10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


Form 10-Q

 


 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007

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: 001-32877

 


MasterCard Incorporated

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


Delaware   13-4172551
(State or other jurisdiction of   (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification Number)
2000 Purchase Street  
Purchase, NY   10577
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(914) 249-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act)    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of October 25, 2007, there were 84,010,865 shares outstanding of the registrant’s Class A common stock, par value $.0001 per share, 47,731,936 shares outstanding of the registrant’s Class B common stock, par value $.0001 per share, and 1,664 shares outstanding of the registrant’s Class M common stock, par value $.0001 per share.

 


Table of Contents

MASTERCARD INCORPORATED

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page No.
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets — September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006

   3

Consolidated Statements of Operations — Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

   4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

   5

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

   6

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income — Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

   6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   7

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   25

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

   38

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   38

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   39
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION   

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   40

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

   40

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALE OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

   40

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

   41

SIGNATURES

   42

 

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Table of Contents

MASTERCARD INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

    

September 30,

2007

   

December 31,

2006

 
     (In thousands, except share data)  

ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,687,423     $ 1,185,080  

Investment securities, at fair value:

    

Trading

     5,036       12,261  

Available-for-sale

     1,585,332       1,286,580  

Accounts receivable

     536,401       451,261  

Settlement due from members

     343,598       311,953  

Restricted security deposits held for members

     126,694       109,897  

Prepaid expenses

     167,363       130,849  

Other current assets

     29,483       89,348  
                

Total Current Assets

     4,481,330       3,577,229  

Property, plant and equipment, at cost (less accumulated depreciation of $248,948 and $220,720)

     280,370       252,731  

Deferred income taxes

     290,147       216,782  

Goodwill

     233,076       217,013  

Other intangible assets (less accumulated amortization of $340,376 and $309,110)

     303,911       271,373  

Municipal bonds held-to-maturity

     192,488       193,477  

Prepaid expenses

     264,667       235,654  

Other assets

     88,991       118,211  
                

Total Assets

   $ 6,134,980     $ 5,082,470  
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Accounts payable

   $ 246,273     $ 278,656  

Settlement due to members

     287,929       286,059  

Restricted security deposits held for members

     126,694       109,897  

Obligations under U.S. merchant lawsuit and other litigation settlements — current (Notes 9 and 14)

     107,235       117,275  

Accrued expenses

     968,855       936,427  

Short-term debt

     80,000       —    

Deferred income taxes

     60,488       —    

Other current liabilities

     119,268       83,276  
                

Total Current Liabilities

     1,996,742       1,811,590  

Deferred income taxes

     69,888       66,198  

Obligations under U.S. merchant lawsuit and other litigation settlements (Notes 9 and 14)

     387,403       359,640  

Long-term debt

     149,747       229,668  

Other liabilities

     353,862       246,395  
                

Total Liabilities

     2,957,642       2,713,491  

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 12 and 14)

    

Minority interest

     4,620       4,620  

Stockholders’ Equity

    

Class A common stock, $.0001 par value; authorized 3,000,000,000 shares, 84,833,813 and 79,631,983 shares issued, respectively

     9       8  

Class B common stock, $.0001 par value; authorized 1,200,000,000 shares, 50,341,491 and 55,337,407 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

     5       6  

Class M common stock, $.0001 par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares, 1,636 and 1,600 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

     —         —    

Additional paid-in capital

     3,261,529       3,289,879  

Class A treasury stock, at cost, 2,006,300 shares and no shares, respectively

     (277,164 )     —    

Accumulated deficit

     (226,368 )     (1,029,196 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax:

    

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments

     191,512       119,655  

Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans

     (9,675 )     (11,402 )

Investment securities available-for-sale

     234,895       (3,065 )

Derivatives accounted for as hedges

     (2,025 )     (1,526 )
                

Total accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax

     414,707       103,662  
                

Total Stockholders’ Equity

     3,172,718       2,364,359  
                

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 6,134,980     $ 5,082,470  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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MASTERCARD INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Revenues, net

   $ 1,082,850     $ 901,969     $ 2,994,912     $ 2,486,911  

Operating Expenses

        

General and administrative

     432,848       392,883       1,262,838       1,105,881  

Advertising and market development

     264,425       209,187       711,128       698,936  

Litigation settlements

     —         —         3,400       23,250  

Charitable contributions to the MasterCard Foundation

     10,000       —         10,000       400,285  

Depreciation and amortization

     22,274       25,139       71,490       75,052  
                                

Total operating expenses

     729,547       627,209       2,058,856       2,303,404  
                                

Operating income

     353,303       274,760       936,056       183,507  
                                

Other Income (Expense)

        

Investment income, net

     146,322       34,398       219,036       84,089  

Interest expense

     (16,439 )     (16,757 )     (41,964 )     (43,465 )

Other income (expense), net

     (879 )     (292 )     91,268       303  
                                

Total other income (expense)

     129,004       17,349       268,340       40,927  
                                

Income before income taxes

     482,307       292,109       1,204,396       224,434  

Income tax expense

     167,846       99,105       422,743       215,146  
                                

Net Income

   $ 314,461     $ 193,004     $ 781,653     $ 9,288  
                                

Basic Net Income per Share (Note 2)

   $ 2.32     $ 1.42     $ 5.76     $ .07  
                                

Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Note 2)

     135,357       135,684       135,687       135,312  
                                

Diluted Net Income per Share (Note 2)

   $ 2.31     $ 1.42     $ 5.73     $ .07  
                                

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Note 2)

     136,228       136,134       136,502       135,511  
                                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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MASTERCARD INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

    

Nine Months

Ended September 30,

 
     2007     2006  
     (In thousands)  

Operating Activities

    

Net income

   $ 781,653     $ 9,288  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     71,490       75,052  

Gain on sale of Redecard S.A. available-for-sale securities

     (107,042 )     —    

Charitable contribution of common stock to the MasterCard Foundation

     —         394,785  

Share based payments

     35,909       13,372  

Deferred income taxes

     (8,170 )     18,962  

Taxes related to share based payments

     (11,193 )     —    

Excess tax benefit on share based payments

     (7,598 )     —    

Accretion of imputed interest on litigation settlement

     28,248       31,777  

Other

     8,855       7,440  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Trading securities

     7,225       3,814  

Accounts receivable

     (68,655 )     (90,419 )

Settlement due from members

     (9,499 )     (10,589 )

Prepaid expenses

     (32,657 )     18,146  

Other current assets

     (1,375 )     9,503  

Prepaid expenses, long-term

     (19,352 )     (4,253 )

Litigation settlement accruals

     (10,525 )     (72,090 )

Accounts payable

     (36,109 )     5,695  

Settlement due to members

     (18,038 )     13,890  

Accrued expenses

     72,644       1,026  

Net change in other assets and liabilities

     41,852       21,384  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     717,663       446,783  
                

Investing Activities

    

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (59,339 )     (38,599 )

Capitalized software

     (52,322 )     (24,338 )

Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale

     (2,749,413 )     (2,525,682 )

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities available-for-sale

     2,928,342       2,349,978  

Other investing activities

     8,551       (881 )
                

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     75,819       (239,522 )
                

Financing Activities

    

Cash received from sale of common stock, net of issuance costs

     —         2,449,910  

Cash payment for redemption of common stock

     —         (1,799,937 )

Dividends paid

     (53,805 )     —    

Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options

     1,083       —    

Excess tax benefit on share based payments

     7,598       —    

Purchase of treasury stock

     (277,164 )     —    
                

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (322,288 )     649,973  
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     31,149       18,632  
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     502,343       875,866  

Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period

     1,185,080       545,273  
                

Cash and cash equivalents — end of period

   $ 1,687,423     $ 1,421,139  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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MASTERCARD INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Total    

Accumulated

Deficit

   

Accumulated
Other

Comprehensive
Income,

Net of Tax

   Common Shares    

Additional

Paid-in

Capital

   

Treasury

Stock

 
          Class A    Class B      
     (In thousands)  

Balance at January 1, 2007

   $ 2,364,359     $ (1,029,196 )   $ 103,662    $ 8    $ 6     $ 3,289,879     $ —    

Net income

     781,653       781,653       —        —        —         —         —    

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

     311,045       —         311,045      —        —         —         —    

Adoption of new tax accounting standard (Note 13)

     21,175       21,175       —        —        —         —         —    

Cash dividends declared on Class A and Class B common stock, $.45 per share

     (61,747 )     —         —        —        —         (61,747 )     —    

Share based compensation

     35,909       —         —        —        —         35,909       —    

Tax withholding net of tax benefit for share based compensation

     (3,595 )     —         —        —        —         (3,595 )     —    

Purchases of treasury stock

     (277,164 )     —         —        —        —         —         (277,164 )

Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock

     —         —         —        1      (1 )     —         —    

Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options

     1,083       —         —        —        —         1,083       —    
                                                      

Balance at September 30, 2007

   $ 3,172,718     $ (226,368 )   $ 414,707    $ 9    $ 5     $ 3,261,529     $ (277,164 )
                                                      

MASTERCARD INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

 

    

Three Months

Ended September 30,

  

Nine Months

Ended September 30,

 
     2007    2006    2007     2006  
     (In thousands)  

Net Income

   $ 314,461    $ 193,004    $ 781,653     $ 9,288  

Other comprehensive income:

          

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     46,998      8,717      71,857       45,189  

Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans, net of tax

     4      —        1,727       —    

Unrealized gain (loss) and reclassification adjustment for realized (gain) loss on investment securities available-for-sale, net of tax

     240,861      4,955      237,960       663  

Change in fair value of derivatives accounted for as hedges, net of tax

     489      2,106      (499 )     (1,292 )
                              

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

     288,352      15,778      311,045       44,560  
                              

Comprehensive Income

   $ 602,813    $ 208,782    $ 1,092,698     $ 53,848  
                              

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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MASTERCARD INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization — MasterCard Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries (“MasterCard” or the “Company”), including its principal operating subsidiary, MasterCard International Incorporated (doing business as MasterCard Worldwide) (“MasterCard International”), and MasterCard Europe sprl (“MasterCard Europe”), provide transaction processing and related services to customers principally in support of their credit, debit, electronic cash and Automated Teller Machine (“ATM”) payment card programs and travelers cheque programs.

Consolidation and basis of presentation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MasterCard and its majority-owned and controlled entities, including the Company’s variable interest entity. The Company’s variable interest entity was established for the purpose of constructing the Company’s global technology and operations center; it is not an operating entity and has no employees. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. The Company follows accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The balance sheet as of December 31, 2006 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2006. Amounts previously reported within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income as of December 31, 2006 have been adjusted to reflect a revision of $22,804 to increase cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments with a corresponding decrease in defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The revision had no impact on total accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. The consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 and as of September 30, 2007 are unaudited, and, in the opinion of management, include all normal recurring adjustments that are necessary to present fairly the results for interim periods. Due to seasonal fluctuations and other factors, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requirements of Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and, consequently, do not include all of the disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Reference should be made to the MasterCard Incorporated Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 for additional disclosures, including a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements — In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of SFAS 115” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 allows entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. In addition, SFAS 159 includes an amendment to SFAS 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, and applies to all entities with available-for-sale and trading securities. SFAS 159 is effective for the Company commencing in 2008. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that SFAS 159 will have on its financial statements.

 

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MASTERCARD INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

Note 2. Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)

The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2007    2006    2007    2006

Numerator:

           

Net income

   $ 314,461    $ 193,004    $ 781,653    $ 9,288

Denominator:

           

Basic EPS weighted-average shares outstanding

     135,357      135,684      135,687      135,312

Dilutive stock options and restricted stock units

     871      450      815      199
                           

Diluted EPS weighted-average shares outstanding

     136,228      136,134      136,502      135,511
                           

Earnings per Share:

           

Basic

   $ 2.32    $ 1.42    $ 5.76    $ .07
                           

Diluted

   $ 2.31    $ 1.42    $ 5.73    $ .07
                           

The calculation of diluted earnings per share excluded approximately 185 stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 because the effect would be antidilutive. All stock options and restricted stock units were dilutive for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006.

In connection with our ownership and governance transactions in May 2006, we reclassified all of our approximately 100,000 outstanding shares of existing Class A redeemable common stock so that our previous stockholders received 1.35 shares of our Class B common stock, par value $.0001 per share (the “Class B common stock”), for each share of Class A redeemable common stock that they held prior to the reclassification and a single share of our Class M common stock, par value $.0001 per share. Accordingly, shares and per share data were retroactively restated in the financial statements subsequent to the reclassification to reflect the reclassification as if it were effective at the start of the first period being presented in the financial statements.

Note 3. Non-Cash Financing Activities

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2007    2006

Shares donated to the MasterCard Foundation

   $ —      $ 394,785

Conversion of cash-based to stock-based compensation

     —        51,209

Dividends declared but not yet paid

     20,327      12,147

 

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MASTERCARD INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

Note 4. Prepaid Expenses

Prepaid expenses consist of the following:

 

     September 30,
2007
    December 31,
2006
 

Customer and merchant incentives

   $ 344,267     $ 293,289  

Advertising and market development

     43,285       33,321  

Other

     44,478       39,893  
                

Total prepaid expenses

     432,030       366,503  

Prepaid expenses, current

     (167,363 )     (130,849 )
                

Prepaid expenses, long-term

   $ 264,667     $ 235,654  
                

Prepaid customer and merchant incentives represent payments made to customers and merchants under business agreements in order to encourage loyalty to the MasterCard brand, increase volumes and promote acceptance. These prepayments are recorded as contra-revenue over the term of the business agreement or in the same period that the customer or merchant achieves the performance hurdles specified in the business agreement.

Note 5. Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

 

     September 30,
2007
   December 31,
2006

Customer and merchant incentives

   $ 425,636    $ 386,582

Personnel costs

     218,193      248,262

Advertising and market development

     145,646      141,864

Taxes

     102,759      83,509

Other

     76,621      76,210
             
   $ 968,855    $ 936,427
             

Note 6. Pension Plans

The Company maintains a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the “Pension Plan”) with a cash balance feature covering substantially all of its U.S. employees. In March 2007, the Company announced it was modifying the Pension Plan by maintaining employee pay credit percentages at the 2007 level, eliminating funding for employees to purchase healthcare in retirement and limiting plan participation to employees hired before July 1, 2007. These changes are expected to reduce the benefit obligation of the Pension Plan measured as of December 31, 2006 by approximately $13,300, or 7%. The Company has determined that the reduction in the benefit obligation and the related decrease in net periodic pension cost for 2007 are not significant and do not require an interim measurement of the Pension Plan. Additionally, the Company has an unfunded nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan that provides certain key employees with supplemental retirement benefits in excess of limits imposed on qualified plans by U.S. tax laws. For both plans, net periodic pension cost is as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended September 30,
   

Nine Months

Ended September 30,

 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Service cost

   $ 4,717     $ 4,649     $ 14,150     $ 13,949  

Interest cost

     3,048       2,718       9,143       8,152  

Expected return on plan assets

     (4,091 )     (3,830 )     (12,275 )     (11,490 )

Amortization of prior service credit

     (58 )     (51 )     (172 )     (155 )

Recognized actuarial loss

     —         299       —         899  
                                

Net periodic pension cost

   $ 3,616     $ 3,785     $ 10,846     $ 11,355  
                                

 

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MASTERCARD INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, $58 and $172 of prior service credit was amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost, respectively.

The funded status of the Pension Plan exceeds minimum funding requirements. No voluntary contributions were made during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

Note 7. Postretirement Health and Life Insurance Benefits

The Company maintains a postretirement plan (the “Postretirement Plan”) providing health coverage and life insurance benefits for substantially all of its U.S. employees and retirees. Net periodic postretirement benefit cost is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2007    2006    2007    2006

Service cost

   $ 588    $ 791    $ 1,766    $ 2,375

Interest cost

     848      906      2,544      2,716

Amortization of prior service cost

     —        17      —        51

Amortization of transition obligation

     54      145      160      435

Recognized actuarial loss

     —        53      —        159
                           

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost

   $ 1,490    $ 1,912    $ 4,470    $ 5,736
                           

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, $54 and $160, respectively, of transition obligation was amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic postretirement benefit cost. In addition, the Company amended the life insurance benefits under the Postretirement Plan effective January 1, 2007. The impact, net of taxes, of this amendment was an increase of $1,715 to accumulated other comprehensive income in the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

The Company funds its postretirement benefits as payments are required with cash flows from operations.

Note 8. Credit Facility

On April 27, 2007, the Company extended its committed unsecured $2,500,000 revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) for one year. The new expiration date of the Credit Facility is April 27, 2010. Except for the maturity extension, the original terms and conditions in the credit facility remain unchanged. MasterCard was in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2007. There were no borrowings under the Credit Facility at September 30, 2007 or December 31, 2006. The majority of Credit Facility lenders are customers or affiliates of customers of MasterCard International.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

Note 9. U.S. Merchant Lawsuit and Other Litigation Settlements

In 2003, MasterCard settled the U.S. merchant lawsuit described under the caption “U.S. Merchant and Consumer Litigations” in Note 14 below and contract disputes with certain customers. On June 4, 2003, MasterCard International and plaintiffs in the U.S. merchant lawsuit signed a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) which required the Company to pay $125,000 in 2003 and $100,000 annually each December from 2004 through 2012. In addition, in 2003, several other lawsuits were initiated by merchants who opted not to participate in the plaintiff class in the U.S. merchant lawsuit. The “opt-out” merchant lawsuits were not covered by the terms of the Settlement Agreement and all have been individually settled. As more fully described in Note 14 below, MasterCard is also a party to a number of currency conversion litigations. In connection with the settlement of certain other litigations disclosed in Note 14, MasterCard recorded reserves of $3,400 and made payments of $13,925 during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Total liabilities for the U.S. merchant lawsuit and other litigation settlements changed from December 31, 2006 as follows:

 

Balance as of January 1, 2007

   $ 476,915  

Provision for litigation settlements (Note 14)

     3,400  

Interest accretion on U.S. merchant lawsuit

     28,248  

Payments

     (13,925 )
        

Balance as of September 30, 2007

   $ 494,638  
        

Note 10. Share Based Payment and Other Benefits

On March 1, 2007, the Company granted approximately 314 performance units, 330 stock options and 14 restricted stock units under the MasterCard Incorporated 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”). The fair value of each of the performance units and restricted stock units, based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant, was $106.29. The fair value of the stock options estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model was $39.67. The performance units and restricted stock units will primarily vest on or about February 28, 2010. The stock options vest ratably over four years and expire ten years from the date of grant. Compensation expense is recorded net of estimated forfeitures over the shorter of the vesting period or the date the individual award recipient becomes eligible to retire under the LTIP. The Company uses the straight-line method of attribution for expensing equity awards. With regard to the performance units, the ultimate number of shares to be received by the employee upon vesting will be determined by the Company’s performance against predetermined net income and return on equity goals for the three-year period commencing January 1, 2007. Estimates are adjusted as appropriate.

Note 11. Stockholders’ Equity

At the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company on June 7, 2007, the Company’s stockholders approved amendments to the Company’s certificate of incorporation designed to facilitate an accelerated, orderly conversion of Class B common stock into Class A common stock, par value $.0001 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), for subsequent sale. Through “conversion transactions,” in amounts and at times designated by the Company, current holders of shares of Class B common stock who elect to participate will be eligible to convert their shares, on a one-for-one basis, into shares of Class A common stock for subsequent sale or transfer to public investors, within a 30 day “transitory” ownership period. Holders of Class B common stock are not allowed to participate in any vote of holders of Class A common stock during this “transitory” ownership period. The number of shares of Class B common stock eligible for conversion transactions is limited to an annual aggregate number of up to 10% of the total combined outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, based upon the total number of shares outstanding as of December 31 of the prior calendar year. In addition, prior to May 31, 2010, a conversion transaction will not be permitted that will cause shares of Class B common stock to represent less than 15% of total outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock outstanding.

The Company implemented its first conversion program, allowing for conversion transactions of up to 13,400 shares of Class B common stock into Class A common stock and subsequent sale to public investors, in an initial conversion window with elections from August 4, 2007 to October 5, 2007. As of September 30, 2007, approximately 4,996 shares of Class B common stock had been converted into Class A common stock in such program.

 

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(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

Subsequent to September 30, 2007, an additional 2,608 shares of Class B common stock were converted into Class A common stock, for a total of 7,604 shares converted during the initial share conversion program. In October 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a second conversion program for 2007, allowing for the conversion of up to 5,796 shares of Class B common stock into Class A common stock with elections beginning November 17, 2007 and ending no later than December 14, 2007.

In April 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a plan for the Company to repurchase up to $500,000 of its Class A common stock in open market transactions during 2007. As of September 30, 2007, approximately 2,006 shares of Class A common stock had been repurchased at a cost of $277,164. The Company records the repurchase of shares of common stock at cost based on the settlement date of the transaction. These shares are classified as treasury stock, which is a reduction to stockholders’ equity. Treasury shares are included in authorized and issued shares but excluded from outstanding shares.

Subsequent to September 30, 2007, the Company repurchased an additional 1,426 shares of its Class A common stock at a cost of $222,836, completing the initial $500,000 repurchase plan. On October 29, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors amended the share repurchase plan to authorize the Company to repurchase an incremental $750,000 (aggregate for the entire repurchase program of $1,250,000) of its Class A common stock in open market transactions through June 30, 2008.

Note 12. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

The future minimum payments under non-cancelable leases for office buildings and equipment, sponsorships, licensing and other agreements at September 30, 2007 were as follows:

 

     Total   

Capital

Leases

  

Operating

Leases

  

Sponsorship,

Licensing

and

Other

The remainder of 2007

   $ 230,148    $ 3,288    $ 11,006    $ 215,854

2008

     251,152      7,016      35,930      208,206

2009

     152,847      4,558      26,389      121,900

2010

     73,195      1,822      10,802      60,571

2011

     43,121      1,822      5,826      35,473

Thereafter

     91,936      38,656      25,461      27,819
                           

Total

   $ 842,399    $ 57,162    $ 115,414    $ 669,823
                           

Included in the table above are capital leases with imputed interest expense of $11,426 and a net present value of minimum lease payments of $45,736. In addition, at September 30, 2007, $66,927 of the future minimum payments in the table above for leases, sponsorship, licensing and other agreements was accrued. Consolidated rental expense for the Company’s office space was approximately $8,974 and $7,901 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $26,199 and $23,784 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Consolidated lease expense for automobiles, computer equipment and office equipment was $2,057 and $1,619 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $5,735 and $6,389 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. In addition, the table above has been adjusted since December 31, 2006 to remove the commitment of $180,000 for the sponsorship of the 2010 and 2014 World Cup soccer events. See Note 17 for additional information.

MasterCard licenses certain software to its customers. The license agreements contain guarantees under which the Company indemnifies licensees from any adverse judgments arising from claims of intellectual property infringement by third parties. The terms of the guarantees are equal to the terms of the license to which they relate. The amount of the guarantees are limited to damages, losses, costs, expenses or other liabilities incurred by the licensee as a result of any intellectual property rights claims. The Company has historically experienced minimal intellectual property rights claims relating to the software it licenses to its customers and therefore management

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

believes the probability of future claims is negligible. In addition, the Company does not generate significant revenues from software licenses. However, if circumstances in the future change, the Company may need to reassess whether it would be necessary to assess the fair value of these guarantees.

Note 13. Income Taxes

Effective Income Tax Rate

The effective income tax rate was 34.8% and 33.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 35.1% and 95.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 differs significantly from the rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to the charitable contribution of $394,785 of shares of Class A common stock to the MasterCard Foundation (the “Foundation”). Under the terms of the contribution to the Foundation, the donation was not deductible to MasterCard for tax purposes.

For the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006, the change in the effective income tax rate primarily relates to a net increase for the accrual of income tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions, as required under the recently adopted FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement 109” (“FIN 48”). For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006, apart from the contribution to the Foundation, the change in the effective income tax rate primarily relates to the effect of a New York state tax law change and a net increase in the accrual of income tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions. The New York tax law change resulted in a reduction in the Company’s state income tax rate. Accordingly, the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at June 30, 2007 were revalued, which resulted in a one-time increase in income tax expense of $6,804.

Current Deferred Taxes

The Company has a current deferred tax liability of $60,488 as of September 30, 2007 compared to a current deferred tax asset of $65,241 as of December 31, 2006. Unrealized gains in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 for the Company’s investment in Redecard S.A. resulted in a current deferred tax liability that exceeded current deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2007. Additional information regarding the Company’s investment in Redecard S.A. is available in Note 18.

FIN 48

On July 13, 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48. The adoption of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007 required the Company 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 would not be sustained, or would only partially be sustained, upon examination by the relevant taxing authorities.

At the date of adoption, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $109,476. If the unrecognized tax benefits would be recognized, substantially all amounts would impact the Company’s effective income tax rate offset by related tax deductions or tax credits, the tax effects of which amounted to $48,682, resulting in a net tax impact of $60,794. As of December 31, 2006, the Company had recorded $56,870 of tax liabilities under the provisions of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” (“SFAS 5”). As a result of certain additional liabilities related to state tax positions recorded pursuant to FIN 48, the Company was required to increase deferred tax assets by $26,194 to reflect the higher anticipated tax rates at which such assets would reverse in future periods. In the event the Company is able to reduce tax liabilities under FIN 48, the deferred tax assets will be correspondingly reduced, resulting in a charge to earnings in that period. Additionally, the Company recorded balance sheet reclassifications to reflect certain liabilities and related assets on a gross basis, as well as additional interest reserves. As a result of these adjustments, the impact of the adoption of FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007 was a net overall decrease to opening accumulated deficit of $21,175.

For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2007, increases in unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions were partially offset by the results of a federal income tax audit settlement. The net increase was not significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions as of September 30, 2007 are not expected to change significantly over the next twelve months.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

It is the Company’s policy to account for interest expense related to income tax matters as interest expense in its statement of operations, and to include penalties related to income tax matters in the income tax provision. On the date of adoption of FIN 48, the Company had cumulatively recognized $12,466 of interest, and $2,609 of potential penalties. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, there were no significant changes in interest and penalties.

The Company is subject to tax in the United States and various state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state, local and foreign examinations by tax authorities for years before 2001.

Note 14. Legal and Regulatory Proceedings

MasterCard is a party to legal and regulatory proceedings with respect to a variety of matters in the ordinary course of business. Some of these proceedings involve complex claims that are subject to substantial uncertainties and unspecified damages. Therefore, the probability of loss and an estimation of damages is not possible to ascertain at present. Accordingly, MasterCard has not established reserves for any of these proceedings other than for the currency conversion litigations and the West Virginia consumer litigation described below. Except for those matters described below, MasterCard does not believe that any legal or regulatory proceedings to which it is a party would have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. Although MasterCard believes that it has strong defenses for the litigations 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 its results of operations, financial position or cash flows. Notwithstanding MasterCard’s belief, in the event it were found liable in a large class-action lawsuit or on the basis of a claim entitling the plaintiff to treble damages or under which it was jointly and severally liable, charges it may be required to record could be significant and could materially and adversely affect its results of operations, cash flow and financial condition, or, in certain circumstances, even cause MasterCard to become insolvent. Moreover, an adverse outcome in a regulatory proceeding could result in fines and/or lead to the filing of civil damage claims and possibly result in damage awards in amounts that could be significant and could materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Department of Justice Antitrust Litigation and Related Private Litigations

In October 1998, the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) filed suit against MasterCard International, Visa U.S.A., Inc. and Visa International Corp. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging that both MasterCard’s and Visa’s governance structure and policies violated U.S. federal antitrust laws. First, the DOJ claimed that “dual governance”—the situation where a financial institution has a representative on the board of directors of MasterCard or Visa while a portion of its card portfolio is issued under the brand of the other association — was anti-competitive and acted to limit innovation within the payment card industry. Second, the DOJ challenged MasterCard’s Competitive Programs Policy (“CPP”) and a Visa bylaw provision that prohibited financial institutions participating in the respective associations from issuing competing proprietary payment cards (such as American Express or Discover). The DOJ alleged that MasterCard’s CPP and Visa’s bylaw provision acted to restrain competition.

On October 9, 2001, the District Court judge issued an opinion upholding the legality and pro-competitive nature of dual governance. However, the judge also held that MasterCard’s CPP and the Visa bylaw constituted unlawful restraints of trade under the federal antitrust laws.

On November 26, 2001, the judge issued a final judgment that ordered MasterCard to repeal the CPP insofar as it applies to issuers and enjoined MasterCard from enacting or enforcing any bylaw, rule, policy or practice that prohibits its issuers from issuing general purpose credit or debit cards in the United States on any other general purpose card network. The Second Circuit upheld the final judgment and the Supreme Court denied certiorari. The parties agreed that October 15, 2004 would serve as the effective date of the final judgment. The final judgment also provided for a two-year period of rescission rights for an issuer to enter into an agreement with American Express or Discover.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

On September 18, 2003, MasterCard filed a motion before the District Court judge in the DOJ case seeking to enjoin Visa, pending completion of the appellate process, from enforcing a newly-enacted bylaw requiring Visa’s 100 largest issuers of debit cards in the United States to pay a so-called “settlement service” fee if they reduce their Visa debit volume by more than 10%. This bylaw was later modified to clarify that the settlement service fee would only be imposed if an issuer shifted its portfolio of debit cards to MasterCard. Visa implemented this bylaw provision following the settlement of the U.S. merchant lawsuit described under the heading “U.S. Merchant and Consumer Litigations” below. MasterCard believes that this bylaw is punitive and violates the final judgment in the DOJ litigation, which enjoins Visa and MasterCard from enacting, maintaining, or enforcing any bylaw or policy that prohibits issuers from issuing general purpose cards or debit cards in the United States on any other general purpose card network. On July 7, 2006, a special master appointed by the District Court to conduct an evidentiary hearing issued a report and recommendation to the District Court finding that the continuation of Visa’s settlement service fee after the effective date of the final judgment on October 15, 2004 violated the final judgment. On June 7, 2007, the District Court judge issued an opinion and order agreeing with the special master’s finding that the SSF violated the final judgment in the DOJ litigation. The Court’s order requires Visa to repeal the SSF and also permits any of Visa’s largest 100 debit issuers who entered into an agreement relating to debit card issuance with Visa while the SSF was in place to terminate its agreement with Visa in order to enter into an agreement with MasterCard to issue MasterCard-branded debit cards. On June 13, 2007, MasterCard and Visa entered into an agreement to extend the statute of limitations on the time MasterCard has to file potential claims that MasterCard may have against Visa in connection with the SSF. On June 29, 2007, Visa filed a notice of appeal with the Second Circuit. Briefing on Visa’s appeal is scheduled be completed by November 21, 2007. Visa filed a motion before the District Court judge requesting a stay of the portion of the District Court’s order that permitted Visa’s largest 100 debit issuers to terminate their debit agreements with Visa in order to enter into an agreement with MasterCard. The District Court denied Visa’s request for a stay.

On October 4, 2004, Discover Financial Services, Inc. filed a complaint against MasterCard, Visa U.S.A. Inc. and Visa International Services Association. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and was designated as a related case to the DOJ litigation, and was assigned to the same judge who issued the DOJ decision described above. In an amended complaint filed on January 7, 2005, Discover alleged that the implementation and enforcement of MasterCard’s CPP, Visa’s bylaw provision and the Honor All Cards rule violated Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act in an alleged market for general purpose card network services and an alleged market for debit card network services. Specifically, Discover claimed that MasterCard’s CPP unreasonably restrained trade by prohibiting financial institutions who were members of MasterCard from issuing payment cards on the Discover network. Discover requested that the District Court apply collateral estoppel with respect to its final judgment in the DOJ litigation and enter an order that the CPP and Visa’s bylaw provision have injured competition and caused injury to Discover. Under the doctrine of collateral estoppel, a court has the discretion to preclude one or more issues from being relitigated in a subsequent action but only if (1) those issues are identical to issues actually litigated and determined in the prior action, (2) proof of those issues were necessary to reach the prior judgment, and (3) the party to be estopped had a full and fair opportunity to litigate those issues in the prior action. Accordingly, if the District Court were to give effect to collateral estoppel on one or more issues in the future, then significant elements of plaintiff’s claims would be established, thereby making it more likely that MasterCard would be found liable and making the possibility of an award of damages that much more likely. In the event all issues are subsequently decided against MasterCard in dispositive motions during the course of the litigation then there is the possibility that the sole issue remaining will be whether a damage award is appropriate and, if so, what the amount of damages should be. Discover seeks treble damages in an amount to be proved at trial along with attorneys’ fees and costs. On February 7, 2005, MasterCard moved to dismiss Discover’s amended complaint in its entirety for failure to state a claim. On April 14, 2005, the District Court denied, at this stage in the litigation, Discover’s request to give collateral estoppel effect to the findings in the DOJ litigation. However, the District Court indicated that Discover may refile a motion for collateral estoppel after discovery. On October 24, 2005, the District Court granted MasterCard’s motion to dismiss Discover’s Section 2 monopolization and attempted monopolization claims against MasterCard. On June 7, 2007, Discover filed a second amended complaint that mirrored the claims in its amended complaint but deleted allegations relating to MasterCard’s Honor All Cards rule as well as Discover’s Section 2 monopolization and attempted monopolization claims against MasterCard based upon the court’s October 24, 2005 ruling. Fact discovery was completed on May 31, 2007. The parties have agreed, subject to court approval, to a schedule whereby briefing on dispositive motions, including collateral estoppel, will be completed by April 14, 2008. The trial is scheduled to commence on September 9, 2008. At this time, it is not possible to determine the ultimate resolution of, or estimate the liability related to, the Discover litigation. No provision for losses has been provided in connection with this matter.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

On November 15, 2004, American Express filed a complaint against MasterCard, Visa and eight member banks, including JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of America Corp., Capital One Financial Corp., U.S. Bancorp, Household International Inc., Wells Fargo & Co., Providian Financial Corp. and USAA Federal Savings Bank. Subsequently, USAA Federal Savings Bank, Bank of America Corp. and Household International Inc. announced settlements with American Express and have been dismissed from the case. The complaint, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, was designated as a related case to the DOJ litigation and was assigned to the same judge. The complaint alleges that the implementation and enforcement of MasterCard’s CPP and Visa’s bylaw provision violated Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act in an alleged market for general purpose card network services and a market for debit card network services. Specifically, American Express claimed that MasterCard’s CPP unreasonably restrained trade by prohibiting financial institutions who were members of MasterCard from issuing payment cards on the American Express network. American Express seeks treble damages in an amount to be proved at trial, along with attorneys’ fees and costs. On January 14, 2005, MasterCard filed a motion to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim. American Express also requested that the Court apply collateral estoppel with respect to its final judgment in the DOJ litigation. On April 14, 2005, the District Court denied, at this stage in the litigation, American Express’ request to give collateral estoppel effect to the findings in the DOJ litigation. However, the Court indicated that American Express may refile a motion for collateral estoppel after discovery. As with the lawsuit brought by Discover that is described in the preceding paragraph, if the Court were to give effect to collateral estoppel on one or more issues in the future, then significant elements of plaintiff’s claims would be established, thereby making it more likely that MasterCard would be found liable and making the possibility of an award of damages that much more likely. In the event all issues are subsequently decided against MasterCard in dispositive motions during the course of the litigation then there is the possibility that the sole issue remaining will be whether a damage award is appropriate and, if so, what the amount of damages should be. Fact discovery was completed on May 31, 2007. The parties have agreed, subject to court approval, to a schedule whereby briefing on dispositive motions, including collateral estoppel, will be completed by April 14, 2008. The trial is scheduled to commence on September 9, 2008. At this time, it is not possible to determine the ultimate resolution of, or estimate the liability related to, this matter. No provision for losses has been provided in connection with this matter.

Currency Conversion Litigations

MasterCard International, together with Visa U.S.A., Inc. and Visa International Corp., are defendants in a state court lawsuit in California. The lawsuit alleges that MasterCard and Visa wrongfully imposed an asserted one percent currency conversion “fee” on every credit card transaction by U.S. MasterCard and Visa cardholders involving the purchase of goods or services in a foreign country, and that such alleged “fee” is unlawful. This action, titled Schwartz v. Visa Int’l Corp., et al., was brought in the Superior Court of California in February 2000, purportedly on behalf of the general public. Trial of the Schwartz matter commenced on May 20, 2002 and concluded on November 27, 2002. The Schwartz action claims that the alleged “fee” grossly exceeds any costs the defendants might incur in connection with currency conversions relating to credit card purchase transactions made in foreign countries and is not properly disclosed to cardholders. MasterCard denies these allegations.

On April 8, 2003, the trial court judge issued a final decision in the Schwartz matter. In his decision, the trial judge found that MasterCard’s currency conversion process does not violate the Truth in Lending Act or regulations, nor is it unconscionably priced under California law. However, the judge found that the practice is deceptive under California law, and ordered that MasterCard mandate that members disclose the currency conversion process to cardholders in cardholder agreements, applications, solicitations and monthly billing statements. As to MasterCard, the judge also ordered restitution to California cardholders. The judge issued a decision on restitution on September 19, 2003, which requires a traditional notice and claims process in which consumers have approximately nine months to submit their claims. The court issued its final judgment on October 31, 2003. On December 29, 2003, MasterCard appealed the judgment. The final judgment and restitution process have been stayed pending MasterCard’s appeal. On August 6, 2004, the court awarded plaintiff’s attorneys’ fees and costs in the amount of $28,224 to be paid equally by MasterCard and Visa. Accordingly, during the three months ended September 30, 2004, MasterCard accrued amounts totaling $14,112. MasterCard subsequently filed a notice of appeal on the attorneys’ fee award on October 1, 2004. With respect to restitution, MasterCard believes that it is likely to prevail on appeal. In February 2005, MasterCard filed an appeal regarding the applicability of Proposition 64, which amended sections 17203 and 17204 of the California Business and Professions Code, to this action. On September 28, 2005, the appellate court reversed the trial court, finding that the plaintiff lacked standing to pursue the action in light of Proposition 64. On May 8, 2007, the trial court dismissed the case.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

MasterCard International, Visa U.S.A., Inc., Visa International Corp., several member banks including Citibank (South Dakota), N.A., Chase Manhattan Bank USA, N.A., Bank of America, N.A. (USA), MBNA, and Citicorp Diners Club Inc. are also defendants in a number of federal putative class actions that allege, among other things, violations of federal antitrust laws based on the asserted one percent currency conversion “fee.” Pursuant to an order of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, the federal complaints have been consolidated in MDL No. 1409 before Judge William H. Pauley III in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. In January 2002, the federal plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Amended Complaint (“MDL Complaint”) adding MBNA Corporation and MBNA America Bank, N.A. as defendants. This pleading asserts two theories of antitrust conspiracy under Section 1 of the Sherman Act: (i) an alleged “inter-association” conspiracy among MasterCard (together with its members), Visa (together with its members) and Diners Club to fix currency conversion “fees” allegedly charged to cardholders of “no less than 1% of the transaction amount and frequently more;” and (ii) two alleged “intra-association” conspiracies, whereby each of Visa and MasterCard is claimed separately to have conspired with its members to fix currency conversion “fees” allegedly charged to cardholders of “no less than 1% of the transaction amount” and “to facilitate and encourage institution — and collection — of second tier currency conversion surcharges.” The MDL Complaint also asserts that the alleged currency conversion “fees” have not been disclosed as required by the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z.

On July 20, 2006, MasterCard and the other defendants in the MDL action entered into agreements settling the MDL action and related matters, as well as the Schwartz matter. Pursuant to the settlement agreements, MasterCard has paid $72,480 to be used for defendants’ settlement fund to settle the MDL action and $13,440, to settle the Schwartz matter. On November 8, 2006, Judge Pauley granted preliminary approval of the settlement agreements. The settlement agreements are subject to final approval by Judge Pauley, and resolution of all appeals. The hearing on final approval of the settlement agreements has been scheduled for March 31, 2008. On November 15, 2006, the plaintiff in one of the New York state court cases appealed the preliminary approval of the settlement agreement to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. On June 6, 2007, the appellate court granted MasterCard’s motion to defer briefing until a final settlement is approved in the MDL action.

With regard to other state court currency conversion actions, MasterCard has reached agreements in principle with the plaintiffs for a total of $3,557, which has been accrued. Settlement agreements have been executed with plaintiffs in the Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Arizona, New York, Minnesota and Illinois actions.

Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” litigation settlements were previously recorded for the amounts noted above. At this time, it is not possible to predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of these matters.

U.S. Merchant and Consumer Litigations

Commencing in October 1996, several class action suits were brought by a number of U.S. merchants against MasterCard International and Visa U.S.A., Inc. challenging certain aspects of the payment card industry under U.S. federal antitrust law. Those suits were later consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The plaintiffs claimed that MasterCard’s “Honor All Cards” rule (and a similar Visa rule), which required merchants who accept MasterCard cards to accept for payment every validly presented MasterCard card, constituted an illegal tying arrangement in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. Plaintiffs claimed that MasterCard and Visa unlawfully tied acceptance of debit cards to acceptance of credit cards. The plaintiffs also claimed that MasterCard and Visa conspired to monopolize what they characterized as the point-of-sale debit card market, thereby suppressing the growth of regional networks such as ATM payment systems. On June 4, 2003, MasterCard International signed a settlement agreement to settle the claims brought by the plaintiffs in this matter, which the Court approved on December 19, 2003. On January 24, 2005, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order affirming the District Court’s approval of the settlement agreement. Accordingly, the settlement is now final.

In addition, individual or multiple complaints have been brought in 19 different states and the District of Columbia alleging state unfair competition, consumer protection and common law claims against MasterCard International (and Visa) on behalf of putative classes of consumers. The claims in these actions largely mirror the allegations made in the U.S. merchant lawsuit and assert that merchants, faced with excessive merchant discount

 

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fees, have passed these overcharges to consumers in the form of higher prices on goods and services sold. MasterCard has been successful in dismissing cases in seventeen of the jurisdictions as courts have granted MasterCard’s motions to dismiss for failure to state a claim or plaintiffs have voluntarily dismissed their complaints. However, there are outstanding cases in New Mexico, California and West Virginia. The parties are awaiting a decision on MasterCard’s motion to dismiss in New Mexico. Limited discovery is proceeding in the California cases. In addition, the parties in the California cases are briefing the narrow issue of whether as a legal matter the summary judgment ruling in the U.S. merchant lawsuit could constitute a final judgment on the merits to which collateral estoppel could potentially apply. Oral argument on this issue was heard on October 31, 2007. On March 26, 2007, the West Virginia court stayed discovery pending briefing by the parties on the question of whether the state law unfair competition claims should be dismissed in light of the opinions from other states dismissing similar unfair competition claims on standing grounds. Based upon litigation developments and settlement negotiations in that state, and pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” MasterCard recorded legal reserves for the West Virginia consumer litigation during the second quarter of 2007.

On April 29, 2005, a complaint was filed in California state court on behalf of a putative class of consumers under California unfair competition law (Section 17200) and the Cartwright Act. The claims in this action seek to piggyback on the portion of the DOJ antitrust litigation in which the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York found that MasterCard’s CPP and Visa’s bylaw constitute unlawful restraints of trade under the federal antitrust laws. See “—Department of Justice Antitrust Litigation and Related Private Litigations.” MasterCard and Visa moved to dismiss the complaint and the court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ Cartwright Act claims but denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ Section 17200 unfair competition claims. MasterCard filed an answer to the complaint on June 19, 2006 and the parties are proceeding with discovery.

At this time, it is not possible to determine the outcome of, or, except as indicated above in the West Virginia consumer action, estimate the liability related to, the remaining consumer cases and no provision for losses has been provided in connection with them. The consumer class actions are not covered by the terms of the settlement agreement in the U.S. merchant lawsuit.

eFunds Litigation

In December 2003, MasterCard and eFunds Corporation (“eFunds”) entered into a Marketing Sales and Services Alliance Agreement (the “Agreement”) whereby the parties agreed to work together to provide debit processing services to financial institutions. After analysis of the needs of its customers and its business, on December 13, 2006, MasterCard notified eFunds that, pursuant to one of the provisions in the Agreement, it was terminating the Agreement. On or about January 30, 2007, eFunds filed a verified complaint against MasterCard in Superior Court for the State of Arizona, alleging that MasterCard’s termination of the Agreement was improper. The complaint asserts several causes of action including declaratory judgment, breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and fraudulent inducement. eFunds seeks a declaratory judgment that the Agreement remains in full force and effect, or, in the alternative, monetary damages. MasterCard moved to dismiss certain of eFunds’ causes of action and the court heard oral argument on the motion on June 29, 2007. On August 16, 2007, the court granted parts of MasterCard’s motion to dismiss although eFunds’ claim for damages for breach of contract and related causes of action remain. On September 4, 2007, MasterCard answered the complaint and filed counterclaims against eFunds. eFunds has not served a response to MasterCard’s counterclaims.

At this time, it is not possible to determine the outcome of, or estimate the liability related to, the eFunds litigation and no provision for losses has been provided in connection with it.

Global Interchange Proceedings

Interchange fees represent a sharing of payment system costs among the financial institutions participating in a four-party payment card system such as MasterCard’s. Typically, interchange fees are paid by the acquirer to the issuer in connection with transactions initiated with the payment system’s cards. These fees reimburse the issuer for a portion of the costs incurred by it in providing services which are of benefit to all participants in the system, including acquirers and merchants. MasterCard or its members establish a default interchange fee in certain circumstances that applies when there is no other interchange fee arrangement between the issuer and the acquirer. MasterCard establishes a variety of interchange rates depending on such considerations as the location and the type of transaction, and collects the interchange fee on behalf of the institutions entitled to receive it and remits the

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

interchange fee to eligible institutions. As described more fully below, MasterCard or its members’ interchange fees are subject to regulatory or legal review and/or challenges in a number of jurisdictions. At this time, it is not possible to determine the ultimate resolution of, or estimate the liability related to, any of the interchange proceedings described below. No provision for losses has been provided in connection with them.

United States. On October 8, 2004, a purported class action lawsuit was filed by a group of merchants in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against MasterCard International, Visa U.S.A., Inc., Visa International Corp. and several member banks in California alleging, among other things, that MasterCard’s and Visa’s interchange fees contravene the Sherman Act and the Clayton Act. The plaintiffs seek damages and an injunction against MasterCard (and Visa) setting interchange and engaging in “joint marketing activities,” which plaintiffs allege include the purported negotiation of merchant discount rates with certain merchants. MasterCard moved to dismiss the claims in the complaint for failure to state a claim and, in the alternative, also moved for summary judgment with respect to certain of the claims. On July 25, 2005, the court issued an order granting MasterCard’s motion to dismiss and dismissed the complaint with prejudice which plaintiffs have appealed. Oral argument on the appeal was held on June 11, 2007. The parties are awaiting a decision.

On June 22, 2005, a purported class action lawsuit was filed by a group of merchants in the U.S. District Court of Connecticut against MasterCard International Incorporated, Visa U.S.A., Inc. Visa International Service Association and a number of member banks alleging, among other things, that MasterCard’s and Visa’s purported setting of interchange fees violates Section 1 of the Sherman Act. In addition, the complaint alleges MasterCard’s and Visa’s purported tying and bundling of transaction fees also constitutes a violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The suit seeks treble damages in an unspecified amount, attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief. Since the filing of this complaint, there have been approximately fifty similar complaints (the majority styled as class actions although a few complaints are on behalf of individual plaintiffs) filed on behalf of merchants against MasterCard and Visa (and in some cases, certain member banks) in federal courts in California, New York, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Kentucky and Connecticut. On October 19, 2005, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued an order transferring these cases to Judge Gleeson of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York for coordination of pre-trial proceedings. On April 24, 2006, the group of purported class plaintiffs filed a First Amended Class Action Complaint. Taken together, the claims in the First Amended Class Action Complaint and in the complaints brought on the behalf of the individual merchants are generally brought under Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act. Specifically, the complaints contain some or all of the following claims: (i) that MasterCard’s and Visa’s setting of interchange fees (for both credit and offline debit transactions) violates Section 1 of the Sherman Act; (ii) that MasterCard and Visa have enacted and enforced various rules, including the no surcharge rule and purported anti-steering rules, in violation of Section 1 or 2 of the Sherman Act; (iii) that MasterCard’s and Visa’s purported bundling of the acceptance of premium credit cards to standard credit cards constitutes an unlawful tying arrangement; and (iv) that MasterCard and Visa have unlawfully tied and bundled transaction fees. In addition to the claims brought under federal antitrust law, some of these complaints contain certain unfair competition law claims under state law based upon the same conduct described above. These interchange-related litigations also seek treble damages in an unspecified amount (although several of the complaints allege that the plaintiffs expect that damages will range in the tens of billions of dollars), as well as attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief.

On June 9, 2006, MasterCard answered the complaint and moved to dismiss or, alternatively, moved to strike the pre-2004 damage claims that were contained in the First Amended Class Action Complaint and moved to dismiss the Section 2 claims that were brought in the individual merchant complaints. On September 7, 2007, Magistrate Judge Orenstein issued a report and recommendation that MasterCard’s motion to dismiss the pre-2004 damages claims should be granted in its entirety. The time in which plaintiffs can file objections to this report is currently running. The parties are awaiting a decision on MasterCard’s motion to dismiss the Section 2 claims. Fact discovery is scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2008, with briefing on case dispositive motions to be completed by June 30, 2009. No trial date has been scheduled. On July 5, 2006, the group of purported class plaintiffs filed a supplemental complaint alleging that the IPO and certain purported agreements entered into between MasterCard and its member financial institutions in connection with the IPO (1) violate Section 7 of the Clayton Act because their effect allegedly may be to substantially lessen competition, (2) violate Section 1 of the Sherman Act because they allegedly constitute an unlawful combination in restraint of trade and (3) constitute a fraudulent conveyance because the member banks are allegedly attempting to release without adequate consideration from the member banks MasterCard’s right to assess the member banks for MasterCard’s litigation liabilities in these interchange-related litigations and in other antitrust litigations pending against it. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages and an order reversing and unwinding the IPO. On September 15, 2006, MasterCard moved to dismiss all of the claims contained in the supplemental complaint. The parties are awaiting a decision.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

European Union. In September 2000, the European Commission issued a “Statement of Objections” challenging Visa International’s cross-border default interchange fees under European Community competition rules. On July 24, 2002, the European Commission announced its decision to exempt the Visa interchange fees from these rules through the end of 2007 based on certain changes proposed by Visa to its interchange fees. Among other things, in connection with the exemption order, Visa agreed to adopt a cost-based methodology for calculating its interchange fees similar to the methodology employed by MasterCard, which considers the costs of certain specified services provided by issuers, and to reduce its interchange rates for debit and credit transactions to amounts at or below certain specified levels.

On September 25, 2003, the European Commission issued a Statement of Objections challenging MasterCard Europe’s cross-border default interchange fees. On June 23, 2006, the European Commission issued a supplemental Statement of Objections covering credit, debit and commercial card fees. On November 14 and 15, 2006, the European Commission held hearings on MasterCard Europe’s cross-border default interchange fees. On March 23, 2007, the European Commission issued a Letter of Facts, also covering credit, debit and commercial card fees and discussing its views on the impact of the MasterCard initial public offering on the case. MasterCard Europe responded to the Statements of Objections and Letter of Facts and made presentations on a variety of issues at the hearings.

When the European Commission completes its review of MasterCard Europe’s cross-border default interchange fees, which could happen before the end of 2007, it appears likely that it will issue a prohibition decision ordering MasterCard to change the manner in which it calculates or cease collecting cross-border default interchange fees. MasterCard Europe would likely appeal such a decision to the European Court of First Instance and might seek interim relief to prevent the order from becoming effective before the outcome of the appeal. The European Commission has informed MasterCard that it does not intend to levy a fine against MasterCard even if it determines that MasterCard’s cross-border default interchange fees violate European Community competition rules. Because a balancing mechanism like cross-border default interchange fees constitute an essential element of MasterCard Europe’s operations, changes to them could significantly impact MasterCard International’s European customers’ and MasterCard Europe’s business. In addition, a negative decision by the European Commission could lead to the filing of private actions against MasterCard Europe by merchants and/or consumers seeking substantial damages.

United Kingdom Office of Fair Trading. On September 25, 2001, the Office of Fair Trading of the United Kingdom (“OFT”) issued a Rule 14 Notice under the U.K. Competition Act 1998 challenging the MasterCard default interchange fees and multilateral service fee (“MSF”), the fee paid by issuers to acquirers when a customer uses a MasterCard-branded card in the United Kingdom either at an ATM or over the counter to obtain a cash advance. Until November 2004, the interchange fees and MSF were established by MasterCard U.K. Members Forum Limited (“MMF”) (formerly MasterCard Europay U.K. Ltd.) for domestic credit card transactions in the United Kingdom. The notice contained preliminary conclusions to the effect that the MasterCard U.K. default interchange fees and MSF infringed U.K. competition law and did not qualify for an exemption in their present forms. On February 11, 2003, the OFT issued a supplemental Rule 14 Notice, which also contained preliminary conclusions challenging MasterCard’s U.K. interchange fees (but not the MSF) under the Competition Act. On November 10, 2004, the OFT issued a third notice (now called a Statement of Objections) claiming that the interchange fees infringed U.K. and European Union competition law.

On November 18, 2004, MasterCard’s board of directors adopted a resolution withdrawing the authority of the U.K. members to set domestic MasterCard interchange fees and MSFs and conferring such authority exclusively on MasterCard’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

On September 6, 2005, the OFT issued its decision, concluding that MasterCard’s U.K. interchange fees that were established by MMF prior to November 18, 2004 contravene U.K. and European Union competition law. The OFT decided not to impose penalties on MasterCard or MMF. MMF and MasterCard appealed the OFT’s decision to the U.K. Competition Appeals Tribunal. On June 19, 2006, the U.K. Competition Appeals Tribunal set aside the OFT’s decision, following the OFT’s request to the Tribunal to withdraw the decision and end its case against MasterCard’s U.K. default interchange fees in place prior to November 18, 2004.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

The OFT has commenced a new investigation of MasterCard’s current U.K. default interchange fees and announced on February 9, 2007 that the investigation would also cover so-called “immediate debit” cards. If the OFT determines that any of MasterCard’s U.K. interchange fees contravene U.K. and European Union competition law, it may issue a new decision and possibly levy fines accruing from the date of its first decision. MasterCard would likely appeal a negative decision by the OFT in any future proceeding to the Competition Appeals Tribunal. Such an OFT decision could lead to the filing of private actions against MasterCard by merchants and/or consumers which, if its appeal of such an OFT decision were to fail, could result in an award or awards of substantial damages.

Poland. In April 2001, in response to merchant complaints, the Polish Office for Protection of Competition and Consumers (the “PCA”) initiated an investigation of MasterCard’s (and Visa’s) domestic credit and debit card default interchange fees. MasterCard Europe filed several submissions and met with the PCA in connection with the investigation. In January 2007, the PCA issued a decision that MasterCard’s (and Visa’s) interchange fees are unlawful under Polish competition law, and imposed fines on MasterCard’s (and Visa’s) licensed financial institutions. MasterCard and the financial institutions have appealed the decision. If the appeals are unsuccessful and the PCA’s decision is allowed to stand, it could have a significant adverse impact on the revenues of MasterCard’s Polish customers and on MasterCard’s overall business in Poland.

New Zealand. In November 2003, MasterCard assumed responsibility for setting domestic default interchange fees in New Zealand, which previously had been set by MasterCard’s member financial institutions in New Zealand. In early 2004, the New Zealand Competition Commission (the “NZCC”) commenced an investigation of MasterCard’s domestic interchange fees. MasterCard cooperated with the NZCC in its investigation, made a number of submissions concerning its New Zealand domestic default interchange fees and met with the NZCC on several occasions to discuss its investigation. In November 2006, the NZCC filed a lawsuit alleging that MasterCard’s (and Visa’s) domestic default interchange fees do not comply with New Zealand competition law and seeking penalties. Several large merchants subsequently filed similar lawsuits seeking damages. A negative decision in these lawsuits could have a significant adverse impact on the revenues of MasterCard’s New Zealand customers and on MasterCard’s overall business in New Zealand.

Other Jurisdictions. In January 2006, a German retailers association filed a complaint with the Federal Cartel Office in Germany concerning MasterCard’s (and Visa’s) domestic default interchange fees. The complaint alleges that MasterCard’s (and Visa’s) German domestic interchange fees are not transparent to merchants and include so-called “extraneous costs.” MasterCard understands that the Federal Cartel Office is continuing to review the complaint. MasterCard is aware that regulatory authorities and/or central banks in certain other jurisdictions including Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, South Africa, Singapore, Hungary, Portugal and Switzerland are reviewing MasterCard’s and/or its members’ interchange fees and/or related practices and may seek to regulate the establishment of such fees and/or such practices.

Note 15. Settlement and Travelers Cheque Risk Management

MasterCard International’s rules generally guarantee the payment of certain MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro branded transactions between its principal members. The term and amount of the guarantee are unlimited. Settlement risk is the exposure to members under MasterCard International’s rules (“Settlement Exposure”), due to the difference in timing between the payment transaction date and subsequent settlement. Settlement Exposure is estimated using the average daily card charges during the quarter multiplied by the estimated number of days to settle. The Company has global risk management policies and procedures, which include risk standards, to provide a framework for managing the Company’s settlement risk. Member-reported transaction data and the transaction clearing data underlying the settlement risk calculation may be revised in subsequent reporting periods.

In the event that MasterCard International effects a payment on behalf of a failed member, MasterCard International may seek an assignment of the underlying receivables. Subject to approval by the Board of Directors, members may be charged for the amount of any settlement loss incurred during the ordinary activities of the Company.

MasterCard requires certain members that are not in compliance with the Company’s risk standards in effect at the time of review to post collateral, typically in the form of letters of credit and bank guarantees. This requirement is based on management review of the individual risk circumstances for each member that is out of compliance. In addition to these amounts, MasterCard holds collateral to cover variability and future growth in member programs. The Company also holds collateral to pay merchants in the event of merchant bank/acquirer failure. Although it is

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

not contractually obligated under MasterCard International’s rules to effect such payments, the Company may elect to do so to protect brand integrity. MasterCard monitors its credit risk portfolio on a regular basis and the adequacy of collateral on hand. Additionally, from time to time, the Company reviews its risk management methodology and standards. As such, the amounts of estimated settlement risk are revised as necessary.

Estimated Settlement Exposure, and the portion of the Company’s uncollateralized Settlement Exposure for MasterCard-branded transactions that relates to members that are deemed not to be in compliance with, or that are under review in connection with, the Company’s risk management standards, were as follows:

 

     September 30,
2007
    December 31,
2006
 

MasterCard-branded transactions:

    

Gross Settlement Exposure

   $ 20,619,708     $ 18,059,691  

Collateral held for Settlement Exposure

     (2,050,231 )     (1,611,537 )
                

Net uncollateralized Settlement Exposure

   $ 18,569,477     $ 16,448,154  
                

Uncollateralized Settlement Exposure attributable to non-compliant members

   $ 58,983     $ 89,319  
                

Cirrus and Maestro transactions:

    

Gross Settlement Exposure

   $ 3,296,364     $ 2,626,998  
                

Although MasterCard holds collateral at the member level, the Cirrus and Maestro estimated settlement exposures are calculated at the regional level. Therefore, these settlement exposures are reported on a gross basis, rather than net of collateral.

Of the total estimated Settlement Exposure under the MasterCard brand, net of collateral, the U.S. accounted for approximately 45% and 48% at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. The second largest country that accounted for this Settlement Exposure was the United Kingdom at approximately 10% and 11% at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. Of the total uncollateralized Settlement Exposure attributable to non-compliant members, five members represented approximately 70% and 60% at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

MasterCard guarantees the payment of MasterCard-branded travelers cheques in the event of issuer default. The guarantee estimate is based on all outstanding MasterCard-branded travelers cheques, reduced by an actuarial determination of cheques that are not anticipated to be presented for payment. The term and amount of the guarantee are unlimited. MasterCard calculated its MasterCard-branded travelers cheques exposure under this guarantee as $582,410 and $690,527 at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. The reduction in travelers cheques exposure is attributable to a decision by the Company’s two largest issuers to stop selling MasterCard-branded cheques.

A significant portion of the Company’s travelers cheque risk is concentrated in one MasterCard travelers cheque issuer. MasterCard has obtained an unlimited guarantee estimated at $468,928 and $553,925 at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, from a financial institution that is a member, to cover all of the exposure of outstanding travelers cheques with respect to that issuer. In addition, MasterCard has obtained guarantees estimated at $18,332 and $21,709 at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, from financial institutions that are members in order to cover the exposure of outstanding travelers cheques with respect to another issuer. These guarantee amounts have also been reduced by an actuarial determination of cheques that are not anticipated to be presented for payment.

Based on the Company’s ability to charge its members for settlement and travelers cheque losses, the effectiveness of the Company’s global risk management policies and procedures, and the historically low level of losses that the Company has experienced from settlement and travelers cheques, management believes that the probability of future payments for settlement and travelers cheque losses in excess of existing reserves is negligible.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

Note 16. Foreign Exchange Risk Management

The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to minimize risk associated with anticipated receipts and disbursements which are either transacted in a non-functional currency or valued based on a currency other than our functional currencies. The Company also enters into contracts to offset possible changes in value due to foreign exchange fluctuations of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. MasterCard’s forward contracts are classified by functional currency as summarized below:

U.S. Dollar Functional Currency

 

     September 30, 2007     December 31, 2006

Forward Contracts

   Notional   

Estimated

Fair Value

    Notional   

Estimated

Fair Value

Commitments to purchase foreign currency

   $ 54,468    $ 1,532     $ 34,680    $ 86

Commitments to sell foreign currency

     40,735      (1,828 )     17,268      86

Euro Functional Currency

 

     September 30, 2007     December 31, 2006  

Forward Contracts

   Notional   

Estimated

Fair Value

    Notional   

Estimated

Fair Value

 

Commitments to purchase foreign currency

   $ 30,190    $ (2,439 )   $ 121,351    $ (2,312 )

Commitments to sell foreign currency

     51,237      1,186       45,123      147  

Brazilian Real Functional Currency

 

     September 30, 2007    December 31, 2006  

Forward Contracts

   Notional   

Estimated

Fair Value

   Notional   

Estimated

Fair Value

 

Commitments to purchase foreign currency

   —      —      $ 10,954    $ (841 )

The currencies underlying the foreign currency forward contracts consist primarily of euro, U.K. pound sterling, Brazilian real, Australian dollar, Mexican peso, Canadian dollar and Japanese yen. The fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts generally reflects the estimated amounts that the Company would receive or (pay), on a pre-tax basis, to terminate the contracts at the reporting date based on broker quotes for the same or similar instruments. The terms of the foreign currency forward contracts are generally less than 18 months. The Company has deferred $2,025 and $1,526 of net losses, after tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, all of which is expected to be reclassified to earnings as the contracts mature to provide an economic offset to the earnings impact of the anticipated cash flows hedged.

The Company’s derivative financial instruments are subject to both credit and market risk. Credit risk is the risk of loss due to failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations in accordance with contractual terms. Market risk is the potential change in an instrument’s value caused by fluctuations in interest rates and other variables related to currency exchange rates. Credit and market risk related to derivative instruments were not material at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

Generally, the Company does not obtain collateral related to forward contracts because of the high credit ratings of the counterparties, which are also members of MasterCard International. The amount of loss the Company would incur if the counterparties failed to perform according to the terms of the contracts is not considered material.

Note 17. Other Income

On June 21, 2007, the Company signed a settlement agreement to discontinue its relationship with the organization that operates the World Cup soccer events and not sponsor the 2010 and 2014 World Cup soccer events. The organization that operates the World Cup soccer events agreed to pay the Company $90,000 to resolve all disputes and this was recorded as other income in the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - Continued

(In thousands, except per share and percent data)

 

Note 18. Investment in Redecard S.A.

As of June 30, 2007, MasterCard had approximately a 4% investment in an affiliate, Redecard S.A., recorded at $12,856 under the historical cost method of accounting. In July 2007, Redecard S.A. successfully completed an initial public offering in Brazil of its shares. MasterCard elected not to participate as a selling stockholder in the initial public offering. Following the initial public offering, the quoted market value of these shares was used to determine their fair value and these securities are classified as available-for-sale equity securities in accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” In anticipation of such initial public offering, MasterCard entered into a lock-up agreement, dated as of June 20, 2007, with the other shareholders of Redecard S.A., who were all selling shareholders in the initial public offering. Under the terms of this lock-up agreement and following the closing of the initial public offering, MasterCard could: (i) sell all of its investment to qualified institutional buyers, (ii) make sales in the market with respect to 25% of its investment, subject to certain pricing and volume restrictions for six months following the initial public offering, and (iii) make sales in the market with respect to the remaining 75% of its investment, subject to the same pricing and volume restrictions, for an additional six months following the initial six month holding period. After the elapse of such holding periods, MasterCard may sell these shares in any manner that it deems appropriate.

As of September 30, 2007, MasterCard had sold approximately 6,900 shares, or 25% of its investment in Redecard S.A. MasterCard recognized a gain of $107,042 on such sales. This has been included in investment income within the consolidated statements of operations. The quoted market value of MasterCard’s remaining shares in Redecard S.A. was approximately $380,707 as of September 30, 2007. Unrealized holding gains, net of tax, of $240,079 have been included in other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes of MasterCard Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries. In this discussion, references to the “Company,” “MasterCard,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to the MasterCard brand generally, and to the business conducted by MasterCard Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries, including our principal operating subsidiary, MasterCard International Incorporated (doing business as MasterCard Worldwide), and MasterCard Europe sprl.

Forward-Looking Statements and Non-GAAP Financial Information

This Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this Report, the words “believe,” “expect,” “could,” “may,” “would”, “will” and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to the Company’s future prospects, developments and business strategies and include, without limitation, the Company’s strong liquidity and capital position, increased regulatory scrutiny of interchange fees and other aspects of the payments industry that could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, the Company’s belief in its ability to drive growth by further penetrating its existing customer base and by expanding its role in targeted geographies and higher-growth segments of the global payments industry, enhancing its merchant relationships, maintaining unsurpassed acceptance and continuing to invest in its brands and increasing its volume of business with key customers over time, hiring additional personnel and developing its existing workforce, pursuing incremental payment processing opportunities and investing in marketing programs at regional and local levels. Many factors and uncertainties relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control, influence whether any forward-looking statements can or will be achieved. Any one of those factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in writing in any forward-looking statements made by MasterCard or on its behalf. We believe there are certain risk factors that are important to our business, and these could cause actual results to differ from our expectations. Reference should be made to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 for a complete discussion of these risk factors in Item 1A — Risk Factors.

Non-GAAP financial information is defined as a numerical measure of a company’s performance that excludes or includes amounts so as to be different than the most comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation G, portions of this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” include a comparison of certain non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the Company’s related financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Specifically, we are presenting information regarding changes in operating expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same periods in 2006 that exclude a non-cash charge associated with the donation of shares of Class A common stock, par value $.0001 per share (the “Class A common stock”) to the MasterCard Foundation (the “Foundation”) and charges associated with litigation settlements (collectively, the “special items”) as well as gross assessments excluding certain pricing modifications principally involving currency conversion, because the Company’s management believes that exclusion of this information facilitates understanding of our results of operations and provides meaningful comparison of results between periods. See “–Operating Expenses” for a table which provides a reconciliation of operating expenses excluding special items to the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Similarly, we present the effective tax rate with and without the impact of the stock donation to the MasterCard Foundation for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 because the stock donation to the Foundation is a non-cash and non-recurring item that was completed in conjunction with our change in governance and ownership structure implemented during the second quarter of 2006. The effective tax rate without the impact of the stock donation to the Foundation is more meaningful to investors in understanding our financial results, including comparability to the same periods in 2007.

Overview

We are a global payment solutions company that provides a variety of services in support of our customers’ credit, debit and related payment programs. We manage a family of well-known, widely accepted payment card brands including MasterCard®, MasterCard Electronic™, Maestro® and Cirrus®, which we license to our customers. As part of managing these brands, we also establish and enforce rules and standards surrounding the use of our payment card system. Cardholder and merchant relationships are managed principally by our customers. Accordingly, we do not issue cards, extend credit to cardholders, determine the interest rates (if applicable) or other fees charged to cardholders by issuers, or establish the merchant discount charged by acquirers in connection with the acceptance of cards that carry our brands.

We achieved revenue growth of 20.1% and 20.4% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, of which 2.3% in each of these periods was due to the impact of foreign currency fluctuation related to the euro. The growth in revenues was principally due to increased transactions and volumes. Approximately 2% of our revenue growth for the three months ended

 

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September 30, 2007 was due to pricing adjustments. In the nine months ended September 30, 2007 approximately 2% of our revenue growth was due to the impact of the restructuring of currency conversion pricing in April 2006, in addition to the pricing adjustments in 2007. Our net revenue growth was moderated by a $39 million, or 13.8%, and $133 million, or 17.3%, increase in rebates and incentives to our customers and merchants in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively.

Operating expenses increased 16.3% in the three months ended September 30, 2007 and decreased 10.6% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, of which 1.6% and 1.2%, respectively, was due to the impact of foreign currency fluctuation related to the euro. Excluding the impact of special items specifically identified in the reconciliation table included in “—Operating Expenses”, operating expenses increased 9.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to an increase in general and administrative expenses to support our customer-focused strategy. Excluding the impact of special items, our operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues was 68.6% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 versus 75.8% in the comparable period in 2006.

Other income in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 includes gains of approximately $107 million relating to the partial sale of our Redecard S.A. available-for-sale securities. The nine months ended September 30, 2007 also includes $90 million received from the organization that operates the World Cup soccer events in resolution of all outstanding disputes pertaining to our sponsorship of the 2010 and 2014 World Cup soccer events. See “—Other Income (Expense)”.

Our liquidity and capital position remain strong, as we had $3.3 billion in cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities, and $3.2 billion in stockholders’ equity as of September 30, 2007.

We believe that the trend within the global payments industry from paper-based forms of payment such as cash and checks toward electronic forms of payment such as cards creates significant opportunities for the continued growth of our business. Our strategy is to continue our growth by further penetrating our existing customer base and by expanding our role in targeted geographies and higher-growth opportunities of the global payments industry (such as corporate, premium and debit payments), enhancing our merchant relationships, maintaining unsurpassed acceptance and continuing to invest in our brands. We are committed to providing our key customers with coordinated services through integrated, dedicated account teams in a manner that allows us to capitalize on our expertise in payment programs, brand marketing, product development, technology, processing and consulting services for these customers. By investing in strong customer relationships over the long-term, we believe that we can increase our volume of business with key customers over time. In support of this strategy, we are continuing to hire additional personnel and develop our existing workforce. We intend to expand our role in targeted geographies by, among other things, pursuing incremental payment processing opportunities in Europe, Latin America and Asia/Pacific countries.

There is increased regulatory scrutiny of interchange fees and other aspects of the payments industry which could have an adverse impact on our business. In addition, we face exposure to antitrust and other types of litigation. Competition and pricing pressure within the global payments industry is increasing, due in part to consolidation within the banking sector and the growing power of merchants. Regulatory actions, litigation and pricing pressure may lead us to change our pricing arrangements and could reduce our overall revenues. See Item 1A — Risk Factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 for these and other risks facing our business.

 

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Impact of Foreign Currency Rates

Our operations are impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In most regions, except Europe, assessments are calculated based on local currency volume converted to U.S. dollar volume using average exchange rates for the related assessment period. In Europe, the non-euro volumes are converted to the euro. As a result, assessment revenues are impacted by the overall strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar or euro compared to the foreign currencies of the related local volumes in each period. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the U.S. dollar weakened as evidenced by a 16.6% and 17.4%, respectively, increase in gross dollar volume (“GDV”) on a U.S. dollar converted basis exceeding local currency GDV growth of 12.8% and 14.1%, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year.

We are especially impacted by the movements of the euro relative to the U.S. dollar since the functional currency of MasterCard Europe, our principal European operating subsidiary, is the euro. The strengthening or devaluation of the U.S. dollar against the euro impacts the translation of MasterCard Europe’s operating results into U.S. dollar amounts and is summarized as follows:

 

     For the three months
ended September 30,
   

For the nine months

ended September 30,

 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Euro to U.S. dollar average exchange rate

   $ 1.38     $ 1.28     $ 1.35     $ 1.25  

Strengthening (devaluation) of U.S. dollar related to the euro from prior year

     (7.7 )%     (4.3 )%     (7.9 )%     1.5 %

Revenue change attributable to translation of MasterCard Europe revenues to U.S. dollars

     2.3 %     1.2 %     2.3 %     (0.4 )%

Operating expense change attributable to translation of MasterCard Europe expenses to U.S. dollars

     1.6 %     0.6 %     1.2 %     (0.4 )%

Revenues

We generate revenues from the fees that we charge our customers for providing transaction processing and other payment-related services (operations fees) and by charging assessments to our customers based on the GDV of activity on the cards that carry our brands (assessments). GDV includes the aggregated dollar amount of usage (purchases, cash disbursements, balance transfers and convenience checks) on MasterCard-branded cards. Our pricing for transactions and services is complex. Each category of revenue has numerous fee components depending on the types of transactions or services provided. We review our pricing and implement pricing changes on an ongoing basis. In addition, standard pricing varies among our regional businesses, and such pricing can be customized further for our customers through incentive and rebate agreements. Our revenues are based upon transactional information accumulated by our systems or reported by our customers. We earned approximately 73.1% and 72.6% of our net revenues from net operations fees in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, compared to 73.3% and 71.1% in the same periods in 2006, respectively. From net assessments, we earned approximately 26.9% and 27.4% of our net revenues in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, compared to 26.7% and 28.9% in the same periods in 2006, respectively. In the nine months ended September 30, 2007, 1.2% of the shift to operations fees from assessments was due to the restructuring of our currency conversion pricing in April 2006.

Operations fees are typically transaction-based and are charged for facilitating the processing of payment transactions and information management among our customers. A typical transaction processed through MasterCard’s system involves four participants in addition to us: an issuer (the cardholder’s bank), an acquirer (the merchant’s bank), the merchant and the cardholder. Operations fees are charged to issuers, acquirers or their delegated processors for transaction processing services, specific programs to promote MasterCard-branded card acceptance and additional services to assist them in managing their businesses. The significant components of operations fees are as follows:

 

   

Authorization occurs when a merchant requests approval for a cardholder’s transaction. We charge a fee for routing the authorization for approval to or from the issuer or, in certain circumstances, such as when the issuer’s systems are unavailable, for approval by us or others on behalf of the issuer in accordance with the issuer’s instructions. Our rules, which vary across regions, establish the circumstances under which merchants and acquirers must seek authorization of transactions. These fees are primarily paid by issuers.

 

   

Settlement refers to the process in which we determine the amounts due between issuers and acquirers for payment transactions and associated fees. First, we clear a transaction by transferring the financial transaction details among issuers, acquirers or their designated third-party processors. Then we settle or exchange the related funds among the issuers and acquirers. We charge a fee for these settlement and clearing services. These fees are primarily paid by issuers.

 

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Switch fees are charges for the use of the MasterCard Debit Switch, our debit processing system. The MasterCard Debit Switch transmits financial messages between acquirers and issuers and provides transaction and statistical reporting and performs settlement between members and other debit transaction processing networks. These fees are primarily paid by issuers.

 

   

Currency conversion and cross-border are volume-based revenues. Cross-border volumes are generated by transactions in which the cardholder and merchant geography are different. We process transactions denominated in more than 160 currencies through our global system, providing cardholders with the ability to utilize, and merchants to accept, MasterCard cards across multiple country borders. We can also perform currency conversion services by processing transactions in a merchant’s local currency and converting the amount to the currency of the issuer, who in turn may add foreign exchange charges and post the transaction on the cardholder’s statement in their own home currency. In April 2006, we restructured our currency conversion revenues by initiating a charge to our issuers and acquirers for all cross-border volumes regardless of whether we perform the currency conversion or it is performed by a third party at the point-of-sale. We also generally decreased the price we charge issuers for performing currency conversion.

 

   

Acceptance development fees are charged to issuers based on components of GDV and support our focus on developing merchant relationships and promoting acceptance at the point of sale. These fees are primarily U.S.-based.

 

   

Warning bulletin fees are charged to issuers and acquirers for listing invalid or fraudulent accounts either electronically or in paper form and for distributing this listing to merchants.

 

   

Connectivity fees are charged to issuers and acquirers for network access, equipment and the transmission of authorization and settlement messages.

 

   

Consulting and research fees are primarily generated by MasterCard Advisors, our professional advisory services group. We provide a wide range of consulting and research services associated with our customers’ payment activities and programs. Research includes revenues from subscription-based services, access to research inquiry, and peer networking services generated by our independent financial and payments industry research group. We do not anticipate consulting and research fees becoming a significant percentage of our business.

 

   

Other operations fees are primarily user-pay services including the sale of manuals, publications, holograms, a variety of account and transaction enhancement services, information and reports, as well as compliance programs and penalties, to assist our customers in administering and managing their businesses. In addition, other operations fees include fees for cardholder services in connection with the benefits provided with MasterCard-branded cards, such as insurance, telecommunications assistance for lost cards and locating automated teller machines.

Generally, we process certain MasterCard-branded domestic transactions in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and Australia. We process substantially all cross-border transactions using MasterCard, Maestro and Cirrus-branded cards. We charge relatively higher operations fees for settlement, authorization and switch fees on cross-border transactions and earn cross-border revenues as well as currency conversion revenues if the transactions require conversion between two different currencies. Operations fees for offline debit transactions, which are generally signature-based debit transactions, are priced similar to credit transactions. Operations fees for processing domestic online debit transactions are priced in a similar manner as domestic offline debit and credit transactions, while cross-border offline debit and credit transactions are priced higher than cross-border online debit transactions.

Assessments are primarily based on GDV for a specific time period and the rates vary depending on the nature of the transactions that generate GDV. Assessment rates vary by region. Most of our assessment rates are tiered and rates decrease when customers meet incremental volume hurdles. These assessment rates also vary by the type of transaction. We generally assess at higher rates for cross-border volumes compared to domestic volumes. We also assess at higher rates for retail purchases versus cash withdrawals. Credit and offline debit transactions are assessed at higher rates than online debit transactions. In addition, from time to time the Company may introduce assessments for specific purposes such as market development programs. Assessments that are based on quarterly GDV are estimated utilizing aggregate transaction information and projected customer performance.

 

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Gross revenues grew 18.6% and 19.7% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, compared to the same periods last year. Our overall revenue growth is being moderated by the demand from our customers for better pricing arrangements and greater rebates and incentives. Accordingly, we have entered into business agreements with certain customers and merchants which are primarily based on GDV and may also contain fixed components for the issuance of new cards, launch of new programs or consulting services. These pricing arrangements reflect enhanced competition in the global payments industry, the continued consolidation and globalization of our key customers, the growing power of merchants and the impact of restructured pricing. The rebates and incentives are calculated on a monthly basis based upon estimated performance and the terms of the related business agreements. Rebates and incentives are recorded as a reduction of gross revenue in the same period that performance occurs.

The United States remains our largest geographic market based on revenues. Revenue generated in the United States was approximately 50.5% and 51.7% of total revenues in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, compared to 52.5% and 52.6% in the same periods in 2006, respectively. No individual country, other than the United States, generated more than 10% of total revenues in any period. Certain non-U.S. economies have experienced more growth than the U.S. economy. Accordingly, some non-U.S. revenues grew at a faster rate than U.S. revenues in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same periods in 2006. The growth was not specifically related to any one region in which we do business.

Our business is dependent on certain world economies and consumer behaviors. In particular, a significant portion of our revenues are dependent on international travel patterns which can vary with the strengthening/weakening of foreign currencies or the impact of specific events such as terrorist attacks. Our revenues can also be impacted by a number of factors related to consumer behavior, including consumers’ confidence in the MasterCard brand.

 

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Results of Operations*

 

     For the three months
ended September 30,
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
    For the nine months
ended September 30,
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     (In millions, except per share, percentages and GDV amounts)  
     2007     2006    

2007 vs.

2006

    2007     2006    

2007 vs.

2006

 

Net operations fees

   $ 792     $ 661     19.8 %   $ 2,174     $ 1,768     23.0 %

Net assessments

     291       241     20.7 %     821       719     14.2 %
                                    

Total revenue, net

     1,083       902     20.1 %     2,995       2,487     20.4 %

General and administrative

     433       393     10.2 %     1,263       1,106     14.2 %

Advertising and market development

     264       209     26.4 %     711       699     1.7 %

Litigation settlements

     —         —       —         3       23     (85.4 )%

Charitable contributions to the MasterCard Foundation

     10       —       * *     10       400     (97.5 )%

Depreciation and amortization

     22       25     (11.4 )%     71       75     (4.7 )%
                                    

Total operating expenses

     730       627     16.3 %     2,059       2,303     (10.6 )%
                                    

Operating income

     353       275     28.6 %     936       184     410.1 %

Total other income (expense), net

     129       17     643.6 %     268       41     555.7 %
                                    

Income before income tax expense

     482       292     65.1 %     1,204       224     436.6 %

Income tax expense

     168       99     69.4 %     423       215     96.5 %
                                    

Net income

   $ 314     $ 193     62.9 %   $ 782     $ 9     * *
                                    

Net income per share (basic)1

   $ 2.32     $ 1.42     63.4 %   $ 5.76     $ .07     * *

Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)1

     135       136     (0.2 )%     136       135     * *

Net income per share (diluted)1

   $ 2.31     $ 1.42     62.7 %   $ 5.73     $ .07     * *

Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)1

     136       136     —         137       136     * *

Effective income tax rate

     34.8 %     33.9 %   * *     35.1 %     95.9 %2   * *

Gross dollar volume on a U.S. dollar converted basis (in billions)3

   $ 577     $ 495     16.6 %   $ 1,642     $ 1,398     17.4 %

Processed transactions

     4,759       4,200     13.3 %     13,559       11,710     15.8 %

* Note that the figures in this table may not sum due to rounding
** Not meaningful

1

In connection with our ownership and governance transactions in May 2006, we reclassified all of our approximately 100 outstanding shares of existing Class A redeemable common stock so that our previous stockholders received 1.35 shares of our Class B common stock for each share of Class A redeemable common stock that they held prior to the reclassification and a single share of our Class M common stock. Accordingly, shares and per share data were retroactively restated in the financial statements subsequent to the reclassification to reflect the reclassification as if it were effective at the start of the first period being presented in the financial statements.

2

The 2006 effective tax rates include the impact of a $395 donation of shares of Class A common stock to the MasterCard Foundation, a charitable contribution which is not deductible for tax purposes.

3

In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, GDV excludes commercial funds transfers in China, which are generally transactions that facilitate the transfer of funds between bank branches, but do not involve traditional cash withdrawals or balance transfers. Data for the comparable period in 2006 has been restated to be consistent with this approach.

 

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Operations Fees

 

    

For the three

months ended
September 30,

    Dollar
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
    For the nine
months ended
September 30,
    Dollar
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2007     2006    

2007 vs.

2006

   

2007 vs.

2006

    2007     2006    

2007 vs.

2006

   

2007 vs.

2006

 
     (In millions, except percentages)  

Authorization, settlement and switch

   $ 356     $ 304     $ 52     17.1 %   $ 1,000     $ 853     $ 147     17.2 %

Currency conversion and cross-border

     241       198       43     21.7 %     634       442       192     43.4 %

Acceptance development fees

     70       57       13     22.8 %     195       158       37     23.4 %

Warning bulletin fees

     19       17       2     11.8 %     56       52       4     7.7 %

Connectivity

     26       22       4     18.2 %     73       61       12     19.7 %

Consulting and research fees

     23       18       5     27.8 %     59       54       5     9.3 %

Other operations fees

     144       113       31     27.4 %     394       328       66     20.1 %
                                                    

Gross operations fees

     879       729       150     20.6 %     2,411       1,948       463     23.8 %

Rebates

     (87 )     (68 )     (19 )   27.9 %     (237 )     (180 )     (57 )   31.7 %
                                                    

Net operations fees

   $ 792     $ 661     $ 131     19.8 %   $ 2,174     $ 1,768     $ 406     23.0 %
                                                    

 

   

Authorization, settlement and switch revenues primarily increased due to the number of transactions processed through our systems, increasing 13.3% and 15.8% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 from the comparable periods in 2006. The increase in revenue was also attributable to higher utilization and pricing increases for stand-in authorization services of approximately 2.7% and 2.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007. Stand-in occurs when the issuer’s primary authorization routing options fail and MasterCard approves the requests on behalf of the issuer based on pre-defined issuer parameters. Offsetting the increase in growth for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was a 1.2% reduction of revenues due to the implementation of price changes in April 2006 to make our pricing compliant with the Single European Payment Area (“SEPA”) initiative. The SEPA price changes are slightly positive on a total gross revenue basis; however, these changes impact individual revenue categories, in particular authorization, settlement and switch, currency conversion and cross-border revenues and assessments.

 

   

Currency conversion and cross-border revenues increased primarily due to an increase in cross-border volumes of 20.6% and 18.7% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively. In April 2006, we restructured our currency conversion pricing by initiating a charge to our issuers, and, in most regions, acquirers for all cross-border transactions regardless of whether we perform the currency conversion or it is performed by a third party at the point of sale. We also generally decreased the price we charge our issuers for currency conversion. Of the increase in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, $31 million was due to the reclassification of certain assessment revenues in Europe to cross-border volume revenue which was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

Acceptance development fees in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased compared to the same periods in 2006 primarily due to increased volumes. In addition, a new acceptance development fee was implemented in June 2007 which resulted in an increase of 10.5% and 5.7% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same periods in 2006.

 

   

Warning bulletin fees fluctuate with our customer requests for distribution of invalid account information.

 

   

Connectivity revenues in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased compared to the same periods in 2006 due to increased volumes.

 

   

Consulting and research fees increased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. Our business agreements with certain customers may include consulting services as an incentive. Consulting services provided to customers as a result of incentive agreements increased slightly in all periods.

 

   

Other operations fees represent various revenue streams, including cardholder services, compliance and penalty fees, holograms, user pay for a variety of account and transaction enhancement services, and manuals and publications. Implementation of a new account enhancement program resulted in an increase in other operations fees of 9.7% and 3.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 versus the comparable periods in 2006. In addition, transactions accepted by U.S. acquirers from cardholders with non-U.S. issuers have increased. Therefore the related fee income for the processing of these transactions has also increased. No increase in any other individual revenue component was material.

 

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Rebates relating to operations fees are primarily based on transactions and volumes and, accordingly, increase as these variables increase. Rebates have been increasing due to new and renewed agreements with our customers and ongoing consolidation of our customers.

Assessments

Assessments are revenues that are calculated based on our customers’ GDV. The components of assessments are as follows:

 

     For the three
months ended
September 30,
    Dollar
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
    For the nine
months ended
September 30,
    Dollar
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2007     2006    

2007 vs.

2006

   

2007 vs.

2006

    2007     2006    

2007 vs.

2006

   

2007 vs.

2006

 
     (In millions, except percentages)  

Gross assessments

   $ 525     $ 455     $ 70     15.4 %   $ 1,488     $ 1,310     $ 178     13.6 %

Rebates and incentives

     (234 )     (214 )     (20 )   9.3 %     (667 )     (591 )     (76 )   12.9 %
                                                    

Net assessments

   $ 291     $ 241     $ 50     20.7 %   $ 821     $ 719     $ 102     14.2 %
                                                    

GDV growth was 16.6% and 17.4% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, when measured in on a U.S. dollar converted basis, and 12.8% and 14.1%, respectively, when measured in local currency terms. Assessments were impacted in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 by a reclassification of $31 million from assessments to currency conversion and cross-border revenues, offset by $12 million in pricing increases related to our SEPA pricing changes in the three months ended March 31, 2007. Our gross assessments would have increased 15.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 if these pricing modifications were not made in April 2006.

Rebates and incentives are primarily based on GDV but may also contain components for the issuance of new cards, launch of new programs or consulting services. The components of the business agreements are recorded as a reduction of gross revenue in the same period that performance occurs. Rebates and incentives in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased primarily due to higher GDV and certain other performance metrics achieved by customers and merchants. Non-GDV performance-based incentives vary depending on the agreement terms and the timing of our customer’s performance. Accordingly, our incentives for non-GDV performance metrics, such as the issuance of new cards, the launch of new programs or the execution of marketing programs, impact the relationship between gross assessments and net assessments.

 

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Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses are comprised of general and administrative, advertising and market development, litigation settlements, charitable contributions and depreciation and amortization expenses. The table below reconciles operating expenses excluding special items to the most directly comparable GAAP measure for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, which management believes creates a more meaningful comparison of results between periods. In the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, there were not any non-GAAP adjustments made to operating expenses.

 

     For the nine months ended
September 30, 2007
    For the nine months ended
September 30, 2006
             
     Actual     Special
Items
   As
Adjusted
    Actual     Special
Items
    As
Adjusted
   

Percent
Increase
(Decrease)

Actual

   

Percent
Increase
(Decrease)

As Adjusted

 
     (In millions, except percentages)  

General and Administrative

   $ 1,263     $ —      $ 1,263     $ 1,106     $ —       $ 1,106     14.2 %   14.2 %

Advertising and Marketing

     711       —        711       699       —         699     1.7 %   1.7 %

Litigation Settlements

     3       3      —         23       23       —       (85.4 )%   —    

Charitable Contributions

     10       —        10       400       395 a     5     (97.5 )%   100.0 %

Depreciation and Amortization

     71       —        71       75       —         75     (4.7 )%   (4.7 )%
                                                   

Total operating expenses

   $ 2,059     $ 3    $ 2,056     $ 2,303     $ 418     $ 1,885     (10.6 )%   9.1 %
                                                   

Total operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues

     68.7 %        68.6 %     92.6 %       75.8 %    

* Note that the figures in the table above may not sum due to rounding

a

Contribution of 13.5 million shares of our Class A common stock to the MasterCard Foundation, a charitable entity which is controlled by directors who are independent of us and our customers.

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel, professional fees, data processing, telecommunications and travel. Our general and administrative expenses would have been higher by approximately 3.1% and 1.4% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, if not for lower severance costs than the same periods in 2006 noted below. The major components of general and administrative expenses were as follows:

 

     For the three
months ended
September 30,
   Dollar
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
    For the nine
months ended
September 30,
   Dollar
Increase
   Percent
Increase
 
     2007    2006   

2007 vs.

2006

   

2007 vs.

2006

    2007    2006   

2007 vs.

2006

  

2007 vs.

2006

 

Personnel

   $ 289    $ 253    $ 36     14.2 %   $ 823    $ 714    $ 109    15.3 %

Professional fees

     52      52      —       —         158      128      30    23.4 %

Telecommunications

     19      18      1     5.6 %     53      52      1    1.9 %

Data processing

     16      14      2     14.3 %     46      44      2    4.5 %

Travel and entertainment

     25      22      3     13.6 %     81      71      10    14.1 %

Other

     32      34      (2 )   (5.9 )%     102      97      5    5.2 %
                                               

General and administrative expenses

   $ 433    $ 393    $ 40     10.2 %   $ 1,263    $ 1,106    $ 157    14.2 %
                                               

 

   

Personnel expense increased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 primarily due to hiring additional staff and contractors to support our strategic initiatives. In addition, we have increased our accruals for higher performance awards primarily as a result of better than anticipated performance against company objectives. Accordingly, our salaries and benefits costs have increased. Our personnel expense would have been higher by approximately 4.7% and 2.1% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, if not for lower severance costs than the same periods in 2006. Severance costs in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 increased due to an adjustment for updating the assumptions for our actuarial determined severance plan accrual.

 

   

Professional fees increased in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 primarily due to legal costs to defend our outstanding litigation and outside third party services used for implementing our strategic initiatives.

 

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Telecommunications expense consists of expenses to support our global payments system infrastructure as well as our other telecommunication needs.

 

   

Data processing consists of expenses to operate and maintain MasterCard’s computer systems. These expenses vary with business volume growth, system upgrades and usage.

 

   

Travel and entertainment expenses are incurred primarily for travel to customer and regional meetings and, accordingly, have increased with the greater activity in our business and because of the hiring of additional staff noted above.

 

   

Other includes rental expense for our facilities, foreign exchange gains and losses and other miscellaneous administrative expenses.

Advertising and Market Development

Advertising and market development consists of expenses associated with advertising, marketing, promotions and sponsorships, which promote our brand and assist our customers in achieving their goals by raising consumer awareness and usage of cards carrying our brands. Advertising and market development expenses increased $55 million and $12 million or 26.4% and 1.7% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, versus the comparable periods in 2006. Our marketing initiatives continue to support our customer-focused strategy. Our approach to marketing activities combines advertising, sponsorships, promotions, interactive media and public relations as part of an integrated package designed to increase MasterCard brand awareness/preference and usage of MasterCard cards.

The increase in advertising and market development costs during the three months ended September 30, 2007 was due to the timing of initiatives compared to the same period in 2006. The timing of certain advertising and market development expenses can vary due to their relationship to specific sponsorships or promotions. In 2007, advertising and marketing costs increased from the first quarter to second quarter and remained relatively constant in the third quarter. However, in the first half of 2006, a significant amount of resources were allocated to support the sponsorship of the 2006 World Cup soccer events, resulting in less spending in the third quarter of 2006. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we reached an agreement to discontinue our sponsorship of the 2010 and 2014 World Cup soccer events. We will continue to invest in marketing programs at the regional and local levels.

Our brands, principally MasterCard, are valuable strategic assets that drive card acceptance and usage and facilitate our ability to successfully introduce new service offerings and access new markets. We are committed to maintaining and enhancing our brands and image through advertising and marketing efforts on a global scale.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income (expense) is comprised primarily of investment income, interest expense and other gains and losses.

 

   

Investment income increased $112 million and $135 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007. These increases are primarily due to gains realized in the sale of 25% of our investment in Redecard S.A. in the Brazilian market during the three months ended September 30, 2007. See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1.

 

   

Interest expense remained the same in the three months ended September 30, 2007 and decreased $2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same periods in 2006. The decrease in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 primarily relates to reduced interest reserve requirements for our tax reserves.

 

   

Other income, net decreased $1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2007 and increased $91 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from the comparable periods in 2006. The increase in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is primarily due to a settlement agreement to discontinue our sponsorship of the 2010 and 2014 World Cup soccer events. The organization which operates the World Cup soccer events agreed to pay us $90 million to resolve all disputes, of which $87.5 million was paid in the second quarter of 2007 and $2.5 million was paid in the third quarter of 2007. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1.

 

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Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate was 34.8% and 33.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 35.1% and 95.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, and 2006, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, our effective income tax rate included the impact of the $395 million charitable contribution of shares of Class A common stock to the Foundation. This contribution was recorded as an expense in the consolidated statement of operations; however it is not deductible for tax purposes. This resulted in a significant impact on our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as follows:

 

     GAAP
Actual
  

GAAP

Effective

Tax Rate

    Stock
Donation
   Non-GAAP
Adjusted
  

Non-GAAP

Effective

Tax Rate

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2006:

             

Income before income taxes

   $ 224    95.9 %   $ 395    $ 619    34.6 %

Income tax expense1

     215           214   
                     

Net Income

   $ 9         $ 405   
                     

1

Income tax expense has been calculated with and without the impact of the stock donation to the Foundation.

For the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the change in the effective income tax rate primarily relates to a net increase for the accrual of income tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions, as required under the recently adopted FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement 109” (“FIN 48”). For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, apart from the contribution of Class A common stock to the Foundation, the change in the effective income tax rate primarily relates to the effect of a New York state tax law change and a net increase in the accrual of income tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions. The New York state tax law change resulted in a reduction in the Company’s state income tax rate. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1.

 

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Liquidity

We use our capital resources and liquidity to fund our global development, to provide for credit and settlement risk, to finance capital expenditures and any future acquisitions, to repurchase our Class A common stock and to service the payments of principal and interest on our outstanding debt and our obligations under the U.S. merchant lawsuit settlement. At September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, we had $3.3 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, of cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities with which to manage operations. Available-for-sale securities increased primarily due to transferring our investment in Redecard S.A. from a cost investment to available-for-sale security in the third quarter of 2007. See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1. We expect that the cash generated from operations and our borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet our operating, working capital and capital needs through 2008. However, our liquidity could be negatively impacted by the adverse outcome of any of the legal or regulatory proceedings to which we are a party. See Item 1A – Risk Factors of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 for these and other risks facing our business. See also Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1.

 

     Nine Months
Ended September 30,
    Percent
Increase (Decrease)
 
     2007     2006     2007 vs. 2006  
     (In millions, except percentages)  

Cash flow data:

      

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 718     $ 447     60.6 %

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     76       (240 )   131.7 %

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (322 )     650     (149.6 )%

 

     September 30,
2007
   December 31,
2006
   Percent
Increase (Decrease)
2007 vs. 2006
 

Balance sheet data:

        

Current assets

   $ 4,481    $ 3,577    25.3 %

Current liabilities

     1,997      1,812    10.2 %

Long-term liabilities

     961      902    6.5 %

Equity

     3,173      2,364    34.2 %

Net cash provided by operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $718 million compared to $447 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in cash from operations was principally due to our stronger operating performance and $90 million paid by the organization that operates the World Cup soccer events pursuant to a settlement agreement. See “–Other Income (Expense)”.

Net cash provided by investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 primarily relates to net sales of available-for-sale-securities, including the sale of 25% of our Redecard S.A. shares. We are in the process of evaluating our investment strategy for the remaining 75% of our shares in Redecard S.A. Cash provided by investing activities was offset by cash used for investments in leasehold and building improvements to support increased workforce, data center equipment and capitalized software to support increased functionality. We intend to continue to invest in our infrastructure to support our growing business and strategic initiatives.

Cash used in financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 primarily relates to the repurchase of $277 million of our Class A common stock through a repurchase plan. In addition, we paid $54 million in dividends to our shareholders during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1. In 2006, approximately $2.5 billion in proceeds were received from the sale of Class A common stock to investors in our initial public offering (including the proceeds received pursuant to the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares), offset by $1.8 billion of cash used for the redemption of Class B common stock.

Subsequent to September 30, 2007, the Company repurchased an additional $223 million of our Class A common stock through a repurchase plan, completing the initial $500 million repurchase plan. In October, our Board of Directors amended the share repurchase plan to authorize the Company to repurchase an incremental $750 million (aggregate for the entire repurchase program of $1.25 billion) of its Class A common stock in open market transactions through June 30, 2008.

On April 27, 2007, the Company extended its committed unsecured $2.5 billion revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) for one year. The new expiration date of the Credit Facility is April 27, 2010. All remaining terms of the Credit Facility are unchanged. The Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2007. There were no borrowings under the Credit Facility at September 30, 2007 or December 31, 2006. The majority of Credit Facility lenders are customers or affiliates of customers of MasterCard International.

 

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On September 6, 2007, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share payable on November 9, 2007 to holders of record on October 19, 2007 of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The aggregate amount payable for this dividend is $20 million. The declaration and payment of any future dividends will be at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors after taking into account various factors, including our financial condition, settlement guarantees, operating results, available cash and current and anticipated cash needs.

Future Obligations

The following table summarizes as of September 30, 2007, our obligations that are expected to impact liquidity and cash flow in future periods. We believe we will be able to fund these obligations through cash generated from operations and our existing cash balances.

 

     Payments Due by Period
     Total   

Remaining

2007

   2008 - 2009    2010 - 2011    2012 and thereafter
     (In millions)

Capital leases1

   $ 57    $ 3    $ 12    $ 4    $ 39

Operating leases2

     115      11      62      17      25

Sponsorship, licensing & other3

     670      216      330      96      28

Litigation settlements4

     607      107      200      200      100

Debt5

     235      3      232      —        —  
                                  

Total

   $ 1,684    $ 340    $ 836    $ 317    $ 192
                                  

* Note that the figures in the table above may not sum due to rounding

1

Most capital leases relate to certain property, plant and equipment used in our business. Our largest capital lease relates to our Kansas City, Missouri co-processing facility.

2

We enter into operating leases in the normal course of business, including the lease on our facility in O’Fallon, Missouri. Substantially all lease agreements have fixed payment terms based on the passage of time. Some lease agreements provide us with the option to renew the lease or purchase the leased property. Our future operating lease obligations would change if we exercised these renewal options and if we entered into additional lease agreements.

3

Amounts primarily relate to sponsorships with certain organizations to promote the MasterCard brand. The amounts included are fixed and non-cancelable. The table above has been adjusted since December 31, 2006 to remove the commitment of $180 million for the sponsorship of the World Cup soccer events (see Item 1, Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information). In addition, amounts in accordance with leases for computer hardware, software licenses and other service agreements have been included. Future cash payments that will become due to our customers under agreements which provide pricing rebates on our standard fees and other incentives in exchange for increased transaction volumes are not included in the table because the amounts due are indeterminable and contingent until such time as performance has occurred. MasterCard has accrued $426 million as of September 30, 2007 related to customer and merchant incentive agreements.

4

Represents amounts due in accordance with the settlement agreement in the U.S. merchant lawsuit and other litigation settlements.

5

Debt primarily represents principal and interest owed on our subordinated notes due June 2008 and the principal owed on our Series A Senior Secured Notes due September 2009. We also have various credit facilities for which there were no outstanding balances at September 30, 2007 that, among other things, would provide liquidity in the event of settlement failures by our members. Our debt obligations would change if one or more of our members failed and we borrowed under these credit facilities to settle on our members’ behalf or for other reasons.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of SFAS 115” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 allows entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. In addition, SFAS 159 includes an amendment to SFAS 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, and applies to all entities with available-for-sale and trading securities. SFAS 159 is effective for the Company commencing in 2008. We are in the process of evaluating the impact that SFAS 159 will have on our financial statements.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

MasterCard has exposure to market risk or the potential for economic losses on market risk sensitive instruments arising from adverse changes in market factors such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and equity price risk. Management establishes and oversees the implementation of policies, which have been approved by the Audit Committee, governing our funding, investments, and use of derivative financial instruments. We monitor risk exposures on an ongoing basis. There has been an increase in foreign currency exchange rate and equity price risk associated with our investment in Redecard S.A. at September 30, 2007 as compared to December 31, 2006. See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The management of MasterCard Incorporated, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that MasterCard Incorporated had effective disclosure controls and procedures for (i) recording, processing, summarizing and reporting information that is required to be disclosed in its reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (ii) ensuring that information required to be disclosed in such reports is accumulated and communicated to MasterCard Incorporated’s management, including its President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

In connection with the evaluation by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter, no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was identified that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Other Financial Information

With respect to the unaudited consolidated financial statements of MasterCard Incorporated and its subsidiaries for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PricewaterhouseCoopers”) reported that they have applied limited procedures in accordance with professional standards for a review of such information. However, their report dated October 31, 2007 appearing below, states that they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on that unaudited financial information. PricewaterhouseCoopers has not carried out any significant or additional audit tests beyond those which would have been necessary if their report had not been included. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their report on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. PricewaterhouseCoopers is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 (“the Act”) for their report on the unaudited consolidated financial statements because that report is not a “report” or a “part” of a registration statement prepared or certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers within the meaning of Section 7 and 11 of the Act.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders

of MasterCard Incorporated:

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of MasterCard Incorporated and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations and consolidated condensed statements of comprehensive income for each of the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity for the nine month period ended September 30, 2007. These consolidated interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income, of changes in stockholders’ equity, and of cash flows for the year then ended, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006; and in our report dated February 28, 2007, we expressed unqualified opinions thereon. The consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to above are not presented herein. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

October 31, 2007

 

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Table of Contents

MASTERCARD INCORPORATED

FORM 10-Q

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Refer to Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

For a discussion of the Company’s risk factors, see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Class M common stock

On October 25, 2007, the Company, in the ordinary course of its business, issued 41 shares of its Class M common stock to new principal members of MasterCard International Incorporated (“MasterCard International”), its principal operating subsidiary, pursuant to the amended and restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “Charter”). In the aggregate, these issuances were more than one percent of the Class M shares outstanding. Pursuant to Article IV, Section 4.3(G) of the Charter, the Company issues a share of Class M common stock upon each principal member of MasterCard International becoming a member and executing a license agreement with MasterCard International.

The shares of Class M common stock were issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on the basis that the transaction, the issuance of a share upon the issuance of a license, did not involve any public offering.

Share Repurchase

On April 10, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of Class A common stock in 2007 (the “Repurchase Program”). During the third quarter of 2007, MasterCard repurchased a total of approximately 2 million shares for an aggregate of $277 million at an average price of $138.15 per share of Class A common stock. The Company’s activity consisted of open market share repurchases during the third quarter of 2007 and is summarized in the following table:

 

Period

   Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
   Average Price
Paid per
Share
(including
commission
cost)
   Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
  

Dollar Value

of Shares that
may yet be
Purchased
under the

Plans or
Programs

July 1 – 31

   —        —      —      $ 500,000,000

August 1 – 31

   932,100    $ 134.10    932,100    $ 375,006,215

September 1 – 30

   1,074,200    $ 141.66    1,074,200    $ 222,835,607
               

Total

   2,006,300    $ 138.15    2,006,300   
               

 

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Subsequent to September 30, 2007, the Company repurchased an additional 1.4 million shares of its Class A common stock at a cost of $223 million, completing the initial $500 million repurchase plan. On October 29, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors amended the share repurchase plan to authorize the Company to repurchase an incremental $750 million (an aggregate for the entire repurchase program of $1.25 billion) of its Class A common stock in open market transactions through June 30, 2008.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

Refer to the Exhibit Index included herein.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: October 31, 2007      MASTERCARD INCORPORATED
      

(Registrant)

Date: October 31, 2007      By:  

/s/ ROBERT W. SELANDER

       Robert W. Selander
       President and Chief Executive Officer
       (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: October 31, 2007      By:  

/s/ CHRIS A. MCWILTON

       Chris A. McWilton
       Chief Financial Officer
       (Principal Financial Officer)
Date: October 31, 2007      By:  

/s/ TARA A. MAGUIRE

       Tara A. Maguire
       Corporate Controller
       (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Description

10.1   MasterCard International Senior Executive Annual Incentive Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated Effective October 3, 2007
15   Awareness Letter from the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1  

Certification of Robert W. Selander, President and Chief Executive

Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant

to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2   Certification of Chris A. McWilton, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/ 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1   Certification of Robert W. Selander, President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2   Certification of Chris A. McWilton, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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