the record 
date. Holders of the Company’s common stock have no right to vote on any amendment to the current certificate 
of incorporation that relates solely to any series of preferred stock. 

90 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Note 16—Earnings Per Share 

The following table presents earnings per share for fiscal 2023: 

Basic Earnings Per Share 

Diluted Earnings Per Share 

Income 
Allocation 
(A)(1) 

Weighted- 
Average 
Shares 
Outstanding (B) 

Earnings per 
Share = 
(A)/(B)(2) 

Income 
Allocation 
(A)(1) 

Weighted-
Average 
Shares 
Outstanding (B) 

Earnings per 
Share = 
(A)/(B)(2) 

(in millions, except per share data) 

8.29  $ 
1,618  $ 
Class A common stock  . . . . . . . .   $  13,415 
13.26  $ 
245  $ 
3,254 
Class B common stock  . . . . . . . .  
320  
Class C common stock  . . . . . . . .  
$ 
33.17 
10   $  
284   Not presented  Not presented  $ 
Participating securities . . . . . . . . .  

17,273 
245 
3,251 
319 
10 
284  Not presented 

8.28 
2,085  (3)  $ 
13.24 
$ 
$ 
33.13 
Not presented 

Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $  17,273 

The following table presents earnings per share for fiscal 2022: 

Basic Earnings Per Share 

Diluted Earnings Per Share 

Income 
Allocation 
(A)(1) 

Weighted- 
Average 
Shares 
Outstanding (B) 

Earnings per 
Share = 
(A)/(B)(2) 

Income 
Allocation 
(A)(1) 

Weighted-
Average 
Shares 
Outstanding (B) 

Earnings per 
Share = 
(A)/(B)(2) 

(in millions, except per share data) 

7.01  $ 
1,651  $ 
Class A common stock . . . . . . . . .   $  11,569 
11.33  $ 
245  $ 
2,781 
Class B common stock . . . . . . . . .  
280  
Class C common stock  . . . . . . . .  
28.03  $ 
10  $  
Participating securities  . . . . . . . . .  
327  Not presented  Not presented  $ 

14,957 
245 
2,778 
280 
10 
326  Not presented 

7.00 
2,136  (3)  $ 
11.31 
$ 
28.00 
$ 
Not presented 

Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $  14,957 

The following table presents earnings per share for fiscal 2021: 

Basic Earnings Per Share 

Diluted Earnings Per Share 

Income 
Allocation 
(A)(1) 

Weighted- 
Average 
Shares 
Outstanding (B) 

Earnings per 
Share = 
(A)/(B)(2) 

Income 
Allocation
(A)(1) 

Weighted-
Average 
Shares 
Outstanding (B) 

Earnings per 
Share = 
(A)/(B)(2) 

(in millions, except per share data) 

Class A common stock . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Class B common stock . . . . . . . . .  
Class C common stock . . . . . . . . .  
Participating securities  . . . . . . . . .  

5.63  $ 
1,691  $ 
9,527 
9.14  $ 
245  $ 
2,244 
237  
22.53  $ 
10  $  
303  Not presented  Not presented  $ 

12,311 
245 
2,242 
236 
10 
303  Not presented 

5.63 
2,188  (3)  $ 
9.13 
$ 
22.51 
$ 
Not presented 

Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $  12,311 

(1)  The weighted-average number of shares of as-converted class B common stock used in the income allocation was 392 million, 397 million 
and 398 million for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The weighted-average number of shares of as-converted class C common 
stock used in the income allocation was 39 million, 40 million and 42 million for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The weighted-
average number of shares of preferred stock included within participating securities was 10 million, 8 million and 12 million of as-converted 
series A preferred stock for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, 7 million, 14 million and 16 million of as-converted series B preferred 
stock for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and 11 million, 20 million  and 22 million of as-converted series C preferred stock for 
fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 

(2)  Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated based on unrounded 

numbers. 

(3)  Weighted-average  diluted  shares  outstanding  are  calculated  on  an  as-converted  basis,  and  include  incremental  common  stock 
equivalents, as calculated under the treasury stock method. The common stock equivalents are not material for each of fiscal 2023, 2022 
and 2021. 

91 

 
VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Note 17—Share-based Compensation 

Equity Incentive Compensation Plan 

The  Company’s  2007  Amended  and  Restated  Equity  Incentive  Compensation  Plan  (EIP)  authorizes  the 
compensation  committee  of  the  board  of  directors  to  grant  non-qualified  stock  options  (options),  RSUs, 
performance-based  shares  and  restricted  stock  awards  to  its  employees  and  non-employee  directors,  for  up  to 
198 million shares of class A common stock. Shares available for grant may be either authorized and unissued or 
previously  issued  shares  subsequently  acquired  by  the  Company.  Under  the  EIP,  shares  withheld  for  taxes,  or 
shares used to pay the exercise or purchase price of an award, shall not again be available for future grant. The 
EIP  will  continue  to  be  in  effect  until  all  of  the  common  stock  available  under  the  EIP  is  delivered  and  all 
restrictions  on  those  shares  have  lapsed,  unless  the  EIP  is  terminated  earlier  by  the  Company’s  board  of 
directors. 

For fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded share-based compensation cost related to the EIP of 
$734 million, $571 million and $518 million, respectively, in personnel expense on its consolidated statements of 
operations. The related tax benefits for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 were $112 million, $82 million and $73 million, 
respectively. 

Options 

Options  issued  under  the  EIP  expire  10  years  from  the  date  of  grant  and  primarily  vest  ratably  over  three 

years from the date of grant, subject to earlier vesting in full under certain conditions. 

The fair value of each stock option was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing 

model with the following weighted-average assumptions: 

For the Years Ended September 30, 

2023 

2022 

2021 

Expected term (in years)(1) 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Risk-free rate of return(2)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Expected volatility(3)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Expected dividend yield(4)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Fair value per option granted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

4.17 
4.0 % 
28.6 % 
0.8 % 
57.31  $ 

4.11 
1.1 % 
27.1 % 
0.7 % 
43.16  $ 

4.07 
0.3 % 
25.1 % 
0.6 % 
39.51 

(1)  Based on Visa’s historical exercise experience. 
(2)  Based on the zero-coupon U.S. Treasury constant maturity yield curve, continuously compounded over the expected term of the awards. 
(3)  Based on the Company’s implied and historical volatilities. 
(4)  Based on the Company’s annual dividend rate on the date of grant. 

92 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

The following table summarizes the Company’s option activity: 

Weighted-
Average 
Exercise Price 
Per Share 

Weighted-
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term 
(in years) 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value(1) 
(in millions) 

Options 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2022  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Forfeited  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Expired  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Exercised  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

6,168,624  $ 
798,017  $ 
(32,358)  $ 
(2,716)  $ 
(1,006,212)  $ 

145.92 
211.09 
205.35 
191.77 
98.54 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2023  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

5,925,355  $ 

162.40 

Options exercisable as of September 30, 2023 . . . . . . . . .  
Options exercisable and expected to vest as of 

4,241,861  $ 

144.75 

5.96 

5.01 

September 30, 2023(2)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

5,884,022  $ 

162.07 

5.94 

$ 

$ 

$ 

401 

362 

400 

(1)  Calculated using the closing stock price on the last trading day of fiscal 2023 of $230.01, less the option exercise price, multiplied by the 

number of instruments. 

(2)  Applied a forfeiture rate to unvested options outstanding as of September 30, 2023 to estimate the options expected to vest in the future. 

During fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, the total intrinsic value of options exercised was $134 million, $56 million 
and  $124  million,  respectively,  and  the  tax  benefit  realized  was  $28  million,  $11  million  and  $23  million, 
respectively. As of September 30, 2023, there was $25 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to 
unvested options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 0.38 year. 

Restricted Stock Units 

RSUs issued under the EIP primarily vest ratably over three years from the date of grant, subject to earlier 
vesting  in  full  under  certain  conditions.  Upon  vesting,  RSUs  can  be  settled  in  class  A  common  stock  on  a 
one-for-one basis or in cash, or a combination thereof, at the Company’s option. The Company does not currently 
intend to settle any RSUs in cash. During the vesting period, RSU award recipients are eligible to receive dividend 
equivalents, but  do not  participate in the  voting rights  granted  to the holders of the underlying class A common 
stock. 

The  fair  value  and  compensation  cost  before  estimated  forfeitures  is  calculated  using  the  closing  price  of 
class A common stock on the date of grant. During fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, the weighted-average grant date 
fair value of RSUs granted was $212.94, $204.73 and $209.00, respectively. During fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, 
the total grant date fair value of RSUs vested was $486 million, $380 million and $331 million, respectively. 

93 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

The following table summarizes the Company’s RSU activity: 

Weighted-
Average 
Grant Date 
Fair Value 

Weighted-
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term 
(in years) 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value(1) 
(in millions) 

Units 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2022  . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Granted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Vested  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Forfeited  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

5,794,320  $ 
3,373,137  $ 
(2,428,334)  $ 
(321,726)  $ 

203.23 
212.94 
200.33 
207.97 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . .  

6,417,397  $ 

209.19 

0.96 

$ 

1,476 

(1)  Calculated by multiplying the closing stock price on the last trading day of fiscal 2023 of $230.01 by the number of instruments. 

As  of  September  30,  2023,  there  was  $745  million  of  total  unrecognized  compensation  cost  related  to 

unvested RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 0.96 year. 

Performance-based Shares 

For  the  Company’s  performance-based  shares,  in  addition  to  service  conditions,  the  ultimate  number  of 
shares to be earned depends on the achievement of both performance and market conditions. The performance 
condition is based on the Company’s earnings per share target. The market condition is based on the Company’s 
total  shareholder  return  ranked  against  that  of  other  companies  that  are  included in the  Standard & Poor’s 500 
Index. 

The fair value of each performance-based shares incorporating the market condition was estimated on the 

date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model with the following weighted-average assumptions: 

For the Years Ended September 30, 

2023 

2022 

2021 

Expected term (in years)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Risk-free rate of return(1)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Expected volatility(2)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Expected dividend yield(3)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Fair value per performance-based share granted  . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

2.15 
4.4 % 
28.9 % 
0.8 % 
221.32  $ 

2.05 
0.5 % 
28.3 % 
0.8 % 
186.50  $ 

2.00 
0.2 % 
27.2 % 
0.6 % 
229.81 

(1)  Based on the zero-coupon U.S. treasury constant maturity yield curve, continuously compounded over the expected term of the awards. 
(2)  Based on the Company’s implied and historical volatilities. 
(3)  Based on the Company’s annual dividend rate on the date of grant. 

Performance-based  shares  vest  over  three  years  and  are  subject  to  earlier  vesting  in  full  under  certain 
conditions. During fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, the total grant date fair value of performance-based shares vested 
and earned was $44 million, $49 million and $47 million, respectively. Compensation cost for performance-based 
shares is initially estimated based on target performance. It is recorded net of estimated forfeitures and adjusted 
as appropriate throughout the performance period. 

94 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

The following table summarizes the maximum number of performance-based shares which could be earned 

and related activity: 

Weighted-
Average 
Grant Date 
Fair Value 

Shares 

Weighted-
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term 
(in years) 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value(1) 
(in millions) 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2022  . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Granted(2)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Vested and earned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Unearned  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

834,196  $ 
551,818  $ 
(219,523)  $ 
(167,989)  $ 

199.92 
221.32 
201.70 
194.42 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2023  . . . . . . . . . .  

998,502  $ 

212.28 

1.00 

$ 

230 

(1)  Calculated by multiplying the closing stock price on the last trading day of fiscal 2023 of $230.01 by the number of instruments. 
(2)  Represents the maximum number of performance-based shares which could be earned. 

As  of  September  30,  2023,  there  was  $81  million  of  total  unrecognized  compensation  cost  related  to 
unvested  performance-based  shares,  which  is  expected  to  be  recognized  over  a  weighted-average  period  of 
approximately one year. 

Note 18—Commitments 

The Company has software licenses throughout the world with varying expiration dates. As of September 30, 

2023, future minimum payments on software licenses were as follows: 

Software licenses  . . . . . . . . . . .   $  

85   $  

33   $  

5    $   —   $   —   $   —   $ 

123 

2024 

2025 

2026 

2027 

2028 

Thereafter 

Total 

For the Years Ending September 30, 

(in millions) 

Note 19—Income Taxes 

The Company’s income before income taxes by fiscal year consisted of the following: 

For the Years Ended September 30, 

2023 

2022 

2021 

(in millions) 

U.S.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Non-U.S.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

13,339  $ 

11,051  $ 

7,698 

7,085 

11,002 
5,061 

Total income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

21,037  $ 

18,136  $ 

16,063 

For  fiscal  2023,  2022  and  2021,  U.S.  income  before  income  taxes  included  $4.2  billion,  $3.6  billion,  and 

$3.1 billion, respectively, of the Company’s U.S. entities’ income from operations outside of the U.S. 

95 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Income tax provision by fiscal year consisted of the following: 

For the Years Ended September 30, 

2023 

2022 

2021 

(in millions) 

Current: 

U.S. federal  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
State and local  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Non-U.S  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

.

2,630  $ 
293 
1,324 

2,166  $ 
104 
1,245 

Total current taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

4,247 

3,515 

Deferred: 

U.S. federal  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
State and local  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Non-U.S  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

.

Total deferred taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

(339) 
(1) 
(143) 

(483) 

(231) 
(77) 
(28) 

(336) 

1,943 
69 
869 

2,881 

(57) 
(28) 
956 

871 

Total income tax provision  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

3,764  $ 

3,179  $ 

3,752 

The following table presents the components of deferred tax assets and liabilities: 

September 30, 

2023 

2022 

(in millions) 

Deferred Tax Assets: 

Accrued compensation and benefits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Accrued litigation obligation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Client incentives  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Net operating loss carryforwards  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Comprehensive loss  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Federal benefit of state taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Valuation allowance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

212  $ 
365 
630 
232 
72 
125 
66 
(149) 

172 
331 
442 
117 
21 
133 
71 
(120) 

Deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

1,553 

1,167 

Deferred Tax Liabilities: 

Property, equipment and technology, net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Intangible assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Unrealized gains on equity securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Foreign taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Deferred tax liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

(350) 
(6,063) 
(103) 
(25) 

(6,541) 

(450) 
(5,788) 
(124) 
(50) 

(6,412) 

Net deferred tax liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

(4,988)  $ 

(5,245) 

As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, net deferred tax assets of $126 million and $87 million, respectively, 

were reflected in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not 
that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax 
assets  is  dependent  upon  the  generation  of  future  taxable  income  during  the  periods  in  which  those  temporary 

96 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

differences are deductible. The fiscal 2023 and 2022 valuation allowances relate primarily to foreign net operating 
losses from subsidiaries acquired in recent years. 

As of September 30, 2023, the Company had $1.0 billion of foreign net operating loss carryforwards, which 

may be carried forward indefinitely. 

The  following  table  presents  a  reconciliation  of  the  income  tax  provision  to  the  amount  of  income  tax 

determined by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to income before income taxes: 

For the Years Ended September 30, 

2023 

2022 

2021 

(in millions, except percentages) 

U.S. federal income tax at statutory rate  . . . . . .   $  4,418 
State income taxes, net of federal benefit  . . . . .  
245 
Non-U.S. tax effect, net of federal benefit  . . . . .  
(758) 
Remeasurement of deferred tax balances  . . . . .  
— 
Reassessment of an uncertain tax position  . . . .  
(142) 
Conclusion of audits 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
— 
State tax apportionment position 
. . . . . . . . . . . . .  
— 
Other, net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
1 

21 %  $  3,809 
216 
(588) 
— 
— 
— 
(176) 

1 % 
(3 %) 
— % 
(1 %) 
— % 
— % 
— % 

1 % 
(3 %) 
— % 
— % 
— % 
(1 %) 
(82)  — % 

21 % 
21 %  $  3,373 
1 % 
222 
(3 %) 
(505) 
6 % 
1,007 
— % 
— 
(2 %) 
(255) 
— 
— % 
(90)  — % 

Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $  3,764 

18 %  $  3,179 

18 %  $  3,752 

23 % 

In fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, the effective income tax rates were 18% including the following: 

•  during  fiscal  2023,  a  $142  million  tax  benefit  related  to  prior  years  due  to  the  reassessment  of  an 
uncertain tax position as a result of new information obtained during an ongoing tax examination; and 

•  during  fiscal  2022,  a  $176  million  tax  benefit  related  to  prior  years  due  to  a  decrease  in  the  state 

apportionment ratio as a result of a tax position taken related to a ruling. 

In fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, the effective income tax rates were 18% and 23%, respectively. The effective 
income tax rate in fiscal 2022 differs from the effective income tax rate in fiscal 2021 primarily due to the following: 

•  during  fiscal  2022,  a  $176  million  tax  benefit  related  to  prior  years  due  to  a  decrease  in  the  state 

apportionment ratio as a result of a tax position taken related to a ruling; 

•  during fiscal 2021, a $1.0 billion non-recurring, non-cash tax expense related to the remeasurement of UK 
deferred tax liabilities as a result of the increase in UK tax rate from 19% to 25%, effective April 1, 2023; 
and 

•  during fiscal 2021, $255 million of tax benefits recognized as a result of the conclusion of audits by taxing 

authorities. 

As  of  September  30,  2023  and  2022,  current  income  taxes  receivable  of  $206  million  and  $190  million, 
respectively, were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets; non-current income taxes receivable of 
$961 million and $1.0 billion, respectively, were included in other assets; income taxes payable of $1.5 billion and 
$365  million,  respectively,  were  included  in  accrued  liabilities;  and  accrued  income  taxes  of  $1.9  billion  and 
$2.3 billion, respectively, were included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. 

The  Company’s  operating  hub  in  the  Asia  Pacific  region  is  located  in  Singapore.  It  was  subject  to  a  tax 
incentive,  effective  October  1,  2008  through  September  30,  2023,  conditional  upon  meeting  certain  business 

97 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

operations and employment thresholds in Singapore. In fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, the tax incentive decreased 
Singapore tax by $468 million, $362 million and $273 million, and the gross benefit of the tax incentive on diluted 
earnings per share was $0.22, $0.17 and $0.12, respectively. 

The Company is required to inventory, evaluate and measure all uncertain tax positions taken or to be taken 
on tax returns,  and to record liabilities for the amount of such positions that may not be sustained, or may only 
partially be sustained, upon examination by the relevant taxing authorities. 

As  of  September  30,  2023,  2022  and  2021,  the  Company’s  total  gross  unrecognized  tax  benefits  were 
$3.5 billion, $2.7 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, exclusive of interest and penalties described below. Included 
in  the  $3.5  billion,  $2.7  billion  and  $2.5  billion  are  $1.6  billion,  $1.3  billion  and  $1.3  billion  of  unrecognized  tax 
benefits, respectively, that if recognized, would reduce the effective tax rate in a future period. 

The  following  table  presents  a  reconciliation  of  beginning  and  ending  unrecognized  tax  benefits  by  fiscal 

year: 

Balance as of beginning of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits related to prior years  . . . . . . . . . .  
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits related to prior years  . . . . . . . . .  
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits related to current year  . . . . . . . . .  
Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Reduction related to lapsing statute of limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

2023 

2022 

2021 

(in millions) 

2,683  $ 
515 
(190) 
510 
(17) 
(4) 

2,488  $ 
10 
(143) 
350 
(19) 
(3) 

2,579 
34 
(386) 
326 
(63) 
(2) 

Balance as of end of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

3,497  $ 

2,683  $ 

2,488 

The increases in unrecognized tax benefits include refund claims filed during the year, an increase in gross 
timing  differences,  and  various  tax  positions  across  several  jurisdictions.  The  decrease  in  unrecognized  tax 
benefits primarily includes the reassessment of an uncertain tax position as a result of new information obtained 
during an ongoing tax examination, as mentioned above. 

In fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $34 million, $15 million and $1 million of net interest 
expense,  respectively,  related  to  uncertain  tax  positions.  In  fiscal  2023  and  2021,  the  Company  accrued  no 
significant  penalties  and  in  fiscal  2022,  the  Company  reversed  accrued  penalties  of  $31  million  related  to 
uncertain tax positions. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company had accrued interest of $271 million 
and $238 million, respectively, and no significant accrued penalties related to uncertain tax positions. 

The  Company’s  U.S.  federal  income  tax  returns  for  fiscal  2016  through  2018  are  currently  under 
examination.  For  fiscal  2008  through  2015,  one  unresolved  issue  related  to  an  income  tax  deduction  remains. 
During fiscal 2022, the Company completed the administrative appeals process for this issue without reaching a 
settlement  with  the  Internal  Revenue  Service.  The  Company  is  evaluating  its  next  steps.  Except  for  the 
unresolved issue, the federal statute of limitations has expired for fiscal years prior to 2016. 

The Company’s California income tax returns for fiscal 2012 through 2015 are currently under examination 
and  refund  claims  filed  for  fiscal  2006  through  2011  are  currently  under  administrative  appeal.  Except  for  the 
refund claims, the California statute of limitations has expired for fiscal years prior to 2012. 

The  India  tax  authorities  completed  the  assessment  of  the  Company’s  income  tax  returns  for  the  taxable 
years falling within the period from fiscal 2010 to 2021 and made certain adjustments. The Company objected to 
these adjustments and filed appeals to the appellate authorities. 

98 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

The Company is also subject to examinations by various state and foreign tax authorities. All material state 
and foreign tax matters have been concluded for years through fiscal 2007. The timing and outcome of the final 
resolutions  of  the  federal,  state  and  foreign  tax  examinations  and  refund  claims  are  uncertain.  However,  it  is 
reasonably  possible  that  the  Company’s  net  unrecognized  tax  benefits  could  decrease  by  approximately 
$400 million in the next 12 months. 

Note 20—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. For those proceedings 
where  a  loss  is  determined  to  be  only  reasonably  possible  or  probable  but  not  estimable,  the  Company  has 
disclosed  the  nature  of  the  claim.  Additionally,  unless  otherwise  disclosed  below  with  respect  to  these 
proceedings,  the  Company  cannot  provide  an  estimate  of  the  possible  loss  or  range  of  loss.  Although  the 
Company  believes  that  it  has  strong  defenses  for  the  litigation  and  regulatory  proceedings  described  below,  it 
could, in the future, incur judgments or fines or enter into settlements of claims that could have a material adverse 
effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. From time to time, the Company 
may  engage  in  settlement  discussions  or  mediations  with  respect  to  one  or  more  of  its  outstanding  litigation 
matters, either on its own behalf or collectively with other parties. 

The litigation accrual is an estimate and is based on management’s understanding of its litigation profile, the 
specifics of each case, advice of counsel to the extent appropriate and management’s best estimate of incurred 
loss as of the balance sheet date. 

The following table summarizes the activity related to accrued litigation: 

Balance as of beginning of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Provision for uncovered legal matters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Provision for covered legal matters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Payments for legal matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

2023 

2022 

(in millions) 
1,456  $ 
21 
1,024 
(750) 

983 
6 
885 
(418) 

Balance as of end of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

1,751  $ 

1,456 

Accrual Summary—U.S. Covered Litigation 

Visa Inc., Visa U.S.A. and Visa International are parties to certain legal proceedings that are covered by the 
U.S. retrospective responsibility plan, which the Company refers to as the U.S. covered litigation. An accrual for 
the  U.S.  covered  litigation  and  a  charge  to  the  litigation  provision  are  recorded  when  a  loss  is  deemed  to  be 
probable and reasonably estimable. In making this determination, the Company evaluates available information, 
including but not limited to actions taken by the Company’s litigation committee. The total accrual related to the 
U.S.  covered  litigation could be either  higher or  lower than  the  escrow  account  balance. See further  discussion 
below under U.S. Covered Litigation and Note 5—U.S. and Europe Retrospective Responsibility Plans. 

99 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

The following table summarizes the accrual activity related to U.S. covered litigation: 

Balance as of beginning of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Provision for interchange multidistrict litigation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Payments for U.S. covered litigation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Balance as of end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

2023 

2022 

(in millions) 

1,441  $ 
906 
(726) 

1,621  $ 

881 
861 
(301) 

1,441 

During fiscal 2023, the Company recorded additional accruals of $906 million and deposited $1.0 billion into 
the  U.S.  litigation  escrow  account  to  address  claims  of  certain  merchants  who  opted  out  of  the  Amended 
Settlement Agreement (as described herein). The accrual balance is consistent with the Company’s best estimate 
of  its  share  of  a  probable  and  reasonably  estimable  loss  with  respect  to  the  U.S.  covered  litigation.  While  this 
estimate is consistent with the Company’s view of the current status of the litigation, the probable and reasonably 
estimable loss or range of such loss could materially vary based on developments in the litigation. The Company 
will continue to  consider and reevaluate this  estimate  in light of the substantial uncertainties with respect to the 
litigation.  The  Company  is  unable  to  estimate  a  potential  loss  or  range  of  loss,  if  any,  at  trial  if  negotiated 
resolutions cannot be reached. 

Accrual Summary—VE Territory Covered Litigation 

Visa Inc., Visa International and Visa Europe are parties to certain legal proceedings that are covered by the 
Europe retrospective responsibility plan. Unlike the U.S. retrospective responsibility plan, the Europe retrospective 
responsibility plan does not have an escrow account that is used to fund settlements or judgments. The Company 
is entitled to recover VE territory covered losses through periodic adjustments to the conversion rates applicable 
to  the  series  B  and  C  preferred  stock.  An  accrual  for  the  VE  territory  covered  losses  and  a  reduction  to 
stockholders’  equity  will  be  recorded  when  the  loss  is  deemed  to  be  probable  and  reasonably  estimable.  See 
further  discussion  below  under  VE  Territory  Covered  Litigation  and  Note  5—U.S.  and  Europe  Retrospective 
Responsibility Plans. 

The following table summarizes the accrual activity related to VE territory covered litigation: 

Balance as of beginning of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Provision for VE territory covered litigation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Payments for VE territory covered litigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

For the Years Ended 
September 30, 

2023 

2022 

(in millions) 
11  $ 

118 
(19) 

Balance as of end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

110  $ 

102 
24 
(115) 

11 

100 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

U.S. Covered Litigation 

Interchange Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) – Class Actions 

Beginning in May 2005, a series of complaints (the majority of which were styled as class actions) were filed 
in U.S. federal district courts by merchants against Visa U.S.A., Visa International and/or Mastercard, and in some 
cases, certain U.S. financial institutions. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued an order transferring 
the  cases  to  the  U.S.  District  Court  for  the  Eastern  District  of  New  York  (Court)  for  coordination  of  pre-trial 
proceedings  in  MDL  1720.  A  group  of  purported  class  plaintiffs  subsequently  filed  amended  and  supplemental 
class  complaints.  The  individual  and  class  complaints  generally  challenged,  among  other  things,  Visa’s  and 
Mastercard’s purported setting of interchange reimbursement fees, their “no surcharge” and honor-all-cards rules, 
alleged tying and bundling of transaction fees, and Visa’s reorganization and IPO, under the federal antitrust laws 
and,  in  some  cases,  certain  state  unfair  competition  laws.  The  complaints  sought  money  damages,  declaratory 
and injunctive relief, attorneys’ fees and, in one instance, an order that the IPO be unwound. 

Visa  Inc.,  Visa  U.S.A.,  Visa  International,  Mastercard  Incorporated,  Mastercard  International  Incorporated, 
various  U.S.  financial  institution  defendants,  and  the  class  plaintiffs  signed  a  settlement  agreement  (2012 
Settlement  Agreement)  to  resolve  the  class  plaintiffs’  claims.  Pursuant  to  the  2012  Settlement  Agreement,  the 
Company  deposited  approximately  $4.0  billion  from  the  U.S.  litigation  escrow  account  and  approximately 
$500  million  attributable  to  interchange  reductions  for  an  eight-month  period  into  court-authorized  settlement 
accounts.  Visa  subsequently  received  from  the  Court  and  deposited  into  the  Company’s  U.S.  litigation  escrow 
account “takedown payments” of approximately $1.1 billion. 

On June 30, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit vacated the lower court’s certification of 
the merchant class, reversed the approval of the settlement, and remanded the case to the lower court for further 
proceedings. 

On  remand,  the  district  court  entered  an  order  appointing  interim  counsel  for  two  putative  classes  of 
plaintiffs,  a  “Damages  Class”  and  an  “Injunctive  Relief  Class.”  The  plaintiffs  purporting  to  act  on  behalf  of  the 
putative  Damages  Class  subsequently  filed  a  Third  Consolidated  Amended  Class  Action  Complaint,  seeking 
money  damages  and  attorneys’  fees,  among  other  relief.  A  new  group  of  purported  class  plaintiffs,  acting  on 
behalf of the putative Injunctive Relief Class, filed a class action complaint against Visa, Mastercard, and certain 
bank  defendants  seeking,  among  other  things,  an  injunction  against  the  setting  of  default  interchange  rates; 
against certain Visa operating rules relating to merchants, including the honor-all-cards rule; and against various 
transaction fees, including the fixed acquirer network fee, as well as attorneys’ fees. 

On September 17, 2018, Visa, Mastercard, and certain U.S. financial institutions reached an agreement with 
plaintiffs purporting to act on behalf of the putative Damages Class to resolve all Damages Class claims (Amended 
Settlement  Agreement).  The  Amended  Settlement  Agreement  supersedes  the  2012  Settlement  Agreement  and 
includes, among other terms, a release from participating class members for liability arising out of conduct alleged by 
the  Damages  Class  in  the  litigation,  including  claims  that  accrue  no  later  than  five  years  after  the  Amended 
Settlement  Agreement  becomes  final.  Participating  class  members  will  not  release  injunctive  relief  claims  as  a 
named  representative  or  non-representative  class  member  in  the  putative  Injunctive  Relief  Class.  The  Amended 
Settlement Agreement also required an additional settlement payment from all defendants totaling $900 million, with 
the Company’s share of $600 million paid from the Company’s litigation escrow account established pursuant to the 
Company’s retrospective responsibility plan. See Note 5—U.S. and Europe Retrospective Responsibility Plans. The 
additional  settlement  payment  was  added  to  the  approximately  $5.3  billion  previously  deposited  into  settlement 
accounts by the defendants pursuant to the 2012 Settlement Agreement. 

101 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Certain merchants in the proposed settlement class objected to the settlement and/or submitted requests to 
opt out of the settlement class. On December 13, 2019, the district court granted final approval of the Amended 
Settlement  Agreement,  which  was  subsequently  appealed.  Based  on  the  percentage  of  class  members  (by 
payment  volume)  that  opted  out  of  the  class,  $700  million  was  returned  to  defendants.  Visa’s  portion  of  the 
takedown  payment,  approximately  $467  million,  was  deposited  into  the  U.S.  litigation  escrow  account.  On 
March  15,  2023,  the  U.S.  Court  of  Appeals  for  the  Second  Circuit  affirmed  the  final  approval  of  the  Amended 
Settlement  Agreement  by  the  district  court.  On  August  3,  2023,  the  district  court  entered  an  order  appointing a 
special  master  to  resolve  matters  arising  out  of  or  relating  to  the  Amended  Settlement  Agreement’s  plan  of 
administration. 

On  May  29,  2020,  a  complaint  was  filed  by  Old  Jericho  Enterprise,  Inc.  against  Visa  and  Mastercard  on 
behalf of a purported class of gasoline retailers operating in 24 states and the District of Columbia. On April 28, 
2021, a complaint was filed by Hayley Lanning and others, and on June 16, 2021, a complaint was filed by Camp 
Grounds  Coffee  and  others,  each  against  Visa  and  Mastercard  on  behalf  of  a  purported  class  of  merchants 
located  in  25  states  and  the  District  of  Columbia  who  have  taken  payment  using  the  Square  card  acceptance 
service. Each of these complaints alleges violations of the antitrust laws of those jurisdictions and seeks recovery 
for  plaintiffs  as  indirect  purchasers.  To  the  extent  these  plaintiffs’  claims  are  not  released  by  the  Amended 
Settlement Agreement, Visa believes they are covered by the U.S. Retrospective Responsibility Plan. 

On June 1, 2020, Visa, jointly with other defendants, served a motion for summary judgment regarding the 
claims in the Injunctive Relief Class complaint. The putative Injunctive Relief Class plaintiffs served a motion for 
partial summary judgment. On September 27, 2021, the district court certified without opt out rights an Injunctive 
Relief Class consisting of all merchants that accept Visa or Mastercard credit or debit cards in the United States 
at any time between December 18, 2020 and entry of final judgment. 

Interchange Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) – Individual Merchant Actions 

Since  May  2013,  more  than  50  cases  have  been  filed  in  or  removed  to  various  federal  district  courts  by 
hundreds  of  merchants  generally  pursuing  damages  claims  on  allegations similar  to  those  raised in MDL  1720. 
The  cases  name  as  defendants  Visa  Inc.,  Visa  U.S.A.,  Visa  International,  Mastercard  Incorporated  and 
Mastercard  International  Incorporated,  although  some  also  include  certain  U.S.  financial  institutions  as 
defendants. A number of the cases include allegations that Visa has monopolized, attempted to monopolize, and/ 
or conspired to monopolize debit card-related market segments. Some of the cases seek an injunction against the 
setting  of  default  interchange  rates;  certain  Visa  operating  rules  relating  to  merchants,  including  the 
honor-all-cards  rule;  and  various  transaction  fees,  including  the  fixed  acquirer  network  fee.  In  addition,  some 
cases assert that Visa, Mastercard and/or their member banks conspired to prevent the adoption of chip-and-PIN 
authentication in the U.S. or otherwise circumvent competition in the debit market.  Certain individual merchants 
have  filed  amended  complaints  to,  among  other  things,  add  claims  for  injunctive  relief  and  update  claims  for 
damages. 

In  addition  to  the  cases  filed  by  individual  merchants,  Visa,  Mastercard,  and/or  certain  U.S.  financial 
institution defendants in MDL 1720 filed complaints against certain merchants in the Eastern District of New York 
seeking, in part, a declaration that Visa’s conduct did not violate federal or state antitrust laws. 

The individual merchant actions described in this section have been either assigned to the judge presiding 
over MDL 1720, have been transferred, or are being considered for transfer by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict 
Litigation for inclusion in MDL 1720. These individual merchant actions are U.S. covered litigation for purposes of 
the U.S. retrospective responsibility plan. See Note 5—U.S. and Europe Retrospective Responsibility Plans. 

102 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

Visa  has  reached  settlements  with  a  number  of  merchants  representing  approximately  72%  of  the  Visa-
branded payment card sales volume of merchants who opted out of the Amended Settlement Agreement with the 
Damages Class plaintiffs. 

On  June  1,  2020  and  July  14,  2023,  Visa,  jointly  with  other  defendants,  served  motions  for  summary 
judgment  regarding  the  claims  in  certain  of  the  individual  merchant  actions,  as  well  as  certain  declaratory 
judgment  claims  brought  by  Visa,  Mastercard,  and  some  U.S.  financial  institutions.  Plaintiffs  in  certain  of  the 
individual  merchant  actions  served  motions  for  partial  summary  judgment.  On  October  9,  2022,  defendants’ 
motion for summary judgment regarding damages for EMV-related chargebacks was denied. 

The Company believes it has substantial defenses to the claims asserted in the putative class actions and 
individual  merchant  actions,  but  the  final  outcome  of  individual  legal  claims  is  inherently  unpredictable.  The 
Company  could  incur  judgments,  enter  into  settlements  or  revise  its  expectations  regarding  the  outcome  of 
merchants’  claims,  and  such  developments  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  Company’s  financial 
results in the period in which the effect becomes probable and reasonably estimable. While the U.S. retrospective 
responsibility  plan  is  designed  to  address  monetary  liability  in  these  matters,  see  Note  5—U.S.  and  Europe 
Retrospective  Responsibility  Plans,  judgments  or  settlements  that  require  the  Company  to  change  its  business 
practices, rules, or contractual commitments could adversely affect the Company’s financial results. 

Consumer Interchange Litigation 

On December 30, 2022, a putative class action was filed in California state court against Visa, Mastercard, 
and  certain  financial  institutions  on  behalf  of  all  Visa  and  Mastercard  cardholders  in  California  who  made  a 
purchase using a Visa-branded or Mastercard-branded payment card in California from January 1, 2004. Plaintiffs 
primarily  allege  a  conspiracy  to  fix  interchange  fees  and  seek  injunctive  relief,  attorneys’  fees  and  damages  as 
direct and indirect purchasers based on alleged violations of California law. On January 11, 2023, plaintiffs filed 
an amended complaint asserting the same claims as asserted in the prior complaint. On January 30, 2023, Visa 
removed the action to federal court, and the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation subsequently issued an order 
transferring  the  case  to  MDL  1720.  On  June  15,  2023,  plaintiffs’  motion  to  remand  the  case  to  California  state 
court  was  denied,  and  plaintiffs  appealed.  On  July  28,  2023,  defendants  filed  a  motion  to  dismiss  that  appeal, 
which was granted on November 14, 2023. 

VE Territory Covered Litigation 

Europe Merchant Litigation 

Since July 2013, proceedings have been commenced by more than 1,150 Merchants (the capitalized term 
“Merchant”,  when  used  in  this  section,  means  a  Merchant  together  with  subsidiary/affiliate  companies  that  are 
party to the same claim) against Visa Europe, Visa Inc. and other Visa subsidiaries in the UK and other countries, 
primarily relating to interchange rates in Europe and, in some cases, relating to fees charged by Visa and certain 
Visa  rules.  They  seek  damages  for  alleged  anti-competitive  conduct  in  relation  to  one  or  more  of  the  following 
types  of  interchange  fees  for  credit  and  debit  card  transactions:  UK  domestic,  Irish  domestic,  other  European 
domestic,  intra-European  Economic  Area  and/or  other  inter-regional.  As  of  the  filing  date,  Visa  has  settled  the 
claims asserted by over 175 Merchants, and there are approximately 900 Merchants with outstanding claims. In 
addition, over 30 Merchants have threatened to commence similar proceedings. Standstill agreements have been 
entered into with respect to some of those threatened Merchant claims, several of which have been settled. While 
the amount of interchange being challenged could be substantial, these claims have not yet been filed and their 
full  scope  is  not  yet  known. The Company has learned that  several additional European entities have indicated 
they may also bring similar claims, and the Company anticipates additional claims in the future. 

103 

VISA INC. 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued) 
September 30, 2023 

A  trial  took  place  from  November  2016  to  March  2017,  relating  to  claims  asserted  by  one  Merchant.  In 
judgments published in November 2017 and February 2018, the court found as to that Merchant that Visa’s UK 
domestic interchange did not restrict competition, but that if it had been found to restrict competition, it would not 
be  exemptible  under  applicable  law.  On  July  4,  2018,  the  Court  of  Appeal  overturned  the  lower  court’s  rulings, 
finding  that  Visa’s  UK  domestic  interchange  restricted  competition  and  the  question  of  whether  Visa’s  UK 
domestic  interchange  was  exempt  from  the  finding  of  restriction  under  applicable  law  had  been  incorrectly 
decided. Following an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, on June 17, 2020, the Supreme Court 
found  that  Visa’s  UK  domestic  interchange  restricted  competition  under  applicable  competition  law.  On 
September 30, 2021, Visa reached a confidential settlement agreement resolving one Merchant’s claims. 

On  November  26,  2021,  with  respect  to  certain  pending  Merchant  claims,  the  UK  Competition  Appeal 
Tribunal  (CAT)  found  that  UK  and  certain  other  domestic  and  intra-European  Economic  Area  consumer 
interchange fees before the introduction of the Interchange Fee Regulation (IFR) were a restriction of competition, 
but  that  the  question  of  whether  those  fees,  along  with  inter-European Economic Area fees,  are  a  restriction  of 
competition after the introduction of the IFR would need to be resolved at trial. Whether any interchange fees are 
exempt from the finding of restriction under applicable law and the assessment of damages, if any, will also need 
to be considered at trial. On October 4, 2022, the UK Court of Appeal affirmed the CAT’s ruling. 

On June 1, 2022, two class action claims were filed against Visa with the CAT on behalf of UK businesses 
that  accepted  Visa-branded  payment  cards  at  any  time  since  June  1,  2016,  alleging  that  UK  domestic,  intra-
European  Economic  Area,  and  inter-regional  interchange  fees  on  commercial  credit  cards,  and  inter-regional 
interchange  fees  on  consumer  cards,  are  anti-competitive.  The  Europe  retrospective  responsibility  plan  covers 
liabilities and losses relating to the covered period, which generally refers to the period before the closing of the 
Visa  Europe  acquisition.  On  June  8,  2023, the  UK Competition Appeal Tribunal denied class certification  in the 
two class action claims. 

The full scope of potential damages is not yet known because not all Merchant claims have been served and 
Visa  has  substantial  defenses.  However,  the  claims  that  have  been  issued,  served  and/or  preserved,  seek 
several billion dollars in damages. 

Other Litigation 

On November 14, 2021, a motion to certify a class action was filed against Visa and Mastercard in the Israel 
Central  District  Court.  The  motion  asserts  that  interchange  fees  on  cross-border  transactions  in  Israel  and  the 
Honor All Cards rule are anti-competitive and seeks damages and injunctive relief. 

Other Litigation 

U.S. ATM Access Fee Litigation 

National ATM Council Class Action. In October 2011, the National ATM Council and thirteen non-bank ATM 
operators  filed a  purported  class action lawsuit against Visa (Visa Inc.,  Visa International, Visa U.S.A. and Plus 
System,  Inc.)  and  Mastercard  in  the  U.S.  District  Court  for  the  District  of  Columbia.  The  complaint  challenges 
Visa’s rule (and a similar Mastercard rule) that if an ATM operator chooses to charge consumers an access fee 
for a Visa or Plus transaction, that fee cannot be greater than the access fee charged for transactions on other 
networks. Plaintiffs claim that the rule violates Section 1 of the Sherman Act and seek treble damages, injunctive 
relief, and attorneys’ fees. On August 4, 2021, the district court granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. On 
July 25, 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia affirmed the district court’s class certification 
decision, and on September 27, 2023, defendants’ petition for rehearing en banc was denied. 

104 

VISA INC.
 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
September 30, 2023
 

Consumer  Class  Actions.  In  October  2011,  a  purported  consumer  class  action  was  filed  against  Visa  and 
Mastercard in the same federal court challenging the same ATM access fee rules. Two other purported consumer 
class  actions  challenging  the  rules,  later  combined,  were  also  filed  in  October  2011  in  the  same  federal  court 
naming Visa, Mastercard and three financial institutions as defendants. Plaintiffs seek treble damages, restitution, 
injunctive relief, and attorneys’ fees where available under federal and state law, including under Section 1 of the 
Sherman Act and consumer protection statutes. On August 4, 2021, the district court granted plaintiffs’ motion for 
class  certification  in  each  case.  On  August  8,  2022,  in  the  case  in  which  the  three  financial  institutions  were 
named,  the  district  court  granted  plaintiffs’  motion  for  final  approval  of  a  class  action  settlement  with  those 
institutions and entered final judgments of  dismissal as to  those institutions. On  July 25, 2023, the U.S. Court of 
Appeals for the District of Columbia affirmed the district court’s class certification decision, and on September 27, 
2023, defendants’ petition for rehearing en banc was denied. 

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Investigative Demand (2012) 

On March 13, 2012, the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (Division) issued a Civil 
Investigative  Demand  (CID),  to  Visa  Inc.  seeking  documents  and  information  regarding  a  potential  violation  of 
Section  1  or  2  of  the  Sherman  Act,  15  U.S.C.  §§  1,  2.  The  CID  focused  on  PIN-Authenticated  Visa  Debit  and 
Visa’s  competitive  responses  to  the  Dodd-Frank  Act,  including  Visa’s  fixed  acquirer  network  fee.  Visa  has 
cooperated with the Division in connection with the CID. 

Pulse Network 

On  November  25,  2014,  Pulse  Network  LLC  filed  suit  against  Visa  Inc.  in  federal  district  court  in  Texas, 
alleging  that  Visa  has,  among  other  things,  monopolized  and  attempted  to  monopolize  debit  card  network 
services  markets.  On  August  29,  2022,  Pulse  filed  an  amended  complaint,  which  makes  similar  allegations  and 
seeks  unspecified  treble  damages,  attorneys’  fees  and  injunctive  relief,  including  to  enjoin  the  fixed  acquirer 
network fee structure, and Visa’s agreements relating to debit with issuers, acquirers and merchants. 

EMV Chip Liability Shift 

Following  their  initial  complaint  filed  on  March  8,  2016,  B&R  Supermarket,  Inc.,  d/b/a  Milam’s  Market,  and 
Grove  Liquors  LLC  filed  an  amended  class  action  complaint  on  July  15,  2016,  against  Visa  Inc.,  Visa  U.S.A., 
Mastercard,  Discover,  American  Express,  EMVCo  and  certain  financial  institutions  in  the  U.S.  District  Court  for 
the Northern District of California. The amended complaint asserts that defendants, through EMVCo, conspired to 
shift  liability  for  fraudulent,  faulty,  or  otherwise  rejected  payment  card  transactions  from  defendants  to  the 
purported  class  of  merchants,  defined  as  those  merchants  throughout  the  U.S.  who  have  been  subjected  to  the 
“Liability  Shift”  since  October  2015.  Plaintiffs  claim  that  the  “Liability  Shift”  violates  Sections  1  and  3  of  the 
Sherman Act and certain state laws, and seek treble damages, injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees. 

EMVCo  and  the  financial  institution  defendants  were  dismissed,  and  the  matter  was  subsequently 
transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, which has clarified that this case is not 
part  of  MDL  1720.  On  August  28,  2020,  the  district  court  granted  plaintiffs’  motion  for  class  certification.  On 
November  30,  2022,  Visa,  jointly  with  other  defendants,  served  a  motion  for  summary  judgment  regarding  the 
claims in the amended complaint and a motion to decertify the class. 

Federal Trade Commission Civil Investigative Demand 

On November 4, 2019, the Bureau of Competition of the United States Federal Trade Commission (Bureau) 
requested  that  Visa  provide,  on  a  voluntary  basis,  documents  and  information  relating  to  an  investigation  as  to 
whether Visa’s actions inhibited merchant choice in the selection of debit payments networks in potential violation 

105
 

VISA INC.
 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
 
September 30, 2023
 

of the Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. On June 9, 2020, 
the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a CID to Visa requesting additional documents and information. Visa 
has cooperated with the FTC in connection with the CID. 

Euronet Litigation 

On  December  13,  2019,  Euronet  360  Finance  Limited,  Euronet  Polska  Spolka  z.o.o.  and  Euronet  Services 
spol. s.r.o. (Euronet) served a claim in the UK alleging that certain rules affecting ATM access fees in Poland, the 
Czech  Republic  and  Greece  by  Visa  Inc.  and  Mastercard  Incorporated,  and  certain  of  their  subsidiaries,  breach 
various  competition  laws.  Euronet  sought  damages,  costs,  and  injunctive  relief  to  prevent  the  defendants  from 
enforcing these rules. Visa reached a settlement with Euronet, and the claim against Visa has been dismissed. 

European Commission Staged Digital Wallets Investigation 

On June 26, 2020, the European Commission (EC) informed Visa that it opened a preliminary investigation 
into Visa’s rules regarding staged digital wallets. On February 16, 2023, the EC notified Visa that the investigation 
has been closed. 

German ATM Litigation 

Beginning  in  December  2021,  Visa  was  served  with  claims  in  Germany  brought  by  German  banks  against 
Visa  Europe  and  Visa  Inc.  The  banks  claim  that  Visa’s  ATM  rules  prohibiting  the  charging  of  access  fees  on 
domestic cash withdrawals are anti-competitive, and the majority seek damages. Visa has filed challenges to the 
jurisdiction of the German courts to hear these claims, one of which was denied and one of which was granted as 
to Visa Europe. 

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Investigative Demand (2021) 

On  March  26,  2021,  June  11,  2021,  January  4,  2023,  and  May  2,  2023,  the  Antitrust  Division  of  the  U.S. 
Department  of  Justice  (the  Division)  issued  CIDs  to  Visa,  seeking  documents  and  information  regarding  a 
potential  violation  of  Section  1  or  2  of  the  Sherman  Act,  15  U.S.C.  §§  1,  2.  The  CIDs  focus  on  U.S.  debit  and 
competition  with  other  payment  methods  and  networks.  Visa  is  cooperating  with  the  Division  in  connection  with 
the investigation. 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Litigation 

Following an initial class action complaint filed on July 9, 2021, an amended class action complaint was filed 
on  December  6,  2021  against  Visa  in  the  U.S.  District  Court  for  the  Northern  District  of  California  by  several 
individuals on behalf of a purported nationwide class, and/or purported California, Washington, Massachusetts or 
New  Jersey  subclasses,  of  cardholders  who  conducted  a  transaction  in  a  foreign  currency.  The  amended 
complaint  asserted  claims  for  unjust  enrichment  and  restitution  as  well  as  violations  of  the  California  Unfair 
Competition  Law,  the  Washington  Consumer  Protection  Act,  the  Massachusetts  Consumer  Protection  Act,  and 
the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. On December 21, 2022, plaintiffs filed a third amended complaint asserting 
the same claims. On August 30, 2023, the court granted Visa’s motion to dismiss with prejudice and directed the 
clerk to close the case. 

European Commission Client Incentive Agreements Investigation 

On  December  2,  2022,  the  EC  informed  Visa  that  it  had  opened  a  preliminary  investigation  into  Visa’s 

incentive agreements with clients. Visa is cooperating with the EC in connection with the investigation. 

106
 

ITEM 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures 

Not applicable. 

ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

We  maintain  a  system  of  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in  the  Rules  13a-15(e)  and 
15d-15(e)  under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as  amended  (Exchange  Act))  that  is  designed  to  ensure 
that  information  required  to  be  disclosed  in  our  Exchange  Act  reports  is  recorded,  processed,  summarized  and 
reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated 
and  communicated  to  our  management,  including  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer,  as 
appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. 

Under  the  supervision  and  with  the  participation  of  our  management,  including  our  Chief  Executive  Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this 
evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2023, 
our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial 
reporting.  Management  assessed  the  effectiveness  of  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of 
September  30,  2023  using  the  criteria  set  forth  in  Internal  Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the 
Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of 
framework).  Based  on 
management’s  assessment,  management  has  concluded  that  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was 
effective as of September 30, 2023. 

the  Treadway  Commission  (2013 

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2023, has been audited 
by  KPMG  LLP,  an  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm,  as  stated  in  their  report  which  is  included  in 
Item 8 of this report. 

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures and Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

Our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  designed  to  provide  reasonable,  but  not  absolute,  assurance 
regarding  the  reliability of  financial reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial statements  in accordance with U.S. 
generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  There  are  inherent  limitations  to  the  effectiveness  of  any  system  of 
internal control over financial reporting. These limitations include the possibility of human error, the circumvention 
or  overriding  of  the  system  and  reasonable resource  constraints.  Because of  its  inherent  limitations,  our  internal 
control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements  and  instances  of  fraud.  In  addition, 
because  we  have  designed  our  system  of  controls  based  on  certain  assumptions,  which  we  believe  are 
reasonable,  about  the  likelihood  of  future  events,  our  system  of  controls  may  not  achieve  its  desired  purpose 
under  all  possible  future  conditions.  Accordingly,  our  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  provide  reasonable 
assurance,  but  not  absolute  assurance,  of  achieving  their  objectives.  Projections  of  any  evaluation  of 
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks discussed in Part I, Item 1A—Risk Factors of this report. 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

In  preparation  for  management’s  report  on  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  we  documented  and 
tested the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. There have been no 
changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 that 
have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

107
 

ITEM 9B. Other Information 

(b) Trading Plans. 

None 

ITEM 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections 

Not applicable. 

108
 

ITEM 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

PART III
 

We  will  file  a  definitive  proxy  statement  pursuant  to  Regulation  14A  under  the  Exchange  Act  (Proxy 
Statement)  no  later  than  120  days  after  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year  ended  September  30,  2023.  The  information 
required by this item will be included in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. 

Our  Code  of  Business  Conduct  and  Ethics  that  is  applicable  to  our  directors,  executive  officers,  senior 
financial  officers,  as  well  as  our  employees  and  contractors  and  our  Corporate  Governance  Guidelines  are 
available  on  the  Investor  Relations  page  of  our  website  at  investor.visa.com,  under  “Corporate  Governance.” 
Printed copies of these documents are also available to stockholders without charge upon written request directed 
Inc.,  P.O.  Box  193243,  San  Francisco,  California  94119  or 
to  Corporate  Secretary,  Visa 
corporatesecretary@visa.com. 

ITEM 11.  Executive Compensation 

The  information  required  by  this  item  will be  included in  our  Proxy  Statement  and is incorporated herein by 

reference. 

ITEM 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 

Matters 

The  information  required  by  this  item  will be  included in  our  Proxy  Statement  and is incorporated herein by 

reference. 

ITEM 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 

The  information  required  by  this  item  will be  included in  our  Proxy  Statement  and is incorporated herein by 

reference. 

ITEM 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

The information required by this Item  will be included in our Proxy Statement  and is incorporated herein by 

reference. 

109
 

PART IV
 

ITEM 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 

The following documents are filed as part of this report: 

1. Consolidated Financial Statements
 

See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.

2. Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules
 

None.

3. The  following  exhibits  are  filed  as  part  of  this  report  or,  where  indicated,  were  previously  filed  and  are 

hereby incorporated by reference: 

Refer to the Exhibit Index herein. 

ITEM 16.  Form 10-K Summary 

None. 

110
 

EXHIBIT INDEX
 

Incorporated by Reference 

Form 

File 
Number 

Exhibit 
Number 

Filing 
Date 

8-K 

001-33977 

2.1 

5/10/2016 

8-K 

001-33977 

3.1 

1/27/2021 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Visa Inc. 

8-K 

001-33977 

Form of stock certificate of Visa Inc. 

S-4/A 

333-143966 

8-A 

000-53572 

3.2 

4.1 

4.1 

8/5/2022 

9/13/2007 

1/28/2009 

Exhibit 
Number 

Exhibit 
Description 

2.1 

3.1 

3.2 

4.1 

4.2 

4.3 

4.4 

4.5 

4.6 

4.7 

4.8 

4.9 

4.10 

4.11 

4.12 

4.13 

4.14 

4.15 

4.16 

4.17 

4.18 

4.19 

4.20 

4.21 

Amended and Restated Transaction 
Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2016, 
between Visa Inc. and Visa Europe Limited # 

Seventh Restated Certificate of Incorporation 
of Visa Inc. 

Form of specimen certificate for class B 
common stock of Visa Inc. 

Form of specimen certificate for class C 
common stock of Visa Inc. 

Certificate of Designations of Series A 
Convertible Participating Preferred Stock of 
Visa Inc. 

Certificate of Designations of Series B 
Convertible Participating Preferred Stock of 
Visa Inc. 

Certificate of Designations of Series C 
Convertible Participating Preferred Stock of 
Visa Inc. 

Indenture dated December 14, 2015 between 
Visa Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association 

Form of 3.150% Senior Note due 2025 

Form of 1.500% Senior Note due 2026 

Form of 0.750% Senior Note due 2027 

Form of 1.900% Senior Note due 2027 

Form of 2.750% Senior Note due 2027 

Form of 2.000% Senior Note due 2029 

Form of 2.050% Senior Note due 2030 

Form of 1.100% Senior Note due 2031 

Form of 2.375% Senior Note due 2034 

Form of 4.150% Senior Note due 2035 

Form of 2.700% Senior Note due 2040 

Form of 4.300% Senior Note due 2045 

Form of 3.650% Senior Note due 2047 

Form of 2.000% Senior Note due 2050 

4.22+

Description of Securities 

111
 

8-A 

000-53572 

4.2 

1/28/2009 

8-K 

001-33977 

3.1 

6/21/2016 

8-K 

001-33977 

3.2 

6/21/2016 

8-K 

001-33977 

3.3 

6/21/2016 

8-K 

001-33977 

4.1 

12/14/2015 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

8-K 

001-33977 

001-33977 

001-33977 

001-33977 

001-33977 

001-33977 

001-33977 

001-33977 

001-33977 

001-33977 

001-33977 

001-33977 

001-33977 

001-33977 

4.5 

4.1 

4.1 

4.1 

4.2 

4.2 

4.2 

4.2 

4.3 

4.6 

4.3 

4.7 

4.3 

4.3 

12/14/2015 

6/1/2022 

8/17/2020 

4/2/2020 

9/11/2017 

6/1/2022 

4/2/2020 

8/17/2020 

6/1/2022 

12/14/2015 

4/2/2020 

12/14/2015 

9/11/2017 

8/17/2020 

10.1 

10.2 

10.3 

10.4 

10.5 

10.6 

10.7 

10.8 

10.9 

10.10 

10.11 

10.12 

Form of Indemnity Agreement 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.1 

1/31/2020 

Amended and Restated Global Restructuring 
Agreement, dated August 24, 2007, by and 
among Visa Inc., Visa International Service 
Association, Visa U.S.A. Inc., Visa Europe 
Limited, Visa Canada Association, Inovant 
LLC, Inovant, Inc., Visa Europe Services, Inc., 
Visa International Transition LLC, VI Merger 
Sub, Inc., Visa USA Merger Sub Inc. and 
1734313 Ontario Inc. 

Form of Escrow Agreement by and among 
Visa Inc., Visa U.S.A. Inc. and the escrow 
agent 

Form of Framework Agreement by and among 
Visa Inc., Visa Europe Limited, Inovant LLC, 
Visa International Services Association and 
Visa U.S.A. Inc. †

Amended and Restated Five Year Revolving 
Credit Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2023, 
by and among Visa Inc., Visa International 
Service Association, Visa U.S.A. Inc. and Visa 
Europe Limited, as borrowers, Bank of 
America, N.A., as administrative agent, 
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., as syndication 
agent, and the lenders referred to therein # 

Form of Interchange Judgment Sharing 
Agreement by and among Visa International 
Service Association and Visa U.S.A. Inc., and 
the other parties thereto † 

Interchange Judgment Sharing Agreement 
Schedule 

Amendment of Interchange Judgment Sharing 
Agreement 

Form of Loss Sharing Agreement by and 
among Visa U.S.A. Inc., Visa International 
Service Association, Visa Inc. and various 
financial institutions 

S-4/A 

333-143966 

Annex A 

9/13/2007 

S-4 

333-143966 

10.15 

6/22/2007 

S-4/A 

333-143966 

10.17 

7/24/2007 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.1 

07/26/2023 

S-4/A 

333-143966 

10.13 

7/24/2007 

8-K 

001-33977 

10.2 

2/8/2011 

10-K 

001-33977 

10.10 

11/20/2015 

S-4/A 

333-143966 

10.14 

7/24/2007 

Loss Sharing Agreement Schedule 

8-K 

001-33977 

10.1 

2/8/2011 

Amendment of Loss Sharing Agreement 

10-K 

001-33977 

10.13 

11/20/2015 

Form of Litigation Management Agreement by 
and among Visa Inc., Visa International 
Service Association, Visa U.S.A. Inc. and the 
other parties thereto 

S-4/A 

333-143966 

10.18 

8/22/2007 

112
 

10.13 

10.14 

10.15 

10.16 

10.17 

10.18 

10.19 

Omnibus Agreement, dated February 7, 2011, 
regarding Interchange Litigation Judgment 
Sharing and Settlement Sharing by and among 
Visa Inc., Visa U.S.A. Inc., Visa International 
Service Association, Mastercard Incorporated, 
Mastercard International Incorporated and the 
parties thereto 

Amendment, dated August 26, 2014, to the 
Omnibus Agreement regarding Interchange 
Litigation Judgment Sharing and Settlement 
Sharing by and among Visa Inc., Visa U.S.A. 
Inc., Visa International Service Association, 
Mastercard Incorporated, Mastercard 
International Incorporated and the parties 
thereto 

Second Amendment, dated October 22, 2015, 
to Omnibus Agreement regarding Interchange 
Litigation Judgment Sharing and Settlement 
Sharing 

Settlement Agreement, dated October 19, 
2012, by and among Visa Inc., Visa U.S.A. 
Inc., Visa International Service Association, 
Mastercard Incorporated, Mastercard 
International Incorporated, various U.S. 
financial institution defendants, and the class 
plaintiffs to resolve the class plaintiffs’ claims in 
the matter styled In re Payment Card 
Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount 
Antitrust Litigation, No. 05-MD-1720 

Superseding and Amended Settlement 
Agreement, dated September 17, 2018, by and 
among Visa Inc., Visa U.S.A. Inc., Visa 
International Service Association, Mastercard 
Incorporated, Mastercard International 
Incorporated, various U.S. financial institution 
defendants, and the damages class plaintiffs to 
resolve the damages class plaintiffs’ claims in 
the matter styled In re Payment Card 
Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount 
Antitrust Litigation, No. 05-MD-1720 

Loss Sharing Agreement, dated as of 
November 2, 2015, among the UK Members 
listed on Schedule 1 thereto, Visa Inc. and Visa 
Europe Limited 

Litigation Management Deed, dated as of 
June 21, 2016, by and among the VE Member 
Representative, Visa Inc., the LMC Appointing 
Members, the UK&I DCC Appointing Members, 
the Europe DCC Appointing Members and the 
UK&I DCC Interested Members 

113
 

8-K 

001-33977 

10.2 

7/16/2012 

10-K 

001-33977 

10.14 

11/21/2014 

10-K 

001-33977 

10.17 

11/20/2015 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.3 

2/6/2013 

8-K 

001-33977 

10.1 

9/18/2018 

8-K 

001-33977 

10.1 

11/2/2015 

8-K 

001-33977 

10.1 

6/21/2016 

10.20*

10.21* 

10.22* 

10.23* 

10.24* 

10.25* 

10.26* 

Visa 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan, 
effective as of August 12, 2015 

Visa Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, 
as amended and restated as of July 22, 2014 

Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Compensation 
Plan, amended and restated as of January 26, 
2021 

Visa Inc. Incentive Plan, as amended and 
restated as of July 18, 2022 

Visa Excess Thrift Plan, as amended and 
restated as of January 1, 2008 

Visa Excess Retirement Benefit Plan, as 
amended and restated as of January 1, 2008 

First Amendment, effective January 1, 2011, of 
the Visa Excess Retirement Benefit Plan, as 
amended and restated as of January 1, 2008 

10.27* 

10.28+*

Visa Inc. Executive Severance Plan, effective 
as of January 1, 2022 

Visa Executive Officer Cash Severance Policy, 
effective as of November 6, 2023 

10.29+* 

Visa Inc. Clawback Policy, as amended and 
restated November 1, 2023 

10-K 

001-33977 

10.21 

11/20/2015

10-K 

001-33977 

10.17 

11/21/2014

8-K 

001-33977 

10.22 

1/27/2021 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.1 

7/28/2022 

10-K 

001-33977 

10.31 

11/21/2008

10-K 

001-33977 

10.32 

11/21/2008

10-K 

001-33977 

10.34 

11/18/2011

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.8 

1/28/2022 

10.30* 

Visa Inc. 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan  DEF 14A 

001-33977  Appendix B  12/12/2014

10.31* 

10.32* 

10.33* 

10.34* 

10.35* 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Director Restricted Stock 
Unit Award Agreement for awards granted 
after November 1, 2014 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Stock Option Award 
Agreement for awards granted after 
November 1, 2015 

Form of Alternate Visa Inc. 2007 Equity 
Incentive Compensation Plan Stock Option 
Award Agreement for awards granted after 
November 1, 2015 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Director Restricted Stock 
Unit Award Agreement for awards granted 
after November 1, 2017 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Director Restricted Stock 
Unit Award Agreement for awards granted 
after November 1, 2018 

114
 

10-K 

001-33977 

10.40 

11/21/2014

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.1 

1/28/2016 

10-K 

001-33977 

10.34 

11/18/2021

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.1 

2/1/2018 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.1 

1/31/2019 

10.36* 

10.37* 

10.38* 

10.39* 

10.40* 

10.41* 

10.42* 

10.43* 

10.44* 

10.45* 

10.46* 

10.47* 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit 
Award Agreement for the CEO for awards 
granted after November 1, 2018 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Stock Option Award 
Agreement for the CEO for awards granted 
after November 1, 2018 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Performance Share Award 
Agreement for the CEO for awards granted 
after November 1, 2018 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit 
Award Agreement for awards granted after 
November 1, 2018 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Stock Option Award 
Agreement for awards granted after 
November 1, 2018 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Performance Share Award 
Agreement for awards granted after 
November 1, 2018 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Director Restricted Stock 
Unit Award Agreement for awards granted 
after January 1, 2021 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit 
Award Agreement for the CEO for awards 
granted after November 1, 2021 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Stock Option Award 
Agreement for the CEO for awards granted 
after November 1, 2021 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Performance Share Award 
Agreement for the CEO for awards granted 
after November 1, 2021 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit 
Award Agreement for awards granted after 
November 1, 2021 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Stock Option Award 
Agreement for awards granted after 
November 1, 2021 

115 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.2 

1/31/2019 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.3 

1/31/2019 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.4 

1/31/2019 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.5 

1/31/2019 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.6 

1/31/2019 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.7 

1/31/2019 

10-K 

001-33977 

10.44 

11/18/2021 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.2 

1/28/2022 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.3 

1/28/2022 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.4 

1/28/2022 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.5 

1/28/2022 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.6 

1/28/2022 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.7 

1/28/2022 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.1 

4/27/2023 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.2 

4/27/2023 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.3 

4/27/2023 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.4 

4/27/2023 

8-K 

001-33977 

99.2 

06/20/2023 

10-K 

001-33977 

10.48 

11/13/2019 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.5 

4/27/2023 

10-Q 

001-33977 

10.6 

4/27/2023 

10.48* 

10.49* 

10.50* 

10.51* 

10.52* 

10.53* 

10.54* 

10.55* 

10.56* 

21.1+ 

23.1+ 

31.1+ 

31.2+ 

32.1+ 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Performance Share Award 
Agreement for awards granted after 
November 1, 2021 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Stock Option Award 
Agreement for awards granted after 
January 23, 2023 

Form of Visa Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive 
Compensation Plan Performance Share Award 
Agreement for awards granted after 
January 23, 2023 

Form of Alternate Visa Inc. 2007 Equity 
Incentive Compensation Plan Performance 
Share Award Agreement for awards granted 
after January 23, 2023 

Form of Amendment Notification to Stock 
Option and Performance Share Award Holders 

Offer Letter and One-Time Cash Award 
Agreement, dated June 13, 2023, between 
Visa Inc. and Chris Suh 

Amended and Restated Aircraft Time Sharing 
Agreement, effective November 1, 2019, 
between Visa Inc. and Alfred F. Kelly, Jr. 

First Amendment to Amended and Restated 
Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement, dated 
January 30, 2023, between Visa and Alfred F. 
Kelly, Jr. 

Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement, effective 
January 30, 2023, between Visa and Ryan 
McInerney 

List of Significant Subsidiaries of Visa Inc. 

Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent 
Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of 
Principal Executive Officer 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of 
Principal Financial Officer 

Section 1350 Certification of Principal 
Executive and Financial Officer 

101.INS+ 

Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance 
document does not appear in the Interactive 
Data File because its XBRL tags are 
embedded within the Inline XBRL document. 

116 

101.SCH+  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema 

Document 

101.CAL+  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation 

Linkbase Document 

101.DEF+  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition 

Linkbase Document 

101.LAB+ 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label 
Linkbase Document 

101.PRE+  Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation 

Linkbase Document 

104+ 

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as 
Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) 

†  Confidential  treatment  has  been  requested  for  portions  of  this  agreement.  A  completed  copy  of  the 

agreement, including the redacted portions, has been filed separately with the SEC. 

*  Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement. 
+  Filed or furnished herewith. 
#  Schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule 
will be furnished supplementally to the SEC upon request; provided, however, that the parties may request 
confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act for any document so furnished. 

117 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 
the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, 
thereunto duly authorized. 

SIGNATURES 

VISA INC. 

By: 

Name: 
Title: 
Date: 

/s/ Ryan McInerney 

Ryan McInerney 
Chief Executive Officer 
November 15, 2023 

Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as  amended,  this  report  has  been 

signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated: 

Signature 

Title 

Date 

/s/ Ryan McInerney 
Ryan McInerney 

Chief Executive Officer and Director 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

November 15, 2023 

/s/ Chris Suh 
Chris Suh 

Chief Financial Officer 
(Principal Financial Officer) 

November 15, 2023 

November 15, 2023 

Global Corporate Controller, Chief 
Accounting Officer 
(Principal Accounting Officer) 

Executive Chairman 

November 15, 2023 

Lead Independent Director 

November 15, 2023 

/s/ Peter M. Andreski 
Peter M. Andreski 

/s/ Alfred F. Kelly, Jr. 
Alfred F. Kelly, Jr. 

/s/ John F. Lundgren 
John F. Lundgren 

/s/ Lloyd A. Carney 
Lloyd A. Carney 

/s/ Kermit R. Crawford 
Kermit R. Crawford 

Director 

Director 

/s/ Francisco Javier Fernández-Carbajal 
Francisco Javier Fernández-Carbajal 

Director 

/s/ Ramon Laguarta 
Ramon Laguarta 

/s/ Teri L. List 
Teri L. List 

/s/ Denise M. Morrison 
Denise M. Morrison 

/s/ Pamela Murphy 
Pamela Murphy 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

118 

November 15, 2023 

November 15, 2023 

November 15, 2023 

November 15, 2023 

November 15, 2023 

November 15, 2023 

November 15, 2023 

Signature 

Title 

Date 

/s/ Linda J. Rendle 
Linda J. Rendle 

/s/ Maynard G. Webb, Jr. 
Maynard G. Webb, Jr. 

Director 

Director 

November 15, 2023 

November 15, 2023 

119 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] 

Corporate headquarters 
Visa Inc. 

One Market Plaza 

Corporate secretary 
Visa Inc. 

P.O. Box 193243 

San Francisco, CA 94105 USA 

San Francisco CA, 94119-3243 USA 

visa.com 

CorporateSecretary@visa.com 

Mailing address 
Visa Inc. 

P.O. Box 8999 

San Francisco, CA 94128-8999 USA 

+1 650 432 3200 

Investor relations 
Visa Inc. 

Independent registered 

public accounting firm
KPMG LLP 

Transfer agent 
EQ Shareowner Services 

P.O. Box 64874 

St. Paul, MN 55164-0874 USA 

InvestorRelations@visa.com 

+1 651 306 4433 or +1 866 456 9417 

+1 866 720 7686 Fax 

https://www.shareowneronline.com 

+1 650 432 7644 

investor.visa.com 

Media relations 
Visa Inc. 

Press@visa.com 

visa.com/newsroom 

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